Review: Moments of Brilliance, like Poe reborn...
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 24, 2014
3.5 starsWhen Angels Fail has moments of absolute brilliance. Benavidez can conjure up imagery that invokes the spirit of Poe and authors like Laird Barron (not dead). The pages of his series of short stories are filled with surreal, Dali-like artistry and often poetic verse. This guy has talent, but (and here's the but) his work could benefit from another edit. 5-star work is sometimes paired with stuff not up to snuff.The theme of the short story collection is not masked by its title, with the last story (very Poe-like) arguably falling outside the religious realm (or inside, depending on just where the Andromeda had sailed and... well, you decide). I think Andromeda was my favorite tale, with Hellbound a close second. All the tales are enjoyable and worth a read.If not for the one reservation, When Angels Fail could be a five-star read. The author has serious potential, and I will certain keep an eye on the progression of his career.