The Taint and Other Novellas: A Cthulhu Mythos Collection

Ever since I began to read books to help with school work in high school, I've read only Brian Lumley. Every book of his that I've read, I can't put down. Whether it's the Wamphyri, or traveling in a Clock, I've been sucked into worlds that consume you. Every story is painted so well that I can picture everything as Brian intends. I love his short stories and novellas. They always seems to get me in the end. He always throws a tywist or a surprise ending to things. Ever since the beginning, I've been Enthralled.

After long years reading HPL and trying to find others to go on with the Mythos, Lumley quickly came along a couple of great names. I like his work and this book, hardcover and signed (with a fantastic artwork cover), is a nice addition to any Lovecraftian's collection. Great stories and each of them begins with a little word form the author, giving a small view of when he wrote it or such pleasant background informations... this is very nice touch too. Though I speak french, I dont have any problems reading english, despite the fact that sometimes, i have to check out some adjectives just to make sure, even though i knew what i just read... It would be great that these would all be translated into french also to give them full credit. But hey...at least, we have great authors and it can only be good for my english :P If you want to get this item, dont go for the paperback...grab the hardcover edition and give yourself a treat, it looks great! I will do the same for "Haggopian and Other Stories " as soon as it will be available....

Despite getting the impression from all the pre-publishing hypes and reviews that this book would contain the longer stories of "Cthulhu Mythos" by Brian Lumley, actual reading of the stories resulted in me being pleasantly surprised. The stories in this book are more properly describable as 'Lovecraftian', since they succed in invoking the feeling of cosmic horror without going through the hackneyed themes, words and damnable incantations! The best story in this book is undoubtedly, "The Taint", with its haunting narrative and the chiller ending. Lovers of Cthulhu mythos should lap this book up, because after a long time such a fresh voice has been heard in the venerable hall made slimy by incompetents and frauds.

I didn't realise that the book was signed by both the author and the cover artist when I ordered it. I have not read the book yet so why the 5 stars? It's for the beautiful signatures!