Tag Archives: Dark Fantasy

The Sweet of Bitter Bark and Burning Clove by Doris Egan

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for sirens and other daemon lovers book cover

Title: The Sweet of Bitter Bark and Burning Clove
Author: Doris Egan
In: Sirens and Other Daemon Lovers (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 2nd April 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: EOS
Year: 1998
5th sentence, 74th page: She pulled her mouth away, pushing him back.

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Synopsis

He gets six weeks with Lilith at a time. They’re the best six weeks of his life. And this time it’s ont exception.

Thoughts

Any story that features Lilith in one of her many incarnations tends to fascinate me. There is just something about her persona and character that I am kind of completely in love with. Something about her that makes me smile. She’s never “good”, but she’s never truly evil either… for me, the perfect mix of characterisation.

One of the parts of this story that I enjoyed the most was the feeling of mystery and history that is prevalent throughout this story. There is so much past that is constantly bought up throughout the tale that completely draws you in. Yet, there is a great looking forwards to the future in every moment. Add that to the fact that the man in this story is hunting for a missing person and an evil one at that… well, it makes an amazingly powerful and enthralling story.

This story was quite lustful. But what I liked the most about it? It was kind of bloody and violent too. Yes, the lust and the romance are great, but I’ve been reading a lot of that lately. It turns out that I’m now in the mood for a bit of blood and guts now…

<- TastingsHeat ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Chosen by Marjorie Liu & Sana Takeda

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Monstress, Vol. 4: The Chosen by Marjorie M. Liu

Title: The Chosen
Author: Marjorie Liu & Sana Takeda
Series: Monstress #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Graphic novels, Steampunk
Dates read: 27th March 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: image
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: It will just take time for lesser beings to grasp the truth.

Synopsis

A new war between humans and Arcanics is bubbling to the surface. A rift in the sky has revealed the devastating potential of the long-imprisoner Monstra. And Maika Halfwolf is at the center of it all.

In this fourth volume of MONSTRESS, collecting issues 19 – 24, Maika comes closer than ever before to the answers she’s long sought – but those answers carry a steep price. As her friends and allies reveal long-held secrets and shifting allegiances, Maika finds herself at the mercy of the Lord Doctor, a charismatic demagogue whose connections to Maika and Zinn run deeper than anyone could have imagined.

Thoughts

This is a glorious graphic novel. Just like the rest of the books in the Monstress series. They are dark, twisted and intense. Completely, beautifully graphic. And I honestly can’t tear my eyes away from the pages whenever I open that first page.

The plot is seriously thickening in this series. I am waiting impatiently for the next collection to come out because, as with every other volume in this series – it ends on a bit of a cliff hanger. There is something about this that makes you ridiculously excited to pick up the next story and immerse yourself again and again and again. But, now I have to wait…

Graphic novels are a medium that are seriously growing on me. However, I still do find that I can’t keep track of the characters as well as I do when it’s a novel written in prose. So there were probably a few important moments throughout this that I missed. A few key characters from the past that are reappearing, and it took me a little longer than it usually would to recognise them. Yet, this makes the adventure so much more fun. After all, I’m stretching some new mental muscles in doing so.

This is definitely a book that I’m going to pick up again and again and again. Whenever I want something a little bit dark, and kind of easy to enjoy. It’s just fantastic and completely impossible to forget.

 <- HavenWarchild ->

Image source: Goodreads

Forever by Tim Lebbon

Book Review,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of dark magic book cover

Title: Forever
Author: Tim Lebbon
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy
Dates read: 25th March 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: She swung him southward and jerked him back, blood from his fingers spattering a line across the glacier.

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Synopsis

Nox just wants to escape. To find a freedom and a better life than the slavery in which he’s found himself. But that might not quite be possible… and it may take a miracle to get him out of forever.

Thoughts

There was something quite heartbreaking about this short story. At first it doesn’t seem so. But at the end? Wow. Talk about tearing someone down and systematically destroying them. Letting them hope, just so that when they find out there is nothing to hope for… it’s all the more bitter and devastating. This tale seriously punched me in the heart.

Normally I love stories that have this sense of hope in the darkest of moments. Especially when that hope is about breaking free of slavery and killing. But, sadly, there are hints throughout that his hope is seriously misplaced. Particularly when the little spies keep on finding their way out of the woodworks to report on his hopes and dreams.

I honestly don’t have enough words for how intense and intriguing this story is. How heartbreaking the ending is. There is something about this story that manages to not only draw you in, but also that helps to make you experience a whole slew of emotions. Just like good writing should.

<- In the Realm of DragonsThe Wizard of Ashes and Rain ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

The Totals by Adam-Troy Castro

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the monstrous ellen datlow book cover

Title: The Totals
Author: Adam-Troy Castro
In: The Monstrous (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Horror
Dates read: 25th March 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tachyon
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: It seems strange but right for the door on the other side of the vestibule, leading to the diner interior, to be scaled to his dimensions: a novelty, he’s always possessed an awkward shape and monstrous bulk that makes breaking down doors somewhat more natural than opening them.

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Synopsis

Clutch knows he has killed recently. But he can’t remember who. He can’t remember why. Walking by chance into an inn that feels like home might provide the answers… or just oblivion.

Thoughts

The start of this story is seriously creepy and horrific. It starts with Clutch knowing that he has killed someone recently. That he always knows this. He just doesn’t know who or why. He does know how… he literally “clutches” them to death. And then he walks into a dinner and you think that things are just going to get worse. It’s a spinetingling way to start a story. And the imagery of the blood still lingering on his clothes… just seems to make it all that much worse.

There are so many ideas about the things that go bump in the night. Although, there are always a few common, recognisable aspects among these. This story found unique ways to create new horrors, but also provided the reader with some of the classics that you immediately recognise. It’s a great mix of the traditional and the new. And spouting the things that go bump in the night as members of a corporation who just want to climb the ladder… well, it kind of mixes two things that are kind of scary.

Although this is a great little horror short story, it’s also a little amusing. In that satirical way. That way that makes you sit back afterwards and go “huh”. That was good, that made some great comments on the way that the world works. And yes, things aren’t ever equal. Regardless of how much we may want them to be.

<- The Last, Clean, Bright SummerThe Chill Clutch of the Unseen ->

Image source: Amazon

In the Realm of Dragons by Esther M. Friesner

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of dark magic book cover

Title: In the Realm of Dragons
Author: Esther M. Friesner
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Dragons, LGBTQI, Magic
Dates read: 9th March 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1997
5th sentence, 74th page: Ryan sat at his father’s feet and looked up to see a taut jawline, a gaze fixed and fastened on Uncle Graham and Bill.

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Synopsis

Ryan is trying to honour the memory of his estranged Uncle. Clutching a dragon figurine, he travels into the city to find the men who tore his life apart.

Thoughts

I actually really, really enjoyed this short story. Not only was it about the ostracization which can occur to an individual because of their LGBTQI+ status, the hatred towards minorities and the need for one person to make amends, it is also about dragons. Which I love. So the combination took me straight to my little happy place.

For starters, I loved that there was a blurring of lines between reality and imagination. Even at the end of this story, you’re not entirely sure if the dragons was there in reality, or whether it was all just hopeful imagination and revenge. There was great, powerful imagery with the use of dragons and figurines. The flicking back and forth between memory and present. Reality and dreams. I loved this mystic quality and the way it created an amazingly powerful storyline.

I also loved that this story featured a homosexual man. It was the cause of all of his tragedies, but it was nice to have a story that realistically and deeply investigated how ostracization due to your sexual orientation can destroy a life. Can rip and tear it apart in a way that is unexpected, powerful and potent. And, obviously, very tragically.

<- DisillusionedForever ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

A Wish from a Bone by Gemma Files

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the monstrous ellen datlow book cover

Title: A Wish from a Bone
Author: Gemma Files
In: The Monstrous (Ellen Datlow) & Fearful Symmetries (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Gods
Dates read: 8th March 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tachyon
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: Reluctantly: “The last couple times I did this, there was a physical copy of the Liber Carne in play, so getting rid of that helped – but there’s no copy here, which makes us the Liber Carne, the human pages being Inscribed.”

Synopsis

They just wanted to discover something new and exciting. And catch it all on film of course. And they did… sort of. Just not the kind of excitement they really wanted.

Thoughts

This short story seriously reminds me of another story that I’ve read. Something about the nine pre-gods of ancient times. But I can’t quite pinpoint which story it was… I did love that feeling of aching familiarity that I felt though. It was kind of fun, definitely intriguing. And something that I will continue to think about, long after I’ve turned the final page of this story.

It did take me a little while to get into this story. Hence the lower rating… if it takes me a little bit to get into a short story, then I don’t tend to love it as much. There just isn’t enough time otherwise. But it was still enjoyable. I especially liked the slightly jumpy way in which the story leapt forward in snatches.

Most of all I liked the ending of this story. There was something about that statement that we are never truly alone that was far more creepy than comforting. Which, really, is exactly how it should be.

<- The Beginning of the Year Without a SummerThe Last, Clean, Bright Summer ->

Image source: Amazon

Disillusioned by Lawrence Schimel & Mike Resnick

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of dark magic book cover

Title: Disillusioned
Author: Lawrence Schimel & Mike Resnick
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Magic
Dates read: 5th March 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1995
5th sentence, 74th page: Vivian sighed, wishing she were elsewhere, but she displayed no outward sign of her boredom, laughing along with the other assembled members of the Thirteen Families.

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Synopsis

The world is run by those with powerful magic. Members of the Thirteen Families. But, when do the illusions end and reality begin? When does it become something much, much more?

Thoughts

This is a great story that reminds us – even when we get everything that we want, it might not be what we actually need. Vivian manages to rise to the top of her society, she uses all of her cunning and intelligence. Yet, once she’s there… there is nothing. No feeling of excitement no feeling of accomplishment. Just. Total. Disillusionment.

I found this short story quite a poignant reminder – sometimes the thing that you are working towards (power, prestige) isn’t necessarily what you need to be happy. Sometimes it is just empty and meaningless. Especially if you have a split moment in which you realise that it is all just an illusion. A figment of reality that is constructed by others.

This story is a little bit funny, a little bit dark and definitely one that will draw you in from the very beginning. It is intriguing and engaging. And not one that I am likely to forget anytime soon.

<- The Closed WindowIn the Realm of Dragons ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

The Beginning of the Year Without a Summer by Caitlin R. Kiernan

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for the monstrous ellen datlow book cover

Title: The Beginning of the Year Without a Summer
Author: Caitlin R. Kiernan
In: The Monstrous (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy
Dates read: 5th March 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tachyon
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: Me and my mom both found them.

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Synopsis

Dark, deep and intriguing. An impossible short story to put down.

Thoughts

There is something dark and intriguing about this short story. Which I’m starting to recognise as a bit of a hallmark of Kiernan’s writing. There is a sense of vagueness in the story, but one which worked brilliantly. It gave an even darker, more mystical feel to the storyline.

Although this short story stood well on its own, it would have also been fantastic as the introduction to a novel. It felt like there was so much more behind the scenes of this story. So much more that could have been teased out.

I loved the feel of this story. I also loved the fact that I read it late at night, with a glass of wine in hand and the dogs on my lap. It kind of helped to build that feeling of mystery and darkness that Kiernan does so well. Definitely one that I’ll go back and read again soon.

<- Giants in the EarthA Wish from a Bone ->

Image source: Amazon

The Closed Window by A.C. Benson

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of dark magic book cover

Title: The Closed Window
Author: A.C. Benson
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Magic
Dates read: 12th February 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1903
5th sentence, 74th page: In the evening, after they had dined, Roland had let his fancy rove in talk.

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Synopsis

The closed window is a potent short story that will haunt your subconscious.

Thoughts

I really liked this short story. Although I don’t really know why I did so. There was just something that was powerful and fun about the storyline. Something that drew me in and made it kind of hard to move beyond the storyline.

As much as I loved this story, I’m still not entirely sure what this was truly about. Whilst reading the story I felt like I completely understood what I was reading and what I was loving. But, as soon as I turned that final page… I’m not entirely sure what it was that I enjoyed so much. Which is more than a little confusing.

Although I can’t really say much about the actual storyline and why I loved it so much. There was a dark, haunting quality about this story that I absolutely adored. Something that made you want to curl up under your blanket, stick your nose in the book and just not come up for air for a little while…

<- The Bones of the EarthDisillusioned ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

The Bones of the Earth by Ursula K. Le Guin

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of dark magic book cover

Title: The Bones of the Earth
Author: Ursula K. Le Guin
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Wizards
Dates read: 6th February 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: I think we’re leaving things out, here, things worth knowing…

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Synopsis

Wizards and their mentors are a great motif in stories, but what happens at the end of the road? When they’re about to take that final step.

Thoughts

This short story is all about wizards and their mentors. The different ways in which mentors can inform their protegee, and how they fall into each others’ lives. I love that in telling about this relationship, it’s a little reflective. But also very much in the presence. There is a great split between the two timelines that enhances the timelessness of the bond between mentor and apprentice. And this flits across generations.

This is an incredibly bittersweet little story. One that makes you sit back and go “huh” at the end. It’s not sad, it’s not happy. It’s just a bit wow at the end. And I really liked that feeling towards to the end of the tale.

The Bones of the Earth is a great, easy read. It’s a little dark, but not terrifyingly so. It’s definitely intriguing. And not the sort of story that I’m likely to forget at any point soon. Especially when I have a Le Guin book sitting on my shelf…

<- No. 252 Rue M. le PrinceThe Closed Window ->

Image source: Hachette Australia