Review of Tales from the Gray Area

Post by **Ngozi Onyibor** » 02 Jul 2021, 09:20

[Following is a volunteer review of "Tales from the Gray Area" by Curtis Stephen Burdick.]

4 out of 4 stars

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I treasure short stories; they always rouse the dreamer in me. What they lack in length, they make up for with their ability to ignite and set my imagination on fire. So it thrilled me when I picked up Tales from the Gray Area by Curtis Stephen Burdick.

Inspired by The Twilight Zone, Curtis narrates this compilation of seven novellas with varied themes in the third person. The themes transverse love, loss, self-actualization, and sorcery. Though the stories might seem unrelated at first, gradually, the mystery element that binds them all reveals itself.

Alien Addiction follows a drug-addicted alien lord that came to earth for recovery. However, things get interesting when aliens from other galaxies trace his location.

An antique lover's quest to save a historical bridge from demolition unearths archaeological findings that question everything humans know about the history and beginning of life in Discoveries at River View.

How far is too far in the quest for fame and power? In Vacation from Hell, nothing is free, and nothing is impossible provided you are ready to play ball.

My favorite aspect of the book is how disparately similar the stories and characters are. In the beginning, I sensed an undercurrent of inner turmoil in the protagonists. With time, the hunt for/ discovery of the unknown seemed to give them peace. A redemption of sorts. It was a beautiful experience.

Again, I like the author's creativity in telling the stories, especially The Vacation from Hell. The details of how the fictional hell functions. The distinctions and hierarchy of power between the 'Originals and Worker Angels' are impressive.

I loathe that I'm quibbling about one of my favorite aspects of fiction. In this case, I couldn't help it. Most of the descriptions in the book were overboard. I had to go back a few times to get the gist of something because it got lost in the description. Lucid portrayals, when done right, teleport the reader from an observer into a player in a story. But when overdone, it drowns the focal point.

Overall, other facets of the book are brilliant. The stories are unique, intriguing, and expertly edited. So, I rate the work 4 out of 4 stars. I enjoyed reading it.

The novel will appeal to a broad audience; the themes span a medley of topics. Most of all, it will feel like home to fans of all things bizarre. It contains splatters of obscenities, though.

******
Tales from the Gray Area
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Urvashi Tripathi · Post by **Urvashi Tripathi** » 14 Jul 2021, 12:48

I love reading short stories. I like this kind of weird books, were nothing makes much sense but still readers enjoy the piece of art. I don't know why but this book is giving me vibes of Author Neil Gaiman books, my favorite author. Thank you for the amazing review.

Jagiine · Post by **Jagiine** » 14 Jul 2021, 15:54

I'd probably get lost in some of the details as well, but it sounds like a very interesting read overall! The topic is up my alley, and it's nice to have something short to enjoy when you have a moment rather than the pressure of a full novel. Thanks for your thoughtful review!

NISSE · Post by **NISSE** » 14 Jul 2021, 22:16

Usually short stories are not my favoured story types.Hence, will skip this for now.Great review though!

Post by **Ngozi Onyibor** » 16 Jul 2021, 04:28

Urvashi Tripathi wrote: ↑14 Jul 2021, 12:48 I love reading short stories. I like this kind of weird books, were nothing makes much sense but still readers enjoy the piece of art. I don't know why but this book is giving me vibes of Author Neil Gaiman books, my favorite author. Thank you for the amazing review.

Thanks for your comment.

Post by **Ngozi Onyibor** » 16 Jul 2021, 04:29

NISSE wrote: ↑14 Jul 2021, 22:16 Usually short stories are not my favoured story types.Hence, will skip this for now.Great review though!

It's not everyone's cup of tea. Thank you for your kind words, Nisse.

Post by **Ngozi Onyibor** » 16 Jul 2021, 04:30

Jagiine wrote: ↑14 Jul 2021, 15:54 I'd probably get lost in some of the details as well, but it sounds like a very interesting read overall! The topic is up my alley, and it's nice to have something short to enjoy when you have a moment rather than the pressure of a full novel. Thanks for your thoughtful review!

I feel the same way about full novels. Thanks for your comment.