Epeolatry Book Review: Behind the Shadows by Ray Van Horn, JR.
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Title: Behind the Shadows
Author: Ray Van Horn, JR.
Genre: Horror
Publisher: Raw Ink Earth
Publication date: 26th November, 2024
Synopsis: Conjuring ten haunting tales to bring a shiver down your spine, author Ray Van Horn, Jr. shares a mixtape blend reminiscent of EC Comics and 80s horror: unsettling narratives to invade your dreams and keep you up at night.
A common thread among Van Horn, Jr.’s short stories is music, movies, sports, and poetry. For sure, your musical playlist will grow. And if an education in the arts isn’t rad enough, this Gen X’er enjoyed the throw-back works from the ’80s and ’90s.
There are true grody monsters here, which you may recognize. Some made, some birthed, and a number who’ve made mistakes. A few are in the wrong place at the wrong time, like John McClane in Die Hard (a classic I re-watched this Christmas). However, these storybook creatures might not be redeemable like John McClane. But I’ll let you be the judge. There’s hindsight and a lesson within each story if you wish to dive deeper.
Van Horn, Jr.’s prose is active and effortless. The story details are ultra-specific, allowing each character to carry his/her own authority. There’s no choice but to believe them. Completely wrapped up in the scenes, I heard, saw, felt, tasted, and touched the environment created.
Among my favorite pieces are “Secrets,” “The Carnelian Pick,” “The Death of “S”,” “Behind the Shadows,” “Vladana’s Daughters,” and “The Grinning Soul.”
I struggled to find a con among the bunch. Since I’m not a huge sports fan—gag me with a silver spoon (a little more Gen X lingo for you)—one story didn’t track as well for me, yet nonetheless was filled with horror and suspense.
I’m an official fan of Van Horn, Jr.’s and will pick up some of his other works.
/5
- About the Author
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Amie DeStefano enjoys writing short stories, poetry, the unusual and weird, but especially fantasy or anything else she dreams up and puts on paper. Her short story is published in That Darkened Doorstep anthology. While living in Pennsylvania with her husband and two children, she writes as often as possible. Amie enjoys sushi, coffee, and a good book, but nothing compares to the Zen-in the moment feeling she gets from writing.
