Hi, pornies! I hope you are having a good time. There are ups and downs for me, part of life’s journey and so on. Cannot get to philosophical right now. What I can get to is to speak about a good book, about Cirque des Freaks and Other Tales of Horror, by Julián López, more specifically. Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy!
- Print Length: 218 pages
- Publisher: Bold Strokes Books (April 14, 2020)
- Publication Date: April 14, 2020
- ISBN-10: 1635556899
- ISBN-13: 978-1635556896
This compilation of short horror stories is certain to frighten, but also seduce. From the alluring handsome stranger disguising his true identity as the Grim Reaper to the ancient Egyptian elite returning after centuries to cause mayhem, and spine-tingling tales of the full moon, vampires, werewolves, and other lurking creatures. The Eiffel Tower is only a short distance from the circus, with its sinister freaks coming out to play. Antique Venetian masks serve as optical instruments to see the seducing spirit others cannot, a mariachi is in search of his deceased lover Adrian, and a queen of hearts card promises more is at stake when the odds are just right. All are part of the pleasure of horror in this compilation that delivers like the horror classics...good ole tales of terror.
I have to say there were several nice surprises in this book. Of the ten short stories to be found in Cirque des Freaks and Other Tales of Horror, I have to say that “A Masked Camaraderie,” “The Archangel’s Canvas,” Scarecrow” and “Razor Cut” are my favorite ones. There are a couple of themes repeated, truth be told, but if you go with the flow and enjoy the reading then it doesn’t bother that much.
Julián López has an immersive style that helps you get into the mood. Although I was left waiting for more sensual, hotter and sexual content, I’m still really happy with this book. It blends both horror and eroticism nicely, so it just a matter of taste. What I did have problems with was that sometimes he spoiled the ending, making it obvious with his descriptions. Such is the case of the story that names the book.
However, I cannot say I didn’t enjoy it, because I did. It’s a book you devour in no time and makes you wonder what could be lurking in the shadows, if monsters are what we think they are of if they could be more. Cirque des Freaks and Other Tales of Horror is a good queer horror book, and I’m certainly interested in reading more stories coming from the hand of Julián López.
About Julián López:
Julian Lopez is the author of the novel Missed Connections and of several short stories published in Icarus and in anthologies from Alyson Publications. He has contributed articles to several magazines on architecture and design, and on animal welfare, and he served as editor for the spcaLA magazine. An LA native, Julian is a designer in commercial architecture who devotes his spare time to writing fiction, vintage hunting, and exploring LA with his dog, Fina. You can visit him at www.julian-lopez.com/home.html
Have you read this book? Would you recommend it or not? Let me know in the comments! Kinky regards, K!
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