I wasn’t going to write another blog about the reviews The Electric God and Other Shorts is receiving, but several things occurred to me: 1) I’ve written multiple blogs about reviews for my other two books, 2) the reviews kept pouring in, and 3) most of them are really positive, including a perfect, five-star review from Reader Views! So, in no order, here are more, previously unpublished (at least on this blog) reviews of my short story collection:
Each story paints a powerful portrait of an unsettling life when things go just a bit too far. …The author’s introductory story and title’s namesake, The Electric God, is brilliant. Perone writes of a world where an almost religious worship of television completely consumes people. The Electric God is exaggerated but in a way that highlights Perone’s ability to write satire. This story hits home in so many ways and easily allows readers to imagine replacing their addiction to television with smartphones, tablets, or computers. The story Investigating the Future’s End is impressive. It is a dystopian sci-fi story that is very engrossing. The plot is tense with surreal twists, but Perone’s writing style is excellent throughout. The characters and their worlds are fully developed and three-dimensional, and the dialogue is authentic. Although the author indicates he wrote most of his stories between 1994 and 2000, this particular story is quite timely and relevant. …The Electric God and Other Shorts by Michael Thomas Perone is a brilliant collection that makes readers reflect on several issues. It’s a powerful read for those who enjoy dark, satirical writing with twists that make you think. 5 out of 5 stars.
–Reader Views
The remaining reviews are from Amazon:
(The Electric God and Other Shorts) is a gripping collection of twisted tales. I couldn’t put this book down! The stories in The Electric God and Other Shorts are unsettling and compelling, with a dark edge that explores the madness lurking in the world. Perone’s writing pulls you in, and each tale builds on the last, making it a collection I won’t forget anytime soon. I highly recommend it!
Perone’s third book is a far cry from the whimsical, action-adventure Danger Peak. The Electric God and Other Shorts is a collection of six twisted stories with twists. And unlike his first two books, none of the stories take place in the ‘80s, though two take place in the ‘90s. My favorites were the title story, How to Save a Drowning Butterfly, and Investigating the Future’s End. According to the book’s Introduction, Perone wrote most of these stories in high school in the ‘90s (hence the two stories set during that decade). Perone also has an Introduction to each story, and he mentions before The Electric God that he predicted remote learning via the TV, as well as other technological “advances.” One thing he forgot to mention was binge watching. It’s really an eerie story, but if I had to choose the best, I would go with Investigating the Future’s End, a story so mind-bending it’s almost impossible to describe. So if you’re a fan of dark stories with unexpected turns, I’d pick this one up.
The Electric God and Other Shorts grabbed my attention from the very first story. Each short story is brilliantly crafted, weaving suspense, dark themes, and complex characters in a way that kept me hooked. Perone’s ability to combine eerie elements with deep human struggles left me thinking about these tales long after I finished the book.
This was a fun and entertaining read! Each story is unique, engaging, (with) dark humor, and (it) keeps you turning the pages! If you’re looking for a short, fast, and easy read, then you should definitely give this one a try!
Perone’s third book is a departure. Instead of a coming-of-age novel set in the 1980s, he presents six dark stories full of madness and mayhem. My favorites were the first one, The Electric God, and the last one, School Spirit. I thought The Electric God was creepy, but it was only hinting at the dark turns to come in the book. Some of the characters here fight the insanity of their world with their own brand of insanity. Of course, chaos ensues. I wasn’t a fan of some of the violence in the book, especially in The Shovel, but the book is about madness after all. Probably the best story overall was School Spirit, which is an appropriate finale. Perone jokes about it being the “big finish” to the book, but it really was a tour de force and takes you on a journey, both in the real world and metaphysical one. Read this one by the campfire!
This is different from Perone’s other books. For starters, it’s a collection of short stories (as the title says) instead of a novel. Also, the subject matter is much darker, but I still enjoyed it. My favorite stories were Paper Language and School Spirit. Paper Language is about a stressed author desperate for inspiration for his latest book who receives it in an unexpected place. You’re not going to be able to guess what happens. School Spirit is a spooky ghost story that made me miss Halloween. It also has some twists thrown in, as almost every story does. If you’re a fan of The Twilight Zone or macabre humor, this collection is a must read. Highly recommended.
(The Electric God and Other Shorts) is a unique journey into the unknown.(It’s) a collection that takes you on an unpredictable journey. Perone’s stories are intense, original, and full of sharp twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. Whether it’s the terrifying world of a small town or a mind-bending mystery, this book is perfect for anyone looking for something dark and fascinating.
Have I (or, more accurately, they) convinced you yet that this book is worth picking up? No? Then why are you reading this blog? Don’t answer that!
I kid. Join these happy readers, and turn on The Electric God.
MTP
P.S.: Next week’s blog: Announcements!
P.P.S.: The Electric God and Other Shorts is now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble:
Michael Thomas Perone 