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cailinbriste's review
4.0
The tag line for this collection of short stories, ...because the end is the beginning of forever, is a hint that at least some of these tales will bring tears to your eyes. This happened with the first story by R.B. O’Brien, “Beyond the Rain,” which also had one of the two most sensual scenes in the book. The cover promised sensual short stories. O’Brien writes lyrical prose although halfway through her story I skipped some description to find out if my fears were true.
The majority of these stories skip back and forth between past and present, one handling this device better than the others. Even so I was confused at one point in that story. Beyond Forever by Sebastian Nox would have been better without it all together.
Of the six authors one is exceptional, Mark A. Morris. His story, “Beyond the Mask,” was original and a delight to read. I do have one bone to pick with Morris. I understand this was a short story and so you were time limited, but the epilogue was an unnecessary trick to get to a happily ever after when your story didn’t need one. What it deserves is a full telling at novel length. I would buy that book in a heartbeat.
At 99 cents, I’d recommend purchasing this collection. O’Brien’s and Morris’s stories alone are worth the price, and you’ll find things to enjoy in the other four. The bits of poetry in “Beyond Forever,” the erotic scenes in “Beyond Mercy” by Summer Layne, the contrasting love scenes in “Beyond the Call of Duty” by Rachel de Vine (the second love scene was perfect), and the sweet sadness in “Beyond the Last Breath” by Ashlee Shades.
The majority of these stories skip back and forth between past and present, one handling this device better than the others. Even so I was confused at one point in that story. Beyond Forever by Sebastian Nox would have been better without it all together.
Of the six authors one is exceptional, Mark A. Morris. His story, “Beyond the Mask,” was original and a delight to read. I do have one bone to pick with Morris. I understand this was a short story and so you were time limited, but the epilogue was an unnecessary trick to get to a happily ever after when your story didn’t need one. What it deserves is a full telling at novel length. I would buy that book in a heartbeat.
At 99 cents, I’d recommend purchasing this collection. O’Brien’s and Morris’s stories alone are worth the price, and you’ll find things to enjoy in the other four. The bits of poetry in “Beyond Forever,” the erotic scenes in “Beyond Mercy” by Summer Layne, the contrasting love scenes in “Beyond the Call of Duty” by Rachel de Vine (the second love scene was perfect), and the sweet sadness in “Beyond the Last Breath” by Ashlee Shades.
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