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Twisted Realities: Of Myth and Monstrosity
Myth or reality…Explore the twelve tales of horror and intrigue in Twisted Of Myth and Monstrosity and ask yourself, what would you consider a fair price to pay for life immortal... or the chance of life at all?Would a young woman pass up a shiny bauble if she believed it to be nothing more than a harmless trinket? What transpires once a year in a peaceful and remote village that no one will ever speak of? What better way for a broken man to honor a crippled existence than with a memorial of blood and vengeance? How could a disfigured woman ever dream of chancing across an object that would restore her beauty - and at what cost?Follow the twists and turns of each writer as they delve into the legends of days gone by, as well as the consequences that are wrought when myths and monstrosities collide with our world.
- GenresHorror
254 pages, Paperback
First published May 21, 2012
79 people want to read
About the author
Kate Monroe
46 books7 followersKate Monroe is a red-headed author and editor who lives near the sea in a quiet corner of southern England. She has penchants for chocolate, horror, sex and old movies, and there are very few things that she wouldn't do for a large glass of red wine.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 31, 2012
Twisted Realities: of Myth and Monstrosity examines the burden of immortality, not just for humans unlucky enough to chance upon it, but also for monsters and Gods. Whether we're visiting the psychiatrist with a murderous Sphinx, illegally digging behind the ruins of Delphi, or bringing about parthenogenesis, each story is a reinterpretation of an old legend. The results are delightfully surprising and make old stories feel fresh. As with any anthology, there are different voices and styles throughout Twisted Realities: Of Myth and Monstrosity, but editor Kate Monroe did an admirable job of arranging stories so that you can't guess what sort of tale will come next. Will it be the night of the Winter Solstice, and will we be waiting for something to come round to gather a bloody tithe? Drowning with a mermaid who is not what she seems? Making the mistake of falling into a banshee's trap? Rampaging with Hades? Or will we simply be upset that our dog is gone, only to end up loosing our husband to the Queen of the Faerie? The variety is astounding, and there is a story here to satisfy even the most discerning fiction lover's palette. I plan to give Twisted Realities: Of Myth and Monstrosity a permanent place in the guest bedroom to delight visitors during those long, sleep-lagged nights when the sun seems like it will never rise.
And if you're wondering, my favorite story in this collection was "It Lives in Us," by Thomas James Brown.
And if you're wondering, my favorite story in this collection was "It Lives in Us," by Thomas James Brown.
May 13, 2015
A collection of 12 brilliant short stories bought to you by Sirens Call Publications, that takes a fresh look at some infamous and dark myths and legends, and asks if they're myths or reality...
But these are not the gentrified and harmless tales you could entertain children with. Delve inside and you will discover that things are not as they seem, old gods still walk amongst us and their powers prevail, riddles still need answering, and we can't escape our past.
It Lives In Us ~ Thomas James Brown
In the picturesque village of Lynnewood in the New Forest, there's a terrible dark secret that hangs over this otherwise peaceful village. What are these things and where do they come from? What can be done to escape them?
This deliciously dark story takes place in the present day but has the charm and feel of a tale set hundreds of years ago. It evokes old celtic deities and demons intertwined with past and future and switches easily between serene village life and a macabre past adding to a tense and foreboding atmosphere.
www.tbrownonline.com
Re-emergence ~ Nina D'Arcangela
There's danger afoot and Michael will do anything to save his father. Re-emergence explores the duality of the feminine aspect represented by the sea and its eldritch creatures.
It dispels the myth that us girls aren't as delicate or benign as we look. For only women have the power to give life as well as destruction which is represented by the female element of water.
Re-emergences asks what sacrifices would you be prepared to make for love. What would you do for your own kin, how far would you go for survival?
http://sotetangyal.wordpress.com
Mosaic ~ Jonathan Templar
An archaeology student is with her boss on an excavating mission, but she uncovers much more than an old ancient mosaic. Unearthed primal forces act to awaken old lusts that have been supressed for centuries. Similar to the imposed Roman way of life clashing with the traditional Celtic way of life in Britain Andrea finds her way of life clashing with those around her, and finds herself with a heavy choice; instinct or intellect?
www.jonathantemplar.com
Riddle Me Real ~ Lisamarie Lamb
What happens to mythical creatures when their purpose has expired? How do they live out their immortal days? Are they looking for love and companionship like us, or are they something worse? Don't want to say too much in case I give too much away.
www.themoonlitdoor.blogspot.com
Voices ~ Kate Monroe
If you ever thought it would be amazing if the old deities and myths could live amongst us, think again. They're as monstrous as they are fantastic, they're not as nice and cuddly as dear old Santa Claus!
Maybe they do still live amongst us? How can we know if they're just a figment of our imagination? Voices by Kate Monroe expertly blends the modern with the past to create a great tale.
http://fromkatesquill.blogspot.com
Memorial ~ Joseph A.Pinto
A dark tale of two brothers, one ruled by passion, the other by greed, but both are in love with the same woman who is unattainable for the both of them. But what would you do to keep the woman you love?
www.josephpinto.wordpress.com
The Silver Comb ~ J.Marie Ravenshaw
A unique tale that draws from Ireland's rich source of folklore and legends. Aisling Grey thinks she's in store for a peaceful relaxing weekend with her best friends, but she's very wrong. This is a great tale of unbound ancestral spirits coming back, half forgotten superstitions that should never have been lost.
http://jmarieravenshaw.wordpress.com
Keine Solche Sache ~ Edward Lorn
A highly original tale concerning the idea of parthenogenesis, the ability to reproduce asexually. It's true that most of us only use 10% of our brain at one time but what if we could be engineered to achieve our full potential and unlock all the secrets hidden in the human genome?
Could this be used for the greater good? Or is man eternally corrupted? Edward Lorn's dark and mysterious tale poses the question of what makes us human? Are we nothing more than a sum of body parts? Are our thoughts and actions controlled by our DNA or our souls?
http://edwardlorn.wordpress.com
Hades and the Hydra ~ Amber Keller
There is a dark prophecy hanging over the world? Does it spell the end?What if there is such a thing as the Underworld? Do we share our world with malevolent forces far more powerful and destructive than us? Are humans little more than toys between powerful gods.
http://adiaryofawriter.blogspot.com
A Fair Price ~ Alexa Muir
A couple embark on an idyllic relaxing holiday in the south of France, but it is anything but serene. Matt and Hannah seem to have the perfect life, but appearances aren't everything. And as the title suggests, what price would you be willing to pay to have all your dreams come true?
http://awannabewriters.blogspot.com
Drakul ~ K.Trap Jones
Be careful what you do as it could come back to haunt you, a tale of cold enduring revenge. Time is said to be a great healer, but what if the pain and suffering from crimes committed against you are too cruel to ever heal. What happens when you simply can't forgive and forget?
http://www.ktrapjones.com
The Plight of Phayden Ponsford ~ Julianne Snow
This is a great little tale that shares some similarities with the ancient fairy tale - The Ugly Duckling - but with a very dark take! Phaylen Posford was tragically injured and wants only to be accepted into society, but it seems her life is cursed.
Is there a way to break this curse? Or must she suffer for ever?
http://dayswiththeundead.com
http://theflipsideofjulianne.wordpres...
http://www.sjbudd.co.uk/
But these are not the gentrified and harmless tales you could entertain children with. Delve inside and you will discover that things are not as they seem, old gods still walk amongst us and their powers prevail, riddles still need answering, and we can't escape our past.
It Lives In Us ~ Thomas James Brown
In the picturesque village of Lynnewood in the New Forest, there's a terrible dark secret that hangs over this otherwise peaceful village. What are these things and where do they come from? What can be done to escape them?
This deliciously dark story takes place in the present day but has the charm and feel of a tale set hundreds of years ago. It evokes old celtic deities and demons intertwined with past and future and switches easily between serene village life and a macabre past adding to a tense and foreboding atmosphere.
www.tbrownonline.com
Re-emergence ~ Nina D'Arcangela
There's danger afoot and Michael will do anything to save his father. Re-emergence explores the duality of the feminine aspect represented by the sea and its eldritch creatures.
It dispels the myth that us girls aren't as delicate or benign as we look. For only women have the power to give life as well as destruction which is represented by the female element of water.
Re-emergences asks what sacrifices would you be prepared to make for love. What would you do for your own kin, how far would you go for survival?
http://sotetangyal.wordpress.com
Mosaic ~ Jonathan Templar
An archaeology student is with her boss on an excavating mission, but she uncovers much more than an old ancient mosaic. Unearthed primal forces act to awaken old lusts that have been supressed for centuries. Similar to the imposed Roman way of life clashing with the traditional Celtic way of life in Britain Andrea finds her way of life clashing with those around her, and finds herself with a heavy choice; instinct or intellect?
www.jonathantemplar.com
Riddle Me Real ~ Lisamarie Lamb
What happens to mythical creatures when their purpose has expired? How do they live out their immortal days? Are they looking for love and companionship like us, or are they something worse? Don't want to say too much in case I give too much away.
www.themoonlitdoor.blogspot.com
Voices ~ Kate Monroe
If you ever thought it would be amazing if the old deities and myths could live amongst us, think again. They're as monstrous as they are fantastic, they're not as nice and cuddly as dear old Santa Claus!
Maybe they do still live amongst us? How can we know if they're just a figment of our imagination? Voices by Kate Monroe expertly blends the modern with the past to create a great tale.
http://fromkatesquill.blogspot.com
Memorial ~ Joseph A.Pinto
A dark tale of two brothers, one ruled by passion, the other by greed, but both are in love with the same woman who is unattainable for the both of them. But what would you do to keep the woman you love?
www.josephpinto.wordpress.com
The Silver Comb ~ J.Marie Ravenshaw
A unique tale that draws from Ireland's rich source of folklore and legends. Aisling Grey thinks she's in store for a peaceful relaxing weekend with her best friends, but she's very wrong. This is a great tale of unbound ancestral spirits coming back, half forgotten superstitions that should never have been lost.
http://jmarieravenshaw.wordpress.com
Keine Solche Sache ~ Edward Lorn
A highly original tale concerning the idea of parthenogenesis, the ability to reproduce asexually. It's true that most of us only use 10% of our brain at one time but what if we could be engineered to achieve our full potential and unlock all the secrets hidden in the human genome?
Could this be used for the greater good? Or is man eternally corrupted? Edward Lorn's dark and mysterious tale poses the question of what makes us human? Are we nothing more than a sum of body parts? Are our thoughts and actions controlled by our DNA or our souls?
http://edwardlorn.wordpress.com
Hades and the Hydra ~ Amber Keller
There is a dark prophecy hanging over the world? Does it spell the end?What if there is such a thing as the Underworld? Do we share our world with malevolent forces far more powerful and destructive than us? Are humans little more than toys between powerful gods.
http://adiaryofawriter.blogspot.com
A Fair Price ~ Alexa Muir
A couple embark on an idyllic relaxing holiday in the south of France, but it is anything but serene. Matt and Hannah seem to have the perfect life, but appearances aren't everything. And as the title suggests, what price would you be willing to pay to have all your dreams come true?
http://awannabewriters.blogspot.com
Drakul ~ K.Trap Jones
Be careful what you do as it could come back to haunt you, a tale of cold enduring revenge. Time is said to be a great healer, but what if the pain and suffering from crimes committed against you are too cruel to ever heal. What happens when you simply can't forgive and forget?
http://www.ktrapjones.com
The Plight of Phayden Ponsford ~ Julianne Snow
This is a great little tale that shares some similarities with the ancient fairy tale - The Ugly Duckling - but with a very dark take! Phaylen Posford was tragically injured and wants only to be accepted into society, but it seems her life is cursed.
Is there a way to break this curse? Or must she suffer for ever?
http://dayswiththeundead.com
http://theflipsideofjulianne.wordpres...
http://www.sjbudd.co.uk/
Want to read
December 10, 2020On my TO READ as a horror anthology
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews