Humanity has fallen victim to an apocalyptic condition in which the affected become bloodthirsty monsters out of the most terrible of nightmares. Different people, different situations, same hellish circumstances — what would you do? *JULY 2016 REVISED EDITION*
Roxie Prince lives in the Houston area with her partner and a goofy Shih Tzu named Digby. She enjoys video games, yoga, and reading other people's stories when she isn't lost in fiction writing. She has a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology.
Ah, how I love a horror novelette that portrays an eclectic cast of characters within the same horrific situation. Roxie Prince has become one of my favorite authors due to her other novels, The Way We Go and Growth Spurt, but the beauty of Compendium is that it is so different when compared to her young adult novels. Prince has a way of inventing characters that could be your next door neighbor, and they leap off of the page and under your skin.
Apocalyptic conditions are always a favorite in horror novels and movies, but Prince took this plotline to the next level in Compendium. She turned humans into monsters, and she portrayed how each one of us is capable of turning to the dark side of life. Prince's characters were almost unbearably believable, and there were many times during this novelette where I had to put the book down. However, I soon picked it back up again out of curiosity.
I am a strong believer that some of the best stories come in small packages, and this is what Compendium does. Prince doesn't add unnecessary filler to her novelette, and she uses her language like a paintbrush - no stroke out of place. My only criticism is that this novelette could have benefitted from a deeper analysis for some of the characters, but it packed a punch all the same.
If you are looking for a quick, horrific read, then Compendium is your answer. It brings life to the overused apocalyptic horror concept, and I hope that Prince decides to write more horror! Her work brings something new to the literary horror genre, and I look forward to watching her grow.
I have been looking forward to reading some of Roxie's works for a good while now since I caught wind that she was writing and planning on publishing some of her works. This is the first work of hers that I downloaded and read. It is a short and quick read, having chapters that appeared to have a timeline despite the fact that the chapters were written with different characters/perspectives in mind. I really enjoyed reading 'COMPENDIUM: A Horror Novelette', I found myself getting wrapped up into each single chapter, especially the link between the first and second one - my emotions really got caught up in this novelette, it was fantastic. I would have liked it if it was a bit longer and had a few more chapters but from this novelette, it was a fantastic read overall. Would definitely recommend it to people who like to read horror based novels.
Zombies have become less scary with them being one of the most popular monsters in entertainment these days, but Roxie Prince has crafted something else entirely. I doubt I would last two minutes in the world she created. The monsters are fierce, creepy, and utterly terrifying. Such a wonderfully crafted story with characters you actually come to love in such a short amount of time. I would love to see a full feature novel based in this world!
A series of intertwining short stories set in an apocalyptic world which each focus on love is some way, and how it influences people's behaviour, even in life or death scenarios. Some beautiful language and sad stories. A quick and enjoyable read and well worth picking up.
3.8 stars "All in all, it was good. It was an easy read and went by really quickly. The writing was nice and consistent." Read the full review here https://storybookonwheels.wordpress.com
This was an intestesting and descriptive look at an apocalyptic setting. Told from several different points of view, not usually heard from, the stories were a mix of eerie desperation. And while they don't always end well, there was a sense of morbid satisfaction for each one.