Collection features multiple frightening stories
Stephanie Pogue
Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Edited by Kevin J. Anderson, "Blood Lite," is an anthology of 21 humorous horror stories by members of the Horror Writer's Association. It features such bestselling authors as Charlaine Harris and Jim Butcher. In these stories, readers will find every creature imaginable: from the typical vampires and werewolves, to T-Rexes and Smokey the Bear.
One of the best stories in the anthology is "Elvis Presley and the Bloodsucker Blues," by Matt Venne. It is told from Presley's point of view. He expresses his indignation at the common belief that he died in his bathroom, and tells the story of his demise. "Bloodsucker Blues," details how Presley was turned into a vampire, and how he decided to use this misfortune to hunt down as many other bloodsuckers as he could.
"The Ungrateful Dead," by Kelley Armstrong is another wonderful story. This story is about Jaime Vegas, a celebrity necromancer, who unlike other necromancers, has real abilities. Sometimes ghosts come to her and ask favors. When the ghost of a spoiled rich kid decides to haunt Jaime, she decides to teach him a lesson.
There are many other great stories, such as "The Sound of Blunder," by J.A. Konrath and F. Paul Wilson. It is a parody of Ray Bradbury's classic story "The Sound of Thunder."
"Blood Lite" also features Jim Butcher, with his never before published Dresden Files story.
Don D'Ammasa's story, "No Problem," is a modern take on the Frankenstein story, and possibly the funniest piece in the book.
"Blood Lite" has a wide variety of stories ranging from fun and lighthearted, to dark and macabre. There are stories to please everyone in this book. The only problem with the novel is that it is supposed to be comprised of humorous stories, but there are a few stories that aren't funny at all, such as "Mr. Bear," by Joe R. Lansdale. This story explores the character of Smokey the Bear. It sounds humorous, but Lansdale's story is dark and twisted. Those stories like the horrific "Mr. Bear," don't mesh well with the rest of the anthology; however, the point of an anthology is for the reader to skip stories they don't appreciate. There are more than enough wonderful stories in "Blood Lite," for every reader to find several they love.
One of the best stories in the anthology is "Elvis Presley and the Bloodsucker Blues," by Matt Venne. It is told from Presley's point of view. He expresses his indignation at the common belief that he died in his bathroom, and tells the story of his demise. "Bloodsucker Blues," details how Presley was turned into a vampire, and how he decided to use this misfortune to hunt down as many other bloodsuckers as he could.
"The Ungrateful Dead," by Kelley Armstrong is another wonderful story. This story is about Jaime Vegas, a celebrity necromancer, who unlike other necromancers, has real abilities. Sometimes ghosts come to her and ask favors. When the ghost of a spoiled rich kid decides to haunt Jaime, she decides to teach him a lesson.
There are many other great stories, such as "The Sound of Blunder," by J.A. Konrath and F. Paul Wilson. It is a parody of Ray Bradbury's classic story "The Sound of Thunder."
"Blood Lite" also features Jim Butcher, with his never before published Dresden Files story.
Don D'Ammasa's story, "No Problem," is a modern take on the Frankenstein story, and possibly the funniest piece in the book.
"Blood Lite" has a wide variety of stories ranging from fun and lighthearted, to dark and macabre. There are stories to please everyone in this book. The only problem with the novel is that it is supposed to be comprised of humorous stories, but there are a few stories that aren't funny at all, such as "Mr. Bear," by Joe R. Lansdale. This story explores the character of Smokey the Bear. It sounds humorous, but Lansdale's story is dark and twisted. Those stories like the horrific "Mr. Bear," don't mesh well with the rest of the anthology; however, the point of an anthology is for the reader to skip stories they don't appreciate. There are more than enough wonderful stories in "Blood Lite," for every reader to find several they love.
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