Jon Padgett’s "20 Simple Steps to Ventriloquism" stuck with me long after listening to the audio version on Pseudopod, so I was excited to read his coJon Padgett’s "20 Simple Steps to Ventriloquism" stuck with me long after listening to the audio version on Pseudopod, so I was excited to read his complete collection. These skillfully interwoven stories, especially “The Indoor Swamp,” “Origami Dreams,” and “Infusorium,” begin with intriguing premises that quickly turn nightmarish as horror and dread seep in around the edges, delving ever deeper into the delightfully sinister world of Dunnstown. It is definitely a place to revisit and catch any details missed the first time around....more
A solid collection of strange and supernatural stories. My favorites were "Word Doll," "A Terror," and "The Thyme Fiend."A solid collection of strange and supernatural stories. My favorites were "Word Doll," "A Terror," and "The Thyme Fiend."...more
Haunting, heartbreaking, and at times disturbing, this is a ghost story unlike any other I have read. Although I disliked the paranormal romance towarHaunting, heartbreaking, and at times disturbing, this is a ghost story unlike any other I have read. Although I disliked the paranormal romance towards the end, the novel is beautifully written, with alternating storylines where the living and the dead intermingle, Aisling's past related though flashbacks to the Irish famine, and the myth of Tír na nÓg carried throughout....more
Another fantastic collection by Jeffrey Ford. The title story, about synesthesia, is phenomenal. I preferred the stories with mythic themes, such as "Another fantastic collection by Jeffrey Ford. The title story, about synesthesia, is phenomenal. I preferred the stories with mythic themes, such as "Boatman's Holiday" and "The Green Word," but the writing style and surreal twists make each story powerful in its own way....more
This book is just what I hoped it would be: fun and humorous stories about ghost sharks, space sharks, mafia sharks, and more, with a touch of horror.This book is just what I hoped it would be: fun and humorous stories about ghost sharks, space sharks, mafia sharks, and more, with a touch of horror. The perfect anthology for the shark enthusiast....more
I enjoyed this gothic horror novel with a unique perspective on Bram Stoker's Dracula, told from the viewpoint of an early Freudian physician determinI enjoyed this gothic horror novel with a unique perspective on Bram Stoker's Dracula, told from the viewpoint of an early Freudian physician determined to treat Lucy Westenra and Mina Murray. Dr. Hemmings has an intriguing backstory and his own insecurities, but no knowledge of vampire lore or patience for superstition despite strange coincidences and mysterious warnings, looking instead to rational explanations or Freud's theories for guidance. Subtle glimpses of supernatural elements in the misty London setting heightened the suspense throughout....more
Most of the stories in this anthology seemed unfinished or were excerpts from longer works by the authors. The one that stood out to me was “Drawn to Most of the stories in this anthology seemed unfinished or were excerpts from longer works by the authors. The one that stood out to me was “Drawn to the Brink” by Tara Maya, in which magical worlds can be painted into existence and people can be controlled through portraits....more
I admire Kirsty Logan’s imagination and prose, and was excited to read her short stories after finishing her beautifully surreal novel The GracekeeperI admire Kirsty Logan’s imagination and prose, and was excited to read her short stories after finishing her beautifully surreal novel The Gracekeepers. This collection was a mixed bag for me. My favorite stories were her original historical-fantasy tales or fairytale retellings from new perspectives, especially Coin-Operated Boys, The Gracekeeper, Matryoshka, and Tiger Palace. I was less enthralled by the modern fables, but among them I did enjoy the magic realism of The Rental Heart, Girl #18, and Origami. Definitely an author I will keep following. ...more
Beautifully written, often heartbreaking stories with elements of magic realism. My favorites were Latchkey, Until Our Shadows Claim Us, and Mollusk, Beautifully written, often heartbreaking stories with elements of magic realism. My favorites were Latchkey, Until Our Shadows Claim Us, and Mollusk, Membrane, Human Heart, but the title story will haunt me more than the rest....more
I received a copy of this book thanks to a Goodreads giveaway. I especially wanted to read a fantasy novel featuring a relatable protagonist with paniI received a copy of this book thanks to a Goodreads giveaway. I especially wanted to read a fantasy novel featuring a relatable protagonist with panic disorder, and also was quickly drawn in by Layton Green's imaginative version of New Orleans, engaging characters, and fast-paced plot of magic, puzzles, and mythical beasts....more
The Irish lore and enchanted setting that drew me into the book were soon overshadowed by themes of motherhood and childbirth, to which I can’t relateThe Irish lore and enchanted setting that drew me into the book were soon overshadowed by themes of motherhood and childbirth, to which I can’t relate. Others may enjoy more than I....more
A delightful mystery. Brandreth’s Wilde is brilliant and charismatic, although the narrator’s personality pales in comparison. The story nevertheless A delightful mystery. Brandreth’s Wilde is brilliant and charismatic, although the narrator’s personality pales in comparison. The story nevertheless held my interest throughout, and made me want to re-read The Picture of Dorian Gray....more
Pure surreal joy. One of the most fun and imaginative books I've read in a long time.Pure surreal joy. One of the most fun and imaginative books I've read in a long time....more
A Darker Shade of Magic is still my favorite of the trilogy, and this finale could benefit from some heavy editing, but overall an enjoyable series wiA Darker Shade of Magic is still my favorite of the trilogy, and this finale could benefit from some heavy editing, but overall an enjoyable series with creative worldbuilding....more
This collection was a mixed bag for me, but my favorites were the delightfully creepy retellings of the Little Mermaid (The Daughter Cells) and the VeThis collection was a mixed bag for me, but my favorites were the delightfully creepy retellings of the Little Mermaid (The Daughter Cells) and the Velveteen Rabbit (The Rabbit)....more
Supernatural mystery with droll dialogue and Gorey-esque cover art, bringing back fond memories of reading John Bellairs' gothic thrillers as a child.Supernatural mystery with droll dialogue and Gorey-esque cover art, bringing back fond memories of reading John Bellairs' gothic thrillers as a child....more
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