Posts Tagged ‘fiction’
Originally posted: June 3, 2006 @ 11:45pm PST
Published: 1994 (re-print 2001)
Pages: 503
"Dear Jane,
Come and play with me. For further instructions, look homeward, angel. You’ll be glad you did.
Warmest Regards,
MOG (Master of Games)."
I have to admit that when I first saw In The Dark
I wasn’t all that impressed. The cover wasn’t particularly striking, nor was the title all that inspiring. I’d like the other Richard Laymon books I’d read so far and this convinced me to go ahead and give it a shot. I’m extremely glad I did.
The story is relatively straight-forward. The main character is Jane Kerry, a rather nondescript young librarian for the Donnerville Public Library. One night she stays late in order to close the place and that is the same night she finds the envelope the blocky letters of her name written on it. Inside she finds $50 and the note above preceding this review. From this moment on the paranoia begins to creep into her life and throughout the remainder of the book she never manages to shake it. This leads her through some of the most teeth-grindingly anxious pages of fiction I’ve read to date…
On this same night, Jane is startled to find that Brace Paxton had remained in the library late, as well. The subject of her note from MOG comes up and Brace helps her to solve the first riddle of the game. From here they set out on a date and even against Jane’s better instincts, a relationship between the two of them begins to blossom. Of course, as the game goes on, the stakes get higher terms of both reward and risk.
There’s was a certain uniqueness about this novel for me. I didn’t like Jane a bit. There were many times when I felt that if I’d known her in person there would be no way I could keep myself from screaming obscenities at her. Laymon casts her at first as a somewhat indecisive gal who’s insanely curious with a strong streak of defiance running throughout her personality. Not only is she somewhat of a nerd, she’s not much of an athlete, either. None of these things are that big of a deal unless you’re taking on the kind of risks that common street thug would have the presence of mind to think twice about.
It’s difficult to define just how grating Jane’s personality is. She’s not after the money, even though she likes it. She’s simply got something to prove to herself. Apparently what she’s trying to prove is that she possesses some level of rational thought and doesn’t have an overshadowing inferiority complex. I found her decisions to be incredibly frustrating throughout most of the book but she does develop over time so I suppose I should give her some token credit. Honestly, though it felt like Jane was on some quest to join the BDSM scene the entire time.
Fortunately for me the villain of In the Dark is much more interesting. I’m obviously not going to give away who this person is but I can tell you that I was extremely pleased to see him once he was revealed. I enjoy the clever villain and it’s even better if he’s somewhat of a sarcastic jerk (when you don’t like the hero). MOG devises some of the most torturous scenarios that are genuinely freaky and Jane volunteers herself to go through each situation. See? You can’t even really blame MOG. He’s simply an archetype of the devil, never forcing his victim to do anything, merely luring them in and then outsmarting them – repeatedly. Three cheers for MOG for keeping things interesting!
I find it fascinating that this book was first written in 1994. The game element of the story really reminded me of some sort of reality show, yet those weren’t so popular at the time of this book’s first publication. There’s a definite element of voyeurism within these pages. We witness the inner conflicts of Jane from a first-person perspective, we get to see how she comes to her decisions, not just the results of those decisions. It’s a real statement about what certain people will put themselves through and how many times, being the victim is a choice.
This book was difficult to put down. I found myself constantly looking forward to each new challenge from MOG. Watch for the scene in the mansion and you’ll see what I mean by "genuinely freaky". As always there’s the copious sex and gore required from any Laymon novel, but there’s also a solid dose of humor that comes in watching the jumpy Jane continually guess incorrectly who MOG is and make an ass out herself leaping to conclusions. A seriously fun read with the lightest touch of seriousness. It’s one of those books I found myself babbling to my friends about, knowing full well I’d be ruining the story for them later but being too carried away by enthusiasm to care.
In the end I have to give this novel a 4 out of 5. Why? Because I don’t like seeing dogs portrayed negatively and I don’t like Jane.
Originally published: June 4, 2006 @ 12:30pm PST
Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord. And the Lord said unto Satan, From whence cometh thou? And Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
- Job, 2:1-2
You may have heard of a little book called The Amityville Horror or perhaps you recall the film based on the book. The author of this book was none other than Jay Anson. 666 is Anson’s second book. If you enjoyed The Amityville Horror (as I did), you just might like 666 even more.
When I first chanced upon this novel, I had no idea the real life horror that lie ahead waiting for me…
One day, when I was 12, I was nosing around in my parents garage. I have no idea now what I was looking for then, except maybe a cure for my summertime boredom – a cure which I found in the pages of this novel. I came across an old, yellowing laundry basket filled with books. Close to the top I saw the cover of 666 and instantly knew I had to read it. I took it in the house and later that night I began reading. Once I started, I didn’t want to stop, thus I finished the novel rather quickly. When I was done reading I was more than impressed with the story and recommended, as well as lent, it to a friend of mine.
I went to retrieve 666 and and was informed:
"Uhm… yeah… I don’t have it."
"What?!"
"Well, My mom saw it and threw it in the trash because she said it was evil."
"You idiot! How could you let her do that?! It wasn’t even my book!"
For me, I don’t know which was scarier… the actual story or the fear of my dad finding out that his book, which I didn’t ask to borrow, got discarded by some religious nut. Until that point, I had no idea the apocalyptic terror the title referred to. When I saw it, I wasn’t drawn to the numbers (this was the hardbound edition) so much as my curiousity was piqued by the gothic doorknocker on the cover. So with 06-06-06 coming up I was reminded of this book and thought, "Hey, why not do a review of my favorite book for Happy Horror?"
Within 666 there is the blending of two major stories. One taking you to a modern couple, Keith and Jennifer and the dynamics of their relationship. The other involves an ancient, diabolical evil manifesting itself in our reality.
Keith, a blue-collar business man, and his wife Jennifer, a struggling interior designer, come from two different value sets. Over and over again they fail at understanding each other. They move to a new location, in the hopes of a better life, but Jennifer finds it harder to maintain the career she once enjoyed while the prospects for business get better for Keith. Her only link to the high-class cosmopolitan world of fine arts, antiques and design is her platonic friend David Carmichael. David doesn’t see his relationship with Jennifer quite the same as she does. As the story unravels, strange things happen with these three souls.
When Keith and Jennifer arrive back home after their vaction, they notice a house has suddenly sprung up, across the gully from theirs, at 666 Sunset Brook Lane. The arrival of this house sparks the interest of all three characters. Keith, being a carpenter, wonders how a building could be constructed so quickly and wanders in, Jennifer has the hope of being able to help the new tenants of the house decorate the inside, and David is fascinated with an item found within the house. It is the house, as well as its history, that really launches the beginning of this story and it is here you will find the book rich with visuals.
As far as highlights go, the house was a favorite aspect of the book. Anson does an excellent job with its description, as well as the innerworkings of it. He creates an aura of mystery and foreboding ambience. He managed to pinpoint the little details that spark my fascination and desire to continue reading, while still allowing for plenty of pondering.
Watch out for the villian in 666 and note the prowress with which he invisibly orchestrates the evil; how the vulnerbilities of those that fear the unknown are exposed. The stress unleashed within will test the characters’ breaking points, pushing them to the brink of their own sanity. How far will they go? How far would you go?
It is always hard to come by one of those novels, or really any form of entertainment, that I don’t want to stop enjoying. With 666 I have found something that will always be a pleasure to partake of, and for that alone I rate it 5 out of 5.
I extend my most cordial invitation for you to join me in visiting 666 Sunset Brook Lane.
Originally posted: June 01, 2006 @ 11:33pm PST
Carrie (first published 1974)
by Stephen King
192 pages
"After all those years of laughing at Carrie, what else could you do?" – Sue Snell, in Carrie
As most of you probably already know, Carrie is the first published novel of Stephen King. It was the spark that would ignite his rocket-like rise from an aspiring writer slaving at blue-collar work to an internationally best-selling author. You may also know that the original manuscript for Carrie had to be fished out of the trashcan by his wife Tabitha King during one of the lower moments in his life. One small act of sincere encouragement that literally altered the course of both their lives and our world…
I first read this book in late 2003. It was the first Stephen King book I’d ever attempted and completed, even though I’d seen several movies based on his work. From the moment I began, I was hooked. Not only is the story told with a variety of narrative voices (first-person, third-person, etc) but it also utilizes fictional interviews, excerpts from newspapers and scientific journals. This helps draw you into the story, really creating a much more believable feel. The details line up just right to tell a story that’s horrifying more on an emotional level than a visceral one.
The story of Carietta "Carrie" White is a common enough one, on the surface. She comes from a single parent family, raised solely by her mother Margaret White after the death of her father. She is a student at Thomas Ewen High School in the small town of Chamberlain, Maine. She is poor and not particularly attractive or popular. Essentially, she is an outcast – a reject, really.
If we look deeper we find that even before she ever set foot in school, Carrie was first rejected by her own mother. Despised might be a more accurate word. Carrie’s mother, Margaret White, is a puritanical Christian who is so insanely zealous about her own religious convictions that over time she’s crafted them into a sort of weapon. She feels that nearly everything her daughter does is a sin and that Carrie is actually a product of sin. The abuse revealed in the pages of this book is not so far from reality and that is perhaps one of the most disturbing aspects of the story for me. To see an innocent child literally flogged with abstract guilt and constantly made to feel worthless sheds some light on why Carrie might be willing to take similar (even if far lighter) abuse from her schoolmates. Their taunting, while terrible, is almost a relief in comparison to that which her mother doles out daily.
The sickest thing is that Carries does try to fight back. She does rebel and she does attempt to become her own person with the help of her sympathetic friend, Susan Snell. Even against her mother’s wishes, she makes her own gown and attends the famed prom that’s become such a part of popular culture’s mythology.
Sue Snell is a very important part of Carrie. She has known Carrie since they were both little girls and observed first-hand the insanity of her mother. Later, during one of the first scenes in the book, however, she too takes part in humiliating Carrie along with the other girls in her class. This is such a valid observation of the popular mindset of high school. Many people participate in the debasement of those on the lower end of the social heirarchy, even though they know it is wrong. Sue does go on to redeem herself, but it’s fair to wonder if things might’ve gone differently if Carrie had just one friend to stick up for her during such a traumatic moment. This question occurs many times throughout the book: what if things had gone differently? In many ways, I feel that Carrie carries (heh) the message that there is never time for what-if’s or chances to undo what you’ve deliberately done so the time to take responsibility for one’s actions is always now.
Carrie’s special powers (telekinesis and some telepathy) were of secondary interest to me. These come into play during brief moments throughout the book but really take center stage during the climax and ensuing finale. There’s no real thrill of vengeance here because even if those who’ve either actively or passively participated in her degradation do get what they deserve, it doesn’t matter. It’s too late for Carrie, she’s taken far more than anyone should ever be expected to. It’s interesting to see what becomes of Sue Snell as well, even though she survives the books closing events.
You might be interested to know that Carrie is one of the most frequently banned books in U.S. school libraries. In an era where we witness news spectacles such as Columbine and other school shootings only to hear them blamed on books (and other media) like this one, it might not be a bad idea to read Carrie once again. Kids are still dealing with the same issues and adults are still ignoring it. Thirty-two years after it’s first publication, Carrie remains strikingly relevant and that is a feat that fully deserves 5 out of 5!
It has come to my attention that several people consider Richard Laymon to have been misogynistic in his writings. Well, I’m here to set the record straight from my point of view (Note that I am in no way an offical spokesperson for the late writer just a long-time, concerned fan).
It is true that many of Laymon’s heroines find themseleves in less than ideal circumstances. It’s true, also, that most of the antagonistic males in his stories could definitely fall under the misogynistic umbrella. However, it is the circumstances these antagonists set up for these heroines that make for the best stories: their experiences toughen them, make them stronger and better prepared for the final battle.
As an example I point to the previously reviewed In the Dark. (Editor’s note: We will be re-posting this article soon as part of our site re-vamp and a link will be provided. Thank you!) Our heroine, through the course of the games that M.O.G. puts her through, becomes stronger and better able to handle herself as the games progress and become increasingly dangerous. It is my firm belief that had she been sent to one of the later games earlier she would have either backed out then or, worse, become a prisoner herself.
Next we look at Blood Games, where a group of five women find themselves in the heart of redneck country investigating the site of a major massacre. It’s through both the events at Totem Pole Lodge and through flashbacks that we find out how strong and capable these women are.
The fact of the matter is this: a strong story needs both a strong protagonist AND antagonist. Laymon’s protagonist just seem to be, more often than not, women. If we look to the history of horror movies there’s a long tradition of women being tested and overcoming their adversaries. Nancy Thompson from Nightmare on Elm Street, Laurie from Halloween, Sarah Connor from The Terminator (a fine example of how experience can change a person) and the list goes on. Oftentimes, the heroine will be alone as she fights the villain, her closest male lead having already been dispatched or incapacitated.
Well, that’s the end of my rant. My point and summary is this: Laymon put his women through hell not to torture them, but to make it all the more rewarding when the time comes for the final showdown. The worse they have it, the more you sympathize and the better you feel when the enemy gets his comeuppance.
Thanks for taking the time to read my effort to get this issue off my chest. I’d love to hear your opinions, too, because this site’s for all of us!
So until I wrestle with my next disturbing issue, this is Red Hawk signing off!
Originally Posted: May 21, 2006 @ 08:20am PST
Nightblood by T. Chris Martindale
I just finished reading this book for the second time, and it was just as good this time as it was the first time I read it. This is, without a doubt, one of the best vampire novels I’ve read. The story itself bears some similarities to Salem’s Lot in that a vampire starts taking over a small town drastically reducing the population in the process, but the similarities pretty much stop there.
The main hero of the book, Chris Stiles, is a Vietnam Vet who has a mission: his brother, Alex was killed by a supernatural evil (referred to only as The Enemy) and Stiles has to try to hunt down that evil so his brother’s soul can rest. To do this he has help from his brother’s ghost – his spirit tunes in on a threat that could be what did him in and he relays this to Stiles who has to go there to deal with whatever the fiend is, uprooting whatever life he’s established in the process.
The story starts as Stiles receives a briefing from Alex, telling him to go to Isherwood, Indiana. When he gets there he checks out the town, looking for the name Danner, Alex’s clue for him. He finds the name belonged to someone who was supposed to have slaughtered his own family decades before at a family estate right outside of town. Stiles arrives just as two boys, Del and Bart, are being chased by a vampire. After disabling the vampire (shooting his leg off and practically blowing off his head) he tends to the boys, explaining how the threat’s over as, contrary to the legends, a vampire is just a reanimated corpse with no regenerative or transformative abilities. The next day he goes back to the grounds and finds that the nightmare might not be as over as he originally thought…
I first read Nightblood about 10 years ago when I was in high school. After I read it I loaned it to a friend of mine who was into the military and he enjoyed it immensely, also. The characterization is really well-done – in some cases, you get the feeling that some of the people who’ve been turned want their fate to end, yet are powerless to stop it. The living characters really live, as well. In my printing of the book (1990), it even includes a map of the town that the events take place in with notable locations marked so you can locate what happens and where while reading.
All in all, an excellent read, one I wholeheartedly recommend. I rate this a 5 out of 5.
