I started more books than I finished this month. As I mentioned in my last writing update, I found myself in a rut with horror. While many people read the genre during October, I find myself losing interest. That said, the last three books I read were extreme horror, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Frankenstein: Dead and Alive by Dean Koontz

I was eager to read the final book in Koontz’s original Frankenstein trilogy, but ultimately, I was disappointed. First, let me say this 1267-page trilogy could easily have been a single 500-page novel, as it was full of superfluity. Then there was the ending. After reading all that, I was hoping for a satisfying ending. Instead, it felt rushed and provided little catharsis. Don’t get me started on the character Jocko. One of the only saving graces was that the main protagonists had little to do in this novel, freeing me from their cringey banter. It had so much potential, just poor execution.

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

I dislike 95% of urban fantasy, but Neil Gaiman does it right. I know that whenever I pick up one of his books, I’m in for an adventure. His language is both lyrical and whimsical, an absolute treat to read. This novel takes place in London Below, a land of magic and danger beneath the British metropolis. A kind act inadvertently sends Richard Mayhew into this strange realm. This was a page turner as I eagerly explored Gaiman’s creation, sometimes with a smile on my face, others as I gripped the book with white knuckles.

Flesh Gothic by Edward Lee

This is the third book I’ve read by Edward Lee. The first one I loved, the second I liked. This one fit somewhere in the middle. I was eager to see his take on haunted houses and for the most part, I got what I wanted. Typical for Lee, everything is over the top and I love it. What takes me out of haunted house stories is the appearance of paranormal investigators. This book is centered around them (in this case psychics), but even that I found tolerable. That said, the book was a bit long for something so extreme, and by the last page, I was worn out.

Abhorrent Faith by John Baltisberger

After thoroughly enjoying Abhorrent Siren, I was eager to read its sequel. What I got was something I didn’t expect, but was blown away, nonetheless. Concurrent with the first book, it takes place at a synagogue where the community’s faith leaders are meeting. Things are interrupted when a deranged pastor arrives, seeing the strange mutations (from the first book) as a sign of the end, and attempts to “save” the “heathens”. This is so much more than a horror book. It takes a stand against intolerance and bigotry and seethes with anger about these injustices. It’s amazing what this novella can do in 143 pages.

Mania (Revised Edition) by Lucas Mangum

Lucas Mangum is fast becoming my favorite extreme horror author. This novella, out of all his books I’ve read, might be the best. A director seeks to make a film whose script is reportedly cursed. Disaster upon disaster befalls the film, all leading to a dark Hollywood secret. It brought to mind Ramsey Campbell’s incredible Ancient Images. This novella is lean in the best sort of way, not an unnecessary word to be found, and grips you all the way until the last page. The short story at the end, almost like an epilogue, was the cherry on top.

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Keep reading!

Tchau,

Zé