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A review by art_books_chemistry
The Conception of Terror: Tales Inspired by M.R. James, Volume 1 by M.R. James
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Each short story in this collection, though modernly set, has an original Twilight Zone feel to it. And just like Twilight Zone, not every short is a great hit. I'd say 2 out of 4 were great. The first, Casting the Runes, is wonderfully psychological with the sweetest revenge at the end and my favorite out of these. Lost Hearts was not quite as good; it would have been creepier with more real life clues and the twist was easy to see coming.
The third, The Treasure of Abbot Thomas, left me too confused to be creeped out. It tried too hard to be creepy real life and creepy supernatural simultaneously, then basically not having an ending, which just felt weird. Lastly, A View from a Hill, was very well done by being solidly realistic in feel for anyone that actually believes in ghosts. This relied on the concept of a local haunting location that everyone avoids and don't we all know of at least one of those?
The third, The Treasure of Abbot Thomas, left me too confused to be creeped out. It tried too hard to be creepy real life and creepy supernatural simultaneously, then basically not having an ending, which just felt weird. Lastly, A View from a Hill, was very well done by being solidly realistic in feel for anyone that actually believes in ghosts. This relied on the concept of a local haunting location that everyone avoids and don't we all know of at least one of those?
Graphic: Child death, Death, Grief, and Abandonment
Moderate: Blood, Medical content, and Medical trauma
Minor: Pedophilia and Alcohol