Skin Trade

I bought this solely for the rare Stephen King story "The Replicants", which is good but feels more like a first chapter in a book that a short story (unresolved ending). The other two King stories are okay ("Sneakers" being the better of the two, but both are published in Nightmares and Dreamscapes. The real treat here is Dan Simmons. I am more familiar with his sci-fi and mystery works, and was happily surprised by these stories which are more in the horror vein. "Metastasis" is an excellent story about what cancer really is a result of (with several revolting scenarios), while "Iverson's Pits" is an atmospheric piece that involves the corrupt legacy of an inept and cruel Civil War officer. If you like the period piece horror of "The Terror", you'll enjoy this long story. I didn't read the Martin novella.

A strong anthology, with a 3.57 average, with the Simmons being the weakest part in general. However, the Martin 'hard boiled werewolf' novella is excellent. Dark Visions : The Reploids - Stephen King Dark Visions : Sneakers - Stephen King Dark Visions : Dedication - Stephen King Dark Visions : Metastasis - Dan Simmons Dark Visions : Vanni Fucci is Alive and Well and Living in Hell - Dan Simmons Dark Visions : Iverson's Pits - Dan Simmons Dark Visions : The Skin Trade - George R. R. Martin Tonight show replacement appearance. 4 out of 5 Music biz mule dunny ghost. 4 out of 5 Spoof eater curse signing time. 3 out of 5 Cancer monster suspicion. 3 out of 5 Bolgia's televangelist transformation torment time. 3.5 out of 5 Officer's holey end. 3 out of 5 Mirror mirror on the wall, werewolf killer, blood will call. 4.5 out of 5 3.5 out of 5

This was originally published as Night Visions 5, a horror anthology series. It's got some neat stories. It's interesting to see people so critical of a work that was never meant to compete with Hemingway. These stories are clever and fun and, as they are supposed to, entertain. I recommend the book as an interesting diversion...unless you're looking for Hemingway!

I purchased this collection of works originally in its 1988 "Night Visions" release, primarily for its Stephen King contributions - and promptly work the cover off reading and re-reading the absolute masterworks by Dan Simmons and George R.R. Martin. I was literally jumping out of my chair when I happened across this new edition! First off King's works are as good as always, both entertaining (Reploids, Sneakers), disturbing (Dedication) and thought-provoking. Dan Simmons' contributions were an unexpected surprise. "Metastasis" had me on the edge of my seat, and "Vanni Fucci is Alive and Well and Living in Hell" had me laughing out loud and shouting triumpantly at the same time. Bravo, Mr. Simmons! George R.R. Martin's "The Skin Trade" definitely saves the best for last. This short story has become my favorite horror tale of all time, hands down. As of my writing this, I have read it at least twenty times, and it hasn't lost a bit of its appeal. For those of you who only know Mr. Martin through his "Song of Ice and Fire" series, this will show you why he is one of the greatest storytellers of our generation. It is a must-have for any reader's shelf.

I agree with Harry - I don't know why everyone feels the need to post reviews before they actually read/use the products. This definately goes to all the losers who posted reviews on the latest Harry Potter book seconds after it came out. Or spoiled it by insisting on reviewing right after they finished it. I really don't care if you lined up for a two hours at midnight and then read it cover to cover over the next 24 hours...get a life. In short -- don't display your ignorance for the whole world to view...there are enough people doing it as it is. If you really want to see crazy, check out the review of "Partridge Family Christmas" that some religious nutbag posted.