Book Review: In the End, Nothing by Michael Patrick Hicks
Title: In the End, Nothing: A Short Story Collection
Author: Michael Patrick Hicks
Release date: January 24th, 2023
Over the last few years, I’ve read a number of Michael Patrick Hick’s work and each time, I’ve finished, closed my Kindle and shook my head with a smile on my face, while saying “Jesus Christ, he’s done it again. That crazy fucker!” (I can swear in my review here because I’m still banned from reviewing on Amazon, so I can drop some curse words without fear of repercussion hahahah!)
Anyways, over the course of these various readings, I’ve learned a few things about what to expect with a new Patrick Hicks release. The first is topical/societal commentary. It may be layered under gore or hidden within the subtext of character conversations, but you know that no matter what he’s writing about, there’s an alternative angle being subconsciously strained into the reader’s brains. The second is really solid set pieces. No matter where it is set, the action will take place in a fantastically and thoroughly thought out location. And lastly – GORE! Hell, I think one of my own blurbs for his work talks about how very few do gore as well as Michael does and trust me – it’s not even close by a long shot. I know some of you may enjoy the extreme stuff (I’m looking at you – the only read’s ebooks from Godless crowd) – and I can assure you, even those over there strive to write splatter like Michael does.
So, when he announced his first collection, made up of previously released material and some new stuff sprinkled in, I was really excited. Well, most of that excitement was thinking that this would mean even more people would read one of the greatest novelettes ever written – Revolver – which also happens to be Michael’s own Nostradamus moment where he predicted this dystopian future that seems to becoming more and more of a real thing with each news cycle.
I dove in, excited to revisit some pieces, but also to read some works that were new to me.
What I liked: Made up of fifteen stories of varying lengths, Michael starts us off with the incredibly solid ‘A Song of the Earth’ featuring some great creatures and dark moments and it never lets up from there. Every story hums along and hits the perfect beats for the reader.
Highlights for me were;
‘Consumption’ – a great story about an isolated estate and a crazy chef.
‘Let Go’ – a really fun take on the zombie narrative.
‘Meme’ – a scathing flash fiction piece about a Tik Tok trend that turns deadly.
‘Revolver’ – the ultimate highlight for me. A reality show where contestants have to make a life or death choice.
‘Black Site’ – a fun sci-fi/horror mash up set in an old mining station.
Throughout all of the stories, Michael crafts characters you want to root for who are thrust into scenarios that will have you riveted. And, as I mentioned, expect tons of bloody gore.
What I didn’t like: As with every collection, some stories may be a hit or miss for the reader. I really enjoyed every story within, but for some readers, certain aspects may not be your cup of tea and that’s fair and expected in a varied collection like this.
Why you should buy this: As Patrick Hicks says in his introduction, some of the stories here are included for completionism, so if you love his work but don’t have the anthologies he’s appeared in, this is a great collection to pick up and complete your own library. For new readers, this is a really great spot to dive in and see just what you’re in for. Michael is a masterful writer who writes with a solid, commanding style that showcases just how phenomenal he is at crafting a story.
Now that I’m done this, I’ll sit back and wait for Salem Hawley #3!
5/5
