Customer Reviews

The Grand Struggle

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4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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Who is this guy? I've only just heard of him, but on several rec's I picked this up and really found myself surprised. He's a damn fine storyteller.

Twenty-two stories in all, O'Neill gives you a variety that will leave you breathless. Original and intense, each story has one simple thread that connects them - destruction. Be it the loss of a loved one, loss of freedom or the complete ruin of sanity, horror runs through this book with a tear in it's eye. I'm not even able to tell you which tale was my favorite because they all were. There was not one bad story in this whole collection. I love this book!!

O'Neill's style of writing is shockingly graceful. He pens his tales with a heavy heart that can easily be felt and ratified. Now don't get too sentimental, because there is terror in every corner, panic in each shadow and pain throughout. Outwitting even yours truly, O'Neill makes you feel secure and protected only to suddenly open the door and let the Boogeyman himself in.

Creating characters that are heavyweights, O'Neill avoids the easy pattern of black and white. There are no sides, no easily discernable good/bad guys. No player is without flaws, little imperfections that are both realistic and unique to the individual. Yet, each one has dignity and tenderness. Listen up kids; this is how it should be!

O'Neill is one of our best (and most underappreciated) authors of dark fiction, SF and fantasy. His writing is lean, pure and uncompromising and his imagination knows no boundaries. This collection is a real treat. Highly recommended.