Third Time's The Charm

Okay...so...this is the third time I've read Means To An End and The Stupid Train by Stephen A. North (have a look). To his credit, the author has reworked the two stories based on some harsh criticism from yours truly. I have to admit, MEANS TO AN END is much better this time around. I love how Vic didn't realize Mark came first, literally and figuratively.

My issue with THE STUPID TRAIN was always the ending. I always felt Lou deserved better. Not necessarily a happy ending exactly, just something better. I dig the new ending, and I wouldn't say no to another Lou story. Maybe he should meet Tammy? (I would definitely pay to read that encounter.)

FORGOTTEN and NOBODY'S HERO are North's most recent short stories. FORGOTTEN caught me off guard: nothing supernatural. Yet, somehow, the story kept me enthralled from beginning to end. The author has always had a flair for well-developed characters and settings.

NOBODY'S HERO also has a sharp hook with a surprise ending. As much as I enjoy North's horror and sci-fi, his drama has really impressed me this round.

Stephen A. North is one of the few authors who can create something captivating in multiple genres.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Ronald Jeremy

DOWN IN THE GUTTER LIKE ME by Stephen A North is nothing like his previous work. Apparently, the author has decide to try his hand in erotica. The sex scenes aren't to over-the-top, but the lack of story is disappointing.

In fact, this reads more like fan-fic written by a guy with a threesome fantasy than anything else. Maybe if the main character had been a serial killer or something, anything to give depth to this novella, there would've been more suspense.

If this is the direction North is headed with his writing, he should consider using a pen name or risk alienating some of his fan base.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Sci-Fi Dystopian Future

REPLICA by Stephen A North is a devastating sci-fi dystopian future, with a dark revelation and a satisfying ending. I've read this once before, but I enjoyed reading this flash fiction piece as much as the first time.

I'd really like to see North write more sci-fi shorts.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Some Win, Some Lose

Ruth Miranda, author of the Blood Trilogy, has spoken, and she has chosen S.O. Bailey for our winner this week. (You can read the monster post and comments here.) I'll be giving away autographed books throughout the month. Check back every Monday to find out what the next contest and prize will be. There will also be horror reviews every day to help get you in the mood for Halloween. You'll find every kind of monster, here in the Lair.

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Here's a trick or treat for readers:  UNDEAD IN VEGAS by Stephen A North is the author's latest release. North throws readers across a highway and straight into zombie hell. I had a difficult time feeling any sympathy for Wallace. His desire to please people trumped any common sense he could muster.

The level of denial among the characters is mind-blowing. Even if they couldn't accept a zombie outbreak happening, they could at least acknowledge something very bad is going down. I will give North bonus points for creating such realistic idiots.

The action is the best part of this story. Everything goes wrong for Wallace, which isn't much of a surprise, since his decision-making leaves something to be desired. The ending made me roll my eyes.

I love the Dead Tide series by North, and he's written some great short stories, such as Like A Man and Purchase Order #2113-21A, but I'm not impressed with this novella. I'd really like to see the author return to his original writing style, or try his hand with more sci-fi themes. To be blunt, I'm tired of the broken-down ex-husband characters.

As always,
AstraDaemon

No Self-Respect

Means To An End:
When one restless spirit meets an indifferent one: Tammy's boss, Vic, is a married guy who likes a little variety. Tammy's husband is never around. Vic may get more than he bargained for. Tammy may be in denial about her true nature, but who knows the truth for long?


The Stupid Train:
Lou's hurt, angry, and probably not the sharpest tool in the shed. One night he decides to even things out with those who betrayed him.

MEANS TO AN END AND STUPID TRAIN by Stephen A. North is another double feature by the author:

Means To An End is one of those stories which makes you wonder what in the hell the author was thinking when he wrote it. I was expecting some sort of twist, but the story is limp like Vic.

The Stupid Train is a story I read once before, but I don't remember the first impression I had. This time however, I felt nothing for Lou. He spends far too much time standing in the yard, throwing a pity party for himself. The author could've cut out most of it, and made this a flash fiction piece instead. The ending is so abrupt, I'm wondering, again, why North wrote this one.

Neither story is as good as North's other short stories, and I would hate for someone to form their opinion of the author's talent based on this duo. I can only assume North was working out some demons when he wrote these two.

As always,
AstraDaemon