A review by camerontrost
The Last Days of Kali Yuga by Paul Haines

3.0

"The Last Days of Kali Yuga" plunges the reader into a dark world of sex, drugs, more drugs, violence, and disillusionment. From the Himalayas to Adelaide, and from Melbourne to the author's home in New Zealand, Haines introduces us to a host of nasty and confused characters. The writing style is blunt and the dialogue aggressive and brutal. Most of the stories make it clear where the reader is being taken but drag him there all the same. They are worlds drenched in violence and self-loathing. Other tales were surprising, sophisticated, and subtle in comparison. The latter description fits my favourite story by far, "Her Collection of Intimacy". I had read this tale previously in a horror anthology and it had stood out. It is an excellent work of fiction, a twisted tale of love, grief, helplessness, and obsession. It makes for unforgettable reading. "High Tide at Hot Water Beach" and "The Past is a Bridge Best Left Burnt" are also profoundly touching tales. "Father Father", "The Light in Autumn's Leaves", and "The Last Days of Kali Yuga" also impressed me. There are twenty tales in this collection and at least one of them is bound to haunt you.