If you follow the posts on this site, you know how much I love Greg Sisco. Who’s Greg Sisco? The most genius writer/cinematographer/actor/stand up comedian I’ve seen in a long time. You don’t know him?
O.M.G.
First, let me paste his profile and bio here (from Goodreads).
There are two personality traits I can recall possessing for just about as far back as my memory will serve. The first is a love of writing and the second is a malicious sense of humor.
Since childhood, I have been the person who roots for the bad guy in movies and laughs when Bambi’s mom gets shot. I take interest in the flaws of a character far more than the heroic characteristics, which have a tendency bore me. I find humor in places I’m told I really shouldn’t.
I started writing short stories and screenplays shortly after I learned to construct a sentence and haven’t stopped since. As a high school student I wrote and shot home movies in my spare time while performing stand up comedy weekly at a talent show. I also wrote short stories with titles like Teacher Slayers (for which I am still astounded that I was not expelled).
My writing is typically bleak and violent with a fun, satirical edge that should tickle the funny-bones of anyone who is as sick as I am.
Okay. If his bio didn’t make you jump off your seat, I’m adding more.
Sisco wrote two excellent books I devoured, and I’d read again because they’re that good. Truth. Sisco didn’t give me a dime for this review. I am such a fan of his work, I did it all by myself and without duress.
First is Thicker than Water.
Vampire stories are like zombie stories. They have been rehashed one way or another, recreated, done and redone to the point of causing nausea every time I even heard the word “vampire”. I expected nothing from this novel but something gripped my interest and didn’t let go. I had the opportunity to glance at the first few sentences of Chapter 1 on Greg Sisco’s website. And I loved what I saw. I immediately ordered the book on my Kindle, eager to read more of it.
Sisco’s impeccable prose transports the reader into a horrific yet inviting world. He narrates the tale of Loki, Thor and Tyr, three vampires, three blood brothers, who share everything, from hunting, robbing and killing their victims to fighting each other mercilessly. They know no fear, no sorrow, and no compassion for the human kind. They only want to feed and enjoy their eternal condition the best they can. And enjoy it they do. Yet, Tyr meets this girl, Eva, and falls for her because she’s stronger than any other human he met before. He saves her from a certain death, and promises himself to find her again. He also cuts all ties with Loki and Thor after Loki expresses his huge discontentment at Tyr’s decision to spare the six-year-old girl’s life.
Vampires aren’t supposed to fall for humans. Vampires aren’t supposed to break the code. Turning Eva into a vampire is out of the question. Tyr knows the danger of loving Eva. While he struggles to find his path, far from Loki and Thor who live solely to cause havoc on earth, he tries to understand what binds him to this girl who thirteen years later is now dying of cancer. Eva means nothing and she means everything. She’s the end and the beginning of a new life for Tyr. After reuniting with Thor and Loki in Las Vegas, he has to finally decide what to do with her before resuming his chaotic existence among his bloodthirsty brothers.
Sisco’s created a world full of wit, twisted humor and captivating imagery. He left me hungry for more and convinced me vampire tales aren’t so old fashioned after all.
A great read to recommend to any horror fan.
Second is One Night Stan’s (free at the moment).
I’ve been a follower of Greg Sisco’s work for a lil while now. I knew right away when I clicked on his website url I’d find something interesting, but when I actually started reading his work, I realized he was a true gem. I’m not someone who gives compliments for the sake of being nice. I hate being nice actually. It’s way too much work. But hey, this guy deserves recognition because he’s gifted. He’s funny, smart and crazy. His stories belong to another world, a malicious, witty, hilarious and addictive world. His words are better than alcohol, drugs and great sex combined. I loved Thicker than Water, and I loved One Night Stan’s.
What would you do if you got a hold of $250,000 by accident after spending all your paycheck money at a cheap strip joint because you’re too lame to get yourself a real girlfriend? I’m not a guy, but I imagine I’d keep it. If it no one claims it’s their dough, why bother looking for a legitimate owner – possibly mobster or serial killer – fate decided of my future and I’ll end up on a sunny beach sipping a cool fresh fruit margarita with my toes in the whitest sand you’ve ever found… Does it sound too good to be true? After too many drinks, no, it doesn’t.
One Night Stan’s takes you on a ride, and what a ride. It’s bloody, it’s gruesome, it’s gross, and mostly, it’s funny. Greg Sisco achieved once again a story meant to be read and re-read. I’d love to see the One Night Stan’s movie. I’m pretty convinced it’d become a cult-classic.
So what are you waiting for? Move your a** and buy this book.
Alright. Are you sold yet??
Okay. I’m pulling one last trick from my sleeve. I wrote earlier Sisco also made movies. I watched his most recent and appraised flick, called Jesse Thunderwake: American Icon.
Sisco tells us the tale of Jesse, an aspiring writer/director/actor/singer who dreams of becoming a star. But when he decides to undertake the filming of his project Death By Love, nothing goes as planned. Jesse has to deal with a difficult cast, an impossible director, a crazy producer, and a life of his own that quickly turns to hell as his dreams shatter day by day until the unimaginable happens, and he finally meets fame.
Sisco’s wit is once again on point, and his attention to detail makes you want to watch the movie over and over again. Jesse has become my American icon.
Thanks Mr. Greg Sisco. Your genius made me fall in love with your art once again.
Now go check him out here: http://www.GregSisco.com, and hurry before it’s too late.
Watch the trailer here:
The Manicheans 