I have managed to acquire many of Earthling's publications, including all of the Halloween Series of novels, and never have been disappointed. Having a humongous ( really, I'm not kidding) back reading list, I still have not read the entire series. But besides Paul's ability to obtain quality work from high caliber authors, he manages to consistently maintain a high production value. Which is to say, each book is artistically beautiful. And, no. He's is not bribing me(or even paying me, for that matter) to say any of this.
Now, moving on to David Herter. I am happy to say I own most of his work, although again, I have read little of it so far. But I plan on reading it all. I have read October Dark just recently, Herter's addition to Earthling's Halloween series. This is not a fast, breezy read. Due to the staggered timeline, and the author's combination of actual cinematic history with the addition of creative cinematic history, I found it necessary to take my time with the unfolding story. And it was worth it. I read it over the course of several days, and although day to day life proceeded as well, at no time could I have prevented myself from picking the book back up when a free moment presented itself. A coming of age tale, a horror story, a tale of strange friendships, along with a quite unique blend of dark magic, human and monstrous villain(s). And after reading this wonderful book, I will never think of the art of movie-making in exactly the same way.
This is a wonderful tribute to Ray Bradbury, and as the author himself mentions, was inspired in large part by Something Wicked This Way Comes. There are also tips of the hat to several film makers, as well as others, including I believe, H. P. Lovecraft. I consider October Dark to be a magnificent novel, and if I might be so bold, a modern classic.
