Official Review: Tales From Kartli

[Caroline Anne Richmond]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Tales From Kartli" by Revaz-Giorgi Arveladze.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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Inspired by folktales and ancient myths from the Eurasian country, Georgia, Revaz-Giorgi Arveladze has written a compilation of mythological horror stories in the fiction novel, Tales from Kartli. His tales are dedicated to his home country and his favourite genre, horror. The book includes nine stories, created by this aspiring author and filmmaker.

Horror, gore and suspense are plentiful and delivered in each story. They include some poetry and a creative and unique illustration after each tale. The artwork is great and captures the themes and intensity of each story perfectly. The book contains a plethora of monsters of varying kinds. Terrifying demonic entities, arachnids and monstrous insects are prevalent and are described with enormous imagination and creativity.

Two of the stories include an evil mask that causes devastation. This ancient relic is malevolent and deadly and has the power to possess anyone who encounters it. It is taken to a monastery in, A Martyr of the Serpent, by a man seeking salvation from this cursed relic. Also, he is determined to keep the devilish talisman away from the general population and to keep it in the safe hands of the Bishop. It soon becomes apparent that the mask holds immense power, that cannot be tamed, even in such a holy place. 

Another engaging story, Chiakokonabo, includes this heinous mask. This tale includes two brothers who engage in a secret ritual to ward off evil spirits. The ritual is led by their grandfather, and he ensures that they keep this ceremony a secret from the boy’s parents. Believing that following their grandfather’s instructions will be for the greater good, the young boys bravely oblige. Sadly, they are soon horrified to discover that they are plagued by terrifying visions and nightmares. These events quickly have them wondering what secrets their grandfather has kept from them and how they will impact their lives.

As a fan of the horror genre, I was immediately immersed in this book and very much enjoyed some stories. Great attention to detail of scenery, lighting and atmosphere are given, plus vivid descriptions of the plethora of monsters that plague the leading characters. Unfortunately, some of this description interfered with the progression of the stories. Also, some stories intertwined with others, whereas some seemed to start without enough backstory. These issues hindered the continuity of the book and made it seem slightly disjointed. 

The length of one tale in particular, The Cycle, is very short. The narrative is very informative but lacks imagination, so the atmosphere is slightly lost. How it is written reminded me of a script or a screenplay and seemed misplaced in this collection. Compared to some more well-developed stories, it seems this one could do with a little more work.

Throughout the book, there are problems with grammar and spelling and there are some strange words included in the text. I believe this is because English is not the author’s first language and possibly, there are some issues with translations. Also, within the stories there are different points of view which impede the flow of the narrative. I think another round of professional editing would improve the book and increase the reader’s enjoyment.

I liked most of the stories but felt disappointed in a couple. Also, the grammar and spelling issues hindered my enjoyment, so I rate the book 2 out of 4 stars. With better editing and a tweak here and there to some shorter stories, the book could deserve full marks. The book is suitable for adults who enjoy gruesome, mythological horror, with the inclusion of profanity and adult themes. The author has a great imagination and much potential to provide readers with a great, spooky, thrill-ride that may leave them sleeping with the lights on.

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Tales From Kartli
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[Bookworm101520]

I love short stories and horror! This book sounds fantastic and I really appreciate your summaries of the best stories. Thanks for a great review!

[Caroline Anne Richmond]

I love short stories and horror! This book sounds fantastic and I really appreciate your summaries of the best stories. Thanks for a great review!

It’s a really interesting book and will certainly appeal to your horror tastes. Thank you for your kind comments.

[NetMassimo]

A collection of horror stories that probably need a professional editor to help in their proper development, proofreading included. Thank you for your honest review!

[Pearl Akpan]

sounds like a book with a lot of potential for thrill and horror. i’d recommend a reworking and re-editing to make the book worth the read. thank you for an informative review

[Caroline Anne Richmond]

A collection of horror stories that probably need a professional editor to help in their proper development, proofreading included. Thank you for your honest review!

The book has so much potential, so I hope another round of editing will help. Thank you for your comments.

[Caroline Anne Richmond]

sounds like a book with a lot of potential for thrill and horror. i’d recommend a reworking and re-editing to make the book worth the read. thank you for an informative review

Thank you for your comments, I agree, a little more editing and this book will be fab!

[inaramid]

I have read and reviewed this book too, and I agree with your observations. Given the book's potential, I had hoped that it would undergo some editing. Great review!

[Caroline Anne Richmond]

I have read and reviewed this book too, and I agree with your observations. Given the book's potential, I had hoped that it would undergo some editing. Great review!

Yes I do think it has a lot of potential and it is written with great imagination. Hopefully another round of editing will help. Thank you for your kind comments.