My review of Zombies in Paradise by Richard Lee Byers. Some good old school creepiness...

I recently finished reading through Zombies in Paradise by Richard Lee Byers, and I must say that I was quite impressed. I haven't been much of a zombie fan for some time (I believe that the genre is oversaturated with low quality rip-offs of better material), but Richard's take on the genre proved to be quite entertaining. Like I've said before, a really great author can get you to take a fresh look at something that you're not really into... and make you enjoy it! Richard accomplishes this quite nicely with this release. Now on to the details. Despite the title, this collection is not all about zombies. There are three zombie tales, two about vampires, and one ghost story. Quite a nice mix of creepy-crawlies, in my opinion. Although these tales have been released in various publications (the two vampire stories in slightly different form), this is the first time that they have been collected in one edition. At approximately 89 pages (this is an ebook only release, hence the approximately), this is perfect for an afternoon read. Here's a rundown of the stories.




We start out with the title story 'Zombies in Paradise' (originally published as 'Zombie Camp'). In the near future, the zombie apocalypse has come and gone. The virus that caused the zombie plague was identified and counteracted by government scientists. The only form of infection left, is now used to make a profit (!), allowing paying customers to try the zombie experience at a posh island resort. We are introduced to Frank and Cathy, a married couple whose domestic life has been less than perfect recently. Their presence at the resort is an attempt to reignite the spark in their marriage. Following their first stint as zombies, Frank is absolutely drawn to the experience, but Cathy has misgivings. Things of course, go downhill from there...


Next up is 'Fright Wig'. Janey and Brian are two teenagers, out on a date at the carnival. Drawn to a sideshow promising an "Authentic Haitian Voodoo Demonstration", Brian immediately takes on the role of skeptic (and smart-ass), trying to win points with Janey by exposing the show as a hoax. After his initial efforts are frustrated, he goes to greater lengths to prove that the "zombie" is a fake. His first mistake was buying the ticket of course... A distinct EC feel to this one, very much appreciated.


The last of the zombie entries is 'Foragers'. Set during the American Civil War, we are introduced to the unnamed narrator, and his friend Josh, both veteran Union volunteers. The narrator has contempt for the new men that have been press-ganged into the army, the Rebels, and pretty much anyone who has anything to do with the war being waged. After stumbling across a sinister figure in a drunken haze, the protagonist and his friend are next involved in a battle to take a Rebel fortification. Both are wounded and knocked unconscious, and in the aftermath... they experience the horror of the resurrected dead! Their only salvation may be in the hands of the Rebels that are narrator so despises... An excellent story, one of my favorites from the collection. Very well written, I'd love this made over into graphic form, and illustrated by someone like Russ Heath, Carlos Ezquerra, or Val Mayerik. Bang-up job, Richard!


The first of the vampire tales is 'Night Games' set during the time of the Roman Empire (more specifically during the time of Constantine the Great, before his decision to convert to Christianity). Constantine has been kidnapped, fresh after his reconquering of Rome. His rescue (after many arguments) are left to his Frankish mage, Ragnachar, and the unnamed soldier narrating the story. The tale is a great page-turner of a mystery, and you're never truly aware of who you should be rooting for. The newly minted Emperor has been taken by vampires, but there is much more going on in the background, that you gradually become aware of. No heroes to be found here, in my opinion, yet this story is also a favorite. I'd like to see Brian Bolland illustrating this... very nice.


Next, and last, of the vampire stories is 'The Wizard and the Dragon'. In this case, the title is referring to Thomas Edison (the wizard) and Vlad Dracul (the dragon). Edison is approached by a unnamed benefactor with a proposition; meet me in your old laboratory, and the new age will belong to you. He finds out that this new group of investors are vampires, wishing to convert him. He is tempted, and about to agree, when Vlad himself arrives to dispute their claim... he knows something they don't, and wont allow this to take place... A favorite, very nicely done. I could see this with visuals by Bernie Wrightson.


The last entry in the collection is 'The Guide', a corruption of the term if I've ever heard one. A psychically endowed flim-flam man combs the graveyards for newly passed souls. After finding one, he doesn't help them transition towards a higher plane, he instead finds a different purpose for them, dealing with fun and profit (and class warfare, in my opinion). A good story, demonstrating that the narrator is not always a good guy...




Should you be reading this? In my opinion, yes, yes, yes! Richard is an author that can weave an intriguing story, regardless of genre, and cross over genre lines. He got me back into reading fantasy, helped clue me into the New Pulp movement, and (currently) had me enjoying some old school horror. The man really knows how to spin a tale... His cross-genre tales are truly appreciated, by me, whenever I find them. There is a distinct flavor to his tales that hark back to the stories that inspired me to read, which I deeply appreciate. Take a look at his work, and judge for yourself! All I can say, is thank you sir! Another good collection filed away in the brain-box! With that, I'll leave you to your reading... Have fun, my friends!


Here's where you can get the collection. Here's Richard's Amazon page. Here's his blog... Get exploring!







 

Here's one of my earliest reviews, on Richard Lee Byers' first entry in The Imposter series.

The latest entry by Richard Lee Byers, "The Imposter#1:Half a Hero" is just pure fun. The overall premise is that Earth is suddenly invaded by insect-like aliens, and our greatest superheroes go down en masse. Who's left to pick up the pieces? Ordinary humanity, and in particular one man who needs to reach down deep and find the hero inside himself. He finds himself a reluctant recipient to two of the late heroes items of power. The set up of superheroes vs. aliens is something I would happily read in my favorite pulp magazine, but the key is pulling away the security blanket at the outset. This gives the characters no choice but to try to work together to survive. Is Matt Brown (the main character) making all the right choices? Maybe, maybe not; but his transformation into a leader is enjoyable reading. His alter ego of Dr. Umbra is a very cool character, which reminds me of The Shadow, amongst others. I'm not saying this is derivative in any way, just that it hits all the right notes, and reminds me of classic characters. As the story progresses, superpowered villains are introduced. They, of course, have been keeping their heads down, and are now trying to figure out a way to turn the situation to their advantage. When, and how, will they turn on Matt? This is a very well written, well constructed, and engaging piece by Mr. Byers. Is it short? Yes, but that did not interfere with my enjoyment of the story. Instead, it left me eager for the further adventures of The Imposter. I mean, really, it's 99 cents. Take a chance, buy the book, and enjoy.

Another older review, this time of a good fantasy collection from Richard Lee Byers. I'm transferring over all my reviews to this blog, if anyone was wondering.

I'd like to start out by saying that "The Plague Knight and Other Stories" was a highly enjoyable page-turner. The stories are classic adventure tales, playing out within a fantasy setting. The character that opens up the collection is Martin Rivers, a knight adventurer, seeking riches, glory, and a patron. He stars in the first three tales, "The Plague Knight", "Kingsfire", and "Castle of Maidens". In the titular story, Martin has been participating in a tournament held by Count Ulrich. His fortunes have been good, and things seem to be looking up for our knight-errant; that is until a spectral plague descends upon the environs, and quickly begins infecting and killing off the populace. Martin quickly shows that he has morals that bely his outward interest in fame and fortune; despite the strenuous and highly level-headed objections from his retainer Geoffrey, he decides to stay on and try to rid the province of the cause of the plague. This is despite being informed that the plague is magical in nature, and that a demon from Hell is the most likely cause. At first trying to push his decision off on the fact that he is trying to find a rich patron, he soon admits that he feels duty-bound, as a knight, to stop the pestilence from spreading. Geoffrey, succinctly implies that Martin doesn't have the brains of a rabbit, but stays on despite his opinion. We are eventually shown the true character of the Count, the actions that brought about the cursing of the land, and Martin's rather outside the box effort to end the curse. A very good story to open the collection. "Kingsfire" is the second story, and opens with Martin questing for Richard Lionheart's lost sword, Kingsfire. He come across a group of brigands falling upon and "elf", and rushes to his aid. He finds that the supposed elf is not what he seems, but throws in with him to complete his quest. I'm not going to say much about this story, other than that I loved it. The inner fan boy almost swooned with joy after reading it, and I don't want to spoil that experience for anyone else. Suffice it to say, I sent a rather gushy message to Mr. Byers, which I should probably be ashamed of, but I stand by it. Why don't we move on, so I can maintain a shred of dignity. The last story featuring Martin is "Castle of Maidens", which is actually my favorite of the three, despite loving all of them. The overall feeling of intrigue and madness, coupled with some good old black sorcery are the main contributing factors for this. Martin and the Bishop of Padua are envoys dealing with the Sultan Ibrahim, negotiating for nothing less than the Holy Grail. All is not as it seems, and a rousing adventure commences, full of backstabbing, sorcery, and an entirely suitable end-game. A very fine tale to close out Martin's involvement in this collection. I must say that I would enjoy reading a collection of nothing but Martin Rivers. A very good character. Next we move on to the next person featured in this collection, Master Selden, a retired mercenary who has become a fencing-master in the city of Balathex. "The Salamander", begins in a rather confusing manner, as we are thrown quickly into the action, without knowing the names or the purpose of the players. However this is quickly rectified, as we are introduced to Selden and the various characters, and the problem driving the story not too long after the opening. Balathex is laboring under a war, both overt and subtle between various political factions. Selden, being both one of the most sought out fencing-masters, and being a very astute fellow when it comes to deducing all things mysterious, has been brought in by the Snow Lynx faction to solve a rather tough nut of a problem. The leader of the Snow Lynxes has been coming under attack through apparently magical means, but no one has been able to suss out the culprit. Despite rival factions within the Snow Lynx clan, several setbacks and dead-ends, Selden manages to finally discover the true enemy. As an opening salvo, this does nicely in introducing the reader to the characters and the environs in which they live. The next story, "Death in Keenspur House" continues the theme of Selden being the person to call when you have a particularly thorny problem. After the first tale, there has been a move towards compromise and the end of the feud between the political factions controlling Balathex is within sight. However, there has been a death, and theft, within one of the most prominent of the houses, prior to the wedding that will finally end the feud between the factions. Despite the suspicions of his clients, and his own failed guesses, he eventually comes upon the instigator of the plot, who is not what he expected at all. This is my second favorite of Selden's adventures. In "The Cheat", we see a story that hits closer to home, for Selden; there is a new maestro in Balathex, and somehow his students are winning at every turn, and the bodies are starting to pile up. Selden decides to expose this man as a cheat, and exact revenge for a dead student killed in a duel. This story introduces a particularly loathsome character named Olissimal, who takes his pleasure from watching duels to the death. Despite this, he is a expert upon fighting styles, and Selden is compelled to curry his favor to gain insight into his knowledge. This transaction is loathsome to Selden, and despite gaining very needed knowledge about his true enemy, does not in any way end well for our hero. After being stonewalled in many attempts, Selden finally discovers what he is looking for. Except, how can he win against it? This is a very satisfying tale. "Light and Dark" closes out Selden's participation in this collection, and is my favorite of his adventures. Selden arrives back in Balathex, after a long sojourn, to find his friend Tregan Keenspur in very dire straits. To help him he must cross into another dimension, and fight his way to an enemy that they had both thought dead. The malaise extends to not just Tregan, but to the entire ruling class of Balathex. If Selden doesn't succeed, everything he has worked for will come to nothing. His adventures in the other dimension are very thrilling, and his allies very odd. Plus, he must not harm anyone he comes in contact with, except the mastermind of the plot. An excellent way to end Selden's adventures in this collection. The second to the last story "Acorns" has Richard playing in another author's universe, and is spot on. I won't go into the characters involved, as I don't want to spoil the surprise, but this is really good stuff. Totally in keeping with the original author's vision, with a original twist from Mr. Byers. Wonderful, in my opinion. The last tale is "St. Paul's Churchyard, New Year's Day". A re-telling of what might have happened when Arthur became King Arthur, and first met Merlin. Not what you would expect, and a very good way to close the collection out. Very nice, despite being short, but this story definitely works. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a rousing adventure tale, and I really hope to see more of these characters in the future.