Publisher’s Description
Many Indigenous people believe that one should never whistle at night. This belief takes many forms: for instance, Native Hawaiians believe it summons the Hukai’po, the spirits of ancient warriors, and Native Mexicans say it calls Lechuza, a witch that can transform into an owl. But what all these legends hold in common is the certainty that whistling at night can cause evil spirits to appear—and even follow you home.
These wholly original and shiver-inducing tales introduce readers to ghosts, curses, hauntings, monstrous creatures, complex family legacies, desperate deeds, and chilling acts of revenge. Introduced and contextualized by bestselling author Stephen Graham Jones, these stories are a celebration of Indigenous peoples’ survival and imagination, and a glorious reveling in all the things an ill-advised whistle might summon.
Summary
I recently read Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. van Alst Jr. with a foreword by Stephen Graham Jones that sets the tone perfectly for this anthology.
These are dark tales but beautifully told. There was a great selection and variety of stories ranging from dark fiction, paranormal and supernatural stories and psychological horror and thriller. It’s always hard choosing favourites but a few really resonated with me. “Kushtuka” by Mathilda Zeller, “White Hills” by Rebecca Roanhorse, “Navajos Don’t Wear Elk Teeth” by Conley Lyons, “Quantum” by Nick Medina, “Hunger” by Phoenix Boudreau, “Before I Go” by Norris Black, “Night in the Chrysalis” by Tiffany Morris, “Behind Colin’s Eyes” by Shane Hawk, “Human Eaters” by Royce K. Young Wolf, “Uncle Robert Rides the Lightning” by Kate Hart, “Eulogy for a Brother, Resurrected” by Carson Faust, “Night Moves” by Andrea L. Rogers and lastly “The Scientist’s Horror Story” by Darcie Little Badger.
Review
Hawk and van Alst Jr. have c produced an anthology with stories collected from some well-known indigenous authors and many new and upcoming voices. This is a masterpiece of dark fiction that resonates strongly with First Nations struggles, history, culture and doesn’t flinch away from the darkness. These are powerful tales and show some exciting new authors and talents to follow in the future. A masterpiece of an anthology!
Conclusion
A fantastic anthology for fans of North American indigenous dark fiction and First Nations literature and works that bring cultural and social awareness. These dark fiction tales span horror, speculative fiction, supernatural and psychological horror but are deeply rooted in the cultural traditions and fight for equality by indigenous peoples. This is highly recommended and a must-read!
** This is my personal opinion and does not reflect any judging decisions **
Leanbh Pearson 