Customer Reviews

The Disciples of Cthulhu II

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

While the some of the stories play with our expectations (Scott Aniolowski's and Will Murray's), too many of the rest are not much better than the worst website Mythos fiction. Disappointing addition to amazing series.

"I've Seen Worse" is not an auspicious title for a review. Although, speaking of titles, I notice that Amazon has this book titled TALES OF CHIVALRY & ROMANCE (it should be DISCIPLES OF CTHULHU II). Now that's truly awful.

There are a few stories in this collection worth mentioning. "The Eldridge Collection" is about a future law enforcement agency fighting the supernatural, and some of its own agents use the supernatural. Which sounds like a dumb idea for the agency. Sadly, I found myself despising the characters, but the idea was an interesting one. "Acute Spiritual Fear" was, quite frankly, blasphemous. It gave me an idea of what HPL might have had in mind when he made oblique references to things better-not-mentioned. "The San Francisco Treat" was an interesting glimpse into the mind of a madman. His obsessive-compulsive disorder was very believeable, and it made me think of the weight I put on all of the superstitious behaviors I do.

I admit that I have read much better fan fiction, but then this isn't TOO bad. But if I weren't a bibliophile, I think I'd rather not buy it.

Granted, any release of mythos fiction gets my heart beating faster, but perhaps I reacted a bit prematurely on this title - like other reviewers have noted, Disciples II is largely on the disappointing side, barring a couple of pieces. I liked Henry Lee Forrest's tale, but most of the other stories left me cold - even some with really promising beginnings like the Book Seller's Second Wife. There's great quality mythos fiction and then there's pastiche... and considering the great delays in getting this thing out, I'm rather surprised at the final product. I've read anthologies by Price and Aniolowski that got me hooked on modern Lovecraftian fiction, so I intend to stick more closely to those in the future.

There is always some hesitation whenever I crack open a title published by Chaosium. As manufacturers of the game that you either love or hate (I happen to love but in a much earlier incarnation than the current version) there seems to be a conflict between the stories selected to meet the needs of the game or present excellent fiction which then might inspire further game ideas.

In this case, I am happy to report that the title stands by itself with its assortment of truly weird fiction. Some of the authors are generally terrifying, some comic others reflect a deeper cosmic horror. All together a great collection of stories for those who love the Mythos. However, a word of caution for diehard Lovecraftians, only, some of the stories may be enjoyable for you but really lighten up, a bit and you may enjoy the ride.

New stories, great fun and variety in the true tradition of the Cthulhu Mythos.