Archive for the ‘ Review ’ Category

Skull Full of Kisses is “Disturbingly Brilliant!”

The Sci-Fi Guys have posted a review of my short story collection from Graveside Tales Books:

“8.5 out of 10…I’ve read this collection five times in the last three months, and each time I’ve finished the book I’ve found myself stunned…a few collections have stunned me in the past, but every collection pales in comparison to Michael West’s Skull Full of Kisses…disturbingly brilliant!”

You can read the full review here.

A Seventh Star Review of SFoK

Stephen Zimmer, of Seventh Star Press, has posted a very favorable of review of my short story collection, Skull Full of Kisses.  Here is an excerpt:

Skull Full of Kisses is testimony to the presence of a very imaginative and skilled writer, one who is well underway on what promises to be a very outstanding career.”

Read the full review, and an interview with me, here!

Skull Finds Love on Choate Road

Gregory L. Hall (The Funky Werepig) just posted a favorable review for Skull Full of Kisses on his Choate Road website.

“Michael West is a horror writer.  If you are a fan of the genre, you’ll be happy he has shared this with us.”

Click here to read the full review!

Monster Librarian Review of SFoK

 
Monster Librarian posted a favorable review of Skull Full of Kisses today!   :headbang

Here’s the link, but BE WARNED…there is a SPOILER for my story “Goodnight”…
http://www.monsterlibrarian.com/anthologies.htm#Skull_Full_of_Kisses_by_Michael_West

Shroud Magazine Gives Skull Some Love!

Shroud posted a glowing review of Skull Full of Kisses on their blog.  The review will also appear in an upcoming issue of the magazine.

Skull Full Of Kisses is a unique, diverse and powerful collection of bone-chilling horror. The old saying, ‘love knows no bounds’ is well exemplified here. From random acts of kindness, to utter madness, West shows us that even love – the most innocent emotion we posses – is often the impetus for these and other ghastly acts…West’s seamless prose, coupled with his unique and powerful voice gives us multi-layered tales rarely seen in horror fiction. Most importantly, and what truly makes this collection a breath of fresh air, is how West peppers each story with his uncanny ability to weave readers directly into his fiction. Skull Full Of Kisses cements West’s status as a rare and formidable storyteller whose work should not be approached lightly.”

Read the entire review here!

Dark Scribe Magazine Reviews Skull Full of Kisses!

Dark Scribe Magazine just posted a review of Skull today.   :skull

“West displays a strong knowledge of the genre and its readers and also a level of skill that reflects reliability in forming tales, fleshing out characters and setting a tone that brings good tales to life. Midline horror for those looking for something good, and entertaining, but not too experimental as to lose audience interest, West’s collection delivers a spectacular assortment of cultures, themes, and settings sure to keep readers engaged and up at night.”

:headbang

You can read the whole review here!

Horror-Web Reviews Skull Full of Kisses

Horror-Web just posted a review of the collection today.    :skull

****= 4 Stars
“In the introduction to *Skull Full Of Kisses*, Gary Braunbeck says, “Michael West loves being a horror writer, is in fact proud to call himself one.”  Braunbeck is right, and when you love what you’re doing, it shows.  As I turned the pages of this nifty collection, I couldn’t help thinking about how much fun West must have had writing these stories.  Because I was having a blast reading them.

It took me back to my teenage years, those Golden Days of horror, back when you could use the word “tales” and nobody laughed.  Classic tales (don’t you dare) of monsters and ghosts – nothing deconstructed, no post modern meanderings – just good old scary stories.  The kind you remember when you’re walking down a dark street or driving over an old covered bridge.  The kind that make you look over your shoulder, even though you know it’s idiotic.  Nothing’s there, right?  Right…. ”

:headbang

You can read the whole review here!

A Review “For Her!”

Dark Scribe Magazine reviewed my short story “For Her.” Here’s an excerpt:

“Like a good whisky, West’s prose goes down smooth and fiery all at once. Never does one stumble across awkward phrasing in this purposeful story, making the execution and final reveal all the sweeter. And even as the atmosphere changes and horror sets in, the shift is never forced. When your copy of Shroud arrives, turn first to West’s ‘For Her,’ and start the issue out right.”

You can read the entire review here!

Wide Game Gets Wicked Stamp of Approval!

The magazine Wicked Karnival has posted a review of Michael West’s novel The Wide Game.

“4.5 out of 5…This is simply a well-written tale of terror that could easily be transformed onto the big screen. Don’t open the cover unless you want to be sucked into a tornado of horror. Once you start in on this novel you won’t be able to pull away…A believable, dark, nasty, piece. I give it my wicked stamp of approval…Just remember the name Michael West because he has a future in the horror genre.”

Wide Game Review

Nicholas Grabowsky, author of Halloween 4: the Return of Michael Myers, and the critically acclaimed novel The Everborn,  has read The Wide Game by Michael West and posted a review on his website.

“Michael West proves himself to be a masterful storyteller, flawless in building momentum, and his skills in characterization match or even often surpass some of the most successful writers in the business.”

Click here to read the full review!

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