Pretty Girls Make Graves: A Feminine Rage Horror Anthology

by River Gardner, Kirsten Noelle Craig, Chloe Spencer

Feminine rage.
Feminine power.
Feminine revenge.

Dive into a world where women create their own justice, reclaim their own power, and get to enact their deepest, most disturbing desires against those who have wronged them.

In this anthology, women always get what they seek.

Genres: Horror, Anthologies

362 pages, Paperback

Published March 28, 2025

About the author

River Gardner (she/they) is an author from Central Alabama. She lives with her two children and husband, along with an army of cats. In her spare time, she likes to draw, read, and play video games.
She enjoys writing dark romance, horror romance, and horror. Her debut novella, Good-Bye, Valentine came out in February of 2024, and she’s since published two other novellas and two anthologies.
You can find her on Instagram to keep up to date on upcoming works!

Reviews

[Sidney · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, round of applause just for this cover 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 & a second round of applause for this anthology because this was by far one of the best anthologies I have picked up. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

feminine rage is one of my favorite tropes within the horror genre so I had high hopes going into this but literally almost every story in this collection was a banger. this is a must read for anyone who likes feminine rage or revenge!

(It's also on ku so like, you have no excuse not to read it if this is your kind of vibe)

my personal favorites
- revenge served sunnyside up 5/5✨
- agent of wrath 5/5✨
- eye of the auteur 5✨
- doll 5/5 ✨
- night's embrace 4/5✨

TW; rape, domestic abuse, gore, body horror, sex with a magical plant???

4.25/5✨

[Kate Victoria RescueandReading · Rating 3 out of 5]

An eye catching cover (by River Gardner), bevy of well crafted tales, and a theme of feminine rage make this anthology a must- read.

Going in, I was expecting to see some potentially repetitive entries, but was pleasantly surprised and wrong in my judgement. These authors have created intriguing, imaginative, visceral, and sometimes otherworldly stories.
I will say that a few of them ended somewhat abruptly with no real resolution- it would’ve been nice to have actual closure in all the stories, especially considering the subject matter.

This is horror, so you’ll see blood, vengeance, and sometimes it will be graphic- but always deserved and justified. You’ll encounter abusers, predators, bears, insects, vampires, deities, sentient plants, vigilantes, dolls, and so much more.

A few stand out tales for me were:

Agent of Wrath (Claire Olivia Golden) hits it out of the park when her main character takes matters into her own hands with the local predatory priest. This was so impactful and really showed how abuse can ripple outwards.

The Strange Orchid (S. E. Ransdell) was captivating. Following a woman as she journeys on a bloody path to complete a generational ritual. I found the imagery and prose totally enthralling and felt like I was a bystander to unfolding events instead of just a reader.

“Pretty Girls Make Graves” is definitely one to keep an eye on, grab it for your bookshelves when you can.

[Shrike · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty Girls Make Graves is an eclectic  anthology united by feminine rage. The stories vary widely, with subjects ranging from classic revenge horror to costumed heroes. A couple pieces stood out to me as fantastic takes on feminine rage. The opening story tests the limits of righteous revenge. A later tale sees a literal sex object seek justice for wronged girls. There are some really cool concepts in this anthology!

While I enjoy seeing how different authors approach the same theme, I felt that some stories were so different they affected the anthology's cohesion. For instance, the last story is a novelette complete with foreword, content warnings, prologue, and chapters. I stopped reading to check that I hadn't accidentally scrolled back to the beginning.

I would also have liked more repeated motifs and stronger ties between stories. When I pick up an anthology, I hope to see diverse stories that are woven into a unified tapestry. I didn't quite get that feeling with Pretty Girls.

I didn't love this collection as much as I hoped to. I'm interested to see what others folks have to say. So far, it seems like a hit! Maybe this one just wasn't for me, and that's okay.

I'm grateful for the chance to check this book out for free. I'm glad to see that it's resonating with other folks. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.

[Amber Hathaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty Girls Make Graves: A Feminine Rage Horror Anthology is a perfect read for this moment. While I read most of these stories before the election, and they invoked an emotional response, I feel like the election aftermath has only amplified their impact.

Tonally, it's similar to Grizzly: A Charity Anthology, and the two anthologies cover similar themes, as many of the stories in this collection also grapple with misogyny and women's exploitation. I think there's a good chance that if you appreciate Grizzly, you'll also find value in this anthology. And despite the similarities, the stories in Pretty Girls Make Graves still feel new and fresh. You'll find everything from abusive pastors getting their comeuppance to animate dolls seeking justice, ancient rituals to cyber revenge, and so much more.

There were a number of real standouts in this anthology, so I don't think I can pick favorites. However, I would like to give a shout out to Claire Olivia Golden for "Agent of Wrath." That ending hit me hard. There also were some stories that I don't know that I fully understood or weren't really my style, but I'm sure that they will be ideal reads for others.

If you're looking for an outlet for your post-election emotions or are a fan of feminine rage horror, definitely check this one out! And the proceeds benefit Take Back the Night, so you get to read great stories and support a great cause!

[Paige Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first heard about this anthology, I knew that I had to read it! Just look at how beautiful that cover is. Feminine Rage Horror?! Sign me tf up. This antho was absolutely amazing. So many satisfying stories and each one was unique and different in its own way.

Individual stories below

Agent of Wrath by Claire Olivia Golden
What a great start to this anthology! This story fucking broke me. Rebecca is out trick or treating with her older brother Ryan and when they get to the local priests house this is where things take a very dark turn and TWIST👀

Night’s Embrace by Valarie Miller
I love a good vampire story and this one was wonderful! Sabine is determined to get vengeance.

Snapped by Nadine Stewart
YES!!!!🙌 This story really delivered. Go Tanya! This story will have you thinking twice before dogging into the casserole at the next superbowl party😬

The Strange Orchid by S.E. Ransdell
Wow. This was quite the bloody and smutty adventure! 🩸😮‍💨😉

The One by Greta T. Bates
This was really interesting. A resort with a shaman that helps you find your power animal.

The Wood of Bug-Eyed Maud by Astrid Addams
So many BUGS🫣🐛🦟🪲🪳🕷️

The Bear Chooses You by Kirsten Craig
This story was INSANE. A woman escapes her ex but he finds out where she is hiking at and stalks her until she talks to him. Mother Nature really looked out for this woman…

Eye of the Auteur by Chloe Spencer
This story pissed me off so much but in the end I was satisfied. This is hands down one of the best revenge short stories that I’ve read. 🙌

Deepfake by Kassidy Vangundy
A pop star is being ridiculed on the internet and is desperate to make it stop. When she finds a woman who can help her, everything changes and works in the pop stars favor.

Phantom of the Airwaves by Jude Deluca
This was an interesting take on “villains and super heroes.” I enjoyed it!

Doll by Heather M. Chuon
This doll meets its maker…

Paradise by KA Schultz
I hope I never end up here. What a nightmare!
Guilt eventually eats away at everyone after awhile…

Coronet by KA Schultz
Beautiful and sad.

The Feminine Urge To by Jenny Lewis
After a suicide takes its toll on the family affected by the tragic death things start to unfold quickly and turn dark.

Til Death by River Gardner
Chrissy gets the ultimate revenge when her abusive husband starts selling her body. Loved this one!!

Revenge Served Sunnyside Up by Sage Mitchell
This was such a therapeutic read for me! I related to so much of this. I had a terrible past relationship that made me feel the lowest of low, trapped and this story really delivered.

[Stefanie Silvestri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This frightening collection of stories about women's anger was impossible to put down. I enjoyed that all the stories supported women's empowerment, each with its own special twist. The collection offers content catering to all lovers of the horror genre. This anthology contains graphic content, including violence, bloodshed, and retribution. You will come across abusers, predators, vampires, dolls, insects, and more that deserve what they get.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the editor for providing a review copy.

All I have to hear is "feminine rage" and I'm all the way in. Like any anthology, it's a mixed bag. I didn't care for two of the stories, but there are some very impressive offerings included. If you like stories in which you can nod and say good for her, this is the one. 3.5 stars

Agent of Wrath by Claire Olivia Golden ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Night's Embrace by Valarie Miller ⭐⭐⭐
Snapped by Nadine Stewart ⭐⭐⭐
The Strange Orchid by S.E. Ransdell ⭐⭐
The One by Greta T. Bates ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
The Wood of Bug-Eyed Maud by Astrid Addams ⭐⭐⭐
The Bear Chooses You by Kirsten Craig ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Eye of the Auteur by Chloe Spencer ⭐⭐⭐.25
Deepfake by Kassidy VanGundy ⭐⭐⭐.75
Phantom of the Airwaves by Jude Deluca ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Doll by Heather M. Chuon ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Paradise by KA Schultz ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Coronet by KA Schultz ⭐⭐
The Feminine Urge To be Jenny Lewis ⭐⭐⭐.5
Til Death by River Gardner ⭐⭐⭐
Revenge Served Sunnyside Up by Sage Mitchell ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

[Horror Haus Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s not often I pick up an anthology on my own but I love so many of these authors that I felt I absolutely had to give this one a shot. I was not disappointed. I enjoyed so many of these stories. I mean, you can never really go wrong with feminine rage and women empowerment. I also will like each story was very much its own and there’s definitely something for every horror lover here. Especially if you like gore and body horror.

[Char · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC review*

If you want feminine rage then this is the place to read it. No matter what type of horror genre you enjoy this anthology has something for you. Body horror, fantasy, serial killer... a little bit of everything in so many unique stories.

[✿ Deanna Lea ✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this amazing 👏

Each story was fun , gory and written so perfectly

Each author truly but a unique twist to femine rage !!

Aboutsley devoured this book ....

[Chloe Whittle · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS INCREDIBLE ! ITS ALL FEMININE RAGE YOU COULD WANT.
FOR ME THIS BOOK WAS HEALING AND I DEFINITELY NEEDED IT IN MY LIFE AND I HAVE A FEELING IT WILL BECOME A COMFORT BOOK WHEN I NEED A BOOST. ALL THE STORIES IN THIS BOOK WHERE SO WELL DONE AND WORKED WELL TOGETHER. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE.
YOU CAN READ THEM BACK TO BACK OR JUST READ THE ONES YOU WANT BUT ID DEFIANTLY RECOMMEND ALL OF THEM

[Allyssa Gaines · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me at “feminine rage.”

Female rage is one of my favorite horror tropes. There is just something so satisfying about a woman getting revenge for a wrongdoing done to her (usually by a man). These stories all feature badass women who don’t take shit from anyone and take back their power. I cannot recommend this book enough: READ IT!!!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Women always get what they seek.”

I have really come to love reading anthologies and this one is by far my favorite. I enjoyed every story included and really enjoyed each author’s individual take on feminine rage. Be warned this is a HORROR anthology so there is a lot to look for before you choose to pick this one up but you will not regret it if you do!

[Tiff · Rating 3 out of 5]

The antholgy’s premise of feminine rage had me hooked! What I specifically enjoyed was the different interpretations from the authors. No two stories were the same - sometimes similar, but not in a way that felt repetitive. In fact there were a few stories that were very unexpected! A delectable way to dip your toes into multiple authors.

My favourite would have to be the first story, Agent of Wrath. It draws you in fast and is very appropriately set on Halloween. The Strange Orchid deserves a special mention too!

Short stories can be very hit and miss, but in this collection you keep being drawn in and feel so much for the characters that it's bittersweet to leave them.

My only suggestion for a volume 2 would be to have a wider representation of feminine characters.

Make sure to check the trigger warnings and take your time reading - while each story has a very satisfying ending, they do deal with issues that women/those who present as women experience.

[N.J. Gallegos · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a fan of good-for-her horror, this one's for you!
This is a collection of stories spanning the gamut of women suffering abuse at the hands of men which unfortunately, is far too prevalent in our patriarchal society. Stories include a literal sex robot rising up against her/their creator, heaping helpings of revenge porn, and at the end of the collection, a novelette (DON'T WORRY, THE DOG IS OKAY).

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the epitome of supporting women’s wrongs and I loved it!! Normally short story collections don’t really work for me, but a collection of horror stories with feminine rage as the theme…sign me up. Right from the first story I was hooked. Many of these had pretty unique premises as well and most were fairly well written. Overall I enjoyed this a lot and will be seeking out future work by these authors.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So thankful I got the chance to read this ARC! This collection of feminine rage horror is well crafted and curated, and I devoured it so quickly. Strongly recommend!

[Abra Shipley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won't give any spoilers because there's too much to cover, but there were some great and creative short stories in here. I've never been big on anthologies, but some of these were great!
And I have to praise my girl, Sage Mitchell. The story of Nova had such a satisfying revenge! 🖤

[Risshan Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has all the female rage and a gorgeous cover. Dark little stories that will break your heart, and when it comes time for revenge.. You better believe they serve it hard. Everyone did a beautiful job

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am truely amazing collection of stories! The rage, the gore simply couldn't put this book down. I won't spoil it but I definitely recommend this book, truely incredible.

[Stuart Knott · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Pretty Girls Make Graves” is a collection of stories focused on feminine rage, generally against an abuser or in reaction to extremes of sexual and emotional abuse. The collection comes to us courtesy of River Gardner and is exceptionally well put together, with eye-catching titles and paragraph separators and a fever dream of a cover. I received an advanced copy of the collection, which River is further editing to tidy up any loose ends, and was pleasantly surprised to find a fair amount of variety in its pages. All too often, similar stories and collections focus only on blindly attacking any and all males, comparing them to bears and slandering the entire gender, but “Pretty Girls Make Graves” presents many diverse scenarios for female rage. Sure, their protagonists are all striking out against abusive male figures or recovering from being abused by their partners, but I enjoyed that each focused more on the way the victim deals with these situations and takes their revenge rather than painting the entire male genre with the same brush. And these guys sure deserve what’s coming to them, that’s for sure! Things start off strong with Claire Olivia Golden’s “Agent of Wrath”, which follows a girl determined to make a beloved local priest pay for taking liberties with his parishioners and had a great twist ending that made the story even more impactful. We’ve got molested dolls coming to life, a sexually abused girl brutalising her bullish partner and his friend, and a victim of gaslighting plotting a similar, gonad-related revenge upon her partner. All this is to say that victims of similar abuse my be “triggered” by some of these stories, which can get incredibly explicit and gory, but the overall message is of female empowerment and supporting victims of such disgusting relationships.

There were a few standouts here for me. Valerie Miller put an interesting twist on the classic vampire story with “Night’s Embrace”, following the victim of a Count Dracula-like as she plots her revenge. Nadine Stewart served a side of cruelty with her half-time horror “Snapped”, which sees a woman’s coarse partner left at the mercy of his wife and her power tools during the Superbowl. A monstrous plant demands a sexual sacrifice in “The Strange Orchid” by S.E. Ransdell, plagiarism turns to bloody murder in Chloe Spencer’s “Eye of the Auteur”, and Jude Deluca’s Purple Tigress stalks injustice in “Phantom of the Airwaves”, matching her wits against a “Big Brother”-like manipulator of women. Kirsten Craig is the only author who makes explicit comparisons between abusive males and wild bears in “The Bear Chooses You”, in which a girl’s escape to the wilderness sees her obsessive ex-boyfriend realise, in excruciating detail, why many women would “choose the bear”. Finally, one of my favourite offerings was K.A. Schultz’s “Paradise”. In this story, a woman has finally freed herself of a toxic and destructive relationship and escaped to her dream job in the sun, only to find that her paradise is quite literally a match made in hell.

I really enjoyed reading through these diverse and powerful stories. Each speaks of a palpable and unjust experience with a brutal, abusive male figure and each allows their main characters (and, hopefully, the writers) to experience a sense of catharsis by presenting the brutal comeuppance of these horrendous male characters. While some stories are stronger than others, I was glad at the variety on offer; some have similar methods of retaliation but even those are presented in different situations. Some, like “Snapped” and “The Bear Chooses You”, are very creative; others are much more traditional in their slasher-like presentation, with the wronged female in “Eye of the Auteur” attacking with a box cutter, and the vampires in “Night’s Embrace” holding true to Bram Stoker’s depictions of the creatures. The collection includes bios for each author and helplines for those in need and touches upon different extremes of the spectrum of abuse, hopefully allowing readers who’ve escaped similar situations to indulge in their darkest fantasies of revenge against those who wronged them.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love bad bitches that’s my f*cking problem.