As I write this review, The Raven, a movie that stars John Cusack as Edgar Allan Poe is scheduled to be released on Friday. I'm a huge Poe fan, but I'm viewing this news with a mixture of anticipation and dread. I'm hopeful that it might be good, a suitable tribute to the horror master who first sparked many readers' interest in the genre, but I'm worried that it may be a terrible. At the very least, I'm hoping it will remind the general public about Poe and create a renewed interest in his darkly elegant contributions to literature.
Well, if this movie whets your appetite for some Poe style horror, I'm going to whole-heartedly recommend picking up a copy of Raven Wings And 13 More Twisted Tales by Frank G. Poe, Jr. This extremely modern nod to Poe will alternately thrill, shock or amuse.
Three standouts that I especially enjoyed include a tale titled 'Final Envoy,' which had a science fiction flavor; 'The Spider and The Fly,' written from the viewpoint of a male black widow spider that is understandably reluctant to mate (as he's discovered what happens next) and how he handles that dilemma; and 'Of Ninjas and Bullets Left Behind' exposing the abuses of corporate power during an eager candidate's job interview with a CEO. It is a very polished and professional collection that cuts quickly to the action, but is still heavily character driven. Frank is a former literary journal editor and journalist. He knows how to write. He provides a wide variety of stories, something for every type of horror fan.
You'll delight in the twists and turns. Frank keeps his readers guessing before delivering curve ball endings. You'll never think of the word, "Nevermore," in quite the same way. These are wicked little treats.
You'll delight in the twists and turns. Frank keeps his readers guessing before delivering curve ball endings. You'll never think of the word, "Nevermore," in quite the same way. These are wicked little treats.
Frank clearly has a dry sense of humor. He discusses an affinity for Poe in his introduction and claims, rather tongue-in-cheek, a relationship with the original Poe—not as a direct relative, but through reincarnation. His speculation as to the true cause of Poe's death is very interesting. Is he sincere? Doubtful, but be in on the joke and pick-up this thoroughly entertaining collection. I hate to speculate, but I have a feeling that it's way better than the movie!
Purchase Raven Wings And 13 More Twisted Tales at Amazon formatted for Kindle or as a Paperback. I was fortunate enough to read the paperback version which is a beautifully produced volume and worthy of gift-giving.
Purchase Raven Wings And 13 More Twisted Tales at Amazon formatted for Kindle or as a Paperback. I was fortunate enough to read the paperback version which is a beautifully produced volume and worthy of gift-giving.
