Spare Parts, the 2003 debut collection of short horror fiction by Teem member Stuart Young, has just been reissued in a new ebook edition by Stumar Press. Note the chorus of praise below from various fellow authors in the field. Note especially the final blurb, from a source that will be familiar to Teeming Brain readers.
A collection of six horror stories from British Fantasy Award-winning author Stuart Young.
Six tales of love and death. Emotions and desires running wild, overwhelming the lives of all they touch. Happiness drifts, forever out of reach, taunting these poor unfortunates, but still they keep grasping. One day they will attain the contentment they seek. Or die trying. Featuring an Introduction by Tim Lebbon. Cover art by Bob Covington and story illustrations by David Bezzina.
“Young serves up six stories on the theme of love and loss, and the quiet desperation of ordinary lives suddenly transformed by accidental magic.” – Simon Morden
“Stuart Young not only writes stories, he gives them life.” – Tim Lebbon
“Young’s writing is never less than rewarding, while at his best he is thought-provoking and capable of genuinely moving the reader.” – Peter Tennant
“Stuart Young writes like Roald Dahl with a freshly sharpened butcher knife, effortlessly cutting straight to the heart.” – Mark McLaughlin
“A bitter-sweet collection which will bring both tears of sadness and cries of horror.” – Gary Greenwood
“Stuart Young excels in his portrayal of emotional pain.” – Matt Cardin
FYI, the blurb from the esteemed Peter Tennant comes from his full review of the book, which he wrote for the late Website Whispers of Wickedness. He recently republished the review at his blog, in recognition of Spare Parts‘ new electronic incarnation. Here are a couple of praise-filled excerpts, including one that provides the context of the blurb:
[F]or anyone familiar with the Small Press scene the work of Stuart Young surely needs no introduction, and this volume showcases six of his finest stories … Young’s writing is never less than rewarding, while at his best he is thought-provoking and capable of genuinely moving the reader. This is a strong first collection, demonstrating versatility, a real feel for the material and an enviable maturity of outlook. Recommended.
— Peter Tennant, review of Spare Parts
Stu, you’ll recall, writes our column Sparking Neurones, in which he muses about movies, books, comic books, television, pop culture, and the philosophical ideas that inform and inspire them. He won a British Fantasy Award in 2006 for his novella “The Mask Behind the Face,” which appeared in his collection of the same title.