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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
One of the best short story collections I've read in a while. The stories are right in that sweet spot of creating a world and a full story that leaves a reader thinking about the future and the impact without feeling the ending too abrupt. The horror aspect is also really well done, the author roots her stories in reality - police shootings, oppression, racial violence, and then adding a fantastical and horrible twist, often a twist where the white oppressors get their just desserts and marginalized voices are uplifted and made powerful.
I would recommend this to both avid horror readers who enjoy Cassandra Khaw and Stephen Graham Jones, as well as readers of N.K. Jemisin, as well as readers new to the horror genre, or who are looking for empowering short stories that center BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ characters.
I would recommend this to both avid horror readers who enjoy Cassandra Khaw and Stephen Graham Jones, as well as readers of N.K. Jemisin, as well as readers new to the horror genre, or who are looking for empowering short stories that center BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ characters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Racism, Xenophobia, Police brutality, Grief
I really liked the writing in these stories! But I think I also figured out that I don’t really like short stories while reading this. 😅
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
dark
mysterious
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This stellar collection manages to play with every emotion, excavating what it means to be human in a world sometimes bereft of humanity. I wouldn’t categorize this collection as “horror,” though it definitely explores the horrific, using a lens of magical realism to confront violence and oppression, including some stories that are inspired by specific acts of real-world brutality. Each story is well-crafted and well-paced, never over-staying its welcome but always with a definite sense of space and style. The characters are rich and complicated, and even though we only get a short time with each they fill out their stories with untold histories that make them robust and genuine; none feel like caricatures or matters of convenience. These stories explore the depth of the human experience, from trauma to ecstasy, from guilt to redemption, from loneliness to devotion.
Not all of the stories feel wholly original, which is to say some feel like expected reactionary art that is defiantly facing specific instances of oppression. But I think that experience of familiarity is because those stories are sandwiched between other stories that stand out in their originality and unique voice. It is more a case of an abundance of riches than a dearth of creativity. Every story hits, for me; it is a no-skip record all the way. Even those stories that feel less original are still telling compelling narratives in important, creative ways, and they leave me feeling richer for having experienced them.
For all the terrors found in this nightmare box, these stories leave me feeling emboldened and empowered. They are fearless and provocative, and I highly recommend them and look forward to experiencing anything else Cynthia Gómez writes.
I want to thank the author, the publisher Cursed Morsels Press, and BookSirens, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Not all of the stories feel wholly original, which is to say some feel like expected reactionary art that is defiantly facing specific instances of oppression. But I think that experience of familiarity is because those stories are sandwiched between other stories that stand out in their originality and unique voice. It is more a case of an abundance of riches than a dearth of creativity. Every story hits, for me; it is a no-skip record all the way. Even those stories that feel less original are still telling compelling narratives in important, creative ways, and they leave me feeling richer for having experienced them.
For all the terrors found in this nightmare box, these stories leave me feeling emboldened and empowered. They are fearless and provocative, and I highly recommend them and look forward to experiencing anything else Cynthia Gómez writes.
I want to thank the author, the publisher Cursed Morsels Press, and BookSirens, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Beautifully written, tragic horror stories. I had my favourites among them, didn't love all, but most, if not all were beautifully haunting, i have to admit, although the content was heavyyy (definitely common themes of racism, colonisation, homophobia, police brutality, etc.) The horror of some felt a bit rushed, but that's unfortunately I think just an accepted downside of some short stories.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Individual Ratings:
Lips like sugar - 4⭐️ - short and sweet, not too complex so it doesn't NEED more, tho I wanted more.
A Kiss to Build a Dream on - 3⭐️ - loved the concept of the store that appeared when needed, but the horror wasn't really giving horror. The least creepy of all of them so far besides Huitzol & the Rope of Thorns.
The Nightmare Box - 3.25⭐️- such an interesting concept, but the beginning was a little confusing and the ending was okay.
Will They Disappear - 4.75⭐️ - the best so far, imo; so tragic, especially that it's based on a true story, but the ending was satisfying.
The Road out of Nowhere - 4⭐️ - the writing was so well done, i felt like i was there, and like it could be a movie.
Huitzol & the Rope of Thorns - 3.25⭐️ - this was okay; same satisfying element (good vs evil) as the others, but not my favourite.
The Teacher's Association - 2.75⭐️ - this felt like edging. I was so excited to find out more and then i was just kind of left like what?? maybe that was the point, idk. not for me, left too many questions.
The Weight of It - 4⭐️ - not much content, but tragic and again, beautifully written. just filled with grief.
Red Brick - 3.75⭐️ - in a way should be satisfying, the first one from the white man's POV and him getting 'just desserts'' for his anti-immigration stance; but the author made sure it isn't at all satisfying, too.
Someone Else's to Destroy - 4.5⭐️ - heavy. again, not scary, just supernatural, but tragic and just heavy.
The Unburied - 3.75⭐️ - great storytelling and an amusing ending if I’m right - white guilt?
Hot and Cold - 3.5⭐️ - a bit creepy, but felt really rushed (unfortunately a downside of short stories).
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Individual Ratings:
A Kiss to Build a Dream on - 3⭐️ - loved the concept of the store that appeared when needed, but the horror wasn't really giving horror. The least creepy of all of them so far besides Huitzol & the Rope of Thorns.
The Nightmare Box - 3.25⭐️- such an interesting concept, but the beginning was a little confusing and the ending was okay.
Will They Disappear - 4.75⭐️ - the best so far, imo; so tragic, especially that it's based on a true story, but the ending was satisfying.
The Road out of Nowhere - 4⭐️ - the writing was so well done, i felt like i was there, and like it could be a movie.
Huitzol & the Rope of Thorns - 3.25⭐️ - this was okay; same satisfying element (good vs evil) as the others, but not my favourite.
The Teacher's Association - 2.75⭐️ - this felt like edging. I was so excited to find out more and then i was just kind of left like what?? maybe that was the point, idk. not for me, left too many questions.
The Weight of It - 4⭐️ - not much content, but tragic and again, beautifully written. just filled with grief.
Red Brick - 3.75⭐️ - in a way should be satisfying, the first one from the white man's POV and him getting 'just desserts'' for his anti-immigration stance; but the author made sure it isn't at all satisfying, too.
Someone Else's to Destroy - 4.5⭐️ - heavy. again, not scary, just supernatural, but tragic and just heavy.
The Unburied - 3.75⭐️ - great storytelling and an amusing ending if I’m right - white guilt?
Hot and Cold - 3.5⭐️ - a bit creepy, but felt really rushed (unfortunately a downside of short stories).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, Grief, Murder, Colonisation
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Hate crime, Police brutality
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Vomit
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is a rare-for-me 5-star story collection. Each story was a winner, and each one brought something new to the table. While there are connecting threads-- the city of Oakland makes frequent appearances, the systemic and personal injustice faced by people of color, the concept of justice-- every story was different, and every story had something different to say. Every story also dealt with very different aspects of the supernatural/horror genre, from vampires to gods. I highly recommend this to fans of V. Castro, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and Stephen Graham Jones. (I especially liked the nod to Jones' Jade Daniels in the short story "Huitzol and the Rope of Thorns.")
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.