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plagued_by_visions's reviews
209 reviews
The Girl in the Video by Michael David Wilson
2.0
Some glimpses of something truly horrific blurred out in the white noise of an uneven pace, jarringly artificial dialogue, and a narrative voice not equipped at all to tackle the ambitious premise at such a short length. Some descriptions seem out of place, not fully married to the characters. Overall, it seemed confused, but I can appreciate the true inventiveness behind its concept.
I Could Be Your Neighbor, Isn't That Horrifying? by Cavin Bryce Gonzalez
1.0
Not for me. Nothing resonated. Everything seemed flat, impermeable, or a big joke—which may well be the purpose, but a lot hints that it isn’t. I was obviously not the intended audience. Oops!
Marigold by Troy James Weaver
4.0
There’s a crassness and an honesty here that I hardly get out of most writing. There’s flaws, pompousness, and even meaningless drivel, but all of it is controlled by an intent—it reads like an intent to scream and lament, and that raw sincerity definitely has a place in my heart. I praise this little book for holding onto an ugly energy that most authors endeavor to assuage.
The Autopsy by Michael Shea
3.0
“Overly verbose” was my initial impression, as it begins with a slowburn, “police procedural” forensic investigation that didn’t grasp me at all. However, once the strange encounters begin, once the existential dread hidden within every nerve ending flowers out in a decadent and gory display, I was all in. Several fascinating ideas regarding autonomy and intelligent design are posed, as well as a deeply emotional interiority that really ascends and shines towards the end.
I can’t think of too many people I would recommend this to. It is perhaps too “intellectual” for lovers of straight-up splatter, perhaps too “intense” for lovers of things more literary, but for the few like myself who love to tread those in-betweens, this tale is powerful and awe-inspiring.
I can’t think of too many people I would recommend this to. It is perhaps too “intellectual” for lovers of straight-up splatter, perhaps too “intense” for lovers of things more literary, but for the few like myself who love to tread those in-betweens, this tale is powerful and awe-inspiring.
Father of Lies by Brian Evenson
4.0
One of the most infuriating and gut-wrenching books I have ever read. A cold and even slyly humorous tone incises into injustice, impotence, and strikes at the nerve of our vulnerability and our monstrous social conceits. I cannot recommend this. I can only let you know of its existence, and that it is not a book meant to please, entertain, or cater to any audience expectations or desires. It is a book meant to ruin your comfort, perhaps permanently.
Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
4.0
Vivid yet restrained, sometimes perhaps a bit too flat or clinical, which may be entirely the point. Even with a somewhat dragging middle, this sci-fi/horror descent into surreal fears, into that disturbing and sublime encounter with otherness is incredibly imaginative and perversely tense. This was my second time reading it, and the imagery remains unsettling and shocking, and the slowburn progression into exploding madness just as captivating.