May 2024’s new horror books, featuring titles from Hailey Piper, Lindsay King-Miller, Stephen King, ‘Pemi Aguda, Christina Henry, Alan Baxter, and …
All the New Horror Books Coming in May 2024
All the New Horror Books Coming in May 2024
Tag: anthology
Melbourne Supanova 2024
I recently appeared at Melbourne Supanova, April 2024 with the IFWG Publishing Team.
My first ever Supanova in Melbourne was a great event to engage with readers and writers and to share the enjoyment of all things pop-culture, speculative, comics and cosplay.
I also caught up with fellow author and friend Kate Forsyth and illustrator Lorena Carrington with the New Dawn Team.
Lastly, the awesome IFWG Team of Dillon Nylor, Steven Paulson and Jason Franks. A great display of the variety of skills and talents in the IFWG authors spanning horror, dark fantasy, gothic, alternate history & comics for adults and children.
Appearances: Supanova
Thrilled to announce I’ll be at Melbourne Supanova April 6-7, 2024.
I’ll have advance copies to sign of my edited anthology Cursed Shards due for global release on 27 May, 2024 from IFWG Publishing.
I’ll also have advance copies to sign of my debut collection Three Curses due for global release on 24 June, 2024 from IFWG Publishing.
Look out for more updates on these upcoming titles!
Book of Monster Stories
** I received an ARC for an honest review **
Publisher’s Description
With an introduction by Shirley Jackson Award-winner Gemma Files, this oustanding anthology of all things monstrous includes spine-chilling stories from Bentley Little, Simon Clark, Elizabeth Massie, Tim Waggoner, Sumiko Saulson, plus some of the best emerging horror writers working today.
Summary
The Horror Zine’s Book of Monster Stories edited by Jeani Rector and Dean H. Wild contains a chilling variation of monsters and what it means to become monstrous.
Review
The Horror Zine’s Book of Monster Stories was an interesting array of horror and dark fiction. Although the anthology shied away from classic monster stories of werewolves, vampires and other common horror tropes, there was often a repetition of forest, river or lake monsters and insects. A greater selection of interpretations of monster horror would be welcome but nonetheless, there are some truly terrifying and fascinating tales in this anthology.
Those stories that really stood apart from others in this anthology for me were “That Summer” by Bentley Little, “The Man Who Could Talk To Monsters” by Tim Waggoner, “See Me” by Terry Grimwood, “All Hail the Queen” by Sumiko Saulson, “Mouths” by Shawn Phelps, “Breaking and Entering” by Jared Spears, “Somewhere in the Swamps of New Jersey” by Shawn P. Maddison, “His Majesty’s Revenge” by Donna J.W. Munro and “The Scarecrow” by Keiran Meels.
Among this anthology are monsters of unusual forms spawned from nightmares or gelatinous eggs, a hive of insects taking over human form, the folk horror of the Jersey Devils and Scarecrows and monsters made of shadowy substances that leech into reality and formless monsters that possess humanity. These are strongly written tales but a stronger representation of female protagonists, queer or disabled and tales from different cultural heritage would have made a more representative anthology of monster tales. Despite this, there is a uniting essence of monsters stepping from nightmares into twilight worlds and these manifestations of the human mind made terrifying and real.
Conclusion
A recommended read for fans of monster tales, body horror, weird horror and folk horror. This anthology is well worth reading and represents a great addition to horror and dark fiction.
** This is my personal opinion and does not reflect any judging decisions **
Scissor Sisters
** I received an ARC for an honest review **
Publisher’s Description
21 tales of sapphic villains, curated by April Yates and Rae Knowles.
Summary
One of my recent reads included Scissor Sisters is a sapphic anthology edited by Rae Knowles and April Yates.
Review
Scissor Sisters was a particularly diverse dark fiction and horror anthology. Although united by a common theme of sapphic horror vengeful or defiant lovers, there was a good selection of interpretations in the stories.
Those stories that really stood out among this anthology were “Gladys Glows at Night” by Hatteras Mange, “Modern Art Curse, Mixed Media” by Hailey Piper, “Conversations with Roe” by Alex Luceli Jimenez”, “You Oughta Be in Pictures” by Anastasia Dziekan, “Our Lady of Devouring Violence” by Cheyanne Brabo and “This Flesh Grows Fonder” by T.O. King.
Among this anthology are lovers defiant of societal norms, scorned and angry, vengeful or embracing a darkness. The range of settings spans historical Victorian eras, scandalous 1920s, modern eras and realms in between realities. A strongly written anthology that holds the reflection of sapphic horror to the audience in an unflinching and deeply honest portal. Although not all stories carried the same weight and impact, the essence of the theme was represented throughout.
Conclusion
A recommend read for fans of dark fiction, paranormal romance, body horror and queer horror. A sapphic horror anthology well worth reading and a great new addition to queer fiction and the horror and dark fiction genres.
** This is my personal opinion and does not reflect any judging decisions **
Never Whistle at Night
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 **
Appearances: Canberra Geek Markets
I’ll be at the Canberra Geek Markets this Saturday 29 April at EPIC, Canberra.
My stall is located next to the Canberra Speculative Fiction Guild (CSFG) stall
Come along and check out comics, books, media and merchandise for all your inner Geek desires!
I’m selling and signing books and have some cool merchandise all available at sale prices!
Black Cranes
*** I received a free copy in return for an honest review ****
Publisher’s Description
Almond-eyed celestial, the filial daughter, the perfect wife.
Quiet, submissive, demure.
In Black Cranes, Southeast Asian writers of horror both embrace and reject these traditional roles in a unique collection of stories which dissect their experiences of ‘otherness,’ be it in the colour of their skin, the angle of their cheekbones, the things they dare to write, or the places they have made for themselves in the world. Black Cranes is a dark and intimate exploration of what it is to be a perpetual outsider.
Review
I was thrilled to read and review Black Cranes: Tales of Unquiet Women edited by Lee Murray and Geneve Flynn.
This is a beautiful and rare collection of speculative fiction tales from women of southeast Asian descent writing about the culture where women are supposed to be quiet, unheard and remain in the shadows. Black Cranes brings these voices, cultures, folklores and legends into the open and shines a light on the powerful women of Southeast Asia.
Final Thoughts
There are so many different and wonderful tales in Black Cranes that I found it difficult to choose my stand-out favourites.
Some of my favourite stories were “The Genetic Alchemist’s;s Daughter” by Elaine Cuyegkeng, , “Kapre: a love Story”, by Ron Cupeco, “Vanilla Rice”, and “Little Worm” by Geneve Flynn.
Conclusion
An absolutely stunning, beautiful and powerful collection of tales about women emerging from the shadows of their cultures. A simply stunning collection!
Into the Forest
Publisher’s Description
Deep in the dark forest, in a cottage that spins on birds’ legs behind a fence topped with human skulls, lives the Baba Yaga. A guardian of the water of life, she lives with her sisters and takes to the skies in a giant mortar and pestle, creating tempests as she goes. Those who come across the Baba Yaga may find help, or hindrance, or horror. She is wild, she is woman, she is witch – and these are her tales.
Review
I was determined to read Bram Stoker Preliminary ballot anthology edited by US author Lindy Ryan. Into the Forest is an anthology of stories and poetry about the fascinating figure of the Russian witch, Baba Yaga.
There were many brilliant stories in this anthology but to highlight a few favourites. “Last Tour into the Hungering Moonlight” by Gwendolyn Kiste , “Water like Broken Glass” by Carina Bissett, “Herald the Knight” by Mercedes M. Yardley and “Mama Yaga” by Christina Sng.
Final Thoughts
Into the Forest is a unique anthology drawing on the masterful skills of many authors and their interpretations of the multitude of Baba Yaga legends. A beautiful collection spanning time, history, cultures and styles.
Conclusion
Highly recommended for fans of folklore, fairy tales, fantasy and mythology. This anthology has it all and so much more. Definitely worth a read!
Damnation Games
*** I received an ARC in return for an honest review ***
Publisher’s Description
Alan Baxter, editor of Damnation Games, believes horror is the genre of honesty.
‘With horror, there’s no shying away from brutal reality to supply a happy ending. Even when the evil is overcome, it seldom happens without cost. Survivors are rarely unscathed. Horror looks into the darkness and doesn’t turn away. It confronts it.’
This is also true of crime fiction. The rising dread at the heart of a good mystery has the same affect. That oh shit no feeling in a story that’s a real as the day’s news can have you on the edge of your seat precisely because it could happen – next door. Or in the next room.
Put the two together – crime fiction and horror – and all sorts of nasty business come out of the woodwork. Sometimes literally.
Alan invited a horde of criminally good writers of horror and the supernatural and has produced an anthology of tales set in a variety of locations and eras. The stories herein include urban monsters, Victorian mathematicians, contemporary lawyers, near future police, and outback ghosts.
Review
One of my recent reads was the anthology Damnation Games edited by Australian/UK author Alan Baxter. It didn’t disappoint.
In honour to Clive Barker’s The Damnation Game and other words, the anthology combines the mysterious, horrifying, splatterpunk, crime and supernatural.
Favourites which I found absolute stand-out hits for the uniqueness, skilful writing, unusual concepts of crime while maintaining an atmosphere that was haunting and unique.
In no particular order: “Ghost Gun” by John F D Taff, “Spool” by Dan Rabarts, “Zoo” Gemma Amor, “The Hungry Bones” by Lee Murray, “Dangerous Specimens” by Robert Hood, “Kookaburra Cruel” by Aaron Dries and “The Infinity Effect” by Joanne Anderton.
Final Thoughts
Alan Baxter has drawn together a fine work that has each piece masterfully written and unique. There is something for every reader from gritty supernatural crime, scientific malevolence, horrific gangsters and strange crime. Drawn from authors with unique and seperate backgrounds and writing styles, Damnation Games is remembered well after finishing it and fits beautifully as a tribute to Clive Barker.
Conclusion
Highly recommended. A dive into supernatural worlds and haunting tales. This anthology is gritty, mysterious, horrifying and leaves you wanting for more.
You must be logged in to post a comment.