X2: Another Collection of Horror

by C.M. Saunders, Greg Chapman (Illustrator)

“A superb story teller, Saunders is well on his way to becoming a true master of the macabre.”

Mark Edward Hall

(Author of Soul Thief and Apocalypse island)

The sequel to 2014's successful X: A Collection of Horror features ten more slices of dark fiction from the blood-soaked pages of Fantastic Horror, Unspoken Water, Dark Valentine and several anthologies. Also includes two previously unpublished stories, extensive notes, and original artwork by Greg Chapman.

Meet the teacher who sees dead pupils, the ambulance crew who pick up a casualty who won't die, and the childhood friends who spend the night in a haunted pub. Along the way you can meet a man who refuses to accept his wife's death and goes to extreme lengths to keep the flame of love alive, the boy who just likes to watch you sleep, and maybe even pay a visit to an antique shop with a deadly secret. If you dare.

WARNING: Graphic Content

Genres: Horror, Anthologies

155 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2015

About the author

Christian Saunders, a constant reader who writes fiction as C.M. Saunders, is a freelance journalist and editor from south Wales. His work has appeared in almost 100 magazines, ezines and anthologies worldwide including Fortean Times, the Literary Hatchet, ParABnormal, Fantastic Horror, Haunted MTL, Feverish Fiction and Crimson Streets, and he has held staff positions at several leading UK magazines ranging from Staff Writer to Associate Editor. His books have been both traditionally and independently published, the latest release being Tethered on Terror Tract Publishing.

Reviews

[Richard Dominguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

X2: Another Collection of Horror by C.M. Saunders is a collection of short stories that made for quite good reading.(
In about half the stories the author starts off with the mundane and usual, quickly moving it into the area of out right scary. In the other half Mr Saunders starts right out with scary "what the heck is going on" and quickly moving it into outright scare-fest.
The opening story "Little Dead Girl" was a great read, while the story itself was not horrifying the ending surely was. This one story alone got a 5 out of 5 rating and well worth it.
All ten stories offer something for everyone looking for a good scare and more. The story "Curiosities" starts with an ordinary curio shop and an ordinary shop owner whom turn out to be anything but ordinary. "Hero of the Day" had a rather soft ending that hits you hard as a rock with it's revelation. "Embracing Solitude" is a short, direct, well written story that has a great ending. While "Treat Night" is a realist nightmare that I imagine happens more often than not. Ending in a very sad revelation. It is another one that got a 5 out of 5 rating.
These are just a few examples of the quality of writing from the author who leaves nothing to chance and everything to fear.
In the "Afterward" Mr Saunders takes you through quick narrative of how it story came to be, which I found very interesting.
A quick enjoyable read X2: Another Collection of Horror will not disappoint and leave you wanting for more.

[Kristin Scearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Due to my (insert less crazy word for "obsession" here) with the first installment, I was definitely excited to get my hands on this one. And boy, it did NOT disappoint. Every story was amazing, and I could read them again and again.

I have to say, the author has a knack for "the twist", and not in a Shyamalan "you know it's coming so you try to figure it out first" kind of way. No, these are legitimate, edge-of-your-seat endings you more than likely weren't expecting, and if you say you predicted it, I call shenanigans.

I will cast my vote that this collection is better than the first, which is not to knock the other book by any means. It just shows that the author has found his niche, and what a wonderfully terrifying and thrilling niche it is. Bravo, good sir. Bravo.

5 stars

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in the series and the third book I have read by the author. I really enjoyed this collection, which had a mix of supernatural horror stories and horror stories that you would say were perhaps set more in the real world type of scenario. I’m not sure if I had an overall favourite, as all were brilliant in their own way and the quality remained high throughout. Will definitely be looking to read more of his works in time.

[Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly awesome read

Definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a great mix of horror stories. Will keep you engrossed from the first page to the last page and we’ll after you put it away the stories are definitely creepy and meant to find a home in your dreams.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saunders has become one of my favorite authors, so having read X: A Collection of Horror, I was eager to get my hands on this second collection of short fiction. While X, the first, is steeped in creepy tones and dark characters, X2 is a little different. Most of the stories screw with the reader psychologically, as all good horror should, but some of them are poignant, touching even (like Treat Night) and there’s more humor to this collection, although it’s definitely not light, Three Stooges kind of humor. Now, I know feelings make some of you horror fans itchy, so I’ll put your fears to rest. Even the touch feely stuff is dark, and has the all-important “creep” factor in it, so it’s all good.

“Little Dead Girl” draws you in immediately with its dream-like tone, and Saunders only excels from there. “Handsome Jack” is among my favorites, mostly because of the dark humor and excellent dialogue. “Tiny Little Vampires” won a top spot from the first line, “Mosquitos are one of the vilest creatures on the planet.” Amen, man. Amen. It also wins because of the artful imagery Saunders creates following that first line. The chill I got reading this story is because I totally understand what happens next. (winky face)

However, my top pick in the whole collection is “Road Kill.” Everything about this story is perfection. Read it, and you’ll see.

Now, if only Mr. Saunders would write another novel…

[Brian Mcclain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining collection of horror stories in a variety of different settings

I found this as an interesting collection of horror. It kept me interesting and never seemed to be repeating itself. Has me looking for his longer works.