Review of Before The Storm

Post by **Stephen Christopher 1** » 21 Oct 2023, 22:32

[Following is a volunteer review of "Before The Storm" by Charles Wendell Jones.]

5 out of 5 stars

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Good vs. evil is the basis of many books and never gets old. Charles Wendell Jones’ Before The Storm is a collection of 12 short stories with this theme. The 12 are an eclectic mix of concepts, including serial killers, mind control, physical deformities, murder, and even supernatural spider-like creatures.

In my opinion, the best short statues are those with a twist at the end, and the author certainly delivers here. Some of the twists I saw coming, yet some left me sitting back in shock, exclaiming, ‘Whoa!’

The first story, Stage Struck, starts with a bang (literally) and thunders on to a completely unexpected finish. This short story sets the tone for the others.

I love how incredibly flawed the characters are, yet they’re so ‘real’ that they could be the person living next door to you or a work colleague. Charles Wendell Jones has a knack for writing descriptions so clearly that the reader can visibly ‘see’ the character in vivid detail.

Sometimes, good wins, and sometimes evil does. I even found myself emotionally connected to some of the characters more on the evil side of the scale, and when you read these, you’ll know and understand why.

Some stories are told in first person, which gives the reader additional insight into the protagonist’s motivation. I especially enjoyed these.

What I love about a book of short stories is the variety of the tales. Some will resonate with the reader, and others may not. It’s rare to find one where you’ll love every story, and I admit that one or two left me feeling a bit ‘meh.’ However, 10 of the 12 were right up my alley.

Another positive aspect of most short story compendiums is that they’re made up of independent stories, so you only need to read one at a time. Before The Storm falls into this category. However, I admit each one intrigued me to get to the next one to see if I could predict the next outcome.

The book is professionally edited, and I spotted no errors. I’m giving this book 5 out of 5 stars as I loved almost all the stories and really enjoyed the endings.

Due to the dark themes’ nature, the short stories collection suits older teenagers and adults better. There is slight swearing in some of the stories and mild sexual references. Lovers of crime, thrillers, and supernatural themes will enjoy this collection the most.

******
Before The Storm
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Post by **Sarah Zain** » 30 Oct 2023, 02:40

Various short stories are magic words because they make the book more enjoyable, especially if the stories have an attention-grabbing factor . Your review explained the details of the book very nicely.

RJ Reviews · Post by **RJ Reviews** » 30 Oct 2023, 13:53

It is great book! And your review reflects so well on the book. It wouldn't be totally honest if I say that I loved ALL of the stories but I can absolutely say that 95% of them worked for me. The unexpected twists were shocking in a good way.

Post by **Anu Anand** » 30 Oct 2023, 14:31

I wholeheartedly agree with you. I was captivated by the deeply flawed yet remarkably realistic characters in the stories. They felt like people you might encounter in your everyday life. While a couple of stories left me a bit perplexed, the majority resonated with me. I thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Your review beautifully captures the essence of the book, and I genuinely enjoyed reading it. Thank you for sharing this wonderful review!

Post by **Stephen Christopher 1** » 30 Oct 2023, 20:56

Sarah Zain wrote: ↑30 Oct 2023, 02:40 Various short stories are magic words because they make the book more enjoyable, especially if the stories have an attention-grabbing factor . Your review explained the details of the book very nicely.

I absolutely agree with you, it's so easy to devote time to a short story, and walk away feeling satisfied. Thanks for reading my review.

Post by **Stephen Christopher 1** » 30 Oct 2023, 20:57

RJ Reviews wrote: ↑30 Oct 2023, 13:53 It is great book! And your review reflects so well on the book. It wouldn't be totally honest if I say that I loved ALL of the stories but I can absolutely say that 95% of them worked for me. The unexpected twists were shocking in a good way.

I'm glad you said that. I don't think I've ever a short story compendium and loved every single one, and I think that's the beauty. The shock ending of the first story though was the one that I least saw coming.

Post by **Stephen Christopher 1** » 30 Oct 2023, 20:59

Anu Anand wrote: ↑30 Oct 2023, 14:31 I wholeheartedly agree with you. I was captivated by the deeply flawed yet remarkably realistic characters in the stories. They felt like people you might encounter in your everyday life. While a couple of stories left me a bit perplexed, the majority resonated with me. I thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Your review beautifully captures the essence of the book, and I genuinely enjoyed reading it. Thank you for sharing this wonderful review!

Yes exactly! I loved the deep flaws they all had, and come to think of it, I do know some of the characters in real life haha. It seems like everyone has the same consensus that not every story worked, but that most did.

Post by **Alice Heritage** » 31 Oct 2023, 04:55

There's something so special about a shocking twist at the end of a short story. It sounds as if the author pulled this off well here. Thanks for your thorough review.

Terry Kimble · Post by **Terry Kimble** » 31 Oct 2023, 08:47

Oh wow! Another book that I passed over before but now I want to read! You've done a perfect job describing the book's contents and interesting characteristics. Thank you, I enjoyed reading your awesome review!

Post by **Stephen Christopher 1** » 31 Oct 2023, 09:45

Alice Heritage wrote: ↑31 Oct 2023, 04:55 There's something so special about a shocking twist at the end of a short story. It sounds as if the author pulled this off well here. Thanks for your thorough review.

I absolutely agree with you, Alice. I always try to predict the twists, but when they're as good as the ones in this batch of short stories, I love being wrong!

Post by **MAHAD BAIG MIRZA** » 30 May 2024, 00:31

This review captivates with its analysis of Charles Wendell Jones' short story collection, celebrating its twists and character depth. It also offers insightful recommendations for readers drawn to dark themes and diverse narratives, making it an engaging read.

Harshitha G B · Post by **Harshitha G B** » 01 Jun 2024, 02:03

Perfectly delivered Short stories are kind of mirror to the perfection because to weave solid plotline with good characters and delivering the intense story is nothing but genius work. Good and engaging review. Thank you for introducing good books through your reviews.

Kshitija Sonawane · Post by **Kshitija Sonawane** » 30 Oct 2024, 01:12

I have tried my hand at writing before. Yes, I could not finish it. I needed short stories that could be completed in one sitting. Short stories are easier to write and with a common theme, I think I will love these string of stories. They sound very enjoyable.

Stephen Christopher 1 wrote: ↑21 Oct 2023, 22:32 [Following is a volunteer review of "Before The Storm" by Charles Wendell Jones.]

5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review

Good vs. evil is the basis of many books and never gets old. Charles Wendell Jones’ Before The Storm is a collection of 12 short stories with this theme. The 12 are an eclectic mix of concepts, including serial killers, mind control, physical deformities, murder, and even supernatural spider-like creatures.

In my opinion, the best short statues are those with a twist at the end, and the author certainly delivers here. Some of the twists I saw coming, yet some left me sitting back in shock, exclaiming, ‘Whoa!’

The first story, Stage Struck, starts with a bang (literally) and thunders on to a completely unexpected finish. This short story sets the tone for the others.

I love how incredibly flawed the characters are, yet they’re so ‘real’ that they could be the person living next door to you or a work colleague. Charles Wendell Jones has a knack for writing descriptions so clearly that the reader can visibly ‘see’ the character in vivid detail.

Sometimes, good wins, and sometimes evil does. I even found myself emotionally connected to some of the characters more on the evil side of the scale, and when you read these, you’ll know and understand why.

Some stories are told in first person, which gives the reader additional insight into the protagonist’s motivation. I especially enjoyed these.

What I love about a book of short stories is the variety of the tales. Some will resonate with the reader, and others may not. It’s rare to find one where you’ll love every story, and I admit that one or two left me feeling a bit ‘meh.’ However, 10 of the 12 were right up my alley.

Another positive aspect of most short story compendiums is that they’re made up of independent stories, so you only need to read one at a time. Before The Storm falls into this category. However, I admit each one intrigued me to get to the next one to see if I could predict the next outcome.

The book is professionally edited, and I spotted no errors. I’m giving this book 5 out of 5 stars as I loved almost all the stories and really enjoyed the endings.

Due to the dark themes’ nature, the short stories collection suits older teenagers and adults better. There is slight swearing in some of the stories and mild sexual references. Lovers of crime, thrillers, and supernatural themes will enjoy this collection the most.

******
Before The Storm
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Post by **Stephen Christopher 1** » 31 Oct 2024, 00:40

Kshitija Sonawane wrote: ↑30 Oct 2024, 01:12 I have tried my hand at writing before. Yes, I could not finish it. I needed short stories that could be completed in one sitting. Short stories are easier to write and with a common theme, I think I will love these string of stories. They sound very enjoyable.

If you love short stories with twists at the end then you'll love these!