I can’t wait for when Chris Lewis Carter takes one of his seemingly inexhaustible ideas and turns it into a novel…or a film, or an RPG, or…. This is truly an excellent collection and is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys intelligent stories that are frightening, insightful, and thought provoking. It’s not science fiction exactly because it all feels so close to where we’re heading. Dick combined with the humor and fear of technology that reminds me of Douglas Coupland. “Perpetual Junctions Travel Agency” features a man who wants nothing more to be happy, but he doesn’t realize that everyone (everywhere) feels the same way.Ī good number of these stories have the futuristic insight of Philip K. Some of the tales pack more of an emotional punch than I expected. “The Cord” starts out as something that feels familiar, yet quickly becomes something new and altogether more frightening. One of the shortest stories, “” gives a brilliant set up and ends wonderfully, and unexpectedly, way too soon. Through it all, Carter’s assured voice slips seamlessly between narrators without missing a beat.
They exist very much in the present, documenting a specific event or moment in time. Most of the stories in “Always Sometimes Monsters” are fast paced vignettes that don’t waste much time diving into back stories or explanations. As do everymen, curious kids, and one elderly man who loses his leg in a particularly grotesque explosion of blood. Swindlers, murderers, and thieves all make an appearance here. Not all of these people are necessarily bad, but they’re not good either. People doing things that are on the verge of illegal, immoral, and otherwise damaging to those around them. Here, in this collection of short stories, Carter branches out and explores some of the darker facets of human nature. It’s no wonder that Chuck Palahniuk selected his heartbreaking story “Charlie” for inclusion in the anthology “Burnt Tongues.” From his Camp Myth series, to the associated RPG, to the iPhone app, and the host of other projects he's undertaken, the guy is restlessly creative. People doing things that are on the verge o Chris Lewis Carter is something of a literary renaissance man.
It’s no wonder that Chuck Palahniuk selected his heartbreaking story “Charlie” for inclusion in the anthology “Burnt Tongues.” Here, in this collection of short stories, Carter branches out and explores some of the darker facets of human nature.
It happens to everyone sooner or later, so why not consider these eighteen (mostly) horrifying tales of succumbing to the darkness lurking within us all.įind out why some old video games aren't meant to be played in, "Kill Screen" (soon to be a feature film!) Discover what happens when a cordyceps fungus meant for African Bullet Ants begins to infect humans in, "The Cord." Learn the five key steps to selling any product (during the apocalypse) in, "Magic Man." From Sea Monkeys to Professional Wrestling, Tarot Cards to Time Travel, each of these stories prove that we're never always perfect, but we're Always Sometimes Monsters.moreĬhris Lewis Carter is something of a literary renaissance man. Sure, you try to be polite to telemarketers, and you occasionally remember a co-worker's birthday, but underneath the table manners and forced smiles, you're barely suppressing the urge to dive headfirst off the straight and narrow. – Richard Thomas, author of Staring Into the AbyssĪdmit it, you're not a good person.
Sure, you try to be polite to telemarketers, and you occasionally remember a co-worker's birthday, b “Expect the unexpected in this captivating and haunting collection of dark, brutal and often hilarious stories that explore the human condition in all of its depraved and paranoid glory.” “Expect the unexpected in this captivating and haunting collection of dark, brutal and often hilarious stories that explore the human condition in all of its depraved and paranoid glory.” – Richard Thomas, author of Staring Into the Abyss Admit it, you're not a good person.