Reviews

A Garden Fed by Lightning by Marshall Moore

the_horror_maven's review against another edition

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4.0

Short Review
A Garden Fed by Lightning is a collection of eclectic short stories that shouldn't work...but do!

Full Review
I am a big fan of short story collections, and A Garden Fed by Lightning was just my type of book.  A book full of bizarre stories in various genres?  Sign me up! The short story is an art that only a few authors can master, and I went into Marshall Moore's work with a hopeful and open- mind.  Based on the synopsis, I knew I was in for a treat, and Moore did not disappoint.

Sometimes multi-genre short story collections aren't cohesive, but the placement of each short story in Moore's work transitioned smoothly.  Moore delved into the darker side of literature with his stories, but I found them comical nonetheless.  Dark humor is just my cup of tea, and Moore has mastered it.  Each of his stories reminded me of The Twilight Zone with a fantastical twist, and my emotions were all over the place.  I haven't had an author move such a variety of emotions within me like Moore has.  He challenges the reader to look into a deeper part of themselves as they read his work, and the sensation is almost unsettling.  

A Garden Fed By Lightning is a hodgepodge of stories that span the eclectic genres of horror, fantasy, and sci-fi with contemporary elements.  The only reason I didn't give it 5/5 stars is because Moore's writing could be longwinded at times.  However, Moore's work is broad, and his work is sure to touch just about any reader.  If you love The Twilight Zone, or dark sci-fi/fantasy, then you are sure to get a kick out of A Garden Fed By Lightning.  I know I did!

ashleynestlermsw's review against another edition

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4.0

Short Review
A Garden Fed by Lightning is a collection of eclectic short stories that shouldn't work...but do!

Full Review
I am a big fan of short story collections, and A Garden Fed by Lightning was just my type of book.  A book full of bizarre stories in various genres?  Sign me up! The short story is an art that only a few authors can master, and I went into Marshall Moore's work with a hopeful and open- mind.  Based on the synopsis, I knew I was in for a treat, and Moore did not disappoint.

Sometimes multi-genre short story collections aren't cohesive, but the placement of each short story in Moore's work transitioned smoothly.  Moore delved into the darker side of literature with his stories, but I found them comical nonetheless.  Dark humor is just my cup of tea, and Moore has mastered it.  Each of his stories reminded me of The Twilight Zone with a fantastical twist, and my emotions were all over the place.  I haven't had an author move such a variety of emotions within me like Moore has.  He challenges the reader to look into a deeper part of themselves as they read his work, and the sensation is almost unsettling.  

A Garden Fed By Lightning is a hodgepodge of stories that span the eclectic genres of horror, fantasy, and sci-fi with contemporary elements.  The only reason I didn't give it 5/5 stars is because Moore's writing could be longwinded at times.  However, Moore's work is broad, and his work is sure to touch just about any reader.  If you love The Twilight Zone, or dark sci-fi/fantasy, then you are sure to get a kick out of A Garden Fed By Lightning.  I know I did!

peachykeenreviews's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Short Review
A Garden Fed by Lightning is a collection of eclectic short stories that shouldn't work...but do!

Full Review
I am a big fan of short story collections, and A Garden Fed by Lightning was just my type of book.  A book full of bizarre stories in various genres?  Sign me up! The short story is an art that only a few authors can master, and I went into Marshall Moore's work with a hopeful and open- mind.  Based on the synopsis, I knew I was in for a treat, and Moore did not disappoint.

Sometimes multi-genre short story collections aren't cohesive, but the placement of each short story in Moore's work transitioned smoothly.  Moore delved into the darker side of literature with his stories, but I found them comical nonetheless.  Dark humor is just my cup of tea, and Moore has mastered it.  Each of his stories reminded me of The Twilight Zone with a fantastical twist, and my emotions were all over the place.  I haven't had an author move such a variety of emotions within me like Moore has.  He challenges the reader to look into a deeper part of themselves as they read his work, and the sensation is almost unsettling.  

A Garden Fed By Lightning is a hodgepodge of stories that span the eclectic genres of horror, fantasy, and sci-fi with contemporary elements.  The only reason I didn't give it 5/5 stars is because Moore's writing could be longwinded at times.  However, Moore's work is broad, and his work is sure to touch just about any reader.  If you love The Twilight Zone, or dark sci-fi/fantasy, then you are sure to get a kick out of A Garden Fed By Lightning.  I know I did!

rastles's review

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4.0

This collection of short stories left me reeling. I wasn't sure what to expect going in, and I was definitely not prepared for the rich, dark, and quirky stories that awaited me. After the first few stories, I became familiar with Moore's writing and his propensity to twist each story at its end (also it feels like he repeats character descriptions), but the subsequent stories I read retained their ability to delight and sometimes shock. I suspect that most people who read this book will walk away with at least one of its stories seared onto their imagination.

pixiejazz's review

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4.0

A Garden Fed by Lightning is a fascinating collection of short stories ranging from only slightly odd to full-blown horror. There's definitely a story that will appeal to everyone.

There were a few stories that I felt a little indifferent about. They were good, and there was nothing wrong with them, but they didn't give me the same "oomph" of emotion I got from certain other stories.

I also am having a hard time figuring out my absolute favorite. Fetch, the very first story, was really well-done. It was strange and exciting, and I kind of wish I had my own little doggy in the corner of my computer screen, assisting me in some not-so-normal ways.

Underground is probably the most terrifying, for me at least, because minotaurs are scary as all get out. I've always been afraid of strange things as a kid: sheep, goat, deer. Minotaurs sort of have that vibe going on, and the thought of coming face-to-face with one and realizing the horrifying truth behind why they're in your city is just...no.

There were also a couple of stories — A Balloon Party and The Platinum Scalpel Society — that made me go, "Uh...what just happened?" That's a good thing, by the way. Those stories are crazy and fascinating.

Overall, I really enjoyed A Garden Fed by Lightning, and I would definitely read more by this author. Especially short stories, as I am a sucker for a really well-done short horror story. It's why I prefer Stephen King's anthologies over his actual novels.

If you're a reader looking for something different, but in the same vein as Stephen King's short stories, check out Marshall Moore. This may have been my first book by him, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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