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Blood from the Air
Angels and insects, holes in the known world's fabric and what comes out of them, the love of death and the death of love. In award-winning horror author Gemma Files's seventh collection of short fiction, the numinous and the awful tango together through a collapsing series of not-so-alternate realities, and everyone they touch emerges changed, whether or not they may have wanted to be. This is fantasy of the darkest sort, horror-cured, marinating in its own transformative juices. So enter a fractured universe of creepy delights, one where the oldest tropes are turned inside out and wrung for their oddest components, as forgotten gods and monsters cavort beneath a storm of BLOOD FROM THE AIR.
Formerly a film critic, journalist, screenwriter and teacher, Gemma Files has been an award-winning horror author since 1999. She has published five collections of short work, three collections of speculative poetry, a Weird Western trilogy, a story-cycle and a stand-alone novel ( Experimental Film , which won the 2015 Shirley Jackson Award for Best Novel and the 2016 Sunburst Award for Best Adult Novel). Her collection In That Endlessness, Our End won both the Bram Stoker Award and the This Is Horror Award in that category for 2021.
Formerly a film critic, journalist, screenwriter and teacher, Gemma Files has been an award-winning horror author since 1999. She has published five collections of short work, three collections of speculative poetry, a Weird Western trilogy, a story-cycle and a stand-alone novel ( Experimental Film , which won the 2015 Shirley Jackson Award for Best Novel and the 2016 Sunburst Award for Best Adult Novel). Her collection In That Endlessness, Our End won both the Bram Stoker Award and the This Is Horror Award in that category for 2021.
372 pages, Paperback
First published October 18, 2023
7 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Gemma Files
183 books727 followersPreviously best-known as a film critic for Toronto's eye Weekly, teacher and screenwriter, Gemma Files first broke onto the international horror scene when her story "The Emperor's Old Bones" won the 1999 International Horror Guild award for Best Short Fiction. She is the author of two collections of short work (Kissing Carrion and The Worm in Every Heart) and two chapbooks of poetry (Bent Under Night and Dust Radio). Her Hexslinger Series trilogy is now complete: A Book of Tongues, A Rope of Thorns and A Tree of Bones, all available from ChiZine Publications.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 24, 2023
BLOOD FROM THE AIR is an exquisite, ethereal, read-I don't know how else to put it. It's simply wonderful!
With collections I will usually post a brief synopsis of the stories that worked best for me. I'm not going to do that this time, because nearly all the tales worked for me and that says something by itself.
The language and prose used here are impressive and I will admit to having to look up a few definitions while reading. There is a common thread throughout most of these stories and that thread is a character. A woman. An angel? Something else? Whatever she/it was, she was condemned to a lifetime of suffering and causing suffering. I became invested in attempting to figure her/it out. In the story HAIRWORK, she/it gains their freedom and that scared me even more, because now there were no limits on this creature.
The whole idea of a being with this kind of power fascinated me. I found myself turning some of these stories over in my mind, again and again. Stories with real Medusas, stories of body horror, stories of wild, wanton insects, tales of slavery and haunted art work. What fan of horror doesn't like stories like these? What is Gemma trying to get across in this collection? I'm still not sure I know, but I do know that I liked it!
Featuring dense prose and a style that can change like the direction of the wind, this collection still has me thinking, over a week after finishing reading. I'm sure I'll be re-reading this in the future, because I know there were angles, (angels?) that I didn't get. For now, I'm going to keep turning these tales over in my mind, and I love when that happens.
Highly recommended! 4.5/5*
*Thanks to Grimscribe Press for the free ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
With collections I will usually post a brief synopsis of the stories that worked best for me. I'm not going to do that this time, because nearly all the tales worked for me and that says something by itself.
The language and prose used here are impressive and I will admit to having to look up a few definitions while reading. There is a common thread throughout most of these stories and that thread is a character. A woman. An angel? Something else? Whatever she/it was, she was condemned to a lifetime of suffering and causing suffering. I became invested in attempting to figure her/it out. In the story HAIRWORK, she/it gains their freedom and that scared me even more, because now there were no limits on this creature.
The whole idea of a being with this kind of power fascinated me. I found myself turning some of these stories over in my mind, again and again. Stories with real Medusas, stories of body horror, stories of wild, wanton insects, tales of slavery and haunted art work. What fan of horror doesn't like stories like these? What is Gemma trying to get across in this collection? I'm still not sure I know, but I do know that I liked it!
Featuring dense prose and a style that can change like the direction of the wind, this collection still has me thinking, over a week after finishing reading. I'm sure I'll be re-reading this in the future, because I know there were angles, (angels?) that I didn't get. For now, I'm going to keep turning these tales over in my mind, and I love when that happens.
Highly recommended! 4.5/5*
*Thanks to Grimscribe Press for the free ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
August 21, 2024
It’s always a delight to dig into any work by Gemma Files: she has delightfully twisted and dark ideas that avoid clichés and provide the most wonderful shivers of terror! I loved this collection even before I opened the book, just by the look of the cover art. It reminded me of the Aleister Crowley Thoth Tarot paintings, surreal and filled with strange symbolic meaning my brain can’t ever fully process. These short stories hit the mark with me on many levels: the GTA (that’s Greater Toronto Area for non-Canadians) setting is quite familiar, obviously, but a lot of her stories talk about archaeology, which is one of my great passions, there is plenty of weird occultism going on, and strange creatures unlike any I have read about before. Also, I am total sucker for eerie, atmospheric stories – and when it comes to that, she always delivers.
I wouldn’t know how to pick a favorite from this book. First off, it is quite dense: each story is rich with images and ideas that push the boundaries of the real world, there is a lot of creepy folklore that date from back when the world was savage and dark, and while there is often a decent amount of body horror, nothing in here is gratuitously gory. I’ve seen her writing describe as ‘fever dream-like’ and if you have read “Experimental Film”, you know that it’s true, but that she can nevertheless anchor her readers as she blends their brains. I would also call her stories more unsettling than typical horror, which is what I like about them so much, the vague sense of wrongness her characters wrestle with is so much more interesting to me than jump-scares. While her characters are often women, she tends to stay far away from stereotypes, and all her narrators are very distinct from each other – and quite diverse – so the perspectives and backgrounds always take me by surprise at the beginning of every tale.
The only gripe I had with this book is that one story contains some lines of dialogue in French, and it was clearly not checked by anyone who speaks even a tiny bit of French, and that really annoyed me because those lines are not hard or complicated. In fact, I checked and even Google translate got them right, so I have no idea what happened in the editing process that resulted in those lines not being proof-read adequately, but it was disappointing. I just think that if you are going to include lines in another language in a story to give it a context vibe, the least you can do is make sure you are using said language properly.
If you like weird fiction and literary horror, Ms. Files deserves a serious spot on your radar and bookshelves. Not every story in this collection is perfect, but everyone will leave a wonderful, creepy impression.
I wouldn’t know how to pick a favorite from this book. First off, it is quite dense: each story is rich with images and ideas that push the boundaries of the real world, there is a lot of creepy folklore that date from back when the world was savage and dark, and while there is often a decent amount of body horror, nothing in here is gratuitously gory. I’ve seen her writing describe as ‘fever dream-like’ and if you have read “Experimental Film”, you know that it’s true, but that she can nevertheless anchor her readers as she blends their brains. I would also call her stories more unsettling than typical horror, which is what I like about them so much, the vague sense of wrongness her characters wrestle with is so much more interesting to me than jump-scares. While her characters are often women, she tends to stay far away from stereotypes, and all her narrators are very distinct from each other – and quite diverse – so the perspectives and backgrounds always take me by surprise at the beginning of every tale.
The only gripe I had with this book is that one story contains some lines of dialogue in French, and it was clearly not checked by anyone who speaks even a tiny bit of French, and that really annoyed me because those lines are not hard or complicated. In fact, I checked and even Google translate got them right, so I have no idea what happened in the editing process that resulted in those lines not being proof-read adequately, but it was disappointing. I just think that if you are going to include lines in another language in a story to give it a context vibe, the least you can do is make sure you are using said language properly.
If you like weird fiction and literary horror, Ms. Files deserves a serious spot on your radar and bookshelves. Not every story in this collection is perfect, but everyone will leave a wonderful, creepy impression.
October 2, 2023
This is a Gemma Files work, so you'll get only good things from me! Her 'Blood from the Air' is a fascinating read, full of atmosphere and mystery, written elegantly and vividly. Paranormal phenomena are given a rather personal and dense treatment, though never uninteresting or boring. There are unusual stylistic choices aplenty, a thematic diversity ranging from history and myth, folklore and superstitions, to the grotesque and the visceral. Trying to summarize the stories is virtually impossible: they are far better appreciated if directly experienced, as short (some not so short) experiments or snapshots of language under the aspect of body horror, cosmic weirdness or even dark poetry. 400 pages of ambitious writing, savage imagery, and obscure destiny. A joy to read as always!
March 13, 2024
Just one banger after another. Files presents a range of styles, settings, and time periods but the constants are quality and darkness.
August 31, 2023
This is a dense collection of ethereal stories, that somehow manage to weigh on you while refusing to admit to form or shape. I found myself entranced by every story, and know some of them will stay with me, yet. Longer than many short stories but not quite novellas, it was a pleasure to take time with each of these stories, which are diverse yet circle around some repeated ideas. What I found in these stories was a fascination with history, both personal and mythical, and more important the way those two easily and messily collapse on one another in search of identity and meaning. There is a strong understanding of the body, of how it exists in a lineage or tradition beyond the boundaries of its skin, and how that is explored and exploited by spirituality and the occult, by folklore and superstition, by those less concerned with temporality or mortality. The language is almost always lush and mystic, a real joy to fall into. The imagery can be grotesque but also gentle, visceral but crafted not to shock and awe but reveal. Across the board Files was able to weave humanity and relatable characters, with depth and interest, into these short stories. Writing styles were fluid across the stories, some more experimental than others, but they all felt confident, and most importantly every story did what a good short horror story is meant to do. They hook you in, invest you in the characters, and then pull the rug out from under you, leaving wanting just a little bit more but still feeling satisfied. It wouldn’t be right to classify these stories into the genre of eldritch horror, but they have that feeling, of stakes far more dreadful and expansive than what mere language can capture, and they really settle deep into your bones as you found yourself lost in the mazes they weave.
These stories take a little bit of time, if you just want something that you can chow down in a few minutes and then forget about this collection might not be what you’re looking for. That said, I devoured this collection in a few days… and a big part of me thinks that isn’t the best way to consume it. Instead, taking it slower, letting each story linger longer, would have been more apropos, and I look forward to savoring many of them again. Across the almost 400 pages are a good number of diverse characters and viewpoints, though nothing ever feels forced or exploitative, and I really enjoyed the breadth of non-intrusive inclusivity. These stories are dark, and sometimes mean, but always told with a poetic ambition that respects its characters, even when bad things have to happen to them. If you like your horror dark, mysterious, and lush, with heavy doses of spiritual horror but flavored with body and psychological horror throughout, then this collection definitely deserves your attention.
I want to thank the author, the publishers Grimscribe Press and BooksGoSocial, and NetGalley, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
These stories take a little bit of time, if you just want something that you can chow down in a few minutes and then forget about this collection might not be what you’re looking for. That said, I devoured this collection in a few days… and a big part of me thinks that isn’t the best way to consume it. Instead, taking it slower, letting each story linger longer, would have been more apropos, and I look forward to savoring many of them again. Across the almost 400 pages are a good number of diverse characters and viewpoints, though nothing ever feels forced or exploitative, and I really enjoyed the breadth of non-intrusive inclusivity. These stories are dark, and sometimes mean, but always told with a poetic ambition that respects its characters, even when bad things have to happen to them. If you like your horror dark, mysterious, and lush, with heavy doses of spiritual horror but flavored with body and psychological horror throughout, then this collection definitely deserves your attention.
I want to thank the author, the publishers Grimscribe Press and BooksGoSocial, and NetGalley, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 11, 2023
Another stunning collection from the brilliant Gemma Files. If you love weird horror, this one is a must.
October 10, 2023
Little Ease – 4 Stars – I really enjoyed the first one. The descriptions of the people and the area where the story takes place were spooky enough to hook me. I’ll give you about $24.37 for a full-length novel based on this short story.
The Harrow – 3 Stars – This one was good, but I felt like I just needed a little more. Of what? I don’t know exactly but a little more of something.
Every Angel – 4 Stars – Took me a minute to get into the story, but once it got extra weird, I was in. Poor, old Bob.
Fin de Siecle – 4 Stars – Sensing a theme here with all the angels. This one was the right amount of creepy with some cool art content thrown in, and I would watch this movie once it hit Netflix.
Grave Goods – 5 Stars – Excellent excellent. I love some indigenous mythology stories. I was in for the archaeology content, but the story and the suspense kept me interested. I would give my left arm for a full novel.
Twilight State – 4 Stars – I had to read this twice to really understand it, and that’s totally fine with me. You gotta be a great writer to pull off a twist like that in a story this short.
Some Kind of Light Shines from Your Face – 5 Stars – When it comes to books, Greek friggin mythology is my favorite thing in the world. This was a fantastic Medusa-based story. I love a good gorgon.
In Hell, An Eye – 5 Stars – Please, this story was riveting. I was absolutely captivated. It’s always a treat when angels aren’t like… ANGELS.
What You See (When the Lights Are Out) – 5 Stars – Definitely my favorite so far. The scariest part of this whole story is that it could easily be someone’s reality.
Every Hole in the Earth We Will Claim as Our Own – 2 Stars – Interesting but not nearly as gripping as the others. I didn’t love the way the story was told from a third-party, and I think that’s where it lost me. I actually had to go back in the book to look because I could barely remember what the story was about at the time of writing this.
Carmagnole – 3 Stars – Vive la revolution! The story is fine, but I don’t feel like it did its job. I wasn’t invested, but that could just be me. I liked the historical aspects of women working and fighting for better wages and treatment, but the rest of the plot fell a little flat.
Caligarism – 3 Stars – Ummmm, what? I think my brain works a little too literally to be able to grasp what was happening here. It was a cool read though.
Hairwork – 4 Stars – Marceline was a baddie. I enjoyed the historical, genealogical aspects of this story, and I loved the “revenge from beyond the grave.” Another one that would have me paying for a novel or a movie.
Lagan – 3 Stars – I liked the atmosphere of this story with the mucky ship and the grimy crew. The climax was interesting, and the end was odd but satisfying. Not bad.
Ghost Pressure – 4 Stars – Extra short story that got the job done quickly. I thoroughly enjoyed the travelling nightmare wife.
Coffle — 5 Stars — Desert zombies helping slaves escape to freedom in exchange for a child. This one had me on the edge of my seat, so to speak. Engaging, twisty, suspenseful, creepy. Fantastic.
Overall, a superb collection of stories that will keep you immersed. Bravo.
Shout-out to Grimscribe Press and NetGalley for the ARC!
The Harrow – 3 Stars – This one was good, but I felt like I just needed a little more. Of what? I don’t know exactly but a little more of something.
Every Angel – 4 Stars – Took me a minute to get into the story, but once it got extra weird, I was in. Poor, old Bob.
Fin de Siecle – 4 Stars – Sensing a theme here with all the angels. This one was the right amount of creepy with some cool art content thrown in, and I would watch this movie once it hit Netflix.
Grave Goods – 5 Stars – Excellent excellent. I love some indigenous mythology stories. I was in for the archaeology content, but the story and the suspense kept me interested. I would give my left arm for a full novel.
Twilight State – 4 Stars – I had to read this twice to really understand it, and that’s totally fine with me. You gotta be a great writer to pull off a twist like that in a story this short.
Some Kind of Light Shines from Your Face – 5 Stars – When it comes to books, Greek friggin mythology is my favorite thing in the world. This was a fantastic Medusa-based story. I love a good gorgon.
In Hell, An Eye – 5 Stars – Please, this story was riveting. I was absolutely captivated. It’s always a treat when angels aren’t like… ANGELS.
What You See (When the Lights Are Out) – 5 Stars – Definitely my favorite so far. The scariest part of this whole story is that it could easily be someone’s reality.
Every Hole in the Earth We Will Claim as Our Own – 2 Stars – Interesting but not nearly as gripping as the others. I didn’t love the way the story was told from a third-party, and I think that’s where it lost me. I actually had to go back in the book to look because I could barely remember what the story was about at the time of writing this.
Carmagnole – 3 Stars – Vive la revolution! The story is fine, but I don’t feel like it did its job. I wasn’t invested, but that could just be me. I liked the historical aspects of women working and fighting for better wages and treatment, but the rest of the plot fell a little flat.
Caligarism – 3 Stars – Ummmm, what? I think my brain works a little too literally to be able to grasp what was happening here. It was a cool read though.
Hairwork – 4 Stars – Marceline was a baddie. I enjoyed the historical, genealogical aspects of this story, and I loved the “revenge from beyond the grave.” Another one that would have me paying for a novel or a movie.
Lagan – 3 Stars – I liked the atmosphere of this story with the mucky ship and the grimy crew. The climax was interesting, and the end was odd but satisfying. Not bad.
Ghost Pressure – 4 Stars – Extra short story that got the job done quickly. I thoroughly enjoyed the travelling nightmare wife.
Coffle — 5 Stars — Desert zombies helping slaves escape to freedom in exchange for a child. This one had me on the edge of my seat, so to speak. Engaging, twisty, suspenseful, creepy. Fantastic.
Overall, a superb collection of stories that will keep you immersed. Bravo.
Shout-out to Grimscribe Press and NetGalley for the ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2023
'Blood from the Air' by Gemma Files
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
'Blood from the Air' by Gemma Files is a haunting and atmospheric journey that seamlessly blends elements of horror and mystery, captivating readers with its enigmatic allure. The author's writing style exhibits a remarkable finesse, immersing the audience in a world where the line between the supernatural and the mundane becomes increasingly blurred.
Files' ability to create a foreboding atmosphere is truly commendable. From the eerie landscapes to the eerie occurrences, the book oozes an unsettling sense of dread that keeps the pages turning. The author's command over descriptive language allows readers to visualize the haunting scenes vividly, heightening the overall reading experience.
For fans of 'The Magnus Archives,' 'Blood from the Air' offers a similar sense of otherworldly intrigue and an exploration of the unexplained. The book delves into paranormal phenomena with a level of depth and nuance that will surely appeal to enthusiasts of supernatural mysteries. Files takes risks in her storytelling, weaving intricate threads of the unknown together, which will resonate with readers seeking a unique and thought-provoking narrative.
Nevertheless, 'Blood from the Air' showcases Gemma Files as a skilled wordsmith, evoking a sense of unease and curiosity in equal measure. Her ability to interweave horror and mystery elements elevates the reading experience, making this novel a compelling choice for fans of the genre, especially those intrigued by enigmatic podcasts like 'The Magnus Archives.'
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
'Blood from the Air' by Gemma Files is a haunting and atmospheric journey that seamlessly blends elements of horror and mystery, captivating readers with its enigmatic allure. The author's writing style exhibits a remarkable finesse, immersing the audience in a world where the line between the supernatural and the mundane becomes increasingly blurred.
Files' ability to create a foreboding atmosphere is truly commendable. From the eerie landscapes to the eerie occurrences, the book oozes an unsettling sense of dread that keeps the pages turning. The author's command over descriptive language allows readers to visualize the haunting scenes vividly, heightening the overall reading experience.
For fans of 'The Magnus Archives,' 'Blood from the Air' offers a similar sense of otherworldly intrigue and an exploration of the unexplained. The book delves into paranormal phenomena with a level of depth and nuance that will surely appeal to enthusiasts of supernatural mysteries. Files takes risks in her storytelling, weaving intricate threads of the unknown together, which will resonate with readers seeking a unique and thought-provoking narrative.
Nevertheless, 'Blood from the Air' showcases Gemma Files as a skilled wordsmith, evoking a sense of unease and curiosity in equal measure. Her ability to interweave horror and mystery elements elevates the reading experience, making this novel a compelling choice for fans of the genre, especially those intrigued by enigmatic podcasts like 'The Magnus Archives.'
October 13, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy for review.
I really enjoyed Experimental Film by Gemma Files and was excited to read some of her shorter fiction.
Not every story hit for me, but the ones that did were excellent. I love her writing style. It’s almost like a fever dream and I’m never quite sure where the story will take me.
Due to being an ARC, the formatting was a bit off and I wasn’t able to determine story names. You’ll find tales of folk horror, monsters, rebellion, therapy gone wrong, and horrific pest control.
Would recommend to those who love novella length horror and a unique writing style.
I really enjoyed Experimental Film by Gemma Files and was excited to read some of her shorter fiction.
Not every story hit for me, but the ones that did were excellent. I love her writing style. It’s almost like a fever dream and I’m never quite sure where the story will take me.
Due to being an ARC, the formatting was a bit off and I wasn’t able to determine story names. You’ll find tales of folk horror, monsters, rebellion, therapy gone wrong, and horrific pest control.
Would recommend to those who love novella length horror and a unique writing style.
January 23, 2024
I hope this is fair to review, because I only managed to get through the first story.
The first story scared me so bad I haven't been able to pick the collection back up! 😂😂😂 For a horror fan, this is a GOOD thing. It just happened to hit a deep fear of mine right on the nail. Now I don't know what else Gemma Files is capable of making me think about.
It was also a tremendously well-written story with a rich protagonist. Richer than usually seen in short fiction.
I saw this collection was nominated for a Bram Stoker, and I wish her all the best!! I will absolutely be reading more from her when I work up the guts.
The first story scared me so bad I haven't been able to pick the collection back up! 😂😂😂 For a horror fan, this is a GOOD thing. It just happened to hit a deep fear of mine right on the nail. Now I don't know what else Gemma Files is capable of making me think about.
It was also a tremendously well-written story with a rich protagonist. Richer than usually seen in short fiction.
I saw this collection was nominated for a Bram Stoker, and I wish her all the best!! I will absolutely be reading more from her when I work up the guts.
October 6, 2024
I wish I could write horror stories like Gemma Files does. The characters and stories are incredibly diverse, not just in subject but in the unique identities of every character. This took me a long time to read because every story felt like I lived through a lifetime. My favorites were Grave Goods, Some Kind of Light Shines from your Face, and Every Hole in the Earth We Will Claim as Our Own. I loved the insect themes and I thought the biblically-accurate angels were interesting. Canada sounds like a terrifying place LOL. Five stars for pure creepiness!!
November 22, 2023
This chilling, unsettling, and fast paced set of anthologies really held my attention. It had a wonderful capacity for quick and in depth world building and character depictions. It really had a visceral quality to them, and sort of set my teeth on edge. I would definitely consider rereading certain stories within this anthology.
November 10, 2023
I love Gemma's work. Always well-written and beautiful stories. Another fine collection.
October 22, 2023
I am a huge fan of Gemma Files short fiction. This is more of the same. Highlights for me are Grave Goods, Coffle and Little Ease. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced e-book.
October 4, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC.
I DNFed this book at 22% - I really wanted to finish it considering LOVED the first short story in this collection but I just didn't enjoy the following two stories (The Harrow and Every Angel) that much and lost my enthusiasm for reading on (genuinely, I forgot I was even reading this). I think for people who like weird, twisty, horror strories this is for you. Personally, I guess I prefer some kind of humour or social commentary alongside the weird aspects of stories like this (again this is why I really enjoyed the first story - Little Ease) and found that lacking in the latter two. Purely a personal taste thing so I would still recommend this collection to people who are intrigued by the description.
I DNFed this book at 22% - I really wanted to finish it considering LOVED the first short story in this collection but I just didn't enjoy the following two stories (The Harrow and Every Angel) that much and lost my enthusiasm for reading on (genuinely, I forgot I was even reading this). I think for people who like weird, twisty, horror strories this is for you. Personally, I guess I prefer some kind of humour or social commentary alongside the weird aspects of stories like this (again this is why I really enjoyed the first story - Little Ease) and found that lacking in the latter two. Purely a personal taste thing so I would still recommend this collection to people who are intrigued by the description.
December 11, 2023
I do enjoy an anthology of short stories, especially between books - thinking of them as some sort of lexicological amuse bouche. Ha! Not so with this collection of heavyweight words by Gemma Files - someone I'm not sue I've read before.
The term 'heavyweight' shouldn't put you off. We're talking chunky, rich, completely immersive prose that engages you from the get go and has you uttering 'what the fuuu....' as you turn the pages. Seriously epic stuff. Get it in your eyeballs!
Top marks.
The term 'heavyweight' shouldn't put you off. We're talking chunky, rich, completely immersive prose that engages you from the get go and has you uttering 'what the fuuu....' as you turn the pages. Seriously epic stuff. Get it in your eyeballs!
Top marks.
July 19, 2023
As with the other things I habe read from Gemma Files this collection does not disappoint. As always some of the stories are definitely better than others but that should always be expected. Excited for this to get an official release and waiting for the next full novel.
October 25, 2023
I love me some horror, especially as the nights get darker and the weather grimmer. However, perhaps more than with any genre, I'm quite particular about my horror. It's not about the blood and guts for me, although I do kinda expect them to be a part of it, it's about something else. So often horror books are a bit of a hit and miss for me. In this case, Gemma Files has a hit on her hands. Thanks to BooksGoSocial, Grimscribe Press, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this short story collection in exchange for an honest review.
As is the case with every single short story collection, some stories hit closer to home than others. While some stories in Blood from the Air did not work for me, most, definitely the majority, did. Amongst my favourites was the second story, 'The Harrow', which brings together the idea of something lurking below with my own obsession with earth. I don't just mean planet Earth, though I adore her too. I mean I have this sneaky feeling that perhaps nothing would be more comforting than digging a hole and climbing in, surrounded by soft, warm earth. This story also has a great undertone of feminist frustration to it, I feel. Another lovely story is 'Fin de Siècle', which felt slightly meta, as Files plays around with format. Between excerpts from (fake, as far as I'm aware) excerpts from art history books, we get an insight into a haunted painter and the cursed works he creates. 'Grave Goods' is a beautiful example of archaeological horror, while touching upon the way we Other eachother. 'Caligarism' is a stand-out story for me, in part because I love the film Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari, a German horror film from the Weimar Republic era between WWI and WWII. It was paradigm-shifting, that film, but what Files does with it in this story is just absolutely stunning. I don't want to spoil it in any way, but this story had its hooks in me. 'Hairwork' is a fascinating story which engages with America's history of slavery, with a stunning, rotten Gothic air. 'Coffle', the collection's final story, had me on the edge of my seat with its contemplation about survival, humanity, self-determination, and more, while also somehow reminding me of Mad Max: Fury Road.
This was my first time reading something by Gemma Files and I believe I have found myself a new go-to horror writer. Throughout this collection, Files engages deeply with religion and spiritualism, which often form either the core of a story or linger on the periphery, influencing the characters. In some stories we have angels interacting with humans, in others, demons. In these cases, the stories often engage with that fine edge between how faith can bolster you and how it can make you utterly blind. In other stories, these themes come through more in the sense of rituals, of how we make sense of life by telling stories, re-enacting certain things, or holding on to traditions. There is also a very strong emphasis on female characters in many of the stories, although not all, and each of these women felt like something new and revelatory to me. Files also engages with history and the trauma that lies there, which I believe is crucial to good horror. This is especially apparent in the stories which engage with slavery and the crimes committed against the First Peoples in America, but it also comes through in other ways. While Files does not shy away from the blood, gore, and guts, the true violence which echoes throughout her stories is largely the callous ways in which people are willing to engage with others, the disregard they may have for the wellbeing and happiness and safety of those around them.
Blood from the Air is an excellent collection of short horror stories, full of blood yet also full of humanity. Some of these stories will definitely stick with me and I can't wait to read more by Gemma Files in the future.
URL: https://universeinwords.blogspot.com/...
As is the case with every single short story collection, some stories hit closer to home than others. While some stories in Blood from the Air did not work for me, most, definitely the majority, did. Amongst my favourites was the second story, 'The Harrow', which brings together the idea of something lurking below with my own obsession with earth. I don't just mean planet Earth, though I adore her too. I mean I have this sneaky feeling that perhaps nothing would be more comforting than digging a hole and climbing in, surrounded by soft, warm earth. This story also has a great undertone of feminist frustration to it, I feel. Another lovely story is 'Fin de Siècle', which felt slightly meta, as Files plays around with format. Between excerpts from (fake, as far as I'm aware) excerpts from art history books, we get an insight into a haunted painter and the cursed works he creates. 'Grave Goods' is a beautiful example of archaeological horror, while touching upon the way we Other eachother. 'Caligarism' is a stand-out story for me, in part because I love the film Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari, a German horror film from the Weimar Republic era between WWI and WWII. It was paradigm-shifting, that film, but what Files does with it in this story is just absolutely stunning. I don't want to spoil it in any way, but this story had its hooks in me. 'Hairwork' is a fascinating story which engages with America's history of slavery, with a stunning, rotten Gothic air. 'Coffle', the collection's final story, had me on the edge of my seat with its contemplation about survival, humanity, self-determination, and more, while also somehow reminding me of Mad Max: Fury Road.
This was my first time reading something by Gemma Files and I believe I have found myself a new go-to horror writer. Throughout this collection, Files engages deeply with religion and spiritualism, which often form either the core of a story or linger on the periphery, influencing the characters. In some stories we have angels interacting with humans, in others, demons. In these cases, the stories often engage with that fine edge between how faith can bolster you and how it can make you utterly blind. In other stories, these themes come through more in the sense of rituals, of how we make sense of life by telling stories, re-enacting certain things, or holding on to traditions. There is also a very strong emphasis on female characters in many of the stories, although not all, and each of these women felt like something new and revelatory to me. Files also engages with history and the trauma that lies there, which I believe is crucial to good horror. This is especially apparent in the stories which engage with slavery and the crimes committed against the First Peoples in America, but it also comes through in other ways. While Files does not shy away from the blood, gore, and guts, the true violence which echoes throughout her stories is largely the callous ways in which people are willing to engage with others, the disregard they may have for the wellbeing and happiness and safety of those around them.
Blood from the Air is an excellent collection of short horror stories, full of blood yet also full of humanity. Some of these stories will definitely stick with me and I can't wait to read more by Gemma Files in the future.
URL: https://universeinwords.blogspot.com/...
March 24, 2025
Gemma Files is one of my favorite writers due to her depth, complexity, multifaceted frames of reference, and horror writing ability.
What she does in this anthology is explore different styles to the point where one would be hard-pressed to think all of these tales came from the same author.
That type of variety is wonderful but I often felt like I had to re-wire my brain when approaching each story.
Files has become a master at the short story tale but I was hoping for a novel. Although I do enjoy the bulk of her stories, many of them can be further mined to become full-blown novels of their own.
For those starting out with files, I would recommend beginning with "Kissing Carrion" and "A Worm in Every Heart" where her short stories are deeper and resonate more.
What she does in this anthology is explore different styles to the point where one would be hard-pressed to think all of these tales came from the same author.
That type of variety is wonderful but I often felt like I had to re-wire my brain when approaching each story.
Files has become a master at the short story tale but I was hoping for a novel. Although I do enjoy the bulk of her stories, many of them can be further mined to become full-blown novels of their own.
For those starting out with files, I would recommend beginning with "Kissing Carrion" and "A Worm in Every Heart" where her short stories are deeper and resonate more.
December 25, 2024
This was intriguing from the start, and before you know it, you're deep into the story and reluctant to stop reading. There are moments in this that will make your skin crawl, and raise the hairs on the back of your neck. Although these are short stories, and you could easily stop after each one, there's something that pulls you along, wanting to read the next one. I can't say I have a favorite, although they are unique, there's a unifying thread and all were equally enjoyable. I was fascinated by the characters, and settings chosen. Files has an excellent talent for vivid descriptions and keeping tension high as you read. This book is a must for any horror lover!
December 11, 2023
I received an ARC from NetGalley
An eerie and grotesque collection of short stories tying together the divine and filth. I had to take my time going through these stories as each one prompted me to stop reading and just soak it all in even for the few I didn't like as much. Files' prose hooked me immediately. A masterclass in writing gross horror that is as beautiful as it is gut-clenching. I will be picking up more books by this author.
An eerie and grotesque collection of short stories tying together the divine and filth. I had to take my time going through these stories as each one prompted me to stop reading and just soak it all in even for the few I didn't like as much. Files' prose hooked me immediately. A masterclass in writing gross horror that is as beautiful as it is gut-clenching. I will be picking up more books by this author.
June 17, 2025
Blood from the Air is one of those unique short collections that are less about each individual story than an overall experience .Made up of dark stories set in so many places and featuring so many different dark beings there is a mood that comes forward over time, a sort of haunted sadness,a feeling that we're surrendering to what is. There will definitely be certain scenes and moments that linger with the reader long after reading, highly recommended!
August 3, 2023
I went into this with no expectations or previous reading of Gemma Files work.
Some of these stories really stuck with me, either by the way they were written, the downright creepiness of them or the horror aspect.
I enjoyed some more than others, some were a bit harder to get into but that's just my opinion.
Really enjoyed reading this 😊
Some of these stories really stuck with me, either by the way they were written, the downright creepiness of them or the horror aspect.
I enjoyed some more than others, some were a bit harder to get into but that's just my opinion.
Really enjoyed reading this 😊
Currently reading
November 14, 2023I haven't finished this ARC from NetGalley yet, but I will. It's taking me longer because every story is so engrossing that I don't want to get too much at once. This is weird horror done right. When I read about bugs, for instance, I find myself checking to see if something is crawling up my leg. I would recommend this and anything else by this author, who I have enjoyed before.
December 31, 2023
Damn, but this was a fine finale for this year. Gemma Files appears constitutionally unable to turn in a weak story, and these here are anything but (even if the one the title comes from manages to lose a year somewhere). Also, I could wish for a list of previous appearances for the stories, but this is just a niggle.
April 22, 2024
An outstanding collection of stories that go from horror to weird to cosmic seamlessly. Gemma Files draws you into her worlds with warmth and humor even in the face of a cold, unfeeling unknown - it's a hell of a gift!
July 26, 2025
Files' ability to craft stories that are distinct in voice and setting while still maintaining a thread of quality throughout is mind boggling. Maybe I haven't been hanging with the right people but her name is not brought up enough when speaking about contemporary horror writers.
July 17, 2025
This is a collection of weird and wonderful stories from a Canadian writer with a truly unique mind.
Read
February 10, 20243.5 stars. Some strong stories in this collection, and I'll continue to check out stories by Gemma Files, but because of the super specific theme I started to lose enthusiasm at the 75% mark. Judeo-christian angels. Some really great spooky imagery, but I just wanted like, one other theme.
February 27, 2024
3/5 Stars (DNF @ 22%)
TL;DR - Well-written and creative horror, but overall too centered around Christian mythology for me to feel comfortable continuing.
Big thanks to BooksGoSocial, Grimscribe Press, and NetGalley for providing the ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review!
***Trigger warnings for: bugs, child abuse and neglect, violence, emphasis on Christian themes throughout, bodily mutilation, gore and blood, murder.***
(Please note these trigger warnings are not complete, as I only read 22% of this book. Please proceed with caution.)
‘Blood from the Air’ by Gemma Files is a collection of 16 short horror stories. I read three of them, and I rated them individually between 2.5/5 and 4/5 stars. "Little Ease" was my favorite of the three I read.
However, these stories, from what I read, seem to all be heavily influenced by Christian theology, which is a topic and mythos I actively do not enjoy to the point of avoiding such works. As such, I had to stop reading because, as far as I can tell, this is a running theme throughout this collection.
This is purely a me issue, not a fault of the work. If you don’t mind or enjoy horror that centers around Christian mythology, I’m sure this will be right up your alley. Definitely weird and spooky, with a dash of existentialism and introspection. Good stuff, just not my kind fo stuff.
Final Thoughts:
Well-written, but just not my cup of tea.
TL;DR - Well-written and creative horror, but overall too centered around Christian mythology for me to feel comfortable continuing.
Big thanks to BooksGoSocial, Grimscribe Press, and NetGalley for providing the ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review!
***Trigger warnings for: bugs, child abuse and neglect, violence, emphasis on Christian themes throughout, bodily mutilation, gore and blood, murder.***
(Please note these trigger warnings are not complete, as I only read 22% of this book. Please proceed with caution.)
‘Blood from the Air’ by Gemma Files is a collection of 16 short horror stories. I read three of them, and I rated them individually between 2.5/5 and 4/5 stars. "Little Ease" was my favorite of the three I read.
However, these stories, from what I read, seem to all be heavily influenced by Christian theology, which is a topic and mythos I actively do not enjoy to the point of avoiding such works. As such, I had to stop reading because, as far as I can tell, this is a running theme throughout this collection.
This is purely a me issue, not a fault of the work. If you don’t mind or enjoy horror that centers around Christian mythology, I’m sure this will be right up your alley. Definitely weird and spooky, with a dash of existentialism and introspection. Good stuff, just not my kind fo stuff.
Final Thoughts:
Well-written, but just not my cup of tea.
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