Horror Books

This novel really illustrates how difficult it is for people who are different to navigate about in an unfriendly world. But it's not pessimistic (rather it's funny!) & it's very well written. I love the Poetical allusions and the symbolism.

In a fair world, this author would stand on the stage with James Joyce--this book is THAT good!

This is a great book with wonderful characters and imagery. It's kind of Noir and very Underground, and also extremely poetic and touching. It's the best book I've read in a very, very long time. I just love it!

This is one of the very best books I have read in a long time. It's very powerful and moving, and contains some excellent information for those of us who are forced to live in a world which doesn't understand nor care. I hope this author publishes many more books because this one definitely spoke to me!A+++

This is a very excellent novel. I haven't ever read anything quite like this. It is very realistic & hard-hitting, yet it's also very GOOD, as in James Joyce good or J.D. Salinger good. This is a story with a message, yet it's also entertaining to read. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

This is an excellent reference for the lost and searching Seekers of Truth, few though there may be. This novel brings up many age-old questions and gives a few answers. The symbolic framework is awesome (the author knows her Jung), but the story itself is very informative and readable. I would recommend this to anyone in the Underground who is interested in alternative religion and/or Psychoanalytical theory.

At this point, I am confident that those that are following this manga have realized that this story is so good that it consumes your life. Each volume gets better and better, even though when reading the first one I thought that there was no real way to improve on that, and little by little the story becomes darker. When I watched the anime I thought it was one of the most violent and sexually explicit productions in the genre, but the manga easily tops that. The amazing quality of the graphics contributes to the vividness of these scenes.

At the end of volume 2, Guts was in serious trouble, beaten almost to death by the count and his inner demon, and hanging on barely by a thread. The present volume starts with a crucial development, since by using the Behelit, Guts, Puck, the count and his daughter end up in a different dimension. One where they encounter the God Hands, and where there are important revelations about Guts' past and the meaning of the brand. Also, a main character from the anime makes his appearance. Griffith is one of the demons in this hellish dimension, and it is clear that Guts already knows and hates him.

The final episode in this volume has to do with Guts' childhood, which is when the main story in the anime really begins. We get to see Guts as a baby, "rescued" by the ruthless Gambino and his lover from a sure demise, and then witness his tough upbringing. This trip back in time is a great idea, since it allows the readers to understand this fascinating character better. The end of the volume is as disturbing as it is enigmatic, so once again, it is probably a great idea to have the next one handy.

A new level of violence is reached in this volume, so there may be a few people that could stand this until now but find this new step to be overwhelming. Nevertheless, I believe that most hard-core fans will find this volume to be extraordinary and will be looking forward to the next one, as am I.

Guts is in rare form as he confronts the target of his search in this volume. Berserk is a violent and disturbing book. Guts seems to no longer care about anything or anyone except revenge on the one who betrayed him. In many ways, this reminds of Conan (dark, bloody fantasy where magic is both rare and feared).

The TV series was largely a flashback except for the first episode. In volume 3 of the manga, is still focusing on "the present" though there are elements of the flashback present.

Having watched the TV series and yearned for an actual ending, I began buying these volumes. As only maybe 7 of these have been released and the manga is something like 28 volumes, I don't know that it will happen. However, I am seeing much more of his further adventures (that take place after the final episode of the TV series) even in just these first few volumes.

Berserk, amazingly, continues to get better, and for a series that was already a five in my book, that makes it very difficult to rate this, as five is the highest it can go here. With this volume, I'd give it a six easily, and possibly a seven. The artwork is great, the characters and their interactions are well-done, and the dark atmosphere that surrounds the story of Guts is enough to gag on, but in a good way, to be sure.

In this volume, Guts's battle with the Count continues, only now there is a witness to this fight of blood and madness, the Count's daughter and pride Theresia. And, of course, the ever present Puck. But just as the conclusion seems to be coming, the fight is interrupted by the God Hand, and among this group of five demon gods is Guts's hated rival, Griffith. This is probably the highlight of the manga, especially if you've seen the anime series, as it finally links Guts's past to his present. After that, the story goes deep into the past, and to the tortured childhood of Guts under the mercenary Gambino.

I'd recommend this volume and all of the Berserk manga volumes to anyone who is a fan of mature manga. In fact, I highly recommend buying not one or two but three at a time, money permitting, because you'll find yourself finishing these books in short order.

Advance Warning: This volume contains some very mature content (including an orgy scene and implied molestation), so for anyone who feels uncomfortable about things of this nature, do stay away. This is definitely a manga for adults and should be read with care. Treat this like a bottle of prescription medicine: keep it high on a shelf where no children can reach it.

When we last saw Guts, he was getting assaulted by the Count, now turned into a hideous monster. In volume 2, Guts fought bravely, but was easily overpowered by the Count, who is capable of throwing Guts around the castle like he's nothing. In the end, Guts was knocked out cold, nearly dead. Puck didn't know what to do, and the Count's daughter, Theresia, was left in her room. This volume concludes the fight, but it ends in a way that keeps you on your toes. Anyone that's seen the animated series before reading these books will see some jaw-dropping images halfway through, as characters we only got a small taste of in the final episodes make a return. The only word that comes close to describing what I felt when reading this volume is "intense". Every page had something incredible going on, even more than the past two volumes. There's really no need to read the rest of my review if you don't want me to tell you what happens. And if you've already read the first two books, then you'll get this without needing to read a review.

Guts is still on the ground as the Count's about to finish him off. Puck, incredibly emotional over knowing that his companion's about to die, tries to stall in case Guts is able to get a second wind. Telling the Count that he knows what happened, and how he's become a monster just to hide his true form by not accepting who he really is. That humans aren't as weak as he makes them out to be. The Count laughs at this, and admires Puck for actually saying something, since he always thought elves had the intellect of birds or squirrels, and says he'll let him go free. When Puck goes to try and revive Guts, a Behelit falls from his pack. The Count sees this, and goes after Puck. Just then, Theresia runs into the room, distracting the Count, who now focuses on her. Guts awakens, and attacks again. This time though, he uses Theresia as a shield, knowing the Count won't attack him through his own daughter. Guts makes some swift moves, and cuts off the Count's head. But, the blood from his body and head reaches the Behelit. The nose, eyes and mouth on it move around into the form of a face, and it's time. God Hand has been summoned, and they come to grand the Count his wish, which is to avenge him and kill Guts. Guts looks terrified, but sees their newest member, and takes it upon himself to complete his mission.

The last third of the book ends with a flashback, and starts where the animated series truely started (after we're introduced to Guts as the Black Swordsman). We see Guts as he was born from his mother's corpse after she was hanged from a tree, and Gambino and his lover, Shisu, pick him up. They're part of a band of mercenaries, and because Shisu lost her child, she grows attatched and keeps him, though he's just barely alive. Gambino raises Guts as a fighter, training him with a sword bigger than he is. But, some of his men see Guts as an omen- how they found him under those conditions, and fear he's bad luck. This starts when Shisu dies of a disease, and is continued in the next volume. Guts grows to be a good fighter, and while Gambino seems abusive, there are some moments where he's seen as a gentle person. This is something the animated series left out. The book ends with a terrifying moment for Guts. Something that's change him for the rest of his life.

Go on and get this book. It's intense, the artwork never loses its quality, and you'll never want to stop reading. Heck, buy one of each volume all at the same time so you can move on right away- it's that good. I rarely rave about much, but Berserk is easily the single best book I've read. Not just comics, but that includes novels too. The only problem, and this is very slight, is that these translations get cut-off in some books. A letter will be missing from a word or something because the word bubble is on the edge of a page. It's not a big deal, and it's not like we don't understand what the characters are saying, but it makes me wonder if they'll fix this in the future reprints. Blah, just get the books.

Oh, how it pains me to read a volume of Berserk, each one leaving me pining even more so for the next one. For fans of the anime series, volume three is THE volume to own! Where the first two books started off showing a bit more of Guts life right at the moment, not much reference is really made to the part of the story shown to us in the anime, which was pretty much one giant flashback.

However, in this volume, we get to see Griffith!! Already a proud member of the demonic Godhand (and loving it, may I add), the interaction between the two is absolutely fascination. And, there is a also a flashback to when Griffith and Guts used to fight battles together, back when Griffith was still Guts' Idol.

And, might I add, I really like Puck, a character unique to the manga alone. With the story being as graphically violent as it is, its kind of nice seeing a little compassion comeing from somewhere at least. This little Elf is pretty darn cute and he does add a bit of comic relief.

But best of all, in this volume, we get to see baby Guts!! He's so cute!! And 3 year old guts, and 6 year old guts, and 9 year old guts! (I'm sure you see a pattern here). After finishing the exciting story arc of the mad ruler turned demon slug type creature, we are shown a flashback of Guts' birth and past growing up. Most of this was depicted in the anime, but we see slight variations. His adopted father, while being depicted in the anime as being moderately cruel all throughout (not counting when he totally loses it at the end), he is shown here with a wider variety of personas, going from horribly cruel, to surprising moments of kindness.

However, the end leaves you hanging with a part of his past that wasn't in the anime at all, so I'm absolutely dying for the next volume. This is a series that you won't want to miss. Berserk is my all time favorite manga and anime ever!

As the title of my review suggests, there isn't alot of rest for the Black Swordsman in volume 16. The book starts out with Guts fighting the fairy queen, Rosine, who has a few tricks up her sleave for Guts, and ultimately transforms into a more powerful form and the battle takes on a whole new level testing Guts to the limit again. Sadly, after a well deserved and hard fought victory, he encounters the Holy Chain knights, who have terrible timing since he just fought one of his toughest foes yet, and is captured. The leader of the Holy Chain Knights, Lady Farnese, becomes more than a little frustrated with Guts' disreguard for their religious beleifs, and she reveals a deeply conflicted personality, one that hopefully we will get to learn more about and see her character grow in the series.

One of the more notable parts of this book are the manifested "Beast of Darkness", an apparition within Guts which taunts him at times and commands him to spill more blood. The Beast takes many shapes but most often it takes the silhouette of a large wolf. Another important note is Guts' image itself, as he seems to appear more like the evil he's fighting than a normal man, as if the horrors he endures again and again have twisted him into something else entirely. It's not the prevalent image of him by far, but in this novel you see Guts' appearance change into something more reminiscent of a monster or a devil, like he belongs in the darkness more, or at least like he is certainly not out of place there to say the least.

I thought seeing this side of Guts outside of a battle and during a simple conversation a little exciting and troubling at the same time. It marks an interesting change in Guts' character, one I can't wait to see develop in the story. This was a fairly good novel of the bunch, one that deserves a read, it's also pretty good action and character growth so it goes by faster than some, but it leaves you hanging. None the less, I highly recommend this installment of the series.

I am so happy that the mist valley stuff is over now. the action and art is still awesome, just what you've come to expect from Miura. I was just not into this story though. the elves and what not... just didn't do it for me.

Miura continues his opus with this 16th volume and shows the same skill and beauty in his art as he always does. His work is perfect.

I do wish that Dark Horse had opted not to translate the sound effects, Miura's art is all the description the reader needs.

I think this book well summarizes everything I like about the series to date, it has good action scenes, good interactions, and a bit of dark humor.
I disagree with an earlier reviewer, I am glad that Dark Horse is now translating the sound effects - I also like the fact that they're not just ham-handedly trying to convert it into English equivalents there are some things for which it just doesn't work. (The 'sound' of something being noticed, for example).

I especially liked this book for a few reasons. One reason is it has an excellent quote by Guts, ".. look at the darkness around me.", once you've read that part you'll know what I mean. Secondly, we can see the dark side of Guts continue to grow with "The Beast of Darkness". Lastly, the action is intense and superbly drawn by Miura. Guts' unquenchable thirst for revenge really shows here...

This is one of the critical books of the Berserk series, and sets up what is to come later in the series. Those who have watched the anime, will deffinitly find some new content here related to the backstory of the queen of midland which was not thuroughly explained in the anime. Aside from that there is some great artwork and action in this books which makes this a must get novel of the series(not like any of the book are not "must get" books. lol). Buy it and enjoy, I thuroughly did.

The band of the hawks are in for some crazy stuff. The story only gets more twisted and awsome as it progresses.

At this point I am sure that I will never find a manga that can compete with Berserk for the top spot on my list. This manga has it all, breathtaking art, a mesmerizing and complex plot, multiple themes intertwined in the story, and a great dose of violence, gore and sensuality. But above all, it has a character that fans love and can empathize with. The transformation Guts has suffered throughout this series is mindboggling, and it feels like this volume is a crucial one in this evolution, kind of like a fork in the road.

At the end of the previous volume the Hawks were still fighting to capture the strategically important Doldorey castle, and both Guts and Casca were in deep trouble. Guts had a broken sword and was facing the fiercest soldier in the Chudan army and Casca was in dire straits once more, against the "immortal" Adon. On top of all this, the duke in charge of the castle is the one that got Griffith to sleep with him years ago in exchange for money for the Hawks, and now the duke wants another taste. In this setting, an interesting character from Guts' past reappears and has, once more, a considerable impact on Guts' destiny. Fans of the series will love this.

Politics are still an important part of the story, as Griffith and the Hawks continue to make enemies among the nobles and royal family. The conspiracies abound, and the Machiavellian Minister Foss is still an instrumental part in the plotting of the nobles. He is the brain and puppet master behind the whole operation. But also, in the previous volume we saw a hint of romance appear in the story, and this is augmented now, especially with the relationship between Griffith and Charlotte. This multiplicity of themes keep the interest level high and prevent us from getting bored from seeing the same thing over and over, which is a problem for many mangas.

We have seen Guts say that he will leave the Hawks after this campaign is over. The question is if he will change his mind or not, especially now that he is starting to develop a friendship with Casca. Witnessing the evolution of this plot line is one of the most attractive aspects of this volume, but there is also the fight that ends this installment. Although it is really short, this confrontation ranks among the best in the series due to its level of emotion and what it means for the future. Hope other fans enjoy it as much as I did.

This is the best Manga out there. It gets interesting with each volume. And in this volume on, the story begins to differ than its animation counter part.

So for those of you who saw the anime and didnt read the comic, I sugget you start reading from here because there are important characters and events that were cut from the animation.

Berserk is probably my favorite Japanese-imported fantasy series. Set in the feudal era where destiny seemed so ingrained, one man bravely swung his sword to ensure his own freedom. Guts is the one man with enough power and determination to challenge the transcendental entities, the Godhand, that impose their sordid sick will on humanity.

Never have I so desperately cheered on a protagonist as he took on insurmountable odds with the careless, berserking rage that carried the weight of an entire era.

In vol. 8, a Guts much reformed by the heat of battle again challenges Griffith, this time for his freedom from the Hawks. Despite the successes of the Hawks and Griffith's seemingly unstoppable campaign to the Midland throne, Guts wants to swing his sword freely. The life of a mercernary is all he has ever known. Life as a noble simply could not fulfill his own dreams and sense of purpose.

Also, Guts can no longer stand being the subordinate of Griffith, Guts battles to claim equality with Griffith, the man ordained by the Behelit (The Egg of the one who would be king). In a discussion with his closest companion Judeau, he realizes that he must become his own man. Judeau, seeing that he might attain this dream, does not attempt to convince him to stay.

However, Judeau does warn Guts that Caska, the woman he respects and probably loves, would not leave the Hawks. Guts revealed that in her eyes, he cannot compare with Griffith. However, if he were to make a name for himself, maybe she would look his way. Either way, it is time for Guts to leave the Hawks.

"Berserk" is the proof positive that the comic book is one of the greatest products of the arts, combining two mediums: drawing and storytelling. I await the next volume with great anticipation, and even more so the one after that in which Guts pursues the demonized Griffith. If you like anime or manga, do not pass this by!

This book is unlike any other book that is based on "explaining" Christianity. It is definitly not preachy. So if that is anyone's fear, it does not apply with Brunk's book. What is rare about this book is that the Devil is the protagonist. He is looked at as the good guy. This book tells HIS story about the reasons and the happenings that started evil in the world.

This book seems like a great story I all about how a man for gets who he is and his purpose. and there seems to be romance and mistery and a little action. all of every thing but from some prospective that I would never thoutht of thats what makes so different and more of a twist.

THE REVIEW ZED ZED HAS MADE IS COMPLETELY DISILLUSIONED AND IS A DISGRACE TO ANY AUTHOR. I AM UPSET ABOUT THE COMENTS AND THE UNSURE IDEAS. IT'S NOT A REVIEW IT'S A THINKING MAN GONE AMISS AND I HOPE HE IS NOT OVER THE AGE 13. HE SEEMED TO LIKE THE BOOK BUT HAD NO IDEA ABOUT WHAT HE WAS TYPING. THE TWO OTHER REVIEWS ARE SOMEWHAT GREAT AND I WILL WRITE ONE LATER, BUT THIS IS MORE IMPORTANT FOR THE VIEWERS TO SEE. I HAVE READ THIS BOOK AND IT BRINGS ASPECTS TO LIFE ALONG WITH THE AUTHOR CAPTURING THE READERS MIND. I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANY ONE WHO LOVES TO READ ABOUT LIFE AND FAITH.

This book is by far one of the best I have ever read. I've never read a novel that has so much creativity and imagination. The writer's perspective of action, emotion drama and romance are mysterious. This story gives twist and turns every page, with normal to abnormal writing. It shows how the writer can think out of the box and then come right back in. L.L. Brunk captures the characters in the story so vivid and on point. The characters express, good and evil as they choose there fait. It is superb how the writer gives personalities to each of the characters. The emotion they portray and action they partake is very well explained. The writer describes the thoughts, actions and emotion of the nameless one. In my conclusion this story is suspenseful every chapter and keeps you on your toes. I hope for another novel very soon.

I READ THIS BOOK AND IT MADE ME WONDER HOW SOMEBODY COULD IMAGINE SUCH A GRETA TALE. PROPS TO THE AUTHOR, WORD G

I couldn't put it down. The author is a master at keeping you engaged. The fast pace and the mysticism of the feminine included in the story line and plot kept me spell-bound until I finished reading the book. This is a must read for anyone wishing to expand into the feminine mysteries.

This powerful and compelling novel of ancestral spiritual responsibility will expand your awareness of the unseen mysteries of the universe. Summer Moon Bradley, a young black woman growing up in Virginia, learns the sacred history and spiritual traditions of her ancestors, the Tribe of Dan, from her elderly grandmother, Granmoon, who raised her. This tribe, one of the so called lost tribes of Israel in the Bible, was a society in ancient times made up of powerful women who had the secrets of the world. They were followers of the Goddess, the feminine spirit and creator of everything in the universe, who was considered the Creator long before the name of the Creator was later changed to God, a masculine spirit. During Summer's formative years, Granmoon teaches her the ancient secrets of the followers of the Goddess, because she knows that Summer has the mark and has been chosen to carry on those secrets. Before her death when Summer is 17, Granmoon tells her, "Believe in the Goddess and have faith." This use of the word Goddess instead of God confuses Summer so Granmoon explains:

"Everything of value on the earth and through God came by way of the female - land, money, power, the ability to create life, the blessing to heal, and the gift of prophecy. ... She nourished everything. She is Nature and the earth. Nothing exists without Her. She is the breath within you, the wind and water and the air we breathe. She feeds us and protects us. Don`t ever forget that. You hear me? ... Before the fathers came, everybody believed in and worshipped the Goddess. The father powers brought the man God when they came. When that happened, the people turned away from Her because they was scared. But our family line defied them. We is descended from a long line of priestesses. We was loyal and dedicated. As a family we is proud to serve in ministry to the One who nurtured us. We in special favor to Her who we call the Goddess."

The story continues after Granmoon's passing as Summer comes to an awareness of her inherited gifts through her deeply disturbing and prophetic nightmares. In her dreams her own spirit travels throughout the universe, what is called astral travel. She eventually must do battle against a force of evil for which she will use all of the Goddess powers that Granmoon taught her.

This is a spiritual thriller that will hold you in suspended animation as you are drawn into the mystical world of feminine spiritual power and the battles between the good and evil unseen forces in the world. Highly recommended for anyone but especially for those seeking to learn more about the Divine Feminine.

It was hard to put this book down. I fell in love the the characters, they really became alive. The book gives a deeper understanding of the feminine energies. A wonderful mystical battlefield between the dark and light forces. I loved it.

This awesome book keeps you turning the pages from front to back. I couldn't put it down. In many ways I enjoyed it much more than a standard thriller because of the mystical component of "journeying" and the Light vs Dark forces. The characters have a very real quality and the action is fast paced. I can't wait for more by this very talented author.

Beyond Heaven was a fast read. It was filled with action and intrigue and was hard to put down. I enjoyed the blend of modern and ancient spiritual themes and thought the writer demonstrated obvious expertise in the area of spiritual / mystical practices. I loved it!!

The most original vampire story I have ever read. It was so easy to fall for every character. T. Isilwath makes the reader crave to learn more about the world she has created.
My only sadness is that this book was written eight years ago and it seems that the series will not be continued.

Blood Origins kept me completely entranced from cover to cover. It is a different take on the origins of vampires. All the characters are well written and come to life with every word. A story of discovery and love, a wonderful read and highly reccomended.

T. Isilwath has spent years honing her skills as a writer and Blood Origins is the result. A unique take on the often cliched idea of vampirism, Blood Origins rethinks the mythologies that so many of us have taken for granted and sets them on their ear. The result is a refreshing look at vampires and the world around us. This book is easily ten times better than Chris Rice's hilariously bad so-called novel Density of Souls and is certainly better than anything Anne Rice herself is writing these days. I truly recommend giving Blood Origins a try!

Blood Origins is a delightful book to read. Each chapter is more exciting than the last. The characters are vividly described.

Blood Origins tells the tale of the origins of vampires - and its far different then anyone would have imagined. Isilwath continues in the tradition of Anne Rice - beautiful, sensual, "human" vampires - but she takes it much further. She explores vampires and religion in a very unexpected way. The heroes of her story are not the evil monsters of Dracula, they are not portrayed as abominations, but as part of nature itself. This is a tale of a few vampires and their discovery of their origins - but more importantly who they are. The characterization in this novel is wonderful. The vampires and even the goddesses and gods come alive. The author gives you just enough history of each character so that you understand them, their motivations, and their fears. The characters of Tobias, Rain and Sky are especially memorable. The story is, for the most part, well paced. The plot is good, makes sense, and is believable. Isilwath's world is one of the most exciting I have seen in awhile, and I hope she will write future books in this world. Any vampire fan would enjoy this book, and I highly recommend it. I have already read it twice!

I came across this book completely by accident and decided to take it. After reading it the first time, I knew I needed to get more copies of it. It's incredibly hard to attain a copy of this book. I have 13 and will be getting more. So you better get yours if you can.

I really enjoyed this book! I enjoy reading books which are different and this is the first vampire book I've read with a sense of humor.

This book is about a young woman who becomes a vampire and has to learn all the do's and don't's of being a vampire. She visits Amazon.com only to find there's not a book for dummies about being a vampire (just joking).

It's a great book, so find a copy and enjoy.

Bloodthirst is a book that truly takes the reader on a voyage of the imagination. Not only that, this book has relevent facts as far as vampire history goes. As a book based on a legend, this one is closest to the way folklore says vampires were. L.A. Freed, if you read this, I've read your book so many times that it's held together by rubber bands. You and your book are brilliant, and thank you for writing such a great story! P.S. Ever think of a part two?

This is one of those books that you read in one sitting, because you loose track of time. I highly reccommend this one. There are so many garbage books out now, that it is hard to pick a good one. This is a good one. I have re-read this book so many times that it is danger of falling apart. Please write a follow up!

I have read many vampire novels, but not one is on the same level as this one. It is absolutely captivating. Though, of course, fiction, it feels like non-fiction, and leaves the reading coming away with a sense of, "But what if?..."

If you're looking for the ultimate vampire book this is definitely it! One of my most prized of all my books, I read this book for the first time over eleven years ago and have cherished it ever since. With my first copy read so many times it almost turned to dust (no pun intended), my second copy held together with tape, and my third copy, never been touched, carefully stored away so that no harm may come to it; this is definitely a book I cherish!

Set in beautiful South Carolina, Blood Thirst follows the character "Angel" from her first becoming a vampire, through the lessons she must learn to survive and the losses she must learn to bear.

I found myself entranced ... fully in tune with the characters, laughing and crying as the story continues on. Beautifully written in the vampires own words, this book draws you into the story making you wish it would never end. It is hauntingly beautiful, and delightfully humorous at times! If anybody ever wanted to know what it is like to become a vampire or simply wants a great read, this is the book for them and they need look no farther...

Bloodworks is not just another collection of intriguing/interesting horror tales. Oh no. It's much more darker and disturbing. I frequently had to fight the urge to race through it because I couldn't tolerate the suspense. But the ending, while alleviating the dreadful anticipation, supplanted it with the realization of just how terrifying life can be. Bloodworks left me actually feeling scared. David Boyle reaches in, grabs your heart and mind, and immerses you in the terror. Terrors that have inevitably crossed your mind. Terrors that could actually happen to you. Don't read it at night alone.

As you read each story it takes you for a thrill ride. It has the suspense you need to want to read more. You can't wait to see how it ends. What a great way it brings the characters to life when reading these stories. Everyone who gets a chance to read this book will be in for the most enjoyable thrill of their lives.

Since I don't have alot of time to read a whole novel, I purchased this book with the intention of reading one story at a time whenever I had an opportunity. However, I found each story to be so well written and suspenseful that I couldn't put it down and ended up reading the entire 268 pages in one night. My only complaint is that the book would have benefited from an index, listing the names of each story and their length.Blood Works

David Boyle is a friend of mine and for some time I have read his short fiction online, stories which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I have also been encouraging him to publish because I know the public will enjoy reading his work as much as I.

Now, Mr. Boyle has unleashed his Blood Works onto the world. I look forward to getting my own copy so I can enjoy his work again and again, and I encourage anyone who enjoys reading stories where the tension slowly builds, and evil manifests itself from beneath different masks, to pick up a copy of Blood Works as soon as possible...you won't be disappointed. Tell everyone you know who enjoys a good story to grab a copy of David's book and read.

Frank E. Bittinger
author of:
Into the Mirror Black
and
Angels of the Seventh Dawn

Good short story anthologies are hard to come by. Most writers who put together such anthologis often fail to deliver the goods and usually only half of the stories are of any interest. This isn't the case of Mr. Boyle's first book, BLOOD WORKS, a collection of nine chilling tales. There is not a dud here, folks. None of the climaxes are forced left-field endings. David has a gift for taking familiar situations and drenching them in an atmosphere of dread.

He sets up the scenes with the skillful hand of a veteran writer and develops his characters surprisingly well (something that isn't easy to do in the short story format). These dark tales explore the human condition and shy away from supernatural creatures and occurrences (only two stories vaguely hint at the supernatural). This is one of the reasons his stories work so well, I think; man is the most terrifying monster of them all and David does a great job at showing you what goes on in a psychopath's head.

Included in this book are:
-Bad Connection
-Blink of an Eye
-Dead End
-Deadly Secret
-No One Survives the Holidays
-Skinned Alive
-Beyond the Dark Glass
-Mind Plays Tricks?
-Death Do Us Part

My personal favorites are "Blink of an Eye" and "Dead End". I know for a fact that David has enough stories to fill up at least two more books. Let's hope this becomes a yearly tradition. If you're looking for some hard-hitting horror, look no more; David Boyle has arrived.

Alan Draven,
Author of BITTERNEST

I read this book in high school and I didn't understand it but I loved it. Later on I saw some of the Jungian symbolism and respected the way it branched into itself and how it's about the roles we play in life (with some vampirism thrown in).

Recently I saw the Munch exhibit and MOMA and realized the tribute that DeMatteis was giving to Munch in many of his panels. It has made me love the book all the more.

I still don't know what he's getting at, but that's ok.

this was one of the first graphic novels I ever read back in the days when comics were testosterone fuelled, and lycra ruled. the plot is brooding, dark and surreal written in beautiful succint prose but it is the fantastic art work that really does shine, echoing the narrative's strange wistful elegance. Top markes always.

Although not mentioned here,Kent Williams is the illustrator of this series and he has done a great work in illustrating this genuine story written by Jim DeMatteis.'Blood' is not a classical comic based on heroes or childish imaginations.It is a tale that stands alone, completing itself and every page of it is a magnificient piece of art.
The tale is 'told' inside the tale, creating layers sometimes linked to each other in very poetic and unexpected ways.The greatness of the artwork quickly pulls you inside the story and you never want the tale to end and it doesn't...in some way.

I have read this book many years ago and found that it is difficult to understand. There are two stories altogher and it hops from one story to the other and back, continuing to confuse the readers. Only when you complete the book that you can fully understand the whole story. I love this book as it forces the readers to think and trying to make logic out of the confusion.

The story is presented with great artwork fully in water color. The graphic alone would worth the money. This book is one worth collecting if you are a collector of Graphic Novels.

This is a complex story, not easy to follow, maybe a bit disjoint. It's a vampire story, it's birth and death, it's aliens and Hades, and deformity and beauty.

Mostly, it's an incredible effort in visual narration, with the narration priovided by DeMatteis and the visuals by Kent Williams. Watercolors carry most of the story, and carry it in warm, sympathetic renderings of figure. GIven the nature of mixed media, it's never easy to distinguish between painting and drawings in pen, brush, or dry media, but the distinctions don't matter and often combine. Williams' artwork conveys every feeling needed, from love (or something like it), to despair, the blankness of clinical depression, to death and to emotions with no easy names.

The visual story is never better than the story itself, though, or not much better. I found the plot a bit weak - jumpy, ill-connected, and lacking in causal relations. It had moments, though, like vampiric nursing, that grab the reader. I enjoy graphic narration for the combination of graphics and narration. This time, it's the graphics that do the job.

//wiredweird