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mad_about_books's review
5.0
In the Introduction, by John M. McIlveen, John starts out by telling us that he is not a fan of the short story. That is a sentiment with which I concur... most of the time. Then along comes a Tony Tremblay who seems to have mastered the art of telling an entire story - beginning, middle and end - in a succinct and quite satisfying way. He also conveys creepy in his own special way. Any fan of horror and dark fantasy will understand what I mean. Without a special brand of creepy, the tropes become flat and repetitious. I rather like that Tony gives a bit of background for each of the stories in the collection. I find it interesting to know from whence the spark of inspiration comes.
My least favorite story in the collection is the long, first one, "The Strange Saga of Mattie Dyer." I was even a bit forewarned that I might not find it totally engaging from the introductory notes. It is very well written, and in its own way, as evocative as the rest; it's just not my particular cup of tea.
With each subsequent tale, I found that the I became more and more engaged with the excellent portrayal of both people and situations. I believe that one of the reasons for Stephen King's enduring popularity is his ability to engage his readers in his characters' lives. This is the way I felt about Tony Tremblay's characters. They weren't figments of some guy's imagination, they were real, flesh and blood people. This ability allows suspension of disbelief even in the most incredible situations. It is a talent that separates the author who is an artist from the one who is not.
There are thirteen stories in THE SEEDS OF NIGHTMARES that run the gamut of horror and dark fantasy tropes, yet each one is a fresh new take that captures the imagination. It is difficult for me to pick a favorite story because as I read each one, my thought was this one is even better than the last. This is a collection that belongs in every genre enthusiasts library, and up and coming writers could learn a thing or two from reading them.
I received a copy of THE SEEDS OF NIGHTMARES from the author for review.
My least favorite story in the collection is the long, first one, "The Strange Saga of Mattie Dyer." I was even a bit forewarned that I might not find it totally engaging from the introductory notes. It is very well written, and in its own way, as evocative as the rest; it's just not my particular cup of tea.
With each subsequent tale, I found that the I became more and more engaged with the excellent portrayal of both people and situations. I believe that one of the reasons for Stephen King's enduring popularity is his ability to engage his readers in his characters' lives. This is the way I felt about Tony Tremblay's characters. They weren't figments of some guy's imagination, they were real, flesh and blood people. This ability allows suspension of disbelief even in the most incredible situations. It is a talent that separates the author who is an artist from the one who is not.
There are thirteen stories in THE SEEDS OF NIGHTMARES that run the gamut of horror and dark fantasy tropes, yet each one is a fresh new take that captures the imagination. It is difficult for me to pick a favorite story because as I read each one, my thought was this one is even better than the last. This is a collection that belongs in every genre enthusiasts library, and up and coming writers could learn a thing or two from reading them.
I received a copy of THE SEEDS OF NIGHTMARES from the author for review.
charshorrorcorner's review
5.0
4.5 stars!
The Seeds of Nightmares is a collection of wide variety and scope. It truly stands above most other collections and anthologies I've read this year, or any other year, really. Rarely is it that I am so impressed with an author with whom I was totally unfamiliar.
Nearly every story in the book worked for me, but these are the ones that made the strongest impressions:
Stardust Amazing, sad and beautiful, this story of twins with an abusive father will stick with you for a long time. Maybe even forever.
The Strange Saga of Mattie Dyer When I met Tony and bought this book last October, he signed it with the warning "Stay away from the holes." I didn't know what the hell he was talking about, but last week, (after a late night book buying spree), I read this story and it all became clear. This tale is definitely in my top ten short stories of all time, just because it's so strange and original. Plus, the author doesn't spoil it all by trying to over explain things. Once you read it, you'll see. In the meantime, stay away from the holes.
The Soldiers Wife I'm not sure why short stories about soldiers work well for me, but they do. At first, I was comparing this story to Robert McCammon's Nightcrawlers, (from his Blue World collection), and then The Soldier's Wife took such a twisted turn, I gasped out loud. Well done!
An Alabama Christmas This was another poignant tale that nearly broke my heart.
Lastly, Husband of Kellie Extremely short, but packing a punch that will knock you right out.
The Seeds of Nightmares made an impact on me due to its originality and the author's skill. It takes a special kind of talent to write stories with staying power, and Mr. Tremblay has that talent, in spades.
You can get a copy here: The Seeds of Nightmares
*I paid for this book with my hard earned money, and Mr. Tremblay did sign it for me. Even though I consider him to be an online friend, this did not affect the content of my review. *
The Seeds of Nightmares is a collection of wide variety and scope. It truly stands above most other collections and anthologies I've read this year, or any other year, really. Rarely is it that I am so impressed with an author with whom I was totally unfamiliar.
Nearly every story in the book worked for me, but these are the ones that made the strongest impressions:
Stardust Amazing, sad and beautiful, this story of twins with an abusive father will stick with you for a long time. Maybe even forever.
The Strange Saga of Mattie Dyer When I met Tony and bought this book last October, he signed it with the warning "Stay away from the holes." I didn't know what the hell he was talking about, but last week, (after a late night book buying spree), I read this story and it all became clear. This tale is definitely in my top ten short stories of all time, just because it's so strange and original. Plus, the author doesn't spoil it all by trying to over explain things. Once you read it, you'll see. In the meantime, stay away from the holes.
The Soldiers Wife I'm not sure why short stories about soldiers work well for me, but they do. At first, I was comparing this story to Robert McCammon's Nightcrawlers, (from his Blue World collection), and then The Soldier's Wife took such a twisted turn, I gasped out loud. Well done!
An Alabama Christmas This was another poignant tale that nearly broke my heart.
Lastly, Husband of Kellie Extremely short, but packing a punch that will knock you right out.
The Seeds of Nightmares made an impact on me due to its originality and the author's skill. It takes a special kind of talent to write stories with staying power, and Mr. Tremblay has that talent, in spades.
You can get a copy here: The Seeds of Nightmares
*I paid for this book with my hard earned money, and Mr. Tremblay did sign it for me. Even though I consider him to be an online friend, this did not affect the content of my review. *
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