An anthology of sixteen stories by leading authors of Anglo-American dark fantasy and horror.
Halloween is a time of magic, wonder, and dread. Long before its tradition came to be defined by mass-produced masks, bloody horror films, and carved pumpkins, the essence of All Hallows' Eve lay in dark rites and black magic, in tales of cursed souls, vengeance, and changelings.
The stories in this collection carry on that legacy in a modern spirit — poetically, atmospherically, rawly, and experimentally. Here you can experience Halloween in a haunted house, in a cemetery, in an asylum for the insane, in the past, the present, and even in the future on the Moon.
As is usually the case with short stories, my enthusiasm rose and fell. But overall, I really liked the anthology.
With the first story, I grumbled a bit, because although it was a nice ghost tale to open with, it was too weak for me. I had been looking forward to being scared by the first story.
But my enthusiasm came in a big wave with the third story. That one was great. If A Small Taste of the Old Country had been placed first, it would have knocked my socks off.
Another amazing piece was Nix's Hellish Itch. A hospital setting, a strange patient — that was something for me.
Nos Galan Gaeaf with its great Halloween atmosphere and nicely spooky ending, as well as We Won't Invite Amber Again, were both very well done.
I absolutely loved Evenson's story Sisters. I'd love to share the ending here, where chills normally ran down my spine, but that would spoil how it turns out.
With the story Through the Dark Night, tears welled up in my eyes — beautiful and sad.
Don't Turn Around by Kane has a gripping plot and a surprising ending.
I was pleased by Langan's story Lost in the Dark, as well as the final story set in the future.
I like the book's design, the cover is incredible and I enjoy examining its details.
Many thanks to @nakladatelstvi_carcosa for providing the book for review.
#spoluprace
Rating: 4*/5
7📚 / 2023
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