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lauraew333's review
4.0
Thank you to the author Michael Benazvidez for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
To say the least, this book was very dark and almost slightly depressing. However, it was very descriptive and left no stone unturned. This book is a collection of mini stories basically about the dark side of human nature.
I absolutely loved the last mini story. It definitely has potential to become a full-size book!
I loved the first two stories as well but I was a bit confused while reading the second to last story. Sometimes it got a bit too descriptive and metaphorical (or that could just be me).
Mr. Benavidez has definite potential as an author and I can't wait to read some more of his work!
Final Verdict:
A very nice collection of stories if you aren't scared off by dark images and the primal side of human nature. Sometimes it got a bit too descriptive for me but I think if they were expanded, it would be the perfect amount. This author has lots of potential and I'm excited to read more of his work!
3.5 stars!
To say the least, this book was very dark and almost slightly depressing. However, it was very descriptive and left no stone unturned. This book is a collection of mini stories basically about the dark side of human nature.
I absolutely loved the last mini story. It definitely has potential to become a full-size book!
I loved the first two stories as well but I was a bit confused while reading the second to last story. Sometimes it got a bit too descriptive and metaphorical (or that could just be me).
Mr. Benavidez has definite potential as an author and I can't wait to read some more of his work!
Final Verdict:
A very nice collection of stories if you aren't scared off by dark images and the primal side of human nature. Sometimes it got a bit too descriptive for me but I think if they were expanded, it would be the perfect amount. This author has lots of potential and I'm excited to read more of his work!
3.5 stars!
mims_is_reading's review
4.0
This reminded me of Clive Barker's work so much, so I wholeheartedly recommend it if you are a fan of gory and poetic horror.
r4ch4elreads's review
3.0
I received a copy of this from the author in exchange for an honest review. (Thanks so much Michael!)
This collection of short stories is both creepy and tense in equal measure. I enjoyed each of the stories though each one is very different from the others.
There are four stories in all, the second of which is more Fantasy-based and reads like a snippet from an epic tale hiding amongst the truly shiver-worthy Horror-based tones of the other three.
The characters are skilfully brought to life throughout and they swiftly engage the reader in the short time before the tales end. The descriptions are detailed and somewhat graphic in places, they are always carefully crafted to lure you into their world to experience the horror first hand.
On occasion it had the poetic gentle touch of Lovecraft and in others an almost Poe like turn of phrase. Perhaps indicating the authors influences.
I’m not sure there is a common thread joining the stories together, they seem more a random collection than tales that belong together, and this version does need editing, but I can overlook both of these issues and enjoy the stories for what they are. Entertaining and engaging – I would happily read more from this author.
This collection of short stories is both creepy and tense in equal measure. I enjoyed each of the stories though each one is very different from the others.
There are four stories in all, the second of which is more Fantasy-based and reads like a snippet from an epic tale hiding amongst the truly shiver-worthy Horror-based tones of the other three.
The characters are skilfully brought to life throughout and they swiftly engage the reader in the short time before the tales end. The descriptions are detailed and somewhat graphic in places, they are always carefully crafted to lure you into their world to experience the horror first hand.
On occasion it had the poetic gentle touch of Lovecraft and in others an almost Poe like turn of phrase. Perhaps indicating the authors influences.
I’m not sure there is a common thread joining the stories together, they seem more a random collection than tales that belong together, and this version does need editing, but I can overlook both of these issues and enjoy the stories for what they are. Entertaining and engaging – I would happily read more from this author.
michaelrgoodwin's review
3.0
This collection of stories by Michael Benavidez feels deeply personal. As could be guessed by the title, there is a common element of religion throughout these stories, most of which are overwhelmingly dark.
There are some beautiful passages in this book. There is also anger and doubt, both of which are made relatable through the heavy prose. That same verbose prose also slowed down the pacing at times, but that may have been an intentional stylistic choice, as it often served the narrative well in the end.
I did enjoy this book, and I plan to read other works by Benavidez soon. I would recommend this to anyone who likes stories about the battle between good and evil, as well as anyone who has their doubts concerning religion.
There are some beautiful passages in this book. There is also anger and doubt, both of which are made relatable through the heavy prose. That same verbose prose also slowed down the pacing at times, but that may have been an intentional stylistic choice, as it often served the narrative well in the end.
I did enjoy this book, and I plan to read other works by Benavidez soon. I would recommend this to anyone who likes stories about the battle between good and evil, as well as anyone who has their doubts concerning religion.
booklovingcatmom's review
3.0
There’s a ton of potential here!
Michael has beautiful prose and I love the angel and demon themes he has throughout this collection.
Michael has beautiful prose and I love the angel and demon themes he has throughout this collection.
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