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Dark Light
Dark Light is the light that shines through when some of the finest writers in horror use the power of their words for something good. That’s the case with this anthology—42 writers coming together to help support the Ronald McDonald House Charities and all the good the organization does for families every day of the year.
Make no mistake, though. These are horror writers and the stories they’ve written are not pretty. Traditional and non-traditional horror, dark humor, ghosts, serial killers, alternate universes, magic, zombies, and other creatures of the night hide between these pages. Shadows move and dead fingers stroke unsuspecting flesh, razor sharp knives shimmer in the moonlight, and unknown things hide in closets and under the bed. The stories here are as varied as the writers themselves. If you’re a fan of horror, you will not be let down.
Despite the horrific nature of these tales, however, their very existence in Dark Light stands as proof there will always be a light at the end of every tunnel.
Turn the lights down low and enjoy the show.
Make no mistake, though. These are horror writers and the stories they’ve written are not pretty. Traditional and non-traditional horror, dark humor, ghosts, serial killers, alternate universes, magic, zombies, and other creatures of the night hide between these pages. Shadows move and dead fingers stroke unsuspecting flesh, razor sharp knives shimmer in the moonlight, and unknown things hide in closets and under the bed. The stories here are as varied as the writers themselves. If you’re a fan of horror, you will not be let down.
Despite the horrific nature of these tales, however, their very existence in Dark Light stands as proof there will always be a light at the end of every tunnel.
Turn the lights down low and enjoy the show.
- GenresHorrorShort Stories
524 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 23, 2012
This book is an amazing anthology, 44 short stories by 42 extremely talented authors. Some of the stories are scary; others are downright creepy, while some leave a note of sadness at the end. Have you ever been reading a scene in a book and felt a chill go down your spine? I did while reading this book. It’s as gruesome as the genre gets, with a strange, albeit twisted, undertone of hope. It highlights human nature in the good, the bad and the extreme throughout many different scenarios. If you are a horror fan, this will be a great addition to your collection. If you want to taste the genre, this book will give you the perfect opportunity to test it out while also getting some serious quality reading. Best part is, if you buy this book you will be giving back to charity.
You read that right. I received this book for review as part of its Blog Tour thanks to Innovative Online Book Tours. Proceeds from the sales will go to The Ronald McDonald House Foundation.
For my stop on the tour and more information you can head over to my blog, Journey with Words
You read that right. I received this book for review as part of its Blog Tour thanks to Innovative Online Book Tours. Proceeds from the sales will go to The Ronald McDonald House Foundation.
For my stop on the tour and more information you can head over to my blog, Journey with Words
July 18, 2012
It is a great collection of horror short stories. Some are psychological horror, dystopias, ghosts, murder, whatever terrifies a reader, there is a story for that. There is also a variety of writing styles. There are diary entries, first person narrative, the rare second person point of view, and the third person point of view. With 42 short stories to read, I only have time to showcase a few of them.
“A Sight for Sore Eyes” by Deborah LeBlanc. I like this one because it threw me off balance. I was sure that I knew what was happening but the ending, damn, was I wrong. That is fantastic that it could maintain the suspense at a high level.
“ Death Comes Calling” by Randy Chandler. One of my favorite stories because it remind of “Because I could not stop for Death” by Emily Dickinson. A dead man, Reggie, is having a debate with the personification of Death and it is an interesting conversation. Death is an intriguing character. It slows down a little in the middle with Reggie and his wife conversing but when Reggie meets a man with AIDS, the story becomes as interesting as the conversation with Death. Even though it has a slow part in the middle, it is still a very good short story that tugs at the heart.
“ After the Fall” by Paul Fry. Not my favorite story but one that I read through. It is a diary entry style story. The main character is less than compelling and he is a bastard. He is out there raping and killing women after a nuclear disaster. Hopefully, he earns what he deserves. It is pretty gruesome story because it just lacks empathy. It is a well-written story but it just not a story that is going to bring positive emotions to a reader.
“The Long Wait” by Christopher Shearer. I’m showcasing this one because of a very specific scene with a little girl. Children in horror movies and stories tend to a be a little creepy. Sorry, it is true; just remember The Innocents (1961). I love the first film scene where she is asking for donations and she just pulls a creepy stunt. Perfect horror. The overall story is sad though.
{I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour.}
“A Sight for Sore Eyes” by Deborah LeBlanc. I like this one because it threw me off balance. I was sure that I knew what was happening but the ending, damn, was I wrong. That is fantastic that it could maintain the suspense at a high level.
“ Death Comes Calling” by Randy Chandler. One of my favorite stories because it remind of “Because I could not stop for Death” by Emily Dickinson. A dead man, Reggie, is having a debate with the personification of Death and it is an interesting conversation. Death is an intriguing character. It slows down a little in the middle with Reggie and his wife conversing but when Reggie meets a man with AIDS, the story becomes as interesting as the conversation with Death. Even though it has a slow part in the middle, it is still a very good short story that tugs at the heart.
“ After the Fall” by Paul Fry. Not my favorite story but one that I read through. It is a diary entry style story. The main character is less than compelling and he is a bastard. He is out there raping and killing women after a nuclear disaster. Hopefully, he earns what he deserves. It is pretty gruesome story because it just lacks empathy. It is a well-written story but it just not a story that is going to bring positive emotions to a reader.
“The Long Wait” by Christopher Shearer. I’m showcasing this one because of a very specific scene with a little girl. Children in horror movies and stories tend to a be a little creepy. Sorry, it is true; just remember The Innocents (1961). I love the first film scene where she is asking for donations and she just pulls a creepy stunt. Perfect horror. The overall story is sad though.
{I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour.}
July 13, 2012
It is so great to see all of these wonderful authors come together to support something great like the Ronald McDonald House; it is truly inspiring.
Carl Hose certainly did a wonderful job putting together this compilation of stories. I'm a huge fan of horror, but have recently been reading novels of other genres. I was so excited to start reading a horror story again, and Dark Light certainly revamped my enthusiasm for all things Horror. Being a collection of short stories, Dark Light was perfect pick for me these past few weeks because of how busy I've been. It felt so good to finish an entire story before leaving for work or any time of day really. This collection of short stories can be read in bits or you could, like me, sit down and just read multiple stories at once. Chances are, if you read one story, you will want to read another, and then another, and so on. I loved that I could read one story and then the next without losing interest in the book as a whole.
Each story honors the horror genre and spooked me in one way or another. All sorts of fantastic and horrifying creatures roam these pages; from ghosts to misunderstood vampires to crazed men and beasts, Dark Light never quits delivering the good stuff. Also, since these are all short stories, the plot is fast-paced and your heartbeat will soon match! As soon as one horror ends, another begins. I recommend you read this one in the daylight. But on that note, I do recommend that you read it. Not only because your purchase would support a great cause, but this is put together by some very fine authors that deliver some of the best horror I've read.
Carl Hose certainly did a wonderful job putting together this compilation of stories. I'm a huge fan of horror, but have recently been reading novels of other genres. I was so excited to start reading a horror story again, and Dark Light certainly revamped my enthusiasm for all things Horror. Being a collection of short stories, Dark Light was perfect pick for me these past few weeks because of how busy I've been. It felt so good to finish an entire story before leaving for work or any time of day really. This collection of short stories can be read in bits or you could, like me, sit down and just read multiple stories at once. Chances are, if you read one story, you will want to read another, and then another, and so on. I loved that I could read one story and then the next without losing interest in the book as a whole.
Each story honors the horror genre and spooked me in one way or another. All sorts of fantastic and horrifying creatures roam these pages; from ghosts to misunderstood vampires to crazed men and beasts, Dark Light never quits delivering the good stuff. Also, since these are all short stories, the plot is fast-paced and your heartbeat will soon match! As soon as one horror ends, another begins. I recommend you read this one in the daylight. But on that note, I do recommend that you read it. Not only because your purchase would support a great cause, but this is put together by some very fine authors that deliver some of the best horror I've read.
August 12, 2012
There are 44 stories in this book. What a value for only 6.99 and remember all the sales from the book help support Ronald McDonald House.
Reading this book took me over a week. This was a great book. I loved every story in it. However do not ask me to pick my favorite. That is not something I can honestly decide. The authors in this book created some wonderful short stories that rank with that great writer of horror. No, sorry I will not promote his name. He gets enough promotion. These writers deserve the notice today.
If you are looking for something that will curl your toes, make you wonder if that is really something under your bed and –hold on I think someone is at my door knocking- okay I guess it was the wind I heard. Yes, after reading this book it will make you jump at everything. You will wonder if that is the dog walking across the floor or was that someone in the house with you. Oh no it was just the ghost. You remember the ghost right. If not then read these stories and you will remember.
Dark Light is just as stated. The short stories are dark, wanting, needing your white light to survive. Will you give into the driving need to read this book? Will you give Dark Light what it craves. Can you handle the darkness? Then come on over to the darkness and let’s play. See you soon.
To all the authors that wrote the stories in this book. Thanks for a great read.
Reading this book took me over a week. This was a great book. I loved every story in it. However do not ask me to pick my favorite. That is not something I can honestly decide. The authors in this book created some wonderful short stories that rank with that great writer of horror. No, sorry I will not promote his name. He gets enough promotion. These writers deserve the notice today.
If you are looking for something that will curl your toes, make you wonder if that is really something under your bed and –hold on I think someone is at my door knocking- okay I guess it was the wind I heard. Yes, after reading this book it will make you jump at everything. You will wonder if that is the dog walking across the floor or was that someone in the house with you. Oh no it was just the ghost. You remember the ghost right. If not then read these stories and you will remember.
Dark Light is just as stated. The short stories are dark, wanting, needing your white light to survive. Will you give into the driving need to read this book? Will you give Dark Light what it craves. Can you handle the darkness? Then come on over to the darkness and let’s play. See you soon.
To all the authors that wrote the stories in this book. Thanks for a great read.
June 28, 2012
I really enjoyed this compilation. If you like the horror genre, you will probably enjoy this book full of short stories. There are some really good ones in here and to my delight there are a few dark humor stories sprinkled in. I like that Dark Light is packed full of short stories, this one will keep you reading for a while with over 500 pages, but it's nice since they are short stories, you can read just a few at a time if you want. I am really impressed that some many authors from this genre came together to compile this book and raise money for the Ronald McDonald house.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews