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These Old Tales
by
Kenneth W. Cain (Goodreads Author)
Draw up your covers, turn on your lights and get ready to explore some generally weird, creepy little tales where the truth lies somewhere beyond what you expect.
“It’s always fun to stumble across a writer you haven’t read that has the ‘write stuff.’ That happened when I read Kenneth W. Cain’s collection THESE OLD TALES. Do yourself a favor, pick up THESE OLD TALES, and pr...more
“It’s always fun to stumble across a writer you haven’t read that has the ‘write stuff.’ That happened when I read Kenneth W. Cain’s collection THESE OLD TALES. Do yourself a favor, pick up THESE OLD TALES, and pr...more
Kindle Edition
Published
January 1st 2012
by Distressed Press
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If a novel is an author's magnum opus then a short story is his or her calling card. It is dug up, brushed off, and prepared with care and concern, then left where the reader can stumble upon it. What you have with Cain's "These Old Tales" is a collection of calling cards that he's prepared and there's something for everyone.
The majority of the writing contained in this collection is horror; it's dark, foreboding, and creepy. But don't despair, because it works here as Cain tempers the darkness...more
The majority of the writing contained in this collection is horror; it's dark, foreboding, and creepy. But don't despair, because it works here as Cain tempers the darkness...more
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(view spoiler) are just some of the creepy delights to found in this entertaining collection for short stories/flash fictions.
The author deftly inhabits the minds of his protagoists, turning each piece into a sharp characterization that resonates long after it's (usu...more
The author deftly inhabits the minds of his protagoists, turning each piece into a sharp characterization that resonates long after it's (usu...more
1 like · like · see review
I was stunned by the sick scenes this author can imagine!! Some of the stories are beyond morbid and all of them come with a can-you-figure-it-out-in-time twist.
Minus one star because there's still a need for some editing- typos, wife called by the wrong name, etc.
Minus one star because there's still a need for some editing- typos, wife called by the wrong name, etc.
I’m convinced when Kenneth Cain pushed his way out the womb he told a story after taking his first breath. The tale may have been short, but I have no doubt compelling.
These Old Tales offers a bountiful collection of flash fiction, short stories, and yes, even poetry. A variety of creatures crawl from the pages such as ghosts, zombies, werewolves, Satan, Death, deranged killers, and many other nasty sorts.
I admire how Cain trusts the intelligence of the reader in his story presentations. Subtle...more
These Old Tales offers a bountiful collection of flash fiction, short stories, and yes, even poetry. A variety of creatures crawl from the pages such as ghosts, zombies, werewolves, Satan, Death, deranged killers, and many other nasty sorts.
I admire how Cain trusts the intelligence of the reader in his story presentations. Subtle...more
Positives: It’s always interesting when authors put out collections. Short stories bring out a different side to writing than the novel. A few standouts: “Satisfied” was amazing, “Noctural” threw me (I had to read the ending twice!) and I loved it, and “Presence” had an intriguing ending. Cain has a knack for taking the mundane and giving it just enough of a twist to grab you!
Negatives: The poetry was jarring. It broke up the flow of the stories a bit awkwardly. I didn’t care for it. As with any...more
Negatives: The poetry was jarring. It broke up the flow of the stories a bit awkwardly. I didn’t care for it. As with any...more
Whether you are seeking gunfights, ghosts, abnormalities, werewolves, zombies, psychotic killers, the reaper, the devil, or all around every day bad guys this collection has something for you.
The stories and language are fascinating and captivating. The plot is gripping; the stories are rich in detail, the characters complex and engaging. Very well written.
Cain's writing is lean and well-crafted and exciting to read. Once started, it is very difficult to set aside. Strongly recommended. In concl...more
The stories and language are fascinating and captivating. The plot is gripping; the stories are rich in detail, the characters complex and engaging. Very well written.
Cain's writing is lean and well-crafted and exciting to read. Once started, it is very difficult to set aside. Strongly recommended. In concl...more
Short story collections usually don't do much for me, but this is an exception to that rule. Cain gives us well-crafted tales with a very unique perspective. His stories avoid the cliche of violence, gore and blood to give us horror from a very different angle. A man crushed under a massive metal bar. But is that really what happened? Cain's tales are never what they seem and it keeps you reading. I could have done without the poetry, but I'm not a fan of that side of literature. A good one here...more
Not only does Kenneth Cain shoot you into a world of tension, filled with the darkness of the twisted human psyche, but he does it with finesse. These Old Tales gives a glimpse into the fears we all share and the nightmares we try to avoid. Get comfortable, grab a cup of coffee, and get ready to be thrust into the twisted mind of Kenneth Cain. And whatever you do...leave a light on.
There's a reason why I enjoy reading collections by single authors. They kind of provide a buffet of what an author is all about. These Old Tales is packed with stories of all lengths and poetry that really engages the reader. I tend to read collections or anthologies at a slower pace because I usually only read one or two stories at a time. Kind of like cleansing the pallet. With all collections, a reader will hand pick out certain stories they liked or disliked and These Old Tales will certain...more
I am not going to say this is a bad book...some of the stories were pretty good, but overall...ehhhhh
Very awesome short stories! I love how you're dragged in and you don't know your in danger until its too late to turn back! ;) No really Kenneth Cain is a very talented writer and this book is a must read! So go buy it already!
Some good stories, but there were a bunch of "eh" stories too.
May 11, 2013
Legato Darksummers
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![These Old Tales - Complete (A Collection of Dark Fiction) [Kindle Edition]](http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1357764240s/17229913.jpg)
Kenneth W. Cain writes dark fiction from his home in eastern Pennsylvania, where he lives with his wife and two children. He is the author of several novels and short fiction, including his acclaimed collection These Old Tales. His work has appeared alongside such notable authors as Hill, Barker, Ketchum, Braunbeck, Maberry and more.
He became interested in the art of storytelling at a young age, s...more
More about Kenneth W. Cain...
He became interested in the art of storytelling at a young age, s...more
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