Strange Stones

by Edward Lee, Mary SanGiovanni

Cult authors Edward Lee and Mary San Giovanni’s novel follows an insufferable horror-con lurker as he spurns the wrong woman and is cursed to a monstrous dimension full of Lovecraftian creations.

Professor Everard, weird fiction scholar and proclaimed critic of H.P Lovecraft's works, is no stranger to making people mad. Giving convention presentations on the triteness and melodrama of Lovecraft's work pays the bills, though. Sometimes he even gets laid.

When he angers a beautiful but dangerous witch and devotee of Lovecraft's work, she casts a spell on him, sending him to a dimension where Lovecraft's works are very real – and very deadly. Everard must find a way through this alternate dimension to get home, before the worst of Lovecraft's horrors prove what a master of monstrosities he really was.

Edward lee’s humorous transgressive style meets Mary San Giovanni’s literary touch to carve out the Lovecraftian dimensions that is Strange Stones.

Genres: Horror, Lovecraftian, Fiction, Supernatural, Dark, Novella

140 pages, Paperback

First published January 21, 2025

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Edward Lee is an American novelist specializing in the field of horror, and has authored 40 books, more than half of which have been published by mass-market New York paperback companies such as Leisure/Dorchester, Berkley, and Zebra/Kensington. He is a Bram Stoker award nominee for his story "Mr. Torso," and his short stories have appeared in over a dozen mass-market anthologies, including THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES OF 2000, Pocket's HOT BLOOD series, and the award-wining 999. Several of his novels have sold translation rights to Germany, Greece, and Romania. He also publishes quite actively in the small-press/limited-edition hardcover market; many of his books in this category have become collector's items. While a number of Lee's projects have been optioned for film, only one has been made, HEADER, which was released on DVD to mixed reviews in June, 2009, by Synapse Films.

Lee is particularly known for over-the-top occult concepts and an accelerated treatment of erotic and/or morbid sexual imagery and visceral violence.

He was born on May 25, 1957 in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Bowie, Maryland. In the late-70s he served in the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division, in Erlangen, West Germany, then, for a short time, was a municipal police officer in Cottage City, Maryland. Lee also attended the University of Maryland as an English major but quit in his last semester to pursue his dream of being a horror novelist. For over 15 years, he worked as the night manager for a security company in Annapolis, Maryland, while writing in his spare time. In 1997, however, he became a full-time writer, first spending several years in Seattle and then moving to St. Pete Beach, Florida, where he currently resides.

Of note, the author cites as his strongest influence horror legend H. P. Lovecraft; in 2007, Lee embarked on what he calls his "Lovecraft kick" and wrote a spate of novels and novellas which tribute Lovecraft and his famous Cthulhu Mythos. Among these projects are THE INNSWICH HORROR, "Trolley No. 1852," HAUNTER OF THE THRESHOLD, GOING MONSTERING, "Pages Torn From A Travel Journal," and "You Are My Everything." Lee promises more Lovecraftian work on the horizon.

Reviews

[Alyson Walton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this.
What a wild ride this was! Professor Everard is a HP Lovecraft critic, touting his book at a convention when things take a turn for the worse, leaving him in Lovecrafts universe with very little to guide him. This is a short, very descriptive novel with an amazing ending! Not for your HSP's but great!

[Matty · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not that familiar with the work of Lovecraft so it was hard to get into this story. I’ll come back to it after reading some Lovecraft.

[Yvonne (the putrid Shelf) · Rating 3 out of 5]

My thoughts are the same as the main protagonist, Dr Robert Everard. I also don't have much time for Lovecraft as a founding member of horror. His racist views take away from anything he achieved in his career. Also don't come for me if you have the view of you can seperate the art from the artist-when it comes to racism-no, no you fucking can't.
This was my first Edward Lee book and I enjoyed it. His writing style is engaging and witty and found myself having a really good time with it.
Robert Everard is an academic and professor attending a horror fan convention and is promoting his book that is very anti-Lovecraft and he comes up against some quite staunch supporters of his work. It is there that he meets an attractive witchy woman that turns his life upside down, literally. She proves that Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos is very much real and not the fiction that everyone has come to believe.

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short novel by two legends, Ed Lee and Mary SanGiovanni, reads like they put Lovecraft's Mythos in the blender with Alice in Wonderland, to produce a grotesque, cheerful, but not very bright baby, hungry for intrafictional puns, cerebral comedy and slippery weird horror!

Predictably, there are tentacles, Soggoths, Old Gods and eldritch monstrosities, but they're all being served side by side with a horror lit professor's humorous, sexist, dirty thoughts, the recondite shenanigans of an often horny scholar, who finally finds his match when he DARES to publish a book criticizing Lovecraft's fine oeuvre. So this may be read as a revenge story of sorts; or a mythopoetic spoof of high culture; or a what if-type of story (ie. "what if Lovecraft was right?").

No matter which way you pick to digest this thinly veiled horror satire, the book delivers an energetic romp through Lovecraft's work (I was strongly tempted to write "Lovecraft's Country"), frolicking boisterously and intimately both with the master's work and that of his spiritual descendants.

Get ready for some brainy Lovecraftian fun!

[Irene Well Worth A Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

A scholar of weird fiction gives a talk on his new book about the works of Lovecraft. Not in honor of his writing but to denigrate it. This offends most people in attendance, and ruins his hopes for any sort of sex-capades with attendees, but one in particular has the power to make him regret his words.

Strange Stones presents us with the smarmy and unlikable character, Professor Everard. Normally, I would say that I can't enjoy a story if I don't like at least one character. This is the book that proved the exception to that rule. I did enjoy thinking to myself that the professor deserved what he got.

When he angers a witch, he finds himself in a Lovecraftian multiverse from which he may never escape.

I have not read a whole lot of Lovecraft so I was not familiar with all of the references. Still, I enjoyed this humorous and raunchy visit through the Mythos.

My thanks to CLASH Books.

[Scott Neumann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun and engaging Lovecraftian pastiche written by two people who are truly devotees of Lovecraft and his work, as fan of both authors and not a big fan of Lovecraft myself (not unlike the protagonist of the book) I was thankful it didn't read like a Lovecraft novel. The story begins with a professor of literature, Robert Everard, who has written several successful nonfiction books exploring the works and authors of horror genre and their influence upon it, which has made him very popular among the horror community and its fandom. His newest work however is a critique of his life and work, which has made him a pariah among the horror community. One devotee of Lovecraft then runs afoul of a fan who happens to be a witch who then casts a spell upon him which transports him to 1870s Providence, and he begins to realize that Lovecraft wasn't a hack but was writing about what was actually happening and finds himself getting caught up in the story (like 'In the Mouth of Madness').

A fast paced and highly enjoyable story in the vein of Lovecraft but without the Lovecraft style (which I personally can't stand) it also addresses the controversies surrounding the author and the debate of art over the artist without drowning you in it.

4 stars, should you read it, yes. For fans of both Lovecraft and Lee and Sangiovanni.

[Becky Spratford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review in the November 1, 2024 issue of Booklist and on the blog here: https://raforall.blogspot.com/2024/11...

Three Words That Describe This Book: retelling, Cosmic Horror, satire

From draft review:

Presenting a modern retelling of Lovecraft, stripped of the original’s archaic language, with full acknowledgement of Lovecraft’s horrific world view, Lee (a critically acclaimed author of Extreme Horror) and SanGiovanni (an award winning novelist and Lovecraft scholar) have created an immersive, visceral, and existentially terrifying tale, injected with just the right amount of satire, a story that showcases what is enduring about Lovecraft’s work, inviting new readers in the process, much like in I am Providence by Mamatas, The Ballad of Black Tome by LaValle, and Sister, Maiden, Monster by Snyder.

[Horror Bookworm Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Horror Bookworm Recommendation
Strange Stones by Edward Lee & Mary SanGiovanni
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/

Professor Robert Everard, a noted academician and author, is attending a discussion panel at a horror convention. He is there to discuss his new book, Over-Rated: The Life and Work of H.P. Lovecraft. Not exactly the best setting to push an anti-Lovecraft book. There, he meets an exotic ‘witchy’ woman that proves to Everard the Cthulhu Mythos is very real indeed. Subsequently, he finds himself on another plane of existence where Lovecraft’s imagination is now reality.

Authors Edward Lee and Mary SanGiovanni tap into the Otherworld where cobblestone streets, twisted architectural churches and the Old Gods exist. Strange Stones wraps its tentacular arms around the reader as Lovecraftian genetic horrors are exposed. Lee and SanGiovanni cleverly incorporate locations such as Innsmouth, Dunwich and the Miskatonic River into a para-dimension full of nightmarish monstrosities and madness. These two authors deliver their abhorrent insanity with unique multi-faceted twists and turns.

If you are a Lovecraft fan, this novel is gonna knock your Necronomicon socks off. If you are not a fan, Lee and SanGiovanni still have you covered with scenarios of netherscape occults and unbound evils. This unholy communion of Lee’s and SanGiovanni’s written word is some major cosmic darkness. These two authors blend together as well as two multi-faceted polyhedrons used for math-based witchcraftian incantations. (that’s Lovecraftian for ‘two peas in a pod’)

The human mind is not sophisticated nor equipped to comprehend Lovecraft’s horrific works of fiction. Beware, some say madness is the result. Will you, the fellow reader, take the challenge and visit those dark in-between terra-scapes of cosmic horror? If so, Strange Stones await you. A five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation.

[Curtis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Sexually Harassed A Witch And Got Isekaiid To Innsmouth: the Lovecraft anime, complete with tentacle porn fanservice. This was my first time actually finishing an Ed Lee novel, I bailed on the last one during a scene where some dude raped a colostomy bag.

[Dan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this didn't do much for me.

I was really looking forward to the Lee/SanGiovanni combo, and the promise of a Lovecraft pastiche/homage seemed like a perfect fit for the two, but the end result was a mishmash that played up all of the things that I've grown weary of from Lee & Lovecraft.

I'm a huge Lovecraft fan, but I can call a spade a spade and say that I find some of his work unreadable. The stories that get too deep in the weeds with dreams and faraway lands just make my eyes glaze over. Similarly, when he gets too descriptive about strange geometry, unnatural angles, weird architecture...I'm out. And on the Lee side, I feel like I've outgrown his often childish sexual perversions and innuendo. And this book is almost ALL of that stuff combined and multiplied.

The basic storyline is clever and fun: A Lovecraft-hating critic finds himself perving on the wrong goth girl, and is sent reeling through a greatest-hits of Lovecraft's stories and settings as punishment.

The book starts strong, but eventually bogged down into lengthy descriptive passages of mystical rocks, cosmic visions, rooms with weird angles....by the end, I was past ready for it to just stop.

I wanted to like this book, I really did. It just didn't click with me.

[Balthazarinblue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Professor Everard is a mediocre academic but a breakout star on the convention scene. His books lauding little known horror authors get him speaking engagements and more importantly: groupies. No more trawling bars for fresh ass when the horror girlies are all throwing themselves at him. The gravy train is derailed when Everard writes a book exposing Lovecraft as an overhyped hack. Then, he can't even fill out a Q&A session, let alone attract his usual bedfellows. One chick sticks around, though. Maybe he should have taken her seriously when she said she was a witch, but Everard was too busy staring at her tits...

This novella is a parody romp through Lovecraft's mythos, one part poking fun at sexed up con attendees, and one part the vicious comeuppance of a misogynistic lech. I think if you were a Lovecraft superfan you might enjoy this more than I did. Or if your sense of humour aligns more with the authors'. I enjoyed the first half but I was getting bored well before we got to Dunwich.

[Just Another Final Girl Review (Brittany) Levely-Connolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

“If you tell a lie big enough and enough times, people will believe it. That’s what you said. And you were right… about that. About Lovecraft, you were wrong. He had the power to tap into the Otherworld, to take what is a truth there and a lie here and make it truth everywhere… the Old Gods gave him that power. He has paved the way to make lies truth.”

Homage to Lovecraft in a a very good wizard of oz style adventure for out protagonist, although instead of a teenage girl just trying to get home, we have a middle aged male literary professor. Instead of ruby slippers and a path down the Yellow Brick Road to the magical city of Oz, Edward Lee takes the reader on a labyrinthine journey, story by story, venturing through various hellish Lovecraftian settings in desperate attempts to locate gemstones with the potential to drive you mad and the chance to traverse across the multiverses and jump into alternate Lovecraftian universes in an attempt to escape back to reality.

[ChanaReadsHorror · Rating 3 out of 5]

The thing I loved about this book is the one thing the lead cant stand is Lovecraft and he is forced to enter and survie that world. I feel the book was great fan service to Lovecraft and if you are new to him or a fan, you will enjoy this one.

[Angela]

This was the first horror book that I copy-edited. Despite owning a stunning leatherbound copy of his works, I've never read anything by H.P. Lovecraft. I need to rectify that so that when this hits the shelves, I can reread it and have a new understanding and appreciation for all the references.

[Adamsfall · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a bizarre and incredible little book

[🐴 🍖]

squidward in the fly of despair

[The Blog Without a Face · Rating 2 out of 5]

When you see Edward Lee and Mary SanGiovanni’s names on a horror novella like Strange Stones, you expect a wicked brew, mixing Lee’s gritty, in-your-face shocks and SanGiovanni’s eerie, cosmic chills. These are authors with serious street cred in the horror world, each with a loyal following built on years of crafting nightmares. Lee’s known for his wild, over-the-top tales that lean into the grotesque, while SanGiovanni has a knack for making you feel like the universe is giving you the cold shoulder. Together, they should’ve cooked up something unforgettable. But Strange Stones feels more like a cautious collaboration, a duet where the singers are hitting different keys. It’s not a bad read, but it doesn’t quite reach the sum of its parts.

Edward Lee’s been a horror legend since the 1980s, known for his bold, boundary-pushing style. Books like The Bighead and Header are raw, unfiltered, and packed with dark humor, earning him a cult following among fans of extreme horror. His stories often mix visceral shocks with a surprising dose of heart, like a punk rock band playing a ballad in a slaughterhouse. Lee’s not afraid to get messy, and his readers love him for it.

Mary SanGiovanni, meanwhile, is a master of cosmic and psychological horror. Her Kathy Ryan series, or books like The Hollower and Found You, blends human fears with otherworldly threats, creating a sense of dread that lingers like fog. Her writing’s introspective and atmospheric, often exploring how small, fragile humans stack up against vast, unknowable forces. She’s been a rising star in horror since the 2000s, earning praise for her unique voice.

Both authors have tackled collaborations before, Lee with writers like John Pelan, SanGiovanni with Brian Keene, and their solo work sets a high bar. Strange Stones is a chance for them to blend Lee’s gritty energy with SanGiovanni’s haunting depth. While the result doesn’t always click, you can feel their passion for horror in every page, a testament to their indie spirit.

Strange Stones plops you in a rundown Maryland town that feels like it’s been forgotten by time. Our main character, Michael, is a journalist who’s seen better days, haunted by the trauma of covering a school shooting. He rolls into this backwater chasing rumors of “devil stones”, strange rocks tied to missing people, odd behavior, and whispers of folks turning to stone. It’s a setup that screams Southern Gothic mystery with a dash of otherworldly weirdness, like a lovechild of True Detective and The Twilight Zone.

Michael’s not here for glory; he’s just trying to outrun his own demons. The town’s got a tense, suspicious vibe, with locals acting like they’re hiding something big. The stones themselves? They’re more than just creepy, they hint at something ancient and uncaring, maybe even cosmic. It’s a solid foundation for a horror story, with all the ingredients for a gripping tale of guilt, paranoia, and the unknown. But while it starts strong, the story doesn’t always keep the momentum going.

At its heart, Strange Stones is about heavy stuff like grief, guilt, and the way past traumas can weigh you down. Michael’s a classic horror hero, battered and brooding, carrying his regrets like a heavy coat. The devil stones, which can freeze people in time, work as a metaphor for being stuck in your own pain, unable to move forward. There’s also a subtle cosmic angle, with hints that the stones are tied to something bigger, maybe even beyond human understanding.

SanGiovanni’s touch shines in the story’s philosophical moments, where it grapples with human insignificance in a vast universe. It’s the kind of theme she nails in her own books, and it gives Strange Stones some emotional weight. Lee brings a grounded, tactile edge, with a few unsettling scenes that get under your skin, like a character’s eerie transformation that’s pure nightmare fuel. But the themes don’t always dig as deep as they could, and the story sometimes feels like it’s holding back, unsure whether to go full-on cosmic or stay rooted in human drama.

The writing in Strange Stones shows off both authors’ strengths, but it doesn’t always mesh. Lee’s style is direct and punchy, like a horror movie that doesn’t shy away from the gore. SanGiovanni’s prose is slower, more reflective, painting moody pictures of dread. When they’re on their own, both are great, but together, it can feel like switching channels mid-scene. One chapter’s all about existential musings, the next dives into the nitty-gritty of what these stones are doing to people.

The pacing’s a bit uneven too. There are stretches where the story leans hard into exposition, with characters explaining the stones’ history or sharing local legends. It’s not dull, but it can feel like a lecture instead of a story. The dialogue sometimes sounds more like a script for a spooky podcast than real people talking, though it’s got a certain charm. Indie horror often takes risks like this, and while it doesn’t always land, you’ve got to admire the ambition.

The novella’s early scenes are where it grabs you. The image of petrified bodies scattered around town like eerie sculptures is straight-up chilling. The setting, a decaying, suspicious community, feels alive and oppressive. It’s got that folk-horror vibe, like The Wicker Man with a Southern twist, and it’s easy to get sucked into the mystery.

Michael’s personal struggles add depth, making you root for him even as he spirals. The sense of decay, both in his mind and the town, is hauntingly done. While it’s not a jump-scare kind of scary, it’s got an unsettling atmosphere that sticks with you, especially if you’re into slower, moodier horror. The book excels at creating unique vibes, and Strange Stones delivers on that front.

The climax tries to tie things together with a big reveal, but it’s a bit vague, leaving some questions unanswered. It’s not a dealbreaker, though, sometimes a little mystery is part of the charm in horror.

Collaborations like this are frequently a labor of love, often written between day jobs and family life, and that passion shows even when the execution’s a bit rough. Their past work sets a high standard and I think it’s because of that precedence that makes the disappointment with this novella hurt a little more than usual. Regardless, indie horror thrives on taking chances, and this novella’s no exception.

Strange Stones isn’t a home run, but it’s not a strikeout either. It’s got a killer setup, some genuinely spooky moments, and the heart of two authors who clearly love what they do. The uneven pacing and clashing styles keep it from reaching its full potential, but there’s still plenty to enjoy, especially for fans of atmospheric horror.

This isn’t Lee at his most unhinged or SanGiovanni at her most profound, but it’s a solid effort that shows their indie spirit. It’s like a quirky roadside diner, maybe the food’s not Michelin-star, but it’s got character and leaves you satisfied. If you’re into small-town mysteries with a weird twist, give it a shot. Just don’t expect a masterpiece.

TL;DR: Strange Stones is a horror novella that swings big but doesn’t always connect. It’s creepy and atmospheric, with a cool premise, but the pacing and mixed styles hold it back. Worth a read for indie horror fans who dig Southern Gothic vibes and don’t mind a few bumps. Skip it if you’re looking for Lee’s wildest gore or SanGiovanni’s deepest dread—this one’s more of a quiet haunt than a full-on scarefest.

Recommended for: Fans of indie horror, Southern Gothic tales, and atmospheric mysteries who enjoy a slower burn and don’t mind a bit of unevenness.

Not recommended for: Readers expecting Lee’s full-throttle gorefests or SanGiovanni’s mind-bending cosmic horror. This one keeps things more restrained.

[Cat Treadwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

You think you know Lovecraft? You know nothing compared to Professor Everard, professional cynic and lone decrier of the classic author in a world that just can’t stop revering him! Honestly, why are people obsessed with that racist hack and his ridiculous Old Ones? Let him try to convince you…

So our lead character is a jerk, right out of the gate. Determined that he is right and everyone else is wrong, this pseudo-academic is thrilled when a beautiful woman approaches him at a convention to discuss his unusual ideas (ie that HPL is rubbish).

Given that he runs on ego, Everard doesn’t see the warning signs and is quickly pulled into another world - one where he rapidly discovers just how very wrong he is.

This is an absolute delight of a novella. Our Hero is a thoroughly dislikeable asshole in the best tradition of Edward Lee, and it’s hilarious to see him meet the literal subjects of his ire face-to-tentacle. Mary SanGiovanni’s gorgeous writing balances his roughness perfectly, and this Dance of Ironic Punishment is a joy to watch.

I’ve loved the work of both authors in the past and this is the absolute peak of their skills coming together with bloody nastiness and cunning wit. A ‘Tales from the Crypt’-style protagonist gets what’s coming to him, and while I was a bit sympathetic (hey, I’m not a monster!), if it’s time for just desserts, this is 100% the way I’d do it.

I sped through this story in a couple of hours and the tone has stayed in the back of my mind ever since. I do hope this team write more in future - meantime, if you love to play in the Lovecraft universe, definitely pick this up.

I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.

[eiei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strange Stones was a wild ride, to say the least. If you're into extreme horror with no boundaries, this one's for you. Lee's prose is graphic and unrelenting, plunging you headfirst into a nightmarish world of depravity and violence. There were moments that genuinely made my skin crawl - in a good way.

The plot is twisted and unpredictable, keeping you on edge from start to finish. The characters, while not exactly likable, are certainly memorable.

However, be warned, this book is not for the faint of heart. It's brutal, disturbing, and often disgusting. There were times when even I, a seasoned horror fan, had to take a break. Some of the scenes are so extreme that they might be gratuitous for some readers.

Overall, Strange Stones is a masterclass in extreme horror. It's a visceral, shocking, and unforgettable experience. If you're looking for something safe and comfortable, look elsewhere. But if you're ready to be pushed to your limits, this book will deliver.

[Danny Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edward Lee is one of my favorite authors. More often than not, I adore his stories of disturbing hilarity and imaginative darkness. Not all of his stories are bangers, but you're bound to find something you like from him. Mary Sangiovanni is an author I read much from, but I have previously read a short story from her. I've been excited about this collaborative novella ever since its announcement, and now it's finally here!

Professor Everard is a weird fiction scholar and Lovecraft's most toxic critic. Lovecraft wasn't a decent person by any means, but the man's hatred towards the man's work and what he did for the horror genre is not only disrespectful but ignorant and cruel. At a convention he comes across a witch who just so turns out to be a Lovecraft fan and she's had enough of the Professor's disrespect and intends to teach him a lesson. Professor Everard is about to find out firsthand that Lovecraft's stories are well and truly some of the most terrifying fiction ever written.

Edward Lee and Mary Sangiovvani have written a brilliant and unsettling novella that is a wonderful love letter to the works of H. P. Lovecraft. The idea of a toxic and misogynistic protagonist being forced to live in the stories of some Lovecraft's best stories is a brilliant idea and they pull it off really well. There's some really gruesome and disturbing imagery in this and a touch of black comedy. It's an imaginative novella that combines a few of Lovecrafts stories into a really clever and engaging narrative.

Overall: It's a brilliant novella with some terrific ideas and horrifying imagery. 10/10

[Rogomelec · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, Strange Stones had me in the first half, not gonna lie. I was so here for the early jabs at Lovecraft’s racism and the spotlight on underappreciated weird lit legends like Algernon Blackwood, Arthur Machen, and J. Sheridan Le Fanu. Finally, someone said it! And Everard—the main character? Total chaotic academic disaster. Loved watching him spiral through the unknowable void.

But then… the vibes got too weird for me. Once the story dove headfirst into endlessly elaborate alternate dimensions with warped geometry and impossible landscapes, I found myself tuning out. Like, I get it—non-Euclidean horror is kind of the point—but when I can’t even form a mental image of what’s happening, it just becomes noise. Totally personal preference there, not a flaw of the book.

What really lost me, though, was how easy the stakes unraveled. There are human-devouring cosmic entities having nightmare orgies and somehow all Everard has to do is squint at a polyhedron and boom—yeeted to safety?? Come on. By the time we reached the world-ending conclusion, it just didn’t feel like it landed. Big ideas, but without the grounded tension to sell it emotionally.

All that said—if you love your horror cosmic, sticky, and completely unhinged, this might be your jam. Just not mine.

[Adam Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a great twist on the Lovecraft lore, taking a female rage perspective with a twist of Twilight Zone style lesson learning. The main character is extremely unlikeable and that might be a problem for a longer novel but for this novella it is perfect because the reader gets a bit of a thrill with each new torment Everard is subjected to in Lovecraft’s world.

I loved how things just kept getting worse and the horrors and monsters bigger and more cosmic and Old God, leading up to a crazy finale. Quick read, lots of fun, definite recommendation

Arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

[Holly Taggart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley and Clash Books for the advance reader copy of this interesting Novella.
This is a tale of "things can always get worse" for our main character, an unlikeable man who has built a career on hating on HP Lovecraft. I myself have issues with Lovecraft, but- they are definitely different issues.
Our Main man accepts a treat from a modern witch he's hoping to "entertain" later, and finds himself transported almost directly to the Lovecraft mansion of horror. From there, he continues to encounter increasing monstrous encounters.
I did enjoy this book, and its available for pre-order from Clash books now!

[Alicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this.

I initially found this book quite difficult to get into as the main character was quite unlikeable. However, as the story progressed and his character developed you find yourself rooting for him, before being quickly reminded of why you didn’t like him towards the end.

I also don’t think I did this book justice due to my lack of knowledge around H.P. Lovecraft’s work. I think if you’re a huge fan of him, then you’ll be a huge fan of this.

[Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to both authors, the publisher and NetGalley for providing an eARC to read for review. My take on whether a work of fiction is successful is if I'm pulled into the story quickly and I finish the reading in days if not hours. Both authors seamlessly weaved the story so I had no idea who wrote what. A very Twilight Zone-like storyline but that's ok, I love the Twilight Zone. It actually reminded me of the bigot storyline (Vic Morrow) in The Twilight Zone Movie in the 80s but with familiar Lovecraft storylines. Highly recommended novella.

[Cris Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love H P Lovecraft, you need to read this book.
If you love Mary SanGiovanni's cosmic horror, you need to read this book.
If you love Edward Lee's gory, sexy horror, you need to read this book.
Otherwise, you need to read this book.

A Lovecraft naysayer is cursed by a witch and sent into the worlds of H P Lovecraft. He has to try to find a way home by finding a series of strange stones. He visits several popular destinations in a Lovecraft Mythos tour, and sees things that are only hinted at in Lovecraft's work.

[Gail Jackson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I looked forward to reading this book after reading a review online. Sadly, it did not live up to the hype. The overall story was ok, but nothing too exciting. Two things really spoiled it for me. First, the editing was atrocious. There were multiple instances of extra or missing words and grammatical errors. Second, not every reader of this type of book is male or young. I would like to hope every man doesn't think about women the way the main character of this book does. Totally unlikeable character; so, who cares what happens to him?

[Ben Arzate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably would have enjoyed this more if I was a hardcore HP Lovecraft fan. As it is, it's an entertaining tribute.

Edward Lee tends to be hit or miss for me. I usually enjoy his more mainstream works than his extreme, underground ones. This one leans towards the latter, but the grounding in the Lovecraft Mythos and (I assume) having Mary SanGiovanni as a co-writer reigns in his worst excesses.

To nitpick, I was really annoyed by one sentence that mentions the Mandela Effect when it clearly meant to say the Butterfly Effect.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cover of Strange Stones promised something strange and literary, maybe even a bit absurdist—but what I got felt more like Lovecraft fanfiction. The concept had so much potential, but the execution really fell flat for me. The protagonist wasn’t just unlikeable—he was disgusting—and I found myself not rooting for him at all. Despite the short length, I was bored and just wanted it to be over. It’s frustrating when such a cool idea doesn’t live up to its own premise.

[Chris Amies · Rating 4 out of 5]

A shaggy Shoggoth story taking us through various Lovecraftian hells with the usual Lee writer protagonist. I liked the characters (I mean, they're complete ****s both of them but I liked reading them). Definitely doesn't take place in our world where HPL is pretty much persona non grata mainly for his racial views. A nice quick read.