I have to say that I'm generally a fan of short story collections. There's something about enjoying a bite-sized piece of fiction that is thoroughly satisfying. I was excited to immerse myself in the world of Oddities & Entities, and curious what Roland Allnach had to offer me.

This collection is a bit different than most that I've read. Unlike most horror collections, which feel have a distinctly "campfire story" element to them, Oddities and Entities is much more structured. Each story feels like an entire novel. I was fully introduced to characters, felt their depth, and was given a legitimate resolution. It was refreshing, to be honest. A different approach to be sure, but it works.

Truthfully, the content of these stories was what threw me for a loop. Some I loved, some I was confused by. If I had to choose a favorite, "Boneview" definitely fits the bill. Dark, intriguing, and with a surprising amount of descriptive language that draws you into its depths. On the flip side, "Me Other Me" lost me a bit. There was a point during the story when I was confused enough that I felt the need to start it over. Still, I can't deny that they are all compulsively readable.

Despite any small qualms I may have had, the fact remains that this is still a very strong collection of stories. There is plenty of imagination between these pages, mixed with the perfect balance between intelligent writing and a horror-like feel. I would definitely recommend this set of short stories to readers who enjoy a good shiver or two. You might find a new favorite tale to share. ( )

Set in the mysterious space between everyday reality - which governs the real world - and an existence just beyond reach, Oddities and Entities by Roland Allnach traces a path through the supernatural, the paranormal, and the speculative. With moments of horror, dark humor, and philosophical transcendence, these six tales explore a definition of life beyond the fragile vessel of the human body.

In the first of these six tales, 'Boneview' - a young woman named Allison, attempts to balance her desire to have a normal life with her ability to see through people, as well as the presence of a supernatural creature that she calls 'The Curmudgeon'. In 'Shift/Change' - John, an amnesiac young hospital worker, struggles to regain his memories of his previous life as he is confronted by a series of desperate people. In 'My Other Me' - Noel, a lonely college student, finds himself displaced from his body by his alter ego.

In 'Gray' - a frustrated man named Dave is stunned to discover a tiny creature living in his head. In 'Elmer Phelps' - Elmer and his older sister Casey are bound together in a strange reality by a bat bite that occurred in childhood. In the last story, 'Appendage' - a cynical mercenary is hired by his estranged son to protect a research lab on the verge of a stunning discovery.

I found this book to be somewhat disturbing, but compulsively readable for me! I really enjoyed this book and actually finished reading it late last night ('into the wee hours of the morning' - translated as 2:30 A.M!!!) As a result, I'm writing up this review a little late, as I wanted to organize my thoughts about what I read before I tapped it out on my computer keyboard! :) If I had to choose which stories I enjoyed most, I would say that the first three stories really were the most unusual for me. Overall though, I would give Oddities and Entities by Roland Allnach an A! He certainly is an author to look out for. ( )

http://beauty-in-ruins.blogspot.ca/2013/03/oddities-entities-by-roland-allnach.h... ( )