《书目》(Booklist)书评

Both professionals and teen readers will be interested in this entry in the Twayne's Young Adult Author series, which departs from the series' usual format to introduce a genre (and a number of authors) instead of a single writer. Consequently there's less depth, but Kies, who is not pedantic in the least, introduces much to ponder. Personal perspectives on writers and critical commentary from a variety of sources blend with Kies' own trenchant analysis of works, which she presents within the context of a theme or subgenre--gothic horror, satanic cults, and "Splatterpunk," for example. Her author examples are horror writers most teens know--among them, Robert Bloch, John Saul, and V. C. Andrews. Stephen King is, of course, included, though his fans may find his profile disappointingly fragmentary. Though faced with such a prolific author, Kies has coped quite well, focusing on some of King's most teen-appealing books. Perhaps best of all, Kies makes no apologies for the genre or for its popularity among teen readers. She knows that lots of kids love King and Bloch--whether adults like the fact or not--and it's great to have someone finally speak out seriously about the connection and forecast the future. Author chronologies are included, as are extensive notes. ~--Stephanie Zvirin