Humans have long been fascinated by monsters. As author Alma Katsu comments in this stellar anthology’s introduction, “We are inseparable, twined together like ivy.” And it is that complicated entanglement, ruled by emotions such as curiosity, revenge, and, of course, fear, that gets explored through 19 original stories and four poems in this collection. Josh Malerman reframes a werewolf story with an addict’s lens, while Nadia Bulkin considers how “monsters” are a matter of perspective, and Victor LaValle provides a haunting tale of the monstrocities we hide from each other and ourselves. Bram Stoker Award–winning editors Murano (
Behold! Oddities, Curiosities and Undefinable Wonders) and Bailey (
Where Nightmares Come From) bring together a diverse array of authors writing at the top of their game.
VERDICT Featuring well-known horror writers, as well as some need-to-know new voices, while also representing a wide range of the genre, from slight shivers to outright terror, this small press anthology is one most libraries should own. Hand to fans of Ellen Datlow’s Best Horror of the Year.
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