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Miracles for Masochists
Using a combination of horror, weirdness, and humor, Michael R. Collins and James G. Carlson have created a collection of earthly and otherworldly horrors. In the pages of this book, readers meet a newlywed couple haunted by the ghost of Elvis Presley, a lonely man tormented by whispers from another realm, and an artist whose work takes on fantastical qualities. These deranged minds also tell of a cult’s creepy-crawly ritual, a traumatized soul pursued by death across a battlefield, the terrors of an archaeological dig, and the line between reality and the impossible blurring for an aging scream queen on Halloween night.
67 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2023
2 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
James G. Carlson
116 books34 followersJames G. Carlson is an award-winning author of horror, science fiction, and dark fantasy. His short stories have appeared in various anthologies. He has released two collections of dark fiction, Seven Exhumations and The Ever-Descending Staircase, as well as three novellas, The Legion Machine, Midnight in the City of the Carrion Kid, and Red Falls (in the book Hacked in Two, with Daemon Manx). Most recently, Carlson has teamed up with fellow author Michael R. Collins for Miracles for Masochists, a collection featuring one collaborative tale and three shorts by each author. From the weird state of Pennsylvania, James drinks too much coffee and writes at a desk surrounded by animals and family in the mad zoo he calls home.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 12, 2023
Full review available at The Mort Report:
https://www.uncomfortablydark.com/bla...
There’s a little backstory before I get to the review.
Last year, I read a short story by James G. Carlson – my first by this author. What struck me was his writing style, and I thought to myself:
Self, this is the way you would have written this story. Maybe you two are likeminded about more than just the style of writing…
So I sent him a message and introduced myself, and told him that I liked his writing style, and if he has anything that releases in the future I would love to review it for him.
To which he replied:
Are you fucking trying to scam me with something here, asshole?
Okay, that’s a lie, just making sure you are still paying attention. He was actually very nice and told me there was something coming out early in 2023.
And this is that product.
Now, it is a very good thing I never added the words “Ooh, you write like me!” because I was way, way off.
Mr. Carlson is waaayyyy more versatile in his writing than I could ever wish to be. And by saying that I am not taking away anything from the other author, Michael R. Collins.
So, these two gents released a very diverse book here, I’m not even sure if I could place them all in the same genre. This, of course, will always be a double bladed sword, in my opinion. Because not every story resonated with me (I do have a limited taste when it comes to certain things, to which I freely admit), I find it difficult to express how well I thought the writing was. These guys are immensely talented authors, who doesn’t limit themselves to a single or even double road in their writing. Theirs are a highway of ideas, and I have the greatest respect for that.
And with that out of the way, I have to tell you that, hands down this has got to be the funniest haunting story I have ever read. I very rarely claim that anything could be the “best” or “funniest”, because I believe if you use it too often, it kind of loses its meaning. But in this case, I will go out on a limb and plant my metaphorical flag – this book is worth its price for that story alone. Everything else is just a bonus.
I give this collection a rating of 4 Stars, with a very highly recommended sticker…which you have to use your imagination for.
https://www.uncomfortablydark.com/bla...
There’s a little backstory before I get to the review.
Last year, I read a short story by James G. Carlson – my first by this author. What struck me was his writing style, and I thought to myself:
Self, this is the way you would have written this story. Maybe you two are likeminded about more than just the style of writing…
So I sent him a message and introduced myself, and told him that I liked his writing style, and if he has anything that releases in the future I would love to review it for him.
To which he replied:
Are you fucking trying to scam me with something here, asshole?
Okay, that’s a lie, just making sure you are still paying attention. He was actually very nice and told me there was something coming out early in 2023.
And this is that product.
Now, it is a very good thing I never added the words “Ooh, you write like me!” because I was way, way off.
Mr. Carlson is waaayyyy more versatile in his writing than I could ever wish to be. And by saying that I am not taking away anything from the other author, Michael R. Collins.
So, these two gents released a very diverse book here, I’m not even sure if I could place them all in the same genre. This, of course, will always be a double bladed sword, in my opinion. Because not every story resonated with me (I do have a limited taste when it comes to certain things, to which I freely admit), I find it difficult to express how well I thought the writing was. These guys are immensely talented authors, who doesn’t limit themselves to a single or even double road in their writing. Theirs are a highway of ideas, and I have the greatest respect for that.
And with that out of the way, I have to tell you that, hands down this has got to be the funniest haunting story I have ever read. I very rarely claim that anything could be the “best” or “funniest”, because I believe if you use it too often, it kind of loses its meaning. But in this case, I will go out on a limb and plant my metaphorical flag – this book is worth its price for that story alone. Everything else is just a bonus.
I give this collection a rating of 4 Stars, with a very highly recommended sticker…which you have to use your imagination for.
January 25, 2023
So, this was a great collection of stories from both authors. There are seven stories included, starting with a team effort from both, then alternating stories from each!! They are all really great stories too, not one is worth skipping! My favourites were, of course, THE SEQUINED SPECTRE 👻🪕 and THE TRANSFORMATION OF HAYDEN CONNOR, MORE HUMAN THAN HUMAN, and COPROLITE BLUES!!
As always, I will write a few words for each story….
THE SEQUINED SPECTRE…. Constance is rushing to the aid of her friend Milo, but first she has to get past the geese! The consequences of calling for help to rid you of a rather cool ghostly presence, and ending up with a not so cool, and very dark presence!! This one was a Whole Lotta Fun, light hearted, laugh out loud and bloody!!
WORDS OF THE FORGOTTEN…. Martin lives in a rundown, haunted apartment, he has been hearing the voices of the dead all his life. He feels forgotten, until he learns what that really feels like, from the ghosts that live in his closet, and the old gods who are wanting revenge….
Deep and emotional.
THE TRANSFORMATION OF HAYDEN CONNOR…. Hayden is a controversial artist, he likes to bring out the beauty in the ugliness of the world. When a mysterious model arrives, volunteering himself for Hayden's next work of art, he couldn't possibly imagine the outcome. A beautiful, poetic tale 🖤
(One of my favourite books as a child was The Magic Paintbrush (I actually bought a copy last year!) and this is like an adult version of that book! I loved it!)
MORE HUMAN THAN HUMAN…. So, not only is this one of my favourite White (Rob) Zombie tracks, it's now one of my fave short stories too! 😍
Horam is facing death as he fights on the frontlines of war, but it's not just the soldiers and their guns he's running from, there's something else lurking in the dark, death-filled trenches. And he soon discovers the true pain of death! The horrific atmosphere in this story was all too realistic. A chillingly beautiful story!
THE QUEENS LAST SCREAM…. Jane Ashley is an aging scream queen and it's her tradition to have a drunken marathon of all the movies she has starred in, every Halloween night. A marathon that this time is all too real… This reads like a classic 80s horror movie!
COPROLITE BLUES…. When you just want to be a bit different, do something a bit different, so you choose to study ancient shit….literally!! And, what could possibly be worse than unleashing an evil entity unto the world?? Maybe getting locked up with one and the hellish world it has created!! It's village life, but not as we know it!! Brutal and very funny, and had one of the best lines…. "We agreed on the theory that they were the turds from some ancient god who ate too much bad meat and took an angry shit into an interdimensional outhouse." 😂
SACRAMENT…. Twins Zeke and Luke are gearing up for that night's Sacrament, even though something feels off! But they must endure the suffering, for it is the path to their salvation! This one was disturbing and creepy, and made me itch! 🕷️
As always, I will write a few words for each story….
THE SEQUINED SPECTRE…. Constance is rushing to the aid of her friend Milo, but first she has to get past the geese! The consequences of calling for help to rid you of a rather cool ghostly presence, and ending up with a not so cool, and very dark presence!! This one was a Whole Lotta Fun, light hearted, laugh out loud and bloody!!
WORDS OF THE FORGOTTEN…. Martin lives in a rundown, haunted apartment, he has been hearing the voices of the dead all his life. He feels forgotten, until he learns what that really feels like, from the ghosts that live in his closet, and the old gods who are wanting revenge….
Deep and emotional.
THE TRANSFORMATION OF HAYDEN CONNOR…. Hayden is a controversial artist, he likes to bring out the beauty in the ugliness of the world. When a mysterious model arrives, volunteering himself for Hayden's next work of art, he couldn't possibly imagine the outcome. A beautiful, poetic tale 🖤
(One of my favourite books as a child was The Magic Paintbrush (I actually bought a copy last year!) and this is like an adult version of that book! I loved it!)
MORE HUMAN THAN HUMAN…. So, not only is this one of my favourite White (Rob) Zombie tracks, it's now one of my fave short stories too! 😍
Horam is facing death as he fights on the frontlines of war, but it's not just the soldiers and their guns he's running from, there's something else lurking in the dark, death-filled trenches. And he soon discovers the true pain of death! The horrific atmosphere in this story was all too realistic. A chillingly beautiful story!
THE QUEENS LAST SCREAM…. Jane Ashley is an aging scream queen and it's her tradition to have a drunken marathon of all the movies she has starred in, every Halloween night. A marathon that this time is all too real… This reads like a classic 80s horror movie!
COPROLITE BLUES…. When you just want to be a bit different, do something a bit different, so you choose to study ancient shit….literally!! And, what could possibly be worse than unleashing an evil entity unto the world?? Maybe getting locked up with one and the hellish world it has created!! It's village life, but not as we know it!! Brutal and very funny, and had one of the best lines…. "We agreed on the theory that they were the turds from some ancient god who ate too much bad meat and took an angry shit into an interdimensional outhouse." 😂
SACRAMENT…. Twins Zeke and Luke are gearing up for that night's Sacrament, even though something feels off! But they must endure the suffering, for it is the path to their salvation! This one was disturbing and creepy, and made me itch! 🕷️
January 28, 2023
Horror Bookworm Reviews
Miracles For Masochists by James G. Carlson & Michael R. Collins
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
- Out of fear and desperation, a friend phones another friend for immediate help. The circumstances entail a bizarre and otherworldly supernatural rock and roll icon. What was a ghostly presence now has developed into a matter of life and death.
- In the course of the Great War, gunfire, explosions and death attracts the presence of a black robed existence that waits patiently for the results of the gruesome armed conflict.
- When large wooden boxes become a test of a holy sacrament, two young boys celebrate future aspirations of becoming men. However this odd festival teaches a lesson of…”suffering is the path to salvation”.
Authors James G. Carlson & Michael R. Collins conjures up a collection of bizarre oddities entitled Miracles For Masochists. From voices of the dead inhabiting a closet to a retired “scream queen”. These creative interdimensional portals transform dark fiction into perceptions of lust and wonder. Not only does Miracles For Masochists take the reader on multiple strange journeys, these dreamlike artistic nightmares that Carlson and Collins create would make Salvador Dali proud.
This short story collection is a mix of horror, science-fiction, drama and comedy. Think of a live-action game of hangman with a heavy dose of paranormal creepiness. By means of ripping a hole in the fabric of reality and unleashing chaotic antagonists, these stories play tricks on the mind all the while leaving an after taste of the macabre.
Embrace the insanity and rejoice in this breathe of fresh reading that Carlson & Collins has to offer. I love how each story has an edgy underlying meaning that the reader can take with them. Be warned though, you won’t see these tales of terror on the Lifetime Network any time soon. A five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation.
Miracles For Masochists by James G. Carlson & Michael R. Collins
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
- Out of fear and desperation, a friend phones another friend for immediate help. The circumstances entail a bizarre and otherworldly supernatural rock and roll icon. What was a ghostly presence now has developed into a matter of life and death.
- In the course of the Great War, gunfire, explosions and death attracts the presence of a black robed existence that waits patiently for the results of the gruesome armed conflict.
- When large wooden boxes become a test of a holy sacrament, two young boys celebrate future aspirations of becoming men. However this odd festival teaches a lesson of…”suffering is the path to salvation”.
Authors James G. Carlson & Michael R. Collins conjures up a collection of bizarre oddities entitled Miracles For Masochists. From voices of the dead inhabiting a closet to a retired “scream queen”. These creative interdimensional portals transform dark fiction into perceptions of lust and wonder. Not only does Miracles For Masochists take the reader on multiple strange journeys, these dreamlike artistic nightmares that Carlson and Collins create would make Salvador Dali proud.
This short story collection is a mix of horror, science-fiction, drama and comedy. Think of a live-action game of hangman with a heavy dose of paranormal creepiness. By means of ripping a hole in the fabric of reality and unleashing chaotic antagonists, these stories play tricks on the mind all the while leaving an after taste of the macabre.
Embrace the insanity and rejoice in this breathe of fresh reading that Carlson & Collins has to offer. I love how each story has an edgy underlying meaning that the reader can take with them. Be warned though, you won’t see these tales of terror on the Lifetime Network any time soon. A five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation.
January 29, 2023
I would like to thank James Carlson for my free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Miracles for Masochists, co-written by James G. Carlson and Michael R. Collins, is a collection of horror short stories. There are seven stories total comprising this unique collection: The Sequined Spectre; Words of the Forgotten; The Transformation of Hayden Connor; More Human Than Human; The Queen's Last Scream; Coprolite Blues; and Sacrament.
The first story was co-written by Carlson and Collins, then they each wrote three different stories to contribute to the collection.
I liked most of the stories enough to finish the book. I felt like the first story, The Sequined Spectre, did not connect at all to the rest of the book as far as writing style, dialogue, and humor found within. The Sequined Spectre was difficult for me to get through because I felt that the dialogue was a bit choppy and it didn't seem to flow with the rest of the collection. As an independent story though, it would be a really fun and quick read.
The other stories are pretty well-written with two of the six really standing out to me as being above the rest in storyline, connectivity to the main characters, and writing style: More Human Than Human and The Transformation of Hayden Connor.
More Human Than Human is about a young, war-ravaged soldier named Hiram Jansen who is just sick of it all. He tries to run away, and meets a physical manifestation of Death on the battle field. Death is vying to take Jansen's life...but not in a way I expected. Very dark, well-written, and emotional. I loved the story and how I felt while reading it.
The Transformation of Hayden Connor is about an artist, Connor, who believes in total connectivity to his work. "If you don't submit to the process and let the work absorb you completely, it becomes a product, not an extension of you." The reader Hayden This story resonated with me because I also tend to throw my whole being into things I am truly passionate about.
Overall, I give this book 3/5 stars for several reasons. Although several of these stories were excellent, a few of the stories fell short for me either due to a lack of cohesiveness within the story itself or lack of overall flow within the collection in its entirety. I did really enjoy the connections I discovered between a few of the stories. I also enjoyed the authors' noticeable passion and emotion they put into these stories. Several of the characters were extremely relatable and you couldn't help but feel for them as they struggled through life.
Miracles for Masochists definitely had many enjoyable stories that will stick with me for a while.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Miracles for Masochists, co-written by James G. Carlson and Michael R. Collins, is a collection of horror short stories. There are seven stories total comprising this unique collection: The Sequined Spectre; Words of the Forgotten; The Transformation of Hayden Connor; More Human Than Human; The Queen's Last Scream; Coprolite Blues; and Sacrament.
The first story was co-written by Carlson and Collins, then they each wrote three different stories to contribute to the collection.
I liked most of the stories enough to finish the book. I felt like the first story, The Sequined Spectre, did not connect at all to the rest of the book as far as writing style, dialogue, and humor found within. The Sequined Spectre was difficult for me to get through because I felt that the dialogue was a bit choppy and it didn't seem to flow with the rest of the collection. As an independent story though, it would be a really fun and quick read.
The other stories are pretty well-written with two of the six really standing out to me as being above the rest in storyline, connectivity to the main characters, and writing style: More Human Than Human and The Transformation of Hayden Connor.
More Human Than Human is about a young, war-ravaged soldier named Hiram Jansen who is just sick of it all. He tries to run away, and meets a physical manifestation of Death on the battle field. Death is vying to take Jansen's life...but not in a way I expected. Very dark, well-written, and emotional. I loved the story and how I felt while reading it.
The Transformation of Hayden Connor is about an artist, Connor, who believes in total connectivity to his work. "If you don't submit to the process and let the work absorb you completely, it becomes a product, not an extension of you." The reader Hayden This story resonated with me because I also tend to throw my whole being into things I am truly passionate about.
Overall, I give this book 3/5 stars for several reasons. Although several of these stories were excellent, a few of the stories fell short for me either due to a lack of cohesiveness within the story itself or lack of overall flow within the collection in its entirety. I did really enjoy the connections I discovered between a few of the stories. I also enjoyed the authors' noticeable passion and emotion they put into these stories. Several of the characters were extremely relatable and you couldn't help but feel for them as they struggled through life.
Miracles for Masochists definitely had many enjoyable stories that will stick with me for a while.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 25, 2023
That cover, right? Definitely grabs your attention right away. Had to find out what was inside, and man, am I glad I did! These stories are all so entertaining and unique. Michael Collins and James Carlson basically took turns yanking my emotions around. The stories were all so different, some beautiful and weird, some funny and weird, some absolutely depraved and weird. The two authors combined forces in the first story, The Sequined Specter, and these guys writing together was magic. The story was pure fun. A friendly Elvis ghost hanging out in a house with an evil entity that wants The King's soul, joined by the scared couple that lives in the house, their ghost hunter bestie and an elementary school-aged medium. With a nosy, misongynist neighbor added in for kicks. This story was bonkers in the best way.
In Words of the Forgotten we met a sad man, Martin, sitting next to his closet listening to a ghost. He's heard ghosts communicating with him since he was a child, but this one seems different, it wants more than just a chat. The Transformation of Hayden Connor was a beautifully written, yet disturbing, story about the magical way an artist's perception and imagination can lead to manifestation. Did not see that ending coming.
More Than Human followed the terror of a soldier in the trenches of WWII battling to survive while being pursued by death (literally-cloaked reaper dude complete with scythe). The Queen's Last Scream was the story of an aging scream queen from the 80's and 90's on a bender while watching a marathon of her movies on Halloween night. Creepy and bizarre, plus she drank so much I'm pretty sure I got a contact buzz reading it.
Coprolite Blues, yikes! An archeology did goes horribly wrong and people are trapped in a magical box with evil, eviscerating entities. This one was gruesome and depraved, loved it! And we wrapped up with Sacrament, twin boys are preparing for their coming of age ritual in their church (cult). Totally messed up, I adore messed up cult stories.
A quick and fun collection of stories. I need more from both of these authors. Definitely recommend!
I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
In Words of the Forgotten we met a sad man, Martin, sitting next to his closet listening to a ghost. He's heard ghosts communicating with him since he was a child, but this one seems different, it wants more than just a chat. The Transformation of Hayden Connor was a beautifully written, yet disturbing, story about the magical way an artist's perception and imagination can lead to manifestation. Did not see that ending coming.
More Than Human followed the terror of a soldier in the trenches of WWII battling to survive while being pursued by death (literally-cloaked reaper dude complete with scythe). The Queen's Last Scream was the story of an aging scream queen from the 80's and 90's on a bender while watching a marathon of her movies on Halloween night. Creepy and bizarre, plus she drank so much I'm pretty sure I got a contact buzz reading it.
Coprolite Blues, yikes! An archeology did goes horribly wrong and people are trapped in a magical box with evil, eviscerating entities. This one was gruesome and depraved, loved it! And we wrapped up with Sacrament, twin boys are preparing for their coming of age ritual in their church (cult). Totally messed up, I adore messed up cult stories.
A quick and fun collection of stories. I need more from both of these authors. Definitely recommend!
I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2023
Miracles for Masochists is a book of 7 short stories. The opening story is written as a collaboration of both authors. Then the other stories are by each author individually. This was a really quick read for me because I was captivated by the stories included. I do have some favorites and will reveal them here.
The Sequined Spector is a hilarious read! This collaborative story had me in stitches the whole time. Milo calls his friend, Constance to ask for help with his little paranormal problem. She has experience in dealing with the paranormal and comes over to take care of business! She quickly realizes, she’s in over her head!
More Than Human is the story of Hiram Jansen, a soldier deep in the trenches of WWI France. The stench of gunpowder and death surrounds him…literally! I was wrapped in trench warfare while reading this story. It made me feel the pain and suffering these soldiers experienced. I thought Michael Collins did an excellent job with this tale!
The Queen’s Last Scream is tale about Jane Ashley, a former scream Queen who squeaks out a living on royalties from her heyday. Every Halloween she has a tradition of watching movies she starred in to reminisce of the good times. This year, the experience is a little different.
Sacrament is a story that is told from the perspective of a teenager in his family’s cult. When the boys hit a certain age, they must be put forth to receive the sacrament to prove whether they are chosen or not. This was a fantastic story by James G. Carlson! I could see these events truly unfolding and are likely a reality in some parts of our country. This story grabbed me because it’s so real and enthralling!
I really enjoyed all of the stories, but those above really focused my attention and ran me through multiple emotions. Miracles for Masochist’s drops on January 25th! Be sure to grab this one!!
The Sequined Spector is a hilarious read! This collaborative story had me in stitches the whole time. Milo calls his friend, Constance to ask for help with his little paranormal problem. She has experience in dealing with the paranormal and comes over to take care of business! She quickly realizes, she’s in over her head!
More Than Human is the story of Hiram Jansen, a soldier deep in the trenches of WWI France. The stench of gunpowder and death surrounds him…literally! I was wrapped in trench warfare while reading this story. It made me feel the pain and suffering these soldiers experienced. I thought Michael Collins did an excellent job with this tale!
The Queen’s Last Scream is tale about Jane Ashley, a former scream Queen who squeaks out a living on royalties from her heyday. Every Halloween she has a tradition of watching movies she starred in to reminisce of the good times. This year, the experience is a little different.
Sacrament is a story that is told from the perspective of a teenager in his family’s cult. When the boys hit a certain age, they must be put forth to receive the sacrament to prove whether they are chosen or not. This was a fantastic story by James G. Carlson! I could see these events truly unfolding and are likely a reality in some parts of our country. This story grabbed me because it’s so real and enthralling!
I really enjoyed all of the stories, but those above really focused my attention and ran me through multiple emotions. Miracles for Masochist’s drops on January 25th! Be sure to grab this one!!
January 24, 2023
Miracles for Masochists is a brilliant collection of 7 horror stories by authors James G. Carlson and Michael R. Collins. The first story, “The Sequined Specter,” is a fun but brutal ghost story written by both authors and featuring the ghost of Elvis and a twelve-year-old ghost-busting prodigy. Each of the other stories is written by an author individually. These stories range from haunting to horrifying and are all excellent reads in their own right. However, two of them particularly stood out for me.
“Words of the Forgotten” by Michael R. Collins is about a lonely and internally tormented man who hears the voices of the dead. But at its heart, it’s a story about being discarded, being forgotten. It’s a dark tale, rich with suspense and a pervasive dread, well-paced and riveting, and the subtext may be more horrifying than the main story. I found it moving and lingering in a very uncomfortable way.
“Sacrament” by James G. Carlson gutted me. It stuck a blade in me and gutted me. It’s about a teenage boy living in a cult compound and his and his twin brother’s coming-of-age ritual. The story sucks you in immediately, holds you with intrigue, and then systematically wrecks you at each turn of events. There is so much to this story. It’s dark and poignant and expertly woven with threads of fear and horror and pain. I may not ever get over the ending.
There’s a great diversity of stories here, as you can see from the synopsis. Each story is a unique tale that captivates your mind, manipulates your senses, and assaults your emotions. Each has a dark, rich, and entertaining storyline with an underlying impactful poke at your brain. Experience the humor, terror, and creepiness of Collins and Carlson’s Miracles for Masochists.
“Words of the Forgotten” by Michael R. Collins is about a lonely and internally tormented man who hears the voices of the dead. But at its heart, it’s a story about being discarded, being forgotten. It’s a dark tale, rich with suspense and a pervasive dread, well-paced and riveting, and the subtext may be more horrifying than the main story. I found it moving and lingering in a very uncomfortable way.
“Sacrament” by James G. Carlson gutted me. It stuck a blade in me and gutted me. It’s about a teenage boy living in a cult compound and his and his twin brother’s coming-of-age ritual. The story sucks you in immediately, holds you with intrigue, and then systematically wrecks you at each turn of events. There is so much to this story. It’s dark and poignant and expertly woven with threads of fear and horror and pain. I may not ever get over the ending.
There’s a great diversity of stories here, as you can see from the synopsis. Each story is a unique tale that captivates your mind, manipulates your senses, and assaults your emotions. Each has a dark, rich, and entertaining storyline with an underlying impactful poke at your brain. Experience the humor, terror, and creepiness of Collins and Carlson’s Miracles for Masochists.
February 20, 2023
Most short story collections are hit or miss for me, but I enjoyed all of them in this book. Well written and engaging. Check it out.
January 22, 2023
"Miracles For Masochists" by James A. Carlson & Michael R. Collins. I was sent my copy in exchange for a honest review.
Carlson and Collins have teamed up to create a collection of bizarre and peculiar stories unlike anything you've read before. Inside this book you'll find tales of death, art, lessons on salvation, and even Elvis himself. And those are just to name a few!!
Out of these seven stories I chose a top three and these were my favorites:
The first story is called "The Sequined Spector" and this is the story about Elvis and possession. It was super fun and really outlandish and I loved it.
The next story is called "The Transformation of Hayden Connor" and this was a tale about art. I found myself highlighting whole passages in my kindle because the quotes were just so powerful.
The third and final story is called "Sacrament" and it's a spider story. It follows two brothers who are going to be going through the ritual of becoming a man and it's both spooky and creepy. This tale pulled hard on my arachnophobia and was definitely my favorite.
This collection hasn't released just yet but us due to release very soon on Janaury 25th. You can find your copy on Amazon and Godless!
Carlson and Collins have teamed up to create a collection of bizarre and peculiar stories unlike anything you've read before. Inside this book you'll find tales of death, art, lessons on salvation, and even Elvis himself. And those are just to name a few!!
Out of these seven stories I chose a top three and these were my favorites:
The first story is called "The Sequined Spector" and this is the story about Elvis and possession. It was super fun and really outlandish and I loved it.
The next story is called "The Transformation of Hayden Connor" and this was a tale about art. I found myself highlighting whole passages in my kindle because the quotes were just so powerful.
The third and final story is called "Sacrament" and it's a spider story. It follows two brothers who are going to be going through the ritual of becoming a man and it's both spooky and creepy. This tale pulled hard on my arachnophobia and was definitely my favorite.
This collection hasn't released just yet but us due to release very soon on Janaury 25th. You can find your copy on Amazon and Godless!
January 25, 2023
This collection of short stories was a lot of fun to read. Opening right away with a humorous story about Elvis haunting a newlywed couple, this immediately got me drawn in and looking forward to reading everything else.
All of the stories were interesting. All were well fleshed out with some good conclusions too. Nothing I hate more than a short story that rushes to end and seems to be missing a ton of background. Not the case here! These were all well written and engaging. I only wish there were more!
All of the stories were interesting. All were well fleshed out with some good conclusions too. Nothing I hate more than a short story that rushes to end and seems to be missing a ton of background. Not the case here! These were all well written and engaging. I only wish there were more!
May 3, 2024
I finished Miracles for Masochists by James G. Carlson and Mick Collins last night and very much enjoyed it. I was impressed with the level of introspection in Words of the Forgotten by Collins and The Transformation of Hayden Connor by Carlson. To be able to draw the reader that far into their psyche so quickly and effortlessly with a short horror story is an enviable talent. And finishing off with the creepiest story I've read in a long time, Sacrament, by Carlson raised the stakes for me with this anthology. I so highly recommend this book, that I can say without hesitation; if you haven't read anything by these two fabulous authors yet you will become an instant fan with this one!
February 8, 2023
A great collection of surreal horror and splatterpunk/bizarro-like madness. There's some good stuff here and some that could be better if they existed in a different kind of book.
My personal favorites:
-More Human than Human
A WWI soldier gets a visit from death itself asking to exchange places with it. Very mind fucking towards the end
-Coprolite Blues
The epilogue of a treasure hunting movie about a scholar getting trapped inside a cursed artifact inhabited by cruel demons who haunt a village. Extremely violent, funny and creative.
-Words of the forgotten
A depressed man with supernatural hearing finds elder gods hidden in his closet. Similar to More Human Than Human, the ending hits hard with a surreal dose of existencialism.
-The Queen's Last Scream
A Jennifer-Tilly-esque actress gets drunk watching a marathon of her older films and the films start coming to life. I wish this one was longer!
There's a particular story about the ghost of Elvis Presley, aggresive geese and a kid that knows dark magic. I don't think this story is terrible, but by being the first story, it gives a wrong vibe of what the rest of the stories are. It is very different in tone and humor from the rest and it just feels... odd, out of place.
My personal favorites:
-More Human than Human
A WWI soldier gets a visit from death itself asking to exchange places with it. Very mind fucking towards the end
-Coprolite Blues
The epilogue of a treasure hunting movie about a scholar getting trapped inside a cursed artifact inhabited by cruel demons who haunt a village. Extremely violent, funny and creative.
-Words of the forgotten
A depressed man with supernatural hearing finds elder gods hidden in his closet. Similar to More Human Than Human, the ending hits hard with a surreal dose of existencialism.
-The Queen's Last Scream
A Jennifer-Tilly-esque actress gets drunk watching a marathon of her older films and the films start coming to life. I wish this one was longer!
There's a particular story about the ghost of Elvis Presley, aggresive geese and a kid that knows dark magic. I don't think this story is terrible, but by being the first story, it gives a wrong vibe of what the rest of the stories are. It is very different in tone and humor from the rest and it just feels... odd, out of place.
May 6, 2023
4.5, rounded to 5.
This is a great collection with stories that explore themes and moods very different from each other, always in an exciting and enjoyable way. (Can I call stories about death and torture enjoyable to read? Is that okay? Who care.) My favourites were The Sequined Specter, which was absolutely hilarious, and Coprolite Blues, which was fun AND gory. What more can I ask for?
This is a great collection with stories that explore themes and moods very different from each other, always in an exciting and enjoyable way. (Can I call stories about death and torture enjoyable to read? Is that okay? Who care.) My favourites were The Sequined Specter, which was absolutely hilarious, and Coprolite Blues, which was fun AND gory. What more can I ask for?
March 2, 2023
Two authors made an excellent job. Stories include comic elements (the story about Elvis' ghost) and fear. A story about ghosts who inhabit the place of a lonely man made me question human purpose. A fast read that makes you chill.
While reading, I feel like I have interviewed some characters.
While reading, I feel like I have interviewed some characters.
November 18, 2023
A great collection of well-written entertaining stories all different from one another.
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