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Uncommon Anthologies #6
UnCommon Evil: A Collection of Nightmares, Demonic Creatures, and UnImaginable Horrors
UnCommon Evil brings you 20 of the most horrifying stories our deviant authors' minds can conceive. From the monster under your bed, to the very real reason for that oily sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach, our UnCommon Authors bring you a whole new way of looking at the true nature of evil.
- GenresHorrorAnthologies
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2018
33 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Jessica West
89 books261 followersJess is currently pursuing a state of self-induced psychosis (also known as writing).
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 8, 2018
An introduction by editor P. K. Tyler on the nature of evil is followed by 20 stories with the common theme of unspeakable horror. I’m about half-way through this collection and, as a fan of the horror genre, I’m loving it!
In “Sip the Dregs” by Rhoads Brazos, Maribelle clears out her grandmother’s home after her disappearance. No one knows what happened to her, but their suspicions are nowhere near as frightening as the truth. I’m not sure I understood this one, but it certainly had a lot of atmosphere.
In “Knobby Bones” by Jeremy Megargee, an aid worker in South Sudan attempts to uncover the truth behind the legend of Knobby Bones. What he finds is worse than anything he could have imagined. Truly disturbing.
In “Dark Cloud over Ladysmith” by Robert Allen Lupton, Martha and her friends struggle to defeat evil during a siege in the second Boer War. An interesting story, but the sentences are short and choppy.
In “A Handsome Man” by Joriah Wood, Brandy meets a handsome stranger at a party, and things take a very strange turn. Delightfully creepy.
In “June’s Perfection” by Anne Skinner, Laura escapes one unhealthy relationship only to enter another.
In “Mosaic” by Annetta Ribken, a visit to a psychiatric museum unleashes an artist’s muse with disturbing results. Short and well-crafted.
In “Let the Bodies” by J. Edward Neill, a person goes missing from her town every day. But what does Mia’s grandfather have to do with it?
In “An Old Family Recipe” by Caroline A. Gill, Charlotte seeks justice for her family when two of her sons are killed in an accident. A beautifully written, heartbreaking story.
In “Windikouk” by Tausha Johnson, Megan loves telling her little sister scary stories. But, in reality, the truth is stranger than any of her fictions. Suspenseful.
I look forward to reading the rest of the stories in this collection. It seems to include something that will appeal to every horror buff’s tastes.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (8 March): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
In “Sip the Dregs” by Rhoads Brazos, Maribelle clears out her grandmother’s home after her disappearance. No one knows what happened to her, but their suspicions are nowhere near as frightening as the truth. I’m not sure I understood this one, but it certainly had a lot of atmosphere.
In “Knobby Bones” by Jeremy Megargee, an aid worker in South Sudan attempts to uncover the truth behind the legend of Knobby Bones. What he finds is worse than anything he could have imagined. Truly disturbing.
In “Dark Cloud over Ladysmith” by Robert Allen Lupton, Martha and her friends struggle to defeat evil during a siege in the second Boer War. An interesting story, but the sentences are short and choppy.
In “A Handsome Man” by Joriah Wood, Brandy meets a handsome stranger at a party, and things take a very strange turn. Delightfully creepy.
In “June’s Perfection” by Anne Skinner, Laura escapes one unhealthy relationship only to enter another.
In “Mosaic” by Annetta Ribken, a visit to a psychiatric museum unleashes an artist’s muse with disturbing results. Short and well-crafted.
In “Let the Bodies” by J. Edward Neill, a person goes missing from her town every day. But what does Mia’s grandfather have to do with it?
In “An Old Family Recipe” by Caroline A. Gill, Charlotte seeks justice for her family when two of her sons are killed in an accident. A beautifully written, heartbreaking story.
In “Windikouk” by Tausha Johnson, Megan loves telling her little sister scary stories. But, in reality, the truth is stranger than any of her fictions. Suspenseful.
I look forward to reading the rest of the stories in this collection. It seems to include something that will appeal to every horror buff’s tastes.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (8 March): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
February 24, 2018
Another great addition to the Uncommon Anthologies!
If you love horror stories, you won't be disappointed by this collection. This collection includes scary creatures that you think you know as well as introducing many that you have never heard of. A great group of authors and a great scare. Some of the stories feature supernatural evil, others just the evil of humankind. Includes stories from many different cultures, which makes for new and interesting twists.
The story by Caroline Gill, "An Old Family Recipe" is one that will stick with me for a long, long time. Reminiscent of Stephen King's "Children of the Corn", it is disturbing on many levels. Truly a story to haunt your nightmares!
"Under the Bed", by Harlow Fallon, will have me checking under my bed for many nights to come. And, "Eye of the Beholder" will make the reader think before agreeing to a scheme that seems too good to be true!
If you love a great scare, grab this collection. But, don't read it too close to bedtime or you may never get to sleep!
If you love horror stories, you won't be disappointed by this collection. This collection includes scary creatures that you think you know as well as introducing many that you have never heard of. A great group of authors and a great scare. Some of the stories feature supernatural evil, others just the evil of humankind. Includes stories from many different cultures, which makes for new and interesting twists.
The story by Caroline Gill, "An Old Family Recipe" is one that will stick with me for a long, long time. Reminiscent of Stephen King's "Children of the Corn", it is disturbing on many levels. Truly a story to haunt your nightmares!
"Under the Bed", by Harlow Fallon, will have me checking under my bed for many nights to come. And, "Eye of the Beholder" will make the reader think before agreeing to a scheme that seems too good to be true!
If you love a great scare, grab this collection. But, don't read it too close to bedtime or you may never get to sleep!
February 25, 2018
A truly scary and well written short story collection
If you are looking for scary and creepy horror, then get this anthology. I don’t read much horror, but I am a horror movie aficionado, and some of these stories even scare me! Therefore, this book is not meant for kids. There is a good variety in the 20 stories by various authors. Some are paranormal and some not.
Here are the 5 stories that I have read so far:
1.) “Knobby Bones” by Jeremy Megargee: This one is short, but it gets right to the point, and it totally creeped me out. I am glad that I read it during daylight. It was interesting that an entity besides Knobby Bones was the primary source of the evil, in my opinion.
2.) “Let the Bodies” by J. Edward Neill: High quality writing that reminds me of Neil Gaiman! I love the beautifully lyrical prose that starts out light-hearted and ends up being sinister. I love the setting in a place like 19th century Italy. I am so glad that I discovered this author!
3.) “Mosaic” by Annetta Ribken: This one is super freaky and really good. Possession or just going crazy?
4.) “The Well” by John Haas: An eerie paranormal tale. A pair of modern day teen siblings find a mysterious well in the woods. It seems to be inhabited by an evil fae being. I appreciate the theme of human evil in the form of bullying behavior that is passed down to the next generation.
5.) “The Wendikouk” by Tausha Johnson: I was underwhelmed by this one because it was too unclear what was going on. I wish there was some more explanation, especially at the end.
In addition, the foreword by P.K. Tyler is thought-provoking and fascinating. I applaud the editor for gathering such diverse and imaginative horror stories of such high quality.
I received a free advanced reading copy from the publisher, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
If you are looking for scary and creepy horror, then get this anthology. I don’t read much horror, but I am a horror movie aficionado, and some of these stories even scare me! Therefore, this book is not meant for kids. There is a good variety in the 20 stories by various authors. Some are paranormal and some not.
Here are the 5 stories that I have read so far:
1.) “Knobby Bones” by Jeremy Megargee: This one is short, but it gets right to the point, and it totally creeped me out. I am glad that I read it during daylight. It was interesting that an entity besides Knobby Bones was the primary source of the evil, in my opinion.
2.) “Let the Bodies” by J. Edward Neill: High quality writing that reminds me of Neil Gaiman! I love the beautifully lyrical prose that starts out light-hearted and ends up being sinister. I love the setting in a place like 19th century Italy. I am so glad that I discovered this author!
3.) “Mosaic” by Annetta Ribken: This one is super freaky and really good. Possession or just going crazy?
4.) “The Well” by John Haas: An eerie paranormal tale. A pair of modern day teen siblings find a mysterious well in the woods. It seems to be inhabited by an evil fae being. I appreciate the theme of human evil in the form of bullying behavior that is passed down to the next generation.
5.) “The Wendikouk” by Tausha Johnson: I was underwhelmed by this one because it was too unclear what was going on. I wish there was some more explanation, especially at the end.
In addition, the foreword by P.K. Tyler is thought-provoking and fascinating. I applaud the editor for gathering such diverse and imaginative horror stories of such high quality.
I received a free advanced reading copy from the publisher, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
April 28, 2018
This series is consistent in its mix of stories, with a handful of standouts.
One of those standouts is "Windikouk" by Tausha Johnson, who always delivers. The opening of this tale grounds us in the setting, which is full of powerful imagery. And we are given the initial conflict: will the family be snowed in again? Meanwhile, we also are introduced to the dynamic between two sisters, which Johnson nails with all its love-hate complexities. It's this sisterly bond that's really the heart of the story. Megan, the older sibling, tells the reader her insecurities and some of the strange things she's experienced, which sets the stage for the building tension and eventual climax.
What will keep you reading this delightfully horrific tale? Well, something watches the sisters and their mother on their walk home... there's a girl at school who is almost identical to Megan... their unstable father has gone... there's something outside the house that night. What's out there? What does it want? We wonder if it has anything to do with the legend of the Windikouk that Megan tells her sister, in order to freak her out... All of this draws you in.
In short, this is a fantastic story that is skillfully told. I couldn't put it down. Between the wonderful writing and the suspense, I was yet again hooked on Johnson's storytelling. She's one to watch out for in the literary world, and I look forward to her next work of fiction.
My only critique regarding the collection is that the summaries in front of the stories could use more spicing up. The blurbs don't do justice to the pieces, and were not the tempting hooks they could've been. My advice: skip those and just jump into the tales themselves.
One of those standouts is "Windikouk" by Tausha Johnson, who always delivers. The opening of this tale grounds us in the setting, which is full of powerful imagery. And we are given the initial conflict: will the family be snowed in again? Meanwhile, we also are introduced to the dynamic between two sisters, which Johnson nails with all its love-hate complexities. It's this sisterly bond that's really the heart of the story. Megan, the older sibling, tells the reader her insecurities and some of the strange things she's experienced, which sets the stage for the building tension and eventual climax.
What will keep you reading this delightfully horrific tale? Well, something watches the sisters and their mother on their walk home... there's a girl at school who is almost identical to Megan... their unstable father has gone... there's something outside the house that night. What's out there? What does it want? We wonder if it has anything to do with the legend of the Windikouk that Megan tells her sister, in order to freak her out... All of this draws you in.
In short, this is a fantastic story that is skillfully told. I couldn't put it down. Between the wonderful writing and the suspense, I was yet again hooked on Johnson's storytelling. She's one to watch out for in the literary world, and I look forward to her next work of fiction.
My only critique regarding the collection is that the summaries in front of the stories could use more spicing up. The blurbs don't do justice to the pieces, and were not the tempting hooks they could've been. My advice: skip those and just jump into the tales themselves.
February 22, 2018
This cover is fantastic. It's freakishly beautiful and scary at the same time, and it took my breath away. Gorgeous.
Not everyone likes short stories. My husband, in particular, doesn't as they rarely develop the level of characterisation and worldbuilding that he enjoys. I disagree. Not everyone can WRITE excellent short stories. It takes talent, and with PK Tyler's 'Uncommon' series you know that she has chosen only the best for the reader. These leave you thinking about the content long after you've finished the story.
There are different kinds of fear, and one tale in particular twisted my guts so much I thought I was going to vomit... The slow burner 'The Silent Treatment' by Tom O'Brien genuinely affected me badly. I suffer from memory loss myself, and trying to find a 'lost' word is like climbing K2 in a onesie and a pair of baffies (that's slippers for anyone outside Scotland!). Even thinking about it now gives me the willies.
My absolute favourites were Robert Allen Lupton's 'Dark Cloud Over Ladysmith', strong, intelligent women, undead, and a bodywalker. What's not to love? Bill Hargenrader's 'Master of My Fate' gives us an inkling on how a gentle, curious boy can be shaped into some 'thing' unfeeling and evil. There isn't a single story here that is not quality. Enjoy.
I received an eARC which I voluntarily read and reviewed. Any opinions are my own.
Not everyone likes short stories. My husband, in particular, doesn't as they rarely develop the level of characterisation and worldbuilding that he enjoys. I disagree. Not everyone can WRITE excellent short stories. It takes talent, and with PK Tyler's 'Uncommon' series you know that she has chosen only the best for the reader. These leave you thinking about the content long after you've finished the story.
There are different kinds of fear, and one tale in particular twisted my guts so much I thought I was going to vomit... The slow burner 'The Silent Treatment' by Tom O'Brien genuinely affected me badly. I suffer from memory loss myself, and trying to find a 'lost' word is like climbing K2 in a onesie and a pair of baffies (that's slippers for anyone outside Scotland!). Even thinking about it now gives me the willies.
My absolute favourites were Robert Allen Lupton's 'Dark Cloud Over Ladysmith', strong, intelligent women, undead, and a bodywalker. What's not to love? Bill Hargenrader's 'Master of My Fate' gives us an inkling on how a gentle, curious boy can be shaped into some 'thing' unfeeling and evil. There isn't a single story here that is not quality. Enjoy.
I received an eARC which I voluntarily read and reviewed. Any opinions are my own.
February 24, 2018
Tales of wickedness and tales of woe, the stories explore villains and their crimes and the terrors they unleash upon their hapless victims, who either perish or, perhaps worse, overthrow the villains and take their place.
I'm reviewing on the strengths of the two stories I've read thus far. June's Perfection by Anne Skinner explores what is, in some sense, the banality of evil and what happens when an ordinary person is imbued with paranormal powers, and chooses to use them selfishly for the extension of one's own being, and how in time, the corruption grows so great that the choice to greedily take has become second nature, and the hints of regret do little to ameliorate. Well-done, but I personally would have preferred a slightly different ending.
J. Edward Neill's Let the Bodies is a perfect piece of creeping, atmospheric horror, combining a sense of inevitability with an almost fairy-tale mythic setting. If Skinner's tale was one of human evil, then Neill's provides a counterpoint of alien menace. The story itself is part of a series of interconnected tales collected in his novel, The Hecatomb definitely pick that one up to know more about this world and the horrific creatures who hunt their human prey within.
https://www.amazon.com/Hecatomb-Dead-...
I'm reviewing on the strengths of the two stories I've read thus far. June's Perfection by Anne Skinner explores what is, in some sense, the banality of evil and what happens when an ordinary person is imbued with paranormal powers, and chooses to use them selfishly for the extension of one's own being, and how in time, the corruption grows so great that the choice to greedily take has become second nature, and the hints of regret do little to ameliorate. Well-done, but I personally would have preferred a slightly different ending.
J. Edward Neill's Let the Bodies is a perfect piece of creeping, atmospheric horror, combining a sense of inevitability with an almost fairy-tale mythic setting. If Skinner's tale was one of human evil, then Neill's provides a counterpoint of alien menace. The story itself is part of a series of interconnected tales collected in his novel, The Hecatomb definitely pick that one up to know more about this world and the horrific creatures who hunt their human prey within.
https://www.amazon.com/Hecatomb-Dead-...
February 20, 2018
I've come to expect high-quality stories that make me think from all of the UnCommon Anthologies, and this is no exception. This is a great collection of well-written, skin-crawlingly creepy short stories exploring the nature of evil. I would rate it 5 stars, but I don't think I will be able to sleep well any time soon after reading this! I expect some of the imagery from these stories may haunt me for a long time. It's really well done, but horror is just not my genre and I can't give a 5 to something I don't personally love.
If you enjoy horror, if you're someone who likes to be shocked or spend time pondering the evils of the world, and you have a strong stomach, then I highly recommend this. I especially loved the diverse settings and characters. If you're squeamish or easily triggered by violence and cruelty, you should probably steer clear.
I received a free ARC of this book from one of the authors and volunteered to review it. The version I reviewed was generally well written, well edited, and cleanly formatted. The stories in this book are very disturbing and clearly intended for adults.
If you enjoy horror, if you're someone who likes to be shocked or spend time pondering the evils of the world, and you have a strong stomach, then I highly recommend this. I especially loved the diverse settings and characters. If you're squeamish or easily triggered by violence and cruelty, you should probably steer clear.
I received a free ARC of this book from one of the authors and volunteered to review it. The version I reviewed was generally well written, well edited, and cleanly formatted. The stories in this book are very disturbing and clearly intended for adults.
February 21, 2018
This book is full of amazing and wondrously evil stories that have you torn between wanting to read them an hide under your blanket. Below is my review for An Old Family Recipe by Caroline A. Gill.
The Stilton family have a saying "We Stilton's never lie down" and in this story you find out what lengths they will go to in order to live by their saying. Being farmers they rely on their crops and harvest but things have been going from bad to worse for the Stiltons, but nothing is as bad as when the police knock on their door late at night to advised Francis and Timmy wouldn't be coming home. From here the Stiltons process the deaths in their own way Archie snr blocks out everyone, Edward grows sullen and secretive, Johnny is so young he doesn't get why the boys are coming home and Mrs Stilton tries to hold everyone and everything together. Then one night the tides are turned and the Stiltons who were wronged by losing their 2 boys get a second chance at things, although there is a price and are they willing to pay that price? What unfolds is scary yet intriguing and addictive reading to see how it all ends up!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
The Stilton family have a saying "We Stilton's never lie down" and in this story you find out what lengths they will go to in order to live by their saying. Being farmers they rely on their crops and harvest but things have been going from bad to worse for the Stiltons, but nothing is as bad as when the police knock on their door late at night to advised Francis and Timmy wouldn't be coming home. From here the Stiltons process the deaths in their own way Archie snr blocks out everyone, Edward grows sullen and secretive, Johnny is so young he doesn't get why the boys are coming home and Mrs Stilton tries to hold everyone and everything together. Then one night the tides are turned and the Stiltons who were wronged by losing their 2 boys get a second chance at things, although there is a price and are they willing to pay that price? What unfolds is scary yet intriguing and addictive reading to see how it all ends up!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
June 1, 2018
Good collection
A generous collection with a little bit of everything. Every horror, Sci-fi, supernatural and thriller fan will find at least on story to their liking.
A generous collection with a little bit of everything. Every horror, Sci-fi, supernatural and thriller fan will find at least on story to their liking.
February 18, 2019
Meh
I just couldn't find any stories that i liked. Kind of boring and predictable. Some didn't make much sense either.
I just couldn't find any stories that i liked. Kind of boring and predictable. Some didn't make much sense either.
October 20, 2019
A nicely curated collection of diverse horror stories. "Eye of the Beholder" by Australian author R. A. Goli was deliciously spooky, as a woman trying to lose weight makes a pact with a being known as "The Whittler." And yes that name is as sinister as it sounds. A short and chilling read that approached Clive Barker and took a left turn. Recommended.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews