Post by Herne the hunter on Aug 11, 2004 22:13:29 GMT -5
Author: Karl Edward Wagner
Type: Mythos Horror
Synopsis:
Renowned American horror writer Jon Holsten is visiting his favourite London bar to enjoy a drink with his ever decreasing friends. When a mysterious figure enters, Holsten is in for some painful memories, and possibly a very painful night...
Highlight for the Spoiler review
When a young Holsten aquires a copy of The King in Yellow from an antique bookstore and finds that someextra pages have been inserted into the book, he sees an opportunity. Selling his soul to Hastur in return for making him a successful writer, he fails to comprehend the recurring consequences of his deal.
Presently, a yellow robed figure in a pallid mask enters his favourite London hangout for a surprise appointment and memories of Holstens fateful encounter come flooding back.
This is a short, very suggestive, and often confusing tale. Nothing is stated for definate regarding a deal between Holsten and Hastur, but I feel the above description is what the author meant to imply. Seemingly, no-one else in Holsten's company can see the figure, and upon his entrance holsten is wracked by memories of a black lake with emerging tentacles promising him anything he desires as they feed.
Review:
At first I found the writing style of this story to be rather blunt and irritating but it quickly grew on me. It's a very atmospheric tale (though not in the traditional mythos sense), and the style states nothing as fact, leaving the reader to make up their own minds about the relationship between Holsten and the mysterious figure. Overall an interesting and enjoyable read, and bite-size to boot.
(This story can be found in the anthology The New Lovecraft Circle edited by Robert M. Price)
Ratings:
Plot: 4
Fun: 5
Style 4
Overall: 4
Type: Mythos Horror
Synopsis:
Renowned American horror writer Jon Holsten is visiting his favourite London bar to enjoy a drink with his ever decreasing friends. When a mysterious figure enters, Holsten is in for some painful memories, and possibly a very painful night...
Highlight for the Spoiler review
When a young Holsten aquires a copy of The King in Yellow from an antique bookstore and finds that someextra pages have been inserted into the book, he sees an opportunity. Selling his soul to Hastur in return for making him a successful writer, he fails to comprehend the recurring consequences of his deal.
Presently, a yellow robed figure in a pallid mask enters his favourite London hangout for a surprise appointment and memories of Holstens fateful encounter come flooding back.
This is a short, very suggestive, and often confusing tale. Nothing is stated for definate regarding a deal between Holsten and Hastur, but I feel the above description is what the author meant to imply. Seemingly, no-one else in Holsten's company can see the figure, and upon his entrance holsten is wracked by memories of a black lake with emerging tentacles promising him anything he desires as they feed.
Review:
At first I found the writing style of this story to be rather blunt and irritating but it quickly grew on me. It's a very atmospheric tale (though not in the traditional mythos sense), and the style states nothing as fact, leaving the reader to make up their own minds about the relationship between Holsten and the mysterious figure. Overall an interesting and enjoyable read, and bite-size to boot.
(This story can be found in the anthology The New Lovecraft Circle edited by Robert M. Price)
Ratings:
Plot: 4
Fun: 5
Style 4
Overall: 4