Infinite Pieces Volume 1: "The Devil's Punchbowl" and Other Horror Stories

by Sean Platt, Jason Krumbine, Kathryn Cottam

A chilling new horror anthology from the twisted minds at Sterling & Stone, featuring 12 spine-tingling tales from the studio’s most talented storytellers, including bestselling authors Sean Platt and David Wright, as well as masters of horror Sawyer Black and Ebony Graves.

Zombie Run by Jason A young woman stuck in a never-ending time loop relives the same day in a desperate attempt to save her boyfriend after he’s been bitten by zombies.

Judgment House by Ebony A college student is introduced to an immersive Christian-themed haunted house which may just end in a blood-soaked reckoning.

The Z.O.A. by Kim M. Watt reveals that the only thing worse than a zombie apocalypse might be the local Homeowners’ Association.

This collection of macabre and supernatural stories from Sterling & Stone won’t let you sleep easy — if you can sleep at all.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Anthologies

365 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2024

About the author

Sean loves writing books, even more than reading them. He is co-founder of Collective Inkwell and Realm & Sands imprints, writes for children under the name Guy Incognito, and has more than his share of nose.

Together with co-authors David Wright and Johnny B. Truant, Sean has written the series Yesterdays Gone, WhiteSpace, ForNevermore, Available Darkness, Dark Crossings, Unicorn Western, The Beam, Namaste, Robot Proletariat, Cursed, Greens, Space Shuttle, and Everyone Gets Divorced. He also co-wrote the how-to indie book, Write. Publish. Repeat.

With Collective Inkwell
Yesterday's Gone: Post Apocalyptic - LOST by way of The Stand
WhiteSpace: Paranoid thriller on fictitious Hamilton Island
ForNevermore: YA horror that reads nothing like YA Horror
Available Darkness: A new breed of vampire thriller
Dark Crossings: Short stories, killer endings

With 47North
Z 2134: The Walking Dead meets The Hunger Games
Monstrous: Beauty and the Beast meets The Punisher

With Realm & Sands
Unicorn Western: The best story to ever come from a stupid idea
The Beam: Smart sci-fi to make you wonder exactly who we are
Namaste: A revenge thriller like nothing you've ever read
Robot Proletariat: The revolution starts here
Cursed: The old werewolf legend turned upside down
Greens: Retail noir comedy
Space Shuttle: Over the top comedy with all your favorite sci-fi characters
Everyone Gets Divorced: Like "Always Sunny" and "How I Met Your Mother" had a baby on your Kindle

Sean lives in Austin, TX with his wife, daughter, and son.
Follow him on Twitter: http://twitter.com/seanplatt
 (say hi so he can follow you back!)

Reviews

[Neon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGallery and Sterling and Stone publishing for the e-ARC of 'Infinite Pieces Volume 1: "The Devil's Punchbowl" and Other Horror Stories by Sean Platt, Jason Krumbine.

4 out of 5 stars.

"A chilling new horror anthology from the twisted minds at Sterling & Stone, featuring 12 spine-tingling tales from the studio’s most talented storytellers, including bestselling authors Sean Platt and David Wright, as well as masters of horror Sawyer Black and Ebony Graves." - from the book's NetGalley page.

I find short stories to be better a lot of the time, especially when and where it comes to horror and thriller. I find a lot of the longer stories are slow at the start, at least.

*Zombie Run: by Jason Krumbine. This was an interesting plot that reminded me of a story I once heard. It was easy to read and had kind of a playful horror to it.

*Echo: by Kathryn Cottam. Echo was kind of a weird one. I didn't like the style of this one as much, but it was a fun, fast read that still packed a punch.

*The Devil's Punchbowl: by Ebony Graves. I did not see that one coming. This is the story that the cover is geared towards. Peaches, everybody loves peaches, right?

*The Kiddies: by Sawyer Black. This was kind of a horrible story. I've realised that I really am not into young children. My own son was something else, but this book. Yuck.

*Thirty Minutes: by Sean Platt. This was kind of a surprise to me, it was really good for a short story. The premise was something I haven't seen or read before.

*The Z.O.A: by Kim M. Watt. Just your neighborhood zombie story. It wasn't bad at all actually, I rather enjoyed it and I'm not really into zombie stuff.

*The Devil's Son: by Sean Platt. I found this more amusing than scary, but I think if it was longer then it would have the punch it needed. The end was predictable.

*The Heirloom: by Kathryn Cottam. Nice. Very well done and not a plot I have seen before this. What Cottam missed in the first story was made up for with this one.

*Judgement House: by Ebony Graves. I like the religious twist to this. That creepy feeling I get from old churches and fear houses. Great plot, but I found the length and ending a little disappointing.

*Underfoot/Crawlspace: by B. K. Burns. This was a good short story, but it wasn't very horrifying for me and didn't come across like a thriller or horror unless you really dislike gore. Me, I like it.

*No Retreat: by Percival Constantine. This was a good story, a weird ending with an almost hopeful twist. I quite enjoyed this and would read it again.

*Atlantis Blackout: by David W. Wright. Good start to this story, but it was a confusing plotline with an even more confusing end. I would have liked to read more though.

All in all, I enjoy this book of horror stories and would recommend it to other readers interested.

Pre-read Notes: Thanks to NetGalley and Sterling and Stone publishing for this e-ARC for me to read in exchange for an honest review.

I'm looking forward to reading this book of short horror stories.

[Page_2_Pen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a compilation of creepy short stories that grab your attention, leave you spooked, and roll into the next creepy tale. Each was fairly short, so can be read in spurts, or all read in an entire sitting. I really liked the eeriness of these tales, and some of them lingered with me afterwards for days. I really enjoyed these tales when I only had time for a quick read, but still felt like I got a whole story. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Mike Finn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars


All the authors in this anthology were new to me except for Kim M. Watt and David Wright. There are twelves stories in the collection with Sean Platt, Kathryn Cottam and Ebony Graves contributing two stories each.

I thought six of the stories were very strong. Both of Sean Platt's stories were immediately immersive, delivering situations and ideas that pushed me to question things. Kim Watt's take on suburban zombies was funny. I enjoyed seeing her write without the constraints of producing a Cozy story. Sawyer Black's 'The Kiddies' gave the zombie apocalypse a gruesome twist that will stick with me for some time. B. K, Burns' 'Underfoot/Crawlspace' was an action-packed story of survival in the face of violence that has me rooting for Maddy, the teenage heroine. 'The Heirloom' by Kathryn Cottam was one of the scariest stories on witchcraft that I've come across.

Neither of Ebony Graves' stories worked for me. I didn't finish the second one. Her writing style turns me off. Kathryn Cottam's 'Echo' felt like an outline rather than a story.

The other four stories delivered solid entertainment.

I've commented on each story below in the order they occur in the anthology.

ZOMBIE RUN by Jason Krumbine

Wow, what a great story to open the anthology. Jason Krumbine packed a lot into a short story and it was all good: .vivid, tense, action-packed. It was a sort of Zombie Apocalypse meets Groundhog Day. The ending was strange and unexpected but I liked it. It left me hungry for more. Just because it's a short story doesn't mean everything has to be neatly explained before the end. I think I'll try out his 'Defiance' series.

ECHO by Kathryn Cottam

I liked the plot. It would make a great short story. It hasn't made a great short story yet because it reads more like an outline to get a publisher interested or a scenario pitch that may later become a script. It's all tell and no show. And the telling is as engaging as a PowerPoint presentation on how to write fiction. There's not a word of dialogue. I took a look at her novel 'Bluebeard's Bride' (2015). It looks fun. This made me wonder whether this story was some kind of experiment in form that I'm missing the point of..

THE DEVIL'S PUNCHBOWL by Ebony Graves

This one got a mention in the title of the anthology, so I was expecting it to be a centrepiece of the collection. It wasn't. The plot was pedestrian - entitled white man gets his comeuppance in the form of body horror for disrespecting a site made sacred when recently emancipated slaves were imprisoned there and left to starve. The main character was a caricature. The prose read like a high school essay. I'm surprised this got included in the collection. I'm amazed that it was called out in the title.

THE KIDDIES by Sawyer Black

I liked this. An original take on the zombie apocalypose. A sort of 'Gone' twist except not only have the adults gone but the toddlers are now killers. The description of a wave of mindless carnivore kiddies was both convincing and revolting. I liked the tight focus of the story as a personal journey. The ending was inspired. I'd like to read more by Sawyer Black. Even though I'm a Boomer, I've added his 'Zoomers vs Boomers' horror novel to my Wishlist.

THIRTY MINUTES by Sean Platt

This is a clever, well-executed "What would you do?" story with a strange man offering to change a beleaguered waitresses life subject to an unusual and disturbing condition She has thirty minutes to decide what to do. This was tense, kept me guessing and left me deeply satisfied both with how the story was told and the resolution that was reached.

THE Z.O.A. by Kim M. Watt

That was fun - bloody and tense but fun. I'm enjoy Kim Watt's books. I was curious to see what she'd write when she freed her imagination from the contratints of cosy stories. I love the result. The humour is still there. The intimidatingly ruthless old ladies are still in charge but there's a little more chaos and a lot more blood. This is one of most ejoyable zombie stories I've read.

THE DEVIL'S SON by Sean Platt

From the beginning, it's clear that something is badly wrong here. Something evil. But what? And what can or should be done about it. The answer depends on what you believe and the consequences depend on whether what you believe is true. This was tense and stimulating and I'm still in two minds about whether I have the right answer. I love that.

THE HEIRLOOM by Kathryn Cottam

Wow! That was a ride. It was dark and violent. There was child abuse, self-harm, and immolation and yet it remained a story about two sisters helping each other to survive. The supernatural element was a scary twist on a new idea. I loved that the story deviated from the "They're doomed and nothing can help them!" trope that often makes me feel like I'm doing something creepy, like watching a dog fight, and gave me something just as scary but a little more hopeful.

Kathryn Cottam's first story in this collection didn't work for me. This one makes me want to read her back catalogue.

JUDGEMENT HOUSE by Ebony Graves

I didn't make it very far into this one. The writing style doesn't work for me. The language is clunky and overworked.

UNDERFOOT/CRAWLSPACE by B. K. Burns

An intense story told with skill. Violent and bloody but not in an exploitative way. It's the night before Maddie's eighteenth birthday when she'll finally legally be an adult who can sign a lease, hold a job and take custody of her little brother. Maddie has a plan to escape from her abusive uncle. It's a good plan but it didn't anticipate the arrival of violent men looking for something her uncle took from them. What follows is a tense, desperate struggle for survival that had my full attention. I love how this was written:: vivid, tense and personal.

NO RETREAT by Percival Constantine

That was original and strange. I liked the suspense. The ending was a little abrupt and not entirely convincing but the idea is a good one.

ATLANTIS BLACKOUT by David W. Wright

That was intense. Action almost from the beginning. Great setting on a semi-submersible rig in the Gulf of Mexico. The situation is a sort of 'Into The Drowning Deep' meets 'Alien' but with an overlay of an abusive relationship that makes the story personal and adds even more tension.

[ems_booknook · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an absolutely stunning horror anthology!

Normally I avoid anthologies of short stories because quite often I’m either left wanting more from the story, or it’s so rushed that it’s unrealistic.

This was not the case at all! This is a collection of unique, and very well rounded horror stories of all different horror subgenres, that just gave and gave the entire way through. There were a couple of clear standouts for me, (The Devil’s Punchbowl and The Z.O.A were absolutely phenomenal and I wouldn’t definitely read a full size novel of them both!) but not once did I feel the need to skip one or give any of them a lower rating because they were all so action packed!!

I will absolutely be checking out several of these authors for more work, I need more!!! The writing was fantastic, the themes were fantastic, and honestly for horror lovers there is something to fit every vibe in this one.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this anthology!

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infinite Pieces: Volume One is a darkly imaginative horror anthology from the talented storytellers at Sterling & Stone. Featuring 12 unsettling tales from authors like Sean Platt, David Wright, Sawyer Black, and Ebony Graves, the collection offers a diverse array of horrors ranging from psychological suspense to supernatural terror. Each story explores unique and chilling concepts that will haunt readers long after the final page.

Content Overview

This anthology showcases an impressive variety of horror subgenres. From the time-looped terror of Zombie Run by Jason Krumbine to the sinister satire of suburban life in The Z.O.A. by Kim M. Watt, the stories blend fear with creativity in unexpected ways. Highlights include:
• Zombie Run: A relentless and heart-wrenching tale of love and loss set in a world overrun by zombies, with a time-loop twist that keeps tension high.
• Judgment House: Ebony Graves delivers a brutal, thought-provoking story of religious fanaticism and comeuppance, with a haunted house setting that will chill you to the bone.
• The Z.O.A.: A darkly comedic take on a zombie apocalypse where the true horror is bureaucracy and suburban pettiness.

The anthology also delves into psychological horror and existential dread, with each story exploring fear in a fresh, engaging way.

Strengths

The standout feature of Infinite Pieces is its versatility. Whether you’re a fan of visceral gore, supernatural hauntings, or dark humor, there’s something in this collection to terrify and delight you. The stories are tightly written and often subvert expectations, keeping readers guessing and off balance.

The authors excel at creating atmospheric settings and relatable characters. Whether trapped in a looping apocalypse or navigating the terror of a morally skewed haunted house, the protagonists feel real, making their fear all the more palpable.

Additionally, the blend of established names like Sean Platt and rising stars like Ebony Graves adds a refreshing mix of voices to the anthology.

Themes

The stories in Infinite Pieces frequently explore themes of survival, morality, and the fragility of human relationships under extreme stress. There’s also a subtle commentary on societal constructs, from religion to neighborhood associations, revealing the horror lurking in familiar places.

Critique

While the anthology is strong overall, some stories may resonate more than others depending on the reader’s taste in horror. A few entries lean heavily on familiar tropes without fully reinventing them, which might feel predictable for seasoned horror fans. Additionally, the brevity of some tales leaves certain ideas underexplored.

Conclusion

Infinite Pieces: Volume One is a captivating horror anthology that delivers a wide spectrum of frights, from the deeply disturbing to the darkly funny. The stories’ variety and inventive premises ensure there’s something for every type of horror fan. Sterling & Stone has crafted a collection that’s sure to linger in readers’ minds—and perhaps their nightmares. Perfect for fans of Creepshow or The Twilight Zone, this anthology proves that the scariest stories are the ones that stay with you.

[Amanda Kinsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This felt like a nice sample platter of horror stories. I enjoyed being able to read the stories quickly and in one sitting but some of them were just too short. I felt like some ended just as the story was getting rolling and that fell short for me. As much as I enjoy quick stories, sometimes I dislike how underdeveloped they are. With all that being said, this gave me a nice fix of spookiness. There’s a little bit of everything in here for people who like different types of horror like supernatural, comedic, gore, and psychological. An easy way to figure out what type of horror stories you enjoy the most. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did you love reading Scary Stories to Read in the Dark when you were younger? Then you will love Infinite Pieces. This book contains short stories that appeal because of their relevance to today's society. I loved this book because several of the stories creeped me out like others have not been able to. Many of the stories read like they would make a great horror movie. I cannot wait for other versions to come out.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sterling and Stone Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[David O'Mahony · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable and varied collection. There some really strong highlights that showcase a lot of originality and style, such as Zombie Run, The Devil's Punchbowl, The Kiddies (with a concept I'd never dreamed of), and Judgement House.

A few of the stories didn't quite work for me, even if the ideas behind them were good, and there isn't a tired trope among the offerings here. Some might warrant novel or novella treatment.

I look forward to reading more from the authors in this collection.

[Mal]

Thank you NetGalley and Sterling & Stone for the ARC.
Unfortunately I didn't finish this one before the arch expired on me but what I did get read, were a mix of ones I liked and sadly ones I thought could use a bit more editing or reworking.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 4.25 🌟 read rounded ⬇️ to 4 🌟.

[Libbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Infinite pieces volume 1 is an anthology of 12 short horror stories by 12 different authors gathered by Sean Platt into one anthology.

Whatever your tastes in horror you will likely find something you enjoy in this book. There is a range from zombies and gore to more eerie and spooky stories. As expected with an anthology some stories are better than others.

Unfortunately, for me I found the strongest story in this to be the opening story. Zombie run by Jason Krumbine. Which was immediately followed by the weakest story in the anthology. I think the order of the stories could have been moved around and planned a bit better. It made the rest of the anthology feel like a disappointment as whilst I enjoyed some of the stories it never reached the height of the opener. The titular story 'The devils punchbowl' for example felt just fine.

As stated if you're a horror fan there will be something for you to enjoy in here. Most of the stories just weren't for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sterling and stone for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.