What do you think?
Rate this book
The Horror Collection #16
The Horror Collection: Monster Edition
Kennedy once again collects a fantastic group of horror authors together for the newest book in his Horror Collection series. Join them in a carnage filled journey through many different worlds where the monsters are in charge.
- GenresHorrorAnthologies
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2023
About the author
Kevin J. Kennedy
151 books335 followersKevin J. Kennedy is a Scottish horror author known for his fast-paced storytelling, dark humor, and unforgettable characters. He is also the curator of the bestselling The Horror Collection and Classic Monsters anthology series.
When he’s not writing tales of blood-soaked chaos, Kevin champions indie horror, supports fellow authors, and dreams up new ways to keep readers sleeping with the lights on.
When he’s not writing tales of blood-soaked chaos, Kevin champions indie horror, supports fellow authors, and dreams up new ways to keep readers sleeping with the lights on.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 23, 2023
This was my first of Kevin's anthologies, and I wasn't disappointed at all! He brought together a great cast of authors in the Monster Edition, and each story brought something new and interesting to the collection.
My favourite story was Brennan LaFaro's 'Salvia Sunset.' There's something extremely disconcerting about a regular creature that's been super-sized, and Brennan really captured that here. You can't really fault it for doing what's in its nature, but it's still absolutely terrifying to think about. I really liked Nola a lot, too. She was a woman with a steel spine in a time where women were mostly background characters, and I loved her fire.
My runner-up was 'Opportunity' by Christina Bergling. I love Norse mythology and culture, Christina's take on an asynjur was a really cool idea! I loved the thought of a more bloodthirsty asynjur, but not quite a Valkyrie, and she delivered perfectly. I really liked Lamont and Lina together also. I'd love to see more of them and how their story shapes up over the years.
Veronica Smith's 'Kill It with Fire' was horrifying. I loathe spiders; they're creepy and gross and give me anxiety. The whole thing with the egg sac....foul. I'd have been gone as soon as I noticed the first web. Time to sell the house and find somewhere else across the country to be!
Honestly, all the stories here were so fun to read! Kevin has a great eye for what works well together, and each of these stories blended together nicely for an exciting new collection. I can't wait to read more of what he compiles! Thanks a bunch for the review copy!
My favourite story was Brennan LaFaro's 'Salvia Sunset.' There's something extremely disconcerting about a regular creature that's been super-sized, and Brennan really captured that here. You can't really fault it for doing what's in its nature, but it's still absolutely terrifying to think about. I really liked Nola a lot, too. She was a woman with a steel spine in a time where women were mostly background characters, and I loved her fire.
My runner-up was 'Opportunity' by Christina Bergling. I love Norse mythology and culture, Christina's take on an asynjur was a really cool idea! I loved the thought of a more bloodthirsty asynjur, but not quite a Valkyrie, and she delivered perfectly. I really liked Lamont and Lina together also. I'd love to see more of them and how their story shapes up over the years.
Veronica Smith's 'Kill It with Fire' was horrifying. I loathe spiders; they're creepy and gross and give me anxiety. The whole thing with the egg sac....foul. I'd have been gone as soon as I noticed the first web. Time to sell the house and find somewhere else across the country to be!
Honestly, all the stories here were so fun to read! Kevin has a great eye for what works well together, and each of these stories blended together nicely for an exciting new collection. I can't wait to read more of what he compiles! Thanks a bunch for the review copy!
November 29, 2023
This is another Kevin Kennedy anthology; given his fantastic job on the previous editions of the Horror Collection, the likelihood of an enjoyable read is 100%! Indeed, The Monster Edition has thirteen engrossing short horror stories, each very different from the other, all by great authors bringing their own view of what counts as a monster. My particular standouts were the opening story, "Charlotte" by Kyle M. Scott, with its totally unexpected (and disgusting) opening line, a story about bullying and revenge and the creation of human monsters; Daemon Manx's "Jungle Habitat," a rather anxiety-provoking tale of a group of young men getting hunted in an abandoned safari park; "Monster" by Ash Ericmore, my favorite story, a bit gory but I consider it the best of the bunch, with great characterization and atmosphere, about a female shapeshifter feeling hungry while driving; "An invitation to Play" by George Daniel Lea, great imagery, creepy atmsphere, and tight writing, with a heartbreaking ending; Brennan LaFaro's "Salvia Sunset," a story set in his "Buzzard's Edge" fictional western town, a creature feature story, fast-paced and well-plotted; and the closing story, Scott Paul Hallam's "Paying Tribute," a horrific story about the loss of a child and the father's acting in despair to bring his son back, not realizing what he's done (it has the creepiest line in the entire anthology: "Just shoot Mommy, please Dad, then yourself"!) Unfortunately, there's no large-scale kaiju story, even if the cover seems to promise otherwise. However, the anthology has other monsters in abundance and won't disappoint!
November 19, 2023
What a book this turned out to be. I started this book about 2 days ago and I could not stop reading it when i got. Kevin J. Kennedy has once again put together an epic list of Authors for this collection. This book has not let me down.
Kill It With Fire by Veronica Smith 5 Stars
Beneath The Lunar Night by Mark Young 5 Stars
Rusalka by Brian Moreland 5 Stars
Opportunity by Christina Bergling 5 Stars
Gone Witness by Chris Panatier 5 Stars
Jungle Habitat by Daemon Manx 5 stars
Salvia Sunset by Brennan LaFaro 5 Stars
The Art Of Mummification by Frederick Pangbourne 5 stars
Paying Tribute by Scott Hallam 5 stars
Invitation To Play by George Daniel Lea 5 Stars
In the Arms of the Annis by Heather Miller 5 Stars
Monster by Ash Ericmore 5 Stars
Charlotte - Kyle M. Scott 5 Stars
Cover Art 5 stars
Pace of Stories 5 Stars
Stories 5 Stars
Book 5 stars
This is a must have.
This was an arc for a Honest review
Kill It With Fire by Veronica Smith 5 Stars
Beneath The Lunar Night by Mark Young 5 Stars
Rusalka by Brian Moreland 5 Stars
Opportunity by Christina Bergling 5 Stars
Gone Witness by Chris Panatier 5 Stars
Jungle Habitat by Daemon Manx 5 stars
Salvia Sunset by Brennan LaFaro 5 Stars
The Art Of Mummification by Frederick Pangbourne 5 stars
Paying Tribute by Scott Hallam 5 stars
Invitation To Play by George Daniel Lea 5 Stars
In the Arms of the Annis by Heather Miller 5 Stars
Monster by Ash Ericmore 5 Stars
Charlotte - Kyle M. Scott 5 Stars
Cover Art 5 stars
Pace of Stories 5 Stars
Stories 5 Stars
Book 5 stars
This is a must have.
This was an arc for a Honest review
December 8, 2023
The Horror Collection: Monster Edition presented by KJK Publishing is a collection of chilling tales filled with monsters of all kinds! Get your nightlights ready; this collection will have you constantly on the lookout for something creeping just around the corner.
Giant spiders, werewolves, cosmic creatures, a water nymph, a mummy, a monstrous hag, a giant Gila monster, and other nighttime horrors are just a handful of the monsters you’ll find in the pages of this book! Each tale brings such fun and creativity to the monster scene!
I’m obsessed with this theme! Who doesn’t love monster tales?! Snag your copy today!
Check out my full review here:
https://www.ericarobynreads.com/thc-m...
Giant spiders, werewolves, cosmic creatures, a water nymph, a mummy, a monstrous hag, a giant Gila monster, and other nighttime horrors are just a handful of the monsters you’ll find in the pages of this book! Each tale brings such fun and creativity to the monster scene!
I’m obsessed with this theme! Who doesn’t love monster tales?! Snag your copy today!
Check out my full review here:
https://www.ericarobynreads.com/thc-m...
November 30, 2023
I hate using a star rating system. But all around I will give this a 5 star read, as most of these stories within deserve a high rating. All around there was more that I liked than what I didnt like. This was a perfect anthology. Some of these stories will break your heart in half, some will leave you yearning for more, and some will leave you never wanting to step into an abandoned zoo. If you need a collection of stories to maybe break up your larger book with a story between, or just needing a short one before bed. I definitely recommend this as an option.
January 7, 2024
A Bibliophilia Templum Review
https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/2024/01/06/the-horror-collection-monster-edition/
The Horror Collection: Monster Edition from KJK Publishing is book 16 in the phenomenal Horror Collection series, and don’t let the fantastic cover fool you: here there be many kinds of monsters. This anthology has 13 chilling stories in all, with everything from monsters of legend and folklore to new creations to horrifying spiders. KJK has collected stories from some of my favorite horror authors as well as some delightfully new-to-me names I will be following in the future.
As a long-time fan of Kyle Scott, I was not surprised his story “Charlotte” has impactful depth as well as being twisted and engrossing; his storytelling never ceases to amaze me. Brian Moreland’s story “Rusalka,” based on that creature of legend and lore, is immersive and suspenseful and dark, and compels me to want to read more of his work.
“Beneath the Lunar Light” by Mark Young is a brilliant blending of two horror suspense classics, and unexpected and creative read. By contrast, “Jungle Habitat” by Daemon Manx is a wholly unique and impactful tale about horrors made by humanity’s hubris; this one grabs you right away and doesn’t let go.
“Monster” by Ash Ericmore puts a modern twist on a classic theme to illustrate one trying to run from the monster within; a very powerful story. Next is the bloody and brutal story “Opportunity” by Christine Bergling, a riveting, gruesome tale taken from Viking lore. Contrasting that is the darkly humorous and wholly creepy “Kill it with Fire” by the talented Veronica Smith, a must read story of terror and spiders.
The anthology then takes another hard turn with the dark and utterly wrenching “Gone Witness” by Chris Panatier, an evocative character driven tale of horror, monsters, and a father’s love. This is followed by “An Invitation to Play” by George Daniel Lea, which is also about love and devotion in the face of humanity coming apart but is a very different story—driving, psychological, hardcore.
“The Art of Mummification” is a new and fantastic take on the mummy legends by Fredrick Pangbourne, intense and compelling; I want to read more by this author. Heather Miller, known for incredible gothic horror, follows next with “In the Arms of the Annis,” a vivid folkhorror tale that flows with intensity and the unexpected.
“Salvia Sunset” by Brennan LaFaro is an incredible creature story set in an old mining town, full of suspense and action and engaging characters. The anthology then winds up with “Paying Tribute” by Scott Hallam; this dark and moving story speaks to the monster within that is grief as well as the external monster the characters encounter.
So many monsters and monster stories in one volume! A 5-star, highly recommended monster read.
https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/2024/01/06/the-horror-collection-monster-edition/
The Horror Collection: Monster Edition from KJK Publishing is book 16 in the phenomenal Horror Collection series, and don’t let the fantastic cover fool you: here there be many kinds of monsters. This anthology has 13 chilling stories in all, with everything from monsters of legend and folklore to new creations to horrifying spiders. KJK has collected stories from some of my favorite horror authors as well as some delightfully new-to-me names I will be following in the future.
As a long-time fan of Kyle Scott, I was not surprised his story “Charlotte” has impactful depth as well as being twisted and engrossing; his storytelling never ceases to amaze me. Brian Moreland’s story “Rusalka,” based on that creature of legend and lore, is immersive and suspenseful and dark, and compels me to want to read more of his work.
“Beneath the Lunar Light” by Mark Young is a brilliant blending of two horror suspense classics, and unexpected and creative read. By contrast, “Jungle Habitat” by Daemon Manx is a wholly unique and impactful tale about horrors made by humanity’s hubris; this one grabs you right away and doesn’t let go.
“Monster” by Ash Ericmore puts a modern twist on a classic theme to illustrate one trying to run from the monster within; a very powerful story. Next is the bloody and brutal story “Opportunity” by Christine Bergling, a riveting, gruesome tale taken from Viking lore. Contrasting that is the darkly humorous and wholly creepy “Kill it with Fire” by the talented Veronica Smith, a must read story of terror and spiders.
The anthology then takes another hard turn with the dark and utterly wrenching “Gone Witness” by Chris Panatier, an evocative character driven tale of horror, monsters, and a father’s love. This is followed by “An Invitation to Play” by George Daniel Lea, which is also about love and devotion in the face of humanity coming apart but is a very different story—driving, psychological, hardcore.
“The Art of Mummification” is a new and fantastic take on the mummy legends by Fredrick Pangbourne, intense and compelling; I want to read more by this author. Heather Miller, known for incredible gothic horror, follows next with “In the Arms of the Annis,” a vivid folkhorror tale that flows with intensity and the unexpected.
“Salvia Sunset” by Brennan LaFaro is an incredible creature story set in an old mining town, full of suspense and action and engaging characters. The anthology then winds up with “Paying Tribute” by Scott Hallam; this dark and moving story speaks to the monster within that is grief as well as the external monster the characters encounter.
So many monsters and monster stories in one volume! A 5-star, highly recommended monster read.
November 20, 2023
Monstrously Fantastic
Locking your windows and bolting your doors won't deter these monsters. Prepare to meet some of the most vicious creatures drawn right out of your darkest nightmares.
Charlotte lives in a pit and is blood thirsty. She is far from the friendly spider who befriended Wilber. When a teenager decides to enact revenge on those who wronged her, Charlotte is more than willing to help.
A nude woman swimming in a lake is tempting for any man. However, these Rusalka have razor sharp teeth and would just love to sink them into your flesh.
When a werewolf seeks a cure, Doctor Jekyll has the answers. Don't try to Hyde from The Terrors Beneath the Lunar Light.
Want some adventure, explore an abandoned Jungle Habitat. Though you won't encounter any animals, an abomination of nature awaits to tear your flesh apart.
Jenny is trying to escape from the full moon, though the Monster she is fleeing is herself.
When a dying Viking warrior is given an Opportunity for immortality, he must learn the rules of being a monster or face the wrath of his mistress.
When a woman encounters a gigantic spider web in her bathroom and a monstrous arachnid creature, her biggest mistake is to Kill It With Fire.
The Witnesses, blood thirsty ravenous monsters are upon us. What's a father do when his daughter becomes one? What is humanity going to do when half the world has Gone Witness?
What do the giant monsters of the emergence want? Do they want to destroy humanity or do they want to give us an Invitation to Play?
Does the Art of Mummification include killing people and removing their hearts? When the tablet breaks, the mummy creates carnage.
She's over seven feet tall, blue skinned, has metal teeth and long metallic talons. She loves children, loves to eat them. When you are In The Arms of Annis, you are dinner.
When a monstrous gila monster's home is invaded by miners, the body count will rise, making it a bloody Saliva Sunset.
Do you want to see your dead son again? He will return, but his Watcher, a gigantic bird-like creature, sets the rules. It begins with a drop of blood and escalates to the point where you are Paying Tribute with murder.
Locking your windows and bolting your doors won't deter these monsters. Prepare to meet some of the most vicious creatures drawn right out of your darkest nightmares.
Charlotte lives in a pit and is blood thirsty. She is far from the friendly spider who befriended Wilber. When a teenager decides to enact revenge on those who wronged her, Charlotte is more than willing to help.
A nude woman swimming in a lake is tempting for any man. However, these Rusalka have razor sharp teeth and would just love to sink them into your flesh.
When a werewolf seeks a cure, Doctor Jekyll has the answers. Don't try to Hyde from The Terrors Beneath the Lunar Light.
Want some adventure, explore an abandoned Jungle Habitat. Though you won't encounter any animals, an abomination of nature awaits to tear your flesh apart.
Jenny is trying to escape from the full moon, though the Monster she is fleeing is herself.
When a dying Viking warrior is given an Opportunity for immortality, he must learn the rules of being a monster or face the wrath of his mistress.
When a woman encounters a gigantic spider web in her bathroom and a monstrous arachnid creature, her biggest mistake is to Kill It With Fire.
The Witnesses, blood thirsty ravenous monsters are upon us. What's a father do when his daughter becomes one? What is humanity going to do when half the world has Gone Witness?
What do the giant monsters of the emergence want? Do they want to destroy humanity or do they want to give us an Invitation to Play?
Does the Art of Mummification include killing people and removing their hearts? When the tablet breaks, the mummy creates carnage.
She's over seven feet tall, blue skinned, has metal teeth and long metallic talons. She loves children, loves to eat them. When you are In The Arms of Annis, you are dinner.
When a monstrous gila monster's home is invaded by miners, the body count will rise, making it a bloody Saliva Sunset.
Do you want to see your dead son again? He will return, but his Watcher, a gigantic bird-like creature, sets the rules. It begins with a drop of blood and escalates to the point where you are Paying Tribute with murder.
November 22, 2023
Well KJK Publishing has done it again with The Horror Collection: Monster Edition. As you can tell by the cover these stories are all creature features and they are all fantastic. From giant arachnids, to strange hybrids, to Victorian monsters, lycanthropic shapeshifters, norse mythological creatures and more, this collection does not disappoint in any capacity. Whether you’re running from a monster or you’re actually in the head of the creature, both themes are masterfully crafted and expertly curated. I give this collection a 5/5 and thank Kevin Kennedy for allowing me to read and review, it was a wicked good time
November 20, 2023
Another great read to add to The Horror Collection.
August 28, 2024
fun and creepy
I like the originality of all the different monsters the characters all seem like real people and act like I imagine real people would act in situations. I don’t think I would do real well in personally. These books are great fun reading the short stories when I get a free little chunk of time.
I like the originality of all the different monsters the characters all seem like real people and act like I imagine real people would act in situations. I don’t think I would do real well in personally. These books are great fun reading the short stories when I get a free little chunk of time.
March 21, 2024
Enter worlds where monsters are in charge. How would humans survive? Pulse pounding read
March 29, 2025
Overall this collection is pretty good, the first half of the book was really slow and semi boring in my opinion. However around the halfway mark things start to pick up and I found myself surprised that most of these weren't turned into full blown novels as they're that good! If you're looking for a bunch of short stories that will for the most part keep you entertained and at some points surprise you with twists that you didn't see coming then this could be what you're looking for. 4/5 overall
November 29, 2023
This collection of monster-themed short stories is awesome! Every story is good but there are a few that are GREAT! I loved that I could pick this book up here and there, read a story when I got some free time and then put it back down until I could read again. I wasn't left with cliffhangers, each story had an ending. After having finished this book, I really want to dive into the past collections and see what they're about!!
March 5, 2024
3.5 for me on this one. There were maybe 4 stand out stories which I really enjoyed. The rest were ok. I had high hopes for this anthology as I love creature feature stories, but unfortunately this didn't live up to the hype I'd built up in my head. That could be on me.
Read
March 11, 2024A world ruled by monsters
full review at MonsterBookClub
full review at MonsterBookClub
December 27, 2024
4.5 stars
September 15, 2025
Not one of my Favs but got through it....
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews