Review: Pleasantly Surprised Considering How Unpleasant It Actually Was
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 9, 2013
This is a collection (if I'm not mistaken and can recall) of nine short stories. I thought as a collection it was solid and was pleasantly surprised and intrigued by more than half of these stories. The one's that particularly stood out to me were as follows:1. Dinner, Date, Autopsy by D.C. RogersThis one in particular was my favorite and I thought it was a pretty genius way to start the collection. It even has potential to be expanded to a full length novel if the author chose to take that route; always a good option to have. This story essentially dealt with a serial killer, a victim; actually count that several victims. I was hoping for a good outcome and then I facepalmed because I remembered I was reading a holloween collection. So much for a HEA. Lol Mr.Rogers is I feel by far the strongest writer in this collection. I by no means am saying that other's aren't. And perhaps my opinion is bias because I was drawn to his story the most.2. Alone by Sonya C.DoddInitially I hated this story. I asked myself "Where is this going?" Then it got to that part and I was like this is genius. Maybe I'm slow but I never would have guessed the outcome even with the title alone. I sort of felt bad for the character but then I asked myself "Do I have the right to feel pity, even after I found out why they lived in the world they did?" I actually still felt bad, even if the person got their just desserts.4. The Visitor Melponimene's Love by Chris RavenThis was my second favorite of the collection. I was a little confused at first but I caught on pretty quickly. I kind of felt bad for all parties inolved, even the main character and he was basically the one at fault for how his situation had and was still playing out. Being plagued by guilt and somehow not feeling guilty is something I've experienced, just not in the situation occuring within this story.6. Bars by MadnoKaylan MattaparthiThis one was intrigueing and then I was just confused and then by the end I got it and then I understood my confusion. Insanity does that to people.7. Death's Track by Alan HardyMy third favorite. I felt bad for the main character and angry at the being responsible for his unfulfilled life. I see the potential for a full story here as well.  Thoroughly enjoyed minus well the unfortunate event towards the end. I suppose that's what makes it all the more compelling.The following were not really my cup of tea not that they were badly written. They goes as follows:3. It Started With A Whisper by Peter JohnThis one just bored me and was super depressing. I don't really like when things drag out only for me to feel depressed at the end. It's a personal thing, nothing against the actual writing style.5. The Goblin Changeling by Sheryl SealThis one was pretty decent but I was left feeling sort of confused. My question is what happens next? Do they just come back every Halloween to become part of the human world and that's it? I actually feel there is more to this story and was left unsatisfied.8. Melinda by Gunjan VyasThis one was okay if depressing and kind of messed up in terms of how Melinda is regarded by the town.And lastly 9. Charlie Featherwick by William O'BrianWell written, scary and bloody. I think I just felt it should have been longer or should have had something more at the end. And it involved children so it just sort of turned me off. I guess after that, that'll teach 'em to be nice. It was also a nice way to close up the collection.Well done and bravo to you all and us all who get to read all of you all's writing.