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[Following is a volunteer review of "Before The Storm" by Charles Wendell Jones.]

"Before The Storm" by Charles Wendell Jones is a collection of 12 short stories that promise a thrilling and thought-provoking adult reading experience. With a mix of Gothic, adventure, criminal, psychological, and sensual elements, the book takes readers on a rollercoaster journey that delves deep into the contrasting forces of good and evil, all while offering a twisty narrative that keeps you engaged throughout.

Each story introduces a unique set of characters, from a psychotic serial killer to a teenager with a multiple personality disorder, and others possessing extraordinary powers. The common thread in these stories is their often dark themes, but hidden within the shadows, there are valuable lessons waiting to be discovered.

What I liked most about this book is its penchant for delivering surprising twists at the end of each story. Even in the darkest narratives, I felt a touch of humor. It's as if the mastermind himself occasionally gets outwitted, and these clever surprises add a unique flavor to the book. To uncover the intricacies of these tales, you'll have to dive into this collection. With a concise length of 115 pages, this book is an easy and engrossing read that can be enjoyed in a single sitting. Amid the darker themes, there are stories that leave a spark of hope and happiness, making the collection well-balanced in terms of its thematic diversity. From an editorial perspective, I found only a single mistake, so it's clear that the book is professionally edited. There is nothing I dislike about this book. Based on the reasons stated above, I rate this book 5 out of 5.

It's important to note that the book does touch on sensitive topics such as killing, rape, and sexual abuse, but these are not described in graphic detail. This is an intriguing collection of short stories that seamlessly blends various genres to create a captivating adult read. With its unexpected twists, balanced themes, and professional editing, it offers a compelling and enjoyable literary experience that is sure to leave readers both entertained and contemplative.

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Before The Storm
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I think a collection of short stories is really good but what is more interesting is the surprising twists and endings which make me wanna read this book. I also like to read things that are not easily predictable and would catch me off guard. It is a short book as well so I think it is worth a try. Thanks for the great review, again!

A diverse collection of short stories with twists. This type has always been one of my favorites, especially since your review suggests that the stories are worth reading. Great review Anu

This indeed is an amazing book! Each story is well-developed and the unexpected twists keep the readers hooked. There never was a dull moment in this book. I wholeheartedly agree with your rating and loved reading your review. Keep up the good work!

It sounds like you enjoyed this book as much as I did. But I'm curious, I loved 10 of the stories but found 2 of them a bit meh, did you love all 12?

Your review of 'Before The Storm' by Charles Wendell Jones is insightful and highlights the collection's ability to deliver unexpected twists and blend dark themes with humor. Your keen appreciation of the book's well-balanced thematic diversity adds depth to your recommendation. Your insights are sure to guide other readers looking for a thought-provoking and engaging literary experience. I look forward to more of your reviews!

I love short stories, connected or not so connected. This seems to touch a variety of topics and maintains your interest and entertains you as well. I think I will also love to read this one. Hope it comes up on my list of available books for review. Thank you, Anu, for your detailed review.