charleyy's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Very hit or miss.
Clive Barker, Bev Vincent and John Ajvide Linqvist provided very good stories. Kevin Quigley's could have been good but IS a bit lacking on the execution.
It might be a bit more of a personal taste but I find it disappointing that apart from P.D Cacek, not female writers was featured. They barely even feature as characters (except for the story 'Aeliana' by Bev Vincent). When they exist, they're just names or props or here to exact violence on. An important point is sexual violence is very present in a lot of the stories...
Clive Barker, Bev Vincent and John Ajvide Linqvist provided very good stories. Kevin Quigley's could have been good but IS a bit lacking on the execution.
It might be a bit more of a personal taste but I find it disappointing that apart from P.D Cacek, not female writers was featured. They barely even feature as characters (except for the story 'Aeliana' by Bev Vincent). When they exist, they're just names or props or here to exact violence on. An important point is sexual violence is very present in a lot of the stories...
maccychee's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
kamisha's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
bruathayde's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
readbyashleyd's review
5.0
Usually short story collections are hit or miss with me, I find they tend to contain one or two gems and the rest I could do without. This collection is the opposite of that. With each story I kept saying to myself this one is my favourite, the next one can’t possibly beat it. And I was proven wrong every single time, they just kept getting better and better. Each of these stories is PHENOMENAL and don’t make me pick a favourite or I’ll have a meltdown! There’s some big names in this collection, King, Barker, Campbell, but you shouldn’t read this for those stories alone. The stories by the slightly lesser known authors are just as good, if not better and you’d be missing out if you didn’t read them!
rachellemarie's review
3.0
"Come on in
No need to fear
There's nothing bad
To be had in here."
All the stories contained in this collection are pretty unique and well told. The stand out for me is "Drawn to the Flame" by Kevin Quigley, who doesnt love a good deranged carnival story.. right!?! This is a short one with a little something for everyone who enjoys the creepy and freaky.
No need to fear
There's nothing bad
To be had in here."
All the stories contained in this collection are pretty unique and well told. The stand out for me is "Drawn to the Flame" by Kevin Quigley, who doesnt love a good deranged carnival story.. right!?! This is a short one with a little something for everyone who enjoys the creepy and freaky.