Community Reviews
I received a digital ARC of this collection from the editor since I have previously read and enjoyed the writing of authors whose stories were featured within its pages. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are subjective to myself as a reader and I was under no obligation to provide a review.
I believe this collection would be the best fit for readers who enjoy dark, speculative fiction that poses questions regarding the human experience in a variety of ways, using a myriad of genres to do so. Oftentimes, the reader is left to determine their own answer to the question posed - which will appeal to deep thinking readers.
Myself, I have to be in the mood for this style of writing. If I'm not, the lack of a definitive ending will aggravate the stuffing out of me. So if you're like me, bench this one until you're ready for a good mindscrew. Luckily, I was prepared and ready to tackle these stories and enjoyed reading them one at a time. I confess that there were a few that I never could make up mind on an answer or possible ending.
"The Ghost Stories We Tell Around Photon Fires" by Cassandra Khaw was my favorite of the collection. I can't even say why as it would spoil the story entirely and I just can't have that. I'll just settle for saying that it's set in space and there's definitely a ghost story involved.
"The Bubblegum Man" by Eric Reitan, "Garnier" by Brian Evenson, "The Mark" by Kathryn E. McGee and "Cradle Lake" by Jan Stinchcomb were standouts to me as well.
I actually did have one story that I could not finish - "The God of Low Things" by Stephen Graham Jones. (I can hear the gasp of shock from those reading this who know he's a favorite author of mine) He just got too descriptive of an animal death and then it seemed to be escalating rather than moving on from it and I just couldn't handle it. It doesn't matter what animal it is - if author kills one, I always see it as one of my pups in my mind's eye and it just destroys me.
If you give this collection a read and enjoy its innovative approach - Gamut Magazine has relaunched! Check out House of Gamut for more info!
You can find this review along with other reviews spanning multiple genres at The Nerdy Narrative or if you prefer video format, I do have a BookTube Channel
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Sharon, Andrew, Star, Amanda L., Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Lourdes, Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E., & Jennifer M.
I believe this collection would be the best fit for readers who enjoy dark, speculative fiction that poses questions regarding the human experience in a variety of ways, using a myriad of genres to do so. Oftentimes, the reader is left to determine their own answer to the question posed - which will appeal to deep thinking readers.
Myself, I have to be in the mood for this style of writing. If I'm not, the lack of a definitive ending will aggravate the stuffing out of me. So if you're like me, bench this one until you're ready for a good mindscrew. Luckily, I was prepared and ready to tackle these stories and enjoyed reading them one at a time. I confess that there were a few that I never could make up mind on an answer or possible ending.
"The Ghost Stories We Tell Around Photon Fires" by Cassandra Khaw was my favorite of the collection. I can't even say why as it would spoil the story entirely and I just can't have that. I'll just settle for saying that it's set in space and there's definitely a ghost story involved.
"The Bubblegum Man" by Eric Reitan, "Garnier" by Brian Evenson, "The Mark" by Kathryn E. McGee and "Cradle Lake" by Jan Stinchcomb were standouts to me as well.
I actually did have one story that I could not finish - "The God of Low Things" by Stephen Graham Jones. (I can hear the gasp of shock from those reading this who know he's a favorite author of mine) He just got too descriptive of an animal death and then it seemed to be escalating rather than moving on from it and I just couldn't handle it. It doesn't matter what animal it is - if author kills one, I always see it as one of my pups in my mind's eye and it just destroys me.
If you give this collection a read and enjoy its innovative approach - Gamut Magazine has relaunched! Check out House of Gamut for more info!
You can find this review along with other reviews spanning multiple genres at The Nerdy Narrative or if you prefer video format, I do have a BookTube Channel
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Sharon, Andrew, Star, Amanda L., Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Lourdes, Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E., & Jennifer M.
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