This anthology of stories is unlike anything that I have read. It is as if each author had been given an assignment to tell something of humanity, of its pain, the grief of loss, of love, of betrayal, all with a tragic and bittersweet flavor. Each author has given us a tale, some of fleeting happiness, some of dark revenge, some of death, some with a glimpse of hope, but all with a common thread.It begins with "The Demon of Jericho" and of a village's last hope of fleeing from darkness, exquisitely rendered by a master of poetic prose."A Cruel Thing" speaks of love between soldiers, doomed by certain death, and the comfort they give freely of themselves."Wrong" relates a tale of the ruthlessness of the business world and how even the cruelest of enterprises can cause enormous suffering and betrayal. Beware karma."Anguish" tells of auicide for a life gone completely wrong, of missed chances and paths not taken."The Hotel Luz" is a tragic tale of love, and choices.And finally,"John and Jackie", speaks of the cycle of life, both beginning and end.All of these stories meld together in a way that will not be easily forgotten, for it is that unforgiving and insatiable destiny of us all that make up the world in which we must live. It is difficult for me to say which of these stories affected me the most. The ones that stand out, in my opinion, are,"John and Jackie", for the everlasting love that they had for each other, and for the life that they shared. "The Demon of Jericho" for the poetry of its hope, and "A Cruel Thing" by the presence of love in the center of horror.All of these very talented authors deserve to be thanked and appreciated for what they have accomplished so well. Whoa - this really IS dark! I'd read the precis, but it didn't really prepare me for a couple of stories in this anthology. My overall comment - not much romance, and in some cases, absolutely none. Be prepared for some violence and rape.Having said that, all the stories are well written, with Eric's descriptions being just beautiful! His use of words is so clean and clear, a little romantic and not excessive.The last story, John & Jackie by TJ Klune - OMG, have tissues ready (actually, have them IN YOUR HAND). This is a serious tear-jerker, and yet quite beautiful. This one depicts a beautiful life-long love and friendship. *wipes tears off the laptop*
Do You like book Crack The Darkest Sky Wide Open (2000)?
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—mrathletic769
Couldn't be more excited about this.
—StarlightMyMustang
