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dnemec's review
3.0
This is the fourth in a series of five Halloween Carnivals. Like the others, the anthology features 5 different authors and are centered on Halloween.
This installment features some great authors - Kealan Patrick Burke, Ray Garton, Bev Vincent - with some interesting stories. Generally, I can see where a story is going, but several of these endings surprised me. I really enjoyed the Ray Garton tale "Across the Tracks," wherein the candy is not always better on the other side of the tracks. And sometimes you see things you don't want to and weren't intended to. I also enjoyed Bev Vincent's The Halloween Tree. Gotta love a story where the "bad guy" is a tree!
Another great anthology from Brian Freeman!
This installment features some great authors - Kealan Patrick Burke, Ray Garton, Bev Vincent - with some interesting stories. Generally, I can see where a story is going, but several of these endings surprised me. I really enjoyed the Ray Garton tale "Across the Tracks," wherein the candy is not always better on the other side of the tracks. And sometimes you see things you don't want to and weren't intended to. I also enjoyed Bev Vincent's The Halloween Tree. Gotta love a story where the "bad guy" is a tree!
Another great anthology from Brian Freeman!
mad_about_books's review
4.0
Reviewing short stories is hard. There is a part of the review process that relies heavily on the visceral impression of the tale. Although all the stories in this book are basically of a theme, each stands on its own, complete in every respect, including that visceral thing that says great or good or it's just OK.
As I read the anthologies edited by Brian James Freeman, I have come to appreciate the short story form more just by recognizing the individuality of each narrative and its author. No doubt, he knows how to pick just the right stories to fit whatever theme the book presents. Each volume of HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL presents five different perspectives on a holiday that is at once fun and games, and mayhem and terror.
THE MANNEQUIN CHALLENGE by Kealan Patrick Burke
The lengths to which some folks will go to prove a point, a cruel point, is astonishing. (4.5 stars)
ACROSS THE TRACKS by Ray Garton
Some stories lead you down the proverbial garden path of horror, complete with nerds and bully boys, and then, just when you expect one outcome, wham! A different, and somewhat confusing end. It's still a 4 for good writing. (4 stars)
THE HALLOWEEN TREE by Bev Vincent
I can relate. For me it was a small hole in the concrete directly over a putrid canal in Brooklyn. Children have enough sense to follow their instincts. They haven't been jaded by adulthood. When you 'follow your gut,' you are channeling your inner child. This tale of tween boys is both scary and heartwarming, (5 stars)
PUMPKIN EATER by C. A. Suleiman
Tastes differ. Husbands and wives are often mirror images of each other. One may obsessively love Halloween while the other can take it or leave it. Whose side are you on? (5 stars)
WHEN THE LEAVES FALL by Paul Melniczek
There is that old saying about leaving the best for last… well, I didn't find that to be so here. Melniczek has written a long tale that, at times, gets the adrenaline pumping with anticipation, but you never quite know why. It's hard to say more without giving it all away. (3 stars)
I have to say that this is the first time I've come away from a Brian James Freeman anthology not wanting to read more by every author featured. It is always important to keep in mind that all of this is one woman's opinion. You may come away with a completely different overall feeling than I have.
There is one more HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL that beckons, and the big day is almost here.
As I read the anthologies edited by Brian James Freeman, I have come to appreciate the short story form more just by recognizing the individuality of each narrative and its author. No doubt, he knows how to pick just the right stories to fit whatever theme the book presents. Each volume of HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL presents five different perspectives on a holiday that is at once fun and games, and mayhem and terror.
THE MANNEQUIN CHALLENGE by Kealan Patrick Burke
The lengths to which some folks will go to prove a point, a cruel point, is astonishing. (4.5 stars)
ACROSS THE TRACKS by Ray Garton
Some stories lead you down the proverbial garden path of horror, complete with nerds and bully boys, and then, just when you expect one outcome, wham! A different, and somewhat confusing end. It's still a 4 for good writing. (4 stars)
THE HALLOWEEN TREE by Bev Vincent
I can relate. For me it was a small hole in the concrete directly over a putrid canal in Brooklyn. Children have enough sense to follow their instincts. They haven't been jaded by adulthood. When you 'follow your gut,' you are channeling your inner child. This tale of tween boys is both scary and heartwarming, (5 stars)
PUMPKIN EATER by C. A. Suleiman
Tastes differ. Husbands and wives are often mirror images of each other. One may obsessively love Halloween while the other can take it or leave it. Whose side are you on? (5 stars)
WHEN THE LEAVES FALL by Paul Melniczek
There is that old saying about leaving the best for last… well, I didn't find that to be so here. Melniczek has written a long tale that, at times, gets the adrenaline pumping with anticipation, but you never quite know why. It's hard to say more without giving it all away. (3 stars)
I have to say that this is the first time I've come away from a Brian James Freeman anthology not wanting to read more by every author featured. It is always important to keep in mind that all of this is one woman's opinion. You may come away with a completely different overall feeling than I have.
There is one more HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL that beckons, and the big day is almost here.
charlisbookbox's review
1.0
I have no words. This anthology in the Halloween Carnival series was terrible. Literally, the only story that was in any way particularly memorable was The Mannequin Challenge. Even that story wasn’t all that great.
The Mannequin Challenge was the best story in the book. Even then, it seemed like I’d read it before – definitely not in Volume 4 as unlike Volume 1, I’ve only read Volume 4 once. No, it seemed I’ve read this one before in another book – or perhaps a story similar to it. Honestly, I don’t understand the ending or how any of the people were able to just hold their positions through what was being done, but whatever.
Across the Tracks was just dumb. Straight out dumb. The ending made zero sense and honestly, there really wasn’t anything creepy or scary about the story at all. It was just dumb.
The Halloween Tree was another one that was just plain dumb. A bunch of kids who are scared of a tree because they think it’s going to grab them. And what they do when it does. Big deal. This one reminded me of something a kid would write. I have no idea why Brian James Freeman thought this was one of the stories that was the epitome of Halloween.
Pumpkin Eater was OK. It was better than some of the others, but it still wasn’t great. It did have a nice plot twist toward the end, which is the story’s only saving grace. Again, I don’t get why this was chosen, but maybe I just don’t have the same taste as the editor.
When the Leaves Fall was the longest story in the book and frankly, I just don’t understand what was going on. Everyone says to stay away from a particular farm, yet everyone is basically working for this farm? What? Why? How? Not a single one of those questions is answered. The main character even says none of his questions were answered. What kind of story does that? Seriously, just no. Especially when you take half the book to tell your tale!
I was highly disappointed in this second-to-last installment of the Halloween Carnival series and gave it 1 star.
***I received a copy of this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.***
The Mannequin Challenge was the best story in the book. Even then, it seemed like I’d read it before – definitely not in Volume 4 as unlike Volume 1, I’ve only read Volume 4 once. No, it seemed I’ve read this one before in another book – or perhaps a story similar to it. Honestly, I don’t understand the ending or how any of the people were able to just hold their positions through what was being done, but whatever.
Across the Tracks was just dumb. Straight out dumb. The ending made zero sense and honestly, there really wasn’t anything creepy or scary about the story at all. It was just dumb.
The Halloween Tree was another one that was just plain dumb. A bunch of kids who are scared of a tree because they think it’s going to grab them. And what they do when it does. Big deal. This one reminded me of something a kid would write. I have no idea why Brian James Freeman thought this was one of the stories that was the epitome of Halloween.
Pumpkin Eater was OK. It was better than some of the others, but it still wasn’t great. It did have a nice plot twist toward the end, which is the story’s only saving grace. Again, I don’t get why this was chosen, but maybe I just don’t have the same taste as the editor.
When the Leaves Fall was the longest story in the book and frankly, I just don’t understand what was going on. Everyone says to stay away from a particular farm, yet everyone is basically working for this farm? What? Why? How? Not a single one of those questions is answered. The main character even says none of his questions were answered. What kind of story does that? Seriously, just no. Especially when you take half the book to tell your tale!
I was highly disappointed in this second-to-last installment of the Halloween Carnival series and gave it 1 star.
***I received a copy of this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.***
wellwortharead's review
4.0
Halloween Carnival is back with 5 more stories to celebrate the most wonderful time of year for Horror fans. Not surprising for me, that my favorites in the bunch were by Ray Garton and Kealan Patrick Burke, 2 of my most beloved authors of all time.
As not just Halloween, but the entire holiday season approaches, take a moment to consider how many office parties, family gatherings or other social functions you may feel obligated to attend. How many have you already been to over the years? Occasionally you may end up enjoying yourself at a party you would have preferred to skip. More often than not you may wish you had just stayed home. In THE MANNEQUIN CHALLENGE by Kealan Patrick Burke Theo attends an office party he should have just skipped. Keep him in mind the next time an invitation shows up.
ACROSS THE TRACKS by Ray Garton is all treat and no tricks as Kenny and his friends prepare for a Halloween of dodging bullies and locating the best candy, but the grass isn't always greener on the richer side of town. Some times, you may be bettor off sticking closer to home.
THE HALLOWEEN TREE by Bev Vincent is also a fun trick or treat story as friends must venture past the spooky old tree that seems to be just waiting for someone to get too close.
PUMPKIN EATER by C. A. Suleiman Takes a dark peek into the lives of an unhappily married couple "enjoying" a Hallloween at home. There is much to do, bake the pies, set out the candy, and hate each other's guts.
WHEN THE LEAVES FALL by Paul Melniczek was the longest of the stories, in which we find out what really happens when people are "working long hours" at the factory.
A perfect collection to curl up with as the leaves begin to drop from the trees and make delightful crunchy noises underfoot.
I received an advance copy for review.
As not just Halloween, but the entire holiday season approaches, take a moment to consider how many office parties, family gatherings or other social functions you may feel obligated to attend. How many have you already been to over the years? Occasionally you may end up enjoying yourself at a party you would have preferred to skip. More often than not you may wish you had just stayed home. In THE MANNEQUIN CHALLENGE by Kealan Patrick Burke Theo attends an office party he should have just skipped. Keep him in mind the next time an invitation shows up.
ACROSS THE TRACKS by Ray Garton is all treat and no tricks as Kenny and his friends prepare for a Halloween of dodging bullies and locating the best candy, but the grass isn't always greener on the richer side of town. Some times, you may be bettor off sticking closer to home.
THE HALLOWEEN TREE by Bev Vincent is also a fun trick or treat story as friends must venture past the spooky old tree that seems to be just waiting for someone to get too close.
PUMPKIN EATER by C. A. Suleiman Takes a dark peek into the lives of an unhappily married couple "enjoying" a Hallloween at home. There is much to do, bake the pies, set out the candy, and hate each other's guts.
WHEN THE LEAVES FALL by Paul Melniczek was the longest of the stories, in which we find out what really happens when people are "working long hours" at the factory.
A perfect collection to curl up with as the leaves begin to drop from the trees and make delightful crunchy noises underfoot.
I received an advance copy for review.
charshorrorcorner's review
4.0
It's that time of year again and my pile of books to read is towering! I had to choose which of the Halloween Carnival books I was going to request because I knew I wouldn't have time to read all 5.
The reason I chose Volume 4 was because of 2 authors-Kealan Patrick Burke and Ray Garton. They didn't disappoint! These and another story stood way out for me, and here's a bit on each of them:
The Mannequin Challenge by Kealan Patrick Burke is the first story and it's killer. Maybe it's because I love the kind of tales that are just plain weird and offer NO explanation-they just ARE. A quiet and reclusive man decides to attend the Halloween party at work, just this one time. What will he find? You'll have to read it to find out! This one made me laugh out loud with delight.
Across the Tracks by Ray Garton was a blast. For whatever reason, to me this tale had a distinct Ray Bradbury feel to it, but I think the ending might've even blown Bradbury himself away. What fun!
The Halloween Tree I've seen Bev Vincent's name around and I am friends with him on various social media, but I believe this is the first time I've read one of his stories. I enjoyed it! Any kid with an imagination can make something scary from an inanimate object. In this tale, it's a tree. But what made this story different was how the kids dealt with the problem. I found this to be the most surprising story in the bunch and it made me smile.
I did enjoy the other two stories in this anthology, but these three stood tall and they alone are worth the price of this book. The other two are just the gravy on top!
Recommended!
You can pre-order your copy here: Halloween Carnival Volume 4
*Thanks to NetGalley and to Hydra for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. This is it.*
The reason I chose Volume 4 was because of 2 authors-Kealan Patrick Burke and Ray Garton. They didn't disappoint! These and another story stood way out for me, and here's a bit on each of them:
The Mannequin Challenge by Kealan Patrick Burke is the first story and it's killer. Maybe it's because I love the kind of tales that are just plain weird and offer NO explanation-they just ARE. A quiet and reclusive man decides to attend the Halloween party at work, just this one time. What will he find? You'll have to read it to find out! This one made me laugh out loud with delight.
Across the Tracks by Ray Garton was a blast. For whatever reason, to me this tale had a distinct Ray Bradbury feel to it, but I think the ending might've even blown Bradbury himself away. What fun!
The Halloween Tree I've seen Bev Vincent's name around and I am friends with him on various social media, but I believe this is the first time I've read one of his stories. I enjoyed it! Any kid with an imagination can make something scary from an inanimate object. In this tale, it's a tree. But what made this story different was how the kids dealt with the problem. I found this to be the most surprising story in the bunch and it made me smile.
I did enjoy the other two stories in this anthology, but these three stood tall and they alone are worth the price of this book. The other two are just the gravy on top!
Recommended!
You can pre-order your copy here: Halloween Carnival Volume 4
*Thanks to NetGalley and to Hydra for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. This is it.*
dasrach's review
2.0
The weakest of the series by far. Pumpkin Eater and Mannequin Challenge were pretty good, but nothing can make up for the painfully slow When the Leaves Fall taking up half the book
shotsky's review
4.0
Review forthcoming for Monster Librarian. Another little gem in the Halloween Carnival anthology series.
daniellesteenrod's review
4.0
Halloween Carnival is a horror anthology. There are 5 volumes of this series being published throughout the month of October. This is the fourth installment. There are a total of 5 stories in this anthology; all of which center around Halloween. Some are sad, some are nail-biters, and some are just plain horror. This series isn’t all out gore, so if that is what you are looking for, you won’t find any of that here. I really enjoyed all 5 of these stories for different reasons. I am going to give a brief review of each story contained in this anthology and my star rating.
THE MANNEQUIN CHALLENGE by Patrick Burke
Such a great starter for this anthology. It was just downright creepy and quite disturbing at times. This was quite a short story, but it turned out to be my favorite in this collection. I rated this story 4 out of 5 stars.
ACROSS THE TRACKS by Ray Garton
Moral lesson of this story: don’t walk into houses just because the door is unlocked. A trio of friends learned this the hard way. I did enjoy the majority of this story, but the ending seemed a bit rushed and left me a little confused. I rated this story 3 out of 5 stars.
THE HALLOWEEN TREE by Bev Vincent
Children tend to have overactive imaginations. The main character in this story is afraid of the tree down the street. Is it all in his head, or is there more to this sinister tree? You’ll have to read this story to find out. I rated this one 3 out of 5 stars.
PUMPKIN EATER by C.A. Suleiman
What happens when a sinister plot to murder your wife goes awry? Women are a lot smarter and cunning than they let on. Don’t underestimate your wife! This husband learns that the hard way! This one was a short, yet demented story. I quite enjoyed it! I rated this one 4 out of 5 stars.
WHEN THE LEAVES FALL by Paul Melniczak
This was the longest story of the collection and the one that dragged the most. It definitely could have been cut in half. I still enjoyed it regardless of its length. I rated this story 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Overall, this anthology is a great read for the spooky season! Pick it up if you love short horror stories!
My total rating came to 3.5 out of 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
THE MANNEQUIN CHALLENGE by Patrick Burke
Such a great starter for this anthology. It was just downright creepy and quite disturbing at times. This was quite a short story, but it turned out to be my favorite in this collection. I rated this story 4 out of 5 stars.
ACROSS THE TRACKS by Ray Garton
Moral lesson of this story: don’t walk into houses just because the door is unlocked. A trio of friends learned this the hard way. I did enjoy the majority of this story, but the ending seemed a bit rushed and left me a little confused. I rated this story 3 out of 5 stars.
THE HALLOWEEN TREE by Bev Vincent
Children tend to have overactive imaginations. The main character in this story is afraid of the tree down the street. Is it all in his head, or is there more to this sinister tree? You’ll have to read this story to find out. I rated this one 3 out of 5 stars.
PUMPKIN EATER by C.A. Suleiman
What happens when a sinister plot to murder your wife goes awry? Women are a lot smarter and cunning than they let on. Don’t underestimate your wife! This husband learns that the hard way! This one was a short, yet demented story. I quite enjoyed it! I rated this one 4 out of 5 stars.
WHEN THE LEAVES FALL by Paul Melniczak
This was the longest story of the collection and the one that dragged the most. It definitely could have been cut in half. I still enjoyed it regardless of its length. I rated this story 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Overall, this anthology is a great read for the spooky season! Pick it up if you love short horror stories!
My total rating came to 3.5 out of 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
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