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Rules for Monsters: Book One
Michael Minnis has been called the biggest secret in Lovecraftian fiction. Though he has lived in the Midwest for his entire life, his mind has been to many different times and worlds. Rumor that he accomplishes this via Mi-Go brain cylinder is neither confirmed nor denied.
The first rule was if the monster sees you, sooner or later it will get you.
That, at least, was what Tommy believed…
The second the monster can’t get you if you are with other people.
This was especially true at night…
Third You have to get the monster before it gets you…
- Michael Minnis , “Rules for Monsters”
Rules for Monsters is the first of a two-volume set encompassing the full, collected short horror fiction of author Michael Minnis, whose work has previously appeared in Anencephalous and Other Poisoned Dreams , Dead but Dreaming , Horrors Beyond , and others. From witch-haunted Arkham and misty meads of the Dreamlands, to alien-sponsored rock bands and a world-ending clown apocalypse, stories of wonder and dread await!
The first rule was if the monster sees you, sooner or later it will get you.
That, at least, was what Tommy believed…
The second the monster can’t get you if you are with other people.
This was especially true at night…
Third You have to get the monster before it gets you…
- Michael Minnis , “Rules for Monsters”
Rules for Monsters is the first of a two-volume set encompassing the full, collected short horror fiction of author Michael Minnis, whose work has previously appeared in Anencephalous and Other Poisoned Dreams , Dead but Dreaming , Horrors Beyond , and others. From witch-haunted Arkham and misty meads of the Dreamlands, to alien-sponsored rock bands and a world-ending clown apocalypse, stories of wonder and dread await!
477 pages, Paperback
Published October 13, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 19, 2024
I just finished reading "Minnis Rules for Monsters" by Michael Minnis, and I'm still reeling from the experience. This collection of short horror stories was set in different landscapes, ancient towns, and foreboding forests, each with its unique brand of terror. The book began with "Gammell's Absence," a haunting tale of loss and madness, and this made me eager to read the rest of the collection. From witch-haunted Arkham to the misty meads of the Dreamlands, the writer detailed other stories with themes of existential dread, supernatural entities, and human fragility. Standout stories like "Kingsport" and "The City of Ulthar" showcased Minnis's ability to explain chilling narratives.
What struck me most about this collection was its diversity. The mix of psychological horror, supernatural terror, and creative storytelling style, kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Characters like Gammell, Ruth, and Edward added suspense and originality to their respective roles, making their terrifying encounters all the more believable. Gammell's tragic past and descent into madness and sudden disappearance gave me a shiver, and I began to be drawn to his unique personality.
Ruth's partner, Edward, recounted his memories of Kingsport with chilling clarity. Adelard, the innkeeper in "The City of Ulthar," welcomed Tyris with warmth, but hinted at darker secrets, and this increased the suspense in the story. Also, Nina's lifestyle in "Nina" left me questioning her true nature.
Overall, this book is an excellent addition to any horror fan's library. I highly recommend it to them and to readers interested in exploring the unknown, fans of fiction and short story collections, and thought-provoking narratives. I have nothing to dislike in this book. My rating of it is 5 out of 5 stars.
What struck me most about this collection was its diversity. The mix of psychological horror, supernatural terror, and creative storytelling style, kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Characters like Gammell, Ruth, and Edward added suspense and originality to their respective roles, making their terrifying encounters all the more believable. Gammell's tragic past and descent into madness and sudden disappearance gave me a shiver, and I began to be drawn to his unique personality.
Ruth's partner, Edward, recounted his memories of Kingsport with chilling clarity. Adelard, the innkeeper in "The City of Ulthar," welcomed Tyris with warmth, but hinted at darker secrets, and this increased the suspense in the story. Also, Nina's lifestyle in "Nina" left me questioning her true nature.
Overall, this book is an excellent addition to any horror fan's library. I highly recommend it to them and to readers interested in exploring the unknown, fans of fiction and short story collections, and thought-provoking narratives. I have nothing to dislike in this book. My rating of it is 5 out of 5 stars.
October 19, 2024
I just finished reading "Minnis Rules for Monsters" by Michael Minnis, and I'm still reeling from the experience. This collection of short horror stories was set in different landscapes, ancient towns, and foreboding forests, each with its unique brand of terror. The book began with "Gammell's Absence," a haunting tale of loss and madness, and this made me eager to read the rest of the collection. From witch-haunted Arkham to the misty meads of the Dreamlands, the writer detailed other stories with themes of existential dread, supernatural entities, and human fragility. Standout stories like "Kingsport" and "The City of Ulthar" showcased Minnis's ability to explain chilling narratives.
What struck me most about this collection was its diversity. The mix of psychological horror, supernatural terror, and creative storytelling style, kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Characters like Gammell, Ruth, and Edward added suspense and originality to their respective roles, making their terrifying encounters all the more believable. Gammell's tragic past and descent into madness and sudden disappearance gave me a shiver, and I began to be drawn to his unique personality.
Ruth's partner, Edward, recounted his memories of Kingsport with chilling clarity. Adelard, the innkeeper in "The City of Ulthar," welcomed Tyris with warmth, but hinted at darker secrets, and this increased the suspense in the story. Also, Nina's lifestyle in "Nina" left me questioning her true nature.
Overall, this book is an excellent addition to any horror fan's library. I highly recommend it to them and to readers interested in exploring the unknown, fans of fiction and short story collections, and thought-provoking narratives. I have nothing to dislike in this book. My rating of it is 5 out of 5 stars.
What struck me most about this collection was its diversity. The mix of psychological horror, supernatural terror, and creative storytelling style, kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Characters like Gammell, Ruth, and Edward added suspense and originality to their respective roles, making their terrifying encounters all the more believable. Gammell's tragic past and descent into madness and sudden disappearance gave me a shiver, and I began to be drawn to his unique personality.
Ruth's partner, Edward, recounted his memories of Kingsport with chilling clarity. Adelard, the innkeeper in "The City of Ulthar," welcomed Tyris with warmth, but hinted at darker secrets, and this increased the suspense in the story. Also, Nina's lifestyle in "Nina" left me questioning her true nature.
Overall, this book is an excellent addition to any horror fan's library. I highly recommend it to them and to readers interested in exploring the unknown, fans of fiction and short story collections, and thought-provoking narratives. I have nothing to dislike in this book. My rating of it is 5 out of 5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews