Undead by Frank Delaney

Undead. Frank Delaney. Rosetta Books. June 2012. 29 Pages. 160 KB. Sold at all major E-Book Retailers. 


From where, when, and why does a story emerge? This short essay is a glimpse into some answers to those questions in reference to Bram Stoker on the 100th Anniversary of his novel, Dracula. 


 Delaney begins by examining the language sources of the word "vampire" and then what it meant to writers and average people in different time periods as well as different countries and cities throughout the world, a fascinating purview that belies the simplistic associations most average readers ascribe to the focus of this topic that has fascinated readers for centuries! 


 We then get a glimpse into the "place" where the famous story occurred, a debunking of the Transylvania myth for sure and a revealing analysis as well. The reader is then introduced to various other ideas, such as the fact that Lord Byron had nothing to do with this story as so many believe but a friend of his. 


 This and other ideas lead us to the author himself, a simple man who was actually rather dull in his  job and appearance, far from the type of person we might envisage creating this fearful and haunting tale that has sparked other stories, novels, movies, etc. than any other story in literary history. Yet he was the friend of literary giants who admired his talent.  Who knew how famous Bram Stoker would become and why?


 While this might be a different stretch for readers familiar with Frank Delaney's bard-like fictional creations, it is still a worthy read for both the average lover of fiction, horror stories, science fiction, vampire lit, etc. - and for those who create fiction of any kind. Everything, I repeat, everything, one realizes when one finishes Undead, is grist for the mill of great fiction! 


 Fascinating topic and treatment, Frank Delaney! 

Pigsong by Frank Delaney

Storytellers: Pigsong, A Short Story. Frank Delaney. Meier Publisher. E-Book. 32 Pages. 244 KB. March 2012. Sold at all major e-book retailers.


Frank Delaney continues his Storyteller short story series with this tale that contains all of the elements of great storytelling that the author describes: "surprise...magic...notable, place-holding phrases...digression..homespun wisdom...hint of morality...and the suspension of belief and disbelief at one and the same time." Yes, it's all here in this very brief short story and what a story it is!


Yes, "once upon a time..." there was a very greedy and hard-hearted couple who wanted to get rich but knew they couldn't do it alone.  So they devise a scheme to obtain (something like that, ahem) the necessary help and create a horrific world for far too many people.  So far, nothing we haven't met in other tales, right? But now is where the magic begins! 


A young boy set to the task of taking care of pigs learns to truly listen to the song that will free him and make him a new man capable of so much more than one's limited imagination alone can dream!  No, no more here - you simply must read this wonderful story, written in impeccable and eloquent language, to fully appreciate the gift within it which will let your own heart listen and soar to new heights!


Frank Delaney has done it again - what a gem - a must read written by a true Bard!

Storytellers - The Druid - A Short Story by Frank Delaney

Storytellers: The Druid: A Short Story. Frank Delaney. E-Book Edition. 339 KB. ASIN: B006M594JK.

Frank Delaney begins this story with a preface about the well-known Bards of Ireland, their various names, their powers, political connections, place in the community, and their wonderful story-telling abilities. Frank Delaney here continues the tradition in this series of short stories, the first being "The Druid"!

This is a truly magical story about a crazy Druid who also knew how to manipulate the people he served with his powers. It's such a short story and not to be ruined by telling too much about it. It contains the proverbial phrases and comments that helped expand a bard's story, but most of all it tells of how much the common Irish farmers trusted the Druid with their present and future, even down to the focus of this story, the possible wedding of a beautiful daughter to one known and one unknown suitor! Every utterance of advice was honored as if it came from the divine!

The Druid is an annoying but funny guy whose end will delight every reader! Frank Delaney is a true Bard sharing his love of fable, legend and stories in the 21st Century, and readers are privileged to enjoy every literate story and novel he writes. Lovely!

The Last Storyteller by Frank Delaney

The Last Storyteller. Frank Delaney. Random House. February 2012. 400 pages. ISBN #: 9781400067855.

Ben McCarthy has finally taken up the professional mantle of his mentors as a collector of folklore, and he is certainly at his best in this latest novel by Frank Delaney. Three stories are interwoven herein, Ben's collecting, recording, and sharing of numerous Irish tales that have an uncanny resonance in his own life, as well as being absolutely intriguing to readers of all ages. For what is a story but a re-imagining of the ups and downs of real life supported by the ideal, the fantastic, the imaginative, the mythological! This is the legacy inherited and celebrated from the great James Clare, a lovely, gifted storyteller surpassing all other tale tellers!

Ben, however, has never forgot the woman he loves who was kidnapped from him. Venetia has been married to an abusive shyster for so long that the spark is almost totally extinguished in her former vibrant actress self; however, if Ben can work up enough courage, encouraged by all of his significant friends, he can perhaps rescue her and form a new relationship with her and their two children. What is holding him back and could it be like if he acted as he knows from the first page, an act of honor, courage and beauty beyond any reality? 

While this is happening, the Irish Uprising of 1956 begins and Ben inadvertently is drawn into its violence and confusion. But there is a tale here as well, beneath and above the seedy and selfish side of these angry men who abhor being brutally held under England's rule. Although rebellions are put down ruthlessly, nothing stops these men and women from doing what they must to free their own land, one they love and will die for, if necessary. No, it's not about crime; it's about testing the passionate patriotism of every involved person, as well as those who carefully watch and wait for success!

To say more would spoil this lovely, engaging, action-packed, romantic (in more than one sense), and wise novel written in mesmerizing style. Frank Delaney is in top form here, and this reviewer believes this is his finest work yet - more sincere, more heart-felt, more magical, more intense, all in all, sheer delight worthy of the finest bards in history! Thank you and congratulations, Frank Delaney! The depth of your latest novel defies plain words - the Muse has filled these pages with your talent - a literate gem!