Epeolatry Book Review: Horror Library Volume 8 edited by: EJ Guignard
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Title: HORROR LIBRARY Volume 8
Edited by: EJ Guignard
Publisher: Dark Moon Books
Published on: July 25th, 2023
Synopsis: The +Horror Library+ anthologies are internationally praised as a groundbreaking source of contemporary horror short fiction stories–relevant to the moment and stunning in impact–from leading authors of the macabre and darkly imaginative.
Filled with Fears and Fantasy. Death and Dark Dreams. Monsters and Mayhem. Literary Vision and Wonder. Each volume of the +Horror Library+ series is packed with heart-pounding thrills and creepy contemplations as to what truly lurks among the shadows of the world(s) we live in.
Containing 31 all-original stories, read Volume 8 in this ongoing anthology series, and then continue with the other volumes.
Shamble no longer through the banal humdrum of normalcy, but ENTER THE HORROR LIBRARY!
Included within Volume 8:
– In “Saving the World,” a family feeds their captive devil the sorrows of neighbors.
– In “We Can’t Let Go,” a welfare check by a child services worker proves that not all in life is as expected.
– In “Only the Stones Will Hear You Scream,” a man meets his nightmares while caving through narrow underground passages.
– . . . and more!
– Also including a special guest-artist’s gallery of Jana Heidersdorf!
Volume 8 in this successful series (the third edited by Eric J Guignard) is a massive anthology of short horror stories, graced by the remarkable illustrations of artist Jana Heidersdorf.
If anthologies are, by definition, mixed bags of a hefty volume, then this overwhelming medley of topics, atmospheres, and narrative styles addresses the darker side of human nature and life in general. Therefore, as a reviewer I can only recommend the book to horror genre lovers and focus on the stories which particularly impressed me.
“Only the Stones Will Hear You Scream” by RA Busby is a claustrophobic, terrifying tale about a man stuck inside a cave, while “Lines” by L O’Donoghue is a nice little story featuring a fortune teller and a skeptical client.
The excellent, perceptive “The Old Tip Road” by CM Saunders depicts a paranormal, frightening experience lived by two kids.
Veteran Steve Rasnic Tem contributes “H is for the Hunt”, a spellbinding piece where reality and dreams meet in a cabin in the woods inhabited by a lonesome woman.
In the insightful “Fishers of ——“ by Frances Ogamba, a man receives a birthday present—a mask reproducing his own face. In the deeply unsettling “ We Can’t Let Go” by Sheldon Higdon, a social worker visits a weird woman and her daughter with a shocking result.
“Fell Mill” by Charlie Hughes is an outstanding piece of horror where supernatural events and small-town amenities blend to reveal the dark side of our lives.
In short, this book is a complex, fascinating journey into the various shades of horror.
Have a good trip.
/5
- About the Author
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Mario Guslandi was born in Milan, Italy, where he currently lives. A long time fan of dark fiction (especially short stories)he’s probably the only Italian who reviews horror and supernatural tales in English. Over the years his reviews have appeared in many genre sites such as Horrorworld, The British Fantasy Society, Hellnotes, Emerald City, SF Revu, Thirteen O’ Clock, etc.
