Reviews

The Book of Queer Saints: Volume I by Mae Murray

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ezrasupremacy's review against another edition

4.0

as always when you read a short story collection, it’s a bit hit and miss, which is even more so true when you read one that’s penned by multiple different authors.

i started reading this because eric larocca is featured, which is funny because i don’t even particularly love his stories, yet i still keep coming back for them, so interpret that how you will.

i largely enjoyed this collection of strange little stories, obviously some more and some less, but it was incredibly solid overall, and definitely introduced me to some new authors to keep an eye out for.

i adore anything queer but a million times more when it’s not a love story, and combining my love for stories i like to call “fucked” with queer evil? a dream come true

my favourites were definitely “the neon holocaust” by eric larocca (shocker), “the love that whirls” by joe koch, and “the last disgrace” by george daniel lea

schech's review

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adventurous dark emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? N/A
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

cupidcove's review against another edition

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adventurous dark fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

The only stories in this collection that I will remember will be the ones I didn't like. I think much of the writing was poorly done and many stories replicate similar themes. Many of the things explored in the stories did not have the time needed to fully flesh out what they were trying to say. Many needed more editing. I just don't think this collection was successful at all.

caracabe's review against another edition

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Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

To quote from the foreword by Sam Richard: “This book is full of queer representation that is messy and ugly and uncomfortable and painful. It’s a book full of queer characters who are cruel and conflicted and complex and interesting. Yes, queer joy, but also: queer rage, queer hostility, queer panic, queer madness, queer violence, queer horror.”

It’s an anthology, so of course I connected with some stories more than others, but all are well-written, imaginative, and (like all the best monster stories) ruthlessly human.

justanothermark's review

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adventurous dark funny fast-paced

4.0

rackncheese's review against another edition

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5.0

I am a lifelong fan of short story anthologies, but even people who love them know that their weakness lies in the wide range in quality the stories can span. This anthology didn't have that AT ALL. I loved every single story and definitely found some new favorites to check out other work by. A horror anthology that is unapologetically queer and truly hoffific in a variety of subgenres - 5 stars.