Apex Publications discussion

This story has been selected by Ellen Datlow to be included in *The Best Horror of the Year volume 5*!

I loved this story. The idea of living in a world where a disease changes people so dramatically - makes them NEED to devour brains - is terrifying, but Lucy's choice to tell the story through the perspective of someone is in the grip of the disease allows the reader to feel empathy even while disgusted by what is happening.

I think what amazed me the most was the amount of detail held within a few thousand words. An entire culture, including how those effected by the disease are treated is laid out, plus we get an inside look of how the disease physically changes the individuals. The feeding process, the mental breakdown. Lucy gives it all to us.

To me, this was the perfect story.

I agree that there was so much told in such a short story. It was an incredible ride as we saw the world from a diseased person. I could feel her cravings and frustration. It was a masterful story that will stay with me for a long time to come.

"Magdala Amygdala" has been nominated for a Bram Stoker Award!

I heard Lucy read this at Context (September 2012). It was very, very creepy, and quite enjoyable. To say that she had the undivided attention of the audience would be quite the understatement.

Mark wrote: "I heard Lucy read this at Context (September 2012). It was very, very creepy, and quite enjoyable. To say that she had the undivided attention of the audience would be quite the understatement."

Wow! I wish I'd been there. I bet that was amazing!

Nobody wanted to ride with me in the elevator after the reading! ;)