Customer Reviews

Urbane and Other Horror Tales

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

 

 

It's not often that I come across a book that really makes me lose track of time but Frazer Lee's Urbane held me spellbound in a page turning world of creepy, blood thirsty, jump-out at you horror. The book contains six short stories in very diverse styles and set in modern day, olden times and lots in between with each tale weaving its own thread of gore and ghastliness. The second half of the book contains the complete scripts from six of Lee's films and are complete roller coaster rides in the dark depths of the darkness. A perfect bedtime book for a disturbed nights sleep. Loved it !

This volume contains all of the old favorites, as well as a couple of new favorites, one of which is Tinsel, a classic Christmas story... well, not quite. If I had read this as a child, then I'm fairly sure that I would not have slept for a week. When a story can provoke a chilly, squirmy reaction in broad daylight in a safe environment, then there's something good happening. With a few well-chosen words, Mr. Lee effectively creates both character and atmosphere, and let's not forget about the "euuwww" factor. Many of these tales demonstrate the most engaging use of bodily fluids and innards. Each tale is original and distinctive, a most entertaining array of Mr. Lee's work. The screenplays prove their power on the page, and provide a fascinating comparison to the films that have already been realized visually. It makes me yearn to see more of his words put into motion. He graces many of his stories with a slight supernatural twist that takes you by the hand and personally leads you into the darkness.

This was the first time I have read horror. I normally write and consume humour. But I wanted to read something different on my new Kindle. Lee has opened my eyes to a whole new world of fiction, previously unexplored. The detail is grizzly and brilliantly crafted. Absolutely a five star read.

I found myself saying "That's it? Really?" at the end of every story. These "short stories" read more like scenes from a story that you may or may not want to read more of, depending on which one you read, but none of them really managed to sustain any good tension or conflict on their own. All of them needed more development, in my opinion, and a few of them should have just stayed in the desk drawer.

When there are less than 10 reviews and all good, it's usually reviews from their mother, father, brothers, sisters, wives, husbands and children?

I've only read one story so far (Conspiracy of Silence) simply because I was considering blowing my head off while reading that one and I fear what I might do to myself should I read further. Way too much dragging on and on trying to describe a character of a very short story. We are not with this character long enough to really care. Three quarters into the story and he's still trying to explain this stupid character.

Overall it was just a very frustrating read and my advice is to wait till there are at least 50 reviews before you purchase so you can get to the truth. Should I decide to torture myself and read more, I'll update my review.