The first professional reviews of my new book, The Electric God and Other Shorts, are in! What did the critics think? Only one way to find out…
Perone is in complete control of his writing, creating clear, tightly formed sentences that reflect the work of an experienced professional. His style feels a little like a mix between Ray Bradbury and The Twilight Zone, focusing on outbursts of violence and humor. The protagonists are generally relatable and mostly fit the role of being smart, awkward, and pushed too far. For the targeted audience, the dark turns, chuckles, and ability to relate will garner plenty of enthusiastic young fans.
—The US Review of Books
A smirking satiric impulse powers some entries, reflecting the perspective of a young person (rightly) outraged about the way things are going. …As readers might expect of a smart, media-saturated young writer from an era that prized extremity of expression, the collection at times has a vicious edge, indulging in adolescent power fantasy and exploring revenge, cruelty, and misery. But the closing story surprises with a small note of hope—even redemption—in an otherwise bleak and snarky collection of horror stories that revel in Doom Generation nihilism.
—Publishers Weekly
This book is a page-turner. Each story holds a unique premise, keeping me fully engaged and eager to see what came next. The language is accessible, the storytelling fluid and powerful. Michael Thomas Perone demonstrates incredible creativity in this collection. If you’re looking for something that keeps you hooked from start to finish, this book is a great choice.
—Sassy Reviews
The Electric God and Other Shorts by Michael Thomas Perone is an intriguing collection of six dark, eerie tales that mix speculative fiction with classic horror elements. …(T)his book provides a fresh yet familiar dive into the strange and unsettling ways modern technology and the human psyche interact. With Perone’s engaging writing and thoughtful re-imaginings, readers can expect a blend of nostalgia and new perspectives on dystopian and psychological horror. …Perone deftly uses sci-fi and horror as vehicles to explore timeless themes, notably our complicated relationship with technology and societal norms. …Perone’s writing is smooth and suspenseful, with just the right amount of descriptive language to draw readers into each darkly imaginative scenario without bogging down the pace. The stories are quick reads yet linger in your mind long after you’ve finished them. The pacing is steady, with each story building tension effectively, and the variety of characters keeps the book engaging. Perone’s knack for creating ominous atmospheres shines through… The Electric God and Other Shorts is an engaging, suspense-filled collection for anyone who enjoys speculative fiction and psychological horror. …(I)t offers a thought-provoking take on the dangers of technology and the darker sides of human nature. Michael Thomas Perone has crafted stories that are unsettling, darkly nostalgic, and reflective of our modern anxieties. If you’re a fan of The Twilight Zone, Bradbury’s eerie insights, or psychological thrillers, this collection will leave you pondering long after you’ve put it down.
—Kim’s Book Reviews
(The author) states that these stories are dark. He was not kidding. The Electric God is an interesting story that made me think about how much we rely on television… As someone who grew up without “pay channels,” I totally agree with how insane it is to have so many different channels nowadays. Paper Language was fun and made me think about the other stories I have read about “killer typewriters.” I was surprised at the ending. I read School Spirit twice to see all I missed the first time. Definitely do not read these stories if you do not like horror. I, however, love horror and was pleasantly surprised by some of the endings.
—Deal Sharing Aunt
Tense, dark, and thought-provoking, (The Electric God and Other Shorts is) a gripping exploration of blurred realities and fractured identities. …Perone plunges readers into disquieting worlds where the lines between reality, identity, and absurdity blur in unexpected ways. Perone’s characters grasp for meaning in chaotic worlds. His use of stream-of-consciousness heightens their disorienting journeys, while dark humor provides a balance of levity and gravity. This collection confronts the madness of modern existence with wit and heart, leaving readers unsettled—and hungry for more.
—The Prairies Book Review
I’ve also updated the book’s homepage with (most of) these reviews, so I suppose I could’ve simply linked to that page, but then I wouldn’t have a blog this week. 😉 (Also, according to my site’s statistics, no one is visiting that page except me.)
Until next time, peeps. Same MTP time, same MTP channel (i.e., usually Thursdays at this website).
MTP
P.S.: I realize I haven’t posted a blog on Thursday, my regular posting day, in a while, but it’s been a crazy few weeks, and my schedule has been all over the place. And speaking of having a hectic schedule…
P.P.S.: Next blog: A well-deserved break! [And Happy (American) Thanksgiving!]
P.P.P.S.: The Electric God and Other Shorts is now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble:
Michael Thomas Perone 