Review of Wack City

Hazel Arnaiz · Post by **Hazel Arnaiz** » 16 Jun 2023, 18:14

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Wack City" by Miko Montgomery.]

4 out of 5 stars

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A film producer, upset about a magazine article, decides to go to Las Vegas on the spur of the moment after her astrologer predicts that she will win the jackpot. She meets a talented limousine driver who takes her on a bizarre ride around the city. A conservatively dressed young guy and lady are seeking a short-term lease in Vegas to operate their business. They got the best deal possible and will discover much more than they bargained for. A Las Vegas native who has been abroad for a long time returns to the city to take care of a family affair. His reunion with family members does not go as planned. Because of what is in the basement, a store owner maintains his business despite low client turnout. Passing through Vegas after a yearly reunion with his comrades, a war veteran arranges to spend the night at an old motel before continuing his journey home. He receives an unexpected guest, compelling him to stay in the city longer. Three young men seek the ultimate thrill of Las Vegas, and the city does not disappoint.

Drawn to Las Vegas for different reasons, these visitors will all encounter a city beyond their imaginations.

Wack City is a collection of short horror stories by Miko Montgomery. The book depicts Las Vegas beyond the glitz and glam that it is famous for. It skillfully employs components to unite the various pieces of the collection. Familiar elements make the stories relatable to the audience, but the twists keep them fresh and captivating until the last page.

The book reminds me of Arabian Nights with a Twilight Zone twist. The collection is a story within a story. This method both entertains and informs the reader. The collection includes a wide range of horror stories. It comprises paranormal, science fiction, supernatural, and psychological stories, to mention a few. The variety provides for a more diverse readership. The book deftly mixes background information about each type. There are mentions of history and real-world personalities relevant to each category.

The utilization of characters complements the topics of the book. The encounter between a tourist and a local is typical of the stories. It does not make the stories repetitive but establishes the widely held belief that Las Vegas is a transient city. This familiar notion lends to the relatability of the stories, while the distinct twists provide a different view of the city. Locals are senior citizens who work in the city. Working and living in the city for quite some time makes them knowledgeable about the changes in the city. They provide information about how the city used to be. Likewise, the characters have varied profiles that reflect various groupings. Age groups, gender orientation, race, and ethnicity are all represented. The diversity of representation supports societal undertones.

The book contains more than just tales of supernatural horror. It also depicts more horrific real-world concerns. To mention a few, it includes the illegal drug trade, child trafficking, and the living conditions of the elderly. What I liked best about the book was how it presented horror stories from these different contexts. The film industry commentaries are also eye-opening. The connections to current societal concerns provide another layer to the work that makes it relevant.

There is nothing I dislike about the book. Although the conclusion surprised me, it is consistent with the overall vibe of the book. The simple words and conversational style help keep the reading flowing smoothly. There is profanity. Scenes of gore, sex, and violence are graphic. There are also LGBTQ references. It is appropriate for an adult audience. Sensitive readers should exercise caution as well. The contents are not offensive to any religious group. Those who appreciate short horror stories will enjoy this. Those looking for an alternative perspective on Las Vegas stories should check this out.

The book successfully mixes entertainment and information in a work of fiction. The approach to showing Las Vegas beyond the glitz and glam is creative. The elements are consistent, which helps to keep the story together. However, I must deduct a star because the editing issues are more than a handful. As a result, I rate this book four out of five.

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Wack City
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NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 21 Jul 2023, 07:04

I can see Las Vegas as the setting for horror stories considering what can happen in the shadow of all the city's glamour. After all, even Stephen King used it as one of the settings for his novel The Stand. I hope the author does proper proofreading to avoid distractions. Thank you for your great review!