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Bestiary of Blood: Modern Fables and Dark Tales
We are all prey to this anthology of modern fables and dark tales.
Bestiary of Blood was conceived in a moment of revelation, born from the visceral experience of watching nature's savage ballet—lions tearing into flesh, hyenas gnawing bones, sharks thrashing in crimson waters. These raw spectacles gave rise to a chilling life and death are entwined in a grotesque dance, each feeding the other in a ceaseless cycle of transformation, creating…beauty.
This paradox is captured in its full glory in Bestiary of Blood, a modern anthology of predation's horrors inspired by the timeless tales of Aesop’s Fables, modernized for a more complex, unforgiving world. Exploring the joy in our hurts, the wrongs in our rights, and the suffering in the shadows of our light, Bestiary of Blood invites you to the intersection of human and animal experience, crafting dark tales that resonate with life’s endless cycles of transformation.
Written by 37 of Horror’s greatest writers, Including 18 Bram Stoker Award Winners, this anthology features diverse voices from every walk of life as they usher you through the darkest and most profound questions of the modern age.
Bestiary of Blood was conceived in a moment of revelation, born from the visceral experience of watching nature's savage ballet—lions tearing into flesh, hyenas gnawing bones, sharks thrashing in crimson waters. These raw spectacles gave rise to a chilling life and death are entwined in a grotesque dance, each feeding the other in a ceaseless cycle of transformation, creating…beauty.
This paradox is captured in its full glory in Bestiary of Blood, a modern anthology of predation's horrors inspired by the timeless tales of Aesop’s Fables, modernized for a more complex, unforgiving world. Exploring the joy in our hurts, the wrongs in our rights, and the suffering in the shadows of our light, Bestiary of Blood invites you to the intersection of human and animal experience, crafting dark tales that resonate with life’s endless cycles of transformation.
Written by 37 of Horror’s greatest writers, Including 18 Bram Stoker Award Winners, this anthology features diverse voices from every walk of life as they usher you through the darkest and most profound questions of the modern age.
- GenresHorrorAnthologiesFiction
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 1, 2024
My usual practice when reading anthologies is to comment on the stories as I go, sharing my impressions and an individual rating before averaging the collection as a whole for a final rating.
BESTIARY OF BLOOD is so dense, with 56 entries including stories, flash fiction and poetry. If I commented on each of those, this review would be so long as to be intimidating and no one would want to spend the time to read it. So, I'm only going to comment on the stories that impressed me more than others.
I do like the theme as stated in editor Jamal Hodge's introduction. (Hodge's contribution to this collection is significant, as he has authored six of the entries.) He speaks of the animal kingdom: "the merging and shifting, giving and taking in nature . . . this strange horror and frightening beauty of life, using death, to give life. . . . . . "Surely, I could find correlations - metaphors - in their experiences that would explain the truths in ours. As Aesop had so masterfully achieved all those centuries before, but darker still, infused with the vibrance of horror. . . Silence of the Lambs meets Aesop's Fables."
Wow, that's an ambitious premise. Had I read that introduction while browsing in a bookstore, that would have been all I needed to prompt me to purchase this. We'll see if the challenge is met by the authors included in this collection. Hodge mentions that the book is divided into five sections with five themes. However, when I review the table of contents it appears that there are seven distinct sections.
There's a wide diversity of themes within, and the grouping of them within sections makes sense because the stories seem to share similar themes. (Violence, sex, family, loyalty, etc). However, there is not a single story featuring the same animals. Also, the range of animals featured is wide enough to keep things fresh: standard animals, unusual animals, plus insects and aquatic life - even microbial life. There are also some factoids about these creatures included that provide interesting asides. The stories range in length, and the anthology also features poetry.
This was an interesting anthology, although not what I normally come to expect from Crystal Lake Publishing - - which is usually straight-up horror. These are fables for the most part, the majority of them providing a moral - - and that doesn't always make for a horror story. For that reason, this may be the weakest anthology (in my opinion) in the Crystal Lake stable of great works. Still, it's worth checking out.
Here are some reading notes . . . . . .
September 17: I'm currently reading in the first section labeled A DEATH FOR LOVE. "Best Mother Ever" by Edward Martin III takes place inside a barn and features a young spider, also a first-time mother, anxiously awaiting the emergence of her children from the egg sac. It's short and sweet, and very vicious. FOUR STARS.
September 18: In the next section labeled HUBRIS & HUMILITY the standout story (which reflects the section theme perfectly) is "Cypress Whispers" by Lee Murray wherein some decisions regarding reincarnation need to be made more carefully.
September 26: The final story in HUBRIS & HUMILITY reflects the main premise of the anthology perfectly. "Eye of Mirrors" by Patrick Thompson is an Aesop's fable-like story of a fox consumed by his vanity. It has a moral and a dark touch in the ending.
September 28: The sole story in the PROTECTORS & TRUTH SEEKERS section that caused me discomfort (and therefore had an impact) was "The Revelation Of Dogs" by Edward Martin III. It deals in brutality towards dogs (so be forewarned if you can't stomach that) and ends in an equally brutal but justifiable way.
I was provided a digital advance review copy of this anthology by the publisher without obligation. I wrote this review because I wanted to.
BESTIARY OF BLOOD is so dense, with 56 entries including stories, flash fiction and poetry. If I commented on each of those, this review would be so long as to be intimidating and no one would want to spend the time to read it. So, I'm only going to comment on the stories that impressed me more than others.
I do like the theme as stated in editor Jamal Hodge's introduction. (Hodge's contribution to this collection is significant, as he has authored six of the entries.) He speaks of the animal kingdom: "the merging and shifting, giving and taking in nature . . . this strange horror and frightening beauty of life, using death, to give life. . . . . . "Surely, I could find correlations - metaphors - in their experiences that would explain the truths in ours. As Aesop had so masterfully achieved all those centuries before, but darker still, infused with the vibrance of horror. . . Silence of the Lambs meets Aesop's Fables."
Wow, that's an ambitious premise. Had I read that introduction while browsing in a bookstore, that would have been all I needed to prompt me to purchase this. We'll see if the challenge is met by the authors included in this collection. Hodge mentions that the book is divided into five sections with five themes. However, when I review the table of contents it appears that there are seven distinct sections.
There's a wide diversity of themes within, and the grouping of them within sections makes sense because the stories seem to share similar themes. (Violence, sex, family, loyalty, etc). However, there is not a single story featuring the same animals. Also, the range of animals featured is wide enough to keep things fresh: standard animals, unusual animals, plus insects and aquatic life - even microbial life. There are also some factoids about these creatures included that provide interesting asides. The stories range in length, and the anthology also features poetry.
This was an interesting anthology, although not what I normally come to expect from Crystal Lake Publishing - - which is usually straight-up horror. These are fables for the most part, the majority of them providing a moral - - and that doesn't always make for a horror story. For that reason, this may be the weakest anthology (in my opinion) in the Crystal Lake stable of great works. Still, it's worth checking out.
Here are some reading notes . . . . . .
September 17: I'm currently reading in the first section labeled A DEATH FOR LOVE. "Best Mother Ever" by Edward Martin III takes place inside a barn and features a young spider, also a first-time mother, anxiously awaiting the emergence of her children from the egg sac. It's short and sweet, and very vicious. FOUR STARS.
September 18: In the next section labeled HUBRIS & HUMILITY the standout story (which reflects the section theme perfectly) is "Cypress Whispers" by Lee Murray wherein some decisions regarding reincarnation need to be made more carefully.
September 26: The final story in HUBRIS & HUMILITY reflects the main premise of the anthology perfectly. "Eye of Mirrors" by Patrick Thompson is an Aesop's fable-like story of a fox consumed by his vanity. It has a moral and a dark touch in the ending.
September 28: The sole story in the PROTECTORS & TRUTH SEEKERS section that caused me discomfort (and therefore had an impact) was "The Revelation Of Dogs" by Edward Martin III. It deals in brutality towards dogs (so be forewarned if you can't stomach that) and ends in an equally brutal but justifiable way.
I was provided a digital advance review copy of this anthology by the publisher without obligation. I wrote this review because I wanted to.
October 5, 2024
Bestiary of Blood was one of those books that kept bringing me back for more. It's billed as something of a more modern, more visceral Aesop's Fables, and it doesn't disappoint along any of those lines. The tales are numerous but fairly short, and the lessons imparted are the sort that stuck with me long after I read them.
Anthropomorphism is rampant here; these are tales taken from numerous members of the animal kingdom with a strong mixture of human and non-human characteristics and sentiments intertwined. As a result, we get to see a lot of human foibles through the eyes of creatures that run the gamut from tiny tardigrades who have collectively survived unchanged for eons, through a variety of insects who help bring about the downfall of much larger animals, right up to man's best friend deciding on the true value of that friendship.
There's a visceral quality throughout, a reminder that this is modern horror in addition to a moral lesson. The Aesop I read as a child involved a thorn in the paw of a lion, but the pain there was sanitized for my childish eyes. No similar filters are applied here; we get the whole sense of what's happening. For an adult reader, this is necessary in many cases to drive the valuable points home.
There are short stories, flash-fiction-length tales, and poems; all blended together beautifully in several larger themes that comprise the entire anthology. Good stuff, well worth reading more than once.
Note: I was provided a digital advance review copy of Bestiary of Blood by the publisher without obligation.
Anthropomorphism is rampant here; these are tales taken from numerous members of the animal kingdom with a strong mixture of human and non-human characteristics and sentiments intertwined. As a result, we get to see a lot of human foibles through the eyes of creatures that run the gamut from tiny tardigrades who have collectively survived unchanged for eons, through a variety of insects who help bring about the downfall of much larger animals, right up to man's best friend deciding on the true value of that friendship.
There's a visceral quality throughout, a reminder that this is modern horror in addition to a moral lesson. The Aesop I read as a child involved a thorn in the paw of a lion, but the pain there was sanitized for my childish eyes. No similar filters are applied here; we get the whole sense of what's happening. For an adult reader, this is necessary in many cases to drive the valuable points home.
There are short stories, flash-fiction-length tales, and poems; all blended together beautifully in several larger themes that comprise the entire anthology. Good stuff, well worth reading more than once.
Note: I was provided a digital advance review copy of Bestiary of Blood by the publisher without obligation.
October 6, 2024
Tales inspired by Aesop's fabels await. Sometimes our interactions with animals are totally different than we expect. Unique
October 6, 2024
This book was different from my usual reads. It is a collection of stories and poetry highlighting dark fables involving various types of animals. It is a very dark and often frightening book.
Most of the stories involved animals with human traits and demonstrated what happens when they are infused with all the nuances and ugly warts of humanity. Many read like fables from earlier times but are far more violent and dark than the fables I remember as a child.
The final section of the book is set in a dystopian, post apocalyptic world where life is pretty much obliterated. Perhaps this is a glimpse of our own future. Fables are corollaries after all.
If I have any major complaints, it would be that I wish the font would have been larger. I found that reading the tiny text on my Kindle was tiring. That said, the more I read of this anthology, the more I enjoyed it.
Most of the stories involved animals with human traits and demonstrated what happens when they are infused with all the nuances and ugly warts of humanity. Many read like fables from earlier times but are far more violent and dark than the fables I remember as a child.
The final section of the book is set in a dystopian, post apocalyptic world where life is pretty much obliterated. Perhaps this is a glimpse of our own future. Fables are corollaries after all.
If I have any major complaints, it would be that I wish the font would have been larger. I found that reading the tiny text on my Kindle was tiring. That said, the more I read of this anthology, the more I enjoyed it.
December 6, 2024
How familiar are you with Aesop’s Fables? Are they something that you explored growing up? Well, what if there was a darker counterpoint to those familiar fables? Good news for you, especially if you are a fan of things dark, horror, and twisted – Bestiary of Blood: Modern Fables and Dark Tales is the book for you. This anthology is packed with dark and twisted stories, but we’re here to talk about just one.
Bestiary of Blood: Modern Fables and Dark Tales grabs the eye of readers with a creep-tastic cover. This cover gives a sense of antiquity with golden borders and detailed designs that decorate the edges of this book. Each corner has a different animal holding a place there. A falcon, a tiger, a wolf and a crocodile (or alligator).
What really draws the eye is the center of the cover for Bestiary of Blood: Modern Fables and Dark Tales. A gray monster takes center stage with wide eyes, a gaping mouth with sharp teeth on full display, and blood spilling out. You’ll see some blood spatter on the cover off to the right as well. Looks like things got a little out of hand, right? But it definitely builds intrigue as to what readers will find within these pages.
Inside the Bestiary of Blood: Modern Fables and Dark Tales you will find the story called – “The Devil’s Blood.” “The Devil’s Blood” is a dark fable that takes an insect that is despised by many and how it becomes the source for the extinction of man and is a part of something even darker.
“The Devil’s Blood” is a short story written by author Nzondi. “The Devil’s Blood” draws readers in with the first thing that they see is an image of a mosquito, and her shadow – instead of it being a mosquito – is an image of the devil. Intriguing, right? Well, the question becomes “What is the meaning of this?” You can’t help but wonder – are we getting a story of how the mosquito bites the devil himself and brings about some sort of destruction to the world?
Author Nzondi writes an intriguing fable for readers to explore as the mosquito embarks on a quest to find answers to her questions. She doesn’t believe that the devil exists. This mosquito is written as having short-term memory. Why is this an important fact to present to readers? Well, it won’t make sense for a portion of the story, but once “The Devil’s Blood” hits a certain point...it will all make sense. It won’t just make sense though...it will blow your mind a little.
Author Nzondi has mosquito questioning a variety of animals about the devil and his existence. Of course, they all have their own thoughts and viewpoints concerning the devil and whether he (or she) truly exists. Readers will be intrigued how author Nzondi depicts mother mosquito. Her short term memory is on full display for readers.
We say this because while she embarks with one particular question concerning the devil at the beginning of this fable, the questions change with each creature she meets. Each has a different answer to her questions, but these answers simply push her to want to delve deeper.
“The Devil’s Blood” is an intriguing dark fable that will make readers think. This story is a short tasty bite in the anthology collection of Bestiary of Blood: Modern Fables and Dark Tales. When it comes to “dark tales” this story easily finds its home here. No, seriously, wait until you reach the end. It’s an intriguing and twisted close to the story that you’re not going to see coming.
Could this story be described as “horror?” For this reader, the answer would be no. Dark? Absolutely, but it falls short of the horror mark. It would have needed more substance to give readers the “horror” aspect, but it is an interesting dark tale that does the job effectively to draw readers in.
We encourage readers to pay attention to all to whom the mosquito speaks to. Author Nzondi is dropping little hints at something bigger that you’re not going to notice initially. Miss the clues? Don’t worry, author Nzondi will point it out in blaring fashion before the story closes and it will be something that will truly surprise you.
“The Devil’s Blood” is a nice bite-sized short story that easily lets readers know why it earned its place among the rest of the anthology of the Bestiary of Blood: Modern Fables and Dark Tales. This story is but one of many in the collection, and it will help to pique your interest in what the others must be.
Love horror and are looking for something fresh and new to sink your teeth into? Enjoy anthologies that hold a diverse number of voices? Looking for new authors of horror? Then we recommend checking out the Bestiary of Blood: Modern Fables and Dark Tales and author Nzondi’s “The Devil’s Blood.”
Pros:
• Interesting short story
• Unique main character
• Intriguing
• Unexpected
• Dark
Cons:
• The horror aspect is understated.
Cover Score: 9.1/10
Overall Book Score: 8.9/10
Bestiary of Blood: Modern Fables and Dark Tales grabs the eye of readers with a creep-tastic cover. This cover gives a sense of antiquity with golden borders and detailed designs that decorate the edges of this book. Each corner has a different animal holding a place there. A falcon, a tiger, a wolf and a crocodile (or alligator).
What really draws the eye is the center of the cover for Bestiary of Blood: Modern Fables and Dark Tales. A gray monster takes center stage with wide eyes, a gaping mouth with sharp teeth on full display, and blood spilling out. You’ll see some blood spatter on the cover off to the right as well. Looks like things got a little out of hand, right? But it definitely builds intrigue as to what readers will find within these pages.
Inside the Bestiary of Blood: Modern Fables and Dark Tales you will find the story called – “The Devil’s Blood.” “The Devil’s Blood” is a dark fable that takes an insect that is despised by many and how it becomes the source for the extinction of man and is a part of something even darker.
“The Devil’s Blood” is a short story written by author Nzondi. “The Devil’s Blood” draws readers in with the first thing that they see is an image of a mosquito, and her shadow – instead of it being a mosquito – is an image of the devil. Intriguing, right? Well, the question becomes “What is the meaning of this?” You can’t help but wonder – are we getting a story of how the mosquito bites the devil himself and brings about some sort of destruction to the world?
Author Nzondi writes an intriguing fable for readers to explore as the mosquito embarks on a quest to find answers to her questions. She doesn’t believe that the devil exists. This mosquito is written as having short-term memory. Why is this an important fact to present to readers? Well, it won’t make sense for a portion of the story, but once “The Devil’s Blood” hits a certain point...it will all make sense. It won’t just make sense though...it will blow your mind a little.
Author Nzondi has mosquito questioning a variety of animals about the devil and his existence. Of course, they all have their own thoughts and viewpoints concerning the devil and whether he (or she) truly exists. Readers will be intrigued how author Nzondi depicts mother mosquito. Her short term memory is on full display for readers.
We say this because while she embarks with one particular question concerning the devil at the beginning of this fable, the questions change with each creature she meets. Each has a different answer to her questions, but these answers simply push her to want to delve deeper.
“The Devil’s Blood” is an intriguing dark fable that will make readers think. This story is a short tasty bite in the anthology collection of Bestiary of Blood: Modern Fables and Dark Tales. When it comes to “dark tales” this story easily finds its home here. No, seriously, wait until you reach the end. It’s an intriguing and twisted close to the story that you’re not going to see coming.
Could this story be described as “horror?” For this reader, the answer would be no. Dark? Absolutely, but it falls short of the horror mark. It would have needed more substance to give readers the “horror” aspect, but it is an interesting dark tale that does the job effectively to draw readers in.
We encourage readers to pay attention to all to whom the mosquito speaks to. Author Nzondi is dropping little hints at something bigger that you’re not going to notice initially. Miss the clues? Don’t worry, author Nzondi will point it out in blaring fashion before the story closes and it will be something that will truly surprise you.
“The Devil’s Blood” is a nice bite-sized short story that easily lets readers know why it earned its place among the rest of the anthology of the Bestiary of Blood: Modern Fables and Dark Tales. This story is but one of many in the collection, and it will help to pique your interest in what the others must be.
Love horror and are looking for something fresh and new to sink your teeth into? Enjoy anthologies that hold a diverse number of voices? Looking for new authors of horror? Then we recommend checking out the Bestiary of Blood: Modern Fables and Dark Tales and author Nzondi’s “The Devil’s Blood.”
Pros:
• Interesting short story
• Unique main character
• Intriguing
• Unexpected
• Dark
Cons:
• The horror aspect is understated.
Cover Score: 9.1/10
Overall Book Score: 8.9/10
January 22, 2025
Excellent Stories in a Somewhat Muddled Package.
Here's my review:
I have good news and bad news, so let’s get the bad news out of the way first.
Bestiary of Blood is a confusingly-presented home to exemplary stories by many highly-esteemed authors, creating the unfortunate mental image of aristocracy being entertained in a double-wide.
To start with, it was rather uneven. Almost all the stories were of flash fiction length—that’s how the editor managed to shoehorn 56 stories into 315 pages. But then there were a few much longer stories. Most were fables, but then there were some non-fable dark stories thrown in. Oh, and some were poetry. It seems as if the editor wasn’t really sure about which direction he wanted to take with this book, and so it ended up as a kind of literary patchwork quilt…not necessarily a bad thing, I suppose. The only consistent thing was that all the stories/fables were about animals…hence “Bestiary.”
Usually, editors don’t put one of their own short stories in an anthology they are editing—or if they do, it is only one story. This editor added six pieces of his work to the book and made two of them the first and second stories—spots of honor, usually reserved for outstanding stories by those well-known in the genre.
I also wish Bestiary of Blood had been better organized. The sections/themes were odd. There are seven sections within three themes, but the themes, DAWN, TWILIGHT, and NIGHT don’t seem to have much to do with the sections within those themes. Under DAWN, we have A DEATH FOR LOVE, HUBRIS & HUMILITY, and PROTECTORS & TRUTH SEEKERS. Under TWILIGHT, there are no section headings at all, just a group of seven stories. Under NIGHT, we have SEX & OBSESSION, SOCIAL CONSTRUCT, and AFTER THE END. It might have been better if the themes and sections had been eliminated and the stories presented without them.
I’m mildly puzzled by Crystal Lake. This publisher’s releases are usually pure horror, and the horror they publish is top-notch. I was surprised that they opted to publish a book of fables–something so out of character and low-key from their usual fare. It would be interesting to know how it sells.
But, on to the actual stories. There were many outstanding pieces of work in this book. I shall mention my favorites by the themes under which they are found:
DAWN
“Best Mother Ever”—Edward Martin III. Motherhood can be a dangerous game. Also by Edward Martin III—“The Revelation of Dogs”. Heartbreaking in its truth that many good dogs received their training through human cruelty.
“A Cold Midnight”—Tim Waggoner. It’s fine to reach high but know your limitations.
”Grace”—Alessandro Manzetti. A mourner is corrected about his approach to love.
“Cypress Whispers”—Lee Murray. What happens when gifts have strings attached.
“The Dispute of Crawler & Creeper”—Marge Simon. A poem. The consequences of social division and processed food. Also by Marge Simon—“Ganesha’s Child.” Monstrous humans and the mother/child bond.
“Eye of Mirrors”—Patrick Thompson. The high price of vanity.
“At the Foot of Jones Mountain”—Cindy O’Quinn. About gratitude and destruction.
TWILIGHT
“The Fable of the Cat”—Christina Sng. A clever explanation of cat evolution. Also by Christina Sng, we have a poem entitled, “Whales.” It deals with destructiveness and forgiveness.
NIGHT
“Appetitus Afternu”—Jeffrey Howe. I loved this one. You’ll find a couple of very familiar characters here. Cleverly done.
“Mummy Dearest”—Steven Barnes. We meet a horror show Elvira-type hostess whose fans are…unusual.
“Anthill”—Lisa Morton. The juxtaposition of a content creator/influencer and her followers with an ant queen and an enormous fire anthill. Brilliantly written. This was my favorite story.
“The Tale of the Twin Stars Born of Earth and Sea”—Linda D. Addison. A poem about the Gemini twins. Just lovely. Also, by Linda D. Addison, “The Large Reckoning,” another poem, this one about how loss makes room for the new.
“The Devil’s Blood”—Nzondi. A witty story of a mosquito who sets out to discover if the Devil exists. I loved the African folklore style.
“The Fable of the Tardigrade”—Colleen Anderson. It’s not so bad to be small and ugly after all.
In conclusion, I encourage you to give Bestiary of Blood a try because it is teeming with excellent stories, and they shine like gold through the muddled presentation.
Here's my review:
I have good news and bad news, so let’s get the bad news out of the way first.
Bestiary of Blood is a confusingly-presented home to exemplary stories by many highly-esteemed authors, creating the unfortunate mental image of aristocracy being entertained in a double-wide.
To start with, it was rather uneven. Almost all the stories were of flash fiction length—that’s how the editor managed to shoehorn 56 stories into 315 pages. But then there were a few much longer stories. Most were fables, but then there were some non-fable dark stories thrown in. Oh, and some were poetry. It seems as if the editor wasn’t really sure about which direction he wanted to take with this book, and so it ended up as a kind of literary patchwork quilt…not necessarily a bad thing, I suppose. The only consistent thing was that all the stories/fables were about animals…hence “Bestiary.”
Usually, editors don’t put one of their own short stories in an anthology they are editing—or if they do, it is only one story. This editor added six pieces of his work to the book and made two of them the first and second stories—spots of honor, usually reserved for outstanding stories by those well-known in the genre.
I also wish Bestiary of Blood had been better organized. The sections/themes were odd. There are seven sections within three themes, but the themes, DAWN, TWILIGHT, and NIGHT don’t seem to have much to do with the sections within those themes. Under DAWN, we have A DEATH FOR LOVE, HUBRIS & HUMILITY, and PROTECTORS & TRUTH SEEKERS. Under TWILIGHT, there are no section headings at all, just a group of seven stories. Under NIGHT, we have SEX & OBSESSION, SOCIAL CONSTRUCT, and AFTER THE END. It might have been better if the themes and sections had been eliminated and the stories presented without them.
I’m mildly puzzled by Crystal Lake. This publisher’s releases are usually pure horror, and the horror they publish is top-notch. I was surprised that they opted to publish a book of fables–something so out of character and low-key from their usual fare. It would be interesting to know how it sells.
But, on to the actual stories. There were many outstanding pieces of work in this book. I shall mention my favorites by the themes under which they are found:
DAWN
“Best Mother Ever”—Edward Martin III. Motherhood can be a dangerous game. Also by Edward Martin III—“The Revelation of Dogs”. Heartbreaking in its truth that many good dogs received their training through human cruelty.
“A Cold Midnight”—Tim Waggoner. It’s fine to reach high but know your limitations.
”Grace”—Alessandro Manzetti. A mourner is corrected about his approach to love.
“Cypress Whispers”—Lee Murray. What happens when gifts have strings attached.
“The Dispute of Crawler & Creeper”—Marge Simon. A poem. The consequences of social division and processed food. Also by Marge Simon—“Ganesha’s Child.” Monstrous humans and the mother/child bond.
“Eye of Mirrors”—Patrick Thompson. The high price of vanity.
“At the Foot of Jones Mountain”—Cindy O’Quinn. About gratitude and destruction.
TWILIGHT
“The Fable of the Cat”—Christina Sng. A clever explanation of cat evolution. Also by Christina Sng, we have a poem entitled, “Whales.” It deals with destructiveness and forgiveness.
NIGHT
“Appetitus Afternu”—Jeffrey Howe. I loved this one. You’ll find a couple of very familiar characters here. Cleverly done.
“Mummy Dearest”—Steven Barnes. We meet a horror show Elvira-type hostess whose fans are…unusual.
“Anthill”—Lisa Morton. The juxtaposition of a content creator/influencer and her followers with an ant queen and an enormous fire anthill. Brilliantly written. This was my favorite story.
“The Tale of the Twin Stars Born of Earth and Sea”—Linda D. Addison. A poem about the Gemini twins. Just lovely. Also, by Linda D. Addison, “The Large Reckoning,” another poem, this one about how loss makes room for the new.
“The Devil’s Blood”—Nzondi. A witty story of a mosquito who sets out to discover if the Devil exists. I loved the African folklore style.
“The Fable of the Tardigrade”—Colleen Anderson. It’s not so bad to be small and ugly after all.
In conclusion, I encourage you to give Bestiary of Blood a try because it is teeming with excellent stories, and they shine like gold through the muddled presentation.
November 23, 2024
Bestiary of Blood is a strangely elevated type of horror anthology. It takes you places you aren’t expecting to go. You feel things you aren’t expecting to feel. This eclectic anthology is divided into sections representing the theme of the stories. Jamal Hodge had a vision when he put this anthology together, a beautifully haunting vision. Working with 37 horror greats (including himself) Hodge created an anthology quite unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
The poetry that found its way into the anthology is as diverse as the stories. I’ve not really explored horror poetry. This is a very good introduction to it. The poems in this will grab you and shake you before they disappear back into the thick mists from whence they came.
Each lesson that is taught is true for both humans and the animal that is represented in the story. For instance, Wrath James White’s “The Same Damn Pig” is a story about a pig that is the biggest and baddest pig in the woods. He can have any sow he wants, and he does. Once he is done with them... they become fodder for his freezer. Until one stands up to him and he gets a full dose of what he’s been doing to others. Humans and pigs can be known for their cruelty. And the do use pig cadavers because they are so close to humans for a reason.
Many of them are also touching in a tragic way... they hit hard. Tim Waggoner’s “A Cold Midnight” shows the determination of a hawk to go and talk to the stars. She makes several attempts to reach the stars, not understanding why she can’t. But then she tries one last time.
You forget that you are reading horror, that you are being taught a lesson much in that same way of Aesop’s Fables. All are beautifully written, elegant even. This anthology fills a niche we didn’t know we needed.
These stories and poems will stick with you long after you put the book down. They will creep into your waking thoughts and your dreams.... or nightmares.
The poetry that found its way into the anthology is as diverse as the stories. I’ve not really explored horror poetry. This is a very good introduction to it. The poems in this will grab you and shake you before they disappear back into the thick mists from whence they came.
Each lesson that is taught is true for both humans and the animal that is represented in the story. For instance, Wrath James White’s “The Same Damn Pig” is a story about a pig that is the biggest and baddest pig in the woods. He can have any sow he wants, and he does. Once he is done with them... they become fodder for his freezer. Until one stands up to him and he gets a full dose of what he’s been doing to others. Humans and pigs can be known for their cruelty. And the do use pig cadavers because they are so close to humans for a reason.
Many of them are also touching in a tragic way... they hit hard. Tim Waggoner’s “A Cold Midnight” shows the determination of a hawk to go and talk to the stars. She makes several attempts to reach the stars, not understanding why she can’t. But then she tries one last time.
You forget that you are reading horror, that you are being taught a lesson much in that same way of Aesop’s Fables. All are beautifully written, elegant even. This anthology fills a niche we didn’t know we needed.
These stories and poems will stick with you long after you put the book down. They will creep into your waking thoughts and your dreams.... or nightmares.
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