Horror You Crave (Story #’s 8, 16, 17, 24, & 29)
Boom Goes the Long Gun #16 (Horror You Crave Series)
By Julio Miranda
The Sexton’s musings (spoilers are likely):
There are no names put to the characters in this story. The main character, who happens to be our protagonist, is known to us as “The Killer”. To “The Fiend,” he is “Angel”. I'm not super into vampire stories, per se, but this was an interesting take. I would love to know more background on the relationships that are revealed within this brief glimpse. It would be the perfect short to expand upon in novella or novel form.
Closing thoughts:
A bit of a warning on this one. It is a bit more gorey than the previous four stories that I have read by Miranda. There is also some sexual content. Nothing overly explicit but it's definitely not subtle either. This definitely makes you want more information.
Happy Devouring!
The Sexton
The Goat Killer #17 (Horror You Crave Series)
By Julio Miranda
The Sexton’s musings (spoilers are likely):
At first when I saw the cover I thought that this was going to be about a werewolf. Turns out that the creature here is not a werewolf but a Chupacabra. It describes something that is humanoid but has scales. Werewolves do not have scales. I have to say for a young person this kid has some brass ones on him. Most would turn tail and run especially after seeing the skin of ones father attached like a loincloth to a monster. I'd say his father would be proud!
Closing thoughts:
Okay I'm just gonna say it...how the hell did one monster eat damn near 200 goats in such a short amount of time. I mean I'm guilty of over indulging occasionally but this dude take the cake. He gives gluttony a whole new intensity.
Happy Devouring!
The Sexton
She Couldn't Seem to Speak #8 (Horror You Crave Series)
By Julio Miranda
The Sexton’s musings (spoilers are likely):
Now this is what I'm talking about! Big wigs who think they have a right to treat people like toilet paper because of the money and title that they have. Fuck them! Miranda has just proven that it does not matter what your social status is. I get cut up into little pieces, you get cut up into little pieces...same result. And I'm sure his shit smelled when he soiled himself as he died. I have no respect for people like him. The funny part is that he thinks that he is respected but he is confusing respect with fear. He's not respected, people just don't want to lose their jobs. As for his peers...they don't respect anyone but themselves because they are all sociopathic losers. I applaud this woman for finally sticking up for herself. Who's weak now, motherfucker!
There is a very definite beginning, middle, and end to this one. It takes place over a 24hr period and has some finality to it. It's relatable and in a very sort amount of time you want to root for the main character. Not an easy thing to do as a writer.
Closing thoughts:
The one thing that these people don't seem to understand (mostly because they are sociopaths) is that eventually you are going to meet that one person that is not going to put up with your shit! That one person that does not care about your title or your money. To them you are nothing more than another meatsuit. So in the end none of that title, money, or status shit really matters. Once you meet that one person all of that is forfeit. And you just become another dead asshole that no one will truly miss. Something to munch on little Ghoulies.
Happy Devouring!
The Sexton
Sword Swallowing Lizzy #24 (Horror You Crave Series)
By Julio Miranda
The Sexton’s musings (spoilers are likely):
This one is actually kinda sad. The woman in this story is surrounded by admirers all the time, but really they are just using her. She is looking for something real, but can't seem to find it. The story is told from the perspective of her friend and boss who runs the circus she works for. He warns her about looking for love within the throng of her many admirers. It of course ends in tragedy and evisceration.
Closing thoughts:
The one thing that I don't seem to understand is why none of the other circuses would touch her. Did they know something that this guy didn't about her? It's curious. She was just fine until she decided she wanted something more in her life. Which is not asking for too much. Unfortunately when you are attractive, wealthy, and in entertainment you can never be quite sure of the motivations behind someone’s affections. True love is very hard to find in general and those things complicate it even more. Very sad.
Happy Devouring!
The Sexton
This is the Will of God #29(Horror You Crave Series)
By Julio Miranda
The Sexton’s musings (spoilers are likely):
I have mixed feelings about this one. I don't really understand why the priest is being punished. Is it because he's there and is taking their blood money or is it because he did nothing to help the father and son? I mean neither situation is really his fault. He could not have know that he was going to be officiating over the deaths of innocent people nor could he have done anything to save them. He would have done nothing, but gotten himself killed. The men around him here don't give a shit. They would have tortured them regardless. It's very sad.
Closing thoughts:
Perhaps it is the priests own guilt that is responsible for his fall from grace (at least in his eyes). I honestly believe that there was nothing that he could have done. He's pretty much trapped at this point. The question that I ask is this hell he's trapped in? It's a thought.
