An Eyeful

After reading Out of the Cave by MacKenzie Publishing, I couldn't wait to read another anthology from the same publisher.

TWO EYES OPEN is sixteen stories from a diverse group of authors:

RAGE by Amanda Crum: a ghost story which ends abruptly

SOUL CAKES by Chantal Boudreau: supernatural family drama

GLASS PUZZLE by Shelly Macaroy: twisted revenge

URSULA by L.S. Engler: hit a little close to home...my first name is Ursula and, well, I had a "Nick" in college

HOUSE CALL by S.D. Hintz: very disturbing dispute

THE FIRST SNOWFALL by Boyd Reynolds: brutal house hunting

SHOW COOKING - CANNIBAL EDITION by Kev Harrison: dark humor

EYES WIDE OPEN by S.T. Himmonds: historical fiction

OPENING YOUR EYES IS THE MOST PAINFUL THING YOU WILL EVER HAVE TO DO by Tom Johnstone: thought-provoking

NO JOB TOO SMALL by R.A. Goli: watch out for those craigslist ads

THE DYING by Leah O'Sullivan: a great twist on the zombie genre

THE BOATS by Robb T. White: hardcore revenge

PAYBACKS by Leslie Muzingo: one of my favorites

FEEDING STRAYS by Monique Yowza: reminds me of Tales from the Dark Side

WOMEN MUST STICK TOGETHER by Cassandra Williams: bizarre dispute with neighbors

SHEEP AND SNAKES by Billy Lyons: another favorite...solid way to end the anthology

If you're looking for something with variety, there are plenty of entertaining stories within. However, the theme of this anthology isn't as clear as OUT OF THE CAVE. As a result, this seems more like a random collection of shorts than anything else. I hope the publisher returns to whatever formula was used in choosing stories in the previous anthology.

As always,
AstraDaemon

YA Horror Fiction

THE WITCHING WELL by S.D. Hintz (Grinning Skull Press) is definitely what I would consider YA horror fiction, but I think readers of all ages will enjoy the suspense. The story is told from a young boy's POV, after his mother is murdered. While the very first sentence is shocking, there is nothing graphic in the rest of the book. As an adult, I read the story in one sitting, and I think this would make a great PG-13 movie.

After his mother's funeral, Murray begins his new life at his grandmother's house. He soon finds out her neighbors are the absolute worst bunch of elderly people, save one kind man by the name of Cab. Hintz includes a few scenes which seem unnecessary to the main storyline, but they are most likely intended to misdirect readers. I also thought there are too many details about meals, clothes and other insignificant background. I would have preferred more information about Murray's ancestors, specifically, the source of his genetic anomaly.

Assuming the target audience is a younger group of readers, some may lose focus, before the big neighborhood secret is revealed. Once Murray figures out what is about to befall the small town, the ending is a bit rushed. Despite my criticism, if Hintz decided to write a sequel about Murray searching for his father, I would absolutely read it. Murray is definitely a character worthy of another story.

As always,
AstraDaemon