What If... | Science Fiction Review

ATTACK OF THE 50 FOOT INDIAN by Stephen Graham Jones is an entertaining science fiction story about a giant Native American dragged off the coast of Siberia to the United States. I love how all the Natives were rallying around him, but I also found the fearful comments guessing at his reaction to America some fantastic food-for-thought. the ending is mind-blowing.

This short includes a preview of THE ONLY GOOD INDIANS. I'm recommending this to everyone.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Real Talk | Book Review | AstraDaemon

THE ONLY GOOD INDIANS by Stephen Graham Jones is a slow read. This is the first story by this author I didn't enjoy much. While I love the idea of an elk spirit looking for vengeance, and I appreciate the struggles of Native Americans (Blackfeet) both on and off the reservation, the writing style is very different from other books by Jones. The alternating POV seems disjointed more often than not, but I think the bigger issue is cultural.

I lived in a small town in South Dakota with a reservation on either side of us, and at least half the students, if not more, were Sioux. (Many of the other small towns had even more Native students than we did.) My family includes Yankton Sioux (by marriage), and my Sioux friends often shared their experiences growing up Native in the Dakotas with racism, alcoholism, and many other issues. Despite my own interactions with their culture/heritage, I think I'm too white to really appreciate this book.

I've always enjoyed novels with cultural themes, especially the ones which highlight personal struggles within a particular society...and, while I know people who can relate to these characters, I can't. I'm no stranger to the slang, which some readers complain about, but I'm never going to know what it is to feel too Native to fit in with whites, and yet feel a disconnect to the traditional ways of my own tribe. I can remember a friend studying his own Native language in college because he was denied the opportunity in his younger years...but, remembering someone else's pain and living it are not even close to being the same.

Even though I don't think this a horror novel as much as a family drama, with some coming-of-age moments, I am still recommending this. I think we need to make an effort to listen to the voices of authors from different cultures, even if we don't understand.

I also recommend WAIT FOR THE NIGHT and THE NIGHT CYCLIST for more terrifying horror pieces by SGJ.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Inhabited | AstraDaemon

MAPPING THE INTERIOR by Stephen Graham Jones begins with a great hook: the main character sees his father's spirit crossing from one room to another. However, when he quickly reveals he's a sleepwalker, I began questioning how reliable the narrator really is. The build-up is slow, which doesn't usually work for me, but Jones lures his readers in with a tragic backstory and complicated family relationships.

Jones walks the reader down a trail of memories, holds back a branch to reveal a key detail, and he lets go just as the reader moves in for a closer look. When he reveals the true horror, the reader is sent flying backwards with terror and pain. I lost all hope for a happy ending when the 12 year old takes abeating from a naked man.

While not the most frightening story I've read by Jones, this is still high-quality storytelling. I also recommend the short story, THE NIGHT CYCLIST, by SGJ: a spectacular twist on a classic horror theme.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Odd Man Out | AstraDaemon

NIGHT OF THE MANNEQUINS by Stephen Graham Jones is nothing like what I expected...even after reading the description, nothing could prepare me for this psychotic tale.

Sawyer explains how his group of friends find a "giant Ken doll" discarded in some muck, and begin using it as a running joke. Eventually, the mannequin is forgotten in a garage for years, but Sawyer decides to convince his friends to use "Manny" in one final prank. Everything appears to be falling into place...until the prank walks away.

Convinced Manny is angry for being set aside and no longer included in the group, Sawyer tries to warn his friends of the supernatural danger. Strange things go missing from various houses in the neighborhood, with the theft escalating to murder.

Sawyer can't save his friends, but he might be able to spare their families. The question remains, who will save the last friend standing?

While I don't think this is Jones' best work, the ending certainly caught me off guard.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Persistence | AstraDaemon

CHAPTER SIX by Stephen Graham Jones features two disturbing characters following a large mass of zombies as they travel along an interstate. One is a professor, the other a college student, supposedly approaching the apocalypse with the minds of scholars. However, they seem to have lost their humanity.

The ending is so horrific, all I can say is, I feel sorry for the baby.

If you find this story too dark for your tastes, I recommend WAIT FOR NIGHT instead.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Below The Surface

WAIT FOR NIGHT by Stephen Graham Jones is a fantastic twist on a popular legend. The characters are so well-written, the author had me hooked long before the action began. The details and descriptions are quite impressive, especially considering this is a short story. Jones spends every sentence luring readers deeper into this dark tale.

I would love a prequel with Burned Dan. If you enjoy this one, I also recommend THE NIGHT CYCLIST.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Modernized Monster

THE NIGHT CYCLIST by Stephen Graham Jones is a spectacular twist on a classic theme. I love how unpredictable the storyline is, and the characters are absolutely captivating. The controversy surrounding the bike trails is also a great touch, and I'm sure many cyclists will be able to relate.

I wouldn't say no to a sequel, and I'm recommending this short to all readers who enjoy quality storytelling.

As always,
AstraDaemon