Oddities & Entities by Roland Allnach is composed of six engrossing, and sometimes grossing short stories. 
Each one is unique in its own way, and completely different from anything I have ever read before. Reading these twisted stories gave me an awesome escape that made me feel like I was on a ride through a fun house with no idea when it would be over or where I would end up. As a result of the uniqueness of the author’s ideas, he is in control of the journey because you will have no idea what is going to happen next in his creative imagination.
If you are looking for a romantic comedy, this is not the book for you. Although there are several relationships that are involved in most of these stories, they tend to be out of the norm. Way out of the norm as a matter of fact. For example, in Elmer Phelps, the main character has two relationships to deal with. One would be perfect, if it wasn’t complicated by Elmer’s secret dire need for consuming raw flesh. There is also a bit of an issue with how well he gets along with his sister who shares his dietary needs. I will stop there because I don’t want to spoil it.
As I read each story, I appreciated how well Roland Allnach was able to write such complete, detailed scenes in the space of a short story or a novella. He does a wonderful job of describing the scenes and helping you dive right into the characters’ minds. He will take you to some dark and twisted places, and you will enjoy having goose bumps on your arms. And when you are done with reading Oddities & Entities, you will be extremely relieved to find yourself back in your mundane world, as I was. Then, if you are like me, you will find yourself looking on the internet to find out what else Roland Allanach has written so that you can dive right back into that twisted darkness.
(Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views)
Article comments
1 - Roger White
This review has sold me. I have been looking for a engrossing and completely 'out there' read that isn't also a complete chore to read for some time now. Thanks!
2 - Roland Allnach
Thanks, Roger, for your interest - I hope my book lives up to your expectations!