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badseedgirl's review against another edition
5.0
Every one of these 11 short stories are sharp and well written. The were some of the creepiest stories I have read in the last couple years.
The Novella "Harmony" feels like the start of a very good series.
4.5 stars bumped up to 5 stars for Goodread.
The Novella "Harmony" feels like the start of a very good series.
4.5 stars bumped up to 5 stars for Goodread.
shotterwriting's review against another edition
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced read, which features a variety of dark and occasionally-twisted tales that embrace and toy with a wide range of classic speculative-fiction concepts.
Some stories resonated with me more than others and there were a few things I wish had been more fleshed-out and polished but overall, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to any fan of horror, science fiction, or just generally-solid storytelling that frequently features grim elements.
Regardless of the story, one thing I really appreciated was the author's ability to confidently switch gears and keep things fresh and interesting while still utilizing some recurring themes and imagery that worked to effectively tie the narratives together thematically. This despite them apparently being compartmentalized and distinct from one another. In other words, beware the crows!
Particular standouts for me were "Bogeyman," "Big Boy," "Squealer," "Acid Rain," and the bonus novella "Harmony" that closes out the collection with a nice, satisfying bang.
Some stories resonated with me more than others and there were a few things I wish had been more fleshed-out and polished but overall, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to any fan of horror, science fiction, or just generally-solid storytelling that frequently features grim elements.
Regardless of the story, one thing I really appreciated was the author's ability to confidently switch gears and keep things fresh and interesting while still utilizing some recurring themes and imagery that worked to effectively tie the narratives together thematically. This despite them apparently being compartmentalized and distinct from one another. In other words, beware the crows!
Particular standouts for me were "Bogeyman," "Big Boy," "Squealer," "Acid Rain," and the bonus novella "Harmony" that closes out the collection with a nice, satisfying bang.
leerichmondauthor75's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Ronald McGillvray delivers a spinetingling collection of eleven horror shorts and throws in a (bonus) novella for good measure.
The back cover blurb describes the book as a collection of horror stories that will keep you up at night. Reminiscent of The Twilight Zone, and that sums this assembly of twisted tales up perfectly.
McGillvray is an incredibly talented writer and crafts worlds with the same flare as the likes of Dean Koontz and James Herbert.
Of the eleven short stories on offer, my favourites are ‘The Garbage Collectors’ - A tale of a small town with an insidious secret. ‘Typo’ – A story about a man whose lack of care while surfing the net leads to a night of terror. A cautionary tale about the dark web, if ever there was one, and ‘Acid Rain’ – A deadly weather story that will sear the very flesh from your bones.
As I mentioned, the book also includes a bonus novella titled ‘Harmony’, which tells the story of an ex-military sniper roped in to help contain a viral outbreak at a research facility called Fort Harmony. Harmony is a fresh and interesting take on the zombie contagion genre, with a twist that you wouldn’t guess if I were to grant you a million guesses. I won’t reveal it here, though, so you’ll have to buy the book to find out.
There is something for everyone in this anthology, as each story is wildly different from the rest.
I strongly recommend grabbing a copy of ‘Tales From the Parkland.’ Each story is worth investing your time in. Every character is fleshed out wonderfully, which is something that can be tricky to pull off over a limited number of pages.
I’ll be happily picking up a copy of McGillvray’s latest novel ‘Cutters Deep’ based on my enjoyment of this.
The back cover blurb describes the book as a collection of horror stories that will keep you up at night. Reminiscent of The Twilight Zone, and that sums this assembly of twisted tales up perfectly.
McGillvray is an incredibly talented writer and crafts worlds with the same flare as the likes of Dean Koontz and James Herbert.
Of the eleven short stories on offer, my favourites are ‘The Garbage Collectors’ - A tale of a small town with an insidious secret. ‘Typo’ – A story about a man whose lack of care while surfing the net leads to a night of terror. A cautionary tale about the dark web, if ever there was one, and ‘Acid Rain’ – A deadly weather story that will sear the very flesh from your bones.
As I mentioned, the book also includes a bonus novella titled ‘Harmony’, which tells the story of an ex-military sniper roped in to help contain a viral outbreak at a research facility called Fort Harmony. Harmony is a fresh and interesting take on the zombie contagion genre, with a twist that you wouldn’t guess if I were to grant you a million guesses. I won’t reveal it here, though, so you’ll have to buy the book to find out.
There is something for everyone in this anthology, as each story is wildly different from the rest.
I strongly recommend grabbing a copy of ‘Tales From the Parkland.’ Each story is worth investing your time in. Every character is fleshed out wonderfully, which is something that can be tricky to pull off over a limited number of pages.
I’ll be happily picking up a copy of McGillvray’s latest novel ‘Cutters Deep’ based on my enjoyment of this.
karlakayjenniges's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
"Afterward, I stood up and slowly walked to the garage door that led into the house. I turned off the garage light, opened the door and entered the house. For the last time."
Tales From the Parkland is a collection of 11 short stories and a novella.
Tales From the Parkland is a collection of 11 short stories and a novella.
Including many horror filled themes: Aliens, oversized creepy crawlies, a childhood bogeyman, zombies, a serial killer in the making, monsters under the stairs, computer mishaps, a date night gone wrong, acid rains, altered personalities from strange weather, nightmarish realities, and a creature feature apocalyptic fight for survival.
Brutality, paranormal activity, alien invasions, revenge, mutants, abhorrent characters and more.
Many of these stories had main characters that were children. That was a whole new level of creepiness. The fact they had to fight their own fears by themselves, to me that is entirely frightening. A few of these ended with a big surprise and my jaw dropped in shock. Mission accomplished.
With all the themes there are surely many spine tinglers. Producing those heebie jeebies, checking around corners for shadows, and listening for strange noises.
A very diverse, entertaining and quite enjoyable fright filled book of tales that felt like entering into a nightmare induced creep show.
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