Tag: short story drama

And So I Took Their Eye by Ben C. Davies Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

The discovery of a body begins a chain reaction connecting people around the world in author Ben C. Davies’ short story collection, “And So I Took Their Eye.”

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The Synopsis

The discovery of a body on the black-sand beaches of Guatemala sparks a chain of events that ripple across the globe.

From an Italian tailor crushed under the weight of his father’s legacy to a mother challenging local snobbery on the cricket fields of England, a vengeful Bolivian priest chasing Che Guevara’s ghost, to a Bay Area therapist blind to his own advice, the lives of a seemingly unconnected group of strangers become fatefully entangled in murder, arson, betrayal, and love. These stories examine abuses of power in a world fractured by inequalities. As their characters confront brutal truths, morality blurs, forcing them to question the meaning of belonging and the lengths they’ll go to carve out their place in an unforgiving world.

Guided by the ancient creed of ‘an eye for an eye’, Ben C. Davies’ And So I Took Their Eye is a gripping collection of interlinked stories exploring what happens when justice is taken into your own hands—and ultimately, what it means to be human.

The Review

This was such a compelling and gripping short story collection. Each story felt very atmospheric, drawing the reader into the culture clash that occurs when tourists and travelers enter a country not their own and bring their sense of righteousness and superiority instead. The dynamic character development and the way the author was able to keep the stories interconnected with one another without sacrificing the unique stories each character experiences made this a memorable collection.

What hit home was the theme the author brought to life in this anthology, which was the fine line between justice and vengeance. The world is so full of increased attacks on things like immigration. There have been increased waves of aggressiveness from people, especially where toxic masculinity is concerned. This book brings these elements into the stories of the anthology to showcase how far people can be pushed, and what happens when people push back. The opening and closing stories especially really captured these themes while also adding mystery, intrigue, and exploring the ways trauma can impact a person.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, enthralling, and mesmerizing, author Ben C. Davies’s “And So I Took Their Eye” is a must-read short story collection. The twists and turns each story takes, how the author weaves each tale together so seamlessly, and the deep study of the human condition and how the lines between justice and revenge can become so blurry at times make this a memorable collection that will stay with readers long after the final page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ben C. Davies is a Californian-based author whose debut short story collection, And So I Took Their Eye, will be published by Bridge House Publishing in 2025. Originally from the UK, his short fiction has appeared in journals such as The Fiery Scribe Review, Left Brain Media, and Downtime Review, while his articles have been featured in Electric Literature, Work, Huck, and Lost.

He serves as an editor for the Ginosko Literary Journal, is a member of the San Francisco Writers Grotto, and is currently at work on his debut novel, Black Sand. In addition to his writing,

https://www.bendaviesauthor.com/

Big Al The Dream Maker’s Emporium of Curiosities Oddities, and Strange Things by Alan McGill Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Alan McGill shares a tantalizing collection of short and spooky stories featuring a mysterious shop owner in  the book “Big Al The Dream Maker’s Emporium of Curiosities, Oddities, and Strange Things”.

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The Synopsis

Shorties of Supernatural Suspense

What is the mysterious Emporium? Who or what is Big Al? Friend or Foe? Demon? Alien? or Mystical Shaman?

To answer those questions, you’ll have to visit the store, if you can find it.

Somewhere, nowhere, and everywhere all at once it appears at the oddest times and strangest places. The neon shines brightly, like a beacon to a troubled mind. The Emporium looks deceptively small from the outside, but once you enter, it is a place beyond reality.

Come inside and have a look, but beware, nothing is for sale, and nothing is free. Don’t be afraid of the Poliger, it won’t bite. And don’t be afraid of Big Al, well, on second thought…he might!

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The Review

What a compelling and haunting collection. What made these stories stand out was how each story could stand on its own feet and yet continuously held this connective mythos surrounding Big Al and the mystery behind the seemingly powerful “man” and “store” themselves. The author once again demonstrated a command over imagery in his writing style, with each story feeling like an episode of Twin Peaks or The Twilight Zone on the page. 

One of my favorite stories in the book was The Grinning Man, as it took the iconic story and legend of Indrid Cold, a prolific figure in the Mothman case, and intensified the legend surrounding the man/alien (Depending on what you believe). The tension and heavy atmosphere the author brought out in each story, and the way these characters embodied the best and worst aspects of humanity, created an almost “devil deal” scenario that made people question who the true monster was, giving this a thriller element that will stay with readers long after the book ends.

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The Verdict

A masterful work of short horror fiction that weaves three twisted tales of terror, author Alan McGill delivers a fantastic collection to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Stephen King’s Needful Things meets the atmosphere of Twin Peaks; the mystery of not only the Emporium but its chilling properties, Big Al, will have readers eager for more of this fantastic world the author has crafted. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Alan McGill is an American author who lives in an old farmhouse with a clowder of cats. Alan was close to his grandparents, who grew up during the Great Depression. They were married young and remained together until his grandmother’s passing. His grandfather served in the Navy during WWII and was a gifted storyteller who wove humorous tales about tough events. Alan grew up listening to these stories of right and wrong and watching fictional heroes–such as the Lone Ranger, Adam West’s Batman and Captain America–stand up to bullies and protect those who count not protect themselves. This inspired him to always do what was right in his own life and shaped his love of storytelling. He is a multigenre author whose debut novel, A Cry in the Moon’s Light, combines horror, romance, and mystery. As with all his books, A Cry in the Moon’s Light centers on characters who strive to do the right thing regardless of the adversity they face. The book focuses on the theme of love–a pure and deep love that defeats all evil.

https://www.alanmcgillbooks.com

Somewhere in Minnesota: Short Stories by Jayna Locke Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Jayna Locke shares a wonderful collection of short stories that reflects on the human condition in the book “Somewhere in Minnesota: Short Stories”.

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The Synopsis

With springtime in the air, a toddler chases a ball onto a melting ice-covered lake far beyond his parents’ reach.

As the chill of Autumn comes to Minnesota, Max opens the door to find a grizzled drifter on the doorstep. Then Max realizes he knows the man.

When Julie returns to her mother’s home on the shores of Lake Superior, she sees an odd shape tossed by the waves onto the beach. What is it?

Somewhere in Minnesota is a short story collection about the frenetic human experience and the ways in which life manifests itself and delivers defining moments. With Minnesota lakes and seasons as the backdrop, each story shares a different tale of characters experiencing life’s unexpected turns – from peculiar circumstances to moments of crisis – that at least temporarily set their world off its axis.

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The Review

This was a heartfelt and moving collection of short stories. They found a way of capturing the heart and compassion within families and relationships. The use of Minnesota as a standard setting for all of these stories was inspiring, giving readers a look into the local culture and background of these characters while bringing Minnesota to life on the page. 

Yet the themes of family and relationships stood out in this election. Whether that was found in the story of a woman who had to decide if she was staying in a relationship for love or comfort, or the story of a father who recently returned to his family, and so much more, each story delved into the inner workings of the human heart and experience. The rich dynamics between these characters and the thoughtful approach to world-building in these stories made this quite a memorable read.

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The Verdict

Heartfelt, emotional, and captivating author Jayna Locke’s “Somewhere in Minnesota” collection is a must-read short story. The honesty that the stories invoke within the reader and the relatability of the characters and the situations they face will keep readers eagerly gripping their copies of the book in their hands. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jayna Locke is the author of Somewhere in Minnesota, a collection of short stories about characters experiencing life’s unexpected twists and turns, and about grit, hope and resilience.

She is a Minnesota writer who has had a lifelong love of fiction. She earned her MFA from the University of New Hampshire. Her work has appeared in various literary journals, as well as several anthologies — all available on Amazon. She is reachable through her website, jaynalocke dotcom, or on X at jaynatweets.

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