Thomas, Jeffrey and Carlton Mellick III. Ugly Heaven, Beautiful Hell. Corrosion Press, 2007. 276 pp. $16.95. ISBN 1929653867.

Delirium Books has long been known as a publisher of the highest quality horror. As of late, they have branched out to include authors and stories that, while not necessarily horror, are still dark and will appeal to their rabid fan base. The latest in these experimental releases is Ugly Heaven, Beautiful Hell, a dual novella collection by Carlton Mellick III and Jeffrey Thomas.

Mellick leads off the book with his novella "Ugly Heaven," a thought-provoking, wandering tour of a twisted paradise. When two people wake up in heaven with extremely altered bodies (in color, shape, and organ make-up) and no memory of their previous lives, they set out to explore the strange new land. Their journey takes them from the very boundaries of reality to their darkest inner desires.

"Ugly Heaven" is yet another effective entry in Mellick's cannon. He creates a surreal vision of the afterlife far removed from the standard depictions of clouds and harps. Forsaking the predicable themes of good and evil, this vision of heaven is totally amoral and more concerned with order than ideas of "good" or "justice." The reader is pulled along with the characters' journey and given much to think about as Mellick uses the strange landscape to address ideas of order and ownership within personal relationships.

The pit is addressed next in Jeffrey Thomas' "Beautiful Hell." Frank Lyre, one of the damned, has managed to find some happiness through the love of Oni, one of his demon tormentors. His afterlife becomes complicated when his wife visits from heaven as part of the entourage for God itself. The almighty is concerned with reports of demons. The damned are forming relationships and have come there to oversee the introduction of a new type of demon, one that stands no chance of caring for its human victims.

The tale is a thrilling grand-guignol filled with gore and political intrigue. At its heart, however, is a love story. The dynamics of Frank and Oni and their forbidden love are gripping and moving. In addition, Frank now has to deal with a woman he once loved but now finds very different. Thomas has used Hell to tell a bittersweet tale that is as touching as it is blood-drenched.

Both authors craft powerful and original stories in Ugly Heaven, Beautiful Hell. While Heaven and Hell have long been favorite locations for genre writers, both locations are presented here in profound and unique contexts. Let Carlton Mellick III and Jeffrey Thomas be your Virgil for this journey through the afterlife. It will not be what you expect, but you could not ask for better guides.

— Jeff Burk