Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
37(37%)
4 stars
37(37%)
3 stars
25(25%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
99 reviews
July 15,2025
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VISIONES NOCTURNAS, VV.AA.


This is a notice that this review has very little of a review and more of a story. I chose it several months ago to be our #lcamamos of June as it contained tales of three of my great favorite authors: King (3 tales), Simmons (another 3), and Martin (only one, but very long, so much so that it could be considered a novella).


When I had read the first three, a bit disappointed by the lack of substance, to be honest, Leíto died and I abandoned the book. I abandoned everything, what the hell. But there are two things that have made me return to it: one, to try to overcome the challenge even though it was past the deadline, and two, because I realized that in the photo it was in it. Without my knowing it, Leo was making his last appearance in a photograph of my readings. Knowing this upset me and obliged me to finish it.


Only the last story, the one by Martin, has fascinated me, but it has been okay.
July 15,2025
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Honestly, when it comes to this collection, I don't recall any stories except for "The Skin Trade" by George R. R. Martin, which truly stands out. It's an outstanding piece that leaves a lasting impression. Now, with George R. R. Martin's huge success from Game of Thrones, Hollywood has decided to adapt "The Skin Trade" to the big screen. I'm not entirely certain if this is good news or bad news. On one hand, it could bring this captivating story to a wider audience and introduce more people to Martin's brilliant writing. On the other hand, there's always the risk that the adaptation might not do justice to the original. However, despite my uncertainties, I'm still very interested to see how it all turns out. I'm eager to witness how the filmmakers will translate the complex characters and intricate plot of "The Skin Trade" onto the big screen.

July 15,2025
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Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can assist you further.
July 15,2025
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Saved by the obvious. This simple phrase holds a profound meaning. It implies that in a situation where one might be lost or confused, the solution or the way out is right in front of them, yet they may not immediately see it. It could be that we are so focused on the complex aspects of a problem or situation that we overlook the most obvious and straightforward solution.


For example, in a game of riddles, we might spend hours trying to figure out the answer, when in fact, it is something that is very familiar and right under our noses. Or in a relationship, we might be arguing and fighting over small issues, not realizing that the real problem is something much more obvious that we have been ignoring.


The key is to learn to look beyond the surface and be more aware of our surroundings. Sometimes, the obvious solution is the best one, and we just need to have the clarity of mind to see it. So, the next time you find yourself in a difficult situation, take a step back and look for the obvious. You might be surprised at what you find.

July 15,2025
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Kings stories were just okay. They had their moments, but they didn't really stand out to me. There were some interesting plotlines, but the execution could have been better.


Simmons stories, on the other hand, were truly great. He has a way of captivating the reader from the very beginning and keeping them engaged until the end. His characters are well-developed and the stories are full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.


But Martins novella was by far the best werewolf story I've ever read! It was absolutely amazing. The writing was superb, the atmosphere was intense, and the story was both thrilling and emotional. I couldn't put it down until I had finished it. It's definitely a must-read for any fan of the werewolf genre.

July 15,2025
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Loved, loved, loved! This collection of stories has truly withstood the test of time, considering it was first published in 1988.

However, I believe one must be of a certain age to fully appreciate the first Stephen King story. Those who remember staying up late to watch the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson are bound to love it as well.

Mr. Simmons' "Vanni Faccu is Alive and Well and Living in Hell" remains just as relevant today as it was in the 80s.

Finally, while I really enjoyed George R. R. Martin's "The Skin Trade," the conversations between the male and female characters came across as a nerdy teenage virgin's perception of sexy talk.

Overall, this book is a great read that offers a diverse range of stories that will appeal to a wide variety of readers. Whether you're a fan of horror, science fiction, or just good storytelling, there's something for everyone in this collection.
July 15,2025
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Kolmesta Stephen Kingin ja kolmesta Dan Simmonsin novellista sekä George R.R. Martinin reilun sadan sivun pituisesta pienoisromaanista koostuva Kauhujen kirja (Night Visions 5, 1988) on kokonaisuudessaan pettymys. Kingin "Tennarit" (Sneakers) ja "Omistuskirjoitus" (Dedication), Simmonsin "Iversonin kuopat" (Iverson's Pits) sekä Martinin "Nahanvaihtajat" (The Skin Trade) ovat kokoelman parasta antia. Mutta nekin ovat korkeintaan menettelevää, kolmen tähden luokkaa.

The other stories in the novella collection don't really come from anywhere. It should also be noted that these two above-mentioned King novellas have also been published later in King's own novella collection Painajaisia ja unikuvia 1: Yksinäinen sormi, 1999 (Nightmares and Dreamscapes, 1993).

King and Simmons can indeed create interesting and engaging text. But somehow the plot goes wrong in the last meters when human emotions, oddities, and other entities of the spiritual world take the reins of the story. Bringing spiritual entities and supernatural elements into the story is an art form. It must be done with a very delicate hand, with thought and with very deep and well-founded reasons. It is like a tightrope walk, just like comedy. One slip to the wrong side and all credibility is lost. The novella is not an easy literary genre.

Douglas E. Winter shines in his opening words with all possible superlatives these three writers and especially their contributions in this horror novella collection. A slightly more modest expression of the review would perhaps have given a more reliable picture of the author-editor's expertise and credibility.

My overall rating is 2.4 out of five stars.
July 15,2025
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3/5, though I'd probably give it one more without the King stories.

It's a rather mixed bunch. The Stephen King stories are very much in the vein of King, yet not his finest work by any means. At least two of them are extremely short.

Two of the Simmons stories, namely "Metastasis" and "Iverson's Pits", do what Simmons does best. They leave you with a sense of discomfort rather than being outright terrifying. The third of his is a much more lighthearted and silly story. It's about the downfall of a wealthy evangelical preacher on the day a 500-year-old dead man appears on his talk show.

The closer, which is George RR Martin's only story in the book, is an excellent combination of detective noir and werewolf horror. The lead character, although a thoroughly unpleasant person, somehow manages to make you root for him. This is not least because some of the other people in the story are far worse.

Overall, the collection has its strengths and weaknesses, but it's an interesting read nonetheless.
July 15,2025
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I have finished the first book of the year!

It was a book recommended by a friend, and it was also in line with the annual schedule I had planned for this year.

The book contains several "horror" stories (so to speak) by several well-known authors in the genre.

To be honest and brief, I didn't like or get hooked by any of them, except for the last story which I really liked and was told by the great George R.R Martin.

I feel that giving it three stars is very generous on my part, but what made me lean towards that score was the last mentioned story.

I think the other stories lacked something in terms of plot development and character portrayal.

However, the story by George R.R Martin was able to draw me in with its unique setting and engaging narrative.

Overall, although the book as a whole didn't meet my expectations, the last story made it somewhat worthwhile.

I'm looking forward to reading more books this year and hopefully finding some real gems.

July 15,2025
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Die Stories von King und Simmons sind zwar in Ordnung, aber die Novelle von Martin ist wirklich herausragend! Es fühlt sich an, als würde man in eine völlig andere Welt eintauchen, wenn man Martins Arbeit liest. Seine Erzählweise ist so faszinierend und die Charaktere sind so lebendig, dass man sich einfach nicht von der Geschichte trennen kann.


Während King und Simmons durchaus gute Geschichten erzählen, fehlt ihnen etwas von der Tiefe und Komplexität, die man bei Martin findet. Martins Novelle wirkt wie ein Meisterwerk, das jedes Detail perfekt abgestimmt hat. Man kann sich nicht vorstellen, wie viel Arbeit und Liebe in diese Geschichte gesteckt worden sein muss.


Insgesamt ist die Novelle von Martin ein Muss für jeden, der an spannenden Geschichten interessiert ist. Sie bietet nicht nur Unterhaltung, sondern auch eine wunderschöne Literaturerfahrung, die man lange in Erinnerung behalten wird.

July 15,2025
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A friend recommended this book to me and the moment I saw the cover, it looked extremely familiar.

Well, it should have, because as a matter of fact, I already own it! I read it some time ago and was so engaged that I even marked up the book with post-it notes.

Obviously, I had a great love for it. Now, I guess I should take the time to reread it so that I can write a proper and detailed review.

Rereading will help me to recall all the fine details and nuances that I might have missed during the first reading. It will also give me a fresh perspective and allow me to analyze the book more deeply.

I'm really looking forward to this rereading experience and can't wait to share my thoughts and opinions about this wonderful book with others.
July 15,2025
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The Reploids - 1/5


Sneakers - 2/5


Dedication - 3.5/5


Metastasis - 3/5


Vanni Fucci is Alive and Well and Living in Hell - 3/5


Iverson’s Pits - 2.5/5


The Skin Trade - 4/5



Here we have a collection of various items or concepts, each assigned a certain rating. The Reploids receive a rating of 1/5, perhaps indicating that they have some room for improvement. Sneakers are rated 2/5, suggesting they have a moderate level of quality or desirability. Dedication gets a relatively high score of 3.5/5, showing that it is highly regarded. Metastasis and Vanni Fucci is Alive and Well and Living in Hell both have a rating of 3/5, indicating a decent level of performance or interest. Iverson’s Pits has a rating of 2.5/5, which is in the middle range. The Skin Trade stands out with a rating of 4/5, suggesting it is of high quality or significance. Overall, when we calculate the average rating, it comes out to be 2.7/5. This average gives us an idea of the general level of these items or concepts. It shows that, on average, they have a somewhat above-average standing, but there is still room for growth and improvement in some areas.
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