Cthulhu Unbound 3 and "The R'lyeh Singularity" Reviews

Cthulhu Unbound 3, and my Brian M. Sammons co-authored novella in the anthology "The R'lyeh Singularity", has been receiving some positive reviews of late and its sales figures on Amazon.com are rocketing up the sales list. Here are excerpts some of them that I thought I might share if you are thinking about purchasing this anthology and are undecided:

CTHULHU UNBOUND 3

Cthulhu Unbound 3 is a collection of four novellas, marrying Lovecraft’s vision to another genre. Beyond the connections to the Cthulhu Mythos, there is no other underlying theme, excepting that each story seems to climax in feces-against-rotating-blades insanity. Each story is penned by great talents in the weird-fiction realm and it shows. - Bruce Priddy, Horror Novel Reviews

These guys form into the "Avengerspendables" and deal out quite a bit of "literary punishment" through the course of the four novellas on display here. - David Anderson, Amazon.com

THE R'LYEH SINGULARITY

I devoured “The R’lyeh Singularity” in a single sitting, turned back to the opening page and did it again. This is a big budget Hollywood summer movie in novella form, though far smarter than anything Michael Bay would bring to theaters. Lovecraft’s most famous creation makes an appearance here; as told by Conyers and Sammons, the Great Old One warps reality by Its very presence. How they handle this in the story is brilliant. To say more would ruin it for you. I would love to see this translated to the big screen. - Bruce Priddy, Horror Novel Reviews

Conyers has an elegant grasp on quantum physics, while Sammons knows how to get all the "big military toys" in the sandbox. They both fuse together to create some kind of mad orchestrator that doles out awesomeness by the handfuls. - David Anderson, Amazon.com

The pace is excellent. For those interested in seeing how the American government might handle national security threats of the Cthulhu-kind, I would say this one is worth the price of admission on its own - Historicool, Amazon.com

William Atheling Jr Award for Criticism or Review

This year I’m eligible for the Ditmar Awards' William Atheling Jr Award for Criticism or Review for contributing editor and reviewer for Albedo One, specifically for promoting Australian speculative fiction in Europe and internationally. I have been in this role since 2007, and have thoroughly enjoyed my time with this very professional magazine and I plan to be with them as long as they'll have me.
 
I've been asked by several Ditmar nominators what Australian titles I have reviewed in that time (this is by no means a complete list of my reviews), and so decided to include them on my blog for ease of access:

Issue 33 (2007)

• Year’s Best Australian SF & Fantasy Vol 1, Ed. Bill Congreve and Michelle Marquardt, Mirrordanse Publishing

Isssue 34 (2007)

• Australian Dark Fantasy & Horror 2006, ed. Angela Challis and Shane Jiraiya Cummings, Brimstone Press
• Geodesica Asecent, Sean Williams with Shahne Dix, Voyager
• Geodesica Decent, Sean Williams with Shahne Dix, Voyager

Issue 35 (2007)

• Australian Dark Fantasy & Horror 2007, ed. Angela Challis and Shane Jiraiya Cummings, Brimstone Press

Issue 36 (2009)

• Year’s Best Australian SF & Fantasy Vol 4, Ed. Bill Congreve and Michelle Marquardt, Mirrordanse Publishing
• Angel Rising, Dirk Flinthart, Twelfth Planet Press

Issue 37 (2009)

• Voices, ed Mark S. Deniz and Amanda Pillar, Morrigan Books
• The New Space Opera, Gardner Dozois and Jonathan Strahan, Eos Books

Issue 38 (2010)

• The Opposite of Life, Narrelle M. Harris, Pulp Fiction Press
• Horn, Peter M Ball, Twelfth Planet Press

Issue 39 (2010)

• Monster Blood Tattoo 1: Founding, D. M. Cornish, Omnibus Books
• Phoenix and the Darkness of Wolves, Shane Jiraiya Cummings, Damnation Books

Online Reviews (all 2010)

• Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine #46, ed. Mark Farrugia
• Grants Pass: A Post Apocalyptic Anthology, ed. Jennifer Brozek & Amanda Pillar, Morrigan Books

More Australian (and internatinoal) reviews will continue to appear in future issues. If you wish to nominate me in the above category, and I will be very grateful if you do, you can do so online here.

Two Reviews of "The Uncertainty Bridge"

Two reviews of "The Uncertainty Bridge", which appeared in Jupiter #30, have just appeared on the Intranet. The first by Sam Tomaino appeared in SFRevu:

The fiction concludes with "The Uncertainty Bridge" by David Conyers. Humanity has almost entirely wiped it self out with plagues and environmental disaster. Geoff lives on a farm with his parents and sister, Jo. His parents have fallen asleep and cannot be wakened. His sister is exhibiting the same symptoms but before sleeping babbles odd bits of information. He rides into town and finds everyone there dead. When he encounters soldiers, he finds out the true horror of his situation. This one left a real chill.

The second appeared on SFCrowsnest, by Rod MacDonald:

The final story and the longest of the quartet was ‘The Uncertainty Bridge’ by David Conyers. This well-known author from Sydney, Australia, is no stranger to the pages of ‘Jupiter’ and many other magazines out there. I've always been impressed by the readability and delivery of his fiction and, with this story, he maintains his standards impeccably...

A really great story and one you should definitely read. The other stories were very good but I've got to say that this one was the best. While I should not get into the habit of selecting the best, agreeing that all fiction has its merits in different areas, I think this story by David Conyers would be the best in any magazine at the moment.

I like the bit about 'readability, I've always strived to do that with my fiction, so it's nice to see that I'm succeeding. The last line is very nice too!

Cthulhu's Dark Cults Reviews Keep Coming: Scary Minds

Scary Minds, a website run by Jeff Ritchie and devoted to reviewing all things Aussie/New Zealand and horrorific (films, books, comics, etc) has just posted a very nice review of Cthulhu's Dark Cults. My favorite bit of the review follows, particularly the last sentence. Thanks Jeff.

The writers in the collection have really captured the true nature of the Cthulhu Mythos and have managed to twist that nature in a new direction. It's quite the achievement and the collection really does become a must have for lovers of the horror genre. I'm calling this the best Mythos collection since Brian Lumley's seminal Titus Crow works.

Jeff's favorite stories were from John Sunseri, David Witteveen, Shane Jiraiya Cummings and my own.

Two New Reviews of Cthulhu's Dark Cults

Two new reviews of Cthulhu's Dark Cults have been posted on HorrorWorld.org and Amazon.co.uk. The first by Brian M. Sammons at HorrorWorld.org who said this about the book:

"Credit for this anthology must first and foremost go to David Conyers who pulls double duty as not only this collection’s editor, but also as an author of one of the best stories in this book. I have come to expect great things from Mr. Conyers as I’ve become increasingly familiar with his work, and with, “Sisters of the Sands” he has once again impressed me greatly."

He also made special mention of Steve Gilbert's cover art and the stories by Oscar Rios, Penelope Love and David Witteveen. David also received special mention on this review on Amazon.co.uk by J.P. Hunt, who had to say about the book:

"This get's a very good 9/10 marks from me. This is definitely one for a HPL fan or someone that just likes dark sci-fi / horror fiction."

Another Review of Andromeda Spaceways #43

David Kernot's edited issue of Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine Isssue 43 gets another review, this time on ASIF, "An eminently readable collection, well-balanced with long and short stories, fantasy and science fiction and horror, so something for everyone."

This is what was said about my story, "Emergency Rebuild":

"The victim of an accident on Mars suffers massive injuries and is progressively ‘fixed’ as parts of him fail. An old school style science fiction story that shows compassion and humanity don’t require a biological body."

I wonder what 'old school' means. I guess I have been reading science fiction since I was ten, and started with some of the originals, like Asimov, Heinlein, Niven, Herbert, Aldiss and Dick, so their influence would be in there somewhere.

"Emergency Rebuild" reviewed on SF Crowsnest.com

SF Crowsnest likes me, or at least Rod MacDonald does who reviews for the site, with his very generous review here of "Emergency Rebuild". This short science fiction story appeared in David Kernot's edited issue of Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine, Issue 43. This is what Rod said:

"'Emergency Rebuild' is an exploration into what it is to be human. An excellent story, very well told and I hope I will be reading more of his work in the future."

Rod jokes that I haven't given him a brown paper envelope stuffed with money, but (jokingly) perhaps I should. He's also given me great reviews for "Black Water" and "The Octagon" which appeared in Jupiter Magazine. Thanks Rod!

For further information on Andromeda Spaceways #43, David Kernot posted this interesting article on his website on how it came to publication.

Albedo One 38 Released

Just received notice that Issue 38 of Albedo One is back front the printers and available for purchase in print and low-cost pdf formats.

This issue's fiction is by Bruce McAlister, Aaron Polson, Priya Sharma, Matthew F. Perry, Martin Belderson and a story from Allison Francisco, which was placed third in the Aeon Award 2008 contest.

Issue 38 also features an in-depth interview with Jim Gunn, as well as book reviews from regular columnists Juliet E. McKenna and, yes, that's right, me. Further review contributions come from Peter Loftus, John Kenny and Peter McClean. My reviews are for Zima Blue by Alastair Reynolds, Saturn's Children by Charles Stross, The Opposite of Life by Narrelle Harris and Horn by Peter M. Ball.

The cover is truly excellent, one of the best speculative fiction pieces that I've seen in a long time, by U.S. artist Jacob Probelski. Check out his folios here, here and here.

I'm proud to be member of the Albedo One team. I don't do much but write reviews and the occasional interview, well one inteview. I think it is a top notch magazine regardless.

The Spiraling Worm Reviewed on Amazon.co.uk

Always nice to get a good review, here is another one for The Spiraling Worm on Amazon.co.uk:

No seriously, this book's ace ... If you like Spooks, which again is one of my favourite TV shows, or even the Professionals... or for that matter any 'spy' type show, or even Torchwood / Dr Who, then this is for you ... Great book, great characters, great stories.

Second Review for "The Octagon"

I have to be happy about this review, from Rod MacDonald at SFCrowsnest:

David Conyers is a rising star and I'm sure we will be hearing a lot more about him in the future. He certainly hasn't let us down with this offering entitled 'The Octagon'. So good are the scenarios he dreams up that I'm beginning to wonder if he is really a time traveller from the future.

I've said it before, Jupiter Magazine is going from strength to strength and I'm glad to be a part of it, especially when the review says this about the magazine:

'Jupiter' has now reached its 26th edition! This magazine continues its high standard of Science Fiction literature with four readable short stories which will undoubtedly entertain you. ... All in all, a very rewarding edition of 'Jupiter'. When you've read a copy of this magazine, you are always looking forward to the next.

The Reviews Keep Coming

Another positive review of The Spiraling Worm has just appeared on Amazon.com. It's interesting to see in reading this one how different stories appeal to different readers, although "Impossible Object" and "False Containment" remain most reader's favorites. The reviewer, Michael J. Tresca, had this to say about the two stories in question: "Imposslble Object" is "more a science fiction tale, is awesome" and "False Containment" as "one of the few stories in this collection that isn't afraid to drive home the insane horror of the Mythos". I should note for the reviewer's benefit that there was never any intention of writing a Call of Cthulhu role-playing game supplement for Chaosium set in the world of The Spiraling Worm.

John Sunseri, who co-authored the collection with me, said early on that he beleived our book would be a sleeper, and it looks to be that way. I have more fan mail today about this book than I ever did when it was first released, and questions about the sequel. Well, I better keep working on more Harrison Peel (the hero of The Spiraling Worm) stories then.

More Reviews

The Specusphere has just posted several reviews of Australian books in which my short stories have appeared. Felicity Dowker said of my story "Subtle Invasion" in Australian Dark Fantasy & Horror Volume 3 that it was "unnerving, horrific, and well written". Midnight Echo 1 and 2 and Black Box: Shadow Box 2 were also reviewed in the same issue, each of which featured several of my stories.

Over at OzHorrorScope Stephanie Gunn in a review of Midnight Echo #1 said that ""Cactus" by David Conyers is a story at once grounded in reality and yet completely surreal. One of the most original pieces in the magazine, it displays a mastery of imagery."

Some of my stories earlier tales appearing in US anthologies over the last couple of years have been reviewed on Goodreads. Of "Regrowth" appearing in Arkham Tales one reviewer said "Another author worth watching for; a PI takes on the case of some bizarre plants which alters his life forever. A very cool story, one of my favorites." The same reviewer said of my story "False Containment" appearing in Horrors Beyond: "Now, I truly enjoy this author's work, and here he did not let me down one bit. An awesome story that will leave you thinking about politics, the environment and what's wrong with the freakin' world... Very very fine writing."

Always nice to have a positive review, wherever they appear.

Another Nice Review of The Spiraling Worm

Noticed today that another really nice review of The Spiraling Worm popped up on Amazon.com today by Stephen Jarjoura: "This was an excellent and fun book to read. If you are well versed in the Mythos, you'll find many references to the classics ... but without all of the "squamous tentacles" and "ichor covered walls" ... instead, the horrors are real, tangible, and described in fascinating detail."

Great to see that after two and a half years the book is still being read and enjoyed, and that our book remains one of the favorites of Chaosium's Call of Cthulhu fiction series.

Been Away

I've been away from posting and forums and so forth for the last couple of months, and there is a good reason for that. I've changed jobs, moved house and a couple of other issues I won't go into. Needless to say circumstances have settled down somewhat and I can again focus on my writing.

Quick updates, I've appeared in Midnight Echo #2 edited by Shane Jiraiya Cummings and Angela Challis for the Australian Horror Writer's Association, with my award winning short story "Homo Canis".

I've got reviews appearing in Albedo One where I've now been made a contributing editor (thanks guys!). Those reviews incidentally are Year's Best Australian Science Fiction & Fantasy Vol. 4 edited by Bill Congreve and Michelle Marquardt, Matter by Iain M. Banks, Angel Rising by Dirk Flinthart, and The Second Black Book of Horror edited by Charles Black.

My Call of Cthulhu gaming scenario "The Burning Stars" appeared in Terrors from Beyond from Chaosium. Although there were some layout and editing problems, the book otherwise looks impressive. It got a pretty good review from Pookie on Game Cryer. Here is an extract:

Terrors From Beyond saves its best for last. David Conyers’ “The Burning Stars” is the highlight of the collection, managing to meet the book’s lofty claims with aplomb. ... Another pleasure of reading this scenario is discovering how much of it is tied into earlier Call of Cthulhu scenarios and campaigns, the author taking the time to make it as much part of Call of Cthulhu canon as no other author does. It is refreshing to see an author acknowledge the history of the game in this fashion and it would be fantastic to see the author carry this into a full campaign – which David Conyers should be allowed to write…

I attended Conjecture where I didn't win a Ditmar, met some really familiar faces including D.M Cornish, Sean Williams and Jeff Harris, and met some new writers and editors I'd only previously known through email or reputation including Jason Fischer, Pat McNamara, Dirk Flinthardt, Jason Nahrung, Peter M. Ball, Kirstyn McDermott, Alisia Krasnostein and many others. Nice to finally put faces to so many names.

I've had some interesting developments behind the scenes too, interviewing one of Australia's most prominent science fiction authors which will appear in a future issue of Albedo One. And a couple of projects in the works in the United States which are looking very promising. More news on that later.

Issue 36 of Albedo One Released

Albedo One (where I am now a contributing editor) releases issue 36 where I'm now a contributing editor. This issue features an in-depth interview with renowned author Paul Di Filippo and more reviews from our columnists Juliet E. McKenna, Andrew McKenna and myself.

The cover art entitled "The Other Window", is courtesy of the highly talented Spainsh artist Enaer. The issue is packed full of fiction including the winner of the 2008 Aeon Award, "Twinkle, Twinkle" by Colin Henchley and the winning story of the 2008 German Science Fiction Award, "Homeward Journey" by Frank W. Haubold and translated to English by Wilf James especially for Albedo One. Albedon 1 intend to continue with our translations in the future, which will go some way at least in demonstrating the great and largely unrecognised (in the English speaking world) diversity and quality of speculative fiction being written in Europe at the moment.

The issue also includes work by Mike O'Driscoll, D. T. Neal, Craig Saunders and Kurt Kirchmeier.

First review of "The Lord of the Law"

New review of "The Lord of the Law" found on Dark Fiction Review:

The last story in The Fourth Black Book of Horror is "The Lord of The Law" by David Conyers. This is one of those stories that seems a little out of step with the rest of the book, but it’s no less enjoyable for it ... It’s a cleverly written tale that plays with the senses from beginning to end.

The reviewer gives the rest of the collection a very nice review, so congratulations to all the authors and editor Charles Black.

Another Great Review of "Black Water"

This is probably the best review I've ever had, again for "Black Water" which appeared in Jupiter #24, this time from SF Crowsnest by Rod MacDonald. This is what it had to say:

'Black Water' by David Conyers is an absolutely cracking story. It's one of the best I've read for some time... Even within the limitations of a short story, a believable world has been created with two strong characters, Joseph and an Australian woman called Donna, both trying to make their way as best they can. I particularly liked the use of archaic technology, even in the slums of Dar es Salaam. Well, if this is our future, we had better do something about it soon!

Read the rest of the review here.

SFRevu reviews "Black Water"

Ian Redman, editor of Jupiter has just advised me of the first review of Issue 24 which featured my story "Black Water". Here is what the reviewer Sam Tomaino said about my story:

The issue begins with "Black Water" by David Conyers. Set in a future Earth wracked by drought, Joseph Nuwangi is set on improving his lot in life. He has sacrificed much of his body to get where he is and now he is going to use just that sacrifice to make his fortune, on the island of Zanzibar with the purest water in the world. Conyers does a great job here with showing us a future world and the people in it.

Read the rest of the review here, which says great things about all the stories.

New Reviews

I've been getting some nice reviews of my work lately. The most prominent is for my collaboration with Brian M. Sammons, "Six-Legged Shadows" from Monstrous. Dread-Media.com said it was "A great little sci-fi terror fest that is reminicent of the Twilight Zone in every way. I loved it!" while Horror Fiction Review said it was "A nifty H.G. Wells-ish collaboration from David Conyers and Brian M. Sammons that packs a clever finale."

Meanwhile Terry Dowling (Blue Tyson) rating the anthology Agog! Ripping Reads gave my sci-fi thriller novella appearing in it, "Aftermath", the highest rating (4 stars) of all the stories appearing in the collection. His comments were "Zebra king neural control bleeding shot, mate" which is more cryptic than anything else, and probably only make sense if you've read it, which you can because it's online here at Apex Magazine. Be warned, it is a very dark tale.

Columnist for Albedo One

Frank Ludlow, one of the team of editors for Ireland's leading science fiction and fantasy magazine Albedo One, recently asked me if I would like to join the team as a columnist.
At first I was reluctant because of my busy days, but as he pointed out, I would essentially being doing what I already am doing with their magazine, writing reviews. Mostly I'll be focusing on sci fi reviews, as they were already covered in the fantasy and horror genres. How could I say no? So I said yes. To be part of one of the world's leading speculative fiction magazines, I couldn't turn that offer down.
So it is official, I'm with the Albedo One team now. So far my reviews have appeared in Issues 34 and 35, more reviews are scheduled for issue 36 and now there is some talk of me doing some interviews with leading sci fi authors! All very exciting.
I used to do a similar role with William Jones' Book of Dark Wisdom in the United States before the magazine came to an end, so I'm no stranger to review writing.
Conincidentally I came to the notice of both magazines through my fiction writing, through submitting tales to each. With Book of Dark Wisdom I had two stories published, "Solvent Hunger" and "Vanishing Curves" (which became my first professional story sale), and Albedo One it was "Black Water" which was shortlisted in their second year of the Aeon Award. Both editors liked almost everything I submitted to them even if they didn't publish the majority of it, and from there great working relationships developed. Where as the same stories submitted to other magazines hardly got a look at. Goes to show that what each of us likes in a short story can vary so much.
Because I wasn't a finalist in the Aeon Award "Black Water" couldn't be published in Albedo One. However it will appear in Issue 24 for Jupiter Magazine early next year. It remains one of my personnel favorites, a cyberpunk-style tale set in Dar-es-Salaam and Zanzibar.