alexandratheroux's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Solid creepy story collection
A good mix of psychological terror, magical / paranormal horror, and mysticism.
A good mix of psychological terror, magical / paranormal horror, and mysticism.
jiggityjog's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
kamisha's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
magis1105's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
madcrazymoviereviews's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Despite the monsters (both human and not), this is mostly a meditation on grief and trauma. A sense of loss pervades all but a few. An incredibly sad book.
tnanz's review
5.0
YES!!!! YES YES YES THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD!!!!
Something about horror short stories is just cosmically correct. I think it lets the author hide the monster in a way that never feels inauthentic. And delivers the best gut punch. Regardless, this is a set of sizzling crisp diverse horror stories that knocked my socks off. I’m completely impressed by Jones and will eagerly pick up his work again. I was compelled to keep reading past my bedtime, completely creeped out, and all around enjoyed every second of it.
Something about horror short stories is just cosmically correct. I think it lets the author hide the monster in a way that never feels inauthentic. And delivers the best gut punch. Regardless, this is a set of sizzling crisp diverse horror stories that knocked my socks off. I’m completely impressed by Jones and will eagerly pick up his work again. I was compelled to keep reading past my bedtime, completely creeped out, and all around enjoyed every second of it.
nicolemhill's review
3.0
No one writes like Stephen Graham Jones. One of the most distinct authorial voices and one of the most unique takes on horror. Some standout stories:
"Snow Monsters" is a devastating story, as is "This Is Love." "The Spindly Man" is creepy and delightful. "Brushdogs" very much feels like a precursor to this year's THE ONLY GOOD INDIANS. There are more memorable stories, and a little something for every horror fan.
"Snow Monsters" is a devastating story, as is "This Is Love." "The Spindly Man" is creepy and delightful. "Brushdogs" very much feels like a precursor to this year's THE ONLY GOOD INDIANS. There are more memorable stories, and a little something for every horror fan.
emmamd210's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5