Book Review: Ravenous: Car Nex Collection
Review written by Kerry E.B. Black
Car Nex, short for Carnivore from the Nexus. Weapons will not harm it. Prayers will not stop it. When summoned, it hungers, and when it hungers, it feeds.
Fans of gory creatures and ancient evils will find something to love in this compilation of five horror short stories. The fun begins with the award-winning original tale by Terry M. West.
CAR NEX: The Original by Terry M. West
On 29 September, 1965, in sleepy Pleasant Storm, Texas a horrendous murder rocked the town. Nobody imagined Adam Campbell capable of the horrific crime he perpetrated at his homestead, but after finding and reading a mysterious ancient tome, Adam Campbell may have been unleashed something beyond his experience or control, leaving 28 residents hacked to pieces in Terry M. West’s Lovecraft-influenced tale. Engaging characters, tons of action, and a whirlwind of a monster leave a huge impression on readers and inspires the rest of the stories. As is always the case, the original stands as an untouchable classic.
Terry M. West invited trusted four colleagues to create imaginative adaptations and situations for his fantastic Car Nex, and he said he was thrilled with the results. Included in the anthology are stories by E.R. Robin Dover, Joseph Ramshaw, Kerry E.B. Black, and Shaun Hupp.
CAR NEX: The Evil One by ER Robin Dover
New York mayor Aldo Capello needs to restore peace to his city, so he summons the ancient Carnivore of the Nexus – like you do! – to destroy an underground terrorist group. However, he soon realizes the terrible cost of peace. E.R. Robin Dover incorporates elements of diversity, a strange family life, and political corruption into his bloody vision of the Car Nex monster “taking Manhattan.”
CAR NEX: The Mighty and the Merciless by Joseph Ramshaw
Joseph Ramshaw gives the Car Nex universe a sci-fi/superhero flare, and it works. Action-packed and inspired by monster movies and super hero comics, The Mighty and the Merciless introduces readers to The Face Punchers and a bloody battle with the ferocious Car Nex demon. A band of unlikely heroes search a brothel for an ancient book only to find they’re a bit late to the “prevent the demon’s release.” What to do? Fight as only they can, with wit, colorful language, and a lot of bloody fun!
CAR NEX: Storm by Kerry EB Black
(yes, me)
I was honored to be asked by Terry M. West to write a sequel to his award-winning Car Nex. In my imagining, reporter Mariah Dawn journeys to Pleasant Storm, Texas to write an anniversary piece on the Campbell Homestead Massacre for ‘Haunting Texas Landmarks.’ During her explorations, she discovers an intriguing manuscript and enlists the aid of a linguist friend to interpret its meaning, thereby unleashing a horror on Pleasant Storm and maybe the world. (Hope you like it!)
CAR NEX: Trailer Park by Shaun Hupp
Poor David Morgan’s cheating wife took their daughter and moved to a newer part of the Pleasant Place Trailer Park. A bit distraught and bent on revenge, David finds a means of revenge – summon the Car Nex! And if you thought a tornado damaged a trailer park, you’ve no idea what happens when the cyclone grows fangs, claws, and an insatiable appetite! Shaun Hupp works crisp dialogue, eye-popping gore, and an abundance of action into his story while incorporating some surprising touching moments.
Each author brought a different interpretation of the super-cool original Terry M. West concept, creating an exciting anthology of short stories perfect for the modern horror fan.
