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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
How did this even get published?, July 18, 2006
Utter garbage. The "horror" stories were not scary in the least. It seemed that the author knew he could not make anything scary, and went for jarring instead. There were quite a few moments that were surprising and/or gross, but nothing was scary.
Besides the poor writing and the lack of scares, it was highly offensive in its assumption that all white people are extreme racists. I don't know if he began this book in the 30's and just got around to publishing it, or he is just trying to exploit the fear of racism. But either way, it is stupid, annoying and highly, highly offensive.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Clichéd, August 28, 2006
Reading this book after two other anthologies, the current Borderlands and Outsiders, Havoc was a big let down. Fleming trots out the hoariest clichés (voodoo, deals with the devil, vampires, zombies, etc.) without a scare or twist to be found. Too many of the stories use familiar devices from "Tales from the Crypt" or "Tales for the Hood". One reoccurring theme in all stories is the racist "white southern cracker" and the old "white devils" cliché. *GASP!* (Is anyone else tired of this stereotype?) I'm sure this device was used to make some social commentary point, but instead of making one think, it simply becomes annoying. Mr. Fleming's overuse of the sex crazed white woman lusting after "dark meat" becomes offensive and outright racist at times.
To be fair, two stories stood out from the mess. "Speak No Evil" was a good blues tale. It was witty and sly and reminded me of a more fleshed out version of "Harold's Blues", by Glen Singer. "Bordering on the Divine" bordered on clever, with Edgar Allen Poe making an appearance. When not ranting about evil white people, the author can tell a good story.
As this book was published by Dafina, the target audience will be young African-Americans between 16 and 25. It's a quick read (I finished in less than 3 hours). The graphic, and sometimes pointless, sex scenes will appeal to the this demographic as well as the "get whitey!" subtext. However, for the true horror fan, this book is as flat as a two day old RC Cola and disappointing as a stale Moon Pie.
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4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Exquisite, dark horror, December 11, 2005
Robert Fleming's collection of short horror stories is a true revelation. Sensual and horrific at the same time, these stories grab your legs and pull them out from under you. As the owner of more than 500 fantasy and horror anthologies, it takes a lot to impress me, but Robert Fleming did just that. The subject of his horror ranges from man's inhumanity to man, to the other side wrecking havoc with mortal man. His range is amazing, and his writing style is just relaxed enough to make the stories flow, and make them easy to read.
A complete list of the stories are ** Life After Bas ** The Ultimate Bad Luck ** In My Father's House ** The Inhuman Condition ** Bordering on the Divine ** Havoc After Dark ** The Blasphemer ** Arbeit Macht Frei ** Speak No Evil ** Punish the Young See of Satan ** A Lizard's Kiss ** The Garden of Evil ** The Wisdom of the Serpents
Most of the stories have eroticism, and any fan of Hot Blood will devour this anthology. If you're looking for a collection of stories that will entertain, frighten, and titillate you, this is the book to buy.
Highest recommendations!
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