Reviews

Eros & Thanatos: An Anthology of Death & Desire by Cassandra L. Thompson

mea_91's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

4 out of 5 stars

Eros & Thanatos: And Anthology of Death & Desire explores the duality of love, loss, and how the two intermix. The collection includes twelve short stories belonging to various Gothic sub-genres.

Most of the included stories are achingly stunning in how they deal with the anthology’s theme. I found myself rooting for various protagonists and thinking about them after the story had finished, which is a testament to their authors. I especially loved how the love stories included straight and queer relationships!

There were some stories that didn’t resonate as much for me, whether it was how a particular author explored death and desire or their particular writing style. This isn’t to say that they were poorly written, but I can’t help wondering if there were other stories that explored the theme more deeply or succinctly. These few stories left me confused with the plot or unsatisfied with the pacing/ending, which is why I took off one star.

Overall, though, I’m excited to read other publications from Quill & Crow, and I now have several new (to me) authors I want to read more from!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

hzmt's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

thesleepyreader79's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Love and Death. They sometimes go hand in hand. This anthology has 12 stories. Each with a different take on the two.

"Our homes are the truest reflection of our souls, of what we love and cherish, the blemishes and messes we tolerate, and those we do not. We must be careful who we let inside." The Witch's House-Alexandria Baker

For the most part, I enjoyed this anthology. There were a few stories that I had no interest in and a few that I really liked. Each story gives a different view on "until death do us part". Magic, ghosts, time travel and horror, you will not be bored with this book.

raychulleigh's review

Go to review page

5.0

Gosh, this anthology truly was a collection of fantastic short stories dealing in the intricacies of life, death, and desire, or even both!

Some of the stories were not as strong as others, but all quickly brought me in with a tale of love, loss, or heartbreak. I truly appreciated the variety, including LGBTQ+ romance, haunting ghost stories, strong female characters, and psychological twists. Two of the stories even evoked such strong emotions that I would sit with my thoughts for a day or two before continuing with the next chapter. From contemplating death in a way that isn't fearful, finding love weaved throughout eternity or even after death, and how there is nothing wrong with being content when alone, this anthology offers something for everyone.

I have eagerly suggested this book to several friends and look forward to reading more from these very talented authors.

**I received an advance review copy for free. All thoughts are my own, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
More...