3 Stories by 3 Masters
This book proved to me why Laymon is my most favorite horror author, as his story - the 1st one in the book - Ruled!
Ed Lee's version was Awesome as well ~ a Futuristic version. . .
Jack Ketchum's was just Bizarre!
These stories will only take an hour or so, each to read (Lee's may take a bit longer) so if, like me, you read short stories while you are waiting for another novel to arrive, then this book's stories are perfect!
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Great Stories From 3 Horror Masters
Wow is this a good collection of tales. While initially, all three are connected by the same setup, they quickly branch off into their own world, especially Edward Lee's story where he throws us into the future on a ship travelling in space. I was surprised at how different this was from other works by Lee, but it still had his abundant helpings of gore and sex. Some of the concepts Mr. Lee reveals are pretty amazing and I could tell he was very inspired writing it. Highly recommended for newbies since you get a taste of each author's style. Great stuff all around.
Good Concept. Should be done more often
I love this concept: Take 3 respected horror/thriller authors who are well acquainted with each other. Set up an inciting incident for a story, and then have all 3 walk off and do their own thing. And boy, does it play out in 3 wildly different ways.
Richard Laymon's is the first. His is the most straightforward in execution. This isn't a bad thing, however, as Laymons' story is a lean, mean machine that moves relentlessly from page 1.
Edward Lee comes next, and is the longest and moste elaborate. The story begings the same only the setting is slightly shifted. Soon it becomes something else quite different from Laymon's entry, and goes into Lovecraft territory. This might be strange to some readers, but for those who enjoy Cosmic Horror it is a welcome surprise. Probably my favorite story of the three.
Jack Ketchum rounds it off with the most random story of the three. I am always entertained by Ketchums way with words and dialogue, and this story is no exception. The only drawback to it is that it does feel a little bit as if Ketchum took a pre-existing short he had already completed and sort of grafted on the premise of the anthology. Of course in any collection, be it by separate authors of the same, some stories are bound to suffer when compared to the others. Ketchums suffers the most, although that does not mean it is a bad story. Lee and Laymon are to blame for this because of their exceptionally good contributions!
An innovative idea for a short story collection, done by 3 very talented writers. I'd like to see this kind of creative approach to the anthology done again, not just by these men but by others (although sadly Laymon has passed on).
Variations on a theme...
and the good guys don't always win. But the authors get to comment on politics, religion, sex and violence. Interesting airport reading.
2 out of 3 aint bad
I only just recently found out that this book was released in paperback addition and that night I ran out and got it. I wasnt disappointed at all. Well, maybe just a tad disappointed.
I didnt really enjoy the Edward Lee story. It was too long (the longest story of the three)and it was about themes that I dont care to read about (Christianity and Science Fiction) two themes that Im not really into.
The other two stories by Richard Laymon and Jack Ketchum are superb and exactly what I expected. Laymons story "Triage" was the best only because Im a die hard Laymon fan and love anything he puts out. It has all the classic elements of a Laymon story. Extreme violence, rape, and of course revenge.
Ketchums story although different was good too. It is about a guy who is pretty much down and out in every way than finally gets the recognition he's wanted but in a Very different way than what you think is going to happen.
Overall if you like suspense and horror from 3 of the best out there than pick up this book. It is worth the price.
