Everybody Scream!

Suffers from not being Deadstock, Monstrocity, or Letters from Hades. Kind of like reading anything by China Mieville after Perdido Street Station, nothing ever quite measures up. Anyway, this is a Punktown novel. And Punktown novels are excellent for a anyone bored with conventional, sci-fi, horror, fantasy, and a few other things. It's a day at the carnival. There is no plot line that is terribly important to all of the characters; they meet and bounce off each other, everyone trying to make the most out of what they have. Or, in some cases, just trying to get laid. Some thought-provoking stuff in here, along with interesting, likeable characters. And a few douche bags. A novel with a bizarre but believable setting, consisting of plot created by bizarre but very real characters. If you're a fan, read it. If you aren't, read it anyway. Once again, not for the squeamish; but what fun would it be otherwise?

One of the best novels so far set in "Punktown". Thank you, Mr. Thomas.

Fans of Jeffrey Thomas's 'Punktown' are going to love this full novel of Punktown's carnival adventure, but even those who have never journeyed to Punktown should enjoy this alien infested midway within Thomas's dreamy landscape of the planet Paxton, and the city of Punktown. Overflowing with a wide variety of characters, 'Everybody Scream' still narrows most of its focus on Sophi and Del Kahn, owners and operators of Paxton's annual Carnival, a free-for-all of rides, amusement, and murders. Central to its theme are Mitch Garnet, the Carnival's security chief, Pearl Mason, a singer with a mutant body, and Hector Tomas, a Theta Researcher who has found out the truth behind the multiple dimensions. I am a fan of strange worlds, mutated bodies, oddly imaginative aliens, and a good carnival. 'Everybody Scream' delivers on each of these twisted needs of mine, along with a lot of action on the last day of the carnival's season, plus a sizzling finale that keeps you reading right up to the last page. Worlds collide across dimensions, drugs are bought and sold, corruption seethes underfoot, and people's daily lives float by as you immerse yourself in Thomas's Punktown world. Thomas does use his strange platform to put out some messages on political issues such as Animal Testing and Animal Rights, but the lessons are not long or tyrannical, more thought-provoking, so if you hold a different view just skip the paragraph and enjoy the book. Thomas is a talented writer that is definitely worth the attention, so don't forget to pick up the anthologies Punktown and Punktown Third Eye, along with the upcoming Punktown Shades Of Gray. Strange worlds and strange beings, it doesn't get any better than this. Take an extra minute to note the fantastic artwork on the cover by David A. Magitis, a very talented artist in my opinion. Enjoy!