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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
Thank you to Calvin Demmer for sending me a copy of his flash fiction collection, The Sea was a Fair Master, in exchange for a honest review.
I haven’t read much flash fiction so I didn’t know what to expect from this collection. It promised a variety of tales dealing with delicious delights such as murder, crime, loss, and revenge, amongst other things.
Overall I found it delivered what was promised, and I enjoyed this wide range of stories. There was a good selection of genres; from horror and science-fiction, to the surreal and fantastical. As with the majority of collections, depending on the reader, there will be some stories that will appeal more than others, but there is definitely something here for everyone.
The opening story was strong and helped set the mood for a quiet, mysterious horror style that hints at larger forces at work, but then Demmer quickly switches it up with a simple and brutal story, ensuring the reader stays on their toes.
Saying that I wished some of these were longer probably sounds like a criticism to short story/flash fiction writers, but I actually mean it as a compliment, there were a few glimpses into different worlds, and visits to various characters’ lives, that I would like to see more of or revisit.
One of these was the story, Trashcan Sam, which I thought was a quirky insight into the “Funky Vibes Garbage Society” and overall was a fun tale with a splash of horror that I enjoyed immensely. Another stand out for me was Hangman and the given into a typical class of “Extreme English”.
Not every story left me wanting more and there was the odd one that I could either see the end coming or I felt a bit rough around the edges such as was the case for Underneath and Noisy Neighbours.
I think Demmer really shines when tip-toeing that edge between reality and the surreal and adding his own touch of grim horror.
TL;DR – Calvin Demmer’s flash fiction collection is a showcase of his talent for the short form and with its variety of genres will have something for every reader even if the odd story verges on predictable.
4**** (out of 5*****)
I haven’t read much flash fiction so I didn’t know what to expect from this collection. It promised a variety of tales dealing with delicious delights such as murder, crime, loss, and revenge, amongst other things.
Overall I found it delivered what was promised, and I enjoyed this wide range of stories. There was a good selection of genres; from horror and science-fiction, to the surreal and fantastical. As with the majority of collections, depending on the reader, there will be some stories that will appeal more than others, but there is definitely something here for everyone.
The opening story was strong and helped set the mood for a quiet, mysterious horror style that hints at larger forces at work, but then Demmer quickly switches it up with a simple and brutal story, ensuring the reader stays on their toes.
Saying that I wished some of these were longer probably sounds like a criticism to short story/flash fiction writers, but I actually mean it as a compliment, there were a few glimpses into different worlds, and visits to various characters’ lives, that I would like to see more of or revisit.
One of these was the story, Trashcan Sam, which I thought was a quirky insight into the “Funky Vibes Garbage Society” and overall was a fun tale with a splash of horror that I enjoyed immensely. Another stand out for me was Hangman and the given into a typical class of “Extreme English”.
Not every story left me wanting more and there was the odd one that I could either see the end coming or I felt a bit rough around the edges such as was the case for Underneath and Noisy Neighbours.
I think Demmer really shines when tip-toeing that edge between reality and the surreal and adding his own touch of grim horror.
TL;DR – Calvin Demmer’s flash fiction collection is a showcase of his talent for the short form and with its variety of genres will have something for every reader even if the odd story verges on predictable.
4**** (out of 5*****)
My goodness. I devoured this book of short stories in no time at all. I couldn't read fast enough and when I was done, I wanted more! My favorite haunt was "Restroom Finds." I would read that as a full novel! Really, all of them would catch my eye as novels but there's something very special about them being short stories and they were appreciated as they are. So interesting, the way they're written in completion with such few words.
As we know, I'm no stranger to tearing up while reading a horror novel. My heart aches for some of the characters I've met over the years and this book was not left from that. There were a couple of stories that actually had me feeling so many emotions; primarily sadness as I fought off a tear or few.
I loved this little book and would recommend to anyone looking for proper, unsettling horror.
Well done, my friend.
As we know, I'm no stranger to tearing up while reading a horror novel. My heart aches for some of the characters I've met over the years and this book was not left from that. There were a couple of stories that actually had me feeling so many emotions; primarily sadness as I fought off a tear or few.
I loved this little book and would recommend to anyone looking for proper, unsettling horror.
Well done, my friend.
Full review on my blog
** Disclaimer: I have received a copy of this book from the author for review purpose. This has in no way, shape or form affected my opinion on it **
I genuinely liked how much variety there was in that collection! Perfect for a book hangover, as the stories don’t really stay in the same “thought process” and don’t go in the same direction.
On some cases the ending could be foreseen, while some had the shock effect – which was really well done, i physically had put my hand over my mouth a few times upon realizing what some endings had meant. Tiny detail, though I don’t read horror, i would put it more into gore category; as it didn’t had that “i am scared” effect.
** Disclaimer: I have received a copy of this book from the author for review purpose. This has in no way, shape or form affected my opinion on it **
I genuinely liked how much variety there was in that collection! Perfect for a book hangover, as the stories don’t really stay in the same “thought process” and don’t go in the same direction.
On some cases the ending could be foreseen, while some had the shock effect – which was really well done, i physically had put my hand over my mouth a few times upon realizing what some endings had meant. Tiny detail, though I don’t read horror, i would put it more into gore category; as it didn’t had that “i am scared” effect.
I have never read flash fiction before, let alone horror flash fiction.
I was a bit worried to say the least. I have in the past suggested I needed more from Demmer's short stories. So, I cautiously began reading this on my lunch breaks at work. And you know what? I really liked it. They were short, to the point, and developed enough that I was satisfied.
Some of my favorites: The Peeper, Evolution, Spanish and Hangman.
I like it when Demmer delves into the criminal justice field, so far I have enjoyed the 2 stories I have read from him where the characters are involved with keeping order. The Peeper dims the heroism of those who are meant to shine the light.
Evolution reminded me why I don't like dark alleys or being alone in parking lots. It was a salty warning to be on guard. And that trust needs to be earned.
Spanish was an interesting twist to what might go swish, swish in the depths of the rivers and the secrets dark places can hide.
Hangman was kind of my favorite because it dealt with EXTREME ENGLISH. Death by poor word choices and limited vocabulary.
If you like dark stories and need a quick word bite then this might fit your needs.
On a side note, I dig the cover. It reminds me of something I've seen before, but can't quite remember.
https://cellardoorbooks.wordpress.com/2018/06/10/the-sea-was-a-fair-master-calvin-demmer/
I was a bit worried to say the least. I have in the past suggested I needed more from Demmer's short stories. So, I cautiously began reading this on my lunch breaks at work. And you know what? I really liked it. They were short, to the point, and developed enough that I was satisfied.
Some of my favorites: The Peeper, Evolution, Spanish and Hangman.
I like it when Demmer delves into the criminal justice field, so far I have enjoyed the 2 stories I have read from him where the characters are involved with keeping order. The Peeper dims the heroism of those who are meant to shine the light.
Evolution reminded me why I don't like dark alleys or being alone in parking lots. It was a salty warning to be on guard. And that trust needs to be earned.
Spanish was an interesting twist to what might go swish, swish in the depths of the rivers and the secrets dark places can hide.
Hangman was kind of my favorite because it dealt with EXTREME ENGLISH. Death by poor word choices and limited vocabulary.
If you like dark stories and need a quick word bite then this might fit your needs.
On a side note, I dig the cover. It reminds me of something I've seen before, but can't quite remember.
https://cellardoorbooks.wordpress.com/2018/06/10/the-sea-was-a-fair-master-calvin-demmer/
The Sea was a Fair Master is the second collection of stories I've read from Calvin Demmer. So, I knew to expect masterful short stories-- but could Flash Fiction be just as good? Usually there's just not enough words in flash fiction to really wow me. I was thoroughly impressed, however, with the range and depth of these stories. This is the threshold of which I will judge all other Flash Fiction hence forth!
Not all the stories were about the Sea, but the first story, 2 in the middle, and the last story delt with the Sea, rounding out the collection nicely and bring all the stories into one cohesive stormy mood. My favorite stories were all the sea stories , TrashCan Sam, and The Snakes or Humans. It was hard to narrow it down to even these though.
Not all the stories were about the Sea, but the first story, 2 in the middle, and the last story delt with the Sea, rounding out the collection nicely and bring all the stories into one cohesive stormy mood. My favorite stories were all the sea stories , TrashCan Sam, and The Snakes or Humans. It was hard to narrow it down to even these though.
dark
fast-paced
"On these dark-blue waves, it is the sea who is judge, jury, and executioner. This is another realm, where forgiveness doesn't exist as on land and where spirits do not find freedom among the clouds. Here, they ride the currents of forever."
The Sea Was A Fair Master comprises of 23 short stories ranging from horror to fantasy to sci-fi. This was my first time reading a collection of flash fiction where the stories ranged from 2-10 pages. Each story tackled different themes like death, love, grief, murder, revenge, and greed. With so few words, Demmer managed to evoke some kind of emotion within each story. My favourites included:
🦈 Restroom Finds
🦈 Voodoo Child
🦈 The Snakes or The Humans?
🦈 Hangman
🦈 Graves
🦈 Noisy Neighbours
Let's be real, this is a solid collection and hard to narrow down my favourites to a few because they were all amazing (also I kind of forgot what some of them were about) 😅 I definitely recommend this book!
The Sea Was A Fair Master comprises of 23 short stories ranging from horror to fantasy to sci-fi. This was my first time reading a collection of flash fiction where the stories ranged from 2-10 pages. Each story tackled different themes like death, love, grief, murder, revenge, and greed. With so few words, Demmer managed to evoke some kind of emotion within each story. My favourites included:
🦈 Restroom Finds
🦈 Voodoo Child
🦈 The Snakes or The Humans?
🦈 Hangman
🦈 Graves
🦈 Noisy Neighbours
Let's be real, this is a solid collection and hard to narrow down my favourites to a few because they were all amazing (also I kind of forgot what some of them were about) 😅 I definitely recommend this book!
The sea is a fair master is a collection of short horror stories. Very short stories. They are like little bite size appetizers. Each one with a different twist or some shock value.
I’m very picky about horror, but this type of stories really appealed to me. There is some gore, but not excessively. I would say that it focuses on the human condition and how terrifying that can be.
Some of the stories I chuckled at (this review is written by someone with a dark sense of humour) and others required a surprised oooh at the end. There were some that had a twist that I could see coming a mile off, but they were still satisfying when they arrived.
My favourite of the stories is Trashcan Sam, Yara and On the Seventh Day. The last one reminded me of The Ghost Pirates by William Hope Hodgson who happens to be my favourite horror writer. The collection also reminded me of the Fireside Mystery Theatre.
To sum up my thoughts: They are skillfully written chilling tales that I enjoyed very much.
I’m very picky about horror, but this type of stories really appealed to me. There is some gore, but not excessively. I would say that it focuses on the human condition and how terrifying that can be.
Some of the stories I chuckled at (this review is written by someone with a dark sense of humour) and others required a surprised oooh at the end. There were some that had a twist that I could see coming a mile off, but they were still satisfying when they arrived.
My favourite of the stories is Trashcan Sam, Yara and On the Seventh Day. The last one reminded me of The Ghost Pirates by William Hope Hodgson who happens to be my favourite horror writer. The collection also reminded me of the Fireside Mystery Theatre.
To sum up my thoughts: They are skillfully written chilling tales that I enjoyed very much.
This is a great collection of creepy, unsettling and thought provoking vignettes. Fantastic.
On these dark blue waves, it is the sea who is judge, jury, and executioner.
I'd heard so much praise within the horror blogging circles I run over this collection that, when I was offered the chance to review The Sea Was a Fair Master, it was a no-brainer—I immediately said yes! I've always been very fond of flash fiction (if you're not familiar, it's just really short stories!), but it's difficult to write, and even more difficult to write well. Thankfully, Calvin does an amazing job and I was not disappointed at all!
While I enjoyed all of the stories (minus 2, I think, that missed the mark a little with me), I definitely had some stand-out favorites, so I'll make it quick and name those off for anyone curious:
→ Restroom Finds: This packed such a fun twist into only a few pages and I loved the description and setting!
→ Fear the Clowns: The ending on this one is so subtle it took me a second to catch, but wow, did I love it!
→ Voodoo Child: Creepy kids, man, you can never trust 'em.
→ The Guests: I don't know where I thought this was going, but it was NOT where we ended up, and I literally laughed out loud in surprise at the ending. FLAWLESS. Easily my #1 fave of the bunch!
Altogether, Fair Master is such a fun read and I absolutely recommend picking up a copy, whether you're a long-time lover of flash fiction or brand new to the style—you can't go wrong with this collection.
Thank you so much to Calvin Demmer for sending me a review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts!
Received from Author
It was such a pleasant surprise reading The Sea Was a Fair Master. I don’t read many short stories, usually preferring full length novels, but I seriously loves this one.
The stories were very unique, there is post-apocalyptic, zombies, ghost, sci.fi, crimi and love. One thing that they all have in common is that all of them are very vivid, they spring from the pages and the writing it’s very good. :)
It’s amazing how in just few paragraph the whole story comes to life and who you can be thoroughly scared with so little words. :)
It was such a pleasant surprise reading The Sea Was a Fair Master. I don’t read many short stories, usually preferring full length novels, but I seriously loves this one.
The stories were very unique, there is post-apocalyptic, zombies, ghost, sci.fi, crimi and love. One thing that they all have in common is that all of them are very vivid, they spring from the pages and the writing it’s very good. :)
It’s amazing how in just few paragraph the whole story comes to life and who you can be thoroughly scared with so little words. :)