Taking queues from the serials of old, Black uses the concept of serialized fiction to introduce readers to his work in his first novel, No Vacancies.
In Book 1, Black offers four different stories. One More Sunday follows Detective Sam Arkwright as he attempts to put together the missing pieces of a murder; the victim being one of the city’s renowned super heroes, The Protector. Black offers a taste of horror with his tales, Outcast and Devotion. Set in Black’s fictional city Hudson, NY, a serial killer is leaving behind mutilated bodies and the police are baffled. A mysterious man, named Nathaniel has followed the trail to Hudson, but is he there to help or is he simply an Outcast? In Devotion, Dr. Alastair Cromwell struggles to resurrect his late wife, Annette. Will he succeed and at what cost?
In part 1 of High Stakes, we are introduced to a louse of man named Jack Ander. Abused by his father; branded a coward. Is he destined to be a hero?
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By Ann Keller
Oct 11, 2009
"A Real Page Turner" No Vacancies, Volume 1, is a collection of engaging short stories and poems by talented author and poet, Lucien Black. In “One More Sunday”, Detective Arkwright stumbles upon the journals of Gary Tenet, an ordinary beat cop who led a secret life as a superhero, the Protector. Arkwright’s pursuit of the man behind the goggles leads to several sad and stunning revelations, finally inspiring the detective to pick up where Tenet left off. “High Stakes” and “New World” are the stories of Jack Ander, an unlikely looking hero, who survives a harrowing plane ride to save a group of genetically gifted children. In the end, Jack stands little chance of living through the Protectorate’s assault, yet he is willing to give his life to save others - something many of us will understand. The riveting tale of “Outcast” is the story of vampires and werewolves dwelling in modern day Hudson. The horrendous headlines of “animal attacks” proceed from town to town as the... More > mysterious Stephen Taxton searches for his precious keepsake. Detective Jackie Thompson and the stranger, Nathaniel, join forces to combat these superhuman creatures, werewolves bent on destroying everyone and everything which crosses their paths. I cannot wait for the continuing saga in No Vacancies, Volume 2. What an exciting short story this is! The final story, “Devotion”, links the first tale with the last in this collection in a chilling crescendo. Doc Cromwell apparently will do almost anything to ensure the survival of the wife he managed to resurrect from the dead. No Vacancies, Volume 1 is a real page turner. Mr. Black’s descriptions are vivid and horrific, sensitive and thrilling. This is a very visual and expressive writer and I was perched on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Lead on, Mr. Black. I’m ready for the next adventure.< Less
"Edge of your seat thrillers" Lucien Blacks collection of short stories is entertaining to say the least. His story lines are fascinating and intense. He guides you down a path of visual adventure which I couldn't help but access my creative mind, drawing my own interpretation of the characters and the conflicts they faced from chapter to chapter. These stories were originally penned for the comic book genre which actually helped a typical non-fiction reader like myself stay glued to it's pages. Great stories...Great book...Waiting for more...
