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Screams from the Dark: 29 Tales of Monsters and the Monstrous
A bone-chilling anthology from legendary horror editor, Ellen Datlow, Screams from the Dark contains twenty-nine all-original tales about monsters.WINNER of the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in an Anthology!A Shirley Jackson and Locus Award Finalist! A World Fantasy Award Nominee! From werewolves and vampires, to demons and aliens, the monster is one of the most recognizable figures in horror. But what makes something, or someone, monstrous?Award-winning and up-and-coming authors like Richard Kadrey, Cassandra Khaw, Indrapramit Das, Priya Sharma, and more attempt to answer this question. These all-new stories range from traditional to modern, from mainstream to literary, from familiar monsters to the unknown … and unimaginable.This chilling collection has something to please—and terrify—everyone, so lock your doors, hide under your covers, and try not to scream.Contributors Ian Rogers, Fran Wilde, Gemma Files, Daryl Gregory, Priya Sharma, Brian Hodge, Joyce Carol Oates, Indrapramit Das, Siobhan Carroll, Richard Kadrey, Norman Partridge, Garry Kilworth, Caitlín R. Kiernan, Chikodili Emelumadu, Glen Hirshberg, A. C. Wise, Stephen Graham Jones, Kaaron Warren, Livia Llewellyn, Carole Johnstone, Margo Lanagan, Joe R. Lansdale, Brian Evenson, Nathan Ballingrud, Cassandra Khaw, Laird Barron, Kristi DeMeester, Jeffrey Ford, and John Langan.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
496 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2022
229 people are currently reading
1786 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Datlow
274 books1,874 followersEllen Datlow has been editing science fiction, fantasy, and horror short fiction for forty years as fiction editor of OMNI Magazine and editor of Event Horizon and SCIFICTION. She currently acquires short stories and novellas for Tor.com. In addition, she has edited about one hundred science fiction, fantasy, and horror anthologies, including the annual The Best Horror of the Year series, The Doll Collection, Mad Hatters and March Hares, The Devil and the Deep: Horror Stories of the Sea, Echoes: The Saga Anthology of Ghost Stories, Edited By, and Final Cuts: New Tales of Hollywood Horror and Other Spectacles.
She's won multiple World Fantasy Awards, Locus Awards, Hugo Awards, Bram Stoker Awards, International Horror Guild Awards, Shirley Jackson Awards, and the 2012 Il Posto Nero Black Spot Award for Excellence as Best Foreign Editor. Datlow was named recipient of the 2007 Karl Edward Wagner Award, given at the British Fantasy Convention for "outstanding contribution to the genre," was honored with the Life Achievement Award by the Horror Writers Association, in acknowledgment of superior achievement over an entire career, and honored with the World Fantasy Life Achievement Award at the 2014 World Fantasy Convention.
She's won multiple World Fantasy Awards, Locus Awards, Hugo Awards, Bram Stoker Awards, International Horror Guild Awards, Shirley Jackson Awards, and the 2012 Il Posto Nero Black Spot Award for Excellence as Best Foreign Editor. Datlow was named recipient of the 2007 Karl Edward Wagner Award, given at the British Fantasy Convention for "outstanding contribution to the genre," was honored with the Life Achievement Award by the Horror Writers Association, in acknowledgment of superior achievement over an entire career, and honored with the World Fantasy Life Achievement Award at the 2014 World Fantasy Convention.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
April 11, 2023
My complete review is published at Grimdark Magazine.
In Screams from the Dark, Ellen Datlow brings together twenty-nine of today’s boldest voices in horror to create an unflinching symphony of darkness that will haunt you long after you close the back cover. These all-original tales include stories by such established luminaries as National Book Award winner Joyce Carol Oates and two-time World Fantasy Award winner Caitlín R. Kiernan, as well as a phalanx of rising superstars in horror from across the globe.
The short stories of Screams from the Dark are populated by monsters in all their twisted forms. Datlow begins Screams from the Dark with an enlightening introduction on the complicated etymology of the word “monster.” Originally interpreted as a warning for humanity about the omnipotence of God, the concept of a monster has evolved to embody anything that is grotesquely inhuman, bent on destruction and evil. Monsters are often portrayed as physically hideous or psychologically terrifying, a distorted version of ourselves. Physical manifestations of the monstrous embody the opposite of the humane, but also reveal our inner evil, helping us to understand the nature of humanity itself.
Screams from the Dark features all the standard monsters of horror literature, including vampires, skeletons, ghosts, witches, giants, sea monsters, werewolves, Bigfoot, and the requisite Cthulhu-inspired tentacle monster, here terrorizing an amusement park in “The Midway” by Fran Wide. There is also a fresh take on the Tasmanian devil, courtesy of Glen Hirshberg’s excellent story, “Devil.” More outlandish monsters appear in “The Virgin Jimmy Peck” by Daryl Gregory, where a cultist has been surgically implanted with a monster baby, and in “Sweet Potato” by Joe R. Lansdale, where a vegetable-scented succubus visits a lonely retired man who takes his newfound gardening hobby a bit too seriously.
Beyond the classic villains of horror, Screams from the Dark addresses monstrosities arising from ecological disaster in “Strandling” by Caitlín R. Kiernan and in “The Smell of Waiting” by Kaaron Warren. In a nod to current events, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is addressed in “Wet Red Grin” by Gemma Files, which details nursing home patients subjected to reddening of the bones, and “The Atrocity Exhibitionists” by Brian Hodge, centering on a rock star seeking pandemic-era social media fame through extreme self-harm.
My favorite story in this collection is “Crick Crack Rattle Tap” by A.C. Wise, which features a young single mother battling postpartum depression. She oscillates between wanting to be a good mother and feeling resentment toward her infant baby. The mother recites an improvised rhyme, accidentally summoning the demonic Rattle Tap, asking him to take her baby away. A.C. Wise does an outstanding job getting into the mind of a sleep-deprived mother losing control of her own mental processes in this twisted, nightmarish fairy tale, where Rattle Tap becomes an external manifestation of the beast within us all.
The twenty-nine stories in Screams from the Dark masterfully examine the nature of monsters and monstrosities, both tangible and abstract. Ellen Datlow’s extensive experience as a short story editor shines throughout the entirety of this volume. Screams from the Dark earns my highest recommendation, ranking among the best compilation of short stories that I’ve read in any genre.
My complete review is published at Grimdark Magazine.
In Screams from the Dark, Ellen Datlow brings together twenty-nine of today’s boldest voices in horror to create an unflinching symphony of darkness that will haunt you long after you close the back cover. These all-original tales include stories by such established luminaries as National Book Award winner Joyce Carol Oates and two-time World Fantasy Award winner Caitlín R. Kiernan, as well as a phalanx of rising superstars in horror from across the globe.
The short stories of Screams from the Dark are populated by monsters in all their twisted forms. Datlow begins Screams from the Dark with an enlightening introduction on the complicated etymology of the word “monster.” Originally interpreted as a warning for humanity about the omnipotence of God, the concept of a monster has evolved to embody anything that is grotesquely inhuman, bent on destruction and evil. Monsters are often portrayed as physically hideous or psychologically terrifying, a distorted version of ourselves. Physical manifestations of the monstrous embody the opposite of the humane, but also reveal our inner evil, helping us to understand the nature of humanity itself.
Screams from the Dark features all the standard monsters of horror literature, including vampires, skeletons, ghosts, witches, giants, sea monsters, werewolves, Bigfoot, and the requisite Cthulhu-inspired tentacle monster, here terrorizing an amusement park in “The Midway” by Fran Wide. There is also a fresh take on the Tasmanian devil, courtesy of Glen Hirshberg’s excellent story, “Devil.” More outlandish monsters appear in “The Virgin Jimmy Peck” by Daryl Gregory, where a cultist has been surgically implanted with a monster baby, and in “Sweet Potato” by Joe R. Lansdale, where a vegetable-scented succubus visits a lonely retired man who takes his newfound gardening hobby a bit too seriously.
Beyond the classic villains of horror, Screams from the Dark addresses monstrosities arising from ecological disaster in “Strandling” by Caitlín R. Kiernan and in “The Smell of Waiting” by Kaaron Warren. In a nod to current events, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is addressed in “Wet Red Grin” by Gemma Files, which details nursing home patients subjected to reddening of the bones, and “The Atrocity Exhibitionists” by Brian Hodge, centering on a rock star seeking pandemic-era social media fame through extreme self-harm.
My favorite story in this collection is “Crick Crack Rattle Tap” by A.C. Wise, which features a young single mother battling postpartum depression. She oscillates between wanting to be a good mother and feeling resentment toward her infant baby. The mother recites an improvised rhyme, accidentally summoning the demonic Rattle Tap, asking him to take her baby away. A.C. Wise does an outstanding job getting into the mind of a sleep-deprived mother losing control of her own mental processes in this twisted, nightmarish fairy tale, where Rattle Tap becomes an external manifestation of the beast within us all.
The twenty-nine stories in Screams from the Dark masterfully examine the nature of monsters and monstrosities, both tangible and abstract. Ellen Datlow’s extensive experience as a short story editor shines throughout the entirety of this volume. Screams from the Dark earns my highest recommendation, ranking among the best compilation of short stories that I’ve read in any genre.
My complete review is published at Grimdark Magazine.
December 24, 2022
Reviewing any one of Ellen Datlow’s excellent horror anthologies is always a pleasure as they unanimously feature stories of high-quality writing and are a kind of go-to place for us horror readers who want to discover fresh blood. But by that high standard, her latest themed anthology Screams from the Dark: 29 Tales of Monsters and the Monstrous regrettably shines a little paler than usual.
Still, each contributing author interpreted the theme “monster” in their own original ways and although I found the writing in most stories a little overdone and maybe even dragged this time around, I of course found some highlights that sweetened this read for me and on which I'll concentrate, here we go:
“You Have What I Need” by Ian Rogers
Consider you only have limited space and have to provide sufficient background for a short story to be believable, consistent and plausible. A hard task, yes, but one that Ian Rogers totally aces in the vampire story “You Have What I Need” - baller world building, societal distress in the shape of a vampiric virus, how quick the tables can turn… Rogers packs a punch with this one.
“The Virgin Jimmy Peck” by Daryl Gregory
“They Rosemary-babied you!”
I’m aware this is probably spoiler territory but this sentence is too good to not share here and the expression should be added into dictionaries. Though, of course I hope nobody ever needs to use it except in fiction. The story follows a Lovecraftian cult preparing for the coming of their lord and Jimmy Peck the chosen mother. One of the most likable main characters I read about. Funny, horrible, horrific story.
“Here Comes Your Man” by Indrapramit Das
I love Das’ writing ever since I read The Devourers, a truly monumental historical book about werewolves and the likes. In “Here Comes Your Man” the threat is nothing imaginary but something much more imminent, acute, real. A wonderful reflection on female anxiety.
“What is Love but the Quiet Moments After Dinner” by Richard Kadrey
Surprisingly I haven’t read anything by Richard Kadrey to this day but I’m completely sold after reading this story about a man with a bloody secret and his relationship with a woman whose perverse impulses are the antidote to his loneliness. Genuinely twisty and action-packed.
“Strandling” by Caitlín R. Kiernan
For me, this is the absolute winner of this anthology. It’s no secret Kiernan can rock the Lovecraftian but she mightily ups her game with this one. Is there a connection between marine parasites and these lovers we follow, one of whom is terminally ill? What are these creatures? Fantastic final scene, sublime writing, a touching relationship, plain wonderful, but also devastating.
“Knock, Knock” by Brian Evenson
If Kiernan is the winner, then Evenson is surely the closest runner up because this story is just laugh out loud dreadful. We’re following a nephew trying to kill his uncle due to an inheritance dispute and it gets really all tangled up. There’s something sticky in Evenson’s monsters, something foul, rotting, the kind that sticks with you long after you finished reading.
There’s also an honorable mention of a story I hated reading but feel the need to give the devil his due: A.C. Wise’s “Crick-Crack Rattle Trap” was done immaculately – the writing, the horror, the development are all top tier but it’s highly triggering motherhood horror and it really dragged me down. So I’ll take my hat off for Wise, but this isn’t mine to enjoy.
So, as you see, there still are quite a few stories that hit and surpassed the mark for me, and considering there are whopping 29 stories in total there will surely be some that appeal to each and everyone.
Still, each contributing author interpreted the theme “monster” in their own original ways and although I found the writing in most stories a little overdone and maybe even dragged this time around, I of course found some highlights that sweetened this read for me and on which I'll concentrate, here we go:
“You Have What I Need” by Ian Rogers
Consider you only have limited space and have to provide sufficient background for a short story to be believable, consistent and plausible. A hard task, yes, but one that Ian Rogers totally aces in the vampire story “You Have What I Need” - baller world building, societal distress in the shape of a vampiric virus, how quick the tables can turn… Rogers packs a punch with this one.
“The Virgin Jimmy Peck” by Daryl Gregory
“They Rosemary-babied you!”
I’m aware this is probably spoiler territory but this sentence is too good to not share here and the expression should be added into dictionaries. Though, of course I hope nobody ever needs to use it except in fiction. The story follows a Lovecraftian cult preparing for the coming of their lord and Jimmy Peck the chosen mother. One of the most likable main characters I read about. Funny, horrible, horrific story.
“Here Comes Your Man” by Indrapramit Das
I love Das’ writing ever since I read The Devourers, a truly monumental historical book about werewolves and the likes. In “Here Comes Your Man” the threat is nothing imaginary but something much more imminent, acute, real. A wonderful reflection on female anxiety.
“What is Love but the Quiet Moments After Dinner” by Richard Kadrey
Surprisingly I haven’t read anything by Richard Kadrey to this day but I’m completely sold after reading this story about a man with a bloody secret and his relationship with a woman whose perverse impulses are the antidote to his loneliness. Genuinely twisty and action-packed.
“Strandling” by Caitlín R. Kiernan
For me, this is the absolute winner of this anthology. It’s no secret Kiernan can rock the Lovecraftian but she mightily ups her game with this one. Is there a connection between marine parasites and these lovers we follow, one of whom is terminally ill? What are these creatures? Fantastic final scene, sublime writing, a touching relationship, plain wonderful, but also devastating.
“Knock, Knock” by Brian Evenson
If Kiernan is the winner, then Evenson is surely the closest runner up because this story is just laugh out loud dreadful. We’re following a nephew trying to kill his uncle due to an inheritance dispute and it gets really all tangled up. There’s something sticky in Evenson’s monsters, something foul, rotting, the kind that sticks with you long after you finished reading.
There’s also an honorable mention of a story I hated reading but feel the need to give the devil his due: A.C. Wise’s “Crick-Crack Rattle Trap” was done immaculately – the writing, the horror, the development are all top tier but it’s highly triggering motherhood horror and it really dragged me down. So I’ll take my hat off for Wise, but this isn’t mine to enjoy.
So, as you see, there still are quite a few stories that hit and surpassed the mark for me, and considering there are whopping 29 stories in total there will surely be some that appeal to each and everyone.
August 23, 2022
I'm sad to say what a relief it was to finally finish this anthology, but it felt like it dragged on for years, and that has nothing to do with the page count.
While there were a few stories I really loved, absolute diamonds in the rough, I mostly strongly disliked this collection. I've read a lot of Ellen Datlow's edited anthologies over the years and I usually love them, so I'm not sure why this one didn't connect with me. I finally had to commit myself to a goal of reading at least one story per day just to finally finish it, and even allowed myself to DNF a few of the pieces (which I almost never do with short story collections!).
That said, I'd like to focus on the silver lining of the 5-star reads that I adored and highly recommend:
Unfortunately, only 5 stories out of 29 received 5 stars from me. While a few more were still very enjoyable (honorable mentions to Here Comes Your Man by Indrapramit Das, Crick Crack Rattle Tap by A.C. Wise, and The Smell of Waiting by Kaaron Warren), this means that 21 out of 29 stories ranged from slightly boring to entirely unlikeable for me. Given that I gave 3/4 of the collection 3 stars or less (and several stories only 1 star), I can't recommend this anthology as a whole or justify giving it a higher rating than 2 stars overall.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy! All thoughts are honest and my own.
✨ Content warnings for:
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While there were a few stories I really loved, absolute diamonds in the rough, I mostly strongly disliked this collection. I've read a lot of Ellen Datlow's edited anthologies over the years and I usually love them, so I'm not sure why this one didn't connect with me. I finally had to commit myself to a goal of reading at least one story per day just to finally finish it, and even allowed myself to DNF a few of the pieces (which I almost never do with short story collections!).
That said, I'd like to focus on the silver lining of the 5-star reads that I adored and highly recommend:
• Wet Red Grin — Gemma Files:
The magic and monstrosity in this story had me on the very edge of my seat. Something about vicious elderly folks will always chill me to my core (perhaps because of the idea that someone who has had so many decades to hone their hatred might wield it much more powerfully?), and this was a brilliant example of it.
• The Virgin Jimmy Peck — Daryl Gregory:
I snickered throughout this entire story, loving the bizarre, campy direction it took all the while. If you liked the film 'Satanic Panic', I highly recommend this short story.
• Children of the Night — Stephen Graham Jones:
I'm forever a sucker for SGJ's short stories and this was delightful. I don't think Stephen gets enough love for the level of ridiculousness and dark humor he infuses some of his shorts with, and this was maybe the most comical of his work I've read yet. Bigfoot hunters are a wild bunch.
• What is Meat with No God? — Cassandra Khaw:
Cass is another author I was already smitten with before this collection, and I was so eager to reach their contribution. Khaw's writing style is so distinctive and unique, and this is easily the oddest thing I've read from them yet, but as I expected, it's also full of so much heart and lore. I would eagerly read an entire novella about the body and how it came into being.
• Burial — Kristi DeMeester:
I have an exceptional fondness for stories of abuse survivors of all kinds, getting their power back and moving on with their lives, and this was a very eerie, unique, and witchy play on that theme. Mara's love for her little sister and devotion to the idea of finding a happier life for them, mingled with the genuinely unsettling thing that Mara's rage conjures up... I loved every moment.
Unfortunately, only 5 stories out of 29 received 5 stars from me. While a few more were still very enjoyable (honorable mentions to Here Comes Your Man by Indrapramit Das, Crick Crack Rattle Tap by A.C. Wise, and The Smell of Waiting by Kaaron Warren), this means that 21 out of 29 stories ranged from slightly boring to entirely unlikeable for me. Given that I gave 3/4 of the collection 3 stars or less (and several stories only 1 star), I can't recommend this anthology as a whole or justify giving it a higher rating than 2 stars overall.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy! All thoughts are honest and my own.
✨ Content warnings for:
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Want to read
November 17, 2022Please see my Notes and Highlights for comments on every story :)
“You Have What I Need” by Ian Rogers
“The Midway by” Fran Wilde
“Wet Red Grin” by Gemma Files
“The Virgin Jimmy Peck” by Daryl Gregory
“The Ghost of a Flea” by Priya Sharma
“The Atrocity Exhibitionists” by Brian Hodge
“The Father of Modern Gynecology: J. Marion Syins, M.D. (1813-1883)” by Joyce Carol Oates
“Here Comes Your Man” by Indrapramit Das
“Siolaigh” by Siobhan Carroll
“What Is Love But the Quiet Moments After Dinner?” by Richard Kadrey
“The Island” by Norman Partridge
“Flaming Teeth” by Garry Kilworth
“Strandling” by Caitlín R. Kiernan
“The Special One” by Chikọdili Emelumadu
“Devil” by Glen Hirshberg
“Crick Crack Rattle Tap” by A. C. Wise
“Children of the Night” by Stephen Graham Jones
“The Smell of Waiting” by Kaaron Warren
“Now Voyager” by Livia Llewellyn
“The Last Drop” by Carole Johnstone
“Three Mothers Mountain” by Nathan Ballingrud
“Widow-Light” by Margo Lanagan
“Sweet Potato” by Joe R. Lansdale
“Knock, Knock” by Brian Evenson
“What Is Meat with No God?” by Cassandra Khaw
“Bitten by Himself” by Laird Barron
“Burial” by Kristi DeMeester
“Beautiful Dreamer” by Jeffrey Ford
“Blodsuger” by John Langan
“You Have What I Need” by Ian Rogers
“The Midway by” Fran Wilde
“Wet Red Grin” by Gemma Files
“The Virgin Jimmy Peck” by Daryl Gregory
“The Ghost of a Flea” by Priya Sharma
“The Atrocity Exhibitionists” by Brian Hodge
“The Father of Modern Gynecology: J. Marion Syins, M.D. (1813-1883)” by Joyce Carol Oates
“Here Comes Your Man” by Indrapramit Das
“Siolaigh” by Siobhan Carroll
“What Is Love But the Quiet Moments After Dinner?” by Richard Kadrey
“The Island” by Norman Partridge
“Flaming Teeth” by Garry Kilworth
“Strandling” by Caitlín R. Kiernan
“The Special One” by Chikọdili Emelumadu
“Devil” by Glen Hirshberg
“Crick Crack Rattle Tap” by A. C. Wise
“Children of the Night” by Stephen Graham Jones
“The Smell of Waiting” by Kaaron Warren
“Now Voyager” by Livia Llewellyn
“The Last Drop” by Carole Johnstone
“Three Mothers Mountain” by Nathan Ballingrud
“Widow-Light” by Margo Lanagan
“Sweet Potato” by Joe R. Lansdale
“Knock, Knock” by Brian Evenson
“What Is Meat with No God?” by Cassandra Khaw
“Bitten by Himself” by Laird Barron
“Burial” by Kristi DeMeester
“Beautiful Dreamer” by Jeffrey Ford
“Blodsuger” by John Langan
November 11, 2022
I'm giving up on this collection. I've only enjoyed 3 or 4 of the stories and I don't see the margins improving if I continued. Yall know I hate dnfing books but I just can't keep reading this book.
May 9, 2022
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
Did Not Finish-27 percent.
I feel really bad. I thought this would be up my alley. Getting to read 29 stories about monsters and monstrous things during one of the rainiest weeks ever should have been a good deal. Instead I found myself losing interest the longer I read. The first short story I read was great, the next confusing, and then it went downhill from there. After I got to Joyce Carol Oates offering, I just gave up. Here are the reviews I have for the stories I read.
"You Have What I Need" by Ian Rogers (4.5 stars)-I loved this tale of a different world in which vampires and other supernatural beings wonder this Earth. A doctor named Tasmin who works at the ER is going through the motions until a woman named Rosalie comes in and says she's been bitten. What follows is the protocol that the hospitals must do when someone is bitten. Things turn for the worst though and Tasmin finds herself growing closer to Rosalie. The main reason why I couldn't give this 5 full stars is that there is a whole subplot (what are the vampires up to) that was left unexplored. This is a short story. Having things left hanging doesn't work.
"The Midway" by Fran Wilde. (2 stars)-I was so confused reading this. Some octopus/Cthulhu monster that lives beneath 'Staley's Sea Amusement Arcade' is not the only sinister monster at play. I think I just gave up trying to understand what was happening and then the ending occurred and I just assumed the character, Skyla, may be dead? Or something? I don't know.
"Wet Red Grin" by Gemma Files (2.5 stars)-It was so freaking repetitive. You want to read about old ladies, old as dirt, with yellow teeth and a wet, red grin? The character of Lainey was not one I was rooting for and I was left unsatisfied by the ending. The story just dragged too which didn't help matters.
"The Virgin Jimmy Peck" by Daryl Gregory (2 stars)-I don't know. I just skimmed this again this morning to refresh my memory and I give up.
"The Ghost of a Flea" by Priya Sharma (2 stars)-Nope.
"The Atrocity Exhibitionists" by Brian Hodge (1 star)-It was at this point I started to skim.
And then was where I left this collection.
Did Not Finish-27 percent.
I feel really bad. I thought this would be up my alley. Getting to read 29 stories about monsters and monstrous things during one of the rainiest weeks ever should have been a good deal. Instead I found myself losing interest the longer I read. The first short story I read was great, the next confusing, and then it went downhill from there. After I got to Joyce Carol Oates offering, I just gave up. Here are the reviews I have for the stories I read.
"You Have What I Need" by Ian Rogers (4.5 stars)-I loved this tale of a different world in which vampires and other supernatural beings wonder this Earth. A doctor named Tasmin who works at the ER is going through the motions until a woman named Rosalie comes in and says she's been bitten. What follows is the protocol that the hospitals must do when someone is bitten. Things turn for the worst though and Tasmin finds herself growing closer to Rosalie. The main reason why I couldn't give this 5 full stars is that there is a whole subplot (what are the vampires up to) that was left unexplored. This is a short story. Having things left hanging doesn't work.
"The Midway" by Fran Wilde. (2 stars)-I was so confused reading this. Some octopus/Cthulhu monster that lives beneath 'Staley's Sea Amusement Arcade' is not the only sinister monster at play. I think I just gave up trying to understand what was happening and then the ending occurred and I just assumed the character, Skyla, may be dead? Or something? I don't know.
"Wet Red Grin" by Gemma Files (2.5 stars)-It was so freaking repetitive. You want to read about old ladies, old as dirt, with yellow teeth and a wet, red grin? The character of Lainey was not one I was rooting for and I was left unsatisfied by the ending. The story just dragged too which didn't help matters.
"The Virgin Jimmy Peck" by Daryl Gregory (2 stars)-I don't know. I just skimmed this again this morning to refresh my memory and I give up.
"The Ghost of a Flea" by Priya Sharma (2 stars)-Nope.
"The Atrocity Exhibitionists" by Brian Hodge (1 star)-It was at this point I started to skim.
And then was where I left this collection.
December 20, 2022
4.5 stars
June 8, 2022
Screams from the Dark is anthology of 29 short stories discovering the monstrous. I love a good anthology, but this one fell a little flat for me. It was compiled to celebrate very classic tropes of horror, but it felt very basic. To someone who is new to horror stories, I feel like this would be a great place to start. More veteran horror readers might not be a huge fan of every story in this anthology.
There were definitely some great stories in this collection, but it mostly felt average, totaling up to a 3.3 average rating. Now, a 3 is not a terrible score and I would still recommend this to people who are interested. There are some great authors in this collection, and I felt it wasn’t the best stories these authors could have given.
However, I did love a few stories, listed below:
The Island by Norman Partridge
Burial by Kristi DeMeester
and my personal favorite, Bloedzuiger by John Langan
For anyone who loved The Fisherman, Bloedzuiger will be a lovely surprise. Of course, Datlow saved the best for last.
Those were my five star stories, but I also had a few four star stories, so some honorable mentions are:
Red Wet Grin by Gemma Files
Children of the Night by Stephen Graham Jones
The Smell of Waiting by Kaaron Warren
This is my first Datlow anthology, and while I wasn’t as happy with it as expected, I do plan on reading more of her compilations.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for the chance to read this advanced review copy. I’m a day late, but Screams from the Dark is available now!
There were definitely some great stories in this collection, but it mostly felt average, totaling up to a 3.3 average rating. Now, a 3 is not a terrible score and I would still recommend this to people who are interested. There are some great authors in this collection, and I felt it wasn’t the best stories these authors could have given.
However, I did love a few stories, listed below:
The Island by Norman Partridge
Burial by Kristi DeMeester
and my personal favorite, Bloedzuiger by John Langan
For anyone who loved The Fisherman, Bloedzuiger will be a lovely surprise. Of course, Datlow saved the best for last.
Those were my five star stories, but I also had a few four star stories, so some honorable mentions are:
Red Wet Grin by Gemma Files
Children of the Night by Stephen Graham Jones
The Smell of Waiting by Kaaron Warren
This is my first Datlow anthology, and while I wasn’t as happy with it as expected, I do plan on reading more of her compilations.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for the chance to read this advanced review copy. I’m a day late, but Screams from the Dark is available now!
July 22, 2022
Think back. When you were a young child who still had a bedtime, parents or guardians who watched over you, and a safe place to sleep....what scared you? What monsters did you imagine crawling out of your closet in the dark? What did you imagine running up behind you when you walked home from a friend's house at night? What creepy things were in your dreams? If all those creepy things were gathered up into one story anthology, it would be very much like this one!!
Do you dare read these tales?? Or do the monsters that haunted your dreams as a child still scare you now? Are you brave enough?
This horror anthology gathers 29 stories from different authors. There is something to terrify just about anyone. Vampires, werewolves, the devil, ghosts.....even scary people. A little something monstrous for everyone!
As with any anthology with widely varied stories, I liked some stories better than others. Some I loved. And some I didn't finish. It goes with the territory. I love collections like this because I become aware of so many horror writers I haven't read yet. And each story is so different! I love to read one story each night and then think deep thoughts as I fall asleep about whether I found it scary or not and if I like the writing style. I enjoyed this collection! Love monster stories -- and these stories definitely delivered monsters!
**I voluntarily read an ebook ARC of this anthology from Macmillan/Tor-Forge. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
Do you dare read these tales?? Or do the monsters that haunted your dreams as a child still scare you now? Are you brave enough?
This horror anthology gathers 29 stories from different authors. There is something to terrify just about anyone. Vampires, werewolves, the devil, ghosts.....even scary people. A little something monstrous for everyone!
As with any anthology with widely varied stories, I liked some stories better than others. Some I loved. And some I didn't finish. It goes with the territory. I love collections like this because I become aware of so many horror writers I haven't read yet. And each story is so different! I love to read one story each night and then think deep thoughts as I fall asleep about whether I found it scary or not and if I like the writing style. I enjoyed this collection! Love monster stories -- and these stories definitely delivered monsters!
**I voluntarily read an ebook ARC of this anthology from Macmillan/Tor-Forge. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
July 7, 2022
An ok anthology.
July 1, 2022
Screams from the Dark is a horror anthology consisting of twenty-nine terrifying and thrilling short stories. This is one of the better anthologies I've read this year, though perhaps I only feel this way because it is precisely what I've been craving. Either way, I was delighted to find this book in my mailbox.
One of the many things I love about anthologies is that they introduce me to new authors. Sure, there were half a dozen (if not more) authors I know and love in Screams from the Dark. But there are just as many new (to me) authors in this collection, and that's pretty exciting. Having already read the anthology, I can tell you that there are a few authors I'll be looking up and checking out their backlog. So I'd call that a success.
Included in this anthology, you'll find works by Ian Rogers, Fran Wilde, Gemma Files, Daryl Gregory, Priya Sharma, Brian Hodge, Joyce Carol Oats, Indrapramit Das, Siobhan Carroll, Richard Kadry, Norman Partridge, Garry Kilworth, Caitlin R. Kiernan, Chikodili Emelumadu, Glen Hirshberg, A.C. Wise, Stephen Graham Jones, Kaaron Warren, Livia Llewellyn, Carole Johnstone, Nathan Ballingrud, Margo Lanagan, Joe R. Lansdale, Brian Evenson, Cassandra Khaw, Laird Barron, Kristi DeMeester, Jeffrey Ford, and John Lanagan. Sorry, I know that's a lot, but I want to give everybody credit! Ellen Datlow edits the anthology itself (as well as the forward).
Some of my favorites in this anthology include You Have What I Need (seriously, this one got stuck in my head for DAYS), The Midway, Wet Red Grin, and The Smell of Waiting.
You Have What I Need by Ian Rogers
Rating: ★★★★★
In my experience, the first short story in an anthology is usually the one that hits the hardest. Boy, is that accurate for You Have What I Need. Seriously, this is the story that got stuck in my head for days. It portrays a character working in an ER when a vampire attack occurs. I make it sound too simple, but it was delightfully complex and compelling.
The Midway by Fran Wilde
Rating: ★★★★★
The Midway is haunting because in many ways it felt so real. The horrible acts created by a monster are only possible when supported (and covered up by) a human monster. At least that is the case in Fran Wilde's tale.
Wet Red Grin by Gemma Files
Rating: ★★★★★
Ohhh. I really enjoyed Wet Red Grin by Gemma Files. I didn't think anything could top You Have What I Need, but I may be wrong. Admittedly this one gets a bit graphic, as it centers around a monster utilizing an old ritual to live forever (or at least a little bit longer).
The Virgin Jimmy Peck by Daryl Gregory
Rating: ★★★★
Aha, wow. I did not know what to expect from The Virgin Jimmy Peck. Dare I say that this horror tale had a sense of humor about itself? It asks the question – what would happen if a quiet guy found himself acting as an incubator for a cult?
The Ghost of a Flea by Priya Sharma
Rating: ★★★
If you love classic demon-hunting and horror tales, then I think you'll really enjoy The Ghost of a Flea. However, for some reason, I struggled to get into this one.
The Atrocity Exhibitions by Brian Hodge
Rating: ★★★★
This story hit hard – mostly because of its relevant point. In a world where technology runs supreme, it's easy to see how The Atrocity Exhibitions may occur. Trigger warnings include drug abuse, self-harm (of a sort?), and graphic depictions.
The Father of Modern Gynecology: J. Marion Syms, M.D. By Joyce Carol Oats
Rating: ★★★★
The Father of Modern Gynecology: J. Marion Syms, M.D. Is going to hit close to home for many readers. Perhaps a little too close to home? I don't know if I was more relieved or worried when this one came to an end.
Here Comes Your Man by Indrapramit Das
Rating: ★★★★
There is something so quietly disturbing about Here Comes Your Man. Perhaps because so much of it is rooted in reality? We've all traveled and feared home invaders, so why not take it a step (or ten) further.
Siolaigh by Siobhan Carroll
Rating: ★★★★
I absolutely adore the vibes and aesthetic that Siolaigh gives off. It has water monsters and sacrificial tones, which actually work quite well together, especially here. I wouldn't have said no to more of this one.
What Is Love But the Quiet Moments After Dinner? By Richard Kadry
Rating: ★★★
So I actually think that What Is Love But the Quiet Moments After Dinner? Had A LOT of potential. However, there were points that failed to keep me invested. Maybe we needed to get to know the characters more? I'm not certain.
The Island by Norman Partridge
Rating: ★★★★
The Island is not what I expected. I thought I was getting into a vampire tale, but it quickly got...more expansive. I won't spoil the twist for you! But let's just say that there are more than vampires in this world.
Flaming Teeth by Garry Kilworth
Rating: ★★★★★
Okay, Flaming Teeth was in the running for one of my favorites from this anthology. There's something so evocative about the title and the creature (trying not to spoil it here) that the author created. That combined with an uncharted island and you've got me hooked.
Strandling by Caitlin R. Kiernan
Rating: ★★★★
There is something so beautiful and sad about Strandling, while exploring the darker horrors of this world. It makes for an eerie experience that lingers.
The Special One by Chikodili Emelumadu
Rating: ★★★
The Special One started one way and quickly surprised me with the different paths it took. In fact, there were several surprises in this tale, which I very much appreciated! Oh, and did I mention there's a Snake Goddess? Enjoy!
Devil by Glen Hirshberg
Rating: ★★★★
Devil felt familiar, but not. What would happen if a certain part of the world became famous for monsters? Would people steer clear, or would it just become another tourist attraction?
Crick Crack Rattle Tap by A.C. Wise
Rating: ★★★★
Crick Crack Rattle Tap will give you the chills. Even the title is enough to make me shiver, and that's before delving into what occurs here. It reminded me a lot of changeling lore, with infants being replaced in the night.
Children of the Night by Stephen Graham Jones
Rating: ★★★★
I love Stephen Graham Jones – heck, he's half the reason why I wanted to read Screams from the Dark in the first place! So naturally, I've been looking forward to Children of the Night. It sort of felt like an adult version of Scooby Doo, but much more complex (and interesting – sorry to say! I love Scooby Doo, but it does not compare).
The Smell of Waiting by Kaaron Warren
Rating: ★★★★★
The Smell of Waiting is another intense addition to this anthology. I actually adored this one, despite the kinda gross implications that pop up. It's a different take on consequences that may arise due to the chemicals we put into the world.
Now Voyager by Livia Llewellyn
Rating: ★★
I'm not sure what it was, but I really struggled to get into Now Voyager. I wanted to like it – the setting sounded fascinating, as did many other elements of the story. Yet I kept finding my mind wandering.
The Last Drop by Carole Johnstone
Rating: ★★★
The Last Drop should have been one of my favorites. It's based (lightly) on real events – witch trials and hangings. But it starts in the middle and actually feels like it ends in the middle as well. Perhaps because it's more like a vignette into these events?
Three Mothers Mountain by Nathan Ballingrud
Rating: ★★★★
Three Mothers Mountain immediately made me think of the Mother, the Crone, and the Maiden. Which was probably intentional. However, the story doesn't follow a path that readers may expect. It takes a different turn, focusing on pain and sacrifice (of others).
Widow-Light by Margo Lanagan
Rating: ★★★★★
I love a good revenge story! Only, that phrase doesn't capture all that Widow-Light is. It is a whole different spin on the virgin sacrifice (or a maiden handed off into a marriage with a monster), and I adore it.
Sweet Potato by Joe R. Lansdale
Rating: ★★★★
Oh wow. Don't read Sweet Potato if you're easily grossed out. This one is dark and fascinating, but also a little bit...disturbing. In a good way, for the most part.
Knock, Knock by Brian Evenson
Rating: ★★★★
Knock, Knock is a subtle tale of horror, one that quietly ramps up, causing readers to anxiously wait and see what the next twist is. I really enjoyed how carefully Evenson built up this story.
What Is Meat with No God? By Cassandra Khaw
Rating: ★★★★
Cassandra Khaw is another one of my favorite horror authors, so I was looking for to her addition. However, that title had me SO concerned! Mostly because I was worried it was going to dive into animal death or something – but I needn't have worried. Khaw stuck to humans, exploring a unique cycle of life and death. But mostly death.
Bitten by Himself by Laird Barron
Rating: ★★★★
Interesting. I don't think I've ever seen horror blended with time travel (of a sort?). At least not like this. Bitten by Himself is unlike anything else I've ever read, and I really do mean that.
Burial by Kristi DeMeester
Rating: ★★★
Burial is another tale that had a lot of potential, but I feel like it fell short. That being said, I couldn't quite say why. Maybe because the end is almost predictable?
Beautiful Dreamer by Jeffrey Ford
Rating: ★★
Beautiful Dreamer is an odd tale of monsters and stubborn neighbors, not to mention a secret government agency? There's a lot going on in this one, though that didn't manage to keep my attention for long.
Blodsuger by John Lanagan
Rating: ★★★★
Blodsuger is another strong contender in this anthology, so it makes sense that it closes out the collection. This one is SO descriptive. It should have felt longer because of it, but instead, it transported me to a different world.
Thanks to Tor Nightfire and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Read more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
One of the many things I love about anthologies is that they introduce me to new authors. Sure, there were half a dozen (if not more) authors I know and love in Screams from the Dark. But there are just as many new (to me) authors in this collection, and that's pretty exciting. Having already read the anthology, I can tell you that there are a few authors I'll be looking up and checking out their backlog. So I'd call that a success.
Included in this anthology, you'll find works by Ian Rogers, Fran Wilde, Gemma Files, Daryl Gregory, Priya Sharma, Brian Hodge, Joyce Carol Oats, Indrapramit Das, Siobhan Carroll, Richard Kadry, Norman Partridge, Garry Kilworth, Caitlin R. Kiernan, Chikodili Emelumadu, Glen Hirshberg, A.C. Wise, Stephen Graham Jones, Kaaron Warren, Livia Llewellyn, Carole Johnstone, Nathan Ballingrud, Margo Lanagan, Joe R. Lansdale, Brian Evenson, Cassandra Khaw, Laird Barron, Kristi DeMeester, Jeffrey Ford, and John Lanagan. Sorry, I know that's a lot, but I want to give everybody credit! Ellen Datlow edits the anthology itself (as well as the forward).
Some of my favorites in this anthology include You Have What I Need (seriously, this one got stuck in my head for DAYS), The Midway, Wet Red Grin, and The Smell of Waiting.
You Have What I Need by Ian Rogers
Rating: ★★★★★
In my experience, the first short story in an anthology is usually the one that hits the hardest. Boy, is that accurate for You Have What I Need. Seriously, this is the story that got stuck in my head for days. It portrays a character working in an ER when a vampire attack occurs. I make it sound too simple, but it was delightfully complex and compelling.
The Midway by Fran Wilde
Rating: ★★★★★
The Midway is haunting because in many ways it felt so real. The horrible acts created by a monster are only possible when supported (and covered up by) a human monster. At least that is the case in Fran Wilde's tale.
Wet Red Grin by Gemma Files
Rating: ★★★★★
Ohhh. I really enjoyed Wet Red Grin by Gemma Files. I didn't think anything could top You Have What I Need, but I may be wrong. Admittedly this one gets a bit graphic, as it centers around a monster utilizing an old ritual to live forever (or at least a little bit longer).
The Virgin Jimmy Peck by Daryl Gregory
Rating: ★★★★
Aha, wow. I did not know what to expect from The Virgin Jimmy Peck. Dare I say that this horror tale had a sense of humor about itself? It asks the question – what would happen if a quiet guy found himself acting as an incubator for a cult?
The Ghost of a Flea by Priya Sharma
Rating: ★★★
If you love classic demon-hunting and horror tales, then I think you'll really enjoy The Ghost of a Flea. However, for some reason, I struggled to get into this one.
The Atrocity Exhibitions by Brian Hodge
Rating: ★★★★
This story hit hard – mostly because of its relevant point. In a world where technology runs supreme, it's easy to see how The Atrocity Exhibitions may occur. Trigger warnings include drug abuse, self-harm (of a sort?), and graphic depictions.
The Father of Modern Gynecology: J. Marion Syms, M.D. By Joyce Carol Oats
Rating: ★★★★
The Father of Modern Gynecology: J. Marion Syms, M.D. Is going to hit close to home for many readers. Perhaps a little too close to home? I don't know if I was more relieved or worried when this one came to an end.
Here Comes Your Man by Indrapramit Das
Rating: ★★★★
There is something so quietly disturbing about Here Comes Your Man. Perhaps because so much of it is rooted in reality? We've all traveled and feared home invaders, so why not take it a step (or ten) further.
Siolaigh by Siobhan Carroll
Rating: ★★★★
I absolutely adore the vibes and aesthetic that Siolaigh gives off. It has water monsters and sacrificial tones, which actually work quite well together, especially here. I wouldn't have said no to more of this one.
What Is Love But the Quiet Moments After Dinner? By Richard Kadry
Rating: ★★★
So I actually think that What Is Love But the Quiet Moments After Dinner? Had A LOT of potential. However, there were points that failed to keep me invested. Maybe we needed to get to know the characters more? I'm not certain.
The Island by Norman Partridge
Rating: ★★★★
The Island is not what I expected. I thought I was getting into a vampire tale, but it quickly got...more expansive. I won't spoil the twist for you! But let's just say that there are more than vampires in this world.
Flaming Teeth by Garry Kilworth
Rating: ★★★★★
Okay, Flaming Teeth was in the running for one of my favorites from this anthology. There's something so evocative about the title and the creature (trying not to spoil it here) that the author created. That combined with an uncharted island and you've got me hooked.
Strandling by Caitlin R. Kiernan
Rating: ★★★★
There is something so beautiful and sad about Strandling, while exploring the darker horrors of this world. It makes for an eerie experience that lingers.
The Special One by Chikodili Emelumadu
Rating: ★★★
The Special One started one way and quickly surprised me with the different paths it took. In fact, there were several surprises in this tale, which I very much appreciated! Oh, and did I mention there's a Snake Goddess? Enjoy!
Devil by Glen Hirshberg
Rating: ★★★★
Devil felt familiar, but not. What would happen if a certain part of the world became famous for monsters? Would people steer clear, or would it just become another tourist attraction?
Crick Crack Rattle Tap by A.C. Wise
Rating: ★★★★
Crick Crack Rattle Tap will give you the chills. Even the title is enough to make me shiver, and that's before delving into what occurs here. It reminded me a lot of changeling lore, with infants being replaced in the night.
Children of the Night by Stephen Graham Jones
Rating: ★★★★
I love Stephen Graham Jones – heck, he's half the reason why I wanted to read Screams from the Dark in the first place! So naturally, I've been looking forward to Children of the Night. It sort of felt like an adult version of Scooby Doo, but much more complex (and interesting – sorry to say! I love Scooby Doo, but it does not compare).
The Smell of Waiting by Kaaron Warren
Rating: ★★★★★
The Smell of Waiting is another intense addition to this anthology. I actually adored this one, despite the kinda gross implications that pop up. It's a different take on consequences that may arise due to the chemicals we put into the world.
Now Voyager by Livia Llewellyn
Rating: ★★
I'm not sure what it was, but I really struggled to get into Now Voyager. I wanted to like it – the setting sounded fascinating, as did many other elements of the story. Yet I kept finding my mind wandering.
The Last Drop by Carole Johnstone
Rating: ★★★
The Last Drop should have been one of my favorites. It's based (lightly) on real events – witch trials and hangings. But it starts in the middle and actually feels like it ends in the middle as well. Perhaps because it's more like a vignette into these events?
Three Mothers Mountain by Nathan Ballingrud
Rating: ★★★★
Three Mothers Mountain immediately made me think of the Mother, the Crone, and the Maiden. Which was probably intentional. However, the story doesn't follow a path that readers may expect. It takes a different turn, focusing on pain and sacrifice (of others).
Widow-Light by Margo Lanagan
Rating: ★★★★★
I love a good revenge story! Only, that phrase doesn't capture all that Widow-Light is. It is a whole different spin on the virgin sacrifice (or a maiden handed off into a marriage with a monster), and I adore it.
Sweet Potato by Joe R. Lansdale
Rating: ★★★★
Oh wow. Don't read Sweet Potato if you're easily grossed out. This one is dark and fascinating, but also a little bit...disturbing. In a good way, for the most part.
Knock, Knock by Brian Evenson
Rating: ★★★★
Knock, Knock is a subtle tale of horror, one that quietly ramps up, causing readers to anxiously wait and see what the next twist is. I really enjoyed how carefully Evenson built up this story.
What Is Meat with No God? By Cassandra Khaw
Rating: ★★★★
Cassandra Khaw is another one of my favorite horror authors, so I was looking for to her addition. However, that title had me SO concerned! Mostly because I was worried it was going to dive into animal death or something – but I needn't have worried. Khaw stuck to humans, exploring a unique cycle of life and death. But mostly death.
Bitten by Himself by Laird Barron
Rating: ★★★★
Interesting. I don't think I've ever seen horror blended with time travel (of a sort?). At least not like this. Bitten by Himself is unlike anything else I've ever read, and I really do mean that.
Burial by Kristi DeMeester
Rating: ★★★
Burial is another tale that had a lot of potential, but I feel like it fell short. That being said, I couldn't quite say why. Maybe because the end is almost predictable?
Beautiful Dreamer by Jeffrey Ford
Rating: ★★
Beautiful Dreamer is an odd tale of monsters and stubborn neighbors, not to mention a secret government agency? There's a lot going on in this one, though that didn't manage to keep my attention for long.
Blodsuger by John Lanagan
Rating: ★★★★
Blodsuger is another strong contender in this anthology, so it makes sense that it closes out the collection. This one is SO descriptive. It should have felt longer because of it, but instead, it transported me to a different world.
Thanks to Tor Nightfire and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Read more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
May 25, 2025
I've more or less sworn off Datlow's anthologies, and only looked at a few items from this. But I wanted to check out some of Livia Llewellyn's short stories; she hasn't had a collection in almost 10 years. "Now Voyager" unfortunately is the kind of ornate dark fantasy that I'm not a fan of.
I think Stephen Graham Jones' "Children of the Night" is supposed to be funny, with all the entity X dressing as entity Y dressing as etc etc, right? Nathan Ballingrud's "Three Mothers Mountain" had some fun ideas, but I'm not a fan of the treatment. Contrast Ballingrud's revenant with the one in Brian Evenson's "Knock, Knock"; Evenson's exposition is so much more economical and avoids easy explanations, and the gruesome humor makes it so much more gruesome.
I've enjoyed some of Kristi DeMeester's stories, but "Burial" is not one of them. Some nice ideas though.
I've found Jeffrey Ford to be very hit-and-miss. But I did enjoy "Beautiful Dreamer" for the nuanced sociopolitical backdrop and the interesting monster.
I think Stephen Graham Jones' "Children of the Night" is supposed to be funny, with all the entity X dressing as entity Y dressing as etc etc, right? Nathan Ballingrud's "Three Mothers Mountain" had some fun ideas, but I'm not a fan of the treatment. Contrast Ballingrud's revenant with the one in Brian Evenson's "Knock, Knock"; Evenson's exposition is so much more economical and avoids easy explanations, and the gruesome humor makes it so much more gruesome.
I've enjoyed some of Kristi DeMeester's stories, but "Burial" is not one of them. Some nice ideas though.
I've found Jeffrey Ford to be very hit-and-miss. But I did enjoy "Beautiful Dreamer" for the nuanced sociopolitical backdrop and the interesting monster.
April 1, 2022
I received this ARC via a link to Netgalley sent to the Horrorbound.net team.
This is a large collection of excellent stories. Honestly, it took me almost a month to read it all, but a part of me also really didn't want it to end. Every new story brought with it interesting and strange facets, and they were all worth reading. There are so many talented and freaky authors collected within this monster of a book, and it is a clear testament to Ellen Datlow's unbelievable skills as an editor who chooses only the best.
While each of these were unquestionably entertaining and special, there were a couple that I found to be total knock-outs:
"You Have What I Need" by Ian Rogers - A wicked opening story about working in an ER with vampirism being a very real issue. A monster story with more memorable humanity in it than I can bear to forget.
"Wet Red Grin" by Gemma Files - Probably my favourite one in this whole book. Just an absolutely terrifying concept borne of an old ritual of the "reddening of bones." I found myself reading all about the historical context of this ritual afterwards and was astonished by how cool it was that Gemma Files invented this terrifying story from that idea.
"The Atrocity of Exhibitionists" by Brian Hodge - As I write this, I realize that this story is competing for first place with the one from Gemma Files. I want to tell everyone about this story's concept. We are in an age of social media that includes a ravenous need for attention and likes. More frighteningly, people seem to believe everything they read online and can no longer think for themselves. Loved this one so much.
"Crick Crack Rattle Tap" by A.C. Wise - A startling tale of a new mother and her steadily darkening thoughts mixed with some disturbing folklore. "The Blair Witch" meets postpartum depression.
"The Smell of Waiting" by Kaaron Warren - This story felt like a mix of "Pet Sematary" by Stephen King and "From the Corner of His Eye" by Dean Koontz. It had dogs, a kind of chemically induced supernatural ability, and it left me with such a remarkably empty and used up feeling at the end. In a good way.
"Three Mothers Mountain" by Nathan Ballingrud - A story about witches who grant the requests of townspeople desperate enough to seek their services, and the prices paid for those 'gifts.' The imagery from this story will stay with me until I am in the ground.
"Bloedzuiger" by John Langan - This guy knows how to spin a yarn. He also seems to love writing disturbing stories about fishing that compel me to feel dread when near any bodies of water. Mixing Danish scenery with blood sucking creatures, this one is a winner.
Honourable mentions for Stephen Graham Jones' "Children of the Night" and Brian Evenson's "Knock, Knock." Just reviewing the stories I feel so excited about how great they all were and I am so pleased that I got to read this in advance. Pick it up when it comes out in June 2022!
This is a large collection of excellent stories. Honestly, it took me almost a month to read it all, but a part of me also really didn't want it to end. Every new story brought with it interesting and strange facets, and they were all worth reading. There are so many talented and freaky authors collected within this monster of a book, and it is a clear testament to Ellen Datlow's unbelievable skills as an editor who chooses only the best.
While each of these were unquestionably entertaining and special, there were a couple that I found to be total knock-outs:
"You Have What I Need" by Ian Rogers - A wicked opening story about working in an ER with vampirism being a very real issue. A monster story with more memorable humanity in it than I can bear to forget.
"Wet Red Grin" by Gemma Files - Probably my favourite one in this whole book. Just an absolutely terrifying concept borne of an old ritual of the "reddening of bones." I found myself reading all about the historical context of this ritual afterwards and was astonished by how cool it was that Gemma Files invented this terrifying story from that idea.
"The Atrocity of Exhibitionists" by Brian Hodge - As I write this, I realize that this story is competing for first place with the one from Gemma Files. I want to tell everyone about this story's concept. We are in an age of social media that includes a ravenous need for attention and likes. More frighteningly, people seem to believe everything they read online and can no longer think for themselves. Loved this one so much.
"Crick Crack Rattle Tap" by A.C. Wise - A startling tale of a new mother and her steadily darkening thoughts mixed with some disturbing folklore. "The Blair Witch" meets postpartum depression.
"The Smell of Waiting" by Kaaron Warren - This story felt like a mix of "Pet Sematary" by Stephen King and "From the Corner of His Eye" by Dean Koontz. It had dogs, a kind of chemically induced supernatural ability, and it left me with such a remarkably empty and used up feeling at the end. In a good way.
"Three Mothers Mountain" by Nathan Ballingrud - A story about witches who grant the requests of townspeople desperate enough to seek their services, and the prices paid for those 'gifts.' The imagery from this story will stay with me until I am in the ground.
"Bloedzuiger" by John Langan - This guy knows how to spin a yarn. He also seems to love writing disturbing stories about fishing that compel me to feel dread when near any bodies of water. Mixing Danish scenery with blood sucking creatures, this one is a winner.
Honourable mentions for Stephen Graham Jones' "Children of the Night" and Brian Evenson's "Knock, Knock." Just reviewing the stories I feel so excited about how great they all were and I am so pleased that I got to read this in advance. Pick it up when it comes out in June 2022!
April 12, 2022
This review is for an ARC copy received from the publisher through NetGalley.
For this latest anthology centered on "monsters," Ellen Datlow explains how the term "monster" is applied to wide range of things, from fearsome creatures, or those about which we don't fully understand, to humans who commit vile acts. As such, it seems the contributing authors were given free range to interpret "monsters" as they saw fit for their tales. Of the 29 stories, I had four distinct favorites: "The Midway" by Fran Wilde, one of the most inventive tales in the book; "Devil" by Glen Hirshberg; "Three Mothers Mountain" by Nathan Ballingrud, who never disappoints. The fourth was by far my most favorite, the longest and the best saved for last, "Bloedzuiger" by John Langan, which conjured up images of his fantastic novel, The Fisherman. There were three or four that just didn't do it for me so I didn't bother finishing them. As for the remainder of the stories, they were all well-written verbiage-wise, yet plot-wise they mostly were just OK, nothing that memorable, which was surprising considering the much higher quality of stories contained in the other recent Datlow's anthologies I have read. The four favorites I found, especially the Langan and Ballingrud contributions, made it worth reading the book, but it wasn't as good a collection as I would have expected overall. 3.5/5*
For this latest anthology centered on "monsters," Ellen Datlow explains how the term "monster" is applied to wide range of things, from fearsome creatures, or those about which we don't fully understand, to humans who commit vile acts. As such, it seems the contributing authors were given free range to interpret "monsters" as they saw fit for their tales. Of the 29 stories, I had four distinct favorites: "The Midway" by Fran Wilde, one of the most inventive tales in the book; "Devil" by Glen Hirshberg; "Three Mothers Mountain" by Nathan Ballingrud, who never disappoints. The fourth was by far my most favorite, the longest and the best saved for last, "Bloedzuiger" by John Langan, which conjured up images of his fantastic novel, The Fisherman. There were three or four that just didn't do it for me so I didn't bother finishing them. As for the remainder of the stories, they were all well-written verbiage-wise, yet plot-wise they mostly were just OK, nothing that memorable, which was surprising considering the much higher quality of stories contained in the other recent Datlow's anthologies I have read. The four favorites I found, especially the Langan and Ballingrud contributions, made it worth reading the book, but it wasn't as good a collection as I would have expected overall. 3.5/5*
June 23, 2022
Probably 3.5 stars overall. Enjoyable collection as always! I've starred my favorites.
You Have What I need by Ian Rogers. 3 stars. Vampires attack a hospital.
The Midway by Fran Wilde. 3 stars. Sometimes the real monsters are human--even compared with, you know, actual monsters.
Wet Red Grin by Gemma Files. 3 stars. Bloody body swapping in a nursing home.
*The Virgin Jimmy Peck by Daryl Gregory. 5 stars. Gory, funny, and touching. I really loved the characters.
The Ghost of a Flea by Priya Sharma. 3 stars. William Blake fights a demon.
The Atrocity Exhibitionists by Brian Hodge. 4 stars. Social media monster.
The Father of Modern Gynecology: J. Marion Syms, M.D. (1813–1883) by Joyce Carol Oates. 3 stars. This was revolting (just like the real doctor it's based on) but seemed unfinished.
*Here Comes your Man by Indrapramit Das. 5 stars. Genuinely terrifying story of a potential home invasion, mixed with imagery of Indian backward-footed monsters.
Siolaigh by Siobhan Carroll. 4 stars. Always love a good sacrifice story. This had me googling supposed sea-serpent videos.
What Is Love But the Quiet Moments After Dinner? by Richard Kadrey. 2 stars. A tale of a human monster and a monster-monster in "love."
The Island by Normal Partridge. 2 stars. A "living" island summons monsters to it.
Flaming Teeth by Garry Kilworth. 3 stars. Surreal story of a giant on a tropical island.
Strandling by Caitlin R. Kiernan. 3 stars. A gentle sense of melancholy.
The Special One by Chikodili Emelumadu. 3 stars. Snake goddess!
Devil by Glen Hirshberg. 4 stars. Monsters in the outback.
Crick Crack Rattle Tap by A. C. Wise. 3 stars. I loved the nursery rhyme in this story, but I wished it focused more on the (worse!) fathers rather than the mother.
Children of the Night by Stephen Graham Jones. 3 stars. Bigfoot! Werewolves? Vampires!?
The Smell of Waiting by Kaaron Warren. 4 stars. Sad and mysterious.
New Voyager by Livia Llewellyn. 2 stars. I love Livia Llewellyn, but this wasn't my favorite of her tales.
The Last Drop by Carole Johnstone. 2 stars. Felt unfinished.
Three Mothers Mountain by Nathan Balingrud. 4 stars. A fairy tale, still monstrous.
Widow-Light by Margo Lanagan. 3 stars. Another fairy tale. I love Lanagan, but slightly out of place here?
Sweet Potato by Joe R. Lansdale. 3 stars. Surreal and humorous.
Knock, Knock by Brian Evenson. 4 stars. Another disquieting Evenson story, where everything is off.
What Is Meat with No God? by Cassandra Khaw. 3 stars. Fantasy-horror.
*Bitten by Himself by Laird Barron. 5 stars. I love Barron's Black Sloth mythos, and this is a good one.
Burial by Kristi DeMeester. 2 stars. Another "under the earth" type horror story from DeMeester.
Beautiful Dreamer by Jeffrey Ford. 4 stars. Made me smile. Sometimes it's good to have red-state neighbors.
Blodsuger by John Langan. 3 stars. I enjoyed the Danish mythology.
You Have What I need by Ian Rogers. 3 stars. Vampires attack a hospital.
The Midway by Fran Wilde. 3 stars. Sometimes the real monsters are human--even compared with, you know, actual monsters.
Wet Red Grin by Gemma Files. 3 stars. Bloody body swapping in a nursing home.
*The Virgin Jimmy Peck by Daryl Gregory. 5 stars. Gory, funny, and touching. I really loved the characters.
The Ghost of a Flea by Priya Sharma. 3 stars. William Blake fights a demon.
The Atrocity Exhibitionists by Brian Hodge. 4 stars. Social media monster.
The Father of Modern Gynecology: J. Marion Syms, M.D. (1813–1883) by Joyce Carol Oates. 3 stars. This was revolting (just like the real doctor it's based on) but seemed unfinished.
*Here Comes your Man by Indrapramit Das. 5 stars. Genuinely terrifying story of a potential home invasion, mixed with imagery of Indian backward-footed monsters.
Siolaigh by Siobhan Carroll. 4 stars. Always love a good sacrifice story. This had me googling supposed sea-serpent videos.
What Is Love But the Quiet Moments After Dinner? by Richard Kadrey. 2 stars. A tale of a human monster and a monster-monster in "love."
The Island by Normal Partridge. 2 stars. A "living" island summons monsters to it.
Flaming Teeth by Garry Kilworth. 3 stars. Surreal story of a giant on a tropical island.
Strandling by Caitlin R. Kiernan. 3 stars. A gentle sense of melancholy.
The Special One by Chikodili Emelumadu. 3 stars. Snake goddess!
Devil by Glen Hirshberg. 4 stars. Monsters in the outback.
Crick Crack Rattle Tap by A. C. Wise. 3 stars. I loved the nursery rhyme in this story, but I wished it focused more on the (worse!) fathers rather than the mother.
Children of the Night by Stephen Graham Jones. 3 stars. Bigfoot! Werewolves? Vampires!?
The Smell of Waiting by Kaaron Warren. 4 stars. Sad and mysterious.
New Voyager by Livia Llewellyn. 2 stars. I love Livia Llewellyn, but this wasn't my favorite of her tales.
The Last Drop by Carole Johnstone. 2 stars. Felt unfinished.
Three Mothers Mountain by Nathan Balingrud. 4 stars. A fairy tale, still monstrous.
Widow-Light by Margo Lanagan. 3 stars. Another fairy tale. I love Lanagan, but slightly out of place here?
Sweet Potato by Joe R. Lansdale. 3 stars. Surreal and humorous.
Knock, Knock by Brian Evenson. 4 stars. Another disquieting Evenson story, where everything is off.
What Is Meat with No God? by Cassandra Khaw. 3 stars. Fantasy-horror.
*Bitten by Himself by Laird Barron. 5 stars. I love Barron's Black Sloth mythos, and this is a good one.
Burial by Kristi DeMeester. 2 stars. Another "under the earth" type horror story from DeMeester.
Beautiful Dreamer by Jeffrey Ford. 4 stars. Made me smile. Sometimes it's good to have red-state neighbors.
Blodsuger by John Langan. 3 stars. I enjoyed the Danish mythology.
July 8, 2022
This collection was hit and miss. There were some fantastic stories from authors I already love, some great ones from some authors new to me, and some from famous folks which fell fully flat and really threw off the momentum the book kept building. SGJ and John Langan and Laird Barron provided some of my favorites, to the surprise of no one who knows my tastes. Joyce Carol Oates' contribution was well written but wasn't my sort of story and felt out of place. [Spoiler] Many of the stories went the "turns out the monster is man" route and, while yes, true, that's not what I turn to horror for, and I get the feeling that's not what many of us turn to horror for.[/spoiler] Still, though. Pretty good and very chunky collection, all things considered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2022
I’ve recently taken a liking for horror, and have always enjoyed short stories, so the book seemed to be a perfect pick. When reading such a diverse collection, I expect that there will be stories I will like and/or dislike. Unfortunately, in this case, there were more of the latter. Some of the ones I enjoyed were “you have what I need,” “Devil,” “the smell of waiting,” “bitten by himself,” “Sweet potato,” and “ knock knock.”
Want to read
January 27, 2022ARC received! Thank you, Tor Nightfire!!!
This has an exceptional list of author contributors. I'm so down for some Summer Screams!
This has an exceptional list of author contributors. I'm so down for some Summer Screams!
June 15, 2022
Amid a period of lots of horrible news, the 2021 debut of the Tor Nightfire imprint has provided a lot of literary relief as a major new outlet for horror fiction. The deeply respected editor and anthologist Ellen Datlow has long acquired short fiction for the Tor.com site, and its more fantastic news that she’s expanding that role into the Nightfire realm.
With Screams from the Dark: 29 Tales of Monsters and the Monstrous, Datlow compiles an impressively diverse array of dark fantasy and horror stories from an all-star lineup of authors. Indeed, reading this collection feels like the literary equivalent of watching an all-star sports team under the management of a venerated Hall of Famer. Screams from the Dark is a celebration of achievement in dark fiction. It takes a simple theme, gathers a broad panel of award-winning artists under Datlow, and lets them all do their thing. Like in a sports all-star game, some play as seriously as they normally would, some show off a bit, and some just have fun.
For casual fans, or people looking for a specific brand of the game of horror, the results might vary. But, there will surely be something to enjoy. For devoted fans of the genre whose tastes enjoy sampling across the range of the genre, there is unlikely to be a more successful anthology than Datlow and the authors provide in Screams from the Dark.
The theme of this collection, Monsters, is not a new one for Datlow. In 2015 she published The Monstrous, an original anthology for Tachyon Publications that I reviewed at Reading1000Lives back then. Screams from the Dark serves thus as a thematic sequel, bringing some authors back, but also bringing in new voices that give this a more modern vibe consistent with the latest in dark short fiction. Additionally, whereas that older collection mostly fell within the horror genre, Screams from the Dark, I would argue, draws equally from dark fantasy as horror. For me that is no problem at all. But some may wish for chills – or screams – from the horror side. The only criticism I have of the collection is actually its title. I feel it’s too generic for the specific monster theme, and a bit distant from the style and effects of the stories within.
29 Tales of Monsters and the Monstrous makes a better lead title, even if less evocative. But that number in there, 29, does reflect the hefty amount of text that this anthology gifts to its readers. Few of the stories here are very short, and also few are super long. Most fit into that perfect short story length to exert their spell. And for discerning readers with diverse stylistic or genre tastes, all 29 of these stories should captivate.
I started the anthology with plans to simply review/mention only my favorite stories. Though I did have favorites, I soon found that would be too difficult, or would shortchange a lot of stories/authors still deserving note. All the contributors in Screams from the Dark offer high quality tales that show off their talent and speculative, dark vision.
So, to the individual stories:
“You Have What I Need” by Ian Rogers – A perfect start to things, an entertaining story of the attack on a hospital ER by viral-infected vampires. The characters and setting, with pandemic relevance, play with the idea of exactly what a ‘monster’ is.
“The Midway” by Fran Wilde – The question of who and what are monstrous develops even more in this story of having to work a real lousy summer job at an amusement park where the electrical power and crowd draw come from sacrifices to an eldritch sea creature. Loved the combining vibes of nostalgia with something just a bit off.
“Wet Red Grin” by Gemma Files – A truly horrific tale set in a nursing home. Vividly written and grim, it delves into family and magic through the threat of a parasitic essence within a dying old woman. One of my favorites for emotional depth, language, and imagery.
“The Virgin Jimmy Peck” by Daryl Gregory – Should be among the favorites for anyone who likes humor with their horror. A cult has implanted a monstrous creation within the eponymous protagonist. The horrific set-up is played lightly, though still darkly, with character silliness and fun nods to horror classics.
“The Ghost of a Flea” by Priya Sharma – Fascinating and well composed historical dark fiction inspired by Robert Hooke’s early micrographs and William Blake’s painting that gives this tale its name. As a microbiologist I was excited to see something alluding to Hooke. Though I’m unfamiliar with Blake, the story here of a couple investigating strange, supernatural killings works even without the historical references as a dark fantasy/crime mash-up.
“The Atrocity Exhibitionists” by Brian Hodge – Another story with connection to the pandemic, this shows even more timeliness in its treatment of self-harm and the allure of the fleeting nature of fame. Such an intense and dark story, that will truly haunt readers.
“”The Father of Modern Gynecology”: J. Marion Syms, M.D. (1813 – 1883)” by Joyce Carol Oates – Here, Oates goes the route of dark details from history to reflect on the fears and terror of today. You can look up the real J. Marion Sims, but the fictionalized autobiographical story here shows the monster just as well, with clear parallels to contemporary politics.
“Here Comes Your Man” by Indrapramit Das – Here is a perfect example of how to build tension and make that suspense pay off in a short story. Wit the tale of a young couple who leave their rural home for a festival in the city, Das makes the reader feel the discomforts of culture shock and displacement among things that still have the air of familiarity and safety. Exceptionally well-rendered characters and brutal story telling.
“Siolaigh” by Siobhan Carroll – Set among the Outer Hebrides off the coast of Scotland, this story grabs the reader with “A man’s severed arm lay in the surf” and doesn’t let go. Is it a legendary sea serpent that is the monster responsible? The local color of setting and the customs of lore give this tale an eerie, briny atmosphere as it considers what a monster may be.
“What is Love But the Quiet Moments After Dinner?” by Richard Kadrey – A date between Caleb and Patti seems to be going along swimmingly, heading for the bedroom, until they each reveal surprising secrets. Kadrey takes an absurd moment that could be played for humor, but twists it into a splendidly macabre romance of the monstrous.
“The Island” by Norman Partridge – The action of the story opens with a vampire aboard a ship, forced to flee hunters in his homeland, in dire and gruesome battle with the sailors. The vampire Count washes onto island that is not an island, shores that seem to gather monsters. The story has a vintage tone that ties to its allusions to the cast of the classic Universal monster films of old Hollywood.
“Flaming Teeth” by Garry Kilworth – Another story with a hidden island to follow the previous, this harkens back to old Hollywood adventures in exotic lands where monsters abound, in this case a corner of the southern Pacific where a giant creature known by a local name that translates into “Flaming Teeth”. It’s an entertaining look at natural predation and what we consider (hypocritically?) ‘monstrous’ from our point of view in the food chain.
“Strandling” by Caitlín R. Kiernan – This story paints a picture of a bleak future sadly too believable, saturated with the “hydrocarbon debris of a thoughtless world.” A lonely, exhausted desolation where mutant monstrosities are born from our monstrosity, and two women cling to one another against seeming inevitability. A beautiful, if dark, tale that features some lovely nuggets on the parasitic – mutalistic continuum of symbiosis that stands at the center of life and the the themes here.
“The Special One” by Chịkọdịlị Emelụmadụ – “They named her Joy, an ordinary name for a child who became extraordinary, at least in childhood.” Filled with luscious text, this story presents itself as a fable on expectations and the pressures one bears to meet them. On the dark side of fantasy, it turns into horror with an unsettling ending that masterfully closes things.
“Devil” by Glen Hirshberg – A second modern-day tale that plays upon classic stories of exotic exploration. Here, the devil refers to the Tasmanian devil, a creature some tourists seek sight of in the wilds of the island, in a place where only train tracks remain from the colonizers who attempted to conquer the wilderness. Predator-prey dynamics and the ghosts of history haunt the unsuspected interlopers.
“Crick Crack Rattle Tap” by A. C. Wise – One of the most impactful stories of the collection, troubling and brutal, yet compassionate all at the same time. A young mother grapples with post-partum emotions, her desires conflicting between nourishing and exasperated. Shamed as flashes of tendernesses give way to resentment, her mind nonetheless turns in horror to a fairy tale rhyme, to rid her aching of its burden. Hardly an easy read in its emotion, this is just a brilliant fable of darkness and melancholy.
“Children of the Night” by Stephen Graham Jones – Light fare from Jones that embraces silliness and humor to have fun with the monster theme. The title evokes the classic line from Tod Browning’s Dracula (or was it even in Bram Stoker’s novel?) However, this one is actually about Bigfoot, and plays fancifully with the typical explanation of sightings of the cryptid as people in ape costumes.
“The Smell of Waiting” by Kaaron Warren – Such a touching and bittersweet story of a girl who discovers she has the power to resurrect life after the death of her puppy, and later, a vicious attack/murder of her mother. While she has this extraordinary power that others might view as ‘monstrous’, Warren forces readers to confront what such abilities might be like when able to provide relief to others, but never oneself.
“Now Voyager” by Livia Llewellyn – Wow, ummm, what? This was my first reaction to this genre-bending offering by Llewellyn. Then I reread it and loved it even more. The story is a science fiction dark fantasy that imagines a far-future Earth where a Princess, member of a deformed royal family looks out over a caldera considering the approaching death of the human Camera of the Gods and the selection of a replacement from among potential novitiates. This gem does so much, and so subtly, with exquisite prose. Are the monsters the alien Gods, or the Princess and her family who look the part and knowingly sacrifice others to a form of slavery? The richness of the story allows interpretations and new discoveries with rereads. An unconventional horror amid the rest of the collection, but superbly uncanny.
“The Last Drop” by Carole Johnstone – A tale that echoes the earlier offering from Oates, this is a fictionalized retelling of historical events and (at least some) characters. Set in the mid/late 19th century, it involves a woman put on trial for murder. In it, Johnstone includes details from actual court transcripts. The modern reader’s uncertainty of the woman’s guilt of the monstrous crime becomes accentuated by appreciations of societal blindness and atipathy toward women.
“Three Mothers Mountain” by Nathan Ballingrud – I have adored everything I’ve read by Ballingrud I think, and this was no exception. I still haven’t read his recent (now maybe old?) collection and really need to. Anyway, this story about witches, repercussions of magic, and the painful choices/sacrifices people make for family has familiar tones and themes for any dark fantasy fan. Yet, somehow Ballingrud manages to make it all seem fresh and evocative.
“Widow-Light” by Margo Lanagan – Fans of modern feminist recasting of fairy tales should adore this short fantasy from Langan. It stands unique among the other offerings of the collection in having perhaps the most hopeful, happy of endings. This is not to say it doesn’t touch upon darkness or horror in getting there, with themes of relevance to today’s reality as much as a fantasy world. I particularly appreciated how this is an original story in the fairy tale style, rather than something based off any particular fable or trope.
“Sweet Potato” by Joe R. Lansdale – The neighbor of an old woman who likes to set out bird seed, sit on her porch, and then shoot the birds who come each day, decides to take up gardening. When he discovers the perverted old lady dead and decomposing in her yard, he considers whether her body might be put to better use. This reads like a fairly standard contemporary short horror, but Lansdale’s talent keeps it engaging and fun.
“Knock, Knock” by Brian Evenson – A man kills his uncle, but soon a knocking comes on the door, revealing the murder may not have quite taken. This plays well both as a literal horror and as a psychological one of a man being tormented by his monstrous actions. In either case it is another familiar horror theme, but again one handled in just the way, with just the right atmosphere and structure, to make it enjoyable.
“What is Meat with No God” by Cassandra Khaw – I believe this is the shortest story within the collection, but Khaw does a lot within its fitting length. Heavy on hypnotic atmosphere, with an equally dazzling title, the story is a simple one of a monstrous soldier who cannot be killed, whose path of bloody carnage has no deviation until complete. The short length leaves a great deal of ambiguity to the background of the story and its interpretations, leaving a lot of room for the reader to draw conclusions.
“Bitten Himself” by Laird Barron – This one is a follow-up to one of Barron’s most known stories, “The Procession of the Black Soth.” I haven’t actually read that one, to my memory, so can’t comment on connections beyond the reappearance here of the title entity. In this, the protagonist is a deprived criminal/murderer who encounters his doppelgänger, and then cosmic-horror-vibed Black Sloth, to face his eternal punishment. Fans of Barron’s horror won’t be disappointed.
“Burial” by Kristi DeMeester – Something about DeMeester’s writing tends to hit the right notes with me. They are windows into the dark and pain that women have faced, and continue to face in life, tales of finding power and agency in that. Even so distant from my own experiences, the passion of her writing still resonates with me. No different here, a tale of a girl trying to save her sister and herself from a selfish, abusive mother, and her creation of a new mother from that agonizing desperation.
“Beautiful Dreamer” by Jeffrey Ford – In a time of increased partisanship, mistrust, and rancor between those on opposite ends of the US political expression, it is nice to see this short monster story of a horror that might help bridge the divide. Despite its themes, the story is a simple, unadorned one of people protecting themselves/hunting a dangerous mutant creature. Not very dark in tone, it is gory and splatter filled, an entertaining story that creature feature horror fans should enjoy.
“Blodsuger” by John Langan – Datlow saves the longest story for last, a practice that seems common to collections and anthologies. But, it’s one that I don’t really care for much, I’d rather a shorter sip to end things. The title of this one is an Anglicization of ‘bloedzuiger‘, the Dutch word for ‘leech’. (Advanced copies of the anthology used the Dutch spelling for the title from what I can tell.) A horror author tells a tale about an ice fishing experience with his grandfather where he lands a monster from Danish lore, that proceeds to unleash terror. Though I personally found the text too long, Langan certainly does a great job balancing an atmosphere of dread/horror with the nostalgia/mundane of family life.
Screams from the Dark is an anthology I could see easily returning to. Many of the tales bear rereading, and I am sure that personal favorites (or ones that resonate most strongly with me) might vary with time and age.
Datlow concludes her introduction to the anthology with these words, which I find just as fitting here:
"What’s most interesting to me as a reader is the range of monstrousness that exists within ourselves and that we impose on the creatures unlike us that we name monsters. Monsters are our mirrors: in them, we see who we hope we are not, in order to understand who we war."
This is why the diverse range of authors, styles, and sub-genre are so integral to the success of Screams from the Dark. Monsters are deeply personal beasts, and the monstrous will change over one’s life experiences, through the political and social upheaval that surround us. Not every story here will likely resonate with you. But, which do, may change. And even at this moment of now, they all offer an empathic glimpse into what others see lurking in their mirrors, darkly.
With Screams from the Dark: 29 Tales of Monsters and the Monstrous, Datlow compiles an impressively diverse array of dark fantasy and horror stories from an all-star lineup of authors. Indeed, reading this collection feels like the literary equivalent of watching an all-star sports team under the management of a venerated Hall of Famer. Screams from the Dark is a celebration of achievement in dark fiction. It takes a simple theme, gathers a broad panel of award-winning artists under Datlow, and lets them all do their thing. Like in a sports all-star game, some play as seriously as they normally would, some show off a bit, and some just have fun.
For casual fans, or people looking for a specific brand of the game of horror, the results might vary. But, there will surely be something to enjoy. For devoted fans of the genre whose tastes enjoy sampling across the range of the genre, there is unlikely to be a more successful anthology than Datlow and the authors provide in Screams from the Dark.
The theme of this collection, Monsters, is not a new one for Datlow. In 2015 she published The Monstrous, an original anthology for Tachyon Publications that I reviewed at Reading1000Lives back then. Screams from the Dark serves thus as a thematic sequel, bringing some authors back, but also bringing in new voices that give this a more modern vibe consistent with the latest in dark short fiction. Additionally, whereas that older collection mostly fell within the horror genre, Screams from the Dark, I would argue, draws equally from dark fantasy as horror. For me that is no problem at all. But some may wish for chills – or screams – from the horror side. The only criticism I have of the collection is actually its title. I feel it’s too generic for the specific monster theme, and a bit distant from the style and effects of the stories within.
29 Tales of Monsters and the Monstrous makes a better lead title, even if less evocative. But that number in there, 29, does reflect the hefty amount of text that this anthology gifts to its readers. Few of the stories here are very short, and also few are super long. Most fit into that perfect short story length to exert their spell. And for discerning readers with diverse stylistic or genre tastes, all 29 of these stories should captivate.
I started the anthology with plans to simply review/mention only my favorite stories. Though I did have favorites, I soon found that would be too difficult, or would shortchange a lot of stories/authors still deserving note. All the contributors in Screams from the Dark offer high quality tales that show off their talent and speculative, dark vision.
So, to the individual stories:
“You Have What I Need” by Ian Rogers – A perfect start to things, an entertaining story of the attack on a hospital ER by viral-infected vampires. The characters and setting, with pandemic relevance, play with the idea of exactly what a ‘monster’ is.
“The Midway” by Fran Wilde – The question of who and what are monstrous develops even more in this story of having to work a real lousy summer job at an amusement park where the electrical power and crowd draw come from sacrifices to an eldritch sea creature. Loved the combining vibes of nostalgia with something just a bit off.
“Wet Red Grin” by Gemma Files – A truly horrific tale set in a nursing home. Vividly written and grim, it delves into family and magic through the threat of a parasitic essence within a dying old woman. One of my favorites for emotional depth, language, and imagery.
“The Virgin Jimmy Peck” by Daryl Gregory – Should be among the favorites for anyone who likes humor with their horror. A cult has implanted a monstrous creation within the eponymous protagonist. The horrific set-up is played lightly, though still darkly, with character silliness and fun nods to horror classics.
“The Ghost of a Flea” by Priya Sharma – Fascinating and well composed historical dark fiction inspired by Robert Hooke’s early micrographs and William Blake’s painting that gives this tale its name. As a microbiologist I was excited to see something alluding to Hooke. Though I’m unfamiliar with Blake, the story here of a couple investigating strange, supernatural killings works even without the historical references as a dark fantasy/crime mash-up.
“The Atrocity Exhibitionists” by Brian Hodge – Another story with connection to the pandemic, this shows even more timeliness in its treatment of self-harm and the allure of the fleeting nature of fame. Such an intense and dark story, that will truly haunt readers.
“”The Father of Modern Gynecology”: J. Marion Syms, M.D. (1813 – 1883)” by Joyce Carol Oates – Here, Oates goes the route of dark details from history to reflect on the fears and terror of today. You can look up the real J. Marion Sims, but the fictionalized autobiographical story here shows the monster just as well, with clear parallels to contemporary politics.
“Here Comes Your Man” by Indrapramit Das – Here is a perfect example of how to build tension and make that suspense pay off in a short story. Wit the tale of a young couple who leave their rural home for a festival in the city, Das makes the reader feel the discomforts of culture shock and displacement among things that still have the air of familiarity and safety. Exceptionally well-rendered characters and brutal story telling.
“Siolaigh” by Siobhan Carroll – Set among the Outer Hebrides off the coast of Scotland, this story grabs the reader with “A man’s severed arm lay in the surf” and doesn’t let go. Is it a legendary sea serpent that is the monster responsible? The local color of setting and the customs of lore give this tale an eerie, briny atmosphere as it considers what a monster may be.
“What is Love But the Quiet Moments After Dinner?” by Richard Kadrey – A date between Caleb and Patti seems to be going along swimmingly, heading for the bedroom, until they each reveal surprising secrets. Kadrey takes an absurd moment that could be played for humor, but twists it into a splendidly macabre romance of the monstrous.
“The Island” by Norman Partridge – The action of the story opens with a vampire aboard a ship, forced to flee hunters in his homeland, in dire and gruesome battle with the sailors. The vampire Count washes onto island that is not an island, shores that seem to gather monsters. The story has a vintage tone that ties to its allusions to the cast of the classic Universal monster films of old Hollywood.
“Flaming Teeth” by Garry Kilworth – Another story with a hidden island to follow the previous, this harkens back to old Hollywood adventures in exotic lands where monsters abound, in this case a corner of the southern Pacific where a giant creature known by a local name that translates into “Flaming Teeth”. It’s an entertaining look at natural predation and what we consider (hypocritically?) ‘monstrous’ from our point of view in the food chain.
“Strandling” by Caitlín R. Kiernan – This story paints a picture of a bleak future sadly too believable, saturated with the “hydrocarbon debris of a thoughtless world.” A lonely, exhausted desolation where mutant monstrosities are born from our monstrosity, and two women cling to one another against seeming inevitability. A beautiful, if dark, tale that features some lovely nuggets on the parasitic – mutalistic continuum of symbiosis that stands at the center of life and the the themes here.
“The Special One” by Chịkọdịlị Emelụmadụ – “They named her Joy, an ordinary name for a child who became extraordinary, at least in childhood.” Filled with luscious text, this story presents itself as a fable on expectations and the pressures one bears to meet them. On the dark side of fantasy, it turns into horror with an unsettling ending that masterfully closes things.
“Devil” by Glen Hirshberg – A second modern-day tale that plays upon classic stories of exotic exploration. Here, the devil refers to the Tasmanian devil, a creature some tourists seek sight of in the wilds of the island, in a place where only train tracks remain from the colonizers who attempted to conquer the wilderness. Predator-prey dynamics and the ghosts of history haunt the unsuspected interlopers.
“Crick Crack Rattle Tap” by A. C. Wise – One of the most impactful stories of the collection, troubling and brutal, yet compassionate all at the same time. A young mother grapples with post-partum emotions, her desires conflicting between nourishing and exasperated. Shamed as flashes of tendernesses give way to resentment, her mind nonetheless turns in horror to a fairy tale rhyme, to rid her aching of its burden. Hardly an easy read in its emotion, this is just a brilliant fable of darkness and melancholy.
“Children of the Night” by Stephen Graham Jones – Light fare from Jones that embraces silliness and humor to have fun with the monster theme. The title evokes the classic line from Tod Browning’s Dracula (or was it even in Bram Stoker’s novel?) However, this one is actually about Bigfoot, and plays fancifully with the typical explanation of sightings of the cryptid as people in ape costumes.
“The Smell of Waiting” by Kaaron Warren – Such a touching and bittersweet story of a girl who discovers she has the power to resurrect life after the death of her puppy, and later, a vicious attack/murder of her mother. While she has this extraordinary power that others might view as ‘monstrous’, Warren forces readers to confront what such abilities might be like when able to provide relief to others, but never oneself.
“Now Voyager” by Livia Llewellyn – Wow, ummm, what? This was my first reaction to this genre-bending offering by Llewellyn. Then I reread it and loved it even more. The story is a science fiction dark fantasy that imagines a far-future Earth where a Princess, member of a deformed royal family looks out over a caldera considering the approaching death of the human Camera of the Gods and the selection of a replacement from among potential novitiates. This gem does so much, and so subtly, with exquisite prose. Are the monsters the alien Gods, or the Princess and her family who look the part and knowingly sacrifice others to a form of slavery? The richness of the story allows interpretations and new discoveries with rereads. An unconventional horror amid the rest of the collection, but superbly uncanny.
“The Last Drop” by Carole Johnstone – A tale that echoes the earlier offering from Oates, this is a fictionalized retelling of historical events and (at least some) characters. Set in the mid/late 19th century, it involves a woman put on trial for murder. In it, Johnstone includes details from actual court transcripts. The modern reader’s uncertainty of the woman’s guilt of the monstrous crime becomes accentuated by appreciations of societal blindness and atipathy toward women.
“Three Mothers Mountain” by Nathan Ballingrud – I have adored everything I’ve read by Ballingrud I think, and this was no exception. I still haven’t read his recent (now maybe old?) collection and really need to. Anyway, this story about witches, repercussions of magic, and the painful choices/sacrifices people make for family has familiar tones and themes for any dark fantasy fan. Yet, somehow Ballingrud manages to make it all seem fresh and evocative.
“Widow-Light” by Margo Lanagan – Fans of modern feminist recasting of fairy tales should adore this short fantasy from Langan. It stands unique among the other offerings of the collection in having perhaps the most hopeful, happy of endings. This is not to say it doesn’t touch upon darkness or horror in getting there, with themes of relevance to today’s reality as much as a fantasy world. I particularly appreciated how this is an original story in the fairy tale style, rather than something based off any particular fable or trope.
“Sweet Potato” by Joe R. Lansdale – The neighbor of an old woman who likes to set out bird seed, sit on her porch, and then shoot the birds who come each day, decides to take up gardening. When he discovers the perverted old lady dead and decomposing in her yard, he considers whether her body might be put to better use. This reads like a fairly standard contemporary short horror, but Lansdale’s talent keeps it engaging and fun.
“Knock, Knock” by Brian Evenson – A man kills his uncle, but soon a knocking comes on the door, revealing the murder may not have quite taken. This plays well both as a literal horror and as a psychological one of a man being tormented by his monstrous actions. In either case it is another familiar horror theme, but again one handled in just the way, with just the right atmosphere and structure, to make it enjoyable.
“What is Meat with No God” by Cassandra Khaw – I believe this is the shortest story within the collection, but Khaw does a lot within its fitting length. Heavy on hypnotic atmosphere, with an equally dazzling title, the story is a simple one of a monstrous soldier who cannot be killed, whose path of bloody carnage has no deviation until complete. The short length leaves a great deal of ambiguity to the background of the story and its interpretations, leaving a lot of room for the reader to draw conclusions.
“Bitten Himself” by Laird Barron – This one is a follow-up to one of Barron’s most known stories, “The Procession of the Black Soth.” I haven’t actually read that one, to my memory, so can’t comment on connections beyond the reappearance here of the title entity. In this, the protagonist is a deprived criminal/murderer who encounters his doppelgänger, and then cosmic-horror-vibed Black Sloth, to face his eternal punishment. Fans of Barron’s horror won’t be disappointed.
“Burial” by Kristi DeMeester – Something about DeMeester’s writing tends to hit the right notes with me. They are windows into the dark and pain that women have faced, and continue to face in life, tales of finding power and agency in that. Even so distant from my own experiences, the passion of her writing still resonates with me. No different here, a tale of a girl trying to save her sister and herself from a selfish, abusive mother, and her creation of a new mother from that agonizing desperation.
“Beautiful Dreamer” by Jeffrey Ford – In a time of increased partisanship, mistrust, and rancor between those on opposite ends of the US political expression, it is nice to see this short monster story of a horror that might help bridge the divide. Despite its themes, the story is a simple, unadorned one of people protecting themselves/hunting a dangerous mutant creature. Not very dark in tone, it is gory and splatter filled, an entertaining story that creature feature horror fans should enjoy.
“Blodsuger” by John Langan – Datlow saves the longest story for last, a practice that seems common to collections and anthologies. But, it’s one that I don’t really care for much, I’d rather a shorter sip to end things. The title of this one is an Anglicization of ‘bloedzuiger‘, the Dutch word for ‘leech’. (Advanced copies of the anthology used the Dutch spelling for the title from what I can tell.) A horror author tells a tale about an ice fishing experience with his grandfather where he lands a monster from Danish lore, that proceeds to unleash terror. Though I personally found the text too long, Langan certainly does a great job balancing an atmosphere of dread/horror with the nostalgia/mundane of family life.
Screams from the Dark is an anthology I could see easily returning to. Many of the tales bear rereading, and I am sure that personal favorites (or ones that resonate most strongly with me) might vary with time and age.
Datlow concludes her introduction to the anthology with these words, which I find just as fitting here:
"What’s most interesting to me as a reader is the range of monstrousness that exists within ourselves and that we impose on the creatures unlike us that we name monsters. Monsters are our mirrors: in them, we see who we hope we are not, in order to understand who we war."
This is why the diverse range of authors, styles, and sub-genre are so integral to the success of Screams from the Dark. Monsters are deeply personal beasts, and the monstrous will change over one’s life experiences, through the political and social upheaval that surround us. Not every story here will likely resonate with you. But, which do, may change. And even at this moment of now, they all offer an empathic glimpse into what others see lurking in their mirrors, darkly.
May 24, 2022
If Ellen Datlow edited a phone book, I’d read it… cover to cover.
Seriously, Datlow is the Queen Midas of anthologies... Anything this woman touches is gold and 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤: 𝟐𝟗 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 is no exception.
Once again, Datlow masterfully weaves together a collection of stories that are all unique from each other but have a common thread linking each of the 29 stories together.
Monsters. It doesn’t matter how you define them, human or supernatural, they are what terrifies us to the core, what goes bump in the night, the reason so many of us horror fans stay up reading late into the night… and this collection will having you reading with the light on.
As with many anthologies there are strong stories that steal the spotlight, some that hold their own, and a few that fade into the background. These were my favorites:
𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝
A reality much like our own, but with a little more bite... Left me thirsty for more.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐲
Who’s really the monster, man or beast? I found myself holding my breath waiting to find out.
𝐖𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐧
Gemma has the amazing ability to create such vivid imagery I can see the story play out like a film in my head, every bloody second of it.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐉𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐲 𝐏𝐞𝐜𝐤
Jimmy’s a dipshit, Mrs. Y is my hero, and letting your child grow up is hard… Also, I fucking loved this story.
𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐩
As a mother I found this incredibly unsettling, yet like a deer in headlights, I couldn’t look away.
𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐨
What happens when a human monster meets a not so human monster or when a gardener meets a bird watcher?
𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥
I love that DeMeester’s writing style is unapologetically feminine. I devoured this story to the very end.
Thanks @tornightfire @netgalley for the ARC. 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 is available June 7, just in time for some delicious summer horror reading!
🗣 𝐷𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠?
#NetGalley #TorNighfire #EllenDatlow #ScreamsFromtheDark #ParksideReads
Seriously, Datlow is the Queen Midas of anthologies... Anything this woman touches is gold and 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤: 𝟐𝟗 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 is no exception.
Once again, Datlow masterfully weaves together a collection of stories that are all unique from each other but have a common thread linking each of the 29 stories together.
Monsters. It doesn’t matter how you define them, human or supernatural, they are what terrifies us to the core, what goes bump in the night, the reason so many of us horror fans stay up reading late into the night… and this collection will having you reading with the light on.
As with many anthologies there are strong stories that steal the spotlight, some that hold their own, and a few that fade into the background. These were my favorites:
𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝
A reality much like our own, but with a little more bite... Left me thirsty for more.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐲
Who’s really the monster, man or beast? I found myself holding my breath waiting to find out.
𝐖𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐧
Gemma has the amazing ability to create such vivid imagery I can see the story play out like a film in my head, every bloody second of it.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐉𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐲 𝐏𝐞𝐜𝐤
Jimmy’s a dipshit, Mrs. Y is my hero, and letting your child grow up is hard… Also, I fucking loved this story.
𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐩
As a mother I found this incredibly unsettling, yet like a deer in headlights, I couldn’t look away.
𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐨
What happens when a human monster meets a not so human monster or when a gardener meets a bird watcher?
𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥
I love that DeMeester’s writing style is unapologetically feminine. I devoured this story to the very end.
Thanks @tornightfire @netgalley for the ARC. 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 is available June 7, just in time for some delicious summer horror reading!
🗣 𝐷𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠?
#NetGalley #TorNighfire #EllenDatlow #ScreamsFromtheDark #ParksideReads
November 28, 2022
Fairly uneven collection for me.
Top stories
Burial-Kristi DeMeester
Wet Red Grin-Gemma Files
Crick Crack Rattle Trap-A.C. Wise
5/10
Top stories
Burial-Kristi DeMeester
Wet Red Grin-Gemma Files
Crick Crack Rattle Trap-A.C. Wise
5/10
September 1, 2023
I really enjoyed this. From seeing Frankenstein for the first time, I’ve always been a fan of a good creature flick, so I was all over the themes of monsters. To each his own, of course, especially in such an expansive collection (29 stories!), but I found the vast majority to be strong ones. I didn’t skip a single story. And highlighted a good chunk beyond that. I particularly appreciated how several of these stories didn’t take themselves too seriously. Many of the authors paid fitting tribute to the campiness at the heart of many monster movies. Even in stories that were not comedic, per se, there was often a dash of knowing ridiculousness.
Favorite Story:
Knock Knock by Brian Evenson - A nephew attempts to kill his uncle after a dispute over house ownership. Things go sideways when his uncle reappears alive and… not quite well. Off-putting in the best possible way, this is a relatively simple story told to great effect. A bit of dark humor is thrown in for good measure.
Runner-Up:
Devil by Glen Hirshberg - A guide in Tasmania brings a family of tourists back to base in the dead of night. There, they run into the local storyteller who warns them of the dangers of the wild. A fun little twist on the Tasmanian Devil, one of nature’s more vicious creatures. I love stories that approximate that feeling of sharing stories around the campfire, an experience that first sparked my love of horror. This story does a beautiful job of not showing too much and questions our impulse to commodify nature.
Other Recommendations:
You Have What I Need by Ian Roger - A woman checks herself into the hospital after being bitten by a vampire. What starts as a story of existential dread as she resigns herself to quarantine quickly becomes a high octane adventure when three vampires actually enter the hospital and begin to feast. I don’t know how I’ve been sleeping on Rogers, but I read this story soon after being introduced to him through “Shards” and he’s definitely one to watch. Pure bloody fun.
Red Wet Grin by Gemma Files - A nurse with suspect credentials helps care for a patient in a nursing home during the COVID epidemic. The nurse comes to believe that one woman, known for her unexplainably red teeth, is a conjure woman who is up to much more than simply waiting for her time to come to an end. Creepy and villainous in equal measures. Files usually has a good one up her sleeve and this is no exception.
The Virgin Jimmy Peck by Daryl Gregory - A group of old bar hounds take a peculiar interest in the titular Jimmy Peck. What Jimmy believes to be a plan to (finally) get him laid turns into an intense Lovecraftian ritual. This one is pure lunacy by the end, and will have you laughing.
The Ghost of a Flea by Priya Sharma - This little tales follows a spirit haunting William Blake, which eventually culminated in him capturing the image in his miniature portrait “The Portrait of a Flea.” I found the idea of this story - specifically its very much historical source - better than the story itself. Although, Sharma certainly knows her way around a sentence. Consider this more an intellectual curio than a spine-tingling opportunity.
“The Father of Modern Gynecology”: J. Marion Syms, M.D. (1813-1883) by Joyce Carol Oates - J. Marion Syms gives his account of providing gynecological services to enslaved peoples, to great aplomb and much thankfulness from the enslavers. The voice is scarily well-developed here and is easily worth the read just for that. The story also adds another dimension to ways in which the black body has been commodified and abused throughout American history.
What is Love but the Quiet Moments After Dinner? By Richard Kadrey - A couple finds love in unexpected places as they both reveal their dark… peculiarities. I don’t want to spoil this one too much because half of the joy is the shock. Along with Virgin, this is the funniest story in the lot. Dark humor is a prerequisite to enjoy.
Flaming Teeth by Garry Kilworth - A group of intrepid explorers stumble upon an unmarked island presumably up for grabs. With part of the group stick there due to ship issues, they discover the island to be home to a giant with (you guessed it) flaming teeth. The creature carries an awkward sort of charm and innocence at the beginning, but soon reveals itself to be far deadlier than presumed. Coming fresh off reading Babel, I enjoyed the commentary on imperialism, even if the story didn’t take itself too seriously. And what can I say, I’m a sucker for a good historical setting.
Crick Crack Rattle Tap by A.C. Wise - A new mother constantly fears for the safety of her baby, imagining (?) a monster from an old child’s tale to be skulking about. Perhaps one of the most creative discussions about postpartum depression/anxiety I’ve ever read. Really fascinating and genuinely scary, especially for parents.
Children of the Night by Stephen Graham Jones - A Bigfoot hunter heads out on a hunch and a tip and gets more than he bargained for. This has all the horror meta-commentary and winking references that you would expect from Jones. It doesn’t have the depth of his finer work, but is ridiculousness enough by the end that you can’t help but enjoy it.
The Smell of Waiting by Kaaron Warren - As a young girl, Andrea discovers that she has a gift to bring the dead back to life, but throughout her life she finds that such a gift has a terrible cost. I loved the use of the dog here, almost like a little shibboleth of those who have died and come back. It’s also an intriguing story exploring the concept of isolation, and who we choose to isolate in society.
Favorite Story:
Knock Knock by Brian Evenson - A nephew attempts to kill his uncle after a dispute over house ownership. Things go sideways when his uncle reappears alive and… not quite well. Off-putting in the best possible way, this is a relatively simple story told to great effect. A bit of dark humor is thrown in for good measure.
Runner-Up:
Devil by Glen Hirshberg - A guide in Tasmania brings a family of tourists back to base in the dead of night. There, they run into the local storyteller who warns them of the dangers of the wild. A fun little twist on the Tasmanian Devil, one of nature’s more vicious creatures. I love stories that approximate that feeling of sharing stories around the campfire, an experience that first sparked my love of horror. This story does a beautiful job of not showing too much and questions our impulse to commodify nature.
Other Recommendations:
You Have What I Need by Ian Roger - A woman checks herself into the hospital after being bitten by a vampire. What starts as a story of existential dread as she resigns herself to quarantine quickly becomes a high octane adventure when three vampires actually enter the hospital and begin to feast. I don’t know how I’ve been sleeping on Rogers, but I read this story soon after being introduced to him through “Shards” and he’s definitely one to watch. Pure bloody fun.
Red Wet Grin by Gemma Files - A nurse with suspect credentials helps care for a patient in a nursing home during the COVID epidemic. The nurse comes to believe that one woman, known for her unexplainably red teeth, is a conjure woman who is up to much more than simply waiting for her time to come to an end. Creepy and villainous in equal measures. Files usually has a good one up her sleeve and this is no exception.
The Virgin Jimmy Peck by Daryl Gregory - A group of old bar hounds take a peculiar interest in the titular Jimmy Peck. What Jimmy believes to be a plan to (finally) get him laid turns into an intense Lovecraftian ritual. This one is pure lunacy by the end, and will have you laughing.
The Ghost of a Flea by Priya Sharma - This little tales follows a spirit haunting William Blake, which eventually culminated in him capturing the image in his miniature portrait “The Portrait of a Flea.” I found the idea of this story - specifically its very much historical source - better than the story itself. Although, Sharma certainly knows her way around a sentence. Consider this more an intellectual curio than a spine-tingling opportunity.
“The Father of Modern Gynecology”: J. Marion Syms, M.D. (1813-1883) by Joyce Carol Oates - J. Marion Syms gives his account of providing gynecological services to enslaved peoples, to great aplomb and much thankfulness from the enslavers. The voice is scarily well-developed here and is easily worth the read just for that. The story also adds another dimension to ways in which the black body has been commodified and abused throughout American history.
What is Love but the Quiet Moments After Dinner? By Richard Kadrey - A couple finds love in unexpected places as they both reveal their dark… peculiarities. I don’t want to spoil this one too much because half of the joy is the shock. Along with Virgin, this is the funniest story in the lot. Dark humor is a prerequisite to enjoy.
Flaming Teeth by Garry Kilworth - A group of intrepid explorers stumble upon an unmarked island presumably up for grabs. With part of the group stick there due to ship issues, they discover the island to be home to a giant with (you guessed it) flaming teeth. The creature carries an awkward sort of charm and innocence at the beginning, but soon reveals itself to be far deadlier than presumed. Coming fresh off reading Babel, I enjoyed the commentary on imperialism, even if the story didn’t take itself too seriously. And what can I say, I’m a sucker for a good historical setting.
Crick Crack Rattle Tap by A.C. Wise - A new mother constantly fears for the safety of her baby, imagining (?) a monster from an old child’s tale to be skulking about. Perhaps one of the most creative discussions about postpartum depression/anxiety I’ve ever read. Really fascinating and genuinely scary, especially for parents.
Children of the Night by Stephen Graham Jones - A Bigfoot hunter heads out on a hunch and a tip and gets more than he bargained for. This has all the horror meta-commentary and winking references that you would expect from Jones. It doesn’t have the depth of his finer work, but is ridiculousness enough by the end that you can’t help but enjoy it.
The Smell of Waiting by Kaaron Warren - As a young girl, Andrea discovers that she has a gift to bring the dead back to life, but throughout her life she finds that such a gift has a terrible cost. I loved the use of the dog here, almost like a little shibboleth of those who have died and come back. It’s also an intriguing story exploring the concept of isolation, and who we choose to isolate in society.
June 16, 2022
Absolutely splendid.
As many know, Ellen Datlow is one of the greatest editors of horror of all time. There are few others in horror with the capacity and ability to consistently create terrific anthologies with compelling themes, pulling together some of the biggest names in the business to newly discovered writers. Screams from the Dark is a massive 29 tales of monsters, beginning with a discussion of where the word "monster" originates.
An this anthology has it all. Vampires, evil cults, eldritch nightmares, succubi, werewolves and Bigfoot. the stories are memorable and fresh, each complementing the other with favorites being:
"You Have What I Need" by Ian Rogers, a high octane monster story of vampires attacking an ER. Fast paced and above all, fun, with some dark insinuations on just why this attack has occurred.
"Wet Red Grin" by Gemma Files. A highly disturbing tale concerning an old ritual to "redden bones." Files' writing is, put simply, absolutely haunting and this one stays with you.
"Children of the Night" by Stephen Graham Jones is, in no uncertain terms, funny. It's hilarious. It's a story of a man named Tol caught up in things too much for his poor mind to understand, from vampires to Bigfoot. Jones hits tension and suspense perfectly and leaves you scared and amused all through.
"Knock Knock" by Brian Evenson is a genuinely frightening tale and John Langan returns for more cosmic nightmares in "Bloedzuiger" is a tale of horror involving fishing (what else from Langan?)
Indrapramit Das also delivers another knockout tale in "Here Comes Your Man." erotic, charged, with the language we should expect from Das after the Devourers.
It's a stunning collection, something for everyone, with monsters old and new.
5/5 stars
As many know, Ellen Datlow is one of the greatest editors of horror of all time. There are few others in horror with the capacity and ability to consistently create terrific anthologies with compelling themes, pulling together some of the biggest names in the business to newly discovered writers. Screams from the Dark is a massive 29 tales of monsters, beginning with a discussion of where the word "monster" originates.
An this anthology has it all. Vampires, evil cults, eldritch nightmares, succubi, werewolves and Bigfoot. the stories are memorable and fresh, each complementing the other with favorites being:
"You Have What I Need" by Ian Rogers, a high octane monster story of vampires attacking an ER. Fast paced and above all, fun, with some dark insinuations on just why this attack has occurred.
"Wet Red Grin" by Gemma Files. A highly disturbing tale concerning an old ritual to "redden bones." Files' writing is, put simply, absolutely haunting and this one stays with you.
"Children of the Night" by Stephen Graham Jones is, in no uncertain terms, funny. It's hilarious. It's a story of a man named Tol caught up in things too much for his poor mind to understand, from vampires to Bigfoot. Jones hits tension and suspense perfectly and leaves you scared and amused all through.
"Knock Knock" by Brian Evenson is a genuinely frightening tale and John Langan returns for more cosmic nightmares in "Bloedzuiger" is a tale of horror involving fishing (what else from Langan?)
Indrapramit Das also delivers another knockout tale in "Here Comes Your Man." erotic, charged, with the language we should expect from Das after the Devourers.
It's a stunning collection, something for everyone, with monsters old and new.
5/5 stars
June 13, 2022
A big step down after Datlow's When Things Get Dark, this felt wildly uneven and had FAR more clunkers than hits. Thoughts on the good ones:
The Virgin Jimmy Peck by Daryl Gregory is a stand-out, feels like something I should have written.
The Ghost Of A Flea finally made me google who that William Blake dude is that I always hear about in artsy stories.
Siolaigh by Siobhan Carroll was great, had major Kiernan vibes. I also liked the Kiernan story, not that that's anything new. Same for Laird and Evenson, they always knock it out of the park. Oddly, Laird's buddy Langan left me wanting with his novella, and I normally love his long stuff.
Devil by Glen Hirschberg was great, reminded me of a T.E.D. Kline story where the creeping dread keeps building and building.
Livia Llewellyn stories are always a beautiful ride but, as always, I have no clue what I just read. Never change.
Also, why isn't Philip Fracassi ever in these Datlow books? Feels like he can tell the type of story that still has the weird/literary vibes but without boring me to tears.
The Virgin Jimmy Peck by Daryl Gregory is a stand-out, feels like something I should have written.
The Ghost Of A Flea finally made me google who that William Blake dude is that I always hear about in artsy stories.
Siolaigh by Siobhan Carroll was great, had major Kiernan vibes. I also liked the Kiernan story, not that that's anything new. Same for Laird and Evenson, they always knock it out of the park. Oddly, Laird's buddy Langan left me wanting with his novella, and I normally love his long stuff.
Devil by Glen Hirschberg was great, reminded me of a T.E.D. Kline story where the creeping dread keeps building and building.
Livia Llewellyn stories are always a beautiful ride but, as always, I have no clue what I just read. Never change.
Also, why isn't Philip Fracassi ever in these Datlow books? Feels like he can tell the type of story that still has the weird/literary vibes but without boring me to tears.
December 12, 2024
4 yo 4.5. Blodsuger was my favorite.
March 26, 2022
Review in the April 2022 issue of Library Journal.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Range of Scares, all original stories, well known authors
DRAFT REVIEW:
Much like she did in the award winning anthology Echoes for the ghost story, Datlow turns her focus to monsters, this time collecting original stories from 29 authors, like bestsellers Stephen Graham Jones and Joyce Carol Oates as well as emerging voices like Chịkọdịlị Emelụmadụ and Priya Sharma. The result, a book that lays down the gauntlet, redefining this classic and much beloved subgenre for a 21st Century audience with stories that actively explore the monsters that surround us, both supernatural and human. With so many talented authors represented, there is also a satisfyingly wide arc of writing styles, settings, type of monster, and range of fear induced from psychological dread to visceral terror to darkly humorous, with all stops in between. Two stories that stood out are Kaaron Warren’s "The Smell of Waiting,” a compelling and creepy tale of a young girl with a gift (or is it a curse?) and John Langan’s mesmerizing, "Bloedzuiger,” another one of his “fishing stories,” a tale that is both innocuously mundane and terrifyingly disturbing– all at once.
Verdict: This epic volume, with its impressive table of contents, will satisfy the hordes of readers looking for new takes on the monster trope and pairs nicely with the Bram Stoker nominated Miscreations: Gods, Monstrosities, & Other Horrors. Edited by Murano and Bailey.
Notes:
Stories that explore the monster trope by exploring the monsters we can be as humans.
No reprints. All original for this anthology. 29 stories-- and long. This is an Epic collection. Laying down the gauntlet of what the monster story is right now-- with many of today's best Horror voices.
My favorites: The John Langan Story-- "Bloedzuiger"-- somehow it is both mundane and disturbing, innocuous and terrifying. There is also humor-- It is another one of his "fishing stories."
Kaaron Warren, "The Smell of Waiting" a young girl with a gift or a curse.
“The Special One” by Chịkọdịlị Emelụmadụ. Very unsettling.
Readalikes: Clearly-- Miscreations: Gods, Monstrosities, & Other Horrors. Edited by Doug Murano and Michael Bailey.
This reminded me of Datlow's Echoes anthology from a few years ago. That was also all original [save I think 3] and had today's best authors doing their take on Ghost Stories.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Range of Scares, all original stories, well known authors
DRAFT REVIEW:
Much like she did in the award winning anthology Echoes for the ghost story, Datlow turns her focus to monsters, this time collecting original stories from 29 authors, like bestsellers Stephen Graham Jones and Joyce Carol Oates as well as emerging voices like Chịkọdịlị Emelụmadụ and Priya Sharma. The result, a book that lays down the gauntlet, redefining this classic and much beloved subgenre for a 21st Century audience with stories that actively explore the monsters that surround us, both supernatural and human. With so many talented authors represented, there is also a satisfyingly wide arc of writing styles, settings, type of monster, and range of fear induced from psychological dread to visceral terror to darkly humorous, with all stops in between. Two stories that stood out are Kaaron Warren’s "The Smell of Waiting,” a compelling and creepy tale of a young girl with a gift (or is it a curse?) and John Langan’s mesmerizing, "Bloedzuiger,” another one of his “fishing stories,” a tale that is both innocuously mundane and terrifyingly disturbing– all at once.
Verdict: This epic volume, with its impressive table of contents, will satisfy the hordes of readers looking for new takes on the monster trope and pairs nicely with the Bram Stoker nominated Miscreations: Gods, Monstrosities, & Other Horrors. Edited by Murano and Bailey.
Notes:
Stories that explore the monster trope by exploring the monsters we can be as humans.
No reprints. All original for this anthology. 29 stories-- and long. This is an Epic collection. Laying down the gauntlet of what the monster story is right now-- with many of today's best Horror voices.
My favorites: The John Langan Story-- "Bloedzuiger"-- somehow it is both mundane and disturbing, innocuous and terrifying. There is also humor-- It is another one of his "fishing stories."
Kaaron Warren, "The Smell of Waiting" a young girl with a gift or a curse.
“The Special One” by Chịkọdịlị Emelụmadụ. Very unsettling.
Readalikes: Clearly-- Miscreations: Gods, Monstrosities, & Other Horrors. Edited by Doug Murano and Michael Bailey.
This reminded me of Datlow's Echoes anthology from a few years ago. That was also all original [save I think 3] and had today's best authors doing their take on Ghost Stories.
July 10, 2022
Ooof. I wanted to like this one more than I actually did. I mean, have you SEEN some of the authors in this anthology? John Langan, Stephen Graham Jones, Brian Evenson are some of my favorite writers in the horror genre so I had really high hopes.
There were some stellar stories in here (mostly from the writers I was already familiar with)... but they were the outliers. The majority were just okay. Overall, the collection felt strangely uneven. I'm curious to know what stories DIDN'T make it if these were the ones that did.
I even took a few breaks from it, putting it down to read a novel or two in between... (that's never a good sign).
A lukewarm three star collection.
There were some stellar stories in here (mostly from the writers I was already familiar with)... but they were the outliers. The majority were just okay. Overall, the collection felt strangely uneven. I'm curious to know what stories DIDN'T make it if these were the ones that did.
I even took a few breaks from it, putting it down to read a novel or two in between... (that's never a good sign).
A lukewarm three star collection.
November 26, 2022
As usual, another Datlow hit of stories from some of the best modern horror writers out there! While this collection had a few near the end that were a bit slower of a read, here's some examples of some of my faves:
You Have What I Need by Ian Rogers was an excellent take on how our health system would look like if supernatural beings were real, and the procedures involved with treating certain "afflictions". I adore when, in such a short period of time, an author can fully flesh out their character's like Rogers in this tale. It was both original, scary, and funny.
The Midway by Fran Wilde was excellent and wholly original. What if some of the monsters of old were integrated into the world alongside such places as an amusement midway on the sea? In a sort of apocalyptic landscape, Mara begins her new job working on The Midway, to discover what it is that provides electricity to such a place in the dark world they reside in, and what it takes to keep The midway going. Such an original monster idea, it had tones of Bourne and Vandermeer, and I really loved it.
Wet Red Grin by Gemma Files is about what would happen if you discovered a deadly, supernatural being wreaking havoc in a retirement home, one that your own kin was staying at?
The Atrocity Exhibitionists by Brian Hodge is a creepy example of the lengths influencers and celebrity might go to stay relevant.
What is Love But the Quiet Moments After Dinner by Richard Cadrey reminded me a ton of Exquisiste Corpse- for what else is there for 2 extremely monstrous people to do but fall inextricable in love with one another? Super fun read, I could read an entire novel version of this story.
Three Mothers Mountain by Nathan Ballingrud was a folksy tale about a witch's bazaar, and what happens to the vengeful children who attempt to seek restitution following a spell one awry gievn to their mother.
Widow-Light by Margo Lanagan was like a very dark feminist fairy tale. What will happen when the ritualistic gift of a bride to a monster goes wrong, when the gifted bride is a huntress and will not go quietly into the night? Vibes of beauty and the beast where Belle is a confident powerful woman who won't let the best get away with his crap lol.
There are so many stories with monsters of all sorts, and of course the theme that humans can be just as monstrous as a vampire or beast.
You Have What I Need by Ian Rogers was an excellent take on how our health system would look like if supernatural beings were real, and the procedures involved with treating certain "afflictions". I adore when, in such a short period of time, an author can fully flesh out their character's like Rogers in this tale. It was both original, scary, and funny.
The Midway by Fran Wilde was excellent and wholly original. What if some of the monsters of old were integrated into the world alongside such places as an amusement midway on the sea? In a sort of apocalyptic landscape, Mara begins her new job working on The Midway, to discover what it is that provides electricity to such a place in the dark world they reside in, and what it takes to keep The midway going. Such an original monster idea, it had tones of Bourne and Vandermeer, and I really loved it.
Wet Red Grin by Gemma Files is about what would happen if you discovered a deadly, supernatural being wreaking havoc in a retirement home, one that your own kin was staying at?
The Atrocity Exhibitionists by Brian Hodge is a creepy example of the lengths influencers and celebrity might go to stay relevant.
What is Love But the Quiet Moments After Dinner by Richard Cadrey reminded me a ton of Exquisiste Corpse- for what else is there for 2 extremely monstrous people to do but fall inextricable in love with one another? Super fun read, I could read an entire novel version of this story.
Three Mothers Mountain by Nathan Ballingrud was a folksy tale about a witch's bazaar, and what happens to the vengeful children who attempt to seek restitution following a spell one awry gievn to their mother.
Widow-Light by Margo Lanagan was like a very dark feminist fairy tale. What will happen when the ritualistic gift of a bride to a monster goes wrong, when the gifted bride is a huntress and will not go quietly into the night? Vibes of beauty and the beast where Belle is a confident powerful woman who won't let the best get away with his crap lol.
There are so many stories with monsters of all sorts, and of course the theme that humans can be just as monstrous as a vampire or beast.
September 8, 2024
Holy hell, I was pleased to get this finished.
Some of these stories where fantastic, but most were pretentious and dull.
Ratings for stories below.
You have what I need: 4/5
The Midway: 3/5
Wet Red Grin: 3.5/5
The Virgin Jimmy Peck: 4.5/5
The Ghost of a Flea, 3/5
The Atrocity Exhibitionists, 3.5/5
The father of modern gynecology 3/5
Here Comes Your Man 3.5/5
Siolaogh 3.5/5
What is love but the quiet moments after dinner 3.5/5
The island 4/5
Flaming teeth 4/5
Strandling 4/5
The special one 3/5
Devil 3/5
Crick Crack Rattle Tap: 4/5
Children of the Night: 4.5/5
The Smell of Waiting: 3.5/5
Now Voyager: 1/5. (Got halfway and then skipped.)
The Last Drop: 3.5/5
Three Mothers Mountain: 4/5
Widow-Light: 3/5
Sweet Potato: 3.5/5
Knock, Knock: 4/5
What is Meat With No God?: 2/5
Bitten Himself: 2/5
Burial: 3/5
Beautiful Dreamer: 3/5
Blodsugar: 4/5
Some of these stories where fantastic, but most were pretentious and dull.
Ratings for stories below.
You have what I need: 4/5
The Midway: 3/5
Wet Red Grin: 3.5/5
The Virgin Jimmy Peck: 4.5/5
The Ghost of a Flea, 3/5
The Atrocity Exhibitionists, 3.5/5
The father of modern gynecology 3/5
Here Comes Your Man 3.5/5
Siolaogh 3.5/5
What is love but the quiet moments after dinner 3.5/5
The island 4/5
Flaming teeth 4/5
Strandling 4/5
The special one 3/5
Devil 3/5
Crick Crack Rattle Tap: 4/5
Children of the Night: 4.5/5
The Smell of Waiting: 3.5/5
Now Voyager: 1/5. (Got halfway and then skipped.)
The Last Drop: 3.5/5
Three Mothers Mountain: 4/5
Widow-Light: 3/5
Sweet Potato: 3.5/5
Knock, Knock: 4/5
What is Meat With No God?: 2/5
Bitten Himself: 2/5
Burial: 3/5
Beautiful Dreamer: 3/5
Blodsugar: 4/5
March 27, 2022
As another reviewer has mentioned, overall the quality of the story is uneven, with most of them existing in that place that is neither good nor bad, just average. I couldn't get into the majority of these tales and ended up just skimming over several of them, sometimes this was due to the writing style adopted by certain authors, others, it was because so many of the stories had nautical and/or historical settings, which I'm not a fan of.
Out of the 29 stories featured in this book, I only enjoyed 5 of them, with the other 24 blending together and being deleted from my brain the second I finished reading them. However, the five tales I did like were REMARKABLE, they made the whole experience worth it, they truly were hidden diamonds and I'll be on the lookout for these authors' other works.
You Have What I Need by Ian Rogers - This was a great choice to open this collection, the only thing was that it set my expectations at a level that the majority of the other tales were not able to reach. It was a light and wholesome read, it incorporated the monsters seamlessly into the modern world, the characters were well developed and the narrative had a very satisfying ending.
Wet Red Grin by Gemma Files - This was HANDS DOWN, one of the best stories I have EVER read and also the best title featured in this collection. It's super gory, several bits made my skin crawl and my stomach churn, which I LOVED. The voice of the main character is very distinct and I lost myself in her internal monologue, the lore behind the tale was interesting and the plot was tight. I don't want to get any more details because I truly think that this works better as a "blind" read.
Crick Crack Rattle Tap by A. C. Wise- A powerful tale that deals with Postpartum depression, the expectations that a misogynistic society puts on women, more specifically, the expectations that society places on mothers. It's incredible how Wise managed to translate such complex concepts to the page through the main character, that is both the monster and the victim. This was the only story (as far as I remember), that had the true monster be intangible instead of a creature/person. Wise does a wonderful job showing us how traumatizing the burden of idealized motherhood can be.
Children of the Night by Stephen Grahan Jones - A shorter tale that goes for the comedic side of horror. Honestly, didn't like this one that much, but when compared to the other 24 I believe it deserved recognition. As I've said, it's very short and doesn't depict monsters as scary at all, I think it would've worked better in a longer format that allowed the author to better develop the characters.
Bloedzuiger by John Langan - Although I think this story should've been shorter, it was well written, had likable characters, an interesting monster, and a good plot. Let me tell you, I had no desire to fish before reading this story but now? You won't catch me near large bodies of water ever again.
Out of the 29 stories featured in this book, I only enjoyed 5 of them, with the other 24 blending together and being deleted from my brain the second I finished reading them. However, the five tales I did like were REMARKABLE, they made the whole experience worth it, they truly were hidden diamonds and I'll be on the lookout for these authors' other works.
You Have What I Need by Ian Rogers - This was a great choice to open this collection, the only thing was that it set my expectations at a level that the majority of the other tales were not able to reach. It was a light and wholesome read, it incorporated the monsters seamlessly into the modern world, the characters were well developed and the narrative had a very satisfying ending.
Wet Red Grin by Gemma Files - This was HANDS DOWN, one of the best stories I have EVER read and also the best title featured in this collection. It's super gory, several bits made my skin crawl and my stomach churn, which I LOVED. The voice of the main character is very distinct and I lost myself in her internal monologue, the lore behind the tale was interesting and the plot was tight. I don't want to get any more details because I truly think that this works better as a "blind" read.
Crick Crack Rattle Tap by A. C. Wise- A powerful tale that deals with Postpartum depression, the expectations that a misogynistic society puts on women, more specifically, the expectations that society places on mothers. It's incredible how Wise managed to translate such complex concepts to the page through the main character, that is both the monster and the victim. This was the only story (as far as I remember), that had the true monster be intangible instead of a creature/person. Wise does a wonderful job showing us how traumatizing the burden of idealized motherhood can be.
Children of the Night by Stephen Grahan Jones - A shorter tale that goes for the comedic side of horror. Honestly, didn't like this one that much, but when compared to the other 24 I believe it deserved recognition. As I've said, it's very short and doesn't depict monsters as scary at all, I think it would've worked better in a longer format that allowed the author to better develop the characters.
Bloedzuiger by John Langan - Although I think this story should've been shorter, it was well written, had likable characters, an interesting monster, and a good plot. Let me tell you, I had no desire to fish before reading this story but now? You won't catch me near large bodies of water ever again.
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