There are many reasons I
love Twitter. The personality of people, the breaking news updates
in the publishing world, book promotions, and not to mention the fact that
sometimes you can catch an author looking for a book reviewer. The ladder is
how I snagged a copy of Troy Blackford’s short story collection entitled, “For
Those With Eye’s To See.”
When he asked if there was anyone who
wanted to review a short story collection, I asked, “What sort of short
stories?” To which Troy replied, “Mostly horror, but all completely
weird.” Yes, this was our twitter conversation. Mr.
Blackford, you had me at weird. I’d also like to mention that in his
introduction, Troy states:
“The short
story isn't the most respected or read form of writing right now, but
I don’t see why that should be the case. If tawdry romance can make a literary
comeback, then I think the short story’s time is due.”
I couldn't agree
more. I love short stories, reading them, writing them, drooling
over them – and they are the perfect thing for someone to read who has a busy
day. Catch a story in between tasks at work, at lunch, or on the bus
ride home. So, for anyone reading this who hasn't given the
short story a chance, I would suggest doing so, and if you’re into the weird,
the macabre, and the twisted – like me – I would definitely suggest picking up
Troy Blackford’s “For Those With Eye’s To See.”
These stories are
fiendishly twisted, beautifully described, and never fail in sucking the reader
right into the thick of things. Each story is vastly different from
the next. His scenes are subtle, and he knows when he needs to show
or to tell, and how to blend everything in between. Blackford’s
imagination is fun, original, and will no doubt in a few instances have the
reader going: “Seriously, dude, what the hell goes on in that head
of yours?”
It is excellent and
refreshingly original, not to mention it’s something you can read on the
go. I foresee many good things coming from one Mr. Troy
Blackford. Be careful though, wildly creative talent and addictive
fans often lead to stalkers – which may only fuel more of the authors
imagination.
"For Those With Eyes To See," by Troy Blackford gets FOUR ½ out of FIVE stars from me for being engaging, not
having the same repetitious crap in one book, and I’ve only shed the half star
because in the story “All In Your Head,” Mike knew the name of all
the surgical equipment after doing crazy research, but Victor in “Promising
Candidate” - a veteran trucker well versed in the lingo - never once
referred to a refrigerated truck as a reefer unit. However,
that’s just my own little peeve because my daddy was a trucker in his younger
days. Don’t let that little tidbit deter you at all. Trust
me this is well worth the read if you enjoy the dark side of literature.
1/2
About The Author:
Troy Blackford is a 29 year-old writer living in the Twin Cities with his
wife, two cats, and a son on the way.
His stories have appeared in places like Bewildering Stories, Roadside
Fiction, Roar & Thunder, the Glass Coin, Rose Red Review, and
Inkspill Magazine.
He has three other publications available on Kindle and in Paperback.
You can find out more about him on his website:
or follow him on Twitter: @TBlackford3
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