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13 Strange Short Tales – Book Review

This is a great little anthology of stories I discovered via a retweet on Twitter. The author, Charles E Wells, is a prolific writer and author, having written some twelve books. As well as creative writing, Charles Wells has in the past enjoyed a varied career that has included both print and online journalism. Although not a blogger, he does have a very impressive website and portfolio of his writings and background at:

http://www.charleswells.us

13 Strange Short Tales, by Charles E. Wells

(Available in both eBook and print formats from Amazon)

This anthology of strange tales is one that effortless blends the genres of science fiction and the paranormal. In many of the stories the author cleverly settles the reader into a world of complete normality, often just before plunging them into another dimension, the afterlife, or some other place in-between. There is good use of authentic dialogue and detail to both drive the stories forward, and to convey character. I would also say that many of the stories here are among some of the cleverest and most original I’ve read in these genres, covering such topics as inter-dimensional travel, heroism, destiny and fate. Some of the stories employ the tried and tested ‘twist in the tale’ style, whilst in others the author allows the conclusion to simply speak for itself, and to set the reader thinking. Although there was a running theme of Sci-Fi and mystery, there was a great variety of settings and scenarios, and no two stories were alike, thus ensuring the reader was kept entertained throughout every tale.

For anyone who remembers watching and enjoying the ‘Twilight Zone’ or ‘Outer Limits,’ these stories will definitely appeal to those fans, as well as to all those who enjoy a sense or originality and mystery in their Sci-Fi. Extremely well written, and for an eBook, well presented and formatted too. Will certainly be reading and reviewing other books by this author in the future. Highly recommended!

Further links to other books by Charles E. Wells:

The Whispering Pines series –