Epeolatry Book Review: Thin Slices by Melody E. McIntyre
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Title: Thin Slices
Author: Melody E. McIntyre
Genre: Horror Literature
Publisher: Independent
Publication date: 12th January, 2025
Synopsis: Welcome to Thin Slices, the debut collection from Melody E. McIntyre, writer of short, dark fiction. With over 90 stories, all less than 1000 words apiece, this little book is bursting with scares. Melody drew her inspiration from history, mythology, science fiction, monsters, ghosts, and secret places only accessible by night.
These stories may be tiny, but the terrors they invoke are anything but.
DISCLAIMER: Melody E. McIntyre IS a Horror Tree writer and contributor. We try not to have bias in our reviews, but want to be clear on anything that could be perceived as bias.
Thin Slices by Melody E. McIntyre is an excellent collection of micro-horror. One of the reasons I love it so much is because in my opinion, horror should not have happy endings. McIntyre seems to share this sentiment, having each story end on an unsettling note. I believe the art of micro-horror is often taken for granted. Many people can spew words, but few are skilled enough to send shivers down your spine in only a few lines; McIntyre, is definitely skilled enough to do exactly that.
Part one was brilliant. I love flash fiction, fairytales, mythology, and folklore—right up my alley. It is well written, and accurate with a twist. The author is clearly well versed in classic storytelling and adds a beautiful kiss of darkness upon each.
Part two focused on classic monsters and wild beasts with unexpected twists on the classic creatures of the night. Several were about vampires, and I appreciated the creativity.
Part three is about the grave and that which should remain there. I am a huge Johnny Cash fan, so story 42 “Reno” tickled my fancy with its reanimated twist. Part three also included some mythological stories. Several stories were not particularly scary, but rather more tragic. It reminded me of what Nietzsche said in his book The Birth of Tragedy, about how the ancient Greeks enjoyed exactly such tales.
Part four peered into dark fantasy and science fiction, while part five focuses on nightmares. I enjoyed the story based on the song Jolene the most. McIntyre’s skill with narratives around songs is brilliant.
While reading this compendium, I could not help but see this as a great graphic novel, or an awesome children’s bedtime story book (with illustrations). Sure, some of the stories might be a little too dark for parents to share with their kids, but let us not forget the brothers Grimm and their gruesome tales. That being said, be sure to check the content warnings at the back of the book. It includes, but is not limited to, implied sexual violence, child death, and cannibalism. Though in my opinion, all the stories are written tastefully, and none of these triggers/themes felt exploitative.
All in all, I give this tome four ravens. It is well written, creative, and perfect for my ADD addled mind.
/5
- About the Author
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Luc Dantes is a high school English teacher by day and aspiring author by night. Their writing style is shaped by their experience living with ADD, as well as their identity as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Luc finds comfort in the horror genre, seeing it as a place to explore darker themes in a safe environment. Their work has been featured in Ghostwatch Zine’s Winter’s Warning quarterly issue in 2025, and they are set to be published in “Twisted Horrors,” a queer anthology curated by River Gardner in 2025.
As an avid reader, Luc has consistently ranked among Goodreads’ top users, placing in the top 25% of readers in 2023 and advancing to the top 10% of readers and top 1% of reviewers in 2024. Their literary interests span a wide range of genres, with a particular passion for horror, fantasy, and autobiographies.
As a writer, Luc aims to bring an honest, relatable perspective to readers through their work. Their experience as both a prolific reader and reviewer informs their writing, allowing them to craft stories that resonate with diverse audiences. Above all, Luc’s greatest passions are their loving spouse and children, who continue to inspire and support their literary journey.
Instagram: @thebibliobabbler
