Eternal Frankenstein

by Ross E. Lockhart (Editor)

Two hundred years ago, a young woman staying in a chalet in Switzerland, after an evening of ghost stories shared with friends and lovers, had a frightening dream. That dream became the seed that inspired Mary Shelley to write Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, a tale of galvanism, philosophy, and the re-animated dead. Today, Frankenstein has become a modern myth without rival, influencing countless works of fiction, music, and film. We all know Frankenstein. But how much do we really know about Frankenstein?

Word Horde is proud to publish Eternal Frankenstein, an anthology edited by Ross E. Lockhart, paying tribute to Mary Shelley, her Monster, and their entwined legacy.

Introduction: a modern Prometheus / Ross E. Lockhart --
Torso, heart, head / Amber-Rose Reed --
Thermidor / Siobhan Carroll --
Sewn into her fingers / Autumn Christian --
Orchids by the sea / Rios de la Luz --
Frankenstein triptych / Edward Morris --
Human Alchemy / Michael Griffin --
Postpartum / Betty Rocksteady --
Living / Scott R Jones --
They call me monster / Tiffany Scandal --
Sugar and spice and everything nice / Damien Angelica Walters --
Baron von Werewolf presents: Frankenstein against the phantom planet / Orrin Grey --
Wither on the vine; or, Strickfaden's monster / Nathan Carson --
Un-bride, or no gods and Marxists / Anya Martin --
New Soviet man / G.D. Falksen --
Beautiful thing we will become / Kristi DeMeester --
Mary Shelley's body / David Templeton

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Fiction, Anthologies, Victor Frankenstein, Fantasy, Adult

306 pages, Paperback

First published October 9, 2016

About the author

Ross E. Lockhart is the Publisher/Editor in Chief of Word Horde. A lifelong fan of supernatural, fantastic, speculative, and weird fiction, Lockhart holds degrees in English from Sonoma State University (BA) and SFSU (MA). He is a veteran of small-press publishing, having edited scores of well-regarded novels of horror, fantasy, and science fiction. Lockhart edited the acclaimed Lovecraftian anthologies The Book of Cthulhu and The Book of Cthulhu II and Tales of Jack the Ripper (2013). Forthcoming are The Children of Old Leech (with Justin Steele, 2014), and Giallo Fantastique (2014). Lockhart's rock-and-roll novel, Chick Bassist, was published by Lazy Fascist Press in 2012. Lockhart lives in an old church in Petaluma, California, with his wife Jennifer, hundreds of books, and Elinor Phantom, a Shih Tzu moonlighting as his editorial assistant. Find Ross online at http://www.haresrocklots.com

Reviews

[megs_bookrack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eternal Frankenstein is a short-story collection consisting of various tales all inspired by Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. I would actually give this a 3.5-star rating (if given the option Goodreads, ahem...). Frankenstein in its original form is one of my favorite books of all time. I think generally people automatically think HORROR when they think of Frankenstein and although it is horrific in many ways, it is also lyrical, thought-provoking and darkly beautiful. This collection I felt paid lovely homage to that original text.

This is actually the FIRST short-story collection I have ever read that was not written by Stephen King. So, that's something. I am glad I read it. There were 16 different stories in all written by different authors and all tales were unique and examined the original text in their own ways. Obviously, as I am assuming is the case with all such collections, some of these were much more tailored to my style than others - there were actually a couple that I just did not get at all - but overall I found them enjoyable and grossly entertaining. There is quite a bit of violence and gore in this collection, so true horror fans rejoice! There is no tip-toeing around grotesque and macabre subject matter. In this same line though, I would say trigger warning for self-harm, suicidal ideation, suicide and child abuse/murder.

If I had to choose my most memorable story of the collection, I would have to go with Wither on the Vine; or, Strickfaden's Monster by Nathan Carson, solely because one of my idols, Nikola Tesla, makes an appearance in the story which I found super cool! I would definitely recommend this to any horror fan who happens to love the original, Frankenstein. I would say for those of us who are low-key obsessed with that book, this is a special treat! As a side note, I would love to see this same type of collection developed for Dracula, War of the Worlds, The Island of Doctor Moreau and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde if Mr. Lockhart would like to get working on that. Dare to dream.

[Karl]

001 - Introduction: A Modern Prometheus by Ross E. Lockhart
003 - "Torso, Heart, Head" by Amber-Rose Reed
007 - "Thermidor" by Siobhan Carroll
017 - "Sewn into Her Fingers" by Autumn Christian
033 - "Orchids by the Sea" by Rios de la Luz
037 - "Frankenstein Triptych by Edward Morris
047 - "The Human Alchemy" by Michael Griffin
079 - "Postpartum" by Betty Rocksteady
097 - "Living" by Scott R Jones
105 - "They Call Me Monster" by Tiffany Scandal
115 - "Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice" by Damien Angelica Walters
127 - "Baron von Werewolf Presents: Frankenstein Against the Phantom Planet" by Orrin Grey
141 - "Wither on the Vine; or, Strickfaden’s Monster" by Nathan Carson
167 - "The Un-Bride, or No Gods and Marxists" by Anya Martin
195 - "The New Soviet Man" by G. D. Falksen
225 - "The Beautiful Thing We Will Become" by Kristi DeMeester
235 - "Mary Shelley’s Body" by David Templeton

This copy is signed by Ross E. Lockhart.

[Johann (jobis89) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A solid collection of stories inspired by Frankenstein. My absolute standout was the story “Mary Shelley’s Body” - damn, it was worth the collection alone!!

[David Agranoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a long time genre reader you know there are hundreds upon hundreds of anthologies that come out every year. Some good, some bad and a few that are just amazing. There are few names that you can see on the edited by line that promise really good work. Some that come to mind for me include Ellen Datlow, Paula Guran, John Skipp and Douglas Winter. In the past names like Martin Greenberg, Charles Grant and Harlan Ellison were the best in the business. I think it is safe to assume we have a new contender putting his hat in the ring.
Ross Lockhart had done enough to garner that consideration with a trilogy of Lovecraftian collections that include Book of Cthulu book one and two. His Tales of Jack the Ripper and Giallo Fantastique are rich examples of his skill. These collections don't just happen for no reason Lockhart released the Ripper anthology on the 125th Quasquicentennial of the murders. So we have this collection in 2016 the 200th anniversary of the year without summer, the year she first conceived of the story which made her famous. Although she didn't write Frankenstein until two years later.
Frankenstein's monster and the novel itself has had 200 years to build up a mythology that has expanded beyond just sequels but original films like the Bride or novels like The Brian Aldiss classic Frankenstein Unbound. The idea of a Lockhart edited collection of Frankenstein stories is just almost too good to be true. I know that Lockhart has a keen eye for fresh takes on classic stories. Shelley's Modern Promethus was a story that had many angles and paths the authors could take.
There are many authors in the table of contents I am already a fan of such as Edward Morris, Orrin Grey and Tiffany Scandal. There were several I have met but never read like Mike Griffin, Anya Martin and Autumn Christian. Several I had never heard of before. This collection does something I am not sure I have seen before - perfect gender balance.
No anthology is going to be perfect, when I read one there will often be stories I don't enjoy as much as others, for me a collection is good when I enjoy more stories than not. 50% is a good average for many but Lockhart anthologies rarely have flat-out stinkers. They are often collected in order to build off each others themes. My two favorite stories include science fiction takes from Autumn Christian's Sewn Into Her Fingers and Edward Morris's Frankenstein Triptych. Two other stand outs were Tiffany Scandal and Damian Angelica Walters tales which explored childhood and the horrors of school. Nathan Carson and Anya Martin explored connections to the Hollywood film. Those six were my favorites of the collection.
The only weakness I could find was that the first two stories while setting a traditional gothic tone were the flattest of the book for me. The second part of Frankenstein Triptych by Edward Morris is one of the stronger short pieces he has written in a long career of anthology appearances and as a friend I was really proud of him. Autumn Christian displayed a skill that had me itching to read more. Since those came early found myself thinking they were a better hook for readers.
There are essential anthologies like Dark Forces, Dangerous Visions and Prime evil that must be read. I think Lockhart is making a case for his ability to deliver that kind of quality. I don't think this is essential unless you really love all things Frankenstein, that being said this is state of the art horror fiction. If you respect great writing and want to see what some powerful young writers are doing with a classic tale then you will be pleased. I for one loved it. Word Horde doesn't again.

[Micah Castle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eternal Frankenstein is an anthology of sixteen stories, some long, some short, each with its own unique take on Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.

While all the stories found within are creative, with each author's take of revival through the horrifying means Victor Frankenstein took to to bring life to his Creature, there are some that I consider my favorite: Amber-Rose Reed's "Torso, Heart, Head," Autumn Christian's "Sewn into Her Fingers," Michael Griffin's "The Human Alchemy," Betty Rocksteady's "Postpartum," Tiffany Scandal's "They Call Me Monster," Nathan Carson's "Wither on the Vine; or, Strickfaden's Monster," and G.D. Falksen's "The New Soviet Man."

And although it was a lengthy read, a special note should be given for David Templeton's "Mary Shelley's Body" for it's beautiful prose, creative, informative plot with its quasi-biography/autobiography on/by Shelley, and satisfying ending.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful and enthralling collection of stories. Word Horde are fast becoming one of my favourite presses.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfectly balanced anthology. There is no filler. All of the stories are award worthy. Looking forward to Word Horde's next effort!

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of Frankenstein themed stories. My favorites were:
"Thermidor" by Siobhan Carroll
"Sewn into Her Fingers" by Autumn Christian
"The Human Alchemy" by Michael Griffin
"The New Soviet Man" by G. D. Falksen
These four were well written, and made me think about existence and our sense of self.

My least favorite was "Mary Shelley’s Body" by David Templeton. I ended up only reading half the story because I was so bored and just wanted it to be over.

The rest of the stories were good. This is a good anthology for fans of Frankenstein. I enjoyed reading it.

[Dustin]

A fantastic review of what promises to be a terrific anthology:

http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1...

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Eternal Frankenstein anthology was, as a whole, quite well written, however some of the stories really weren't that great, instead closer to the lines of predictable and boring.
I rate this book four stars despite my boredom or distaste to a couple of the stories since the ones I liked, were really, really interesting a few even with twists that made me gasp or laugh, and the concluding story of Mary Shelley's Body tied everything together so nicely.
Interesting is a good word to describe this collection of short stories, as they, as a collection address the morality behind resurrection and the creation of new life, rather than being overly gruesome, gory or horrific it was thought-provoking.
Would for sure recommend, to someone who likes a provocative read shrouded with a gothic setting.

[Fantasy Literature · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars from Marion, read the full review at FANTASY LITERATURE

Disclaimer: just so you know, some of the books we review are received free from publishers

Eternal Frankenstein (2016) asks horror writers to imagine, or reimagine, the life of Mary Shelley’s infamous doctor and his “creature.” The book includes 16 stories, all of them original to this anthology, with one that appeared in a different form in the publication Perihelion.

Make no mistake, these are horror stories. Some may glance at science fiction, and some flirt with fantasy, but their primary purpose is to scare us, or make us uncomfortable as we read, and this collection succeeds at that.

The story that succeeded the best for me, because I felt the horror on multiple levels, was “Post Partum,” by Betty Rocksteady. The first-person narrator, who was widowed just before the birth of her first child, has failed to bond with the baby. Her mother urges to go out and get fresh air and exercise. While walking, she discovers the strange, nearly intact, skull of an animal she can’t identify. She takes the skull home but it still defies categorization. Then she realizes she doesn’t have to identify it; she can taup her dead husband’s strange hobby of crypto-taxidermy, using bones from a variety of creatures to create skeletons of imaginary ones. From there, she is obsessed with creating a body that will match the strange fanged skull and bring an imaginary creature to life....3.5 stars from Marion, read the full review at FANTASY LITERATURE

[Doug · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly solid collection of short stories. Naturally, there's some variation in quality, though I'm sure if you had five people rank the stories, you'd end up with five completely different lists. Some stories are genuinely unnerving, and other have some absolutely beautiful passages. The stories stay consistent to the theme of the collection, so how much of this you want to read in one sitting will certainly depend on how enamored you are of Frankenstein's literary and pop cultural legacy.

[Mcf1nder_sk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eternal Frankenstein was another book I've had on my TBR for way too long. This is an anthology of 16 short stories, all based of the concept of reanimation, first introduced to the world by Mary Shelley 200 years. While the premise was interesting, none of these short tales really grabbed me by the throat and made me stay riveted. A few of these stories were decent, with some fairly interesting characters, but overall I don't foresee myself grabbing this book of the bookshelf for a reread any time soon.
.

[Corinne Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book of short stories based on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Each one has a different take on Frankenstein’s monster from a mother trying to keep her injured daughter whole to a couple trying to stay young. My favorite story was Mary Shelley’s body. It has her as the narrator telling how she went about writing Frankenstein, but also insight into her life. Torso, heart, head was way to short for me. But for the most part I enjoyed most of the stories.

[Beth Galante · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had previously reviewed this book but I'm not sure what happened to it. Some of the stories in this book were great, some were hard to get through. Another issues I cam across was editing errors. There weren't as many as some of the other books I've read from Ross E. Lockhart/ Word Horde. I wanted to love this book, but, the errors can be distracting and take away from the stories.

[Mandi Hidalgo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great anthology, for sure, but my favorite story was the last one, "Mary Shelley's Body" by David Templeton. It was truly a poetic and breathtaking story. Every story in the book was good, but that one was especially amazing. I'm happy to have read this book and to add it to my Frankenstein collection.

[Noelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can honestly only give 3 out of 16 of these short stories 4 stars. Two others received 3.5 and one a 3, three earned 2, four a 1 and two (I’ve never, ever done this before) got a big fat zero.

[Kyle Pombiere · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sixteen short stories can't be saved by one good one at the end and maybe one or two middling ones throughout.

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's hard to rate a book of short stories like this because the stories ranged from very good to not at all good. interesting concept

[Monica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me

[Disco Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

All amazing, but the last story moved me to tears.

[Sadiyya]

Firstly, the case biding or hard back cover is absolutely beautiful, very old time and Gothic-style.