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Dark City: A Novella Collection
Forty-two floors of premium Manhattan real estate, The Krammer Building is exclusive, luxurious…and surprisingly empty. Wendy’s brother offers her an island of escape in the building to get her back on her feet and bury her abusive past.
But while she’s ready to bury that past, a missing woman’s past doesn’t want to be forgotten. Wendy finds a mysterious dream journal stashed away on a bookshelf and she becomes obsessed with finding its author, even if it means daring to step into another dimension where evolution has gone in a very different direction. When Wendy finds herself snowed in and restless, she begins the hunt through the Krammer’s floors in search of the woman who disappeared in its negative spaces and worlds suddenly collide and Wendy finds being fearless doesn’t matter nearly as much as turning fierce.
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When the world as she knew it came to an end and the people she loves changed into husks—living ghosts of what they once were—sometimes the easiest thing to do is try and continue life’s monotonous routine in a desperate grab for normalcy. That’s what Isabella is trying to do. But as she spots plumes of smoke rise from distant fires and sees these living ghosts haunting the streets, mindlessly going through their lives like they always have, she heads home and wonders just what will be coming home to her…and if his eyes will look different this time.
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In the world that survived after The Turning, bureaucracy thrives. And for Marican, it’s all he has, and the Bureau of Investigations is his life. One day he’s given a folder, and an assignment…find this missing person. He sets out to find Oria, one of the multitude of orphans who lived after The Turning took everything. He’s been told she can help.
Marican treasures his bland job and his boring routine in this new grey world of devastation and dust. But he must decide if he wants change or stability as Oria inserts herself into his life bringing color and life to his otherwise bleak existence. Will he accept her or does her presence dredge up too many memories of the wonderful times before happiness died…before The Turning.
But while she’s ready to bury that past, a missing woman’s past doesn’t want to be forgotten. Wendy finds a mysterious dream journal stashed away on a bookshelf and she becomes obsessed with finding its author, even if it means daring to step into another dimension where evolution has gone in a very different direction. When Wendy finds herself snowed in and restless, she begins the hunt through the Krammer’s floors in search of the woman who disappeared in its negative spaces and worlds suddenly collide and Wendy finds being fearless doesn’t matter nearly as much as turning fierce.
-----
When the world as she knew it came to an end and the people she loves changed into husks—living ghosts of what they once were—sometimes the easiest thing to do is try and continue life’s monotonous routine in a desperate grab for normalcy. That’s what Isabella is trying to do. But as she spots plumes of smoke rise from distant fires and sees these living ghosts haunting the streets, mindlessly going through their lives like they always have, she heads home and wonders just what will be coming home to her…and if his eyes will look different this time.
-----
In the world that survived after The Turning, bureaucracy thrives. And for Marican, it’s all he has, and the Bureau of Investigations is his life. One day he’s given a folder, and an assignment…find this missing person. He sets out to find Oria, one of the multitude of orphans who lived after The Turning took everything. He’s been told she can help.
Marican treasures his bland job and his boring routine in this new grey world of devastation and dust. But he must decide if he wants change or stability as Oria inserts herself into his life bringing color and life to his otherwise bleak existence. Will he accept her or does her presence dredge up too many memories of the wonderful times before happiness died…before The Turning.
- GenresHorror
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2015
4 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
About the author
Brian Hodge
150 books461 followersBrian Hodge, called “a writer of spectacularly unflinching gifts” by Peter Straub, is the award-winning author of ten novels of horror and crime/noir. He’s also written well over 100 short stories, novelettes, and novellas, and four full-length collections. His first collection, The Convulsion Factory, was ranked by critic Stanley Wiater as among the 113 best books of modern horror.
He lives in Colorado, where he also dabbles in music and photography; loves everything about organic gardening except the thieving squirrels; and trains in Krav Maga, grappling, and kickboxing, which are of no use at all against the squirrels.
He lives in Colorado, where he also dabbles in music and photography; loves everything about organic gardening except the thieving squirrels; and trains in Krav Maga, grappling, and kickboxing, which are of no use at all against the squirrels.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 21, 2015
This is a collection of 3 dark novellas, one by Brian Hodge, the remaining two by Gerard Houarner. I requested an ARC of this volume from Brian Hodge. As a fan of his work, I had to have it! Up until I started reading this, I was not familiar with Gerard Houarner at all. All of these stories were very strange, each in their own way.
First up: In the Negative Spaces by Brian Hodge. This was a weird tale about a young woman, Wendy, fleeing to her brother's hoity toity apartment in NYC. What she is fleeing becomes clear later, but why her NYC is not quite the NYC we know and love-is never fully explained, which is fine by me. Anyway, Wendy discovers a strange dream diary in the apartment and realizes it belonged to an ex-girlfriend of her brother's; a woman who just up and disappeared. What follows is a strange adventure with Wendy and the doorman of the building....and then it morphed into something completely different. I loved it! A line from the third story "The Fear Puppet" summed it up perfectly. "A nightmare spilling into the waking world. " This seemed to be a recurring theme in this collection.
The second novella, Burning Bright in the Invisible Night , was just plain weird. We are dropped into the home of Isabella and Hugh, and things are very wrong with the world.They both try to continue life as normally as possible, with both of them going to work. However, their workplaces are not the same as they used to be and probably never will be again. As the story continues, all kinds of strange happenings occur until the reader begins to get a more clear idea about what is going on. My conclusion was that this was the best zombie novella, (with NO zombies), that I've ever read! I was gratified to learn, through the author's note at the end, that my take was correct. However-I think that this story could work on different levels also-depending on how the reader chooses to see things. I think that either way, this story would be viewed as a successful and entertaining one.
The third novella confused me quite a bit. The Fear Puppet was a messed up story. I had trouble trying to figure out what the hell was going on. My enjoyment of the tale began when I gave up trying to figure it out and just let it happen. I enjoy ambiguous stories, or tales where everything is not explained, (in most cases, I LOVE them). In this case I do wish a few more of the holes were filled in. As it stands, I did like this story and I did see some correlations in there between the real world and the world in the story. For instance, the next to the last line: "He'd never voted for change, always for security." This put me in mind of the whole Patriot Act thing that has been going on in the US for quite a while now. Whether that was the intent of the sentence, I don't know, but that's what it brought to mind for me. (I considered including a quote about freedom, security and fear, due to the title of this story, but decided against it, because again-this might just be me.) This story is thought provoking and while not as straightforward as the other two novellas here, still worth a read, in my opinion.
Overall, I enjoyed this collection as I was all but certain that I would. I was surprised to read that Gerard Houarner has had over 280 stories published over the last 40 years. How has he escaped my attention? I will try to track down more of his work in the future. Regarding Mr. Hodge-he already has my attention and it's high time you gave him some of yours, don't you think?
This book is due out on August 7th and I recommend it!
*A free e-ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review. This is it.*
*Note: A moment ago I was looking at this book and my review did not appear anywhere! I brought it back over here from Char's Horror Corner and now I have duplicates! WTH Goodreads?*
First up: In the Negative Spaces by Brian Hodge. This was a weird tale about a young woman, Wendy, fleeing to her brother's hoity toity apartment in NYC. What she is fleeing becomes clear later, but why her NYC is not quite the NYC we know and love-is never fully explained, which is fine by me. Anyway, Wendy discovers a strange dream diary in the apartment and realizes it belonged to an ex-girlfriend of her brother's; a woman who just up and disappeared. What follows is a strange adventure with Wendy and the doorman of the building....and then it morphed into something completely different. I loved it! A line from the third story "The Fear Puppet" summed it up perfectly. "A nightmare spilling into the waking world. " This seemed to be a recurring theme in this collection.
The second novella, Burning Bright in the Invisible Night , was just plain weird. We are dropped into the home of Isabella and Hugh, and things are very wrong with the world.They both try to continue life as normally as possible, with both of them going to work. However, their workplaces are not the same as they used to be and probably never will be again. As the story continues, all kinds of strange happenings occur until the reader begins to get a more clear idea about what is going on. My conclusion was that this was the best zombie novella, (with NO zombies), that I've ever read! I was gratified to learn, through the author's note at the end, that my take was correct. However-I think that this story could work on different levels also-depending on how the reader chooses to see things. I think that either way, this story would be viewed as a successful and entertaining one.
The third novella confused me quite a bit. The Fear Puppet was a messed up story. I had trouble trying to figure out what the hell was going on. My enjoyment of the tale began when I gave up trying to figure it out and just let it happen. I enjoy ambiguous stories, or tales where everything is not explained, (in most cases, I LOVE them). In this case I do wish a few more of the holes were filled in. As it stands, I did like this story and I did see some correlations in there between the real world and the world in the story. For instance, the next to the last line: "He'd never voted for change, always for security." This put me in mind of the whole Patriot Act thing that has been going on in the US for quite a while now. Whether that was the intent of the sentence, I don't know, but that's what it brought to mind for me. (I considered including a quote about freedom, security and fear, due to the title of this story, but decided against it, because again-this might just be me.) This story is thought provoking and while not as straightforward as the other two novellas here, still worth a read, in my opinion.
Overall, I enjoyed this collection as I was all but certain that I would. I was surprised to read that Gerard Houarner has had over 280 stories published over the last 40 years. How has he escaped my attention? I will try to track down more of his work in the future. Regarding Mr. Hodge-he already has my attention and it's high time you gave him some of yours, don't you think?
This book is due out on August 7th and I recommend it!
*A free e-ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review. This is it.*
*Note: A moment ago I was looking at this book and my review did not appear anywhere! I brought it back over here from Char's Horror Corner and now I have duplicates! WTH Goodreads?*
August 7, 2015
Review copy
Dark City is a collection of three novellas with varying takes on the apocalypse and the times following such a catastrophic event. The book features one longer piece from Brian Hodge and a couple of smaller novellas by Gerard Houarner.
~
"In the Negative Spaces" by Brian Hodge
Wendy Weil comes to stay at her brother's apartment in NYC. Barrett, at the front desk, welcomes her and in a way becomes her confidant in the days that follow. While living in her brother's apartment, Wendy discovers the dream journal of her brother's ex who one day just disappeared. What she finds while trying to solve this mystery makes for a very interesting story.
Taking nothing away from Mr. Houarner, this was my favorite of the three stories in the collection. In promoting this work on his website Brian says the following. "And somewhere in there, caramel-and-sea-salt brownies are served. Come for the brownies, stay for the blizzard and interdimensional chaos." Nice.
~
"Burning Bright In the Invisible Light" by Gerard Houarner.
I loved the opening line in this story, "It came to IsaBella that evening, after her husband came home, that his eyes had changed color." makes me want to know what that was all about.
There actually seem to be some zombies in this story, but they are definitely way in the background. This is really a story about trying to hold onto one's personal reality while everything around you is becoming more and more unreal.
~
"The Fear Puppet" by Gerard Houarner
The apocalyptic event in this story was known as The Turning. We never really learn what that meant or what the cause was, but it really didn't matter. I liked this story better than Gerard's other entry.
Marican works for the Ministry. While investigating the circumstances surrounding a missing man, he comes to question a teenage orphan girl named Oria and here things get rather interesting. In Gerard's Afterword for this tale he describes it as "Kafka meets Lovecraft. Welcome to the after party for the Apocalypse."
~
Together, the three stories that make up Dark City are explorations of how life goes on in spite of dire circumstances.
Available in hardcover and trade paperback from Necro Publications and as an e-book from the usual online retailers.
Recommended.
Dark City is a collection of three novellas with varying takes on the apocalypse and the times following such a catastrophic event. The book features one longer piece from Brian Hodge and a couple of smaller novellas by Gerard Houarner.
~
"In the Negative Spaces" by Brian Hodge
Wendy Weil comes to stay at her brother's apartment in NYC. Barrett, at the front desk, welcomes her and in a way becomes her confidant in the days that follow. While living in her brother's apartment, Wendy discovers the dream journal of her brother's ex who one day just disappeared. What she finds while trying to solve this mystery makes for a very interesting story.
Taking nothing away from Mr. Houarner, this was my favorite of the three stories in the collection. In promoting this work on his website Brian says the following. "And somewhere in there, caramel-and-sea-salt brownies are served. Come for the brownies, stay for the blizzard and interdimensional chaos." Nice.
~
"Burning Bright In the Invisible Light" by Gerard Houarner.
I loved the opening line in this story, "It came to IsaBella that evening, after her husband came home, that his eyes had changed color." makes me want to know what that was all about.
There actually seem to be some zombies in this story, but they are definitely way in the background. This is really a story about trying to hold onto one's personal reality while everything around you is becoming more and more unreal.
~
"The Fear Puppet" by Gerard Houarner
The apocalyptic event in this story was known as The Turning. We never really learn what that meant or what the cause was, but it really didn't matter. I liked this story better than Gerard's other entry.
Marican works for the Ministry. While investigating the circumstances surrounding a missing man, he comes to question a teenage orphan girl named Oria and here things get rather interesting. In Gerard's Afterword for this tale he describes it as "Kafka meets Lovecraft. Welcome to the after party for the Apocalypse."
~
Together, the three stories that make up Dark City are explorations of how life goes on in spite of dire circumstances.
Available in hardcover and trade paperback from Necro Publications and as an e-book from the usual online retailers.
Recommended.
December 16, 2015
Overall, a quick, enjoyable read
In the Negative Spaces: My favorite of the three...I loved how well Hodge intertwined the two women's stories, found myself completely wrapped up in the story, and enjoyed the ending (not what I was expecting)....a great read for any fan of fiction....5 stars
Burning Bright in the Invisible Night: a very interesting take on the zombie apocalypse...a much scarier idea than what is usually presented...fast paced, Houarner's writing style had a beautiful flow to it and painted fantastic pictures in my mind....4.5 stars...
The Fear Puppet: At times I felt a bit lost with this one...I think Houarner's intention was to make things a bit scarier by forcing the reader to come to their own conclusions by being so vague about the Turning and Monsters, but I just wound up feeling a bit confused...once I got used to the vagueness, I did find i was enjoying the ride...excellent ending.....3.5 stars
I received a copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads in exchange for my honest review.
In the Negative Spaces: My favorite of the three...I loved how well Hodge intertwined the two women's stories, found myself completely wrapped up in the story, and enjoyed the ending (not what I was expecting)....a great read for any fan of fiction....5 stars
Burning Bright in the Invisible Night: a very interesting take on the zombie apocalypse...a much scarier idea than what is usually presented...fast paced, Houarner's writing style had a beautiful flow to it and painted fantastic pictures in my mind....4.5 stars...
The Fear Puppet: At times I felt a bit lost with this one...I think Houarner's intention was to make things a bit scarier by forcing the reader to come to their own conclusions by being so vague about the Turning and Monsters, but I just wound up feeling a bit confused...once I got used to the vagueness, I did find i was enjoying the ride...excellent ending.....3.5 stars
I received a copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads in exchange for my honest review.
May 2, 2016
Dark City is a book containing three novellas. They are dark, rather creepy and something that I did enjoy. To be fair, I'm not a big sci-fi fan and I'm sure if you that is your favorite genre, you'd love the book.
My favorite was In the Negative Spaces. While there weren't many characters in the story, I grew quite attached to the main two. I read this story straight through since the author grabbed me into the storyline from the beginning.
Burning Bright in the Invisible Night was rather eerie and dark. I liked it and if I were to have nightmares, this would have been the one to cause them!
The Fear Puppet had me a bit confused as to what was going on. I struggled a bit through this one. I might go back and give it another try.
Overall, this book was an interesting read! If you enjoy dark fantasy and science fiction, I'd recommend it.
* I received a copy from Goodreads Giveaway to read and review with my honest opinion. Thank you to the authors.
My favorite was In the Negative Spaces. While there weren't many characters in the story, I grew quite attached to the main two. I read this story straight through since the author grabbed me into the storyline from the beginning.
Burning Bright in the Invisible Night was rather eerie and dark. I liked it and if I were to have nightmares, this would have been the one to cause them!
The Fear Puppet had me a bit confused as to what was going on. I struggled a bit through this one. I might go back and give it another try.
Overall, this book was an interesting read! If you enjoy dark fantasy and science fiction, I'd recommend it.
* I received a copy from Goodreads Giveaway to read and review with my honest opinion. Thank you to the authors.
December 23, 2017
Awesome.
September 22, 2019
Two amazing authors with deeply wicked tales to delight!!!
March 1, 2016
First off, I love twisted short stories and was so grateful to have won this on a goodreads giveaway!
In the Negative Spaces: I thought the character development was beautiful. I was completely absorbed from the start. A frightened-lost woman seeking refuge with her brother, a missing woman who's dream journal is scoured for details and the sweet supportive doorman. All seems like a normal mystery until the unthinkable is found lurking in the building. Certainly a mind-twister. My favorite of the three!
Burning Bright in the Invisible Night: Beautifully written and doesn't slow down for a second! I don't believe I've ever read anything that spins the whole zombie concept the way that this author does.
The Fear Puppet: This one is hard to explain. I read and reread a lot of it. I was positive I missed something along the way. So much of it was left open to interpretation. I still am not sure if I figured it all out yet. Certainly wraps your brain up trying to find answers when I'm not sure if there were some. Excellent ending! It's one I think I could reread later and walk away with a different view.
In the Negative Spaces: I thought the character development was beautiful. I was completely absorbed from the start. A frightened-lost woman seeking refuge with her brother, a missing woman who's dream journal is scoured for details and the sweet supportive doorman. All seems like a normal mystery until the unthinkable is found lurking in the building. Certainly a mind-twister. My favorite of the three!
Burning Bright in the Invisible Night: Beautifully written and doesn't slow down for a second! I don't believe I've ever read anything that spins the whole zombie concept the way that this author does.
The Fear Puppet: This one is hard to explain. I read and reread a lot of it. I was positive I missed something along the way. So much of it was left open to interpretation. I still am not sure if I figured it all out yet. Certainly wraps your brain up trying to find answers when I'm not sure if there were some. Excellent ending! It's one I think I could reread later and walk away with a different view.
February 19, 2016
Winning a free copy of Brian Hodge and Gerard Hoarder’s Dark City: A Novella Collection provided an interesting read with three stories in this book. The first “In the Negative Spaces” provides an intense read of a quest to free oneself from the past, and makes the reader want to know what happens next with the character. The second story, “Burning Bright in the Invisible Night” transports the reader into what seems like the middle of a storyline, yet it makes sense. However it leaves you wanting more as it is a fight between routine, and facing challenges. The final story, “The Fear Puppet” is an interesting read, that battles the issue of fearing the unknown vs. seeking something that is “suppose to be”
January 25, 2016
I thought that "einsteins beach house" was the strangest book I had ever read, I was wrong!! This book is about altered realities and must be how the world is perceived on a bad LSD trip. I stayed with it until the end, but I'm kind of sorry I did. I hate when I give a bad review, but when you win a bookfrom Goodreads giveaways, like i did this one, they expect an honest one.
December 15, 2015
Thus is a Science Fiction book with three stories in it. I was a bit bored, but I am not a Science Fiction fan. If you are give this book a try.
March 3, 2016
This gets 5 stars just for Hodge's novella and the other 2 weren't too much of a drop off.
March 28, 2017
Hodge's novella was good, the other guy's, meh.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews