Neil Schiller

This is a wonderful collection of short stories. I enjoyed the sparse prose, the evocative description, and the fact that although the stories are all about different people, male and female, they could almost merge into one. All the main characters are struggling in some way. The themes of difficult family relationships, addiction, regret, depression, guilt, repeat themselves over and over. Schiller has created real characters; these could be people you pass in the street. Schiller has stripped away the layers that ordinary people use to hide their true circumstances or feelings, and gone beneath to examine and reveal the underbelly of human nature. We are taken right inside the characters’ homes, hearts, and minds. Schiller has mastered the art of short story and likes to show off about it too. He has included a one sentence story, ‘Trapped’, and a half a page story, ‘Half’--both of which are perfect--and the latter is one of my favourites in the collection.

The descriptive prose is fresh and original. An example of his writing, from, ‘Brand Awareness’, a story about a man facing redundancy: “I’ve squandered six years of my life on this job. More if you count the myriad of spoiled hopes it pulled into the swirling vortex of its black heart. I’ve commuted over twelve thousand miles; I’ve missed my daughter’s first steps, first words, first school play; I’ve worked and slept and stressed myself into an isolation around which my wife has built a new life to compensate. And it was all for nothing.”

And from, ‘Sabotage’, about a man estranged from his young son. “In the midst of the other families, in the kinetic frenzy and shrill excitement of the afternoon, we are silent and desperate and miserable. A dark stain on the gaiety of life. Two broken pilings of rock in a glinting sea of youthful energy.”
There is much more where that came from in this fabulous collection.

This is a book that will give you a fly on the wall look at ordinary lives and the common scars and ties that bind us. It will reveal to you the hidden side of life, the side most people will never reveal, and of which we are usually oblivious.

Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Maria Savva as a reviewer for Bookpleasures… (meer)

One of my short stories is featured in this collection, 'Flames'. My review does not include that story. This is a diverse collection of stories, there's something for everyone in this anthology.
'Wish Upon A Star' by Lainey Bancroft An insightful tale about a gifted singer who falls prey to the ravages of fame. Lainey is an author who understands the human psyche well.
'Tears For Hesh' by J. Michael Radcliffe An entertaining fantasy tale, containing wizards, magic, curses, and spells. Hesh is a likeable character and I felt compassion for him. Well written with a tragic twist.
'You Can Call Me Ari' by Darcia Helle A chilling, suspense story to keep you on the edge of your seat. By far the most vivid story in the collection. The descriptive quality of the writing pulls the reader in. Fans of Darcia's writing can be assured that even though this is just a short story it is just as scary as her novels!
'Minor Details' by Jaleta Clegg A humourous tale about two teenage girls, one of whom can't spell. This leads to an unfortunate turn of events (or, fortunate, depending on how you look at it!) A fun read. 'Ice Cream Man' by Neil Schiller Having read and enjoyed Neil's collection of short stories 'Oblivious', I was not disappointed by this story. It contains the same moody feel as much of his writing. It is in essence a poignant story of disappointment.
'No Eyes But Mine Shall See' by Sharon E. Cathcart Sharon Cathcart sets the scene well in this heartbreaking story of a love denied. I liked the descriptive quality of the writing. Much of the story is written in the form of a letter that will never be read, making it all the more heartrending.
'The First Texas Twister' by Magnolia Belle A fun and entertaining tale about how the Wild West collided with Native American culture to create the first tornado.
'Shadow Lantern' by Gareth Lewis An interesting concept. A short story told entirely through dialogue with no narrative. At first, I didn't think it would work, and must admit to being a bit confused as to which character was speaking at times. By the end, however, I found myself entertained by this fantasy tale.
'Stained' by Amy Saunders I hadn't read any of Amy's work before this short story, but now I will be seeking out more of her writing. I was very impressed by the way the author deals with the main character's emotions after a traumatic event. The tale is enthralling and the ending is moving. All believable characters. All in all, this is a great collection and a wonderful way to introduce readers to some very talented independent authors.… (meer)