Super SF Double Feature

Lost Horizons Travel Agency and Suckers

By: Kevin Candela

Narrated by: Gary Bennett

From Kevin Candela's sf/fantasy/horror collection A Year in the Borderlands comes a pair of science-fiction adventures.

In "Lost Horizons Travel Agency", greedy corporate executive Melvik Joay of the not-too-distant future schemes to alter the past to his advantage by jumping ship when his "historical recreation cruise" takes him back to Borneo in the "ancient" year 1959. In "Suckers", a modern day horror epic, a hurricane dredges escaped black ops nightmare creatures up from the depths to prey on those trapped in the storm, including hard luck second story man Shake Knightly, who may actually have to become a decent human being if he hopes to survive.

Styled like a classic drive-in double feature, this pair of tales strives to evoke that beloved era and its associated feelgood emotions while still thrilling and frightening those willing to take the rides. Both stories are family-style entertainment with little foul language and virtually no "adult situations" - in other words, sheer all-ages fun.

©2016, 2018 Kevin Candela (P)2018 Kevin Candela

Attention! H.P. Lovecraft fans!

Here's a new author for you to enjoy. Although the first story ended a bit too abruptly for my taste it's only because I wanted more of the story. The second half of the double feature was so we'll done that I could picture the creatures and settings perfectly. With a time so much like Lovecraft and imagery for for the screen you can't miss with this quick and satisfying listen/read.

Snuggle in for a night at the listen-in

This is a collection of 2 short sci-fi stories presented as if you're at a drive-in double feature. In fact, in between the tales, the author offers up an intermission where he explains this and properly sets the mood for the second. Personally, I think this intro (or at least a bit of it) in the beginning of the book would have been even better as it definitely helped set the tone, leaving you ready to snuggle in for part 2.

Lost Horizons Travel Agency takes place in the distant future and follows the last heir of a once-great family as he plots heading to the past to change his family's fortunes. It was wonderfully told (and read) and the ending not only caught me by surprise, but was very fitting as well. 5 stars.

Suckers follows an unlikely group of folks trapped down in Florida during a hurricane that dredges up thousands of powerful Octopus/Salamander hybrids from the ocean deeps. This was the "scary" of the two, and perhaps why the intermission was placed where it was. However, while it definitely had its tension and excitement, the ending left much to be desired. For me it was less about the "resolution" and more about the style/tone. It seemed to take a turn for the corny and undo much of the nervous tension that masterfully built up. I'd give it just under 4 stars taking the last scene into account, but a nice 4.5 for everything that came before it.

Clocking in under 2 hours, this is a short listen that, slight issues aside, I think is well worth your time. Gary Bennett does an excellent job narrating and keeping the tone.

I was provided this audio book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.

A great example of this genre

Lost Horizons Travel Agency and Suckers, 2 tales of sci - fi . Both are great. My favourite the first one. A good taster for Kevin Candela's work.
What you get is great classic sci-fi.
Highly recommend this works and will be looking for more by this author.
Narrator is excellent and keeps it a page turner.
I was given a free copy of this audiobook at my own request, and voluntarily leave this review.

Didn't quite deliver!

This particular volume contained two short stories; Lost Horizons Travel Agency and Suckers. The stories were fairly interesting and fun to listen to I guess, but both left me wanting for a much better ending. The build-up on the book flap was impressive, but didn’t quite deliver. In my opinion Suckers was the better of the two. This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.

Sci-fi double feature drive in style.

Great duo! Two stories that would be right at home on the big screen of any drive in theatre. These two tales of terror are reminiscent of the classic old Sci-fi movies. One is very lovecraftian in style while the other is a great twist on time travel. Without giving it away I just say it was truly a pleasant surprise with he twists it took. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher