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hagganmaggan's review against another edition
2.0
I feel like the majority of these stories would've worked better without the paranormal/horror elements, which most of the time feel incredibly shoehorned and rushed. The themes tackled are scary enough on their own and written as such, and so the paranormal twists kind of undermine the impact of these stories.
Also, using the author's notes to tell the readers that they've misinterpreted one of the stories and encouraging them to re-read "a bit more closely" is quite arrogant. If it's a recurring problem that the point fails to get across it's probably more at the author's fault than the reader's.
Also, using the author's notes to tell the readers that they've misinterpreted one of the stories and encouraging them to re-read "a bit more closely" is quite arrogant. If it's a recurring problem that the point fails to get across it's probably more at the author's fault than the reader's.
erikbergstrom's review against another edition
4.0
In Behold the Void, Philip Fracassi blends some well-honed literary style with frightening ideas for a crisp, enjoyable collection of weird fiction. When he follows his instincts, like in the stories "The Horse Thief", "Coffin", and "Fail-Safe", he's on fire, delivering frightening imagery alongside bold prose.
In the final, novelette-length story, "Mandala", it doesn't all quite come together, however. There's some choices made where it seems like a different writer entirely—the gaps aren't tightened up, and simple plot ideas aren't explored further (like how the father knows his son is in trouble via his dreams, but this ability isn't explored as an interesting character trait).
Still, I was engaged enough with the story that I never had the inclination to skim, and I'm ready to 'Behold' a new collection or story from Fracassi any time!
*I read the original Journalstone edition via the library, however the newest edition looks enticing enough to put on my shelf for a re-read!
In the final, novelette-length story, "Mandala", it doesn't all quite come together, however. There's some choices made where it seems like a different writer entirely—the gaps aren't tightened up, and simple plot ideas aren't explored further (like how the father knows his son is in trouble via his dreams, but this ability isn't explored as an interesting character trait).
Still, I was engaged enough with the story that I never had the inclination to skim, and I'm ready to 'Behold' a new collection or story from Fracassi any time!
*I read the original Journalstone edition via the library, however the newest edition looks enticing enough to put on my shelf for a re-read!
rpcroke's review against another edition
5.0
So good! The prose is amazing and the stories are paced so well. I could not put this down - every story had something to offer. How did I not know about this earlier???? I want more.
siriuschico's review
4.0
Philip Fracassi is the name which all horror fans should keep in mind. Behold the Void is a fantastic collection of horror stories which nicely introduces uniques style of Fracassi. Each story is well built, and it is ridiculous how well can author work with the psychology of main characters in such a short space.
jonnyh9's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
hucklebuck411's review
5.0
This was my first introduction to Philip Fracassi's writing. These short Horror stories were very well written in the style of Stephen King with well developed characters and truly horrific imaginative ideas. Like Stephen King, Fracassi understands the world of children and young people in the stories where such characters are the main protagonists. Perhaps my favorites in this anthology are "Altar," "The Baby Farmer," "Mother," "Fail-Safe," and "Mandala." Many of the characters, like most people, are flawed. Some have drinking problems, some have fallen into infidelity, some are careless or non-caring, some are susceptible or broken, but they could be you or someone you know living everyday lives until the "dark" reaches out and grabs them. In Fracassi's Horror universe monsters may not always be supernatural and both human and supernatural acts of horror may coexist within the parameters of the story. In most cases the final outcome is dire or left open to the reader's imagination, but Fracassi does allow for redemption in the final, nail-biting tale "Mandala." A truly satisfying Horror anthology read.
david_agranoff's review against another edition
4.0
A short story collection is one of the best ways to get to know an author. I heard Philip Fracassi on A podcast, a epic 3 part interview on This is Horror, and was convinced the guy seemed legit. I looked him up at my library, saw nothing so I requested a purchase and within two months I got a notice it was there. I knew he had worked as a screenwriter but honestly had never heard of him before the interview. Well it was clear I have to fix that.
Introduced by cosmic horror master Laird Barron this collection that has creepy and haunting cover. It feels like the intriduction to the author I was looking for. Fracassi clearly has a perfect balance of skill and style. The stories are all genre but have a diverse feel with in that spectrum. Some are straight fucked-up horror and some feel like classic weird tales.
Weighing with 9 tales some are novella length and had a previous life as chapbooks. The best of these long pieces was Altar a story that took place near a pool. The weirdest story of the book was Coffin whose POV character was excellent, she was the most interesting character in the book.
To me the best story in the collection was Fail-safe. In fact I would go so far as to say it was the best pure horror short story I have read since Brian Evenson's Any Corpse. This story is short on pages but loaded with high concept and perfectly composed moments of suspense and terror. The story includes misdirection, atmosphere and white knuckle scares. For this reader these 20 pages made the whole book worth it. To me it would have made a perfect Tales from the Darkside episode.
Don't get me wrong I read and enjoyed all of it. Fracassi found a fan in me. This is excellent horror literature, the prose is inventive and stylish. The Characters fully developed and Fracassi brings powerful new voice to the table. I know this is a short review but I feel confident that serious horror fans will enjoy this book.
Introduced by cosmic horror master Laird Barron this collection that has creepy and haunting cover. It feels like the intriduction to the author I was looking for. Fracassi clearly has a perfect balance of skill and style. The stories are all genre but have a diverse feel with in that spectrum. Some are straight fucked-up horror and some feel like classic weird tales.
Weighing with 9 tales some are novella length and had a previous life as chapbooks. The best of these long pieces was Altar a story that took place near a pool. The weirdest story of the book was Coffin whose POV character was excellent, she was the most interesting character in the book.
To me the best story in the collection was Fail-safe. In fact I would go so far as to say it was the best pure horror short story I have read since Brian Evenson's Any Corpse. This story is short on pages but loaded with high concept and perfectly composed moments of suspense and terror. The story includes misdirection, atmosphere and white knuckle scares. For this reader these 20 pages made the whole book worth it. To me it would have made a perfect Tales from the Darkside episode.
Don't get me wrong I read and enjoyed all of it. Fracassi found a fan in me. This is excellent horror literature, the prose is inventive and stylish. The Characters fully developed and Fracassi brings powerful new voice to the table. I know this is a short review but I feel confident that serious horror fans will enjoy this book.