Kevin’s Comments (group member since Jan 17, 2012)

Kevin’s comments from the Gore and More group.

Ken wrote: "I picked up a few used Wilson paperbacks this weekend ( Reprisal and The Touch)"

Those books are part of The Adversary Cycle. There are six interconnected books in the cycle. This was perhaps my favorite lot by Wilson.

1. The Keep
2. The Tomb
3. The Touch
4. Reborn
5. Reprisal
6. Nightworld

I see some great suggestions here. having read most of these books, I would say The Bleeding Season, Children Of Chaos, and Savages are all stellar reads. I do not think any of those titles would disappoint. My favorite read from Gifune to date is Children Of Chaos.

I'm going to nominate Rogue

Rogue

Snowblind - Michael McBride

Hands down "Children Of Chaos". Gifune takes Conrad's "Heart Of Darkness", to a new level only he could achieve. A brilliant nod to a classic tale.

I recently read "Wolf Hunt" by Jeff Strand. I got a kick out the story. It wasn't too bad.

"One Rainy Night" by Laymon is nothing but blood and guts. Blades slash, bullets fly, and blood spatters every page.

One Rainy Night

Gary Risor's "Less Than Human" is worth a read.

Less Than Human

Erin ☕ *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "I finished Children of Chaos and loved it. What a dark themed drama type of novel. The surreal writing sucked me in."

I'm glad you enjoyed Children of Chaos. The good news is he has much more to choose from, and I haven't read a bad one yet.

Ghost Story is a classic in the horror genre and one book every horror fan should read. If you haven't read it, here is your chance to read it with a group. If you have seen the movie be aware that the movie in not 1/10 of what the book is.

I'm also tossing in a very sick and twisted read from Gary Braunbeck. if you have never read Braunbeck, this book is a fantastic place to start.


Ghost Story by Peter Straub

Prodigal Blues by Gary Braunbeck

Erin ☕ *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "I read some of his stuff in my 20s. I tried reading the Mailman but had trouble getting into it.

Back then I rated The Return and The University 2 stars, The House and The Revelation 4 stars.

Not..."

Dominion is a twisted read. I would have to rate it as one of the better Little books I have read.

Word of warning: If you are easily offended, this book will put you to the task.

Erin ☕ *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "I just picked up Children of Chaos to try"

I hope you enjoy it. It's Gifune's nod to Conrad's Heart Of Darkness.

Erin ☕ *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "Sorry to say I'm not a Laymon fan, although it's clear he's well loved by the majority of horror readers. The one I enjoyed most was Endless Night. I've read about 5 of his books."

Some love him, some hate him. I know he is not for everyone.

Keeley has many reviews on this site with some great conversations among academics as well as the general population. You may disagree with many of his reviews but the conversations are intelligent and amusing.

If you look for George Martin's Game Of Thrones and skim through the reviews, you will find Keeley's 1 star review, and you can follow him from there.

Scott wrote: "You're pretty condescending for someone who doesn't seem have read very widely in genre."

Really? Everything I have mentioned I have read and then some, and if you took the time to examine all 47 pages of books I have read you would have realized my folders are not updated, and by simply looking in my horror folder you have missed many, many books I have read inside and outside this genre, but I digress, I truly have no desire or need to go there, what would be the point?

Condescending? I guess if a person feels challenged by such trivial matters it may come across as such.

As I stated, it's all debatable for those up to the dull challenge of such a task. I for one rest my case and chose to move on.

If you do decide you would like to have an intelligent, peaceful conversation and refrain from ad hominem when you feel challenged, then feel free to add your thoughts here, but try to remain civil and make clear and precise points.

And thank you for calling me pretty, although my name is not Condescending, it's Kevin. :)

Scott wrote: "Kevin wrote: "I have to be honest, if you are reading horror for ground breaking prose and new world views, then you are reading the wrong genre."

I don't agree at all; there are Great writers in ..."

Sorry, but I think otherwise. There are good writers in horror such as Gifune, Clive Barker, Bradbury, and maybe Simmons, but their work is not high literature nor is it intended to be.

Bryan Smith is adequate at best not to mention so many others. I'm not saying they can not write, but there is a HUGE difference between literary quality and pulp for the masses. Horror is and has been pulp for the masses since it's inception, though some have managed to take it to higher levels, Imajica comes to mind.

I think there is quality in horror but not on the level of high literature. Bradbury had a gift of making his prose dance and sing. A lyrical writer with colorful prose. A gifted story teller.


If you have ever read a Keeley review you would begin to understand the difference between academic and scholarly verse pulp for the masses, ( or at least get Keely's view on the subject). Although I have my differences with Keeley and disagree with many of his reviews, I do respect his views and great insight to literature as a whole.


Debatable? Possibly.

D20 wrote: "Ken wrote: "but that's the beauty of a B-movie. You don't rent them for Academy Award winning acting or script."

Just thought this bears repeating. A good story does make a B-movie better though."

Have you read Laymon? His stories and ideas are his best gift, it's the character depth that seems a bit thin at times and can also be repetitive.

Scott wrote: "I enjoy watching b-movies from time to time, but reading invests more time and effort, so I expect more."

There is nothing wrong with his prose and his stories move quick and for the most part fluid. The B-movie remarks are based on his splatter punk style. There are some over the top ideas showcased at times and the sex can be gratuitous, so if you are easily offended then I would say Laymon is not for you.

I have to be honest, if you are reading horror for ground breaking prose and new world views, then you are reading the wrong genre. I'm not saying there are no gifted writers in the field, there are a few, but this is not the place to hunt down the next great world renown writer.

I mostly read this genre for a get-away, escapism, the books are simple , guilty pleasures.

Scott wrote: "Kevin wrote: ""One trick pony" comment. I'm not sure I follow the logic."

He picks some kind of establishment, usually one that people often have hostility or at least ambivalence towards (i.e. th..."

Yes, that's a selling gimmick, but The Summoning ,Dominion, The Walking, The Ignored do not fit that mold, nor does The House and a handful of others.

Authors tend to find a working hook and go for it, many authors do this, and many times it has to do with the business end of the deal. Musicians get caught in the same trap.

Take a good look at authors such as Christopher Moore and many others. I could post a long list here. They find a hook and run with it. It doesn't make them less enjoyable in my opinion. I look forward to new adventures in genres and styles I enjoy.

How many authors run a series into the dirt because it works? I'm pretty sure contracts come into play and expectations need to be met. Business and writing are a marriage unless you self publish.

Robert McCammon had quite a bit to say on this subject, and has posted his thoughts on line. I will try to hunt the open letter to his fans down.

I found this letter, but there's a better one where he threatens to quit writing altogether,
http://www.robertmccammon.com/article...

Here's where he threatens to quit writing.
http://www.robertmccammon.com/intervi...

Scott wrote: "He had a brilliant story in Hottest Blood called "Llama" but as far as his novels go, seems to be a one-trick pony."

Would you care to elaborate on the
"One trick pony" comment. I'm not sure I follow the logic.

Emma wrote: "Do we need to second nominations? If so, I second Mongrels."

One nomination is all that is needed. thanks.

OK, I'll chime in on this. I have been wanting to read Jeff Strands "Wolf Hunt" for some time now, so I'll toss it into the pile.

Wolf Hunt by Jeff Strand
Wolf Hunt