On the surface, this story collection is full of things I love: fantastical beings lurking under familiar places. But as I started reading I found that these stories really weren’t for me. The common thread among the stories in this collection was fascinating, as almost every story contains some measure of supernatural force acting upon the characters. Cities we might think ourselves well acquainted with have become the breeding grounds of mysterious creatures. These inevitably collide with the humans that live there, resulting in strange […]
My Kinda Horror
I have a…complicated relationship with the horror genre. For most of my life, I avoided it entirely, more afraid of the fear and uncertainty that would come as a result of the scary thing than the scary thing itself. But I loved those books and movies that existed right on the edge of horror–Frankenstein and Dracula were just creepy enough to satisfy my desire for something mildly frightening, but weren’t so scary that I found it difficult to sleep at night. Through the Woods is something different. […]
Something Different
This is probably the first book I’ve read that falls under the category “experimental literature.” Rich Ives has written what seems to be a series of connected vignettes, each introduced with a diagram by Nils Davey and concluded with an illustration from Jack Callil. Each chapter is named for its diagrams, each of which illustrates a common tool. Even the final chapter, “Ghost Twins” shows a tool, though a more complex one: “the twins may not reveal their purpose easily.” It’s a strange read if, like me, you’re […]
Starting off the New Year…
Yes, I am aware that this is the last book in VanderMeer’s Southern Reach trilogy. And yes, I do see the irony in the fact that my first review of the year is of the final book of a series. That being said, I’m gonna cheat a little bit and use this review as an excuse to discuss all three books, and remember in future years not to start a series at the end of the year. Over the past couple months I’ve made a […]
Lost and Found
This review was originally published at Women Write About Comics. Have you ever picked up a book just because you had a good feeling about it? You’ve never heard of it, don’t recognize the author, and don’t even know what it’s about? This began as one of those books. It also happened to be one of the rare instances when an impulse buy not only met, but exceeded my expectations. When I got home from the bookstore and finally bothered to read the blurb, […]
I wanted to be scared, and I was not disappointed.
This review was originally published at Women Write About Comics. Jude Coyne is an aging rock star who collects macabre trophies. When his assistant Danny finds a haunted suit for sale online, Jude purchases it without a second thought, hardly even remembering he bought it when it finally arrives in a large, black, heart-shaped box. We soon learn that the suit is haunted by Craddock McDermott, a dowser and hypnotist by trade. It quickly becomes clear that he intends to kill Jude and anyone […]