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Deathrealm: Spirits: A Horror Anthology
Deathrealm: Spirits is a horror anthology, edited by Stephen Mark Rainey, featuring new stories from genre legends Joe R. Lansdale, Elizabeth Massie, Brian Keene, Eric LaRocca, and many others.
This is the first anthology of new Deathrealm stories since the original magazine ceased publication in 1997. Once called one of the most important horror lit magazines being published at the time by acclaimed editor, Ellen Datlow, Deathrealm presented a wide variety of dark fiction.
This collection specializes in ghostly stories that explore supernatural themes with a prevailing sense of personal dread.
This is the first anthology of new Deathrealm stories since the original magazine ceased publication in 1997. Once called one of the most important horror lit magazines being published at the time by acclaimed editor, Ellen Datlow, Deathrealm presented a wide variety of dark fiction.
This collection specializes in ghostly stories that explore supernatural themes with a prevailing sense of personal dread.
- GenresHorror
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2023
19 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Mark Rainey
82 books103 followersStephen Mark Rainey is the author of numerous novels, including BALAK, THE LEBO COVEN, DARK SHADOWS: DREAMS OF THE DARK (with Elizabeth Massie), BLUE DEVIL ISLAND, THE HOUSE AT BLACK TOOTH POND, and others, including several in Elizabeth Massie's Ameri-Scares Series for Young Readers. In addition, Mark's work includes six short story collections; over 200 published works of short fiction; and the scripts for several DARK SHADOWS audio productions, which feature members of the original ABC-TV series cast. For ten years, he edited the multi-award-winning DEATHREALM magazine and, most recently, the best-selling anthology, DEATHREALM: SPIRITS (Shortwave Publishing). He has also edited anthologies for Delirium Press, Chaosium, and Arkham House. Mark lives in Martinsville, VA, with his wife, Kimberly, and a passel of precocious house cats. He is a regular panelist on the weekly Lovecraft eZine Podcast and an active member of the Horror Writers Association.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 28, 2023
Editor Stephen Mark Rainey has resurrected his 1987-1997 horror magazine Deathrealm with new stories from original contributors as well as new blood. The result is both nostalgic and cutting edge. The highlights reveal an impressive range of storytelling possibilities within the weird / horror genre. Timothy G. Huguenin's "To Fear and to Rage" is a haunting and timely depiction of humanity's inhumanity. Maurice Broaddus's "The Running People" is just as dark but also something of a counterpoint. Megan Arcuri's "Fort Lonely" and Heather Daughrity's "A Shadow, Slowly Shifting" are slow-burn, dread-filled ghost stories that pack a punch. David Niall Wilson's "I Was Going to Tell You Tonight" goes for the gross out, with style. Errick Nunnally's "Driving James Cole" is a relatively straightforward urban legend story bolstered by compelling dialogue and characterizations. Richard Thomas's "Ripples in a Pond" is a brilliantly conceived haunted house story, brilliantly written. Two of my favorites are Briane Keene's confidently quirky "Bloody Roots" (featuring the author's recurring Amish exorcist character Levi Stoltzfus) and Bridgett Nelson's absolutely gut-wrenching "Dying River." This is a solid collection for the Halloween season. Viva Deathrealm!
December 28, 2023
An eclectic collection of horror goodies with something for everyone, I seen the list of contributing authors and knew I was in for a treat, some favourites were Bloody Roots by Briane Keene, Dying River by Bridgett Nelson, Ripples in a Pond by Richard Thomas and The Running People by Maurice Broaddus, I enjoyed everything in this anthology and thought it was very well put together, any horror fans would appreciate!
November 24, 2023
This is an anthology that has a little bit of something for every type of horror reader, and pages filled with voices old and new. Full disclosure, both my wife and I have stories in this, but I will not be mentioning those, I'll leave that for other readers.
Not every story hits home for me, but I have long believed that if there are three or more stories in an anthology that really stick with me, that is better than average. Several of those in this book will be with me a long time. I loved Maurice Broaduss's "The Running People," which is a glimpse into what could be a very real, near-future apocalyptic world. As a runner, I particularly enjoyed the descriptions for their accuracy and familiarity.
Eric LaRocca's "Even if Our Wounds Never Close" is a very dark, all-too-real glimpse into bigotry and rage, but at the same time has moments that are almost touching.
Bloody Roots by Brian Keene showcases a familiar character to fans of his work and a pretty interesting dive into Vietnamese folklore. Kasye Lansdale's story resonates with believable young characters and a horrible killing spree.
Maybe my favorite in the collection is Richard Thomas's "Ripples in the Pond." I'm a fan of experimental, more literary works of horror. This is beautifully written with some amazing imagery.
Top this off with the fact that the book is beautifully designed. If you were lucky enough to order direct from the publisher it comes in a specially designed box mirroring the artwork on the cover and some cool swag.
Overall a very solid anthology that should stand out in this year's crop.
Highly recommended.
Not every story hits home for me, but I have long believed that if there are three or more stories in an anthology that really stick with me, that is better than average. Several of those in this book will be with me a long time. I loved Maurice Broaduss's "The Running People," which is a glimpse into what could be a very real, near-future apocalyptic world. As a runner, I particularly enjoyed the descriptions for their accuracy and familiarity.
Eric LaRocca's "Even if Our Wounds Never Close" is a very dark, all-too-real glimpse into bigotry and rage, but at the same time has moments that are almost touching.
Bloody Roots by Brian Keene showcases a familiar character to fans of his work and a pretty interesting dive into Vietnamese folklore. Kasye Lansdale's story resonates with believable young characters and a horrible killing spree.
Maybe my favorite in the collection is Richard Thomas's "Ripples in the Pond." I'm a fan of experimental, more literary works of horror. This is beautifully written with some amazing imagery.
Top this off with the fact that the book is beautifully designed. If you were lucky enough to order direct from the publisher it comes in a specially designed box mirroring the artwork on the cover and some cool swag.
Overall a very solid anthology that should stand out in this year's crop.
Highly recommended.
October 15, 2023
Great collection of stories and perfect for this time of year.
December 13, 2023
When reading an anthology, there are always hits and there are always misses, as taste among readership varies. The trick is to have more hits than misses, and for me, this anthology is definitely in that category. There is something for everyone here; so whether you enjoy splatter, suspense, or paranormal, you can’t go wrong with Stephen Mark Rainey’s Deathrealm: Spirits. This would be a wonderful Christmas gift for any horror aficionados on your list.
Most of the authors within I have heard of and read before, but there were a few I hadn’t and I was pleasantly surprised. I will be looking into other work of theirs, which is the beauty of a well-put-together anthology—you run into old friends and you meet some new ones.
Here are my favorites:
“DYING RIVER” by Bridgett Nelson—a child contracts a deadly disease, and his mother is worried sick—but not for the reason you might suspect. Nice twist at the end.
“TO FEAR AND TO RAGE” by Timothy G. Huguenin—a horrific contagious disease hits a small town. I had to remind myself to breathe reading this one.
“A SHADOW SLOWLY SHIFTING” by Heather Daughrity—An abusive husband, a beaten-down wife, and a precursive shadow. Masterfully done.
“I WAS GOING TO TELL YOU TONIGHT” by David Niall Wilson—A fascinating story involving insects and human DNA. I’ve never read anything like this. It was a great idea that I wish I’d thought of.
Most of the authors within I have heard of and read before, but there were a few I hadn’t and I was pleasantly surprised. I will be looking into other work of theirs, which is the beauty of a well-put-together anthology—you run into old friends and you meet some new ones.
Here are my favorites:
“DYING RIVER” by Bridgett Nelson—a child contracts a deadly disease, and his mother is worried sick—but not for the reason you might suspect. Nice twist at the end.
“TO FEAR AND TO RAGE” by Timothy G. Huguenin—a horrific contagious disease hits a small town. I had to remind myself to breathe reading this one.
“A SHADOW SLOWLY SHIFTING” by Heather Daughrity—An abusive husband, a beaten-down wife, and a precursive shadow. Masterfully done.
“I WAS GOING TO TELL YOU TONIGHT” by David Niall Wilson—A fascinating story involving insects and human DNA. I’ve never read anything like this. It was a great idea that I wish I’d thought of.
April 12, 2024
As a fan of the original magazine, I was excited to read this. It did not disappoint. Stephen Mark Rainey and the authors in this book fed my nostalgia--and it was a great meal. Thank you.
July 17, 2024
This anthology won me over by the end. The Ronald Kelly story was a treat, really well told.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews