Tag Archives: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic

The Bones of the Earth by Ursula K. Le Guin

Book Review, , ,
Overview
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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 ->

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No. 252 Rue M. le Prince by Ralph Adams Cram

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
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Title: No. 252 Rue M. le Prince
Author: Ralph Adams Cram
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley) & Gothic Short Stories (David Blair)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Horror
Dates read: 28th January 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1895
5th sentence, 74th page: Soon after two o’clock Fargeau, who was in the next room, hour after hour, hearing nothing, very much bored, and disappointed.

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Synopsis

A night spent in a haunted house that was cursed by a fellow practitioner of the arts turns a non-believer into one who believes in a number of things. But at what cost?

Thoughts

A short story set in beautiful Paris. About a haunted (make that cursed) house. Definitely a great setting for such a tale. Although, I think that Paris probably makes a great setting for most stories, it’s a beautiful location. Adding a layer of darkness through this house to it… that’s just downright intriguing.

This short story had enough darkness and horror in it to give me pause. It didn’t leave me looking over my shoulder into the dark shadows to see what was hiding for me like some other stories. But, it did make me stop halfway through, take a deep breath and then plough onwards. It just left me somewhat uncomfortable and more than a little bit freaked out.

Although this was dark, mysterious and kind of intimidating, I had a strange feeling of peace when all was said and done. Which was an incredibly unusual reaction. One that I did find intriguing though. Not sure what it says about my psyche that after reading about a creepy, haunted house that has been cursed, I feel at piece. But we’ll leave that discussion for another day…

<- To Become a SorcererThe Bones of the Earth ->

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To Become a Sorcerer by Darrell Schweitzer

Book Review, , ,
Overview
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Title: To Become a Sorcerer
Author: Darrell Schweitzer
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Magic
Dates read: 13th January 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1991
5th sentence, 74th page: There was little to do that night.

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Synopsis

His Dad was a sorcerer, so how did he become one? And what will it take to make his son walk in his footsteps?

Thoughts

There are four acts to this story. Or chapters. But, to me, they kind of read like the more traditional acts used in the telling of a story.

The first act is all about losing family. About having that love and losing it. About the confusion that this brings along for a young child.

The second act talks more about sorcery. About being set on the path towards sorcery and the journey that that takes you on.

The third act, is really about going into the belly of the beast. Specifically, it’s about actually succumbing to the need for power and going on a journey into sorcery.

Finally, the fourth and final act is the epic battle in which all secrets and plans are revealed.

I enjoyed this unique set up and journey. And I would love to see how this was formed into a full-length novel.

<- Seven Drops of BloodNo. 252 Rue M. le Prince ->

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Seven Drops of Blood by Robert Weinberg

Book Review, ,
Overview
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Title: Seven Drops of Blood
Author: Robert Weinberg
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Cops, Crime
Dates read: 12th January 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1992
5th sentence, 74th page: According to ancient Hebrew tradition, Ashmedai reigned as king of demons.

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Synopsis

He’s the resident psychic detective. His latest job? To track down the Holy Grail. What he discovers is nothing like what was expected.

Thoughts

This short story had a very noir detective feel to it. And, since it’s in a collection of Dark Magic short stories, I spent a very high proportion of it wondering where the dark magic actually was. That was kind of frustrating. Even once I found the “magical” aspect, it wasn’t anywhere near as intense as I was expecting and I kind of felt a little perplexed at its place in this anthology. But, it was still a thoroughly enjoyable story.

What I did love about this short story was that it featured the Holy Grail. It’s such an interesting topic, and one that I want more of in my reading. Actually, I think that I just want more of this noir detective feel in my reading in general.

This was a light, easy read. Not as dark and twisted as most of the other stories in this collection, and one that I seriously enjoyed reading. I was actually really disappointed when it was all over…

<- Master of ChaosTo Become a Sorcerer ->

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Master of Chaos by Michael Moorcock

Book Review, , ,
Overview
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Title: Master of Chaos
Author: Michael Moorcock
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Magic
Dates read: 8th January 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1964
5th sentence, 74th page: “I’ll try this, lady.”

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Synopsis

He is the conqueror of lands. The sword of the Queen. But even this castle and its mistress might be too much for the newly appointed Master of Chaos.

Thoughts

When I think of dark fantasy, I think of some incredibly twisty, crazy stories. Ones that have a sense of darkness that you can’t shake. Yet, this story didn’t quite have that feeling of darkness. It was a little bit more light and entertaining. With just a hint of darkness behind the storyline. I love that it’s a story which features trickery as the central battle. One that wins the day in the end.

This story features a castle which protects itself from invaders and conquerors. Just by showing someone their greatest fears. It’s intense, engaging and very, very interesting. I’m not sure what I would be shown if this happened to me. Probably a lot of snakes running around everywhere. (Slithering. Whatever, you get my drift.)

At the beginning of this short story, I found it quite confusing. But, as the story unfolded, I started to gain a little more understanding. And it suddenly became kind of amazing. Definitely a story which I’m going to enjoy reading again, as I discover more and more of this storyline.

<- The Rite StuffSeven Drops of Blood ->

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The Rite Stuff by Michael Kurland

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
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Title: The Rite Stuff
Author: Michael Kurland
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Magic, Wizards
Dates read: 2nd May 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: “What is being done?” he asked.

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Synopsis

A kidnapping of a little girl has taken place. And the detectives want the most talented forensic wizard on the case… even if the culprit really isn’t using the “rite stuff”.

Thoughts

This is one of those short stories that is fun to read, but not overly memorable once you turn the final page. It’s a fun journey and one that I’ll love to read again and again. But it’s also not the kind of story that has left me thinking and reflecting once I’ve turned the final page. It’s just… fun.

What I did really love about this story was the use of a crime solving team… who also happened to be wizards, or magic users… The big reveal at the end was very reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes. There is a great journey which outlays the crime. There is a seemingly coincidental co-occurring crime. And then, at the very end, everything is explained satisfactorily. In a way that makes you hit yourself on the head and say “duh”.

<- The Double ShadowMaster of Chaos ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

The Double Shadow by Clark Ashton Smith

Book Review, , ,
Overview
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Title: The Double Shadow
Author: Clark Ashton Smith
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Wizards
Dates read: 28th April 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1933
5th sentence, 74th page: And still the master had perceived it not; and still I forbore to warn him, hoping that the visitant would withdraw in its own time, going obscurely as it had come.

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Synopsis

They decided to summon something, but what they ended up calling to them was so much more dangerous and sinister than they had first realised. And now they might all carry a double shadow.

Thoughts

Although I gave this story a kind of low rating, I did thoroughly enjoy it. The wording was just so beautifully lyrical and swept me away. Which makes sense, since it was originally written in 1933. It definitely means that this is a short story that I’m likely to go back to and reread. After all, the very lyricality of the wording makes it a fun journey and an intriguingly poetic one as well.

What I didn’t love about this story was kind of the story line. It was alright, but it didn’t quite grasp me like other short stories I’ve been reading lately. Hence the low rating on the story. I think this is the kind of tale that I will enjoy the more times that I read it. rather than loving it unconditionally from the very first moment.

<- TimekeeperThe Rite Stuff ->

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Timekeeper by John Morressy

Book Review, , ,
Overview
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Title: Timekeeper
Author: John Morressy
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Magic
Dates read: 28th April 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1989
5th sentence, 74th page: Perhaps she loves him, Mr. Lockyer.

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Synopsis

Mr. Bell has decided to open up his clock shop in a small town. His clocks might not be all that they appear though. As Monsoon and his cronies are about to discover.

Thoughts

Ideas of time change across the world. It’s an idea that completely fascinates me. So it kind of makes sense that a story about a timekeeper and conjurer finds it’s way into a collection of dark magic stories. Although this one isn’t as dark and twisted as the other tales, there’s still that sense of mystery and brutality that is present in the rest of the stories in this collection.

I love the idea of do unto others what you’d want done unto you. And this seems to be one that intertwines throughout this story. Mr. Bell is neither good nor bad… he doesn’t take sides but acts as an equaliser to others. For those who are good and need help, he is able to subtly provide that. But for people like Monsoon, he is a little more aggressive, and leaves people wondering where the bad man and his evil cronies have gone.

The timekeeper is a nice, soft version of tales of dark magic and dark fantasy. It has all of the integral aspects to it, but without the overwhelming sense of horror and discomfort that you sometimes get at the conclusion of the tale.

<- The Sage of TheareThe Double Shadow ->

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The Sage of Theare by Diana Wynne Jones

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
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Title: The Sage of Theare
Author: Diana Wynne Jones
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Gods, Mythology
Dates read: 26th April 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1982
5th sentence, 74th page: As soon as he pushed the door open, thick smoke rolled in, filled with harsh crackling.

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Synopsis

The Gods are ruled by order and they like it this way. So when the Sage of Dissolution is born they begin to fear that it will be the end of the world as they know it.

Thoughts

Order is not something that comes easily to me. Don’t get me wrong, I am incredibly organised and have a system for things. But my life in and of itself is not actually organised. And I don’t tend to follow conventions about 90% of the time. So I kind of liked a dark fantasy tale that dealt with the intersection of order and chaos. How they are both important to the existence of life as we know it.

The gods in this story are kind of a sick-in-the-butt characters. They have rules and restrictions for literally everything, and there is no way in which to deviate from this set path and plan. It means that no one can be questioned and nothing can change. Which in and of itself isn’t horrifying, until you realise that it means the world becomes stagnant and… well, boring.

I like that the mechanism for change in this tale is the child of a god. And in trying to avoid a prophecy, they, well don’t necessarily make it happen. But they bring to light their stupidity and inability to understand the world around them.

<- The Witch’s BicycleTimekeeper ->

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The Witch’s Bicycle by Tim Pratt

Book Review, , ,
Overview
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Title: The Witch’s Bicycle
Author: Tim Pratt
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley) & Little Gods (Tim Pratt)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Magic
Dates read: 26th April 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: So play with me and you’ll get better, right?

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Synopsis

It’s an age old tale, two boys, one girl, a rivalry that ends in tears. But, what happens when they decide to change the script? Will the dark magic continue?

Thoughts

I was really dreading a horrible ending to this story. One that would involve a tragedy and the dark magic practitioner riding off into the sunset with her own version of happily ever after. But it didn’t quite end like that. In fact, it had a very happy ending with a bit of violence and darkness thrown in. Something that I thoroughly enjoy in a good story – some violence, some hope and a happily-ever-after.

The idea of a girl with two boys interested is kind of age old. Something that has been around since time and time again. And a story that serves its purpose in most of the books that I read. But there’s not normally an evil, meddling witch trying to extend the conflict and end a life. There’s also not normally a girl running around with a hockey stick, protecting the boy (rather than the other way around). It’s these quirky, happy little differences that made me that much happier.

This story was a great, dark twist on the fairy tales and stories of witches that I’ve been reading lately. It was darker and far more twisted than usual. But it also had a happy ending, and didn’t leave me feeling uncomfortable and filled with a kind of horror at the end of the story.

<- The InfestationThe Sage of Theare ->

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