The Broken Darkness by Theresa Braun - [Book Review] #WriteAPageADay

 Book Details:

Title: The Broken Darkness

Author: Theresa Braun

Genre: horror, thriller, short stories, an anthology

Print Length: 264 pages

Blurb:

In her debut collection, Theresa Braun explores the inner workings of the human heart and what it is we most desire—forgiveness, acceptance, love, fame, or merely to escape who we really are. Whether we are battling ghosts, demons, mythical monsters, the past, or other dimensions, we are really facing the deepest parts of ourselves. 

These thirteen tales of horror and dark fantasy may appear to be a matter of good versus evil, but they are all a reflection of the hidden corners of the soul that are often shades of broken darkness. The characters in these stories must face their inner and outer terrors or else suffer the consequences.

Purchase Link: Amazon

My Review :

I always love reading short stories. Liked this book but I felt a few stories are not very clear to me. The plots / the details are confusing. The narrative might have been better.

I liked that the stories selected in this book are of good variety. Each one's plot is unique. Except for a few, I didn't feel the stories are scary. A few are really good and unpredictable though.

Loved the following stories:

Dead over heels
The ending is completely unexpected and the story is interesting. I wouldn't say scary but intriguing.

Guilty as cell
Loved it. A story about not texting while driving

Stillborn
Interesting and unpredictable. Loved the story and ending.

Dying for an invitation
A true vampire story and is narrated well. Loved it.

Stay tuned
The story is gory with a lot of violence.

While my Guitar gently weeps
This story is like a little mystery. Loved the characters and the plot. Simple, yet interesting.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

My Rating: 3/5

About the Author:

Theresa Braun was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and has carried some of that hardiness with her to South Florida where she currently resides. An English teacher and adjunct college professor for over twenty years, she continues to share her enthusiasm for literary arts with her students.


She earned a Masters in English literature with a thesis on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. In her spare time, she enjoys delving into her own creative writing, painting, photography and even ghost hunting. Spending time with her family and traveling as often possible are two of her passions. In fact, her world meanderings are often backdrops for her work. Striving to make the world a better place is something dear to her heart. When she's not writing, she can be found looking for romance or shopping for antiques.

Until next time,

Wordcount: 455 words

Stories in a Satchel by Shyamala Shanmugasundaram - [Book Review]

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Book Details :

Title : Stories in a Satchel
Author: Shyamala Shanmugasundaram
Source : Kindle Edition
Print length : 165 pages

Blurb:

Tanna's wedding is happening soon. He takes it on himself to clean the house and stumbles upon a satchel belonging to his dead postman father. Even worse, he discovers a bunch of letters that never got mailed. Tanna almost tosses the letters out but acting on an instinct of responsibility, he decides to post them. 

What happens to people when these letters arrive after more than a decade is explored through twenty-six stories that contain generous doses of love, betrayal, suspicion, frustration, ambition, and redemption. 

Strangely, each person would have chosen a different route in life had they received them in time…A misplaced letter, a new path…such is LIFE!

Purchase Link: 

Amazon.com

My Review:

The collection of stories is about some unposted letters found in a satchel. When these letters are posted after so many years, they bring a mix of emotions in the people who receive them.

The concept is beautiful and each story though simple strikes an emotional chord in the hearts of readers. 

The Late winner is a simple story about a fictional piece submitted to the editor for a contest. The thought of what happens when bullets can become roses is interesting indeed.

Ambani heights Mani is a beautiful story of fate. How the life of a building security guard changed overnight with one letter. I loved the story.

The Closed Door - interesting characters. The climax was disappointing though.

Google Baba is a cool story with a tinge of humor. Nowadays, who doesn't know the helpfulness of Google?

Clipper is an emotional tale about relationships and trust. This is one story that shows how a single letter can break the trust or a strong relationship.

The story Second Chance is awesome. How good it would be if parents can take an act of revenge against the kids who completely ignore their parents after growing up.

Actually,  every story is beautiful with the required emotions.  If I have to do justice to the book, I should mention all stories. Since I cannot, I would simply say my rating.

My Rating : 5/5

I would recommend this book as a good gift, not only to the avid readers but to the beginner readers too.

About the Author:

Shyamala Shanmugasundaram is an author, freelance writer and the chief ideator of Kahani Takbak, a platform to promote Indian children's books, authors and illustrators.

 Reading and writing for children have been her priority over the last fifteen years. Her written works have appeared in national and international books, magazines and newspapers. 

Stories in A Satchel is her first short story collection for adults. To know more about her, visit www.shyamala.in

Until next time,