Gerard Houarner

Winning a free copy of Brian Hodge and Gerard Hoarder’s Dark City: A Novella Collection provided an interesting read with three stories in this book. The first “In the Negative Spaces” provides an intense read of a quest to free oneself from the past, and makes the reader want to know what happens next with the character. The second story, “Burning Bright in the Invisible Night” transports the reader into what seems like the middle of a storyline, yet it makes sense. However it show more leaves you wanting more as it is a fight between routine, and facing challenges. The final story, “The Fear Puppet” is an interesting read, that battles the issue of fearing the unknown vs. seeking something that is “suppose to be” show less

This anthology is part of a series that includes 4 chapbooks and 2 anthologies. It has to be the strangest series of books I have ever read, but I enjoyed them none-the-less. These are quite literally the adventures of a cat that returns from the Egyptian land of the dead. He's bored there and decides to return to the living - only he's still dead, and rotting a little, but he doesn't let it get him down.

Dead Cat first appeared in "Dead Cat Bounce," a short story/chapbook. Then Gak & show more Houarner had the brilliant idea to let other authors play with their new creation resulting in this anthology. Each author has a different take on a short adventure of Dead Cat. There are poems and stories, each varying according to the author's talents. So, Edward Lee's entry is a little more hard edged than Yvonne Navarro's tale. While most of the authors represented write horror, I wouldn't classify this as such. This is definitely dark comedy, but not for children. As other reviewers mentioned, the grammar is deliberately bad. Sentences are choppy to reflect how a dead cat, whose brain has decayed and never took an English class, might speak and think. I agree that this could get a bit tedious after awhile, but the sheer playfulness of the stories, albeit in a very dark humor, are worth the annoyance. Especially considering this is a very quick and fun read.

I have to add that Gak's artistic contribution really make this work top notch. Normally, I'm indifferent to artwork in a book. However, Gak breathes "life" into the character, and his artwork adds even more humor. My only criticism is that there were too few illustrations to complement the prose. This book was released as both a trade paperback and a hardcover, both signed limited editions. It can still be found on the second hand market. Since this was signed by all contributors on a bound-in limitation page it's worth the high price tag. Highly recommended!

Other titles:

Dead Cat Bounce
Dead Cats Bouncing
Dead Cat: Bigger Than Jesus
Dead Cats Lick
The Dead Cat Poets Cabal
Dead Cat Traveling Circus of Wonders and Miracle Medicine Show (Signed Edition) show less

Mr. Houarner can write fairly well, but I didn't enjoy this book as much as I expected to enjoy it. I expected a 4-star book based upon reviews.

The last two stories about Jeloc were fine and I might have given the book that rating if all were like them. However, the rest of the book just seemed to incarnate "life sucks and then you die." Some books are grim but the power of the writing keeps you enthralled. Some are grim but you have a sense of moral satisfaction or completeness. Some are show more grim in part, but are relieved by the other side of the coin in places. This was just grim. show less

Another anthology of Dead Cat tales. There is a wide variety of authors represented, and they all write in their own unique style. The only commonality is Dead Cat. There are poems and stories, all from Dead Cat's (often grammatically challenged) point of view. Weird, strange, wonderful. If you enjoyed "Dead Cats Bouncing", you'll love this as well. GAK's illustrations are excellent, and really add personality to these anthologies.

More Dead Cat please!