macbean221b's review against another edition
4.0
I received SEIZE THE NIGHT as an ARC from NetGalley.com.
SEIZE THE NIGHT is, hands down, the best vampire anthology I've read in...maybe ever, actually. Even if it's not the very best I've ever read, it's been a very long time since I've read one this good. So long that I can't even remember it. But at least part of this is due to the fact that I've always liked vampires in horror, not romance. It never occurred to me until this book that that is very likely the reason why my interest in vampire fiction has nearly disappeared in the past decade or so. After the overwhelming influx of vampire love stories, SEIZE THE NIGHT was a breath of fre--uh...graveyard air.
There are twenty stories in this collection. There were only three that I really disliked, and that mostly had to do with the fact that my tolerance for graphic on-screen/on-page rape dwindles exponentially as I get older. I don't need details of that to be horrified by it, and it disgusts me even further as a method of titillation. Ugh, gross.
Aside from the three flat-out dislikes, there were three stories that simply had no impact on me, negative or positive. That's a fairly impressive number, I think, in a collection of twenty stories. Even if my number of dislikes was higher, this would make me interested in more anthologies collected by this editor.
So that leaves fourteen out of twenty stories that I really liked. My reactions ranged from delight at bleakness, to heartbreak over characters or themes, to needing to turn a light on, to jealousy that I didn't think of the concept and write the story first, to a note of simply "OH MY GOD THERE WAS SOME GRAPHIC GORE IN THIS ONE." This is definitely a book that I will want to revisit in the future. I recommend it to any fan of old-school vampire stories.
SEIZE THE NIGHT is, hands down, the best vampire anthology I've read in...maybe ever, actually. Even if it's not the very best I've ever read, it's been a very long time since I've read one this good. So long that I can't even remember it. But at least part of this is due to the fact that I've always liked vampires in horror, not romance. It never occurred to me until this book that that is very likely the reason why my interest in vampire fiction has nearly disappeared in the past decade or so. After the overwhelming influx of vampire love stories, SEIZE THE NIGHT was a breath of fre--uh...graveyard air.
There are twenty stories in this collection. There were only three that I really disliked, and that mostly had to do with the fact that my tolerance for graphic on-screen/on-page rape dwindles exponentially as I get older. I don't need details of that to be horrified by it, and it disgusts me even further as a method of titillation. Ugh, gross.
Aside from the three flat-out dislikes, there were three stories that simply had no impact on me, negative or positive. That's a fairly impressive number, I think, in a collection of twenty stories. Even if my number of dislikes was higher, this would make me interested in more anthologies collected by this editor.
So that leaves fourteen out of twenty stories that I really liked. My reactions ranged from delight at bleakness, to heartbreak over characters or themes, to needing to turn a light on, to jealousy that I didn't think of the concept and write the story first, to a note of simply "OH MY GOD THERE WAS SOME GRAPHIC GORE IN THIS ONE." This is definitely a book that I will want to revisit in the future. I recommend it to any fan of old-school vampire stories.
nora_nevermore's review against another edition
4.0
When I first picked up this book I immediately loved the concept. I, like the authors featured in this book, am sick of what the vampire image has become. Thanks to movies and TV shows vampires are nothing more then sex symbols who just happen to live off of blood but do it in the most cordial ways. This book is Seizing the Night and bringing bad the vampire that should be feared!
I won't go into each story but there of course are ones that I really enjoyed and others that where "ok" but as a whole I enjoyed reading these stories and being reminded how scary vampires can be.
I won't go into each story but there of course are ones that I really enjoyed and others that where "ok" but as a whole I enjoyed reading these stories and being reminded how scary vampires can be.
trinforeman's review against another edition
4.0
Everything I expected from the authors I already love and a great introduction to a few I have yet to read.
pinkpxls's review against another edition
5.0
I knew I would like this but I didn't know quite how much I would. It's been ten years since I fell in love with the vampire and this was a great reminder of why
withherheadinabook's review against another edition
4.0
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
My initial thought upon opening my eARC was “holy shit, this book is huge.” And it is. A whopping 544 pages of short stories about some of the strangest vampires I’ve ever read - and by strange I only mean in only a positive way. These aren’t the vampires that exist to steal your heart for the sake of romance and hot sex. They actually want to devour you. Ironically, the cover features a most definitely seductive man covered in blood, but that’s okay.
Of course, I love romanticized vampires. An unbelievably handsome and young looking, but actually an old man has fallen in love with me and wants to whisk me away to his fantastical, lustrous life? Tempting offer. (Throw in some original vintage books and bedtime stories based off of personal recounts & you’ve got yourself a deal.) But every now and again, I need to return to the classics.
The majority of these short stories are rooted in ancient tales about the non-traditional vampire we’re not so familiar with. Ever hear about vampires that turn into fireflies, not bats? Or an old wives’ tale about what happened long ago? Those are the true vampires. I can say, though, that after reading this collection I do prefer human shaped vamps compared to other variants.
Short stories aren’t for everyone. I, personally, have always been a fan especially during reading slumps and for school essays. They’re filled with only the good stuff and over in just a few pages. So if one story ends up being a bit lacking, it’s okay because it’ll be over in less time than it takes to suck a body dry. There are a few that just didn’t cut it for me - either I was left hanging, wanting more, or it was an idea that wasn’t executed well. Most weren’t even actually scary, but then again, I have a very high standard for what is scary. Most horror-related entertainment in general doesn’t reach my scare zone, so I’m not surprised. That’s not to say the stories weren’t enjoyable; only two rotten apples of the bunch did not have me at the edge of my seat. Overall, this collection is worth the read...especially if the size of the volume scares you (like it did me).
My absolute favorites is probably On the Dark Side of Sunlight Basin, followed by Paper Cuts.
While I’m not terrified of vampires, I am certainly questioning what I’ve always imagined them as. The collection also put me in the right spooky mood for October. If you’re looking for something to start off the Halloween fear right, consider picking up Seize the Night which hits shelves October 6th, 2015. Choose to blow through the anthology in one sitting like any other novel or slowly savor the writings with one short story a night for twenty nights in a row. Remember to keep a light on.
I received Seize the Night from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
My initial thought upon opening my eARC was “holy shit, this book is huge.” And it is. A whopping 544 pages of short stories about some of the strangest vampires I’ve ever read - and by strange I only mean in only a positive way. These aren’t the vampires that exist to steal your heart for the sake of romance and hot sex. They actually want to devour you. Ironically, the cover features a most definitely seductive man covered in blood, but that’s okay.
Of course, I love romanticized vampires. An unbelievably handsome and young looking, but actually an old man has fallen in love with me and wants to whisk me away to his fantastical, lustrous life? Tempting offer. (Throw in some original vintage books and bedtime stories based off of personal recounts & you’ve got yourself a deal.) But every now and again, I need to return to the classics.
The majority of these short stories are rooted in ancient tales about the non-traditional vampire we’re not so familiar with. Ever hear about vampires that turn into fireflies, not bats? Or an old wives’ tale about what happened long ago? Those are the true vampires. I can say, though, that after reading this collection I do prefer human shaped vamps compared to other variants.
Short stories aren’t for everyone. I, personally, have always been a fan especially during reading slumps and for school essays. They’re filled with only the good stuff and over in just a few pages. So if one story ends up being a bit lacking, it’s okay because it’ll be over in less time than it takes to suck a body dry. There are a few that just didn’t cut it for me - either I was left hanging, wanting more, or it was an idea that wasn’t executed well. Most weren’t even actually scary, but then again, I have a very high standard for what is scary. Most horror-related entertainment in general doesn’t reach my scare zone, so I’m not surprised. That’s not to say the stories weren’t enjoyable; only two rotten apples of the bunch did not have me at the edge of my seat. Overall, this collection is worth the read...especially if the size of the volume scares you (like it did me).
My absolute favorites is probably On the Dark Side of Sunlight Basin, followed by Paper Cuts.
While I’m not terrified of vampires, I am certainly questioning what I’ve always imagined them as. The collection also put me in the right spooky mood for October. If you’re looking for something to start off the Halloween fear right, consider picking up Seize the Night which hits shelves October 6th, 2015. Choose to blow through the anthology in one sitting like any other novel or slowly savor the writings with one short story a night for twenty nights in a row. Remember to keep a light on.
I received Seize the Night from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
bookdenjen's review against another edition
4.0
For me, there is nothing better suited for October than a great horror anthology. I spent this October reading Seize the Night edited by Christopher Golden. It was the perfect choice!
It's been a while since I've enjoyed an anthology as much as Seize the Night. With this list of contributing authors, it's no wonder it was great collection:
Kelley Armstrong • John Ajvide Lindqvist • Laird Barron • Gary A. Braunbeck • Dana Cameron • Dan Chaon • Lynda Barry • Charlaine Harris • Brian Keene • Sherrilyn Kenyon • Michael Koryta • John Langan • Tim Lebbon • Seanan McGuire • Joe McKinney • Leigh Perry • Robert Shearman • Scott Smith • Lucy A. Snyder • David Wellington • Rio Youers
This anthology claims to make vampires frightening again. Outside of having read Twilight, I don't actually know anything about romantic, emotional, sexy vampires. My vampires have always been frightening so that's the place I'm coming from with this review. These tales aren't just original because they are taking the vampire back to its roots (did it really leave?), they are tales that are original in their own right.
While the vampires in Seize the Night are of the scary variety, most of them aren't your traditional Dracula derived vampires. This is wonderful thing. Seize the Night is a great anthology to curl up with on a dark night. (And frankly, a new story from Scott Smith is worth purchasing the entire collection.)
It's been a while since I've enjoyed an anthology as much as Seize the Night. With this list of contributing authors, it's no wonder it was great collection:
Kelley Armstrong • John Ajvide Lindqvist • Laird Barron • Gary A. Braunbeck • Dana Cameron • Dan Chaon • Lynda Barry • Charlaine Harris • Brian Keene • Sherrilyn Kenyon • Michael Koryta • John Langan • Tim Lebbon • Seanan McGuire • Joe McKinney • Leigh Perry • Robert Shearman • Scott Smith • Lucy A. Snyder • David Wellington • Rio Youers
This anthology claims to make vampires frightening again. Outside of having read Twilight, I don't actually know anything about romantic, emotional, sexy vampires. My vampires have always been frightening so that's the place I'm coming from with this review. These tales aren't just original because they are taking the vampire back to its roots (did it really leave?), they are tales that are original in their own right.
While the vampires in Seize the Night are of the scary variety, most of them aren't your traditional Dracula derived vampires. This is wonderful thing. Seize the Night is a great anthology to curl up with on a dark night. (And frankly, a new story from Scott Smith is worth purchasing the entire collection.)
charlisbookbox's review against another edition
4.0
** I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review**
Anthologies have always been one of my favorite things. A chance to read old favorite authors and a chance to also find some new favorites as well, all based on some short stories. Which is, of course, why I chose to read Seize the Night - New Tales of Vampiric Terror.
The foreword by the editor, Christopher Golden, talks about how the vampire myth hasn't been diluted or gone away in this world of sparkly or overly-friendly vampires, but that it's time we return to the world of the scary, horrifying versions of these creatures. The only problem is - not all the stores are really about vampires.
Oh, don't get me wrong - most of them are. And it's possible I'm just not seeing how the rest are about vampires. But to me, not all are about vampires. It doesn't detract from the book being a solid read though. I only really had a problem with one story - for some reason it just seems that the story by Sherrilyn Kenyon ended in such a way that it didn't seem finished. Of course, I was reading an ARC of the book and so the final version could be a bit more filled out, but as it stands as of my reading, it seemed the story ended a bit too abruptly.
A few of the stories have a hint of The Walking Dead in that they're apocalypse driven - just with vampires instead of zombies. Those stories were very good. Even the stories where the vampires are creatures and not human are very good. And I was thrilled to see a psychic/energy vampire story (you just don't see those very often).
My favorite story is probably Miss Fondevant simply because of the uniqueness of the story. I also was very fond of In a Cavern, In a Canyon and Mother. All of them were great stories, but those three stand out to me as my favorites.
Seize The Night - New Tales of Vampiric Terror is slated to be released on October 6, 2015. Be sure to get your copy before they disappear!
Anthologies have always been one of my favorite things. A chance to read old favorite authors and a chance to also find some new favorites as well, all based on some short stories. Which is, of course, why I chose to read Seize the Night - New Tales of Vampiric Terror.
The foreword by the editor, Christopher Golden, talks about how the vampire myth hasn't been diluted or gone away in this world of sparkly or overly-friendly vampires, but that it's time we return to the world of the scary, horrifying versions of these creatures. The only problem is - not all the stores are really about vampires.
Oh, don't get me wrong - most of them are. And it's possible I'm just not seeing how the rest are about vampires. But to me, not all are about vampires. It doesn't detract from the book being a solid read though. I only really had a problem with one story - for some reason it just seems that the story by Sherrilyn Kenyon ended in such a way that it didn't seem finished. Of course, I was reading an ARC of the book and so the final version could be a bit more filled out, but as it stands as of my reading, it seemed the story ended a bit too abruptly.
A few of the stories have a hint of The Walking Dead in that they're apocalypse driven - just with vampires instead of zombies. Those stories were very good. Even the stories where the vampires are creatures and not human are very good. And I was thrilled to see a psychic/energy vampire story (you just don't see those very often).
My favorite story is probably Miss Fondevant simply because of the uniqueness of the story. I also was very fond of In a Cavern, In a Canyon and Mother. All of them were great stories, but those three stand out to me as my favorites.
Seize The Night - New Tales of Vampiric Terror is slated to be released on October 6, 2015. Be sure to get your copy before they disappear!
annie76's review against another edition
3.0
A mixed bag, but some good stories. I especially liked Seanan McGuire's and Sherrilyn Kenyon's contributions.
angelerin's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for allowing me to read and review an ebook copy of Seize The Night: New Tales of Vampiric Terror. Edited By: Christopher Golden.
Seize the Night is an anthology collection of short stories about vampires.
No, these ARE NOT stories featuring romanticized emo vampire heroes.
This anthology brings back terrifying vampires in new stories from authors such as : Charlaine Harris, John Ajvide Lindqvist, Scott Smith, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Kelley Armstrong, Brian Keene, Tim Lebbon, David Wellington and Michael Kortya.
Don't be put off by the three stars rating! Seize the Night is a fantastic anthology of frightening vampire short stories. Of course there were some stories I LOVED, some I liked, and a few that I didn't particularly care for.
Out of all the short stories here are a few of my favorites:
Up in Old Vermont- Scott Smith
On the Dark Side of Sunlight Basin- Michael Koryta
The Neighbors- Sherrilyn Kenyon
Paper Cuts- Gary A. Braunbeck
Mrs. Fondevant- Charlaine Harris
The Last Supper- Brian Keene
What Kept you so Long?- John Ajvide Lindqvist
The best thing about this collection is the fact that the vampires are SCARY. I like all kinds of vampire stories, even the romanticized ones, but I like the horror ones best. I read "On the Dark Side of Sunlight Basin" one night right before going to sleep and I was a bit freaked out by it. That one definitely got to me! I can't remember the last time I was creeped out by anything vampire related. That right there is the awesomeness of this anthology. I enjoyed the majority of these stories and those are the ones that make it worth a read.
I recommend Seize the Night: New Tales of Vampiric Terror to fans of horror, fans of the old school vampires, fans of any of the authors, and to anyone looking for something new and creepy to read this Halloween season.
http://angelerin.blogspot.com/
Seize the Night is an anthology collection of short stories about vampires.
No, these ARE NOT stories featuring romanticized emo vampire heroes.
This anthology brings back terrifying vampires in new stories from authors such as : Charlaine Harris, John Ajvide Lindqvist, Scott Smith, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Kelley Armstrong, Brian Keene, Tim Lebbon, David Wellington and Michael Kortya.
Don't be put off by the three stars rating! Seize the Night is a fantastic anthology of frightening vampire short stories. Of course there were some stories I LOVED, some I liked, and a few that I didn't particularly care for.
Out of all the short stories here are a few of my favorites:
Up in Old Vermont- Scott Smith
On the Dark Side of Sunlight Basin- Michael Koryta
The Neighbors- Sherrilyn Kenyon
Paper Cuts- Gary A. Braunbeck
Mrs. Fondevant- Charlaine Harris
The Last Supper- Brian Keene
What Kept you so Long?- John Ajvide Lindqvist
The best thing about this collection is the fact that the vampires are SCARY. I like all kinds of vampire stories, even the romanticized ones, but I like the horror ones best. I read "On the Dark Side of Sunlight Basin" one night right before going to sleep and I was a bit freaked out by it. That one definitely got to me! I can't remember the last time I was creeped out by anything vampire related. That right there is the awesomeness of this anthology. I enjoyed the majority of these stories and those are the ones that make it worth a read.
I recommend Seize the Night: New Tales of Vampiric Terror to fans of horror, fans of the old school vampires, fans of any of the authors, and to anyone looking for something new and creepy to read this Halloween season.
http://angelerin.blogspot.com/