Book Review: The Last Days of Krypton by Kevin J. Anderson *** and a 1\2 out of *****

Almost everybody knows the story of Superman and the planet Krypton with its red sun. Everybody knows that Superman is the only son of Jor-El and Lara, who shipped him off to Earth moments before the planet Krypton was blown to smithereens. But Kevin J. Anderson's novel, The Last Days of Krypton, proves that there is much more to the story. And what a story it is!

From political shenanigans, to sibling rivalry, to the plots of the evil dictator Zod, to the mute villain Nam-Ek, to the true nature of Brainiac, to earthquakes and flash floods, Anderson's Krypton has to be one of the most unfortunate planets in the universe. And that's what makes this book so entertaining and flawed at the same time.

With straightforward prose and a quick pace, Anderson tells the story of Krypton in an exciting, never-lagging manner, with one disaster after another, while the endearing characters try to overcome those ordeals. The novel is full of adventure, romance, villains and action, which makes it an almost epic tale that sheds new light on the whole Superman mythos.

But in trying to combine all the different mythologies that have been created over the decades, Anderson also creates a novel that doesn't leave the reader room to breathe and suspend his/her disbelief. As Anderson crams his 400+ pages with disaster after disaster that the story becomes more of a space opera than anything else, which, of course, might have been Anderson's intention in the first place (the book begins with a list of all the characters in the novel - Dramatis Persoane - as if it were an opera or a play). And, also, the stilted dialogue surely doesn't help.

But, overall, the flaws don't take away from the fact that this is a hugely entertaining book, with enough imagination and forward momentum to make it an addictive read and a must for fans of The Man of Steel. And on the long run, it's probably going to become the final word on the story of Krypton.

Text © Ahmed Khalifa. 2023.

Ahmed Khalifa is a filmmaker and novelist. He is the writer/director of several short films and a feature, which was released on Netflix, and the author of a number of novels and short stories, including the YA horror novel, Beware The Stranger, available on Amazon. He is also the host of The Dark Fantastic Podcast. Find him on Twitter @AFKhalifa and on Facebook @DFantasticPodcast

New Episode of THE DARK FANTASTIC PODCAST now available

 In this special episode, Ahmed Khalifa pays tribute to Peter Straub, the acclaimed dark fantasy author of such novels as Ghost Story and Floating Dragon.

Khalifa also discusses the work and legacy of Stuart Woods, most famous for his Stone Barrington thrillers, who also passed away this year.

Book Review: THE DARK FOREST by Hugh Walpole. *** and a 1\2 out of *****

The Dark Forest is considered by many one of Hugh Walpole’s best novels. On the surface, it’s easy to see why. It deals with the always relevant subject matter of the effects of war on life, society, and the human soul. Walpole, ever the sentimentalist, would seem to be the ideal choice to write a tear-jerker about life in the trenches of battle, in war-torn Russia during the First World War. But Walpole as a person and as an author, was hard to pin down, and his take on the anti-war novel is somewhat different than one would expect.

The book tells the story of John Durward and John Trenchard, two Englishmen who join a company of Russian doctors working on the Russian side of the Eastern Front during World War I. Durward, the narrator, is practical and open-minded, and is arguably a stand-in for Walpole himself, while Trenchard is a dreamy, clumsy, and naïve man, who Durward at first dislikes, then slowly starts to grow fond of, foibles and all.

Part war journal, part love-story between Trenchard and his enigmatic fiancé, Marie Ivanova, part meditation on the nature of friendship and sacrifice, The Dark Forest is one of Walpole’s darkest and least accessible books, at least during its first half, with Walpole indulging himself, with excessive detail and a too deliberate a pace. But once the myriad elements of psychological drama, harrowingly realistic war scenes, and Walpole’s mastery of setting and atmosphere, start to gel, the novel turns into something bordering on the sublime.

Although Walpole proves himself more than capable of depicting the grim reality of war, it’s not his main focus here, as he seems more interested in the psychology of his characters - especially Trenchard - and why they do the things they do. He delves into concepts of valor, motivation, and the effect of love, both romantic and platonic, on the unimaginative man. And as the story builds and the horror mounts, the book slowly transforms into a sort of existential dark dream that ends on a devastating note.

It’s not a perfect book, and, in my humble opinion, not even one of Walpole’s best, with the main character, Durward, coming off as cold and forgettable, and, as usual with Walpole, the psychology can get a little too simplistic and clumsy. But as is also usual with Walpole, there are passages, images, and truths that transcend time and place, and the writing is occasionally so heartfelt, so honest, that one has no option but to surrender to its beauty.

The Dark Forest is a flawed and fascinating book, and one which signaled Walpole’s growing fascination with Russia, about which he would write several books, all fueled by his harrowing experiences as a volunteer for the Russian Red Cross in the First World War.

Watch/Listen to review here:

 

Text © Ahmed Khalifa. 2022.

Ahmed Khalifa is a filmmaker and novelist. He is the writer/director of several short films and a feature, which was released on Netflix, and the author of a number of novels and short stories, including the YA horror novel, Beware The Stranger, available on Amazon. He is also the host of The Dark Fantastic Podcast. Find him on Twitter @AFKhalifa and on Facebook @Dark.Fantastic.AK·Writer

New Episode of THE DARK FANTASTIC PODCAST!

In this episode:

- Your host, A. K., talks about rediscovering the black and white Hitchcock films of the 1920s and 30s, like Number 17 (1932) and Blackmail (1930).

- A tribute to the late, great David Williams, rhythm guitarist extraordinaire, who collaborated with every one from Michael Jackson, to Madonna, to Bryan Ferry.

© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022.

Subscribe to the podcast at Spotify, Google Podcasts, Deezer, Podchaser, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen to "Episode 13: Hitchcock in Black and White, and The Great David Williams (Pocket Edition)" on Spreaker.

Book Review: CAGE OF NIGHT By Ed Gorman. **** out of *****

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Listen to "Book Review: Cage of Night by Ed Gorman" on Spreaker.

(c) PS Publishing

Ed Gorman is a master. During the 1980’s and 90’s, his books were constant “mid-listers”, which means somewhere in the middle of the bestseller lists. He never had a huge hit (like some of his contemporaries Stephen King, Peter Straub, and Dean Koontz), but his short, infinitely readable novels were – and still are – a treasure trove for the discerning reader. Cage Of Night is no exception.

Written in Gorman’s minimalist, smooth prose, and comprised of short, punchy chapters, this is a mesmerizing, haunting, and endlessly compelling tale about a young man returning from his sojourn in the military, to his small home town, only to get entangled with a seductive young woman, who may or may not be insane. And what is that entity dwelling in that old well that calls for him? To say any more about the plot would be unfair to the book and the reader, but suffice it to say, this is a brilliantly crafted tale of suspense, with a dash of Jamesian psychological horror to spice things up.

If you’ve missed Ed Gorman, you’ve missed something very special, and Cage of Night is a fine example of what this talented author has to offer. Highly recommended for fans of Dean Koontz, Ira Levin, Charles L. Grant, and Cornel  Woolrich.

Text © Ahmed Khalifa. 2014 - 2022.

Ahmed Khalifa is a filmmaker and novelist. He is the writer/director of several short films and a feature, which was released on Netflix, and the author of a number of novels and short stories, including the YA horror novel, Beware The Stranger, available on Amazon. He is also the host of The Dark Fantastic Podcast. Find him on Twitter @AFKhalifa and on Facebook @Dark.Fantastic.AK·Writer

New Episode of THE DARK FANTASTIC PODCAST Now Live

Listen to "Episode 12: Ghostbusters and The Beauty of Nostalgia. Guest: Writer Erik Burnham" on Spreaker.

 In this episode:

- Interview with writer Erik Burnham, a prolific and multi-talented artist and writer. He has done work for IDW Publishing, including his critically acclaimed work on the GHOSTBUSTERS line of comic books. He joins host A. K. to talk about Ghostbusters, meeting a legend, his ear for dialogue, and the importance of being a voracious reader.

- A short discussion about the concept of nostalgia, why it's under attack, and how it can be a force for positive change.

- A clip from SCARED STIFF (1945), a little known classic comedy starring the great Jack Haley, better known as The Scarecrow from the MGM adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. It’s a delightful movie for all ages, and it’s available online, for free, on many streaming sites.

© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022.

New Episode of THE DARK FANTASTIC PODCAST Now Live

 In this episode:

- An interview with musician and composer Craig Safan (The Last Starfighter, A Nightmare on Elm Street 4), in which he talks about his work, his love of L.A, and his latest album L.A. Ex.

- Your host, A.K., shares some of his favorite books and movies about L.A.

- A clip from DRAGNET, the classic TV show set in L.A.

- Book Trailer: BAD DREAMS, a novel by A. Kale, available on Amazon.

Listen here: Listen to "Episode 9: A Special L.A. Episode. Guest: Composer Craig Safan" on Spreaker.

New Episode of The Dark Fantastic Podcast Now Available

In this episode:

- Your host, A.K., talks about the secret behind successful creative partnerships in film and TV.

- The mystery behind the magic of TWIN PEAKS. Who is responsible, David Lynch or Mark Frost? A brief history of the making of the TV show.

- An interview with author and TV historian David Bushman (CONVERSATIONS WITH MARK FROST), in which David and myself come up with what may be the definitive answer to the question: "Will there ever be more TWIN PEAKS?"

- A recording of Poe's ANNABEL LEE.

- Easter Egg: THE HIGHWAY, a new short story.

- Book Trailer: BAD DREAMS, a novel by A. Kale, available on Amazon.

Listen to the episode:

Listen to "Episode 6: Lynch, Frost, and The Future of Twin Peaks. Guest: Author/TV Historian David Bushman" on Spreaker.

New Episode of THE DARK FANTASTIC PODCAST now available

 In this episode:

- Ahmed Khalifa talks about what makes certain albums, songs, and compositions timeless.

- An interview with author, musician, and music historian Herb Powell, co-author of I AIN'T STUDDIN' YA, the autobiography of Bobby Rush.

- A recording of Shelley's TO: MUSIC, WHEN SOFT VOICES DIE.

- Easter Egg: THE WIND, a new short story!

- Book Trailer: BAD DREAMS, a novel by A. Kale, available on Amazon.

Subscribe to the podcast at Spreaker, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Youtube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen to the episode:

Listen to "Episode 5: Timeless Music, The Blues, and The Great Bobby Rush. Guest: Author/Musician Herb Powell" on Spreaker.

New Episode of The Dark Fantastic Podcast now available, featuring Author/Narrator Nick Sullivan

On this episode of THE DARK FANTASTIC PODCAST:

- Your host, Ahmed Khalifa, talks about movies that are better than books, including Psycho (1960) and

The Grapes of Wrath (1940).

- An exclusive interview with author and audiobook narrator Nick Sullivan, whose latest book DEEP DEVIL is out now.

- A wonderful reading of Keats's poem THE LIVING HAND, by Winston Tharp.

- Easter Egg: THE FACES, a chilling Halloween short story, dramatized, and featuring sound effects.

Listen here:

Listen to "PSYCHOS AND SILVER BULLETS: A Post-Halloween Special Episode. Guest: Writer Nick Sullivan" on Spreaker.

New episode of The Dark Fantastic Podcast, featuring Sherlock Holmes Author/Expert, David Stuart Davies

In this new episode:

• 
  A.K. talks about the outcry against classic literature, and questions why classic "genre" fiction isn't considered "fine" literature.
• An interview with Sherlock Holmes expert and best-selling author/editor David Stuart Davies (Sherlock Holmes: The Tangled Skein and Sherlock Holmes: Revenge from The Grave [2022]).
• Revisiting INNER SANCTUM (1948).

• Easter Egg: a new short story.

Listen to the episode here:

Listen to "Episode 3: Sherlock Holmes Returns, and A Defense of "Genre". Guest: David Stuart Davies" on Spreaker.

Introducing THE DARK FANTASTIC PODCAST

If you're a constant visitor to this website, then you know it's dedicated to all things movies, books, and TV, especially hidden gems in all genres.

We have now launched The Dark Fantastic Podcast, an expansion of what is featured on the site, with exclusive audio short stories, and interviews with writers, filmmakers, and creators in all fields.

This latest episode, features Ahmed Khalifa talking about why he thinks Dean Koontz is, in some ways, better than Stephen King; a brief history of pulp fiction's greatest character, The Shadow; and an exclusive interview with author Will Murray, whose latest book, Master of Mystery: The Rise of The Shadow, is out now. Enjoy!

Listen to "Episode 2: Dean Koontz Returns and The Shadow Rises, W\Author Will Murray" on Spreaker.

Book Review: FORTITUDE By Hugh Walpole. **** out of *****

Reading Hugh Walpole is a strange and wonderful thing. Sometimes he's brilliant (The Prelude to Adventure), sometimes he's good (Mr. Perrin and Mr. Traill), and sometimes he's barely passable (Jeremy). Fortitude (1913), Walpole's homage to the works and styles of Dickens and Henry James, is nearer to brilliant on that spectrum.

It follows the life of one Peter Westcott, from his boyhood to the onset of middle-age, tracking his attempt at transcending a hard life, including a disturbed, abusive father, poverty, and, ultimately, succeeding as an author. The plot is layered, sprawling, even meandering at times, but Walpole is at his most ebullient here, driving vigorously onwards through a breakneck narrative, pulling the reader with him.

I guess it would be considered sacrilege to call Fortitude as good, or even better than, a lot of Dickens' coming of age tales, but Walpole comes close. He also attempts to mimic James' psychological mastery, but here, he doesn't really succeed, although his characters are interesting enough, some even fascinating. The protagonist, Peter Westcott is a flawed character if ever there was one, and in the hands of a lesser, and less humane, writer, he would have been thoroughly unlikable, but Walpole makes him not only compelling, but sympathetic as well.

Aside from the sheer storytelling joy of Fortitude, with its twists, turns, and occasional forays into hackneyed melodrama, Walpole is aiming for something more, something higher. Like in this exchange between Westcott, after the successful publication of his first novel, and Henry Galleon, arguably a thinly disguised surrogate for Walpole's idol, Henry James. Galleon says to  the young author: "Against all these temptations, against these voices of the World and the Flesh, against the glory of power and the swinging hammer of success, you, sitting quietly in your room, must remember that a great charge has been given you, that you are here for one thing and one thing only ... to listen..." The whole of Galleon's speech, is sublime, in fact; and sublime is what Walpole, in his own flawed way, achieves with this novel.

Fortitude is unputdownable, moving, sensational, unabashedly melodramatic, somber, and, in the most surprising of ways, uplifting. A great book that deserves to be rescued from the shadows of obscurity.

Text © Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.

Video Version:

 

Ahmed Khalifa is a filmmaker and novelist. He is the writer/director of several short films and a feature, which was released on Netflix, and the author of a number of novels and short stories, including the YA horror novel, Beware The Stranger, available on Amazon. Find him on Twitter @AFKhalifa and on Facebook @Dark.Fantastic.AK·Writer