Gerard Houarner

[b:Dueling Minds|15760779|Dueling Minds|Brian James Freeman|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1342740542s/15760779.jpg|21460976] edited by [a:Brian James Freeman|3415820|Brian James Freeman|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1313877690p2/3415820.jpg] is a collection of horror stories all based upon the cover illustration by Alan M. Clark. The six stories in this small volume are all absolutely top-notch. All six authors saw different potentials in the illustration and all fleshed out their ideas wonderfully. It is hard for me to pick a favorite, but the story by [a:Brian Keene|52050|Brian Keene|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1248120869p2/52050.jpg] left me thinking about it the longest. The interior artwork by Erin S. Wells wonderfully complements each story. For horror fans, this is a collection not to be missed.… (more)

Winning a free copy of Brian Hodge and Gerard Hoarder’s Dark City: A Novella Collection provided an interesting read with three stories in this book. The first “In the Negative Spaces” provides an intense read of a quest to free oneself from the past, and makes the reader want to know what happens next with the character. The second story, “Burning Bright in the Invisible Night” transports the reader into what seems like the middle of a storyline, yet it makes sense. However it leaves you wanting more as it is a fight between routine, and facing challenges. The final story, “The Fear Puppet” is an interesting read, that battles the issue of fearing the unknown vs. seeking something that is “suppose to be”… (more)

I was lucky enough to get an Advanced Copy of this title from the editor. I think the concept of this book is great and I hope that more are done in this manner in future.

In all there are 6 different stories inspired by the art that is used as the cover. The first story, Purple Reign by Brian Keene, was easily my favorite of the group. The last 2 stories were from authors I was not familiar with at all, Jenny Orosel and Gary Houarner. Of those 2 I enjoyed Jenny more. I found Gary's story, The Breath of Bygone Spirits, to be my least favorite of the group. I found that one to be a little too long for what that story called for, though on a 2nd read that could easily change. I do remember finding the link between the story and the artwork to be suspect though, like it was added as an afterthought to fit in with the requirements. It was still a decent story though, which is why I could easily see my view on that story being more positive on a second read later on. All in all a great read and a solid entry into the Cemetery Dance Signature Series!… (more)