Review of Tales from the Gray Area
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Katarina K 2
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Review of Tales from the Gray Area
[Following is a volunteer review of "Tales from the Gray Area" by Curtis Stephen Burdick.]
Tales from the Gray area: A Shadowy Realm of Imagination that Defies Reality , written by Curtis Stephen Burdick, is a collection of seven novellas. In these novellas, an author shows us the other side of humanity and points out the importance of teamwork. This, together with Twilight Zone vibes, creates a wholesome reading experience. His fascination with the darkness gives his stories the right amount of thrill and makes them unique standalone magic.
From reincarnation theories through nightmare discoveries to encounters with aliens, everyone can find their favourite story. Curtis Burdick wrote them in the same bone-chilling authentic style, yet each one was distinctive. Although more than half of them were scary and skin-ripping, some of them felt more philosophical and made Tales from the Gray Area a pleasant reading experience.
My favourite novella was about a man and the bridge. From the beginning, you feel moved by the rawness of his emotions. It was also different from other stories in the collection. There were no aliens/monsters here, yet he was alienated by his former friends, by the only family he had. At least his end was peaceful. Also, it was a beautiful nod to the life he lived. He died with the hope of a reunion. Mr Burdick wrote his last lines with deep care for the character, and it shows. Another story I found appealing was a story of flame, soul contracts, and an unexpected twist in Vacation from Hell. The name itself points out a good story, and its premise didn't fail. Although some parts felt a bit forced. Overall I laughed, cried and pondered its meaning.
Even though I found Mr Burdick's authentic style appealing, I didn't like abrupt endings without a warning. Some of the stories felt rushed in the end, and it took a quality from them. For example, an ending of the Reincarnation cut the story in the middle without the promise of returning.
On account of his writing and delivery of the stories, I appreciated the author's enticing style and no grammar mistakes. Also, I enjoyed the story dynamics and characters that felt real, as if standing next to me, telling me their story. With some characters I even identified, which is a sign of talent. Thus, I'm giving the author 4 out of 4 stars..
I would recommend this book to fans of dark fantasy and horror. Also, it's suitable for lovers of good ideological conflict who will find something appealing to read here. I found a lot of quality in this book, worthy of reading. In the end, this book surpassed my expectations, and I would read it again.
******
Tales from the Gray Area
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Tales from the Gray area: A Shadowy Realm of Imagination that Defies Reality , written by Curtis Stephen Burdick, is a collection of seven novellas. In these novellas, an author shows us the other side of humanity and points out the importance of teamwork. This, together with Twilight Zone vibes, creates a wholesome reading experience. His fascination with the darkness gives his stories the right amount of thrill and makes them unique standalone magic.
From reincarnation theories through nightmare discoveries to encounters with aliens, everyone can find their favourite story. Curtis Burdick wrote them in the same bone-chilling authentic style, yet each one was distinctive. Although more than half of them were scary and skin-ripping, some of them felt more philosophical and made Tales from the Gray Area a pleasant reading experience.
My favourite novella was about a man and the bridge. From the beginning, you feel moved by the rawness of his emotions. It was also different from other stories in the collection. There were no aliens/monsters here, yet he was alienated by his former friends, by the only family he had. At least his end was peaceful. Also, it was a beautiful nod to the life he lived. He died with the hope of a reunion. Mr Burdick wrote his last lines with deep care for the character, and it shows. Another story I found appealing was a story of flame, soul contracts, and an unexpected twist in Vacation from Hell. The name itself points out a good story, and its premise didn't fail. Although some parts felt a bit forced. Overall I laughed, cried and pondered its meaning.
Even though I found Mr Burdick's authentic style appealing, I didn't like abrupt endings without a warning. Some of the stories felt rushed in the end, and it took a quality from them. For example, an ending of the Reincarnation cut the story in the middle without the promise of returning.
On account of his writing and delivery of the stories, I appreciated the author's enticing style and no grammar mistakes. Also, I enjoyed the story dynamics and characters that felt real, as if standing next to me, telling me their story. With some characters I even identified, which is a sign of talent. Thus, I'm giving the author 4 out of 4 stars..
I would recommend this book to fans of dark fantasy and horror. Also, it's suitable for lovers of good ideological conflict who will find something appealing to read here. I found a lot of quality in this book, worthy of reading. In the end, this book surpassed my expectations, and I would read it again.
******
Tales from the Gray Area
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless by Mitzi Perdue
