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Hearts & Bones
Hearts & Bones is a collection of two short stories by 2019 HWA Mary Shelley Scholarship recipient, Theresa Derwin. Of ‘Doris’ Theresa recently said: “Well, I decided to write my own interpretation of the Harlan Ellison story ‘A Boy and his Dog’ but with a woman instead.” And ‘Fruit Of The Womb’, a Christmas story gone wrong – inspired by A Partridge in a Pear Tree. As Theresa herself says: “I love Christmas horror. And it’s a bit of a folk horror involving the idea of fertility.”
(Cover by Adrian Baldwin)
(Short Sharp Shocks! Book 38.)
(Cover by Adrian Baldwin)
(Short Sharp Shocks! Book 38.)
- GenresHorror
52 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 5, 2022
Read as part of my May 2022 Long Month, Short Book Challenge
I purchased this book back in June 2021, but this along with the other books in the "Short Sharp Shocks!" series are available on Kindle Unlimited as of the writing of this review.
I must admit that I have never heard of the HWA Mary Shelley Scholarship but the author Theresa Derwin won it in 2019. I did a (very) little research and this is what I found. Sounds like a good idea to me. Encouraging more women to write horror fictions does not sound like a bad idea. If this short story collection is an example of what they are producing, I'm 100% in agreement with the scholarship.
There were two short stories in this collection, "Doris" and "Fruit of the Womb."
"Doris" is the story of a woman who befriends a dog in a post apocalyptic world. I was surprised how quickly I came to care for Doris the dog and the un-named woman. This made the ending even more tragic.
"Fruit of the Womb" was pretty straight forward horror tale, but again was very well written and was a Christmas tale (of a sorts.)
I encourage you to read these short but powerful tales yourself.
I purchased this book back in June 2021, but this along with the other books in the "Short Sharp Shocks!" series are available on Kindle Unlimited as of the writing of this review.
I must admit that I have never heard of the HWA Mary Shelley Scholarship but the author Theresa Derwin won it in 2019. I did a (very) little research and this is what I found. Sounds like a good idea to me. Encouraging more women to write horror fictions does not sound like a bad idea. If this short story collection is an example of what they are producing, I'm 100% in agreement with the scholarship.
There were two short stories in this collection, "Doris" and "Fruit of the Womb."
"Doris" is the story of a woman who befriends a dog in a post apocalyptic world. I was surprised how quickly I came to care for Doris the dog and the un-named woman. This made the ending even more tragic.
"Fruit of the Womb" was pretty straight forward horror tale, but again was very well written and was a Christmas tale (of a sorts.)
I encourage you to read these short but powerful tales yourself.
February 12, 2020
** Edited as review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **
‘Hearts & Bones’ is a two story collection by Theresa Derwin that represents another amazing release in Demain Publishing’s Short Sharp Shocks! Series.
This one comes with an odd little story about my reading experience. I read this previously – 100% remember writing a review and sending it to Gavin for Kendall Reviews. But, like boats going through the Bermuda Triangle, it left port but never arrived at its destination. So, with a review slot pending, I dove back in to re-read and re-write this review!
The first story is ‘Doris.’ This would be the ‘Hearts’ part of the title. This is an incredibly sweet story buried under a post-apocalyptic, creature-feature. As the world crumbles and ‘things’ scurry forth from the dark crevices created, a woman befriends a dog and the two survive together. I adored this tale and on its own would have elevated any rating for this collection, if the second story faltered.
But fear not, because the ‘Bones’ story in the title, officially known as ‘Fruit of the Womb’ was equally fantastic.
This story has two sections or two plot lines to it. A farmer struggling with his crops stops for a pint in a pub and meets Attis, a large man who likes to help out folks on his journeys. The second plotline is that of two travellers, who like to do off-the-beaten-path activities on their trips. Sight-seeing and touristy stuff is great and all, but they want to make memories before settling down. They too meet Attis, and Attis gets them a gig helping the farmer.
Once Derwin reveals all with this story, you’ll be blown away at how well those pieces fell into place and just what the entire plot truly was. Outstanding.
Derwin was the 2019 recipient of the HWA Mary Shelley Scholarship, and this mini-collection shows just how fantastic of a writer she is.
This was a ton of fun and while I typically never re-read something I’ve read before, I’m glad I made an exception for this one.
‘Hearts & Bones’ is a two story collection by Theresa Derwin that represents another amazing release in Demain Publishing’s Short Sharp Shocks! Series.
This one comes with an odd little story about my reading experience. I read this previously – 100% remember writing a review and sending it to Gavin for Kendall Reviews. But, like boats going through the Bermuda Triangle, it left port but never arrived at its destination. So, with a review slot pending, I dove back in to re-read and re-write this review!
The first story is ‘Doris.’ This would be the ‘Hearts’ part of the title. This is an incredibly sweet story buried under a post-apocalyptic, creature-feature. As the world crumbles and ‘things’ scurry forth from the dark crevices created, a woman befriends a dog and the two survive together. I adored this tale and on its own would have elevated any rating for this collection, if the second story faltered.
But fear not, because the ‘Bones’ story in the title, officially known as ‘Fruit of the Womb’ was equally fantastic.
This story has two sections or two plot lines to it. A farmer struggling with his crops stops for a pint in a pub and meets Attis, a large man who likes to help out folks on his journeys. The second plotline is that of two travellers, who like to do off-the-beaten-path activities on their trips. Sight-seeing and touristy stuff is great and all, but they want to make memories before settling down. They too meet Attis, and Attis gets them a gig helping the farmer.
Once Derwin reveals all with this story, you’ll be blown away at how well those pieces fell into place and just what the entire plot truly was. Outstanding.
Derwin was the 2019 recipient of the HWA Mary Shelley Scholarship, and this mini-collection shows just how fantastic of a writer she is.
This was a ton of fun and while I typically never re-read something I’ve read before, I’m glad I made an exception for this one.
May 27, 2021
So this was my first experience with Demain publishing a Short Sharp Shock series, and I thought, why not start with an author I've grown to love. I felt the pull of Theresa’s work in Daughters of Darkness, and I was not disappointed by her latest work. Doris is a story I won't forget, a post-Apocalypse tale based in the midlands; honestly, the story had a very I am Legend feel, and I loved it. Being a girl from the Birmingham area, I recognised everything Theresa described. I've only been to Warwick once, but she set the scene so well I could actually visualise the castle. The bond between Doris and the main character was heartbreakingly beautiful, and instantly I'm pulled in and honestly believe in the connection. Then Theresa hits me with one hell of a different style of story, one that was keeping me guessing right till the end. I will not be drinking ale in a random pub if the guy behind the bar looks like the barman. I will not be looking at Jason Momoa the same way again; I got to the end of the story and nearly dropped my dairy milk muffin. It just shows how versatile this author truly is and left me wanting more. I mean, she utilised not one but TWO great stories and gave them her only personal touch. If the rest of the series is anything like this book, I'll be happy to delve deeper into more of the sharp shockers. I will also be looking for more of Theresa's work as she does not disappoint with her creativity and detailed approach to her stories.
Below is the link to the book, and remember, minions adopted don't shop.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Z3ZJ43...
Below is the link to the book, and remember, minions adopted don't shop.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Z3ZJ43...
March 25, 2020
I was looking for a bedtime read, thinking I'd complete one story and save the other for later. Well, that didn't go as planned. The imaginative writing pulled me in, compelling me to finish in one sitting...
The first story's apocalyptic setup feels eerily relevant right now. Derwin manages to world build quickly, getting us right into the crux of things. Amusing descriptions of both the setting and the critters pulled me along, as did the heartwarming relationship between the protagonist and the newly adopted stray. I didn't see the grim conclusion coming. Yeesh, is it bleak. And there lies the point. Well done.
I jumped into the second story not knowing what to expect. Its difference from the first demonstrates Derwin's ability to take us somewhere else completely. I enjoyed the change in POV and the snappy dialogue with the ginger-haired bartender. Very believable. As I suspected they would (thanks to the well-placed foreshadowing), things do not go well for the tourists. We get to witness their disturbing demise, while being left wondering what else might take place on that farm beyond the story's end. Unsettling.
My only lament is that I felt both of these pieces could've been longer. Several aspects, IMO, called for expansion. However, I mean this as a compliment to the writing. I definitely wanted more. Nonetheless, Derwin accomplishes quite a bit in such a short length. So, read up!
The first story's apocalyptic setup feels eerily relevant right now. Derwin manages to world build quickly, getting us right into the crux of things. Amusing descriptions of both the setting and the critters pulled me along, as did the heartwarming relationship between the protagonist and the newly adopted stray. I didn't see the grim conclusion coming. Yeesh, is it bleak. And there lies the point. Well done.
I jumped into the second story not knowing what to expect. Its difference from the first demonstrates Derwin's ability to take us somewhere else completely. I enjoyed the change in POV and the snappy dialogue with the ginger-haired bartender. Very believable. As I suspected they would (thanks to the well-placed foreshadowing), things do not go well for the tourists. We get to witness their disturbing demise, while being left wondering what else might take place on that farm beyond the story's end. Unsettling.
My only lament is that I felt both of these pieces could've been longer. Several aspects, IMO, called for expansion. However, I mean this as a compliment to the writing. I definitely wanted more. Nonetheless, Derwin accomplishes quite a bit in such a short length. So, read up!
December 29, 2019
Horror for Midlanders
Reading these two short stories was a lot more personal than many tales I've read, featuring as they do, areas of the Midlands with which I'm familiar. Born in the Midlands, I still regard myself as such even though I'm now 'down South'. The settings, the behaviours, it was like coming home. The first tale, an apocalyptic scenario, included so much that could easily become true if we are not careful and should be taken as a warning. The second, a nice piece of folk horror ritual, appealed to me with my 'Cider House' childhood - although I can promise no pub customers were harmed back then - possibly. Enjoyable stories for when you need a 'short, sharp, shock'.
Reading these two short stories was a lot more personal than many tales I've read, featuring as they do, areas of the Midlands with which I'm familiar. Born in the Midlands, I still regard myself as such even though I'm now 'down South'. The settings, the behaviours, it was like coming home. The first tale, an apocalyptic scenario, included so much that could easily become true if we are not careful and should be taken as a warning. The second, a nice piece of folk horror ritual, appealed to me with my 'Cider House' childhood - although I can promise no pub customers were harmed back then - possibly. Enjoyable stories for when you need a 'short, sharp, shock'.
March 4, 2020
There are two stories in Hearts & Bones by Theresa Derwin. The first, Doris, is post-apocalyptic -- not my reading genre of choice -- and well-written. The dialogue and machinations of those involved are entirely believable. The second story, Fruit of the Womb, is more horrifying yet well-grounded, again with believable characters and settings.
March 4, 2020
Two interesting short stories presented together in book 38 of the Short Sharp Shocks! series. Interesting stories, although I did feel like a bit too much was left to the imagination.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews