Post by nickmontelongo on Aug 18, 2013 21:29:58 GMT -6
The truth behind Abraham Van Helsing’s quest to rid the world of vampirism is revealed. A witch sues another spellcaster for copyright infringement. An Antarctic research group discovers an untouched Eden. . .or is it Hell on Earth? An unearthed letter opens a glimpse into chilling horror. Look for these tales and others in Simulacrum and Other Possible Realities by Jason V Brock.
For the record, Jason Brock is a versatile and intelligent writer. Simulacrum is not even 300 pages long and yet it reveals Brock’s wide range as a fiction writer and poet (16 stories, 13 poems.)
Most of the poetry involves morbid subjects. “Pathologist’s Setting” involves two guys foretelling the deaths of random strangers. “Dream Poem #00”provides a view of a metaphorical hell. Not all of them are horror-themed such as “Dragon” or “Wind”, the latter having been written in the style of e.e. Cummings which goes to show that poetry is not just about imagery and metaphor but presentation as well. Overall, the poems are energetic, challenging, and potent.
As far as fiction is concerned, each story is well done. The title story is a mind-bending novella about a woman developing a simulated reality program, which makes you question what your definition of reality is. One of the best in the book has to be “Milton’s Children”, which touches on sensitive topics such as animal rights and invokes the spirit of Lovecraft, Alien, and The Lost World. “What the Dead Eyes Behold” is an impressive tale about a serial killer who wants to know the secret of death. The most frightening story from this collection, in my opinion, is “One for the Road” about a woman who comes to a rest stop, which reminds me of Dennis Etchison’s excellent story “It Only Comes Out at Night”. “P.O.V.” is a police procedural told in meticulous detail, which might end up trying your patience. Like the poetry, not every story here is horrific. “Hex Factor” is a hilarious story about witch in a lawsuit. “Object Lesson” is not necessarily horror but a straight-up fictional tale about euthanasia.
Brock’s prose flows very well, providing an engaging experience for the reader. Brock currently works as an editor and so he is very aware of the best and worst of horror and therefore none of his stories come off as clichéd or slipshod. Taken as a whole, this collection is a great accomplishment and a lot of fun to read. Brock is a writer worth keeping your eye on.
For the record, Jason Brock is a versatile and intelligent writer. Simulacrum is not even 300 pages long and yet it reveals Brock’s wide range as a fiction writer and poet (16 stories, 13 poems.)
Most of the poetry involves morbid subjects. “Pathologist’s Setting” involves two guys foretelling the deaths of random strangers. “Dream Poem #00”provides a view of a metaphorical hell. Not all of them are horror-themed such as “Dragon” or “Wind”, the latter having been written in the style of e.e. Cummings which goes to show that poetry is not just about imagery and metaphor but presentation as well. Overall, the poems are energetic, challenging, and potent.
As far as fiction is concerned, each story is well done. The title story is a mind-bending novella about a woman developing a simulated reality program, which makes you question what your definition of reality is. One of the best in the book has to be “Milton’s Children”, which touches on sensitive topics such as animal rights and invokes the spirit of Lovecraft, Alien, and The Lost World. “What the Dead Eyes Behold” is an impressive tale about a serial killer who wants to know the secret of death. The most frightening story from this collection, in my opinion, is “One for the Road” about a woman who comes to a rest stop, which reminds me of Dennis Etchison’s excellent story “It Only Comes Out at Night”. “P.O.V.” is a police procedural told in meticulous detail, which might end up trying your patience. Like the poetry, not every story here is horrific. “Hex Factor” is a hilarious story about witch in a lawsuit. “Object Lesson” is not necessarily horror but a straight-up fictional tale about euthanasia.
Brock’s prose flows very well, providing an engaging experience for the reader. Brock currently works as an editor and so he is very aware of the best and worst of horror and therefore none of his stories come off as clichéd or slipshod. Taken as a whole, this collection is a great accomplishment and a lot of fun to read. Brock is a writer worth keeping your eye on.
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