jsantucci's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
oddly's review
3.0
I am all about autumn—the best time of the year. It makes sense that Halloween falls during this transitional period, a time of change, leaves turning from a summer green to the bright burn of orange and red, the last harvest, and all the while a chill in the air reminding us of the spiral toward the inevitable conclusion of winter, and death.
Burke has these themes in mind in his nine short stories of this collection (previously published in e-book format a few years ago, but now with one new story). It is a great little October read.
While I did enjoy the atmosphere the stories created, I found most of them overwritten in parts, focusing so much on fancy word choice, overwrought scene dressing, and dialogue that came off as stilted and unnatural that I was pulled out of the narratives. I don’t have anything against beautiful writing, but the mechanics of writing shouldn’t overwhelm the story.
On the level of plot, there are spooky and dark themes at work and I found his ideas original and entertaining. Several of the stories did follow a similar format of over-explaining at the end, which I don’t personally think is a great short story technique, especially when the story is only taking up a few pages. That isn’t much time to create a world and compelling characters, and as a reader, I’ve always found it more effective to let the characters speak rather than offering an an exposition dump.
I’m glad I picked up this collection because I really can’t get enough of stories about fall and Halloween, but these stories didn’t quite hit the spot for me.
I can tell that Burke has a dark and imaginative mind though, and I have heard a lot of good things about his novels. I am looking forward to reading one of those next.
Burke has these themes in mind in his nine short stories of this collection (previously published in e-book format a few years ago, but now with one new story). It is a great little October read.
While I did enjoy the atmosphere the stories created, I found most of them overwritten in parts, focusing so much on fancy word choice, overwrought scene dressing, and dialogue that came off as stilted and unnatural that I was pulled out of the narratives. I don’t have anything against beautiful writing, but the mechanics of writing shouldn’t overwhelm the story.
On the level of plot, there are spooky and dark themes at work and I found his ideas original and entertaining. Several of the stories did follow a similar format of over-explaining at the end, which I don’t personally think is a great short story technique, especially when the story is only taking up a few pages. That isn’t much time to create a world and compelling characters, and as a reader, I’ve always found it more effective to let the characters speak rather than offering an an exposition dump.
I’m glad I picked up this collection because I really can’t get enough of stories about fall and Halloween, but these stories didn’t quite hit the spot for me.
I can tell that Burke has a dark and imaginative mind though, and I have heard a lot of good things about his novels. I am looking forward to reading one of those next.
erinmae's review
5.0
Kealan Patrick Burke's books scare me. His are the only ones who have in a long time. Every time I dig into a short story, I wonder where it is going to go. I am never disappointed. Looking forward to digging into the next book.
haleymschr's review
3.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is my first KPB book, and it did not disappoint me at all. I went into this book knowing absolutely nothing about the author, or his style of writing, and it surprised me how well it was written and formatted.
That being said, if you're looking for a really fun Halloween themed book to read, this is the perfect one for you! Not long at all, a very quick read, but well worth it. Some of the plotlines are a little weird and confusing, but that is definitely the point here!
That being said, if you're looking for a really fun Halloween themed book to read, this is the perfect one for you! Not long at all, a very quick read, but well worth it. Some of the plotlines are a little weird and confusing, but that is definitely the point here!
georgi_lvs_books's review
3.0
3.75 stars.
I love Kealan’s work! His stories ALWAYS freak me out!
Dead Leaves is a collection of 9 short stories. My favourite being Andromeda.
I love that he has also included in the book a list of his recommendations of books and movies for The Witching Season.
Perfect for fans of horror/thriller.
I love Kealan’s work! His stories ALWAYS freak me out!
Dead Leaves is a collection of 9 short stories. My favourite being Andromeda.
I love that he has also included in the book a list of his recommendations of books and movies for The Witching Season.
Perfect for fans of horror/thriller.
bookishrabbit's review
3.0
I wasn't too impressed with most of the stories in here. Creepy moments, but I would have liked to see them expanded just a little bit.
I love Kealan Patrick Burke though, my other reads by him have been 5 stars and I'll continue to read his work.
I love Kealan Patrick Burke though, my other reads by him have been 5 stars and I'll continue to read his work.
rock_n_reads's review
4.0
This was a great collection from Kealan Patrick Burke. Prior to this release, I read Blanky, Jack & Jill, Sour Candy, and Kin. All of these were 4 or 5 star reads for me, and at this point I’d like to get my hands on everything he has written! My favorite stories in this collection were:
Andromeda
Someone to Carve the Pumpkins
The Toll
The Tradition
The One Night of the Year
If you’re a KPB fan, or just looking for an introduction to his work, I recommend this collection of stories!
Andromeda
Someone to Carve the Pumpkins
The Toll
The Tradition
The One Night of the Year
If you’re a KPB fan, or just looking for an introduction to his work, I recommend this collection of stories!