Bad Seeds: Evil Progeny

by Steve Berman (Editor), Holly Black, Cassandra Clare

Children are supposed to be all sugar and spice and everything nice... but we know that's not the truth. Dark tales of wicked tykes and dangerous kids playing vicious games that lead adults - sometimes their own parents - to their demise are a staple of frightening fiction. Beware the schoolyards and playgrounds, even the sanctity of the familial home, especially after dark. And don't be fooled by a trickle of tears or tiny hands reaching for you. These youngsters do not want to love or comfort - only to inflict pain! Bad Seeds: Evil Progeny offers twenty-seven tales of terrifying offspring by both masters of the genre and imaginative newcomers.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Anthologies, Fiction

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 3, 2013

About the author

Some tidbits about me...

I turned down a scholarship to Miskatonic University because I heard of the high rate of incidents against the student population.

I briefly worked for Omni Consumer Products in their Marketing Department. Great benefits, nice cafeteria, sadly too prone to executive whim.

Last year I stayed at the noted Mauna Pele resort in Hawaii. The accommodations were impressive but my traveling companion disappeared soon after wanting to attend a pig roast.

I've slept with one minor porn star and with a guy who later became one.

And I happen to have written some fanfic that inspired the memorable holodeck scene in Star Trek: Hidden Frontiers episode "Vigil"

Reviews

[Jenny Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh Steve what could be leading to all this troubles

[Helena Sheibler · Rating 4 out of 5]

“My Name Is Leejun” by John Schoffstall kicks complete and total ass. Best and scariest short story I've read in a very long time.

[Jeanine · Rating 3 out of 5]

An anthology of horror stories with children as the main draw published in 2013. I found this book to be slightly disappointing. While there are stories by some big name authors, I was surprised to find several were old stories, for example, Children of the Corn by Stephen King which was first published in 1977, that I read before in other publications.

[Adrien Julious · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. Most of the stories were really good. Some of them were strange in a good way. It contains the Stephen King shirt story Children of The Corn.

[Ultimate World · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Book Review: *Bad Seeds: Evil Progeny* edited by Steve Berman**

In *Bad Seeds: Evil Progeny*, editor Steve Berman compiles a chilling anthology that subverts the notion of children as embodiments of innocence and sweetness. This collection of twenty-seven tales delves into the darker side of childhood, presenting stories where youngsters are far from innocent, and their actions lead to sinister and often deadly outcomes.

Berman brings together works from both seasoned masters of horror and fresh voices in the genre, creating a diverse and deeply unsettling compilation. The stories explore various settings, from schoolyards and playgrounds to the supposed sanctity of the familial home, highlighting that danger can lurk anywhere—even in places we consider safe.

The tales in this anthology play on the fear of the unexpected and the perverse, transforming the familiar image of a child into a source of terror. One story may present a seemingly innocent game that turns vicious, leading to tragic consequences. Another might explore the cunning cruelty of a child who manipulates those around them, resulting in their parents' ultimate demise. Each narrative is crafted to unsettle, keeping readers on edge as they navigate through the twists and turns of each plot.

One of the strengths of *Bad Seeds* is its ability to evoke a primal fear of the corrupted innocence. The authors deftly use the juxtaposition of childhood innocence and malevolence to amplify the horror. Tiny hands that reach out not for comfort but to inflict pain, tear-streaked faces hiding cruel intentions—these are the images that will haunt readers long after they’ve closed the book.

The anthology not only delivers spine-chilling horror but also explores deeper themes of trust, betrayal, and the darkness that can reside within anyone, regardless of age. It questions the assumed purity of children and challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature.

Each story in *Bad Seeds* is carefully selected to contribute to the overarching theme of evil progeny, yet they each bring a unique voice and perspective to the table. The mix of well-known authors and emerging talent ensures a variety of styles and approaches, keeping the anthology fresh and engaging from start to finish.

For fans of horror who enjoy tales that delve into the darker aspects of human nature, *Bad Seeds: Evil Progeny* is a must-read. The anthology masterfully combines psychological horror with supernatural elements, creating a rich tapestry of terrifying stories that are as thought-provoking as they are frightening. Berman's editorial skill in curating this collection is evident, making *Bad Seeds* a standout addition to the world of horror fiction.

Prepare to be unnerved and enthralled by the twisted tales of *Bad Seeds*, where the young are not to be trusted, and innocence is but a mask for something far more sinister.

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a mixed bag of stories for me; some stood out as being engaging and truly creepy ("My Name is Leejun," "Blue Rose," "Duck Hunt," "The Stuff That Goes On in Their Heads") but others barely made an impression.

[Chris Stephens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christine Morgan's story made it worth reading, a classic.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were a number of short stories in here that were awesome. But there were a number that I didn't understand. Which is unusual as I thought I was fairly intelligent and well-read. I liked that these stories all involved kids in some way. And they were truly evil kids so they fit the bill quite nicely. I will forever be a fan of the horror short story.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's always hard to rate and review short stories collections -- there's so much variation. Additionally, I don't have a good memory for short works; they don't tend to stay with me. So let's just say, setting aside Straub's story, which is complex at a level most of these don't even aspire to, I especially liked Hal Duncan's "the Disappearance of James H" and "The Perfect Dinner Party" by Cassandra Clare and Holly Black. Other favorites include "second Grade" (Charles Antin) and "The Stuff that Goes on in their Heads" (Michael Marshall Smith). With the low boredom threshold typical of our age, there were several that I skipped after the first few pages failed to engage me (including one by McCammon, who I just have never cared for).

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few of the stories were very good- Robert McCammon and Holly Black and Cassandra Clare's were stand outs, along with King's classic Children of the Corn. But a lot were not so great, some just confusing to anyone but the author, and a few were just boring. Very uneven collection of stories, but worth it for die hard fans of any of the authors.

[Miri Goldenberg]

DFN. After five stories I couldn't go on. Apart from the first story which was pretty good the other stories weren't so good. The end didn't feel like an and but somehow like the story was cut in the middle and some stories didn't make sense. Anyway this book wasn't for me and I couldn't finish it.

[patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good creepy stories in this anthology and so not so great. I finished this about a week ago and the only story that is fresh in my mind is Children of the Corn and I've read that a few times long ago.

[Deidre · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow, this was really crummy. I finished it a couple of days ago and can't recall a single story that I liked. Some I just skimmed. I didn't particularly think King's entry was all that great when I read it 20 or 30 years ago.

Very disappointing book.

[SpookyBoogie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay collection.