Review: Can't go wrong...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 21, 2014
I have just read all the 1 and 2 star reviews and feel the need to put in my two cents worth. The general consensus (in these negative reviews) is that you will somehow be "short changed" or given no choice but to purchase extra material and endings if you ever plan on getting on with your life... what utter tosh. What you do get (for free) are four complete short stories, and the option to read (or not read) samples of various novels which you may (or may not) decide to purchase. How is that a rip off? After finishing the first two stories, and the book was only 22% along, it was glaringly obvious (to me anyway) that there was going to be a large amount of sample material involved. This will not suit everyone (in fact it doesn't particularly suit me) but I don't begrudge the author the right to advertise in his own free book.The stories themselves - the first two I thought were great, and actually reminded me of some of the stories in a certain Clive Barker short story collection (Books of Blood). Both involve a shift in power as the characters are dragged kicking and screaming out of their comfort zones, only to find that retreat is no longer an option. The other two stories didn't really jump out at me the same way, as the twist or clever ending I was hoping for didn't materialise. But still enjoyed them all the same. The stories are -1) Breaking In (10/10) A burglar with a strict code of conduct finds that not everyone shares his values, when he targets the wrong house.2) Strangers On A Train (10/10) When a gang of muggers hit a train carriage, they soon realize that they are not the biggest threat aboard.3) Inspector Zhang And The Hotel Guest (7/10) A detective must search for the truth when a man turns up in a hotel room without his memory.4) Cats Eyes (7/10) A man is affected when a dancer tells him her story.Short story fans should definitely get this without question, and not be put off by people who like a whinge. Can't go wrong.