hyperashley's review
3.0
This is a collection of short stories about ghosts. Since I love ghosts and all things creepy I jumped at the chance to read this. Plus, I like Jordan Elizabeth's work.
Like all anthologies, there were some stories that I liked and some that I didn't. When it comes to ghost stories I tend to be a little more critical of them because I love them so much. There were a few that I didn't really like.
I liked the Cinderella retelling, even though I typically don't like retellings. I also really likes Amity by Jordan Elizabeth. I think those were my favorites.
Like all anthologies, there were some stories that I liked and some that I didn't. When it comes to ghost stories I tend to be a little more critical of them because I love them so much. There were a few that I didn't really like.
I liked the Cinderella retelling, even though I typically don't like retellings. I also really likes Amity by Jordan Elizabeth. I think those were my favorites.
bookwormbunny's review
5.0
Curiosity Quills Presents: Cast No Shadows is an anthology of supernatural stories by a variety of authors. Some of these stories are shorter than others but they all have one thing in common: ghosts, spirits and the paranormal. Granted none of these stories are really "scary" or even really spooky to be honest I still really enjoyed the variety that the authors bring to the mix. It's really enjoyable if you are into these types of stories. Though if you are looking for something spooky scary that's going to make it hard for you to go to sleep I'd not have high expectations of this book. The stories are more catering to the YA crowd to be honest but the stories are still good reads. Most of them are really engaging and have you page turning of where before you know it you're at the end of one story and moving on to the next. A couple of them I would have liked for them to be longer but all in all I still enjoyed them nonetheless. The variety of stories and uniqueness of each story, some are better than others I will admit but this is still a good book to read regardless.
elevetha's review
2.0
*An copy of this book was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I gave it two stars because I didn't hate it, but it feels awfully generous for how I did feel about it.
Basically, there were a few half-decent stories in here, but for the most part, I was incredibly bored and/or completely indifferent. I did skip two or three stories - I restrained myself mightily. None of the half-decent ones stood out as particularly good either. Additionally, story aside, quite a number of the stories did not have good writing. And honestly, the cover is so creepy, but there was maybe three stories that made me feel uneasy. I expected at least half of these ghost stories to at least try to be scary.
Ugggh this was so long and ultimately a dud. The problem with short story collections you don't like at first is that you feel compelled to keep reading because each story is different and there are different authors. How disappointing when you don't find a winner hidden in among them.
I gave it two stars because I didn't hate it, but it feels awfully generous for how I did feel about it.
Basically, there were a few half-decent stories in here, but for the most part, I was incredibly bored and/or completely indifferent. I did skip two or three stories - I restrained myself mightily. None of the half-decent ones stood out as particularly good either. Additionally, story aside, quite a number of the stories did not have good writing. And honestly, the cover is so creepy, but there was maybe three stories that made me feel uneasy. I expected at least half of these ghost stories to at least try to be scary.
Ugggh this was so long and ultimately a dud. The problem with short story collections you don't like at first is that you feel compelled to keep reading because each story is different and there are different authors. How disappointing when you don't find a winner hidden in among them.
wellwortharead's review
4.0
I have always loved ghost stories from the time I was a little girl, so I jumped on the chance to read this anthology.
These tales and their intensity varies. They include ghosts who came back for unfinished business, gentle spirits who want to protect what they love, demonic forces, and even a touching tale of a little girl who never really had a chance to live, until long after she passed away.
There are spooky graveyards, haunted houses, and things that go bump in the night. Some stories are spine tingling others are sorrowful.
Not all are scary, or even meant to be scary but all were worth a read.
I received a complimentary copy for review.
These tales and their intensity varies. They include ghosts who came back for unfinished business, gentle spirits who want to protect what they love, demonic forces, and even a touching tale of a little girl who never really had a chance to live, until long after she passed away.
There are spooky graveyards, haunted houses, and things that go bump in the night. Some stories are spine tingling others are sorrowful.
Not all are scary, or even meant to be scary but all were worth a read.
I received a complimentary copy for review.
bookfay's review
1.0
*I've got this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review*
I'm trying....I'm STILL trying to find a good short story collection in this genre and I truly believed, that this book will be one of the better ones. However my hopes and dreams were crashed after first few stories.
Honestly, if you asked me, to tell at least one of the bunch of stories, that are in this book, I couldn't. Not because I don't want to, but because they were so boring, that I thought, I will rip my eyes with my own fingers, and in the end I couldn't remember any of them. Granted, this book can help you to fall asleep, if you have insomnia.
I don't understand, why I tortures my self and read all of it. Maybe I was secretly hoping to find at least one or two decent stories, that at least will sent chills down my spine. However they were far from scary and, actually, more absurd and bizarre. Some of them were like stream of consciousness or like a conversation between to people, that you try to understand, but can't, because you didn't hear the beginning of it.
This book is a big let down. I recommend to skip it.
I'm trying....I'm STILL trying to find a good short story collection in this genre and I truly believed, that this book will be one of the better ones. However my hopes and dreams were crashed after first few stories.
Honestly, if you asked me, to tell at least one of the bunch of stories, that are in this book, I couldn't. Not because I don't want to, but because they were so boring, that I thought, I will rip my eyes with my own fingers, and in the end I couldn't remember any of them. Granted, this book can help you to fall asleep, if you have insomnia.
I don't understand, why I tortures my self and read all of it. Maybe I was secretly hoping to find at least one or two decent stories, that at least will sent chills down my spine. However they were far from scary and, actually, more absurd and bizarre. Some of them were like stream of consciousness or like a conversation between to people, that you try to understand, but can't, because you didn't hear the beginning of it.
This book is a big let down. I recommend to skip it.
leighsnerdlife's review
4.0
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I've probably said this before, but I'm a big fan of anthologies. Short stories are hard to write well, and I really appreciate the efforts of those who create them. So when I had the opportunity to read an anthology from Curiosity Quills, I was very happy to do so.
It has been a really long time since I've read a story about ghosts, and I was a bit worried about it - I'm a total scaredy cat. But Cast No Shadows struck a really good balance. There were definitely stories that were terrifying - I still have one stuck in my head that had a truly disturbing ending. No spoilers though! But there were also a couple stories with a more thoughtful and mysterious bent toward spirits and hauntings.
Overall the book was well organized, with some great story choices. There were a couple that could have definitely used a bit more character development, but it really didn't bring down the overall quality of the anthology.
So... confession time. I read this at Halloween, so this review is a bit late! And it was perfectly suited to be read at that time. But don't let the holiday season deter you - this book would be a fun read in front of the fire too.
Cast No Shadows is now available for purchase. Enjoy the creepiness!
3.5/5
This review also appears on my blog: http://the-bookish-life.com/review-cast-no-shadows-curiosity-quills-anthology/
I've probably said this before, but I'm a big fan of anthologies. Short stories are hard to write well, and I really appreciate the efforts of those who create them. So when I had the opportunity to read an anthology from Curiosity Quills, I was very happy to do so.
It has been a really long time since I've read a story about ghosts, and I was a bit worried about it - I'm a total scaredy cat. But Cast No Shadows struck a really good balance. There were definitely stories that were terrifying - I still have one stuck in my head that had a truly disturbing ending. No spoilers though! But there were also a couple stories with a more thoughtful and mysterious bent toward spirits and hauntings.
Overall the book was well organized, with some great story choices. There were a couple that could have definitely used a bit more character development, but it really didn't bring down the overall quality of the anthology.
So... confession time. I read this at Halloween, so this review is a bit late! And it was perfectly suited to be read at that time. But don't let the holiday season deter you - this book would be a fun read in front of the fire too.
Cast No Shadows is now available for purchase. Enjoy the creepiness!
3.5/5
This review also appears on my blog: http://the-bookish-life.com/review-cast-no-shadows-curiosity-quills-anthology/
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