Pelan, John, ed. The darker side; generations of horror.Penguin Putnam, Roc. 386p. c2002. 0-451-45882-6. $6.99. SA A sequel to Darkside, this second compilation of so-called horror tales may delight some but disappoint others. If one wants spine-tingling, hair-raising horror, look elsewhere. This is mostly atmospheric, moody stuff that only the most tolerant reader of horror will enjoy. But if the reader is one who gravitates to the type of horror literature that creates a lingering, perhaps even haunting, feeling rather than the raw shock of a bloody torso dropping from the highest shelf in an old closet, this is a collection worth reading. Both veteran practitioners of the horror art and newcomers are included here. Some big names weigh in with entries, such as Poppy Z. Bright who offers a tale of a rock star and what seem to be vampiric fans. But is there something more to this tale? Horror fans will undoubtedly recognize other names like Edo van Belkom Edo van Belkom (born 1962) is a Canadian author of horror fiction. Born in Toronto, Ontario, he is the author of the novels Wyrm Wolf, Teeth, Martyrs, Scream Queen, Army of the Dead, and Wolf Pack, amongst others. , Simon Clark Simon Clark is a horror novel writer from Doncaster, England. One of his most notable works is the novel The Night of the Triffids. Clark has been nominated for the Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel, World Fantasy Award for Best Novella and British Fantasy (whose vengeance story is sure to please), Brian Hodge, Tom Piccirilli, Richard Laymon Richard Carl Laymon (January 14, 1947 - February 14, 2001[1]) was an American horror writer. He was born in Chicago, Illinois and lived as a child in California. , and Lucy Taylor This article is about the author. For the first American woman dentist, see Lucy Hobbs Taylor. Lucy Taylor is a horror novel writer. Her novel, The Safety of Unknown Cities was awarded the Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel in 1995. . Taylor's psychological horror story horror story Story intended to elicit a strong feeling of fear. Such tales are of ancient origin and form a substantial part of folk literature. They may feature supernatural elements such as ghosts, witches, or vampires or address more realistic psychological fears. explores yet another aspect of the genre. Pelan himself is included with a long tale of obsession. Though the collection is uneven, most horror fans will find something to enjoy among the 27 offerings. Joseph DeMarco, Libn., St. Joseph's Sch., Philadelphia, PA |
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