Scan barcode
lanternsjourney's review
3.0
I enjoyed this book, but I think it would've been better if I had read some of Brian Keene's other books. This was my first experience with him, so some of the stories that were bridges between longer series weren't as impactful as they could've been. Some of the stories just weren't for me because I didnt care for the subject matter. My favorite stories were: The Other, Mr. Onion, Helpful Guidelines to Keep in Mind When Talking With Children About School Safety, Halloween in Cayuga Creek, and Fear Today, Forgot Tomorrow. I also enjoyed the two stories that were related to the Tale of The Rising series, and now I'm interested in seeking that out.
This collection also had author's notes about each story at the end. I always find these interesting and it helped to understand some of the stories a bit better. In particular, the ending of the first story didnt quite make sense to me, but after reading the author's note I found out that if I had read the anthology that it was originally published in it would have made more sense. The story was still good on its own, but the authors note helped to clarify it.
This collection also had author's notes about each story at the end. I always find these interesting and it helped to understand some of the stories a bit better. In particular, the ending of the first story didnt quite make sense to me, but after reading the author's note I found out that if I had read the anthology that it was originally published in it would have made more sense. The story was still good on its own, but the authors note helped to clarify it.
melowdee's review
4.0
Got this in my #Nightworm subscription and really enjoyed it. It's very rare when I read short story collections.
It's something I hope to read more in the future.
It's something I hope to read more in the future.
onetrackmind77's review
4.0
This short story collection was my introduction to Brian Keene, and I was surprised at just how good this was. I mean, I didn't really expect to find myself too invested in these stories as I kind of wanted to sink my teeth into a more substantial full length novel, but man, these things packed a hell of a punch. Sure there were a couple stories that I didn't enjoy at all, but besides those two, the rest of them were a ton of fun. Looking forward to digging in deeper with this author.
motherhorror's review
4.0
A LITTLE SORROWED TALK by Brian Keene is a signed, limited, exclusive edition published by Thunderstorm Books for Night Worms (SEP. 2019) These stories have been collected in this paperback edition and won't be published like this again. Many of the stories could only be read on Keene's PATREON or in super, duper fancy editions only Keene's elite fans have. We are so honored and grateful to Keene for sharing these stories with our Worms.
RUNNING FREE- I originally read this one in WELCOME TO THE SHOW anthology published by Crystal Lake.
INTERSECTIONALITY- a terrifying look at what divides us instead of what brings us together.
THE THREE BEARS- some of these stories are from Keene's collected universe and has the potential to not be inclusive to new fans. From the story notes, this is from his Lost Level universe. I enjoy Brian's storytelling, so I was intrigued.
*****THE OTHER- Maybe my favorite story in the collection--starts off sweet, ends in horror.
MR. ONION- With the context of knowing the real-life incident of Brian Keene getting burned severely--this story is all the more intense. One of my friends spent a long time in the burn unit with flesh-eating disease and he said it was like listening to the screams of hell--the patients suffering burns and loss of skin. Horrifying.
HELPFUL GUIDELINES TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN TALKING WITH CHILDREN ABOUT SCHOOL SAFETY- I love how some of these stories feel like snippets from a larger picture. A big narrative. This was Keene's forte (Zombies)
BLACK SUNRISE- A man remembers a dark season of his soul when he was in the military. (made me sad)
****SEMEDI (co-written with J. F. Gonzalez) this was a great story. I always love stories involving negotiators in the middle of a crisis--someone about to jump or holding people in a hostage situation. I love the calm, psychological tactics negotiators can use. This story was one that Gonzales started and Keene finished (after Gonzales passed). I love the voodoo/black magic
HALLOWEEN IN CAYUGA CREEK--a fun Halloween story. I need to remember it when the season rolls around.
THROUGH MIRRORS DARKLY--again, a story from Keene's broader universe and two characters from other novels. I love dark fantasy.
BECAUSE YOU ASKED-- ewwwww
NO SLEEP IN BROOKLYN- From Keene's "Rising" universe, which has only ever been published in a "super expensive edition" and is part of the zombie apocalypse series I need to read BIG TIME!! Okay, I'm buying THE RISING as soon as I can!!
*THE SEALING OF EDEN- I will say that this story and the next two felt more like inside information and maybe a side trip into bizarro/weirdo fiction which is always touch and go for me.
*THE TELOS OF THE THIRTEEN-
*THE BALLAD OF KOKE AND PEPSEE
*****THE NIGHT I MET JOHN MAITLIN- Brian Keene might be venturing into Western and I'm here for it. I LOVE WESTERNS. More of this, please!!
FEAR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW- a metafiction story and you must read the story notes on this one!
STORY NOTES
RUNNING FREE- I originally read this one in WELCOME TO THE SHOW anthology published by Crystal Lake.
INTERSECTIONALITY- a terrifying look at what divides us instead of what brings us together.
THE THREE BEARS- some of these stories are from Keene's collected universe and has the potential to not be inclusive to new fans. From the story notes, this is from his Lost Level universe. I enjoy Brian's storytelling, so I was intrigued.
*****THE OTHER- Maybe my favorite story in the collection--starts off sweet, ends in horror.
MR. ONION- With the context of knowing the real-life incident of Brian Keene getting burned severely--this story is all the more intense. One of my friends spent a long time in the burn unit with flesh-eating disease and he said it was like listening to the screams of hell--the patients suffering burns and loss of skin. Horrifying.
HELPFUL GUIDELINES TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN TALKING WITH CHILDREN ABOUT SCHOOL SAFETY- I love how some of these stories feel like snippets from a larger picture. A big narrative. This was Keene's forte (Zombies)
BLACK SUNRISE- A man remembers a dark season of his soul when he was in the military. (made me sad)
****SEMEDI (co-written with J. F. Gonzalez) this was a great story. I always love stories involving negotiators in the middle of a crisis--someone about to jump or holding people in a hostage situation. I love the calm, psychological tactics negotiators can use. This story was one that Gonzales started and Keene finished (after Gonzales passed). I love the voodoo/black magic
HALLOWEEN IN CAYUGA CREEK--a fun Halloween story. I need to remember it when the season rolls around.
THROUGH MIRRORS DARKLY--again, a story from Keene's broader universe and two characters from other novels. I love dark fantasy.
BECAUSE YOU ASKED-- ewwwww
NO SLEEP IN BROOKLYN- From Keene's "Rising" universe, which has only ever been published in a "super expensive edition" and is part of the zombie apocalypse series I need to read BIG TIME!! Okay, I'm buying THE RISING as soon as I can!!
*THE SEALING OF EDEN- I will say that this story and the next two felt more like inside information and maybe a side trip into bizarro/weirdo fiction which is always touch and go for me.
*THE TELOS OF THE THIRTEEN-
*THE BALLAD OF KOKE AND PEPSEE
*****THE NIGHT I MET JOHN MAITLIN- Brian Keene might be venturing into Western and I'm here for it. I LOVE WESTERNS. More of this, please!!
FEAR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW- a metafiction story and you must read the story notes on this one!
STORY NOTES
More...