Random Realities

Declaring The New QUEEN Of The Short Story!

Random Realities is by far one of the best short story collections I have ever read. To sum up Melanie's writing and stories in one word - Powerful!

It's hard enough to write. It's even harder to write short stories. But, when someone comes along with a book where not only is every story enjoyable, but each and every one of them makes you feel? Yeah, you sit up and take notice. Laughter, tears, suspense, heart-racing twists... all these and more are what I experienced while reading this book. Only one other author has consistently delivered emotions like these in their short stories, and that person is Stephen King. I hereby am declaring Melanie Fletcher QUEEN of the short story! It's a most deserved title.

The 10 stories in Random Realities are:
- Lost In Whitby - a story that takes place across the pond. With a building pace, the ending blasts you fast-forward with a twist and leaves you breathless.
- All On A Summer's Day - a wonderful, fanciful tale of a different side of Alice in Wonderland from a different point of view. And what's Alice in Wonderland without the Queen of Hearts and her famous line?
- Happily Ever After - one of the funniest Where Are They Now tales from classic Disney characters.
- Think Small - a sweet, enduring tale of a little girl and her new dollhouse. Or is it?
- It Take Brains To Run A Con - the shortest story in the book, but one that will have you in tears from laughter.
- The Padre, The Rabbi, And The Devil His Own Self - One of the creepiest, yet funny, tales I have read in quite a while. Mix religion, rednecks, and a tent revival and you get a rollicking good story.
- Tides - this is writing at its best! The imagery in this tale is far beyond what you would expect from a short story, let alone a novel. A beautiful twist to a most beautifully written story.
- Star Quality - old Hollywood meets future Hollywood in this suspenseful, erotic tale.
- The Quiet Sound Of Bees - make sure you have a box of tissues next to you before you read this story. Short, sweet, and will tug at the heartstrings of the most bitter, jaded, and cynical of people. I should know.
- Lusts Of The Cat Queen: a Dash Manning Adventure - this is space opera at its finest and funniest! Twists galore that will have you laughing with every turn.

As a short story enthusiast, it's rare, practically impossible it seems, to find a collection where I enjoy every story. I found that rare, almost impossible collection here. Melanie's writing is superbly tight, not one wasted, extra word anywhere in the book, unlike in this review. haha Do yourself the best favor you can and get this book. Read it. Then tell everyone you have ever met in your entire life to read it. They'll thank you and you'll thank yourself for reading such a rich, vibrant collection of stories and characters that will stay with you long after you've read them.

What do we want? More Melanie Fletcher books! When do we want them? Now! Here's looking forward to more from this fantastic writer!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Random Genius!

The variety of genres and voices in this collection of short stories makes this a highly entertaining read. The author proves she has a unique talent and is well-suited to write in a variety of styles. She is as comfortable with witty dialogue as she is with thought-provoking prose. A superbly enjoyable collection not to be missed!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Fantastic Stories!

I loved this book. The stories are everything from light and fluffy to dark and frightening. If you like fantasy,romance, or sci fi, you'll like this book. Especially if you like your monsters served with a dash of humor.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A delightful read

Each story is delightfully different. They made me smile and a few times snort with surprised laughter. I will be waiting impatiently for more from Melanie.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Highly Recommended

There is something for every reader in this delightful book of short stories. The stories are charming and fun with surprises, too. When the book ends, you are still wishing for more. I will definitely watch for her new book coming out this year!