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Birdsnatch
A Tale Told Twice is a concept created by C.J. Cummings and Mark Ryan. They came up with the concept during a normal conversation as a way to collaborate on stories. They would come up with a title, and let their minds run wild and create two separate tales from one single title. The first in this series is "Birdsnatch".
Birdsnatch by C.J. Cummings
Walk to the edge of the apocalypse with two very different people. Where do you turn when the World has turned to ash? A coming-of-rage tale.
Birdsnatch by Mark Ryan
Plastic surgery induced super-villainy is the newest crime wave and The Bird is the latest victim. Or target.
(This book also includes two bonus short stories, one from each author)
Birdsnatch by C.J. Cummings
Walk to the edge of the apocalypse with two very different people. Where do you turn when the World has turned to ash? A coming-of-rage tale.
Birdsnatch by Mark Ryan
Plastic surgery induced super-villainy is the newest crime wave and The Bird is the latest victim. Or target.
(This book also includes two bonus short stories, one from each author)
134 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
1 person is currently reading
137 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 12, 2015
I was sent the advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
One of the authors of this book sent the ebook to me in return for a review. Being a fan of bizarro and weird fiction I was interested. It took me a couple of weeks to pick it up but once I did I read it in a couple of sittings. I'll begin by saying that it did hold my attention and I was eager to see where each story went.
The concept of Birdsnatch begins with the concept of A Tale Told Twice, which is an idea that the authors of this book, Mark Ryan and C.J. Cummings thought up. They choose a book title, and each of them goes and writes a story with that title without revealing the details of their stories to the other until they are finished. I thought this was a terrific idea and one of those times in which I said to myself "wow, why haven't more people thought of this?". I am excited to see where this ATTT series goes.
Birdsnatch by C.J. Cummings, the first of the two, follows a demented sicko named Melon who lives in a gross apartment with his ratty cat pet thing, Cattermole (I want one). He is an outcast and has dreamed of being a superhero. Enter Birdsnatch, the character Melon has created. He becomes this perverse costumed creep and we see his alterego, Birdsnatch, take him over, not just on the outside, but inside his mind. On the other side of the coin we have Trinket. Trinket avoids locking herself in the bunker at the end of the garden with her father and a bunch of strangers. Why are they doing that, you ask? Well, the world is apparently about to end. Trinket wanders off, transforms herself into a warrior woman, and eventually, with her weapons in hand, meets Melon/Birdsnatch. We then enter the buddy road story, of sorts, with a bizarre spin. I wont tell you more about it, because it would spoil it.
Birdsnatch by Mark Ryan, the second story, is a different monster altogether. We follow Faye Critchley, a governement worker who is reassigned to a task force, along with a group of intriguing characters, to hunt down a villain named The Bird, The Bird is an example of plastic surgery got wrong in a future world in which things are getting out of hand with people going to extremes to change how they look. The characters bond and discover various turns in the road on their way to their target. It's part sci-fi adventure and part social commentary, and gives a different vibe atogether from the more grotesque peculiarity of the first story.
Now, I didn't have a damn clue what to expect from this book. The two authors are emerging voices in fiction and so I hadn't read any of their prior work, but I can fully state that after eating up Birdsnatch, I will certainly be seeking out more of Cummings and Ryan's collab and solo work in the future.
Cummings' story is the nasty little fairytale that you shouldn't be reading. It's the warts-and-all personality that you wish people showed more of. It's the fucked up superhero fable that you've never read anywhere before. I loved it. I laughed my ass off on a number of occassions, the characters were putrid and horrible and disturbing yet also complex and, in some sort of messed up way, likeable. The world was interesting, because it is our world, yet it isn't. Cummings has a knack for taking the "usual" and the "ordinary" and flipping it on it's head and making it strange and odd. I completely fell over my heels for this story, and felt almost heartbroken when I came to the end of it. I wanted more. I want more. Dammit!
Ryan's story was the perfect rebound sex after breaking up with the first story. Ryan's use of document style writing was really fresh feeling and his characters, especially Rae and Sae (who could have their own story in my view), really made for a bewilderingly brilliant experience. The elements of mythology at the corners of this story also intrigued me. I was wondering just what the hell was going on with the stalks and the rest of this potential hideous future landscape. I think it is interesting how the two authors could hear a title and write seperate stories and them be so different yet linked in their weirdness and originality, as well as the title. A title I love, by the way. The ending of Ryan's story, like Cummings', blew me away and I had to re-read it because I was so impressed by the way the door was closed.
So, there you have it. A little review from someone who just really enjoys the weird fringe of fiction, and feels like this is one of the best books from the genre that I've personally read in the last year. I've read a bunch, but something about this, both in concept and execution, impressed the hell out of me. Ryan and Cummmings have come up with a truly unique and brilliant idea with A Tale Told Twice, and if Birdsnatch is only the first of many, then I can only imagine how good this is going to get.
If I could give it more than 5 out of 5, I would, just because of the sheer joy I got from it. I reccomend it, for sure. Next book, please...
One of the authors of this book sent the ebook to me in return for a review. Being a fan of bizarro and weird fiction I was interested. It took me a couple of weeks to pick it up but once I did I read it in a couple of sittings. I'll begin by saying that it did hold my attention and I was eager to see where each story went.
The concept of Birdsnatch begins with the concept of A Tale Told Twice, which is an idea that the authors of this book, Mark Ryan and C.J. Cummings thought up. They choose a book title, and each of them goes and writes a story with that title without revealing the details of their stories to the other until they are finished. I thought this was a terrific idea and one of those times in which I said to myself "wow, why haven't more people thought of this?". I am excited to see where this ATTT series goes.
Birdsnatch by C.J. Cummings, the first of the two, follows a demented sicko named Melon who lives in a gross apartment with his ratty cat pet thing, Cattermole (I want one). He is an outcast and has dreamed of being a superhero. Enter Birdsnatch, the character Melon has created. He becomes this perverse costumed creep and we see his alterego, Birdsnatch, take him over, not just on the outside, but inside his mind. On the other side of the coin we have Trinket. Trinket avoids locking herself in the bunker at the end of the garden with her father and a bunch of strangers. Why are they doing that, you ask? Well, the world is apparently about to end. Trinket wanders off, transforms herself into a warrior woman, and eventually, with her weapons in hand, meets Melon/Birdsnatch. We then enter the buddy road story, of sorts, with a bizarre spin. I wont tell you more about it, because it would spoil it.
Birdsnatch by Mark Ryan, the second story, is a different monster altogether. We follow Faye Critchley, a governement worker who is reassigned to a task force, along with a group of intriguing characters, to hunt down a villain named The Bird, The Bird is an example of plastic surgery got wrong in a future world in which things are getting out of hand with people going to extremes to change how they look. The characters bond and discover various turns in the road on their way to their target. It's part sci-fi adventure and part social commentary, and gives a different vibe atogether from the more grotesque peculiarity of the first story.
Now, I didn't have a damn clue what to expect from this book. The two authors are emerging voices in fiction and so I hadn't read any of their prior work, but I can fully state that after eating up Birdsnatch, I will certainly be seeking out more of Cummings and Ryan's collab and solo work in the future.
Cummings' story is the nasty little fairytale that you shouldn't be reading. It's the warts-and-all personality that you wish people showed more of. It's the fucked up superhero fable that you've never read anywhere before. I loved it. I laughed my ass off on a number of occassions, the characters were putrid and horrible and disturbing yet also complex and, in some sort of messed up way, likeable. The world was interesting, because it is our world, yet it isn't. Cummings has a knack for taking the "usual" and the "ordinary" and flipping it on it's head and making it strange and odd. I completely fell over my heels for this story, and felt almost heartbroken when I came to the end of it. I wanted more. I want more. Dammit!
Ryan's story was the perfect rebound sex after breaking up with the first story. Ryan's use of document style writing was really fresh feeling and his characters, especially Rae and Sae (who could have their own story in my view), really made for a bewilderingly brilliant experience. The elements of mythology at the corners of this story also intrigued me. I was wondering just what the hell was going on with the stalks and the rest of this potential hideous future landscape. I think it is interesting how the two authors could hear a title and write seperate stories and them be so different yet linked in their weirdness and originality, as well as the title. A title I love, by the way. The ending of Ryan's story, like Cummings', blew me away and I had to re-read it because I was so impressed by the way the door was closed.
So, there you have it. A little review from someone who just really enjoys the weird fringe of fiction, and feels like this is one of the best books from the genre that I've personally read in the last year. I've read a bunch, but something about this, both in concept and execution, impressed the hell out of me. Ryan and Cummmings have come up with a truly unique and brilliant idea with A Tale Told Twice, and if Birdsnatch is only the first of many, then I can only imagine how good this is going to get.
If I could give it more than 5 out of 5, I would, just because of the sheer joy I got from it. I reccomend it, for sure. Next book, please...
March 1, 2016
I got a copy of this free from the authors, but that does not alter the opinions that were formed.
So, straight off the bat, I loved the idea of 'A Tale Told Twice' and how well it was explained before the stories were presented to us. It sounds like an interesting concept, especially as the authors don't know what each other has written until after they're finished. I'd like to see how this concept develops in further books.
Birdsnatch by C.J. Cummings
-----------------------
In this story we are seeing an apocalypse begin with two very different characters.
I didn't find it to feel very apocalyptic at all, but the general idea was certainly different.
I liked how one of the main characters had a hoarding problem. It gave him a kind of basis for all his issues and how he decided to cope with it. There was a fair bit of character development here, but not enough for my liking. Perhaps a longer story would have allowed characters to be fleshed out more. We got an insight into other POVs, but I felt like they were added in a little too late, and felt irrelevant at the time for where the main storyline was going. However some were interesing.
I found this version of Birdsnatch to be unexpectedly grotesque and had some language I didn't really appreciate, however I did go into this pretty much knowing little to nothing about the plot and Chris's writing style, so I wasn't prepared.
In saying that though, his descriptions were very visually stimulating, but could be a little heavy loaded at times, with unnecessary similies and overly explicit language.
When I got to the ending, it was totally unexpected and so well written, but I feel like it was plucked out of nowhere. It just felt too random and nothing was building up to it, well at least nothing that I could detect. I feel like the ending was written too beautiful in comparison to the majority of the story and doesn't mirror how the rest of the story was written. I think I would have preferred if the whole thing was written like the last passage.
Birdsnatch by Mark Ryan
--------------------
This version of Birdsnatch was very different, as we are introduced to a time where surgery induced villany is a major problem.
At first I thought this sounded silly, but in some aspects I preferred it to the previous story. I liked how Mark decided to layout his story and the different formats he used (reports, diary entries), instead of chapters. It made it more fun to read and enhanced the reading experience.
I found that there was a lack or misuse in punctuation frequently, which made the reading feel broken as I had to read sentences a few times over to make sense of them.
A lot of the characters felt bland to me and at one point, the main character describes another as being a father-like figure, but I didn't see how any of that made sense because I felt there wasn't very much development in terms of character relationships.
A lot of action during the final pages were a blur, but it was quite exhilarating, seeing how things panned out.
Comparison
----------
From the main stories (only) I feel like Chris's version was better written and had an interesting concept, but Mark's story was more to my taste and I felt a little more compelled to read on for a longer period of time, even though both stories were quick and easy reads.
Origins by Mark Ryan
-----------------
I didn't really feel much for this short story and can't really remember much of what happened. I know for sure I didn't hate it though, but I also know that I didn't love it either.
The Light by C.J. Cummings
----------------------
This short story felt like it was supposed to be touching, but fell flat for me. I know it could have been tear inducing if it was longer.
Overall thoughts
-------------
Firstly, I will say that I'm aware that both (?) authors are a fan of the bizarro fiction and the weird and as this would be my first time exploring that kind of genre, not really knowing what to expect and if I like it or not, my rating may reflect that.
These stories certainly do feel like a debut. I do feel like things need to be tweeked and developed (in the opinion of a reader, as I am no way a writer) but I'll be looking forward to seeing the improvement of both authors and the growth of their skills in further works! They should think of sharing this on Netgalley if they haven't already.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy!
Gén
So, straight off the bat, I loved the idea of 'A Tale Told Twice' and how well it was explained before the stories were presented to us. It sounds like an interesting concept, especially as the authors don't know what each other has written until after they're finished. I'd like to see how this concept develops in further books.
Birdsnatch by C.J. Cummings
-----------------------
In this story we are seeing an apocalypse begin with two very different characters.
I didn't find it to feel very apocalyptic at all, but the general idea was certainly different.
I liked how one of the main characters had a hoarding problem. It gave him a kind of basis for all his issues and how he decided to cope with it. There was a fair bit of character development here, but not enough for my liking. Perhaps a longer story would have allowed characters to be fleshed out more. We got an insight into other POVs, but I felt like they were added in a little too late, and felt irrelevant at the time for where the main storyline was going. However some were interesing.
I found this version of Birdsnatch to be unexpectedly grotesque and had some language I didn't really appreciate, however I did go into this pretty much knowing little to nothing about the plot and Chris's writing style, so I wasn't prepared.
In saying that though, his descriptions were very visually stimulating, but could be a little heavy loaded at times, with unnecessary similies and overly explicit language.
When I got to the ending, it was totally unexpected and so well written, but I feel like it was plucked out of nowhere. It just felt too random and nothing was building up to it, well at least nothing that I could detect. I feel like the ending was written too beautiful in comparison to the majority of the story and doesn't mirror how the rest of the story was written. I think I would have preferred if the whole thing was written like the last passage.
Birdsnatch by Mark Ryan
--------------------
This version of Birdsnatch was very different, as we are introduced to a time where surgery induced villany is a major problem.
At first I thought this sounded silly, but in some aspects I preferred it to the previous story. I liked how Mark decided to layout his story and the different formats he used (reports, diary entries), instead of chapters. It made it more fun to read and enhanced the reading experience.
I found that there was a lack or misuse in punctuation frequently, which made the reading feel broken as I had to read sentences a few times over to make sense of them.
A lot of the characters felt bland to me and at one point, the main character describes another as being a father-like figure, but I didn't see how any of that made sense because I felt there wasn't very much development in terms of character relationships.
A lot of action during the final pages were a blur, but it was quite exhilarating, seeing how things panned out.
Comparison
----------
From the main stories (only) I feel like Chris's version was better written and had an interesting concept, but Mark's story was more to my taste and I felt a little more compelled to read on for a longer period of time, even though both stories were quick and easy reads.
Origins by Mark Ryan
-----------------
I didn't really feel much for this short story and can't really remember much of what happened. I know for sure I didn't hate it though, but I also know that I didn't love it either.
The Light by C.J. Cummings
----------------------
This short story felt like it was supposed to be touching, but fell flat for me. I know it could have been tear inducing if it was longer.
Overall thoughts
-------------
Firstly, I will say that I'm aware that both (?) authors are a fan of the bizarro fiction and the weird and as this would be my first time exploring that kind of genre, not really knowing what to expect and if I like it or not, my rating may reflect that.
These stories certainly do feel like a debut. I do feel like things need to be tweeked and developed (in the opinion of a reader, as I am no way a writer) but I'll be looking forward to seeing the improvement of both authors and the growth of their skills in further works! They should think of sharing this on Netgalley if they haven't already.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy!
Gén
August 6, 2015
An intriguing concept, and a mind-bending experience to read – Birdsnatch is the first in the 'A Tale Told Twice' series by CJ Cummings and Mark Ryan. Where they'll go with their themes is anyone's guess, or might have been, if you were as fantastically deranged either of these writers! The concept itself is spectacular – two writers take one word as a theme, write a novella using their interpretation of it, and then pop them in a book together – simple. Unlike the stories that came out of it.
CJ Cummings' story is an assault on the mind, but the good kind. The kind that makes you laugh, lexically slaps you, then makes you laugh again! Cummings' crude style really added to the character development, and is my favourite approach to writing.
The story centres around 'Melon', a truly disgusting underdog, who I can't help but love – at arms length of course. There are times when the descriptive skill of Cummings made me almost smell how foul Melon is (spoiler – they don't make Oust for your imagination), alongside his endearingly gruesome pet, Cattermole. Melon has been so rejected by society that it motivates him to become a super villain. Birdsnatch – his cruel alter-ego takes over, and he begins his reign of grimy terror. This all happens to occur on the day that the world is ending, and everyday folk are tucking themselves into their underground bunkers to await Armageddon. However, for Melon and his eventual side kick – the (I feel guilty for saying it) very sexy and flirtatious teenage sauce pot – Trinket, hiding underground to wonder if the world around has disappeared just doesn't suit. So they choose to wreak havoc instead. The way that the characters and relationship of the three are built up is beautiful, and you really get the feeling that, when the world ended for all those normal types, they found themselves at home.
Mark Ryan's take on Birdsnatch is from the viewpoint of rookie police officer, Faye Crichly, and is equally insane. Ryan's concept is that, in the future, the very wealthy get plastic surgery and become super villains. I must admit, even after two reads, I'm a little unsure of the true dissection of the plot. I can't work out whether this was plastic surgery gone completely wrong due to accidental mutations, or whether these people had chosen to become villains, and altered themselves accordingly.
The characters within Faye's swat team of police, charged with taking down these artificially enhanced super villains, are built well. We follow Faye as she joins the team on her first mission, to capture latest addition to the super villain hit list – 'The Bird'. Her place within the team and the relationships she develops are generally well structured, and the story moves at a comfortable pace. However, I couldn't help feeling that the climactic scenes tended to be a little less than action packed at times, leaving me wondering where Faye was in relation to what was happening.
I feel that, due to some small inconsistencies, we are witnessing the birth of a new writer, who is still toying with his style. I must admit, it's quite interesting to read someone's early work like this, and imagine all the possible ways it could develop. Ryan has a promising start here, he just needs to further hone his skills to reach writing perfection.
Both stories succeed in turning the world as we know it on it's metaphorical head, and devising some truly crazed, and fairly well written, tales. I recommend giving Birdsnatch a try, it's like taking your brain on a brief, demented holiday.
Another delightful treat is that, at the end, we granted a sneak peak at the writers' other work – a short story from each. The Light by Cummings and Ryan's Origins are exciting glances into their versatility as writers. However, I'm not going to review them – you'll have to read for yourself.
CJ Cummings' story is an assault on the mind, but the good kind. The kind that makes you laugh, lexically slaps you, then makes you laugh again! Cummings' crude style really added to the character development, and is my favourite approach to writing.
The story centres around 'Melon', a truly disgusting underdog, who I can't help but love – at arms length of course. There are times when the descriptive skill of Cummings made me almost smell how foul Melon is (spoiler – they don't make Oust for your imagination), alongside his endearingly gruesome pet, Cattermole. Melon has been so rejected by society that it motivates him to become a super villain. Birdsnatch – his cruel alter-ego takes over, and he begins his reign of grimy terror. This all happens to occur on the day that the world is ending, and everyday folk are tucking themselves into their underground bunkers to await Armageddon. However, for Melon and his eventual side kick – the (I feel guilty for saying it) very sexy and flirtatious teenage sauce pot – Trinket, hiding underground to wonder if the world around has disappeared just doesn't suit. So they choose to wreak havoc instead. The way that the characters and relationship of the three are built up is beautiful, and you really get the feeling that, when the world ended for all those normal types, they found themselves at home.
Mark Ryan's take on Birdsnatch is from the viewpoint of rookie police officer, Faye Crichly, and is equally insane. Ryan's concept is that, in the future, the very wealthy get plastic surgery and become super villains. I must admit, even after two reads, I'm a little unsure of the true dissection of the plot. I can't work out whether this was plastic surgery gone completely wrong due to accidental mutations, or whether these people had chosen to become villains, and altered themselves accordingly.
The characters within Faye's swat team of police, charged with taking down these artificially enhanced super villains, are built well. We follow Faye as she joins the team on her first mission, to capture latest addition to the super villain hit list – 'The Bird'. Her place within the team and the relationships she develops are generally well structured, and the story moves at a comfortable pace. However, I couldn't help feeling that the climactic scenes tended to be a little less than action packed at times, leaving me wondering where Faye was in relation to what was happening.
I feel that, due to some small inconsistencies, we are witnessing the birth of a new writer, who is still toying with his style. I must admit, it's quite interesting to read someone's early work like this, and imagine all the possible ways it could develop. Ryan has a promising start here, he just needs to further hone his skills to reach writing perfection.
Both stories succeed in turning the world as we know it on it's metaphorical head, and devising some truly crazed, and fairly well written, tales. I recommend giving Birdsnatch a try, it's like taking your brain on a brief, demented holiday.
Another delightful treat is that, at the end, we granted a sneak peak at the writers' other work – a short story from each. The Light by Cummings and Ryan's Origins are exciting glances into their versatility as writers. However, I'm not going to review them – you'll have to read for yourself.
September 3, 2015
review from horrorunderground. org
Birdsnatch (A Tale Told Twice #1)
Authors: C.J. Cummings and Mark Ryan
In this new bizarro series, authors C. J. Cummings and Mark Ryan explore the idea of coming up with a title that they both agree upon and then set out to tell their own version of the story. With having shared nothing but the title to which they agreed, both authors come with two very different variations on an already bizarrely named book. The result is quite astonishing. The idea is fascinating, but the writing and the stories are what sell this novel and make it such a pleasure to read through.
In Cummings' iteration of the title, we meet Melon, the human alter ego to the self named superhero, Birdsnatch. Melon is a vile piece of work. We are thrown into his world with descriptions of vomit and shit right in the first several pages. Having set out on an adventure, Melon/Birdsnatch crosses paths with Trinket, a younger girl who is left roaming the Earth after she locked away her family and friends in a bunker. Did I forget to mention that the world is ending? While kickass femme fatale Trinket and Birdsnatch, along with Birdsnatch's pet cattermole, roam the spoils of an abandoned world, we learn all of the deep dark secrets and witness mysteries being unraveled.
This story is not only an audacious look at two troubled individuals, incapable of taking care of themselves, it also serves as a case study on the human condition. Both characters are almost the villains of their own stories. Melon in particular, has an insatiable, unapologetic evil streak in his alter ego. His struggle for acceptance is certainly a losing one. The result is a highly poetic take on superhero mythos and the final moments are written in a haunting prose that will catch you off guard, and force you to stop and reflect upon the story before moving on to the next segment. Absolutely tremendous.
The second story in this novel takes a dramatic shift in storytelling and a much larger swing into bizarro. In Ryan's story, we catch up with Faye Crichly, a young police officer hot on the trail of crimes being committed by mutated individuals from plastic surgery augmentation. Faye is part of a SWAT team in a futuristic setting, a team that is tasked with tracking down these augmented people.
At first glance, the style in writing is different and sets itself apart from the previous tale. Ryan uses a procedural formula with document like time and date stamps leading into certain events. This coupled with the large action set pieces will have the reader feel like they are witnessing the pilot to a new television series. The story paces through quite nicely and Ryan throws in some truly unique ideas that will keep you guessing the outcome. The ending is unexpected in all of the right ways. I am hesitant to elaborate on plot due to the fact that the twists and turns are what make this story so great. Same as the Cummings' story, this one will have you rereading the last few pages in awe.
Honestly, I am shocked. I enjoyed the premise enough to buy into giving this novel a spin, but I could not have anticipated the level of joy it gave me while reading it. Both stories establish a wonderfully fleshed out world that begs to be explored in further detail. Cummings and Ryan are new talents that exude a ton of promise. I can't wait to see what they have in store for us next. No matter what it is about, I'm damn sure it'll be unlike anything you've read before.
Birdsnatch (A Tale Told Twice #1)
Authors: C.J. Cummings and Mark Ryan
In this new bizarro series, authors C. J. Cummings and Mark Ryan explore the idea of coming up with a title that they both agree upon and then set out to tell their own version of the story. With having shared nothing but the title to which they agreed, both authors come with two very different variations on an already bizarrely named book. The result is quite astonishing. The idea is fascinating, but the writing and the stories are what sell this novel and make it such a pleasure to read through.
In Cummings' iteration of the title, we meet Melon, the human alter ego to the self named superhero, Birdsnatch. Melon is a vile piece of work. We are thrown into his world with descriptions of vomit and shit right in the first several pages. Having set out on an adventure, Melon/Birdsnatch crosses paths with Trinket, a younger girl who is left roaming the Earth after she locked away her family and friends in a bunker. Did I forget to mention that the world is ending? While kickass femme fatale Trinket and Birdsnatch, along with Birdsnatch's pet cattermole, roam the spoils of an abandoned world, we learn all of the deep dark secrets and witness mysteries being unraveled.
This story is not only an audacious look at two troubled individuals, incapable of taking care of themselves, it also serves as a case study on the human condition. Both characters are almost the villains of their own stories. Melon in particular, has an insatiable, unapologetic evil streak in his alter ego. His struggle for acceptance is certainly a losing one. The result is a highly poetic take on superhero mythos and the final moments are written in a haunting prose that will catch you off guard, and force you to stop and reflect upon the story before moving on to the next segment. Absolutely tremendous.
The second story in this novel takes a dramatic shift in storytelling and a much larger swing into bizarro. In Ryan's story, we catch up with Faye Crichly, a young police officer hot on the trail of crimes being committed by mutated individuals from plastic surgery augmentation. Faye is part of a SWAT team in a futuristic setting, a team that is tasked with tracking down these augmented people.
At first glance, the style in writing is different and sets itself apart from the previous tale. Ryan uses a procedural formula with document like time and date stamps leading into certain events. This coupled with the large action set pieces will have the reader feel like they are witnessing the pilot to a new television series. The story paces through quite nicely and Ryan throws in some truly unique ideas that will keep you guessing the outcome. The ending is unexpected in all of the right ways. I am hesitant to elaborate on plot due to the fact that the twists and turns are what make this story so great. Same as the Cummings' story, this one will have you rereading the last few pages in awe.
Honestly, I am shocked. I enjoyed the premise enough to buy into giving this novel a spin, but I could not have anticipated the level of joy it gave me while reading it. Both stories establish a wonderfully fleshed out world that begs to be explored in further detail. Cummings and Ryan are new talents that exude a ton of promise. I can't wait to see what they have in store for us next. No matter what it is about, I'm damn sure it'll be unlike anything you've read before.
August 21, 2015
WooHooo! I just finish a very enjoyable book. You obviously know what it is because of the cover. Well, first this is in the vein of Bizarro fiction. Yes Bizarro. I love this type of fiction. I have found that those that read and love it are people that really live by thinking outside the box of imagination. There are no boundaries and several line just begging to be crossed. The authors of this type of fiction are the type to boldly cross these lines and break through all boundaries with a mischievous cackle.
These two authors are obviously insane with imagination and have created an idea and worlds of which entertained the holy hell out of me.
End of the world situations mixed with characters worth following, bringing about very satisfying endings that bring a reality to the unreal.
Sounds crazy right? It should. If you love or even like Bizarro fiction it will make sense. As I said, outside the box thinking is what makes Bizarro so much fun.
C. J. Cummings and Mark Ryan both do a wonderful job of inviting you into this form of fiction. I can’t wait to see what else they come up with and just how far they want to push the envelope of imagination. From what I have read so far they have no fear.
In C. J. Cummings story you are given a unusual couple that end up experiencing the end of the world together. One of them more of an overweight costumed, personal vigilante (for wrong doings against him by others), the other a cute, punk looking, young bad ass girl. I must admit I really like the strange pet Cattermole, whatever he was.
Mark Ryan’s tale brings us to a future where plastic surgery not only can bring about insanity, but can give one unusual abilities. Stuff just goes horribly wrong and a small team of law enforcement agents must face these people and bring them to justice all the while staying out of the public eye. When they encounter the evil villain Birdsnatch they learn he is nothing to take lightly and is more formidable than ever thought. The ending will have you wondering just who is sick in the head and have the lines of justice and sanity been crossed. A very satisfying ending I must admit. Not to mention a world I hope Mark Ryan revisits.
Then we are given tastes of two more very short stories by both authors from future release books.
This just added to the enjoyment of Birdsnatch. I am seriously pleased that I purchased this book and have it in my collection. To bad the people I call neighbors are sticks in the mud with zero personalities and imaginations. I would so love to share this with them. Oh, well I’ll find someone who is like-minded and enjoys having their imaginations pushed and yanked around by authors skilled in this art. Bravo gentlemen and here is to the future, or whatever it may become.
These two authors are obviously insane with imagination and have created an idea and worlds of which entertained the holy hell out of me.
End of the world situations mixed with characters worth following, bringing about very satisfying endings that bring a reality to the unreal.
Sounds crazy right? It should. If you love or even like Bizarro fiction it will make sense. As I said, outside the box thinking is what makes Bizarro so much fun.
C. J. Cummings and Mark Ryan both do a wonderful job of inviting you into this form of fiction. I can’t wait to see what else they come up with and just how far they want to push the envelope of imagination. From what I have read so far they have no fear.
In C. J. Cummings story you are given a unusual couple that end up experiencing the end of the world together. One of them more of an overweight costumed, personal vigilante (for wrong doings against him by others), the other a cute, punk looking, young bad ass girl. I must admit I really like the strange pet Cattermole, whatever he was.
Mark Ryan’s tale brings us to a future where plastic surgery not only can bring about insanity, but can give one unusual abilities. Stuff just goes horribly wrong and a small team of law enforcement agents must face these people and bring them to justice all the while staying out of the public eye. When they encounter the evil villain Birdsnatch they learn he is nothing to take lightly and is more formidable than ever thought. The ending will have you wondering just who is sick in the head and have the lines of justice and sanity been crossed. A very satisfying ending I must admit. Not to mention a world I hope Mark Ryan revisits.
Then we are given tastes of two more very short stories by both authors from future release books.
This just added to the enjoyment of Birdsnatch. I am seriously pleased that I purchased this book and have it in my collection. To bad the people I call neighbors are sticks in the mud with zero personalities and imaginations. I would so love to share this with them. Oh, well I’ll find someone who is like-minded and enjoys having their imaginations pushed and yanked around by authors skilled in this art. Bravo gentlemen and here is to the future, or whatever it may become.
August 8, 2015
Birdsnatch is a part of the brand new series A Tale Told Twice by C.J. Cummings & Mark Ryan. ATTT is a concept that turns storytelling on its head. Two authors who select a title for a book and each write their own interoperation of the title that was chosen not knowing what the other is writing. What an amazing concept.
First up we have C.J. Cumming's Birdsnatch that focus's on two well crafted characters. Melon and Trinket are two compelling characters that are total opposites of the other. There are so many things going on in this story but all build to a suspenseful ending that ties the story together nicely. Cumming's writing doesn't hold back and hits you in the face with honesty and characters with flaws that make you question how you should feel about them. A character I haven't talked about is Cattermole, simply the most descriptive pet that I have ever read and just a blast to read. Cummings created a world that felt real like if circumstances had happened in the real world, it would play out much the same. Melon is a complex character that I would love to read more about to know more what was going on in his head. I love that C.J. wrote a story so brutally honest that tells what it sets out to do with this single story.
Next, we have Mark Ryan's Birdsnatch which is unlike anything I have ever read. A story that takes place in the future about villains created by plastic surgery, who are hunted by a group of officers put together to stop them. This story is filled with great characters but I feel is very story driven with action, drama, and suspense. I doubted the story at first which in hindsight was stupid because the words entered my brain and enthralled me to a point where I wanted more stories about this group of people when it was over. So good and felt like I was watching a pilot for a new television show which I would happily watch every week if that was an option.
This is such a unique idea that must be supported due to the excellent storytelling. If you want to read a comic book type story filled with grit then C.J. Cummings delivers. While Ryan delivers a sci fi story built in reality and provides action and drama that will please your word reading eyeballs.
First up we have C.J. Cumming's Birdsnatch that focus's on two well crafted characters. Melon and Trinket are two compelling characters that are total opposites of the other. There are so many things going on in this story but all build to a suspenseful ending that ties the story together nicely. Cumming's writing doesn't hold back and hits you in the face with honesty and characters with flaws that make you question how you should feel about them. A character I haven't talked about is Cattermole, simply the most descriptive pet that I have ever read and just a blast to read. Cummings created a world that felt real like if circumstances had happened in the real world, it would play out much the same. Melon is a complex character that I would love to read more about to know more what was going on in his head. I love that C.J. wrote a story so brutally honest that tells what it sets out to do with this single story.
Next, we have Mark Ryan's Birdsnatch which is unlike anything I have ever read. A story that takes place in the future about villains created by plastic surgery, who are hunted by a group of officers put together to stop them. This story is filled with great characters but I feel is very story driven with action, drama, and suspense. I doubted the story at first which in hindsight was stupid because the words entered my brain and enthralled me to a point where I wanted more stories about this group of people when it was over. So good and felt like I was watching a pilot for a new television show which I would happily watch every week if that was an option.
This is such a unique idea that must be supported due to the excellent storytelling. If you want to read a comic book type story filled with grit then C.J. Cummings delivers. While Ryan delivers a sci fi story built in reality and provides action and drama that will please your word reading eyeballs.
August 18, 2015
First of all I find the concept of Birdsnatch to be fresh and new, two things that always peak interest when looking for new reads, the concept being that two writers choose a title for the book then each write their vision of what said title means. When I began reading Birdsnatch I realized I would be getting much more than even fresh and new.
When I started C.J. Cummings Birdsnatch I was immediately drawn into the upside down world he had written on those pages. His writing style allows you to stand next to the characters and feel the emotions with them and oh what charters they are. Melon, Trinket and Cattermole take you on a shocking and thrilling adventure with them. The plot thickens, twists and then an explosion of epic proportions in the end. I am a huge fan of C.J. Cummings work and this is another brilliant accomplishment in my eyes, Birdsnatch left me wanting more!
Next we have Birdsnatch as told by Mark Ryan and once again I was drawn into a world of action and excitement. A world of plastic surgery and villains. The good guys vs. the bad guys. The descriptive writing was so good I found my ears ringing ( you'll understand when you read the book) and my lips pouting, lol. I found the characters likeable and relatable and it was an awesome good guy wins in the end story. The surprise ending was brilliant, although I am usually good at seeing things like that coming, I did not and that made it even better for me!
Great job to both these artists. They also include two short stories at the end of the book, one from each author, it was not only a wonderful surprise but a teaser leaving you wanting much more future works from each one. I am looking forward to both C.J. Cummings and Mark Ryan's future works and I thank them for allowing me to share in this experience with them. Follow your dreams!
When I started C.J. Cummings Birdsnatch I was immediately drawn into the upside down world he had written on those pages. His writing style allows you to stand next to the characters and feel the emotions with them and oh what charters they are. Melon, Trinket and Cattermole take you on a shocking and thrilling adventure with them. The plot thickens, twists and then an explosion of epic proportions in the end. I am a huge fan of C.J. Cummings work and this is another brilliant accomplishment in my eyes, Birdsnatch left me wanting more!
Next we have Birdsnatch as told by Mark Ryan and once again I was drawn into a world of action and excitement. A world of plastic surgery and villains. The good guys vs. the bad guys. The descriptive writing was so good I found my ears ringing ( you'll understand when you read the book) and my lips pouting, lol. I found the characters likeable and relatable and it was an awesome good guy wins in the end story. The surprise ending was brilliant, although I am usually good at seeing things like that coming, I did not and that made it even better for me!
Great job to both these artists. They also include two short stories at the end of the book, one from each author, it was not only a wonderful surprise but a teaser leaving you wanting much more future works from each one. I am looking forward to both C.J. Cummings and Mark Ryan's future works and I thank them for allowing me to share in this experience with them. Follow your dreams!
September 10, 2015
First thing I will say is, I'm a terrible reader in general. I could have easily read this book quicker because it was a damn good read!
I had no experience with the bizarro genre aside from descriptions and reviews, so I will admit, I was a tad nervous going in to this book. Thankfully, I was no let down at all. I won't go into plots because chances are you already know about the concept and the stories in some shape or form. What I will say is that both authors are extremely talented and have some warped visions, the latter is a plus point by the way!
Considering this is their first collaborative outing, it's as if Chris and Mark have been doing this for a long time indeed. All stories included offer something new and unique and there is never a dull moment. I had incredible visions forming in my head with every sentence and some of the concepts, universes and characters really come to life thanks to both Chris and Mark's talent for being descriptive. Being a film guy, I could imagine both of the main stories would do great in a visual form.
I can't compare this to other bizarro stories, but I know for a fact that this is both accessible for new readers and for lovers of the genre. In fact, there's so much more there. There are elements of sci-fi, comedy, fantasy and crime with some social commentary thrown in for good measure.
Overall, I am very impressed with what Chris and Mark have started with their A Tale Told Twice series and look forward to the next instalment as well as any future projects. Immersive genre bending fiction at the price this is being offered at is something you'd be a damn Bird Snatch to miss out on.
I had no experience with the bizarro genre aside from descriptions and reviews, so I will admit, I was a tad nervous going in to this book. Thankfully, I was no let down at all. I won't go into plots because chances are you already know about the concept and the stories in some shape or form. What I will say is that both authors are extremely talented and have some warped visions, the latter is a plus point by the way!
Considering this is their first collaborative outing, it's as if Chris and Mark have been doing this for a long time indeed. All stories included offer something new and unique and there is never a dull moment. I had incredible visions forming in my head with every sentence and some of the concepts, universes and characters really come to life thanks to both Chris and Mark's talent for being descriptive. Being a film guy, I could imagine both of the main stories would do great in a visual form.
I can't compare this to other bizarro stories, but I know for a fact that this is both accessible for new readers and for lovers of the genre. In fact, there's so much more there. There are elements of sci-fi, comedy, fantasy and crime with some social commentary thrown in for good measure.
Overall, I am very impressed with what Chris and Mark have started with their A Tale Told Twice series and look forward to the next instalment as well as any future projects. Immersive genre bending fiction at the price this is being offered at is something you'd be a damn Bird Snatch to miss out on.
August 8, 2015
This was a great book. C.J. Cummings' version is a darkly hilarious super hero story about the end of the world. The ending is a pretty major surprise and—most importantly—there is a mutant cat rat hybrid thing that fits into the story quite well. I really enjoyed this story and I especially thought that Cummings' developed characters who were very unique and interesting. I wish that the development between the two main protagonists had been deeper instead of just being summary, but I suppose if you really like a story it's common to wish there had been more development of characters you liked.
Mark Ryan's story is very different. His version of Birdsnatch is about super villains who are being created from plastic surgeries gone awry. The concept alone is hilarious, but Ryan's execution is great and he uses a journal format to keep the protagonist's reports of what happened quite realistic. My only complaint was that I had a hard time keeping track of Breeze, the twins, the protagonist, Dex Finor, the Marshal and many more. I think this may have just been because a lot of the characters are only given short descriptions and not enough characterization, making it hard to keep track of them. Regardless, the story still moved at a good pace and had a really strong ending.
I will read both of these stories again. Good job guys.
Mark Ryan's story is very different. His version of Birdsnatch is about super villains who are being created from plastic surgeries gone awry. The concept alone is hilarious, but Ryan's execution is great and he uses a journal format to keep the protagonist's reports of what happened quite realistic. My only complaint was that I had a hard time keeping track of Breeze, the twins, the protagonist, Dex Finor, the Marshal and many more. I think this may have just been because a lot of the characters are only given short descriptions and not enough characterization, making it hard to keep track of them. Regardless, the story still moved at a good pace and had a really strong ending.
I will read both of these stories again. Good job guys.
August 17, 2015
(MINOR SPOILERS ALERT)
First off, let me set the tone here so we're on the same page:
If you read bizarro fiction, this book is for you.
If you enjoy splatter-punk, meat cleaver wielding, warrior women; and depraved, psychotic, overweight, perverted, greasy, cannibalistic super hero wannabes... see a therapist; but also, this book is for you.
If you crave dystopian, anime-style action, with an 80's neon gritty glow highlighting the grotesque abominations of cosmetic surgery gone horribly wrong; I'll say it again, this book is for you.
Two authors spin separate yarns based off one word: "Birdsnatch."
The outcome is two deliciously disgusting tales of mind-effing glee.
I highly recommend this book to any fan of bizarro, and/or extreme fiction. Seriously, buy this effing book.
First off, let me set the tone here so we're on the same page:
If you read bizarro fiction, this book is for you.
If you enjoy splatter-punk, meat cleaver wielding, warrior women; and depraved, psychotic, overweight, perverted, greasy, cannibalistic super hero wannabes... see a therapist; but also, this book is for you.
If you crave dystopian, anime-style action, with an 80's neon gritty glow highlighting the grotesque abominations of cosmetic surgery gone horribly wrong; I'll say it again, this book is for you.
Two authors spin separate yarns based off one word: "Birdsnatch."
The outcome is two deliciously disgusting tales of mind-effing glee.
I highly recommend this book to any fan of bizarro, and/or extreme fiction. Seriously, buy this effing book.
July 22, 2015
CO-AUTHORS REVIEW
Of course i will not be reviewing my story in this book as that would be incredibly narcissistic. This review is purely for my co-author C.J. Cummings's story.
A tale about a down and out guy who becomes and even more down and out superhero and his search for vengeance. The characters are strangely loveable in their disgusting honesty and vile existences. An apocalypse that needs no explanation has ravaged their lives and we are following them as they carve out a new life.
A story that is as human as it is alien and is a fucked up as it is profound.
Of course i will not be reviewing my story in this book as that would be incredibly narcissistic. This review is purely for my co-author C.J. Cummings's story.
A tale about a down and out guy who becomes and even more down and out superhero and his search for vengeance. The characters are strangely loveable in their disgusting honesty and vile existences. An apocalypse that needs no explanation has ravaged their lives and we are following them as they carve out a new life.
A story that is as human as it is alien and is a fucked up as it is profound.
August 31, 2015
I haven't really read too many short stories but the ones I've read I've really enjoyed. This book confirms the fact that I REALLY enjoy short stories because I thought this books was just absolutely amazing!! C.J Cummings writing is fantastic! He has a way of drawing you in with the artistic way he writes. And Mark Ryan needs to make this story into a full series!! I just wanted more!! What a great read. If you enjoy "strange" in your stories then this is the book for you.
August 16, 2015
A tale told twice...my curiosity was piqued right from the start. What a novel concept, right? I just finished this book and was pleasantly surprised.
C.J. Cummings' take on Birdsnatch was gritty, somewhat squirmy, and positively delightful. I say somewhat squirmy because I wasn't quite sure how to identify with the lead character, and maybe that's the point, we're not supposed to. Throw in a bizarre pet, an angsty sidekick and yeah, some men just like to watch the world burn. This would make a good graphic novel, I felt a slight nod to Frank Miller while reading, and that's never a bad thing.
Mark Ryan's take on Birdsnatch throws us way into the future. A sleeker, yet bleaker world where government is more menacing than ever, and the people in their service are still trying to clean up their messes. Bad plastic surgery turns people into villains? Sure, why not! It reads like a Surgeon General's warning on a pack of smokes: Kids, this is what happens when you try to alter yourselves and it goes very, very wrong. The conclusion felt left open, so a sequel or series may be in the works? As a stand alone, though, it was a great little tale.
It is somewhat difficult to review this book as a whole, since the stories are incredibly different, but Birdsnatch was a fun read, and an interesting experimental concept...two stories in one, but not. A solid effort for a debut, I look forward to reading more from both authors.
C.J. Cummings' take on Birdsnatch was gritty, somewhat squirmy, and positively delightful. I say somewhat squirmy because I wasn't quite sure how to identify with the lead character, and maybe that's the point, we're not supposed to. Throw in a bizarre pet, an angsty sidekick and yeah, some men just like to watch the world burn. This would make a good graphic novel, I felt a slight nod to Frank Miller while reading, and that's never a bad thing.
Mark Ryan's take on Birdsnatch throws us way into the future. A sleeker, yet bleaker world where government is more menacing than ever, and the people in their service are still trying to clean up their messes. Bad plastic surgery turns people into villains? Sure, why not! It reads like a Surgeon General's warning on a pack of smokes: Kids, this is what happens when you try to alter yourselves and it goes very, very wrong. The conclusion felt left open, so a sequel or series may be in the works? As a stand alone, though, it was a great little tale.
It is somewhat difficult to review this book as a whole, since the stories are incredibly different, but Birdsnatch was a fun read, and an interesting experimental concept...two stories in one, but not. A solid effort for a debut, I look forward to reading more from both authors.
August 9, 2015
Two authors one title 'Birdsnatch - A tale told twice'
A concept devised by two authors where one title is picked and each author builds their own story around said title. In vol.1 C.J. Cummings and Mark Ryan have given us two very different genre stories.
The first an end of the world/dystopian/apocalyptic story written by CJ Cummings, with roots deep in science fiction it has a dark brooding undertone which is helped along with a splash of humor as we are taken on this 'end of the world' journey with the two main characters the socially hated Melon who's alter ego is the titular Birdsnatch and his side kick Trinket.
The second Birdsnatch contribution is from Mark Ryan has a more science fiction/horror/thriller vibe with the story following rookie cop Faye Crichly as she tries to apprehend surgically altered criminals in the year 2145.
I had great fun reading both stories and i urge everyone to check the book out two completely different stories with the same title from two authors trying to get a foot on the ladder i say well done for the first volume of 'A Tale Told Twice' volume 2 cant come quick enough.
Incidentally the book also includes two short stories, The Light by CJ Cummings and Origin by Mark Ryan which serve as a good glimpse into the works of both authors of whom i will definitely be keeping an eye out for.
A concept devised by two authors where one title is picked and each author builds their own story around said title. In vol.1 C.J. Cummings and Mark Ryan have given us two very different genre stories.
The first an end of the world/dystopian/apocalyptic story written by CJ Cummings, with roots deep in science fiction it has a dark brooding undertone which is helped along with a splash of humor as we are taken on this 'end of the world' journey with the two main characters the socially hated Melon who's alter ego is the titular Birdsnatch and his side kick Trinket.
The second Birdsnatch contribution is from Mark Ryan has a more science fiction/horror/thriller vibe with the story following rookie cop Faye Crichly as she tries to apprehend surgically altered criminals in the year 2145.
I had great fun reading both stories and i urge everyone to check the book out two completely different stories with the same title from two authors trying to get a foot on the ladder i say well done for the first volume of 'A Tale Told Twice' volume 2 cant come quick enough.
Incidentally the book also includes two short stories, The Light by CJ Cummings and Origin by Mark Ryan which serve as a good glimpse into the works of both authors of whom i will definitely be keeping an eye out for.
September 2, 2018
FULL REVIEW
Overall, Birdsnatch has its flaws, but it’s a promising start. Both for “A Tale Told Twice” as a concept and C.J. Cummings and Mark Ryan as writers. I’ll be keeping an eye out for both of their forthcoming short story collections.
Overall, Birdsnatch has its flaws, but it’s a promising start. Both for “A Tale Told Twice” as a concept and C.J. Cummings and Mark Ryan as writers. I’ll be keeping an eye out for both of their forthcoming short story collections.
May 2, 2016
This review is also available on the blog Codices, where I'm a contributor.
“Birdsnatch” is the first book in a planned series of novels under the “A Tale Told Twice” alias. Authors C.J. Cummings and Mark Ryan have the idea to combine two separate novellas in a book under the same title. The premise is they want to write different stories about the same thing and not reveal what each one has written before they are ready. Personally I think this is an awesome new idea that the literary community could benefit from. It’s interesting to see what a title can inspire in two different persons.
What to expect from “Birdsnatch” when it hits the market next month? Well, to be honest I was a little bit confused and this is mainly caused by a few things in those two novellas.
The first one, “Birdsnatch” by C.J. Cummings tells the story of a somewhat deranged middle-aged man by the name of Melon. He seems to have problems blending into society and that’s because people don’t want to accept him. He wants to help, but isn’t given a chance. That’s why he settles with the idea to become a supervillain instead of a superhero. His apparently obnoxious behavior does make him a character tough to relate to. It’s just I really didn’t like this dude… Am I supposed to hate him? If yes, then mission accomplished. First problem with the first novella – toward the end Melon’s alter ego (Birdsnatch) surfaces as a different personality, making me think he experiences some kind of identity disorder. That becomes a problem when you find out it doesn’t benefit the plot in any way.
The first novella includes another main character – a teenage girl that fantasizes about going to concerts and “hanging out” with the musicians, all while laying in her room, staring into band posters and… yeah, stuff. Just around that part we are enlightened to the idea that the world is going to end this exact night and the girl (Trinket) and her father (a corporate magnate?) will hide in their back-yard bunker with a bunch of other guys. She locks her father in the bunker before going in herself, but decides to stay out and see if the world will really end. Second problem – toward the end Trinket is revealed to listen to jazz and similar styles of music, but the beginning gives the impression she’s into punk/rock… her behavior also states she’s rebellious and that kind of does’t fit to a jazz music lover, in my opinion.
Other things I didn’t really like were that parts of the story didn’t need to exist at all, they didn’t bring anything to the enjoyment of the novella. Like Melon’s pet, Cattermole – we’re introduced to it in the beginning, and then again in the end where he doesn’t really do anything. There’s a whole chapter from the pet’s point of view that I feel if not read, wouldn’t break the plot. Also the two main characters weren’t very well crafted and I didn’t really understand why exactly did Trinket hate her father. And about that scene where Melon meets a guy holding a locked chest? The point of that needing to happen was what exactly?
Now on to the second novella – it’s again called “Birdsnatch” and is by Mark Ryan. Interesting premise – a sci-fi future of the year 2145, where “plastic surgery induced super-villainy is the newest crime wave”… wait, what? The police tries to stop villains who commit felonies after they got plastic surgery? OK, OK. The story centers on the character of Faye Crichly – a rookie in the police force. Working with three colleagues – Breeze and the twins Rae and Sae, she tries to catch mutants – people that have had complications from plastic surgery and have become criminals. The main villain is The Bird, in who’s chase the four of them indulge toward the end.
Some of the good sides to the second novella are the very good world building and the character development. I felt them in their struggles and joys. I also almost felt like this could be the world of 100 years in the future – implants, artificial limbs, twins that think alike and so on. But the villains and why did they need to do what they did… I didn’t really get this. I felt lost… I wanted to like this, believe me, I did. But I couldn’t. The plot felt underdeveloped; the stuff with the criminals (which kind of feels like the center of this story) was impossible to understand, for me at least. I might have to give this another go sometime, just for the sake of figuring out what felonies do they commit and why exactly…
Overall, I would give the two novellas 2 out of 5 stars each. Although you will see that the book is rated differently below. That’s because something else contributed to this. I didn’t yet mention that there are two short stories included, again one from each author. They are somewhat like a bonus and are out of the upcoming short story collections of C.J. Cummings and Mark Ryan respectively. And those two tales are pretty good. I did like them, especially the one about the son-and-father fishing trip (“The Light” by Cummings). The other one (“Origins” by Ryan) was very creepy and interesting too. I would like to see what those two authors can come up with in the future, but I think they can do way better than “Birdsnatch”.
So there you go. Two novellas telling a story each in their own way, accompanied by two very well written short stories. I really hope the next installment of “A Tale Told Twice” will be better developed, though. “Birdsnatch” comes out in less than a month – on the 1st of September 2015. Do check it out, maybe you will understand and enjoy it more than I did.
“Birdsnatch” is the first book in a planned series of novels under the “A Tale Told Twice” alias. Authors C.J. Cummings and Mark Ryan have the idea to combine two separate novellas in a book under the same title. The premise is they want to write different stories about the same thing and not reveal what each one has written before they are ready. Personally I think this is an awesome new idea that the literary community could benefit from. It’s interesting to see what a title can inspire in two different persons.
What to expect from “Birdsnatch” when it hits the market next month? Well, to be honest I was a little bit confused and this is mainly caused by a few things in those two novellas.
The first one, “Birdsnatch” by C.J. Cummings tells the story of a somewhat deranged middle-aged man by the name of Melon. He seems to have problems blending into society and that’s because people don’t want to accept him. He wants to help, but isn’t given a chance. That’s why he settles with the idea to become a supervillain instead of a superhero. His apparently obnoxious behavior does make him a character tough to relate to. It’s just I really didn’t like this dude… Am I supposed to hate him? If yes, then mission accomplished. First problem with the first novella – toward the end Melon’s alter ego (Birdsnatch) surfaces as a different personality, making me think he experiences some kind of identity disorder. That becomes a problem when you find out it doesn’t benefit the plot in any way.
The first novella includes another main character – a teenage girl that fantasizes about going to concerts and “hanging out” with the musicians, all while laying in her room, staring into band posters and… yeah, stuff. Just around that part we are enlightened to the idea that the world is going to end this exact night and the girl (Trinket) and her father (a corporate magnate?) will hide in their back-yard bunker with a bunch of other guys. She locks her father in the bunker before going in herself, but decides to stay out and see if the world will really end. Second problem – toward the end Trinket is revealed to listen to jazz and similar styles of music, but the beginning gives the impression she’s into punk/rock… her behavior also states she’s rebellious and that kind of does’t fit to a jazz music lover, in my opinion.
Other things I didn’t really like were that parts of the story didn’t need to exist at all, they didn’t bring anything to the enjoyment of the novella. Like Melon’s pet, Cattermole – we’re introduced to it in the beginning, and then again in the end where he doesn’t really do anything. There’s a whole chapter from the pet’s point of view that I feel if not read, wouldn’t break the plot. Also the two main characters weren’t very well crafted and I didn’t really understand why exactly did Trinket hate her father. And about that scene where Melon meets a guy holding a locked chest? The point of that needing to happen was what exactly?
Now on to the second novella – it’s again called “Birdsnatch” and is by Mark Ryan. Interesting premise – a sci-fi future of the year 2145, where “plastic surgery induced super-villainy is the newest crime wave”… wait, what? The police tries to stop villains who commit felonies after they got plastic surgery? OK, OK. The story centers on the character of Faye Crichly – a rookie in the police force. Working with three colleagues – Breeze and the twins Rae and Sae, she tries to catch mutants – people that have had complications from plastic surgery and have become criminals. The main villain is The Bird, in who’s chase the four of them indulge toward the end.
Some of the good sides to the second novella are the very good world building and the character development. I felt them in their struggles and joys. I also almost felt like this could be the world of 100 years in the future – implants, artificial limbs, twins that think alike and so on. But the villains and why did they need to do what they did… I didn’t really get this. I felt lost… I wanted to like this, believe me, I did. But I couldn’t. The plot felt underdeveloped; the stuff with the criminals (which kind of feels like the center of this story) was impossible to understand, for me at least. I might have to give this another go sometime, just for the sake of figuring out what felonies do they commit and why exactly…
Overall, I would give the two novellas 2 out of 5 stars each. Although you will see that the book is rated differently below. That’s because something else contributed to this. I didn’t yet mention that there are two short stories included, again one from each author. They are somewhat like a bonus and are out of the upcoming short story collections of C.J. Cummings and Mark Ryan respectively. And those two tales are pretty good. I did like them, especially the one about the son-and-father fishing trip (“The Light” by Cummings). The other one (“Origins” by Ryan) was very creepy and interesting too. I would like to see what those two authors can come up with in the future, but I think they can do way better than “Birdsnatch”.
So there you go. Two novellas telling a story each in their own way, accompanied by two very well written short stories. I really hope the next installment of “A Tale Told Twice” will be better developed, though. “Birdsnatch” comes out in less than a month – on the 1st of September 2015. Do check it out, maybe you will understand and enjoy it more than I did.
August 9, 2015
What happens when two authors take one word and build a story from it independently, without any common parameters or rules? That is the plan behind the A Tale Told Twice series and first out is the strange worlds of Birdsnatch; an experiment between C.J. Cummings and Mark Ryan.
The first Birdsnatch Tale is by C.J Cummings and the apocalypse is upon us. As people all around the world are hiding in their underground bunkers Melon, a thieving, hoarding, nasty man has another idea. He is finally going to do what he has always planned to do and that is to transform into the hero Birdsnatch. While his cat/rat pet Cattermole watches he dresses in a superhero costume and ventures out into the empty world. During his exploration his Birdsnatch persona takes over more and more, the opposite of his depraved true personality. He meets Trinket, another outcast, who has escaped a life trapped in a bunker with her father and his friends. Like Melon she has dreams of being something other than what she is, but without going to the same extremes. Together they watch the world burn, hunting for food and living in a nest with Cattermole.
The second Birdsnatch tale, written by Mark Ryan, is set in the future. A future where plastic surgery has become very dangerous. So dangerous in fact that when it goes wrong it turns the patients into mutated, deranged killers. Faye Crichly is an administrator who has been assigned to a special task force designed to take out these mutated victims. Events become more interesting when Dex Finor, the second son in a prominent family, vanishes after fat reduction surgery. It is also revealed that the Government, the second government, has willingly experimented with plastic surgery to produce mutated monsters. When Finor surfaces the team must spring into action.
The concept of finding a word and then have two authors create separate tales from it is an interesting one, more so if the tales share a similar beginning or taking off point. Birdsnatch, the word, is the only thing Cummings’ and Ryan’s stories have in common and therefore the yarn they spin from that becomes less interesting. The most fascinating part is how varied the stories actually are; In Cummings’ fiction we are confronted with a husk of a man finally getting the opportunity to be the hero he has always wanted and what happens to him once that personality begins to dominate their shared body. This is more interesting than what has brought on the ensuing end of the world, as is the few other characters one encounters in the story.
Ryan’s tale on the other hand gives the reader a fascinating glimpse into quite a bleak future. The politics and structure of that world is only hinted at, but is interesting enough that, as a reader, one has to ask oneself what has lead to this. In contrast to this fact Ryan’s main character or any character for that matter are fairly uninteresting or engaging. It isn’t until the very end that one really starts to wonder what the implications of the actions of the government will have on the world.
Since both tales are so very different it would be unfair or even unwise to pin them against each other, both of them have strengths and weaknesses, but are both worth a read.
Cummings’ tale is an open and closed story whereas Ryan’s definitely gives the impression of an introduction or prequel to a grander story that he may revisit in the future. Cummings’ is also the only author who constantly uses the word Birdsnatch where Ryan uses it but twice. This makes it seem as if Cummings wins out in the end, seeing as he used the word better, but without knowing the parameters of the method used it is a moot point. The stories are both wonderfully told in their weirdness and there are some truly bizarre aspects, but never going overboard.
In the end Birdsnatch becomes an interesting exercise in how different two writers can imagine the same word, but it never breaks down any doors. Instead it is a good introduction to two young authors who very clearly have exciting and bizarre tales to to tell.
The first Birdsnatch Tale is by C.J Cummings and the apocalypse is upon us. As people all around the world are hiding in their underground bunkers Melon, a thieving, hoarding, nasty man has another idea. He is finally going to do what he has always planned to do and that is to transform into the hero Birdsnatch. While his cat/rat pet Cattermole watches he dresses in a superhero costume and ventures out into the empty world. During his exploration his Birdsnatch persona takes over more and more, the opposite of his depraved true personality. He meets Trinket, another outcast, who has escaped a life trapped in a bunker with her father and his friends. Like Melon she has dreams of being something other than what she is, but without going to the same extremes. Together they watch the world burn, hunting for food and living in a nest with Cattermole.
The second Birdsnatch tale, written by Mark Ryan, is set in the future. A future where plastic surgery has become very dangerous. So dangerous in fact that when it goes wrong it turns the patients into mutated, deranged killers. Faye Crichly is an administrator who has been assigned to a special task force designed to take out these mutated victims. Events become more interesting when Dex Finor, the second son in a prominent family, vanishes after fat reduction surgery. It is also revealed that the Government, the second government, has willingly experimented with plastic surgery to produce mutated monsters. When Finor surfaces the team must spring into action.
The concept of finding a word and then have two authors create separate tales from it is an interesting one, more so if the tales share a similar beginning or taking off point. Birdsnatch, the word, is the only thing Cummings’ and Ryan’s stories have in common and therefore the yarn they spin from that becomes less interesting. The most fascinating part is how varied the stories actually are; In Cummings’ fiction we are confronted with a husk of a man finally getting the opportunity to be the hero he has always wanted and what happens to him once that personality begins to dominate their shared body. This is more interesting than what has brought on the ensuing end of the world, as is the few other characters one encounters in the story.
Ryan’s tale on the other hand gives the reader a fascinating glimpse into quite a bleak future. The politics and structure of that world is only hinted at, but is interesting enough that, as a reader, one has to ask oneself what has lead to this. In contrast to this fact Ryan’s main character or any character for that matter are fairly uninteresting or engaging. It isn’t until the very end that one really starts to wonder what the implications of the actions of the government will have on the world.
Since both tales are so very different it would be unfair or even unwise to pin them against each other, both of them have strengths and weaknesses, but are both worth a read.
Cummings’ tale is an open and closed story whereas Ryan’s definitely gives the impression of an introduction or prequel to a grander story that he may revisit in the future. Cummings’ is also the only author who constantly uses the word Birdsnatch where Ryan uses it but twice. This makes it seem as if Cummings wins out in the end, seeing as he used the word better, but without knowing the parameters of the method used it is a moot point. The stories are both wonderfully told in their weirdness and there are some truly bizarre aspects, but never going overboard.
In the end Birdsnatch becomes an interesting exercise in how different two writers can imagine the same word, but it never breaks down any doors. Instead it is a good introduction to two young authors who very clearly have exciting and bizarre tales to to tell.
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