Posted by Ed on 29 June 2009
21. Before They Are Hanged – Joe Abercrombie – 2007 – Gollancz
22. Starship Fall – Eric Brown – 2009 – NewCon Press
23. Postscripts 18 – ed. Peter Crowther & Nick Gevers – 2009 – PS Publishing
24. Shadow Of The Scorpion – Neal Asher – 2008 – Night Shade Books
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Posted by Ed on 27 June 2009
Author: John Llewellyn Probert
Year: 2009
Publisher: Gray Friar Press
Page Count: 177
With The Catacombs Of Fear, John Llewellyn Probert produces another volume of interlocking horror tales in the style of his previous outing from Gray Friar Press, The Faculty Of Terror. I read that one back at the end of 2007 and enjoyed it immensely so was delighted to hear about this new title. And once again Mr Probert doesn’t disappoint.
Comprising of five stories linked by a common thread, much like the portmanteau horror films from Amicus, the tales themselves work well separately, with the linking interludes adding an extra depth and serving as introductions to each one, leading up to the unveiling of the secret behind Chilminster Cathedral and why the Reverend Clements has been called to serve there. Very atmospheric and cinematic in the telling, Mr Probert has a wonderfully visual writing style, letting the events unfold almost as though they were playing on a screen. As an added bonus there’s a “guided tour” at the end, providing some background to the creation of the stories. Overall, wonderful stuff, I had great fun reading this collection, and I get the impression the author had just as much fun writing it.
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