SFF

The Valancourt Book of World Horror Stories

Valancourt. Vol. 1. Dec. 2020. 420p. ed. by ed. by James D. Jenkins & Ryan Cagle. ISBN 9781948405645. pap. $19.99. HORROR
COPY ISBN
Known for their updated editions of classic horror stories, editors Jenkins and Cagle have taken on a new mission, collecting contemporary, acclaimed horror authors from around the world, translating many of them into English for the first time, and adding a short introduction to each story in order to place them a context to be best enjoyed by a new, wider audience. This collection is stellar from top to bottom, but standouts include Christien Boomsma from the Netherlands with a nightmarish story of guilt spiraling out of control, and Bathie Ngoye Thiam from Senegal who brings the rab (evil spirits) from his country’s oral history tradition to the page, terrifying readers near and far.
VERDICT This desperately needed anthology is meticulously researched and translated, offering stories from a variety of perspectives across five continents, and representing the broad range of storytelling styles and tropes that are used by all horror storytellers regardless of nationality. Readers will be clamoring for these fresh tales by current authors they probably didn’t know existed. Consider pairing it with A World of Horror edited by Eric Guignard.
Reviewed by Becky Spratford, La Grange, IL , Oct 01, 2020
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

Lightfall
by Crocker, Ed
FICTION

An Honored Vow
by Blair, Melissa
FICTION

We Lived on the Horizon
by Swyler, Erika
FICTION

Glow of the Everflame
by Cole, Penn
FICTION

The Martian Contingency
by Kowal, Mary Robinette
FICTION

Galaxy Raiders: Abyss
by Douglas, Ian
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?