OMENS by Richard Gavin — Now available

OMENS by Richard Gavin — Now available

Richard appears to be too reserved to post this, so I'll do so for him (without his consent, of course). I've almost finished the book and heartily recommend it to anyone who enjoys knowing the nightmares that beat against the walls of this world.

Greetings,

I'm pleased to announce that OMENS, my latest
collection of horror tales, is now available from
Mythos Books.

OMENS contains twelve stories (many of which are
appearing in print for the first time) as well as my
Introductory essay "Gnostic Nightmares, Haunted
Dreams", which explores how our darkest dreams inform
artistic horrors.

The book has been published in a handsome hardcover
edition that features wonderful, otherworldly
dust-jacket art by Harry O. Morris.

Inquiries can be sent directly to Mythos Books:

www.mythosbooks.com

OMENS is also being sold through Amazon.com:


Horror fiction retailers such as Shocklines will also
be offering the book in the near future.

I would like to express my appreciation to David Wynn,
Harry O. Morris and Peter A. Worthy for their tireless
efforts on this project. I would also like to thank
you for expressing an interest in my writing.

Warmest Regards,
Richard Gavin

Re: OMENS by Richard Gavin — Now available

Thank you for posting this, Simon. I really appreciate it.

I'm very happy to hear that you enjoyed the book. I hope others on this message board will as well.


All best wishes,
Richard Gavin

Re: OMENS by Richard Gavin — Now available

It's great to hear about the new collection. I was looking forward to it and will order it as soon as I get the opportunity. The cover looks great!

Having said this I can only wish the author Happy Birthday and good reviews!

Re: OMENS by Richard Gavin — Now available

Thanks very much, yellowish haze. I hope you find Omens to your liking.

I agree with you about the cover. To be able to collaborate with someone like Harry O. Morris was pure wish-fulfillment. When he agreed to the project, and later showed me the first rough version of the dust-jacket art, I was dumbfounded.

Now, whether or not critics and readers regard my stories as being worthy of Harry's cover remains to be seen...though the first few indications have been positive.

All best wishes,
Richard Gavin

Re: OMENS by Richard Gavin — Now available

I must admit, I liked the rough mock-up of the cover a bit better, but that was simply a layout issue — the art itself remains tremendous.

And, yes Richard, I think the book is worthy of the cover art. I've not read more than the first story or two in CHARNEL WINE, and OMENS seems lightyears ahead of it in quality.

(Based on the stength of OMENS, I plan on revisiting CW very shortly)

Re: OMENS by Richard Gavin — Now available

Thank you once again for still more kind words, Simon. Would you like your payment from me in cash or cheque?

Regarding Omens and Charnel Wine --- yes, there are some very fundamental differences between these two collections. CW was, in essence, a "best of" collection. In late 2002 John B. Ford of Rainfall Books was kind enough to offer to publish a book of my stories. At that time I'd had a pretty sizeable number of published tales in small press horror 'zines and webzines. Unfortunately, the lion's share of those stories were bloody awful. However, there were enough diamonds in the rough for me to polish and include. These tales, combined with a handful of new tales, formed the contents of Charnel Wine. The book is not without its warts, but it does reflect the emerging themes and atmospheres that subsequently became very dear and important to my craft.

Omens, on the other hand, is comprised of new material. There is a stronger flow to this collection, as well as a more direct conveyance of what I consider to be the mystically terrifying and the beautifully grotesque.

All best wishes,
Richard Gavin

Re: OMENS by Richard Gavin — Now available

I just purchased Omens from Realms of Fantasy Books. They have a sale on through midnight wherein you receive a 30% discount if you purchase a minimum of three (3) books. Ash-Tree and Tartarus Press are represented, among others. I look forward to reading more of your work, Richard.

Re: OMENS by Richard Gavin — Now available

I have a review of OMENS in the next issue of ALL HALLOWS (due in the next few months?) I can tell you right now, I spoke very highly of it.

In fact, here's a shorter version of the review (as posted to my blog earlier this year):

http://www.strantzas.com/2007/04/richard-gavins-omens-review.html

But, if one is taking advantage of the Realms sale, picking up a copy of Matt Cardin's DIVINATIONS OF THE DEEP would also be a smart idea. Oh, and don't forget AT EASE WITH THE DEAD (containing a tale from yours truly).

Re: OMENS by Richard Gavin — Now available

I just finished reading Omens. I enjoyed it at least as much as Charnel Wine (i.e. a lot). I had to discipline myself to read only one story at a time. It's a terrific collection and I think it would make a great Christmas gift - at least to yourself.

Re: OMENS by Richard Gavin — Now available

Thanks to this thread for serving as a reminder! I purchased OMENS shortly after publication; however, after finding the book a cozy spot on my bookcase I completely forgot about it. What a delight to re-discover this wonderful book!

The design: The art by Harry O. Morris adorning the book's jacket is stunning -- easily the best dust-jacket art I've seen in years and reflects the mood of the book perfectly. If a print were available of Morris' art I'd buy it and frame it.

The tales: Each story is a gem. Mr. Gavin masterfully spins tales that stir one's emotions beyond just creeping out the reader. Normally in short horror fiction one looks forward to the narrator being driven insane or eaten. However, in OMENS I found myself actually caring about what happens to the protagonist. I also liked his frequent use of occult themes and principles -- using elements of the Qabalah in "Beneath the House of Life", for example. While there are a few typos (not your fault Richard), it 's a solid collection over all. I highly recommend it.

Re: OMENS by Richard Gavin — Now available

The tales: Each story is a gem. Mr. Gavin masterfully spins tales that stir one's emotions beyond just creeping out the reader. Normally in short horror fiction one looks forward to the narrator being driven insane or eaten. However, in OMENS I found myself actually caring about what happens to the protagonist. I also liked his frequent use of occult themes and principles -- using elements of the Qabalah in "Beneath the House of Life", for example. While there are a few typos (not your fault Richard), it 's a solid collection over all. I highly recommend it.

Click to expand...

I second this recommenation. Omens is certainly among the best single author collections of horror stories I've been reading this year. The other collections were mostly by classic masters of weird fiction - I point this out just to stress that what TL was saying about Richard Gavin ("Gavin's writing serves as a testament that great masters once crafted great stories... and as evidence that they shall do so again") is simply true!

Re: OMENS by Richard Gavin — Now available

Thank you all for the kind words on Omens, they are very much appreciated.

Even with its minor kinks (such as a handful of typos, which became painfully apparent only after the book was released! I swear that texts autonomously mutate in between proof-readings...) I am very proud of this collection. It seems that other authors, readers and critics have found merit in my writing, which is a pleasure for me. I do my utmost to convey a sincere experience of the macabre with each tale I publish, so it's always wonderful to hear that I've been successful in this regard.

With much gratitude,
Richard Gavin

Re: OMENS by Richard Gavin — Now available

I thought some members here might find it interesting to know that Richard now has his own blog at http://www.richardgavin.net

It's new, but already filled with astute observations about the genre as a whole. Much like his fiction, his blog deserves to be more widely read than it is currently.

I heartily recommend checking it out.

Re: OMENS by Richard Gavin — Now available

For any interested, I'm currently commenting on each story in this collection from here:
http://shocklinesforum.yuku.com/reply/82880/t/-Omens-by-Richard-Gavin.html#reply-82880

Re: OMENS by Richard Gavin — Now available

I noticed there's an article in the new issue of Starfire Journal: A Journal for the New Aeon (Vol.II No.3). The contents list an article titled, "Nightmare Sorcery (dreamwork)" by Richard Gavin. Is this the same Richard Gavin? I hope so. It looks like a fantastic issue.