Book Review: “Messages”
Title: Messages
Author: Rick Powell
Collaborators:
Illustrator: Marie Moldovan
Editor: Marie Moldovan and Joe Mykut
Publication Date: July 30, 2024
Language: English
Format: Paperback. Hardcover and Electronic.
ISBN-10: 1998213242
ISBN-13: 978-1998213245
Synopsis: “Messages”
Messages is a chilling novella that plunges readers into a world where ancient secrets collide with the relentless march of modern technology. Rick Powell, known for his mastery of horror and psychological suspense, crafts a tale that grips the reader from the first page and refuses to let go.
The story follows a reporter who stumbles upon what could be the scoop of a lifetime—only to find himself ensnared in a web of dark forces and apocalyptic revelations. As he digs deeper, the lines between reality and nightmare blur, and the messages he uncovers may be the last ones he ever receives.
Blending supernatural horror with speculative fiction, Messages explores the terrifying potential of technological possession and the fragility of human sanity. It’s a haunting meditation on the dangers of curiosity and the cost of uncovering truths best left buried.
Writing Style
Rick Powell’s writing style is visceral, atmospheric, and deeply unsettling. His prose is lean yet evocative, painting scenes with a cinematic intensity that lingers long after the final page.
Powell excels at building tension through subtle cues and psychological nuance, allowing dread to seep in gradually before unleashing full-blown terror. His use of language is deliberate and sharp, often laced with poetic undertones that elevate the horror beyond mere shock value.
The narrative structure is tight and fast-paced, with each chapter revealing new layers of mystery and menace. Powell’s ability to fuse ancient mythos with contemporary anxieties makes Messages not just a horror story, but a reflection on the eerie intersections of past and future.
A Bit About the Author…
Rick Powell, often referred to as “The Father of Mannequins,” is a prolific voice in the realm of horror and dark fiction. Based in Oak Forest, Illinois, Powell has contributed to numerous anthologies and magazines, including Bon Appetit: Stories & Recipes for Human Consumption, Infernal Ink Magazine, and The Ladies & Gentlemen of Horror.
His previous works include poetry collections like My Soul Stained My Seed Sour and More Regrets Than Glories, as well as the short story compilation A Vault of Whispers.
Powell’s writing is marked by its raw emotional depth and its ability to tap into primal fears. Whether through verse or narrative, he invites readers to confront the shadows within and around them. With Messages, Powell continues his tradition of crafting stories that are as thought-provoking as they are terrifying.
Availability
Available at major online retailers such as Amazon and Godless
Sincerely,
Marie Moldovan
CEO of I Ain't Your Marionette Press