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The Spider Tapestries: Seven Strange Stories
The Spider Tapestries, Mike Allen's sophomore short story collection, takes a wrecking ball to genre boundaries, showcasing seven stories that mix transhuman noir, Lovecraftian horror, and surrealistic sorcery in an exploration of the further reaches of the Weird. Readers who savored the disorienting strangeness in Allen's debut collection Unseaming, a Shirley Jackson Award finalist and Amazon.com horror fiction bestseller, will find The Spider Tapestries begins where Unseaming left off.
140 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2016
1 person is currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Mike Allen
93 books155 followersMike Allen wears many creative hats, at least one of them tailor-made by his wife and partner-in-crime Anita.
An author, editor and publisher of science fiction, fantasy and horror, Mike has written, edited, or co-edited thirty-nine books, among them his forthcoming dark fantasy novel TRAIL OF SHADOWS, his sidearms, sorcery, and zombies sequence THE BLACK FIRE CONCERTO and THE GHOULMAKER’S ARIA, and his newest horror collection, SLOW BURN.
UNSEAMING and AFTERMATH OF AN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT, his first two volumes of horror tales, were both finalists for the Shirley Jackson Award for Best Story Collection, and his dark fable “The Button Bin” was a nominee for the Nebula Award for Best Short Story. Another collection, THE SPIDER TAPESTRIES, contains experiments in weird science fiction and fantasy.
As an editor and publisher, Mike has been nominated twice for the World Fantasy Award: first, for his anthology CLOCKWORK PHOENIX 5, the culmination of the Clockwork Phoenix series showcasing tales of beauty and strangeness that defy genre classification; and then, for MYTHIC DELIRIUM, the magazine of poetry and fiction he edited for twenty years.
He’s a three-time winner of the Rhysling Award for poetry. His six poetry collections include STRANGE WISDOMS OF THE DEAD, a Philadelphia Inquirer Editor’s Choice selection, and HUNGRY CONSTELLATIONS, a Suzette Haden Elgin Award nominee.
With Anita, he runs Mythic Delirium Books, based in Roanoke, Virginia. Their cat Pandora assists.
An author, editor and publisher of science fiction, fantasy and horror, Mike has written, edited, or co-edited thirty-nine books, among them his forthcoming dark fantasy novel TRAIL OF SHADOWS, his sidearms, sorcery, and zombies sequence THE BLACK FIRE CONCERTO and THE GHOULMAKER’S ARIA, and his newest horror collection, SLOW BURN.
UNSEAMING and AFTERMATH OF AN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT, his first two volumes of horror tales, were both finalists for the Shirley Jackson Award for Best Story Collection, and his dark fable “The Button Bin” was a nominee for the Nebula Award for Best Short Story. Another collection, THE SPIDER TAPESTRIES, contains experiments in weird science fiction and fantasy.
As an editor and publisher, Mike has been nominated twice for the World Fantasy Award: first, for his anthology CLOCKWORK PHOENIX 5, the culmination of the Clockwork Phoenix series showcasing tales of beauty and strangeness that defy genre classification; and then, for MYTHIC DELIRIUM, the magazine of poetry and fiction he edited for twenty years.
He’s a three-time winner of the Rhysling Award for poetry. His six poetry collections include STRANGE WISDOMS OF THE DEAD, a Philadelphia Inquirer Editor’s Choice selection, and HUNGRY CONSTELLATIONS, a Suzette Haden Elgin Award nominee.
With Anita, he runs Mythic Delirium Books, based in Roanoke, Virginia. Their cat Pandora assists.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 17, 2016
This is the second collection of short stories I've read of Mike's (the first being the fabulous Unseaming. I honestly wasn't sure that he could top my love of the stories in his first collection.
Not only did he exceed my expectations, he blew them out of the water. "The Spider Tapestries" is a collection of take no prisoners stories that will take you right to the edge of the cliff and then guide you gently over. I love when writers take chances with their work and their art, and Mike takes a lot of chances here. And they pay off spectacularly.
I have two favorite stories in this collection, as they have stayed with me long after I read them. I promise, only mild spoilers ahead.
The first tale, "Sleepless, Burning Light" explores what happens when the mortal world and the divine not only connect but fall in love. It's the intersection between omniscience and the so limited viewpoint - and it's as sexy as it is terrifying.
The second tale that has stayed with me is "Twa Sisters." Allen dives in head-first to the type of body and technical modifications we may see in our lifetime, and explores the boundaries of consciousness. What does it mean to be human, to be alive, to be oneself? This story also explores gender neutral pronouns in a world where binary genders are no longer necessary. It's a heist - and a love story.
Pick this book up ASAP. It's a wonderful read.
Not only did he exceed my expectations, he blew them out of the water. "The Spider Tapestries" is a collection of take no prisoners stories that will take you right to the edge of the cliff and then guide you gently over. I love when writers take chances with their work and their art, and Mike takes a lot of chances here. And they pay off spectacularly.
I have two favorite stories in this collection, as they have stayed with me long after I read them. I promise, only mild spoilers ahead.
The first tale, "Sleepless, Burning Light" explores what happens when the mortal world and the divine not only connect but fall in love. It's the intersection between omniscience and the so limited viewpoint - and it's as sexy as it is terrifying.
The second tale that has stayed with me is "Twa Sisters." Allen dives in head-first to the type of body and technical modifications we may see in our lifetime, and explores the boundaries of consciousness. What does it mean to be human, to be alive, to be oneself? This story also explores gender neutral pronouns in a world where binary genders are no longer necessary. It's a heist - and a love story.
Pick this book up ASAP. It's a wonderful read.
December 17, 2025
These were not as weird as I wanted them to be, but I think they are probably just a different kind of weird. All seven started out difficult, but the majority of them did become more interesting the further I went in. Maybe this would have been better if read after his first short story collection, as it sounds like some of these are connected to pieces in that volume.
March 26, 2016
I received this book for free through a goodreads giveaway.
I really enjoyed the writing style and strangeness of each individual story in this book. It was definitely different from the short story collections I have read in the past. The writing style may not be for everyone, but if you are looking for something unique to read I would recommend this.
I really enjoyed the writing style and strangeness of each individual story in this book. It was definitely different from the short story collections I have read in the past. The writing style may not be for everyone, but if you are looking for something unique to read I would recommend this.
July 14, 2022
Very strange and interesting. Quite an experience; best to just read and let yourself be taken away.
"The Spider Tapestries" - 1 star
A strange hallucinatory concoction is made and spider silk is spun. I understand it as an opener but it's too weird and obtuse for the sake of being weird and obtuse.
"Sleepless, Burning Life" - 3 stars
A young woman, chosen from birth, climbs the gears of the world to find a god, but finds herself embroiled in an eternal cosmic struggle. Tough to get into but improves by the end (I actually appreciate where it chooses to end).
"Twa Sisters" - 2 stars
A strange woman/machine/being walks into a room and quickly and terrifyingly removes many listening devices. She attempts to convince the man to come with her, but some internal being possessing him knows better. Incomprehensible, but started strong.
"Silent in Her Nest" - 3 stars
A cosmic being finds a new world/entity to devour, but has found its match. Interesting.
"She Who Runs" - 2 stars
A young woman is cursed/prophecied/chosen to send a spear into the eye of a god, only to see the futility of her actions when she nears. She manages to bypass the deed and runs round the world faster and faster and longer and longer, witnessing the end of times. Interesting but confusing and frustrating.
"Stolen Souls" - 3 stars
When human can keep their consciousness hidden in their bodies, a man's wife is killed. He makes it his mission to find out who did it. One of the more coherent stories.
"Still Life With Skull" - 3 stars
A young woman comes begging to be made into someone else for her own safety and sanity. Reluctantly, it is done, but the unmaker is found out. A strong closer.
2.4 stars.
"The Spider Tapestries" - 1 star
A strange hallucinatory concoction is made and spider silk is spun. I understand it as an opener but it's too weird and obtuse for the sake of being weird and obtuse.
"Sleepless, Burning Life" - 3 stars
A young woman, chosen from birth, climbs the gears of the world to find a god, but finds herself embroiled in an eternal cosmic struggle. Tough to get into but improves by the end (I actually appreciate where it chooses to end).
"Twa Sisters" - 2 stars
A strange woman/machine/being walks into a room and quickly and terrifyingly removes many listening devices. She attempts to convince the man to come with her, but some internal being possessing him knows better. Incomprehensible, but started strong.
"Silent in Her Nest" - 3 stars
A cosmic being finds a new world/entity to devour, but has found its match. Interesting.
"She Who Runs" - 2 stars
A young woman is cursed/prophecied/chosen to send a spear into the eye of a god, only to see the futility of her actions when she nears. She manages to bypass the deed and runs round the world faster and faster and longer and longer, witnessing the end of times. Interesting but confusing and frustrating.
"Stolen Souls" - 3 stars
When human can keep their consciousness hidden in their bodies, a man's wife is killed. He makes it his mission to find out who did it. One of the more coherent stories.
"Still Life With Skull" - 3 stars
A young woman comes begging to be made into someone else for her own safety and sanity. Reluctantly, it is done, but the unmaker is found out. A strong closer.
2.4 stars.
March 11, 2016
I received this book for free via Goodreads First Reads.
The subtitle says 'Seven Strange Stories' and that is true. There is definitely strangeness to them all. I admit the first one went over my head as I completely missed the point of it. I read it once at the beginning of the book and once at the end. I still did not understand it so I have left that out of my star rating and my review.
The second story is a lesbian romance with a few twists. I enjoyed it but felt like it went on a little too long. 3/5
The next one was a good read but the way the text was presented at times was confusing and meant I had to double back which I never enjoy in a book. 3/5
The fourth one was a really interesting story and something I would read more of in a longer version. 4/5
The fifth one is in my opinion the best of the collection. It was where I felt closest to the character and wondered what was going to happen the most eagerly. 5/5
I found the 6th and 7th stories to be linked in some way. They are both good and intriguing stories. 4/5 each
Overall I enjoyed the collection and would read more from the same author. There are a lot of genres in this book and maybe something for everyone.
The subtitle says 'Seven Strange Stories' and that is true. There is definitely strangeness to them all. I admit the first one went over my head as I completely missed the point of it. I read it once at the beginning of the book and once at the end. I still did not understand it so I have left that out of my star rating and my review.
The second story is a lesbian romance with a few twists. I enjoyed it but felt like it went on a little too long. 3/5
The next one was a good read but the way the text was presented at times was confusing and meant I had to double back which I never enjoy in a book. 3/5
The fourth one was a really interesting story and something I would read more of in a longer version. 4/5
The fifth one is in my opinion the best of the collection. It was where I felt closest to the character and wondered what was going to happen the most eagerly. 5/5
I found the 6th and 7th stories to be linked in some way. They are both good and intriguing stories. 4/5 each
Overall I enjoyed the collection and would read more from the same author. There are a lot of genres in this book and maybe something for everyone.
May 20, 2019
I agree with the initial description. The author definitely stretches traditional boundaries around humanity and sexuality. However, it does not go into the absurd. The stories stretch beyond realism but well within the imagination and the augmentation adds to the story.
My favorite was the character that fragmented to the point of annihilation in the interest of love. It is a strange but beautiful commentary on the heroic side of humanity.
My favorite was the character that fragmented to the point of annihilation in the interest of love. It is a strange but beautiful commentary on the heroic side of humanity.
June 1, 2020
How can you rate a book that changed your dreams?
Como você pode classificar um livro que mudou os seus sonhos?
Como você pode classificar um livro que mudou os seus sonhos?
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews