Dark Visions contains six short stories, three by Stephen King and Dan Simmons each, and one novella by George R. R. Martin. It was edited by Douglas E. Winter.
I bought the book used on Amazon–it was published in the late ’80s–because I wanted to read the novella. It’s a werewolf tale.
Overall, I have mixed feelings on the book.
Normally, I am a big fan of King’s short stories, but the three in here left me wanting. The Reploids was just taking off when it ended. Sneakers took way too long to get to the point but was the best of the three. Dedication left me sick to my stomach. These were not his best stories.
I’ve never read Simmons before, but I will say his first two stories, Metastatis and Vanni Fucci is Alive and Well and Living in ‘Hell,’ were outstanding. The third one, Iverson’s Pits, was about twice as long as it needed to be but still interesting. I skimmed most of it.
Martin’s novella, The Skin Trade, was absolutely outstanding…until the finale. I felt cheated through reverse deus ex machina; instead of a last moment outside force saving the day, a last moment outside force did the killing.
I give this book three out of five stars, only because of Dan Simmons. ***
Tom Bont's Silver Key 