Title:
Dream Sequence & Other Tales From Beyond
Author:
Steve Lazarowitz
Published By:
Double Dragon Publishing
ISBN:
1-55404-075-2
Release Date:
July 2003
Format:
Electronic
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This is an anthology like no other. Normally I would stick to the review format with all of my reviews, but there are times that there are exceptions, this being one of them. To stay with the normal precedent would be a bit difficult since Dream Sequence and Other Tales From Beyond is an anthology with 20 stories within it and to touch base on every single one would be endless. I think whetting the appetites of readers with a few honourable mentions to some of the tales might be enough to have them hurrying to the publisher for a copy of their own.
With Dream Sequence and Other Tales From Beyond, be prepared to be swept away into the science fiction/fantasy realms with this anthology. Each story is a showcase in itself of wonder, substance, powerful writing and uniqueness. There are 20 tales delving into fantasy and science fiction like I have never encountered before.
A few examples of these stories which I found to some of the best within the book, one being the lead title itself, Dream Sequence. We read of Marlayna who isn't sure what her everyday life really is...fantasy or reality. Marlyana is the only one who can save the Land Beyond and it's a riveting and intriguing tale into the world beyond and the magic she possesses.
Another tale I truly enjoyed was Perchance to Dream. Robert's bordering on the edge of a breakdown from the sleep he is under too often. He is a saviour/protector to mankind, he feels his mind and his body is letting him down and fights for a rest. This is a passionate tale about a formidable man.
Brimstone and Nitro is one heck of an adrenaline rush as Angels and Demons (Heaven and Hell, Good vs. Evil), fight for their pieces of Earth. But they don't fight with guns, swords or weaponry, they drag race powerful cars to determine the winner. Archangel Raphael and Lilith were intriguing and draw a reader in. Besides the adrenaline rush, being partial to any mere mention of a '69 Ford Mustang myself, this tale is definitely one reason to read this anthology for this and the fact that Angels are portrayed a lot more fascinatingly than I have ever read before.
My absolute favourite though had to be The Gift. This tale is set in Sharon Springs and is about friendship, love and how far we would go to save another person. Mark Marino is psychic and sees things that happen long before they do. This is a creative and emotional tale that is inspiring and profound.
While I could go on and on about these stories in Dream Sequence and Other Tales From Beyond, all I can only hope to stress, is the hope that readers would take a chance on it and be captivated by Steve Lazarowitz's words and creativity for the unknown and the potential of different things. Each story offers its own uniqueness and brand of entertainment, and this author's words really take hold the reader. The reader may begin to question everything. Questions will come to mind, most beginning with "What if", and the mysteries and possibilities of it all, remain with the reader days later.
For cutting-edge science fiction and thought provoking words, Dream Sequence and Other Tales From Beyond is a book that fulfills all the above and much, much more.
Reviewed by: Tracey
