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Chimera
Creatures unlike you've imagined before!
Welcome to a world where myths and legends collide to create a new breed of monster.
Savage and soulful, these monstrosities combine to form the mighty Chimera.
In this anthology, talented writers weave 10 tales of fantastical beasts.
Featuring stories by:
Matt Bliss
Jaecyn Boné
Alexis L. Carroll
Chris Durston
Dewi Hargreaves
Stephen Howard
Samuel Logan
Vincent Metzo
Braden Rohl
Michelle Tang
Edited by Ashley Hutchison
Welcome to a world where myths and legends collide to create a new breed of monster.
Savage and soulful, these monstrosities combine to form the mighty Chimera.
In this anthology, talented writers weave 10 tales of fantastical beasts.
Featuring stories by:
Matt Bliss
Jaecyn Boné
Alexis L. Carroll
Chris Durston
Dewi Hargreaves
Stephen Howard
Samuel Logan
Vincent Metzo
Braden Rohl
Michelle Tang
Edited by Ashley Hutchison
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2021
5 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Hutchison
7 books33 followersEditor, writer, and painter with experience working for Triplicity Publishing, New London Writers, and Jorvik Press. She is the editor-in-chief of Lost Boys Press, and when not dabbling in books and art, you'll find Ashley searching for the weird and wonderful in local bookstores.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 20, 2021
I've loved seeing each person's take on things, especially learning about myths I didn't even know before, in this creature-combining anthology extraordinaire.
'Loomis Creek' is a really authentic-feeling campfire scary story, y'know? Not just because that's the framing device, but in the way it's told; there's a slight endearing campness to it all that I just find really fun.
'Color Unknown' is stunning, heartbreaking, everything I never knew I wanted to read and everything my poor soul can't take the prospect of ever going through again. Just gorgeous.
'The Waterwisps' is a peculiar blend of beauty and a sort of natural, amoral callousness. It's both personal and alien, universal in its emotions but unfamiliar in its bizarreness. The world can be both wonderful and terrifying, and this captures that wonderfully.
'The Real Treasure' is by some person called Chris and I guess it's kinda funny. Author seems like they must be a right weird one.
'My Mother's Daughter' is another great example of an individual, personal arc wrapped up in a much larger narrative. Both come across really strongly, with the emotional payoff feeling both inevitable and satisfyingly earned.
'The Nights I Die' is a really great twist on classic horror tropes. This feels like the archetype of Chimera's mission statement: take familiar monsters and make them feel fresh and new and interesting.
'Banshee Song' is another heartbreaking one. It's beautiful, intimate, and also a really nice level of, like, small-scale (but no less great) rich worldbuilding in only a small number of words.
I had to reread 'Swamplights' at least twice before I worked out what had happened, and I'm still not sure I'm totally clear, but that's not a criticism: it feels like getting lost in a very relevant and effective way.
'When the Basilisk Wakes' spends its entire length building emotion towards a payoff that I thought was fairly inevitable, but that made it even more effective for me. I knew it couldn't end well, so the bonding between man and animal was gorgeously soul-shredding.
And finally, 'Children of Blood' is another superbly kitschy B-movie-ish throwback, gory and over the top and icky and fun.
Each story is great on its own, but it's fun reading them together in the knowledge of the anthology's premise. It might have been even more fun if the contents hadn't revealed what the creatures were, so that the reader could try to work it out for themselves ('I know there are going to be at least two creatures in here - I'll hunt for clues as to what they are!'), but I didn't think it took away from the ride too much.
It's a frequently dark, often emotive, and just generally really enjoyable book.
'Loomis Creek' is a really authentic-feeling campfire scary story, y'know? Not just because that's the framing device, but in the way it's told; there's a slight endearing campness to it all that I just find really fun.
'Color Unknown' is stunning, heartbreaking, everything I never knew I wanted to read and everything my poor soul can't take the prospect of ever going through again. Just gorgeous.
'The Waterwisps' is a peculiar blend of beauty and a sort of natural, amoral callousness. It's both personal and alien, universal in its emotions but unfamiliar in its bizarreness. The world can be both wonderful and terrifying, and this captures that wonderfully.
'The Real Treasure' is by some person called Chris and I guess it's kinda funny. Author seems like they must be a right weird one.
'My Mother's Daughter' is another great example of an individual, personal arc wrapped up in a much larger narrative. Both come across really strongly, with the emotional payoff feeling both inevitable and satisfyingly earned.
'The Nights I Die' is a really great twist on classic horror tropes. This feels like the archetype of Chimera's mission statement: take familiar monsters and make them feel fresh and new and interesting.
'Banshee Song' is another heartbreaking one. It's beautiful, intimate, and also a really nice level of, like, small-scale (but no less great) rich worldbuilding in only a small number of words.
I had to reread 'Swamplights' at least twice before I worked out what had happened, and I'm still not sure I'm totally clear, but that's not a criticism: it feels like getting lost in a very relevant and effective way.
'When the Basilisk Wakes' spends its entire length building emotion towards a payoff that I thought was fairly inevitable, but that made it even more effective for me. I knew it couldn't end well, so the bonding between man and animal was gorgeously soul-shredding.
And finally, 'Children of Blood' is another superbly kitschy B-movie-ish throwback, gory and over the top and icky and fun.
Each story is great on its own, but it's fun reading them together in the knowledge of the anthology's premise. It might have been even more fun if the contents hadn't revealed what the creatures were, so that the reader could try to work it out for themselves ('I know there are going to be at least two creatures in here - I'll hunt for clues as to what they are!'), but I didn't think it took away from the ride too much.
It's a frequently dark, often emotive, and just generally really enjoyable book.
April 30, 2021
Chimera is an anthology of mashup monster stories. At first glance, it seems like a fun bit of fiction. Once the reading begins, though, this menagerie of amalgam tales proves to be rich and entirely enjoyable.
There are ten short stories in Chimera. Each takes a monster by its fur, scales, or hide and combines it with the telltale danger of another legendary creature. The writing is sharp as a claw. It picks at your mind, enticing you to read another word, then another, until you have finished a story and long for one more.
I highly recommend Chimera to fans of horror, monstrous tales, or lore-rich fantasy. Rather than go through all ten stories, I will point out three that stuck with me and are exemplar choices from this collection of excellent fiction.
I bought this anthology after briefly talking with Jaecyn Boné, a contributing author who wrote the short story Color Unknown. When the anthology arrived at my door, I read their story first. Color Unknown is about an ocean-dwelling merfae with Medusa’s petrifying stare. As with the terror from the Ancient Greek world, this is a tale bounded in horror and filled with lifelike statues. Boné’s writing is smart and clever, and they craft so much wonder and horror around the merfae’s deadly sight. I feel like readers everywhere will relate to the longing this character endures, and I congratulate Boné on writing such a vivid story.
Michelle Tang’s Banshee Song stood out for its use of tight writing, incredible descriptions, and haunting character development. Though this story only occupies five pages, it leaves a surreal memory of its passage. Here, the primary character is part banshee and part siren. For love, she separated from her sisters and tried to exist in the human world. For life, she later embraces who she is and leads a somber life of luring songs and bloody feasts. This is superbly written gothic horror.
Matt Bliss’s The Nights I Die is a contemporary tale that combines a werewolf’s lunar change with a zombie’s unmistakable groan and rot. Bliss does an excellent job of showing this transformation, and he walks that narrow line between horror and the grotesque. Thanks to Bliss’s writing, the ending of this story stands out for shifting its tone to something approaching hope. In a collection of horror and fraught endings, I appreciate Bliss’s choice.
The other seven stories likewise stand out for their writing and narratives. I think all ten authors did a wonderful job, and it is clear editor Ashley Hutchison worked hard to bring these works together in one binding. My time with Chimera proved entirely worthwhile, and I am happy to add this book to my shelves.
There are ten short stories in Chimera. Each takes a monster by its fur, scales, or hide and combines it with the telltale danger of another legendary creature. The writing is sharp as a claw. It picks at your mind, enticing you to read another word, then another, until you have finished a story and long for one more.
I highly recommend Chimera to fans of horror, monstrous tales, or lore-rich fantasy. Rather than go through all ten stories, I will point out three that stuck with me and are exemplar choices from this collection of excellent fiction.
I bought this anthology after briefly talking with Jaecyn Boné, a contributing author who wrote the short story Color Unknown. When the anthology arrived at my door, I read their story first. Color Unknown is about an ocean-dwelling merfae with Medusa’s petrifying stare. As with the terror from the Ancient Greek world, this is a tale bounded in horror and filled with lifelike statues. Boné’s writing is smart and clever, and they craft so much wonder and horror around the merfae’s deadly sight. I feel like readers everywhere will relate to the longing this character endures, and I congratulate Boné on writing such a vivid story.
Michelle Tang’s Banshee Song stood out for its use of tight writing, incredible descriptions, and haunting character development. Though this story only occupies five pages, it leaves a surreal memory of its passage. Here, the primary character is part banshee and part siren. For love, she separated from her sisters and tried to exist in the human world. For life, she later embraces who she is and leads a somber life of luring songs and bloody feasts. This is superbly written gothic horror.
Matt Bliss’s The Nights I Die is a contemporary tale that combines a werewolf’s lunar change with a zombie’s unmistakable groan and rot. Bliss does an excellent job of showing this transformation, and he walks that narrow line between horror and the grotesque. Thanks to Bliss’s writing, the ending of this story stands out for shifting its tone to something approaching hope. In a collection of horror and fraught endings, I appreciate Bliss’s choice.
The other seven stories likewise stand out for their writing and narratives. I think all ten authors did a wonderful job, and it is clear editor Ashley Hutchison worked hard to bring these works together in one binding. My time with Chimera proved entirely worthwhile, and I am happy to add this book to my shelves.
December 5, 2021
I very much enjoyed reading Lost Boys Press’ first Anthology – Chimera. The title is a brilliant play on words. A chimera is a legendary monster that combines the best of three beasts, creating something truly epic. Not only does each author create their own chimera for their stories, the merging of ten writers into one book creates a chimera of words leading the reader on very different journeys to the same point, fear.
The foreword is poignant and paints an accurate picture of the desired workings of Lost Boys Press. Its emphasis on the human aspect as it lends to the creation of myths is keen, cutting to the reader’s heart, and exalting what the founding partners express in their interactions with clients and their fan base.
The Stories:
Loomis Creek – The mating of Bigfoot (sasquatch) and werewolves is done very well in this story. Hiding a creature of “missing” origins from the human eye with the curse of the Lycan is delightful. The delivery of this story is also elegant, with a narrator in the guise of a guide telling a campfire story to frighten his clients. The writing paints a fascinating merger of these creatures, but the character voices are very similar. This may be an effect to accentuate the narrator’s style, but it occasionally pulls the reader out of the story. Several details, discovered offstage, leave the reader to question, “Why?”. Otherwise, the flow of this story is outstanding; well-designed/developed by the writer.
Color Unknown – A gorgon (Medusa) linked with a merfolk is such a unique creation, considering the fate of a stone dropped into the ocean, but the marvels of this story keep emerging as the reader continues. Using they/them for the main character’s pronouns allows them to transcend all social constructions, except the truly universal concepts (i.e., loneliness, acceptance, and betrayal), which are the cornerstones of the work. When coupled with the stroke of brilliance to make the main character sign instead of speak telepathically (a highly overrated form of communication in modern fantasy) it creates a chimera so perfect, it’s a shame they don’t exist outside of the pages of this book. Finally, the minor details of the society peppered into the sentences and paragraphs effortlessly creates a lush world, something hard to do in a full novel, let alone such a short composition. This story is truly inspiring.
Waterwisps – A well-written story with a fantastic twist that draws in the reader. The world lacks some detail, forcing the reader to fill in the blanks. Additionally, there are consistency issues (i.e., the jellyfish venom, the size of the rock the main character uses as a weapon, etc.) that leave the reader asking questions, but aren’t enough to diminish the tale’s key elements.
The Real Treasure – This story was equal parts clever and fun. Each character had a unique voice and set of driving factors. The coincidence that the villain was a dragon hunter, in addition to a gangster hunting the main characters, was completely on point for the story, and it added an extra level of intrigue. Sadly, the dragon didn’t really hit home. It needed more physical description to prevent the end from feeling very forced. The merging of the dragon lore with fae/leprechaun trickster magic didn’t pop. It’s possible to assume the dragon just has a playful nature. Overall, the story is enjoyable, in a mischievous manner that would make any dragon, leprechaun, faery, or armadillo smile.
My Mother’s Daughter – This is a take on an alternate timeline, in which mythological creatures exist in tandem with humanity. The story has a lot of twists and turns, which creates the potential for an outstanding world, but it feels like it’s missing a few key points. While the story was interesting, it lacked enough detail to make the reader feel connected to the main characters. However, more so than any other story, this one made me want a full-length series novel, because the ideas contained within are ripe for a fantastic trilogy, that becomes a summer blockbuster movie franchise.
The Nights I Die – When zombieism meets the curse of the Lycan, all bets are off. The main character’s shifting from life to death is jarring at first. Though reading deeper further entices the curious mind to know more. The decision to include the “elderly prophet trope” really makes this story feel like a classic, while it maintains a truly modern feel. As with all monster myths, there are some unanswered questions; none of these detract from the stellar ending.
Banshee Song – This elegant tale of love and loss really strikes at the heartstrings. The main character doesn’t appear as a banshee or siren, but a harpy. The reader might feel betrayed until the very last paragraph, where the writer makes everything perfectly clear. Upon a second read, it becomes apparent that the author is a master of undertone. The best adjective for this story is haunting, as it’s a dirge that won’t easily leave the mind.
Swamplights - The dual storylines of this composition lend to its intrigue. They make the reader want to advance quickly to solve the mystery, but the sheer volume of detail given in each sentence forces them to slow down and savored the author’s fantastic style. The journey reaches a satisfying end, even if the reader isn’t exactly sure what happened. It’s a neat occurrence that makes the story delicious.
When the Basilisk Wakes – An absolutely unique take on a pair of classic creatures! The loving detail given to all the characters blends them into a fascinating story, that makes the reader wonder when the other shoe will drop. When the “goose that laid the golden egg” moment arrives, the story wraps up perfectly. Having to pick a favorite story is always hard, but in this case, it’s not.
The Children – A far more graphic story than the others. Some characters feel off, like they aren’t true representations of real people; perhaps because of the lack of background information. As you reach the end, you discover that none of the characters are the main character, and when the main character appears, the story ends. The pure “Gorefest” in the words and the unsatisfactory ending just make this story fall short compared to the others.
I hope you give this book, and all the others available by Lost Boys Press, a read, as I’ve yet to be disappointed by their works. Thank you for reading.
The foreword is poignant and paints an accurate picture of the desired workings of Lost Boys Press. Its emphasis on the human aspect as it lends to the creation of myths is keen, cutting to the reader’s heart, and exalting what the founding partners express in their interactions with clients and their fan base.
The Stories:
Loomis Creek – The mating of Bigfoot (sasquatch) and werewolves is done very well in this story. Hiding a creature of “missing” origins from the human eye with the curse of the Lycan is delightful. The delivery of this story is also elegant, with a narrator in the guise of a guide telling a campfire story to frighten his clients. The writing paints a fascinating merger of these creatures, but the character voices are very similar. This may be an effect to accentuate the narrator’s style, but it occasionally pulls the reader out of the story. Several details, discovered offstage, leave the reader to question, “Why?”. Otherwise, the flow of this story is outstanding; well-designed/developed by the writer.
Color Unknown – A gorgon (Medusa) linked with a merfolk is such a unique creation, considering the fate of a stone dropped into the ocean, but the marvels of this story keep emerging as the reader continues. Using they/them for the main character’s pronouns allows them to transcend all social constructions, except the truly universal concepts (i.e., loneliness, acceptance, and betrayal), which are the cornerstones of the work. When coupled with the stroke of brilliance to make the main character sign instead of speak telepathically (a highly overrated form of communication in modern fantasy) it creates a chimera so perfect, it’s a shame they don’t exist outside of the pages of this book. Finally, the minor details of the society peppered into the sentences and paragraphs effortlessly creates a lush world, something hard to do in a full novel, let alone such a short composition. This story is truly inspiring.
Waterwisps – A well-written story with a fantastic twist that draws in the reader. The world lacks some detail, forcing the reader to fill in the blanks. Additionally, there are consistency issues (i.e., the jellyfish venom, the size of the rock the main character uses as a weapon, etc.) that leave the reader asking questions, but aren’t enough to diminish the tale’s key elements.
The Real Treasure – This story was equal parts clever and fun. Each character had a unique voice and set of driving factors. The coincidence that the villain was a dragon hunter, in addition to a gangster hunting the main characters, was completely on point for the story, and it added an extra level of intrigue. Sadly, the dragon didn’t really hit home. It needed more physical description to prevent the end from feeling very forced. The merging of the dragon lore with fae/leprechaun trickster magic didn’t pop. It’s possible to assume the dragon just has a playful nature. Overall, the story is enjoyable, in a mischievous manner that would make any dragon, leprechaun, faery, or armadillo smile.
My Mother’s Daughter – This is a take on an alternate timeline, in which mythological creatures exist in tandem with humanity. The story has a lot of twists and turns, which creates the potential for an outstanding world, but it feels like it’s missing a few key points. While the story was interesting, it lacked enough detail to make the reader feel connected to the main characters. However, more so than any other story, this one made me want a full-length series novel, because the ideas contained within are ripe for a fantastic trilogy, that becomes a summer blockbuster movie franchise.
The Nights I Die – When zombieism meets the curse of the Lycan, all bets are off. The main character’s shifting from life to death is jarring at first. Though reading deeper further entices the curious mind to know more. The decision to include the “elderly prophet trope” really makes this story feel like a classic, while it maintains a truly modern feel. As with all monster myths, there are some unanswered questions; none of these detract from the stellar ending.
Banshee Song – This elegant tale of love and loss really strikes at the heartstrings. The main character doesn’t appear as a banshee or siren, but a harpy. The reader might feel betrayed until the very last paragraph, where the writer makes everything perfectly clear. Upon a second read, it becomes apparent that the author is a master of undertone. The best adjective for this story is haunting, as it’s a dirge that won’t easily leave the mind.
Swamplights - The dual storylines of this composition lend to its intrigue. They make the reader want to advance quickly to solve the mystery, but the sheer volume of detail given in each sentence forces them to slow down and savored the author’s fantastic style. The journey reaches a satisfying end, even if the reader isn’t exactly sure what happened. It’s a neat occurrence that makes the story delicious.
When the Basilisk Wakes – An absolutely unique take on a pair of classic creatures! The loving detail given to all the characters blends them into a fascinating story, that makes the reader wonder when the other shoe will drop. When the “goose that laid the golden egg” moment arrives, the story wraps up perfectly. Having to pick a favorite story is always hard, but in this case, it’s not.
The Children – A far more graphic story than the others. Some characters feel off, like they aren’t true representations of real people; perhaps because of the lack of background information. As you reach the end, you discover that none of the characters are the main character, and when the main character appears, the story ends. The pure “Gorefest” in the words and the unsatisfactory ending just make this story fall short compared to the others.
I hope you give this book, and all the others available by Lost Boys Press, a read, as I’ve yet to be disappointed by their works. Thank you for reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2021
Now, just because I was published, and published for the first time ever, in this anthology, don't assume that means this is a fluff piece. I always give my 100% honest impressions of any work I review. That out of the way, wow, this book was stellar, and what an honor it was to be a part of, especially for this to be the very first publication I have the privilege to be a part of.
It's not perfect, of course, it's got a few flaws, but for the most part it is just smooth, evocative, and striking reading filled to the absolute brim with character - which may come as a shock to you as much as it did me. It's funny, when it was suggested to me to submit a story for this, my first thought, instantly, was horror, gritty, old-school monster-murder-mystery horror, and I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of readers pick this up and expect a whole book full of such stories. Well, mine certainly won't disappoint you if you're looking for that, but there is way more depth to the stories you'll find between the covers in this incredible book. There are love stories, there are humorous jaunts, there is longing, there is pining, and even a little childlike wonder. There is beauty and there are tears as well as blood and destruction. It really has it all.
There are some errors, what seem, perhaps to be a small combination of both editing and formatting, and a few, I think, that actively take away from both the presentation and the overall appeal of the stories. Not many, but enough to be jarring. And there was one story, unfortunately, that I just couldn't finish. It wasn't for me. That doesn't mean it wasn't good, and it definitely still belongs in the book and provides a wonderful sense of contrast to the work as a whole, but I, personally, couldn't do it.
But these are minor quibbles. The meat and potatoes of this work is stellar and luxuriant, with a few stories that truly sing. I don't mean to offend any of the authors in this very excellent work, but I think there can be only one BEST story, and I really don't think there's any arguing it, so why bother, Michelle Tang's "Banshee Song," did in five pages what no one else in the book could do in 20 or 30. Her quite short story excelled at drawing a vivid, tragic character, in building both a world and the tension inherent to it, and delivering a classic horror monster story that ended triumphantly. I was floored by her work and I know you will be too.
Even if you don't like monster stories or horror stories there is plenty in here to read that I know just about anyone could enjoy (at least anyone who looks any kind of genre fiction, if you're uptight about what is and isn't Literary, I'm sure this isn't the book for you), I promise you. And if you do like good old gory monster tales, well, Ashley knew what she was doing opening the book with Stephen Howard's "Loomis Creek," and ending it with my story "The Children," I'll just say that. I loved this book and I truly hope I get to work with or alongside everyone involved again someday, and hopefully soon! Go pick it up today!
It's not perfect, of course, it's got a few flaws, but for the most part it is just smooth, evocative, and striking reading filled to the absolute brim with character - which may come as a shock to you as much as it did me. It's funny, when it was suggested to me to submit a story for this, my first thought, instantly, was horror, gritty, old-school monster-murder-mystery horror, and I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of readers pick this up and expect a whole book full of such stories. Well, mine certainly won't disappoint you if you're looking for that, but there is way more depth to the stories you'll find between the covers in this incredible book. There are love stories, there are humorous jaunts, there is longing, there is pining, and even a little childlike wonder. There is beauty and there are tears as well as blood and destruction. It really has it all.
There are some errors, what seem, perhaps to be a small combination of both editing and formatting, and a few, I think, that actively take away from both the presentation and the overall appeal of the stories. Not many, but enough to be jarring. And there was one story, unfortunately, that I just couldn't finish. It wasn't for me. That doesn't mean it wasn't good, and it definitely still belongs in the book and provides a wonderful sense of contrast to the work as a whole, but I, personally, couldn't do it.
But these are minor quibbles. The meat and potatoes of this work is stellar and luxuriant, with a few stories that truly sing. I don't mean to offend any of the authors in this very excellent work, but I think there can be only one BEST story, and I really don't think there's any arguing it, so why bother, Michelle Tang's "Banshee Song," did in five pages what no one else in the book could do in 20 or 30. Her quite short story excelled at drawing a vivid, tragic character, in building both a world and the tension inherent to it, and delivering a classic horror monster story that ended triumphantly. I was floored by her work and I know you will be too.
Even if you don't like monster stories or horror stories there is plenty in here to read that I know just about anyone could enjoy (at least anyone who looks any kind of genre fiction, if you're uptight about what is and isn't Literary, I'm sure this isn't the book for you), I promise you. And if you do like good old gory monster tales, well, Ashley knew what she was doing opening the book with Stephen Howard's "Loomis Creek," and ending it with my story "The Children," I'll just say that. I loved this book and I truly hope I get to work with or alongside everyone involved again someday, and hopefully soon! Go pick it up today!
June 9, 2021
I usually end up giving short story collections 3 stars because there will be stories in it that I love, and stories in it that I really don't like. This is honestly the first collection I've read where I enjoyed EVERY SINGLE STORY.
Chimera is a curated collection of tales about monsters, and no two were alike.
"Maybe it made sense that the monsters weren't out there. They'd always been among them." - Stephen Howard
Some stories had a twist. Some were scary. Some were silly...this was really a representative collection. My favorites were, in no particular order...
Jaecyn Boné for her story, Color Unknown, an enby water nymph romance. She created a painful and beautiful love story in only a few pages.
Banshee Song by Michelle Tang. This was a short but incredibly poetic story about a sapphic banshee romance that left me with many feels.
And...When the Basilisk Wakes by Alexis L. Carroll. I am still thinking about this story and the surprise at the end.
This is a great book to leave on the coffee table and pick up to read one story at a time. You won't be disappointed.
Chimera is a curated collection of tales about monsters, and no two were alike.
"Maybe it made sense that the monsters weren't out there. They'd always been among them." - Stephen Howard
Some stories had a twist. Some were scary. Some were silly...this was really a representative collection. My favorites were, in no particular order...
Jaecyn Boné for her story, Color Unknown, an enby water nymph romance. She created a painful and beautiful love story in only a few pages.
Banshee Song by Michelle Tang. This was a short but incredibly poetic story about a sapphic banshee romance that left me with many feels.
And...When the Basilisk Wakes by Alexis L. Carroll. I am still thinking about this story and the surprise at the end.
This is a great book to leave on the coffee table and pick up to read one story at a time. You won't be disappointed.
April 10, 2021
I absolutely loved every single story in this book and have found a new batch of writers whose style and skill I just adore. My only regret in buying this book is that I did not get the physical copy, but even so I may have to remedy that!
I would highly recommend this anthology!
I would highly recommend this anthology!
August 16, 2021
Very enjoyable.
I loved all these little stories and was entranced by them, all which left me wanting more and a memorable impression on me. Great work to the writers.
I loved all these little stories and was entranced by them, all which left me wanting more and a memorable impression on me. Great work to the writers.
October 2, 2021
A collection of short stories focused on mixed up monsters. I enjoyed the variety and even discovered a couple of creatures I didn't really know about.
March 11, 2021
Chimera. The word suggests mythical creatures and monster mash-ups and that is exactly what you get in this intriguing collection of short stories from Lost Boys Press edited by Ashley Hutchison. Ten diverse tales explore both well-known and lesser-known folkloric cryptids from a variety of angles, horror to humor. As with any anthology, different stories will appeal to different readers, but here is a taste:
The Waterwisps by Samuel Logan is in some ways a typical “lost in a sinister forest” tale but between a flock of birds that behave in quite unexpected ways and the image of glowing carnivorous jellyfish bubbles of doom floating among the trees, this turned out to be both a suspenseful and evocative experience. The author takes their time building up the mystery and tension which only adds to the terror and excitement of the inevitable confrontation.
The Nights I Die by Matt Bliss is an imaginative mix of werewolf and zombie lore as our narrator undergoes a horrific and most unwelcome transformation each full moon. Rather than a straight horror tale, this one was more contemplative, a thought experiment in what it would mean in practical and emotional terms to live under such a curse. Throw in a fraught romance and unexpectedly poetic ending and you have this affecting twist on some beloved tropes.
Banshee Song by Michelle Tang is a lovely meditation on love and loss. What would you give up for your true love? What becomes of you when you are abandoned, an outcast among suspicious and fearful neighbors? Loved the beautifully melancholy mood of this one.
The Real Treasure by Chris Durston has a much lighter tone as a pair of friends in debt to a dangerous criminal follow a rainbow to its very unexpected end. Hard to say too much about this one without spoiling the central surprise, but the snarky dialogue and delightful twists make it a standout. Without elaborating, I will just say I would read an entire novel about the character Marcus with the very greatest pleasure.
The last story I’ll highlight is one that is haunting me. Color Unknown by Jaecyn Boné is a heartbreaking and complicated tale of loneliness, cruelty, devotion, and sacrifice. When one look into your eyes can turn others to stone, how do you survive the resulting isolation? When trust is betrayed, is all hope lost? My soul ached reading this one. A viscerally deep thrumming hurt that thrilled down my sternum as I read the words. How can you not love a story that evokes that kind of physical response?
As you might guess from the pieces I chose to feature, I tend to be drawn to the more psychological and emotional side of horror but there are plenty of tales here for fans of guts and gore and good old creature feature fests, too. I think all good anthologies should have this mix of mood and genre. That’s what makes collections fun, never knowing quite what you’re getting into as you start each tale. If you’re looking for original takes on creatures both familiar and unfamiliar, a diverse roster of accomplished storytellers, and want to find out what the heck a catilisk is (shudder), I think you will enjoy Chimera. (Review note: I was provided with an advanced reading copy by the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.)
The Waterwisps by Samuel Logan is in some ways a typical “lost in a sinister forest” tale but between a flock of birds that behave in quite unexpected ways and the image of glowing carnivorous jellyfish bubbles of doom floating among the trees, this turned out to be both a suspenseful and evocative experience. The author takes their time building up the mystery and tension which only adds to the terror and excitement of the inevitable confrontation.
The Nights I Die by Matt Bliss is an imaginative mix of werewolf and zombie lore as our narrator undergoes a horrific and most unwelcome transformation each full moon. Rather than a straight horror tale, this one was more contemplative, a thought experiment in what it would mean in practical and emotional terms to live under such a curse. Throw in a fraught romance and unexpectedly poetic ending and you have this affecting twist on some beloved tropes.
Banshee Song by Michelle Tang is a lovely meditation on love and loss. What would you give up for your true love? What becomes of you when you are abandoned, an outcast among suspicious and fearful neighbors? Loved the beautifully melancholy mood of this one.
The Real Treasure by Chris Durston has a much lighter tone as a pair of friends in debt to a dangerous criminal follow a rainbow to its very unexpected end. Hard to say too much about this one without spoiling the central surprise, but the snarky dialogue and delightful twists make it a standout. Without elaborating, I will just say I would read an entire novel about the character Marcus with the very greatest pleasure.
The last story I’ll highlight is one that is haunting me. Color Unknown by Jaecyn Boné is a heartbreaking and complicated tale of loneliness, cruelty, devotion, and sacrifice. When one look into your eyes can turn others to stone, how do you survive the resulting isolation? When trust is betrayed, is all hope lost? My soul ached reading this one. A viscerally deep thrumming hurt that thrilled down my sternum as I read the words. How can you not love a story that evokes that kind of physical response?
As you might guess from the pieces I chose to feature, I tend to be drawn to the more psychological and emotional side of horror but there are plenty of tales here for fans of guts and gore and good old creature feature fests, too. I think all good anthologies should have this mix of mood and genre. That’s what makes collections fun, never knowing quite what you’re getting into as you start each tale. If you’re looking for original takes on creatures both familiar and unfamiliar, a diverse roster of accomplished storytellers, and want to find out what the heck a catilisk is (shudder), I think you will enjoy Chimera. (Review note: I was provided with an advanced reading copy by the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.)
June 24, 2021
I went in to Chimera expecting a horror anthology and was surprised to find that for the most part, this book is not horror. That surprise, once I acclimated to the book, was not particularly unpleasant however, as what I found instead was sad, funny, haunting, and beautiful.
These monster stories run the gamut from borderline silly to unnerving to straight-up depressing and I enjoyed try to determine the tone of each upcoming story. Of particular note are the 2nd and 3rd stories in the anthology by Jaecyn Boné and Sam Logan respectively. Both have taken up residence in my head for weeks now with their haunting atmosphere and beautiful prose.
There were a few stories that were not for me, as to be expected from an anthology, but I read it cover to cover anyway and do not regret it. If short stories about hybrid monsters sounds like it's up your alley, then I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Chimera.
These monster stories run the gamut from borderline silly to unnerving to straight-up depressing and I enjoyed try to determine the tone of each upcoming story. Of particular note are the 2nd and 3rd stories in the anthology by Jaecyn Boné and Sam Logan respectively. Both have taken up residence in my head for weeks now with their haunting atmosphere and beautiful prose.
There were a few stories that were not for me, as to be expected from an anthology, but I read it cover to cover anyway and do not regret it. If short stories about hybrid monsters sounds like it's up your alley, then I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Chimera.
August 26, 2021
This collection of ten monster mash-up stories was a perfect book to bring along as a beach read. Literally. I brought this book along to read on a beach.
Each of the stories offers a different mash-up of fantasy creatures, be they hybrids or multiple fantasy beasts within the same tale. There's humor, horror, interesting twists on old folklore favorites, all new versions of the established fantasy creatures.
For no particular reason other my personal tastes, my favorites were 'Color Unknown,' 'The Waterwisps,' and 'The Nights I Die.' That being said, all of them were worth the time to read.
I highly recommend 'Chimera: An Anthology.'
Each of the stories offers a different mash-up of fantasy creatures, be they hybrids or multiple fantasy beasts within the same tale. There's humor, horror, interesting twists on old folklore favorites, all new versions of the established fantasy creatures.
For no particular reason other my personal tastes, my favorites were 'Color Unknown,' 'The Waterwisps,' and 'The Nights I Die.' That being said, all of them were worth the time to read.
I highly recommend 'Chimera: An Anthology.'
March 23, 2021
I enjoy anthologies.
Before Covid hit, I visited a brewery with friends. We sat down on a bench and my mouth began to water as the waitress graciously displayed our flight of beer. I tried them all. One had a familiarity to it but didn't fit my tastes. My best friend wanted to order a keg of it. He swore it tasted like his late grandfather's very own brew. Granny had named it *Slow Down* but funny thing is, I called it *Hoedown* because every time Grandpa drank it he'd dance all night until he passed out. Granny loved it for that. Of course, it wasn't Grandpa's recipe at the brewery but there truly were hints of it in every sip. I remember that concoction well. It was good just not my thing. Still, I'll remember the joy it brought everyone else. My buddy had been so excited finding that new ale at the brewery but I came away with several new IPAs I never would have tried.
Chimera, you've been good to me. I knew I would enjoy my read. I love Monsters! The icing on top is the book is so much more. It is loaded with depth. If readers chase Chimera down with anything it will be other books written by its authors.
I found wonderful stories in Chimera. I hope you do too. I definitely recommend it. Just know you're getting a beer flight. Don't slow down.
Cheers,
Jason
Before Covid hit, I visited a brewery with friends. We sat down on a bench and my mouth began to water as the waitress graciously displayed our flight of beer. I tried them all. One had a familiarity to it but didn't fit my tastes. My best friend wanted to order a keg of it. He swore it tasted like his late grandfather's very own brew. Granny had named it *Slow Down* but funny thing is, I called it *Hoedown* because every time Grandpa drank it he'd dance all night until he passed out. Granny loved it for that. Of course, it wasn't Grandpa's recipe at the brewery but there truly were hints of it in every sip. I remember that concoction well. It was good just not my thing. Still, I'll remember the joy it brought everyone else. My buddy had been so excited finding that new ale at the brewery but I came away with several new IPAs I never would have tried.
Chimera, you've been good to me. I knew I would enjoy my read. I love Monsters! The icing on top is the book is so much more. It is loaded with depth. If readers chase Chimera down with anything it will be other books written by its authors.
I found wonderful stories in Chimera. I hope you do too. I definitely recommend it. Just know you're getting a beer flight. Don't slow down.
Cheers,
Jason
March 30, 2022
I liked these short stories well enough overall, though some were very predictable, they were still enjoyable to read. I've been in a bit of a funk personally so that probably impacted some of my enjoyment, as these tales can be pretty gruesome and hopeless. I will say, as an anthology, it all fit together and flowed nicely from one story to the next, almost as if you were sitting around a campfire from the first story to the last exchanging tales of ghouls. The imagery and foreshadowing employed were marvelous in each story. It wasn't quite what I needed right now, but I'm not going to knock it for that.
June 13, 2021
What a fun anthology!
I definitely am growing more fond of a collection of smaller stories and it’s even better when they’re related with a common theme, as is the case here.
While I can’t say I loved each story in here, I definitely liked all of them and the variety within a common story thread is a beautiful experience. I wasn’t sure what to expect and I never tire of surprises.
Definitely take some time to check these stories out. There’s a great variety of author voices here and you’re sure to find more than a few that suit your delights!
I definitely am growing more fond of a collection of smaller stories and it’s even better when they’re related with a common theme, as is the case here.
While I can’t say I loved each story in here, I definitely liked all of them and the variety within a common story thread is a beautiful experience. I wasn’t sure what to expect and I never tire of surprises.
Definitely take some time to check these stories out. There’s a great variety of author voices here and you’re sure to find more than a few that suit your delights!
December 31, 2021
I often enjoy anthologies of short stories. They’re great little bite sized tales that I can read where I feel like I’ve accomplished something. As comes with the territory, not all the shorts in an anthology are going to be to my taste. So it was with Chimera.
That’s not to say there weren’t some very good stories in this book. There were. But it is very much a mixed bag. For every well written and interesting tale, there was another that was lacking. A couple of the stories were very thin and felt unfinished to me, while others were really quite good. My advice, give it a read and skip over the stories that don’t speak to you.
That’s not to say there weren’t some very good stories in this book. There were. But it is very much a mixed bag. For every well written and interesting tale, there was another that was lacking. A couple of the stories were very thin and felt unfinished to me, while others were really quite good. My advice, give it a read and skip over the stories that don’t speak to you.
January 17, 2022
This book had stories in it that I never would have thought up in a million years! I loved them! Some even made me cry. There was plenty of diversity and inclusivity for once. Also, the creatures were not all classics or the kind you see flooding the market. Story after story - they were page-turners and yet they were delivered in small enough chunks that I could read some and then pick the book up again later.
Also, take a look at the cover art. I really like that - it's kind of what made me decide to try it in the first place.
I would definitely recommend this one!
Also, take a look at the cover art. I really like that - it's kind of what made me decide to try it in the first place.
I would definitely recommend this one!
January 4, 2022
Chimera is a suspense-filled wild ride. You never know what creature will await you in the next story and I did not want to put it down. I loved the wide range of creature creation. Some were eerily frightening while others were cuddly and mysterious. Each story emerges you in the vibrant world that author created. I still think about the creatures in these stories and won't if I might see them again in other works. I sure hope so.
November 19, 2022
CHIMERA was an entertaining read, with a variety of voices and some intense creatures.
I resonated with some stories more than others, as it happens with so many different writers in the collection. I absolutely loved Banshee Song by Michelle Tang. It was poetic and dark and heartbreaking. I only wished the story had been longer!
And the creature in Chris Durston's The Real Treasure was unexpected and a lot of fun to read.
CHIMERA was an adventure!
I resonated with some stories more than others, as it happens with so many different writers in the collection. I absolutely loved Banshee Song by Michelle Tang. It was poetic and dark and heartbreaking. I only wished the story had been longer!
And the creature in Chris Durston's The Real Treasure was unexpected and a lot of fun to read.
CHIMERA was an adventure!
May 19, 2021
A brilliant anthology from Lost Boys Press. Every story has its own unique horror and charm to draw you in and there is something for everyone who is a fan of monster and science gone wrong stories. They all have created Frankensteins literally. My favorite is Barnden Rohl's The Children is my personal favorite. I look forward to their next release
August 23, 2021
Tremendous Cryptid Short Stories
This book was such a unique experience with fresh voices in the monster community. Some of the stories are horror, some hilarious. Highly recommend!
This book was such a unique experience with fresh voices in the monster community. Some of the stories are horror, some hilarious. Highly recommend!
September 12, 2021
The stories got better as I read, ending with a super creepy story called The Children that reminded me of The Library at Mount Char. Lots of imaginative and innovative pairings to develop new chimera. Fun read!
October 27, 2021
A fantastic collection of myths and monster tales!
May 30, 2022
Some good stories, some not. That's how anthologies work afterall.
January 30, 2022
Some of the short stories are about creatures I was already familiar with, others not so - and in the latter, I felt like a stranger to the characters because the authors don't go into much detail about the folklore that inspired them. Mythology lock-out was a big problem there.
Most of the stories in the anthology, particularly the first one, reminded me of a lot of - and this is a very specific comparison - low-budget straight-to-video horror films made in Canada. I say that as a compliment. As I was imagining the scenes in my head, I decided they had a blue filter as a lot of those cult movies do.
The two stories I particularly liked are The Real Treasure, which brings a bit of humour to a collection otherwise played straight, and The Nights I Die, which put quite a creative spin on the werewolf story and how it's narrated in prose (though I'd like some clarification on the ending). The other stories I could take or leave.
However, something that was really distracting was the lack of proofreading. Several times, I found myself rereading a sentence to try and understand it because of an error. For instance, the word shown instead of shone and also the letter a with a strike through it. They took me out of the flow of the story and were easy to spot.
It's... a bit of a mixed bag.
Most of the stories in the anthology, particularly the first one, reminded me of a lot of - and this is a very specific comparison - low-budget straight-to-video horror films made in Canada. I say that as a compliment. As I was imagining the scenes in my head, I decided they had a blue filter as a lot of those cult movies do.
The two stories I particularly liked are The Real Treasure, which brings a bit of humour to a collection otherwise played straight, and The Nights I Die, which put quite a creative spin on the werewolf story and how it's narrated in prose (though I'd like some clarification on the ending). The other stories I could take or leave.
However, something that was really distracting was the lack of proofreading. Several times, I found myself rereading a sentence to try and understand it because of an error. For instance, the word shown instead of shone and also the letter a with a strike through it. They took me out of the flow of the story and were easy to spot.
It's... a bit of a mixed bag.
May 9, 2021
This was a publisher provided review copy.
What I Did Like:
-The foreword. Okay, that’s a weird thing to mention. But seriously in an anthology the foreword can be really important. In this case it explains what all these stories are doing together. Don’t skip it!
-Monsters you’re an expert on … in a different way. I love the creative way these authors explored the creatures we have heard of in new and refreshing ways. I mean, I’ll never look at dragons the same way again!
-Monsters you definitely are NOT an expert in highlighted in amazing (and terrifying) ways. I’m relatively certain I had never heard of a Cat Sith before in my life but I certainly have a clear picture of that nightmare now, thank you.
-They’re not all predictable. I think sometimes the danger with a mythological creature story is that they can fall to the same tale you’ve heard 100 times. You expect a leprechaun to want to guard his gold, for example. This definitely doesn’t follow “conventional” lines and I LOVE that about it.
Who Should Read This One:
-Like monster stories? Get this one. You will NOT be disappointed.
-Like short horror? Again, get this one.
My Rating: 4 Stars. This book knows exactly what genre it is and who it’s target audience is and it pulls no punches delivering.
For Full Review: https://youtu.be/kc_ksncb7Wk
What I Did Like:
-The foreword. Okay, that’s a weird thing to mention. But seriously in an anthology the foreword can be really important. In this case it explains what all these stories are doing together. Don’t skip it!
-Monsters you’re an expert on … in a different way. I love the creative way these authors explored the creatures we have heard of in new and refreshing ways. I mean, I’ll never look at dragons the same way again!
-Monsters you definitely are NOT an expert in highlighted in amazing (and terrifying) ways. I’m relatively certain I had never heard of a Cat Sith before in my life but I certainly have a clear picture of that nightmare now, thank you.
-They’re not all predictable. I think sometimes the danger with a mythological creature story is that they can fall to the same tale you’ve heard 100 times. You expect a leprechaun to want to guard his gold, for example. This definitely doesn’t follow “conventional” lines and I LOVE that about it.
Who Should Read This One:
-Like monster stories? Get this one. You will NOT be disappointed.
-Like short horror? Again, get this one.
My Rating: 4 Stars. This book knows exactly what genre it is and who it’s target audience is and it pulls no punches delivering.
For Full Review: https://youtu.be/kc_ksncb7Wk
June 28, 2021
*Full disclosure, I have a story in this anthology.*
This collection of monster mash-ups offers everything from the fun to the macabre to the melancholy, and it really works. The strongest element for me was the district authorial voice present in each story. Appropriate to the style and tone, the separate stories stand apart and stand firm because of this. Highly recommended.
This collection of monster mash-ups offers everything from the fun to the macabre to the melancholy, and it really works. The strongest element for me was the district authorial voice present in each story. Appropriate to the style and tone, the separate stories stand apart and stand firm because of this. Highly recommended.
May 2, 2024
Chimera is a strong anthology with an eclectic range of stories. Each author truly put their best foot forward and it translates on the page. This is a must read for those who enjoy unexpected and unique takes on the monsters we've come to know and love.
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