Dead Girls, Dead Boys, Dead Things

"Dead Girls Dead Boys Dead Things" is a profound book for those with the patience, vocabulary and literary mastership to undertake it. It is not for the weak of heart; it has both graphic sexual and violent content, however they are presented in an artful (if not at all times tasteful) way. Although the plot may be difficult to follow if you're not devoted to the story, it is well worth it if you have the patience to overcome the somewhat obscure vocabulary used in the book; however, I feel that Calder's lyrical form of narration and description, founded upon his obscure but far-reaching vocabulary are one of the book's most endearing qualities. Anyone who wants a good challange, who enjoys sci-fi or who likes books which take unexpected twists and turns, finally concluding in an unforseen ending will enjoy this book immensly.

Richard Calder's DEAD GIRLS breaks new ground in a once-innovative literary movement that has unfortunately become stagnant in recent years. All of you cyberpunk fans are familiar with William Gibson's NEUROMANCER, and although we all owe the inventor of cyberspace a debt of gratitude, it is obvious that Gibson's brilliant novel spawned a slew of imitators seeking to capitalize on the popularity of hard-edged futuristic prose. Calder is different. This is not prose at all, this is high-voltage poetry; this is rampant, blood thumping word art. I couldn't stop reading. Don't bother trying to dissect the proposed technology in DEAD GIRLS, or waste energy researching the occasional windy vocabulary word, just absorb the ambience. Grant Calder his post/retro-apocalyptic-adolescent-vampire premise. Somehow he makes it work. Just be happy he let you tag along for the ride.

Beautifully written poetic epic about true love in a world gone utterly mad. The narrative style reminded me of William Faulkner's "Sound and the Fury" while the plot is a crazy mix of classic cyberpunk and Anne Rice style sexy vampire lore. This book has everything -- from raw sex filled with Freudian imagery to unadulterated tales of conspiracy and murder. But when push comes to shove, it is a beautiful tale of true love. True love in a STRANGE, STRANGE world.

This trilogy is without a doubt the finest piece of writing I have read this year. This series is not for all but if you like Jeff Noon or Michael Moorcock you must pick up this book. Calder's way with words and his style draw you deep into this nightmare world which is a reflection of our own. Calder's points about life in the information age and the war of the sexes are rapier sharp and dead on. A beautiful and dark collection that engages the reader from beginning to end. A must read!