A serial murderer stalking rainy Cthulhu Gardens is stalked himself by a botanical creature.
September 13, 2017
X-Ray Rider 3: Mileposts on the road to childhood's end (Kindle Edition) by Wayne Kyle Spitzer
Jonesing for a drive-in theater and a hotrod El Camino?
It’s the dawn of the 1970s and everything is changing. The war in Vietnam is winding down. So is the Apollo Space Program. The tiny northwestern city of Spokane is about to host a World’s Fair. But the Watergate Hearings and the re-entry of Skylab and the eruption of Mount Saint Helens are coming…as are killer bees and Ronald Reagan.
Enter ‘The Kid,’ a panic-prone, hyper-imaginative boy whose life changes drastically when his father brings home an astronaut-white El Camino. As the car’s deep-seated rumbling becomes a catalyst for the Kid’s curiosity, his ailing, over-protective mother finds herself fending off questions she doesn’t want to answer. But her attempt to redirect him on his birthday only arms him with the tool he needs to penetrate deeper—a pair of novelty X-Ray Specs—and as the Camino muscles them through a decade of economic and cultural turmoil, the Kid comes to believe he can see through metal, clothing, skin—to the center of the universe itself, where he imagines something monstrous growing, spreading, reaching across time and space to threaten his very world.
Using the iconography of 20th century trash Americana—drive-in monster movies, cancelled TV shows, vintage comic books—Spitzer has written an unconventional memoir which recalls J.M. Coetzee’s Boyhood and Youth. More than a literal character, ‘The Kid’ is both the child and the adult. By eschewing the technique of traditional autobiography, Spitzer creates a spherical narrative in which the past lives on in an eternal present while retrospection penetrates the edges. X-Ray Rider is not so much a memoir as it is a retro prequel to a postmodern life—a cinematized “reboot” of what Stephen King calls the “fogged out landscape” of youth.
Want to go for a ride?
It’s the dawn of the 1970s and everything is changing. The war in Vietnam is winding down. So is the Apollo Space Program. The tiny northwestern city of Spokane is about to host a World’s Fair. But the Watergate Hearings and the re-entry of Skylab and the eruption of Mount Saint Helens are coming…as are killer bees and Ronald Reagan.
Enter ‘The Kid,’ a panic-prone, hyper-imaginative boy whose life changes drastically when his father brings home an astronaut-white El Camino. As the car’s deep-seated rumbling becomes a catalyst for the Kid’s curiosity, his ailing, over-protective mother finds herself fending off questions she doesn’t want to answer. But her attempt to redirect him on his birthday only arms him with the tool he needs to penetrate deeper—a pair of novelty X-Ray Specs—and as the Camino muscles them through a decade of economic and cultural turmoil, the Kid comes to believe he can see through metal, clothing, skin—to the center of the universe itself, where he imagines something monstrous growing, spreading, reaching across time and space to threaten his very world.
Using the iconography of 20th century trash Americana—drive-in monster movies, cancelled TV shows, vintage comic books—Spitzer has written an unconventional memoir which recalls J.M. Coetzee’s Boyhood and Youth. More than a literal character, ‘The Kid’ is both the child and the adult. By eschewing the technique of traditional autobiography, Spitzer creates a spherical narrative in which the past lives on in an eternal present while retrospection penetrates the edges. X-Ray Rider is not so much a memoir as it is a retro prequel to a postmodern life—a cinematized “reboot” of what Stephen King calls the “fogged out landscape” of youth.
Want to go for a ride?
X-Ray Rider 2: Mileposts on the road to childhood's end (Kindle Edition) by Wayne Kyle Spitzer
Jonesing for a drive-in theater and a hotrod El Camino?
It’s the dawn of the 1970s and everything is changing. The war in Vietnam is winding down. So is the Apollo Space Program. The tiny northwestern city of Spokane is about to host a World’s Fair. But the Watergate Hearings and the re-entry of Skylab and the eruption of Mount Saint Helens are coming…as are killer bees and Ronald Reagan.
Enter ‘The Kid,’ a panic-prone, hyper-imaginative boy whose life changes drastically when his father brings home an astronaut-white El Camino. As the car’s deep-seated rumbling becomes a catalyst for the Kid’s curiosity, his ailing, over-protective mother finds herself fending off questions she doesn’t want to answer. But her attempt to redirect him on his birthday only arms him with the tool he needs to penetrate deeper—a pair of novelty X-Ray Specs—and as the Camino muscles them through a decade of economic and cultural turmoil, the Kid comes to believe he can see through metal, clothing, skin—to the center of the universe itself, where he imagines something monstrous growing, spreading, reaching across time and space to threaten his very world.
Using the iconography of 20th century trash Americana—drive-in monster movies, cancelled TV shows, vintage comic books—Spitzer has written an unconventional memoir which recalls J.M. Coetzee’s Boyhood and Youth. More than a literal character, ‘The Kid’ is both the child and the adult. By eschewing the technique of traditional autobiography, Spitzer creates a spherical narrative in which the past lives on in an eternal present while retrospection penetrates the edges. X-Ray Rider is not so much a memoir as it is a retro prequel to a postmodern life—a cinematized “reboot” of what Stephen King calls the “fogged out landscape” of youth.
Want to go for a ride?
X-Ray Rider 1: Mileposts on the road to childhood's end (Kindle Edition) by Wayne Kyle Spitzer
Jonesing for a drive-in theater and a hotrod El Camino?
To the End of Ursathrax, Book Five in the Ferryman Pentalogy (Kindle Edition) by Wayne Kyle Spitzer
"He refocused on Blotto just as the smile faded from the man’s lips and his mouth drew tightly closed, as if he were desperately trying to stifle a belch. His eyes shown suddenly wide and intense, yet their expression had not changed so much as become frozen in stasis. His shapeless body jerked once, his flesh seemed to roll as does water in a boat’s wake, and then his fat lips were parted by what first seemed his tongue, but was revealed to be a budding red rose, which emerged into the fire-light and blossomed its pedals, spilling blood onto the gangplank and filling the air with scent. Glancing to the hand with which the man gripped Rosethorn, Dravidian saw that she’d sprouted thorn-studded rose stems, which had penetrated Blotto’s beefy wrist and chewed their way through his body.
His heel lifted off the wood and his ankle seemed to lock with paralysis, and then his body listed to the right and he began to fall. The rose imploded as if growing in reverse, retracting into his mouth which fell shut with the clacking of teeth, and an instant later Rosethorn fell to the plank and Dravidian stooped to snatch her up. Blotto’s body fell into the void."
“Wayne Spitzer’s FERRYMAN PENTALOGY is a tribute to the excellent writing of science fiction authors of the past; his precise and erudite language makes every chapter a pleasure to read. Spitzer’s underground water world demonstrates an incredible imagination which leaves the reader wondering just where this horrific future takes place. Is it our own planet that has become so twisted? Does the answer lie in the Latin location names? Has human nature changed so little that a single man can start a revolution and struggle with losing his focus over lust for a woman? THE FERRYMAN PENTALOGY is a brilliant novel designed as a five-part serial. If the price of the five books seems steep, consider it an investment in the future writings of a fine new author whose future works will not disappoint.”
“This book is a great way to finish summer. A quick read with a lot of action, intrigue and questions that will be answered as I finish the Pentalogy. Spitzer has left the cage ajar and I will follow to The Tempter and The Taker!”
“The author has a way with visceral descriptions and imagery. While I don't generally read erotica, the fresh take on the concept of the ferryman and the coins was intriguing enough to pique my curiosity. The world building in this novella is excellent and is sort of reminiscent of the old 70's and 80's serials to me, which works well in this setting. Just because I personally don't care for sex scenes in my reading, I took a half star off for that, but that is not a reflection on the quality of the book, just simply a personal preference. Overall I'd say this was a 4.5 star effort, an excellent first outing for a new author!”
“Great entertainment! A regular guy (well, he used to be a regular guy....) and a woman with a run of bad luck are thrust together in a dystopian world. But even here, or especially here, the promise of love challenges the system. Sexy, plus intriguing and thoughtful!”
“I bought this for my girlfriend since she loves erotic fantasy/fiction. The cover art and summary looked great so picked up the first book. She loved the story and characters so much she purchased the rest of the series. I decided to give it read myself since I do a lot traveling and have a lot of time to kill. And I really enjoyed it, especially the world-building! Very original and I can't wait to see more from this author. Recommended to all erotic and fantasy fiction fans.”
“A dramatic odyssey of a fantastical, upside down world. Love, betrayal, personal anguish, power and triumph, this series is pure entertainment for the reader who wants to escape life for a while. Characters sail through philosophical riddles and react to impossible situations that make this a completely believable, yet fanciful, read. Steamy sex scenes not for the faint of heart.”
His heel lifted off the wood and his ankle seemed to lock with paralysis, and then his body listed to the right and he began to fall. The rose imploded as if growing in reverse, retracting into his mouth which fell shut with the clacking of teeth, and an instant later Rosethorn fell to the plank and Dravidian stooped to snatch her up. Blotto’s body fell into the void."
“Wayne Spitzer’s FERRYMAN PENTALOGY is a tribute to the excellent writing of science fiction authors of the past; his precise and erudite language makes every chapter a pleasure to read. Spitzer’s underground water world demonstrates an incredible imagination which leaves the reader wondering just where this horrific future takes place. Is it our own planet that has become so twisted? Does the answer lie in the Latin location names? Has human nature changed so little that a single man can start a revolution and struggle with losing his focus over lust for a woman? THE FERRYMAN PENTALOGY is a brilliant novel designed as a five-part serial. If the price of the five books seems steep, consider it an investment in the future writings of a fine new author whose future works will not disappoint.”
“This book is a great way to finish summer. A quick read with a lot of action, intrigue and questions that will be answered as I finish the Pentalogy. Spitzer has left the cage ajar and I will follow to The Tempter and The Taker!”
“The author has a way with visceral descriptions and imagery. While I don't generally read erotica, the fresh take on the concept of the ferryman and the coins was intriguing enough to pique my curiosity. The world building in this novella is excellent and is sort of reminiscent of the old 70's and 80's serials to me, which works well in this setting. Just because I personally don't care for sex scenes in my reading, I took a half star off for that, but that is not a reflection on the quality of the book, just simply a personal preference. Overall I'd say this was a 4.5 star effort, an excellent first outing for a new author!”
“Great entertainment! A regular guy (well, he used to be a regular guy....) and a woman with a run of bad luck are thrust together in a dystopian world. But even here, or especially here, the promise of love challenges the system. Sexy, plus intriguing and thoughtful!”
“I bought this for my girlfriend since she loves erotic fantasy/fiction. The cover art and summary looked great so picked up the first book. She loved the story and characters so much she purchased the rest of the series. I decided to give it read myself since I do a lot traveling and have a lot of time to kill. And I really enjoyed it, especially the world-building! Very original and I can't wait to see more from this author. Recommended to all erotic and fantasy fiction fans.”
“A dramatic odyssey of a fantastical, upside down world. Love, betrayal, personal anguish, power and triumph, this series is pure entertainment for the reader who wants to escape life for a while. Characters sail through philosophical riddles and react to impossible situations that make this a completely believable, yet fanciful, read. Steamy sex scenes not for the faint of heart.”
Black Hole, White Fountain, Book Four of the Ferryman Pentalogy (Kindle Edition) by Wayne Kyle Spitzer
"The hologram faded away and a silence fell over the glade as Dravidian reseated himself upon the rock. Sthulhu remained respectfully silent. In his mind's eye Dravidian saw Pepperlung on the deck of their great dragger, The Vorpal Gladio, saw him glance over his shoulder at the prefect as his tone became grave: 'Beware, Dravidian. The bride is just sightseeing but Asmodeus is here for you. You are the only ferryman up for elevation this year. Watch yourself. There will be a test, surely.'
The ground trembled suddenly and the remnants of the cage rattled as a minor Ursaquake shook the glade, and the sun orb went from gold to orange. A horse whinnied in the distance and Dravidian looked out across Parvus’ homestead to see a great steed leap up in its corral. The slightest push against the dilapidated boards would have freed it—but the creature either did not know or did not care. The horse, however mighty, knew its place. It knew in its primitive yet tamed wiring what Dravidian, in his advanced and now liberated own, did not: that nothing lay beyond its cage that did not already exist in abundance within."
“Spitzer has a fun almost campy style that allows the reader to sit back and enjoy the ride. If you are looking for a good story with added layers of every man's dream girl as the main female character and a scary monstrous bad boy that turns out to not be so monstrous (as far as we know) -- then you might very well like this book series.”
“Read my friend's copy, and am pushing her to finish the series so I can read the rest! Loved the complex setting and the way the characters have to wrap their minds around what is real and what is propaganda. Feels true. (Still steamy!)”
“The Pierced Veil (The Ferryman Pentalogy Book 3) by Wayne Kyle Spitzer for me is a five star read. First time reading any of this authors work and I enjoyed it. I've read a lot in this genre and honestly this was different from the usual. The writing was fantastic and had me hooked from the very first page right up until the very end. The characters are superb and you get to know everything about them - so much so it's as though they are real people and you are experiencing their lives alongside them. Thrilling read from start to finish and I would highly recommend this book to anyone. I am really looking forward to reading more from this author. I loved the characters and the quirky relationships between them. I highly recommend this novel to all fans of the genre and this author. Would definitely recommend to all friends and family.”
“Lots of the ‘good stuff’ in this one. The characters explore their world and each other. LOTS OF CREATIVE FUN!”
“Spoiler alert: you just can't trust a man! The story takes a crazy turn and totally has me going. Definitely need to see how this one comes out!”
“In book four of the Ferryman Pentalogy, 'Black Hole, White Fountain' the stakes for Dravidian are increased as the loyalties of both himself and Shekalane are tested both toward each other and their factions as both politics and destiny swirl around them. Exciting, thrilling and erotic, this unique blend of science fiction and fantasy is well written and atmospheric, conjuring up some remarkable images. Everything is further expanded in the fourth chapter that fans of the series will devour.”
“If you are new to the Ferryman series do yourself a favor and go back to book one, Comes a Ferryman, and enter this thrilling saga that takes familiar elements from mythology and blends them with a compelling and seductive world that is both fantasy and sci-fi. Wow, what a ride! Really intense action, way too much suspense! WOULD MAKE AN AWESOME MOVIE! Make two versions, one for the kids, with the fabulous settings and adventures, and the other as written: hot, hot, hot!”
“Great world-building, compelling characters, hot sex, and themes and metaphors all over the place. Spitzer's really doing it, successfully. Exceeded my expectations, by far.”
The Pierced Veil, Book Three of the Ferryman Pentalogy (Kindle Edition) by Wayne Kyle Spitzer
"He picked up one of the fur coats and helped her into it, then stroked the hair next to her temple, laying his head slowly back against the pillows. He gazed up at the gondola’s steel ferro (which loomed above them for the ship was right behind him and the flat-bottomed boat’s prow rested well above the waterline), and said, 'Take hold of my ship’s ferro, Shekalane. And hold on tightly.'
She looked at the great black and gold ferro, which pointed like a scimitar at the ceiling of the cavern, and its comb of seven tines, six pointing forward and one back, then back at Dravidian, whom she kissed before pushing herself up by her arms and, with the assistance of Dravidian’s big hands on her waist, gripped the topmost tines, the forward of which was etched with the word ‘Jaskir’ and the backward of which was etched ‘Novum Venum.’
She looked down at him as he hiked her frayed dress up along her dirty thighs and realized she was breathing far too heavy and fast, and tried to calm herself by observing the grotto around them, the piled treasure, the phantasmagoria of mushrooms. But then his cheek grazed the inside of her thigh and he began kissing her leg softly, and she surrendered all pretense to being in any sort of control."
“Wayne Spitzer’s FERRYMAN PENTALOGY is a tribute to the excellent writing of science fiction authors of the past; his precise and erudite language makes every chapter a pleasure to read. Spitzer’s underground water world demonstrates an incredible imagination which leaves the reader wondering just where this horrific future takes place. Is it our own planet that has become so twisted? Does the answer lie in the Latin location names? Has human nature changed so little that a single man can start a revolution and struggle with losing his focus over lust for a woman? THE FERRYMAN PENTALOGY is a brilliant novel designed as a five-part serial. If the price of the five books seems steep, consider it an investment in the future writings of a fine new author whose future works will not disappoint.”
“This book is a great way to finish summer. A quick read with a lot of action, intrigue and questions that will be answered as I finish the Pentalogy. Spitzer has left the cage ajar and I will follow to The Tempter and The Taker!”
“The author has a way with visceral descriptions and imagery. While I don't generally read erotica, the fresh take on the concept of the ferryman and the coins was intriguing enough to pique my curiosity. The world building in this novella is excellent and is sort of reminiscent of the old 70's and 80's serials to me, which works well in this setting. Just because I personally don't care for sex scenes in my reading, I took a half star off for that, but that is not a reflection on the quality of the book, just simply a personal preference. Overall I'd say this was a 4.5 star effort, an excellent first outing for a new author!”
“Great entertainment! A regular guy (well, he used to be a regular guy....) and a woman with a run of bad luck are thrust together in a dystopian world. But even here, or especially here, the promise of love challenges the system. Sexy, plus intriguing and thoughtful!”
“I bought this for my girlfriend since she loves erotic fantasy/fiction. The cover art and summary looked great so picked up the first book. She loved the story and characters so much she purchased the rest of the series. I decided to give it read myself since I do a lot traveling and have a lot of time to kill. And I really enjoyed it, especially the world-building! Very original and I can't wait to see more from this author. Recommended to all erotic and fantasy fiction fans.”
She looked at the great black and gold ferro, which pointed like a scimitar at the ceiling of the cavern, and its comb of seven tines, six pointing forward and one back, then back at Dravidian, whom she kissed before pushing herself up by her arms and, with the assistance of Dravidian’s big hands on her waist, gripped the topmost tines, the forward of which was etched with the word ‘Jaskir’ and the backward of which was etched ‘Novum Venum.’
She looked down at him as he hiked her frayed dress up along her dirty thighs and realized she was breathing far too heavy and fast, and tried to calm herself by observing the grotto around them, the piled treasure, the phantasmagoria of mushrooms. But then his cheek grazed the inside of her thigh and he began kissing her leg softly, and she surrendered all pretense to being in any sort of control."
“Wayne Spitzer’s FERRYMAN PENTALOGY is a tribute to the excellent writing of science fiction authors of the past; his precise and erudite language makes every chapter a pleasure to read. Spitzer’s underground water world demonstrates an incredible imagination which leaves the reader wondering just where this horrific future takes place. Is it our own planet that has become so twisted? Does the answer lie in the Latin location names? Has human nature changed so little that a single man can start a revolution and struggle with losing his focus over lust for a woman? THE FERRYMAN PENTALOGY is a brilliant novel designed as a five-part serial. If the price of the five books seems steep, consider it an investment in the future writings of a fine new author whose future works will not disappoint.”
“This book is a great way to finish summer. A quick read with a lot of action, intrigue and questions that will be answered as I finish the Pentalogy. Spitzer has left the cage ajar and I will follow to The Tempter and The Taker!”
“The author has a way with visceral descriptions and imagery. While I don't generally read erotica, the fresh take on the concept of the ferryman and the coins was intriguing enough to pique my curiosity. The world building in this novella is excellent and is sort of reminiscent of the old 70's and 80's serials to me, which works well in this setting. Just because I personally don't care for sex scenes in my reading, I took a half star off for that, but that is not a reflection on the quality of the book, just simply a personal preference. Overall I'd say this was a 4.5 star effort, an excellent first outing for a new author!”
“Great entertainment! A regular guy (well, he used to be a regular guy....) and a woman with a run of bad luck are thrust together in a dystopian world. But even here, or especially here, the promise of love challenges the system. Sexy, plus intriguing and thoughtful!”
“I bought this for my girlfriend since she loves erotic fantasy/fiction. The cover art and summary looked great so picked up the first book. She loved the story and characters so much she purchased the rest of the series. I decided to give it read myself since I do a lot traveling and have a lot of time to kill. And I really enjoyed it, especially the world-building! Very original and I can't wait to see more from this author. Recommended to all erotic and fantasy fiction fans.”
The Tempter and the Taker, Book Two of the Ferryman Pentalogy (Kindle Edition) by Wayne Kyle Spitzer
"Shekalane looked at him with something akin to pity. 'You speak as if Ursathrax were a person. A lover, perhaps.'
Jamais laughed. 'I suppose that’s true. It is the hallmark of lonely people, to anthropomorphize. They do it to their pets quite frequently. But that is just one of her secrets … for while not a person same as you or I, she is, I believe, sentient. She is self-aware. Surely you have felt it, on those days when the leaves of the trees rustle even though there is no wind? She is alive … she has her moods and her trespasses, like every living thing. And also like every living thing, she is mortal. By which I mean she has a beginning, a middle, and an end, as do all things … and that, after five-hundred years, she is nearing her end.'
There was another long pause, and Shekalane looked at Dravidian, who said, 'No. That is not possible. The Lucitor would not have created something so frail and temporal …'
Jamais studied him for a beat. 'And yet the sky is falling, is it not?'"
“Spitzer has a fun almost campy style that allows the reader to sit back and enjoy the ride. If you are looking for a good story with added layers of every man's dream girl as the main female character and a scary monstrous bad boy that turns out to not be so monstrous (as far as we know) -- then you might very well like this book series.”
“Read my friend's copy, and am pushing her to finish the series so I can read the rest! Loved the complex setting and the way the characters have to wrap their minds around what is real and what is propaganda. Feels true. (Still steamy!)”
“The Pierced Veil (The Ferryman Pentalogy Book 3) by Wayne Kyle Spitzer for me is a five star read. First time reading any of this authors work and I enjoyed it. I've read a lot in this genre and honestly this was different from the usual. The writing was fantastic and had me hooked from the very first page right up until the very end. The characters are superb and you get to know everything about them - so much so it's as though they are real people and you are experiencing their lives alongside them. Thrilling read from start to finish and I would highly recommend this book to anyone. I am really looking forward to reading more from this author. I loved the characters and the quirky relationships between them. I highly recommend this novel to all fans of the genre and this author. Would definitely recommend to all friends and family.”
“Lots of the ‘good stuff’ in this one. The characters explore their world and each other. LOTS OF CREATIVE FUN!”
“Spoiler alert: you just can't trust a man! The story takes a crazy turn and totally has me going. Definitely need to see how this one comes out!”
“In book four of the Ferryman Pentalogy, 'Black Hole, White Fountain' the stakes for Dravidian are increased as the loyalties of both himself and Shekalane are tested both toward each other and their factions as both politics and destiny swirl around them. Exciting, thrilling and erotic, this unique blend of science fiction and fantasy is well written and atmospheric, conjuring up some remarkable images. Everything is further expanded in the fourth chapter that fans of the series will devour.”
“If you are new to the Ferryman series do yourself a favor and go back to book one, Comes a Ferryman, and enter this thrilling saga that takes familiar elements from mythology and blends them with a compelling and seductive world that is both fantasy and sci-fi. Wow, what a ride! Really intense action, way too much suspense! WOULD MAKE AN AWESOME MOVIE! Make two versions, one for the kids, with the fabulous settings and adventures, and the other as written: hot, hot, hot!”
“Great world-building, compelling characters, hot sex, and themes and metaphors all over the place. Spitzer's really doing it, successfully. Exceeded my expectations, by far.”
Comes a Ferryman, Book One of the Ferryman Pentalogy (Kindle Edition) by Wayne Kyle Spitzer
"The ferryman turned to face her and she quickly looked away—as if an owl had suddenly focused on her in the dark. Now that they’d reached the trunk of the river, he had relaxed the intensity of his rowing to a more casual pace, and was allowing the current to do most the work. (She didn’t dare risk activating the ring now!) Instead she looked at the floorboards, and after a few moments, remembered the book lying next to her. She reached toward it habitually—but froze when the raven cawed loudly and its red beam fell upon the back of her hand.
A tense moment followed in which she looked from the ferryman to the raven then back again as her fingertips wavered over the golden cover. Then the ferryman motioned with his head, and the raven’s light swung away and switched off. She picked up the book slowly and placed it on her lap."
“Wayne Spitzer’s FERRYMAN PENTALOGY is a tribute to the excellent writing of science fiction authors of the past; his precise and erudite language makes every chapter a pleasure to read. Spitzer’s underground water world demonstrates an incredible imagination which leaves the reader wondering just where this horrific future takes place. Is it our own planet that has become so twisted? Does the answer lie in the Latin location names? Has human nature changed so little that a single man can start a revolution and struggle with losing his focus over lust for a woman? THE FERRYMAN PENTALOGY is a brilliant novel designed as a five-part serial. If the price of the five books seems steep, consider it an investment in the future writings of a fine new author whose future works will not disappoint.”
“This book is a great way to finish summer. A quick read with a lot of action, intrigue and questions that will be answered as I finish the Pentalogy. Spitzer has left the cage ajar and I will follow to The Tempter and The Taker!”
“The author has a way with visceral descriptions and imagery. While I don't generally read erotica, the fresh take on the concept of the ferryman and the coins was intriguing enough to pique my curiosity. The world building in this novella is excellent and is sort of reminiscent of the old 70's and 80's serials to me, which works well in this setting. Just because I personally don't care for sex scenes in my reading, I took a half star off for that, but that is not a reflection on the quality of the book, just simply a personal preference. Overall I'd say this was a 4.5 star effort, an excellent first outing for a new author!”
“Great entertainment! A regular guy (well, he used to be a regular guy....) and a woman with a run of bad luck are thrust together in a dystopian world. But even here, or especially here, the promise of love challenges the system. Sexy, plus intriguing and thoughtful!”
“I bought this for my girlfriend since she loves erotic fantasy/fiction. The cover art and summary looked great so picked up the first book. She loved the story and characters so much she purchased the rest of the series. I decided to give it read myself since I do a lot traveling and have a lot of time to kill. And I really enjoyed it, especially the world-building! Very original and I can't wait to see more from this author. Recommended to all erotic and fantasy fiction fans.”
“A dramatic odyssey of a fantastical, upside down world. Love, betrayal, personal anguish, power and triumph, this series is pure entertainment for the reader who wants to escape life for a while. Characters sail through philosophical riddles and react to impossible situations that make this a completely believable, yet fanciful, read. Steamy sex scenes not for the faint of heart.”
June 22, 2009
Looking Back and Looking Ahead...
Enjoying a screening of Shadows in the Garden at Spokane Comicon 2009...and thinking about The Willows, viral videos, and all the projects to come.
June 15, 2009
August 11, 2008
"Smart Car Vs Lamborghini" Rising
Wayne's friend, collaborator and "mentee" Andy Kumpon (currently in New York) got to roll out some of his hard work this past week. The result? Here's some numbers:http://www.break.com/index/smart-car-vs-lamborghini.html
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1579398/smart_car_vs_lamborghini/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niP0_56Hyns
Though Wayne isn't at liberty to discuss "the Project," he did joke, "Admiral, if we were to go 'by the book,' hours would seem like days, and the midget's enemies would multiply."
A riddle? Tune in next week...same bat-time, same bat-channel!
December 23, 2007
"We've Strayed Out of a Safe Line Somewhere." Wayne Spitzer's Adaptation of "The Willows" by Algernon Blackwood Steps Into A Larger World
Wayne's scriptment for a feature-length film based upon Algernon Blackwood's The Willows has, at last, moved to the next level. Wayne's vision of the material includes elements of Blackwood's The Centaur as well as The Man Whom the Trees Loved, The Temptation of the Clay, and The Glamour of the Snow. Stay tuned for future updates as the project continues to transcend its micro-budget origins! ABOVE: Wayne's "Proof of Concept" poster design, conceived before Al Gore climbed into the cherry-picker!
October 14, 2007
September 15, 2007
"DEAD OF NIGHT: A TASTE FOR TERROR" (1995)
Would have been the best episode of Dead of Night, probably, had Wayne and Andy cut it down to a single episode rather than two parts.
Andy Kumpon as the creepy "Golem." The idea was to capture a little of that '70s horror film vibe in which the imagery torments the eye just enough to, well, give one that creepy '70s horror film vibe.
Status (Wayne Spitzer) and A.K. (Andy Kumpon) approach the monolith via an old-fashioned "glass shot." The object and the episode were inspired by Kronos (1957), 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), and "The Cage/The Menagerie" (Star Trek). Not bad aspirations for a zero-budget cable-access program.
The Golem (Andy Kumpon) tilts his head curiously at the people inside the RV.
A.K. (Andy Kumpon) lets loose a scream after discovering a human heart in his "Uncle's Little Box."
The Golem (Andy Kumpon) as viewed through the RV's rearview mirror. Again, the '70s influence of directors such as Dan Curtis (Dark Shadows, Trilogy of Terror, Burnt Offerings) is evident.
Gratuitous image of Status (Wayne Spitzer) researching an inter-dimensional life form (Tammy Tobin). From the opening credits of "A Taste for Terror," itself from the lost episode "Metal," which Wayne and Andy may complete someday, for fun.
Since we're on a roll: Status (Wayne Spitzer) adds a ghostly girl (Cheryl Gline) to the VictorCorp database. If your inspiration is classic Trek, your heroes know those dimensions aren't going to explore themselves. From Dead of Night: "Introductions" (1994). Image gallery forthcoming.
"DEAD OF NIGHT: THE INFECTION" (1996)
Stills from Wayne Spitzer and Andy Kumpon's "The Infection," widely considered the best episode of Dead of Night.
Status (Wayne Spitzer) isn't sure what to make of A.K.'s (Andy Kumpon) uncharacteristic behavior.
...nor a sudden headache and nosebleed while investigating a massacre.
A.K. (Andy Kumpon) finds the powers of his vampiric friends intoxicating...especially their ability to bring Seattle rain to rust-brown Spokane!
Status (Wayne Spitzer) is awakened by a psychic plea from A.K. (Andy Kumpon)...and knows what must be done.
Status (Wayne Spitzer) drives a stake (okay, a tent stake) through the heart of one of the vampires.
If looks could kill, Status would be like, way dead. Fortunately he's already out the door, enroute to save A.K.
You might say that the indomitable A.K. (Andy Kumpon) has "ripped the lid off a can of Whup Ass." If you, er, spake Spokanese.
Status (Wayne Spitzer) is running out of time as the angry sun sets."SNAKEMAN" (AMERICAN FILM PARTNERS INTERNATIONAL, 2004)
Because virtually nobody demanded it, here are some stills from Ron Ford's Snakeman, shot in and around Spokane in 2003. It stars Wayne Spitzer and Mitch Tiner (among others) as the Snakeman and was shot by a variety of photographers including Ron Ford, Eric Gollinger, Andy Kumpon and Wayne Spitzer. No official DP was hired. It was edited mostly by Ford himself, with help from Eric Gollinger and others. The movie was written and directed by Ron Ford.Above: A two-bit hoodlum (Andy Kumpon) is about to get some Snakeman justice. Wayne Spitzer shot this in Ron Ford's basement; it is one of Spitzer's favorite shots (of his own) from the film, as it "manages to bring some ambience to bear on what is obstensibly a horror movie." Spitzer adds with a wink, "It all starts with looking through the view-finder."
Another of Wayne's shots with Mitch Tiner in the snake getup.
Another of Wayne's shots with Mitch Tiner in the snake getup.
Another shot by Wayne Spitzer; again, Tiner is in the snake-up. Spitzer wanted the shot to recall Cornelius and Zira watching television in Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971). Ford wanted his shots fast, and Wayne gave them to him fast.
Gary (Wayne Spitzer) can't seem to stop stratching since being stabbed by an "infected" syringe. Andy Kumpon shot this in Ford's basement.
Gary (Wayne Spitzer) discovers yet another patch of scales, this time on his back. Could have been a great "mid-life crisis" subtext running through this thing, what a hoot.... Oh, nevermind.
Gary (Wayne Spitzer) doesn't look so good as he confronts the evil doctor. Could be any number of reasons.
Gary (Wayne Spitzer) transforms into the Snakeman. Wayne's suggestion that he be spritzed by a spray bottle (to suggest sweat; to suggest pain and trauma, oh, nevermind) and to get up close on the contact lenses (which he had never worn before and had to be forced into his eyes) were unceremoniously dismissed (water isn't cheap, after all!). Regardless, Wayne lobbied for this role knowing it wouldn't be easy. He and Kumpon looked at working with Ford, who had just moved to Spokane and needed a crew fast, as an investment. Alas, you have to know when to walk away...and know when to run."SIREN'S SONG" (1998)
One of the "lost" episodes of Dead of Night, meaning, as was once the case with Roddenberry's "The Cage," it exists in a variety of forms, many of them incomplete or tentative.Above: "Siren's Song" Episode Title Card. Sent to find a missing survey team, Status (Wayne Spitzer) and A.K. (Andy Kumpon) "flux" into an alternate world.
Having ripped out a survey team member's heart (and ate it!), the Forest Siren (Kris Tiner) howls at the moon.
The alter-world that Status and A.K.'s boss, the mercurial Viktor, has dubbed: "Moreland."
Status (Wayne Spitzer) always seems to be getting some, at least, when he writes the story. In this case he isn't lip-locking with who, or what, he thinks he is! Note how he has begun to take on some of the forest creature's characteristics. He'll be glad for A.K.'s interruption in the morning!
While negotiating a treacherous mountainside, Status (Wayne Spitzer) reaches for a rock that isn't a rock. In reality, Spitzer is about two feet off the ground. Note that because of intense time and budget pressures, the composition of the shot isn't really contributing to any sense of height (You can't always get what you want / but if you try sometimes / you might find / you get what you need). A sense of height was nonetheless achieved via cutaway.
The Forest Siren (Kris Tiner) bends to her meal. The cool make-up effects are courtesy of her husband, Mitch Tiner, who also worked on Spitzer, Kumpon and Gollinger's Dead of Night: "TOOL" (1998), and Ron Ford's TIKI (2006).
A.K. (Andy Kumpon) finds it's raining skulls.
Status (Wayne Spitzer) negotiates one of "Moreland's" numerous swamps. The cool laser rifle was built by Bob Schleufer from a design of Wayne's, himself influenced by the look and feel of Gene Roddenberry's second Star Trek pilot, "Where No Man Has Gone Before" (1966). Trivia for the Trivial-minded: Yes, yes, it is a split infinitive! How sophisticated of you to notice! Gold star!
The only surviving survey team member (Bob Schleufer) greets Status with a severed head. We try to avoid showing graphic images here as a rule, but this one's pretty hokey.
Before Status and A.K.'s arrival, a survey team member (actor unknown) wonders if that's a beautiful woman approaching, or a mirage. Unknown Actor seems way too studly to be on Dead of Night.
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