Book Review for Monsters I Have Known by Jess Hartley
Monsters I Have Known, by Jess Hartley, is a collection of short stories that delve into the mind of the author, whilst she lovingly invites the reader to dance with her around the edge of light and dark.
The collection has thirteen short stories, with each story containing an introduction from Hartley. These introductions explain the story’s background, the thoughts and inspirations for writing them, and the sins that each character may be hiding. From inspiring others to fighting against domestic abuse (preferably with the undead), to encouraging restless spirits to try and find peace, to even teaching others how to kill dragons, each story represents a piece of morality the author carries. They contain valuable lessons that the reader can comprehend, all beneath the guise of a horrific dream.
The stories I remember being frightened of in this collection are Love Never Dies or To Duty Sword. These stories are a blood soaked representation of the darkness present within humanity, as well as the curse of what happens when we fall prey to our own ignorance. Love Never Dies is about a young, abused woman who comes back from the grave, if only to see her “beloved husband” one last time. Meanwhile, To Duty Sworn is about a girl named Catherine, who is sent to kill a hero that has questioned his faith. These stories involve a certain corruptness in human nature, and that, despite what we morality we may believe in, or what our brand of justice is, in the end there is nothing, if not for our own selves to be sacrificed to the shadows. It’s also remarkable to note that the book carries an almost aristocratically sagacious air to it, as if it really is trying to teach the reader something, although it can only speak in parables.
The way Hartley tells these hauntingly beautiful tales is incredibly stunning. The themes and details were meticulously well done, as were the characters. Because of this, I would give this book a rating of a 4.4 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to those who enjoy Stephen King and Anne Rice.
