2005 Author Reviews for
Nickey

Party of what makes Nickey's stories so good is an ability to blend things that initially don't seem to fit together. For example, the blending of Merry's capture at the hands of the orcs and the freakshow in the Shire. The two start out with nothing to do with the other (or so it seems) but by the time the fic is done, they've become a single story with enough similarities to thoroughly unnerve a reader. The same thing happens in "The Last Fight." Two stories, both dark, come together to make something bigger and darker. And by coupling these entertwining tales with powerful imagery, Nickey creates a very strong sense of darkness and danger. In turn, that firmly sets the mood (which is essential for any horror story) and gives the reader things to think about afterwards. Very effective storytelling technique.

I love the darker undercurrent in this author's work. The characters always have a bit of angst or a longing that is beneath the surface but there is also humor in the stories. It's tough to get this mix to work and this author always shines.

Nickey's strong point in "Bitter as Willow" is the crafting of a timeless villain. Sauron and Morgoth are both timeless in their own right and Tolkien certainly did a good job with them, but here's a villain who is not only timeless but still. Quiet. Easily forgotten after a few generations. And Nickey somehow manages to bring him to life, even as he's waiting. That's not an easy thing for an author to do. Authors tend to work best with active characters who move and strike and retreat. But Nickey doesn't take the easy out. Instead, the focus stays firmly with Old Man Willow, and he stays right where he is, silent and waiting. As a result, the mood of the story reflects creeping evil and is perhaps one of the most unnerving things I've read recently. Kudos to Nickey for a very difficult story that feels effortless.