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mxsallybend's review
3.0
A World of Horror, edited by Eric J. Guignard, is the longest lingering collection on the review shelves, an anthology I started exploring at the tail end of the summer. It was an entirely new-to-me slate of authors, which is probably why I lingered over it for so long. While there are a handful of Western stories - Canada, USA, England, Australia - the others are from South Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Japan, Philippines, and more. A truly global slate of horror.
That diversity was something of a challenge for me. Some of the stories were just too different from what I am used to, from what I look for in horror, that I struggled to find my way into them. Highlights for me included the weird horror of ON A WOODEN PLATE, ON A WINTER’S NIGHT
David Nickle and THE MAN AT TABLE NINE by Ray Cluley; the body horror of THE SECRET LIFE OF THE UNCLAIMED by Suyi Davies Okungbowa; the creepy road trip horror of SICK CATS IN SMALL SPACES by Kaaron Warren; and HONEY by Valya Dudycz Lupescu, a story of ghosts and memories.
https://beauty-in-ruins.blogspot.com/2018/12/horror-review-trilogy-of-terror-from.html
That diversity was something of a challenge for me. Some of the stories were just too different from what I am used to, from what I look for in horror, that I struggled to find my way into them. Highlights for me included the weird horror of ON A WOODEN PLATE, ON A WINTER’S NIGHT
David Nickle and THE MAN AT TABLE NINE by Ray Cluley; the body horror of THE SECRET LIFE OF THE UNCLAIMED by Suyi Davies Okungbowa; the creepy road trip horror of SICK CATS IN SMALL SPACES by Kaaron Warren; and HONEY by Valya Dudycz Lupescu, a story of ghosts and memories.
https://beauty-in-ruins.blogspot.com/2018/12/horror-review-trilogy-of-terror-from.html
kvltprincess's review
5.0
It's rare that I find an anthology where every story is great, and this is one of them. I really enjoyed the variations of stories in the book - there are some fantastic monster stories, hauntings, and more. And one of the shortest stories in the book, "Warning: Flammable, See Back Label" disturbed me to no end.
Some of my favorites were:
On a Wooden Plate, on a Winter's Night by David Nickle (Canada)
The Secret Life of the Unclaimed by Suyi Davies Okungbowa (Nigeria)
Obibi by Dilman Dila (Uganda)
Honey by Valya Dudycz Lupescu (Ukraine)
Warning: Flammable, See Back Label by Marcia Douglas (Jamaica)
The Shadows of Saint Urban by Claudio Foti (Italy)
Warashi's Grip by Yukimi Ogawa (Japan)
Incredible collection! I'll be keeping an eye out for these authors in the future - I was pleased to learn that Suyi Davies Okungbowa has a novel coming out later this year, which is going straight onto my TBR list. Great anthology; highly recommended.
Some of my favorites were:
On a Wooden Plate, on a Winter's Night by David Nickle (Canada)
The Secret Life of the Unclaimed by Suyi Davies Okungbowa (Nigeria)
Obibi by Dilman Dila (Uganda)
Honey by Valya Dudycz Lupescu (Ukraine)
Warning: Flammable, See Back Label by Marcia Douglas (Jamaica)
The Shadows of Saint Urban by Claudio Foti (Italy)
Warashi's Grip by Yukimi Ogawa (Japan)
Incredible collection! I'll be keeping an eye out for these authors in the future - I was pleased to learn that Suyi Davies Okungbowa has a novel coming out later this year, which is going straight onto my TBR list. Great anthology; highly recommended.
sunflowerjess's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
This was my first short story horror anthology and won't be my last! I have normally had a really hard time enjoying the short story format; I think it works for me in the horror genre though. I really loved reading stories from all over the world - the similarities and differences in what constitutes horror among various cultures is fascinating.
david_agranoff's review against another edition
3.0
Cool book full Audio review coming with my Dickheads co-host Anthony Trevino coming soon.
unwrappingwords's review against another edition
5.0
The premise of this book is absolutely fantastic – to seek out as many different stories from as many different countries as possible. And though there are a couple of stories from countries very familiar to Western horror readers, more come from places likely unfamiliar to English speakers. Inside this anthology, readers will find stories from Japan, Ukraine, Nigeria, Singapore, Sweden, Philippines and more. And each, in their own way, is an absolute delight.
I am constantly blown away by anthologies, the sheer dedication of the editors and the talent of various authors, gathered in one place, but this is a collection taken to the next level. The variety provides something unique, allowing readers to delve into the myths of places they might perhaps never visit.
Personal favourites – Honey¸ set in the Chernobyl exclusion zone, where strange creatures roam. The Shadows of Saint Urban, about the dangers lurking in the shadows, and the madness found within, which feels almost like it could be a Carpenter movie. How Alfred Nobel Got His Mojo, where Nobel discovers the true extent of dynamite’s destructive powers. Sick Cats in Small Spaces, about bottles found in the Australian outback, and the spirits trapped within.
I am constantly blown away by anthologies, the sheer dedication of the editors and the talent of various authors, gathered in one place, but this is a collection taken to the next level. The variety provides something unique, allowing readers to delve into the myths of places they might perhaps never visit.
Personal favourites – Honey¸ set in the Chernobyl exclusion zone, where strange creatures roam. The Shadows of Saint Urban, about the dangers lurking in the shadows, and the madness found within, which feels almost like it could be a Carpenter movie. How Alfred Nobel Got His Mojo, where Nobel discovers the true extent of dynamite’s destructive powers. Sick Cats in Small Spaces, about bottles found in the Australian outback, and the spirits trapped within.
wellwortharead's review against another edition
4.0
I suppose I say it too often, but I love horror anthologies. They are especially good for when I'm between novels or don't have a lot of time and just want to read a few pages here and there, on a lunch break or before bed. What I really loved about this anthology is that it took me on a trip around the world without having to leave the safety of my home. I also loved that each story was accompanied by an illustration, because what good is a trip around the world without pictures! All of these authors are new to me except for the dearly departed Billie Sue Mosiman. I have been a fan of her work for ages, she was a talented writer and a wonderful lady.
I found this book to be an interesting mix of the supernatural, serial killers, and folklore and a peek into the customs and superstitions of other countries. I enjoyed every story but the ones that are still etched in my mind are On a Wooden Plate, On a Winter’s Night which was not just the normal reunion story that I thought it was at first. I love the way it surprised me. Country Boy, which was about a killer on the loose, The Wife Who Didn't Eat, about a lonely man who has his prayers answered... sort of. The Secret Life of the Unclaimed which I can't really go into without spoiling it for you Sick Cats in Small Spaces finds a family on what is liable to be their last ever family road trip...
I would recommend this anthology to any horror fan, particularly if you are wondering where is the diversity in horror? Because here it is!
4 out of 5 stars
I received a complimentary copy for review.
I found this book to be an interesting mix of the supernatural, serial killers, and folklore and a peek into the customs and superstitions of other countries. I enjoyed every story but the ones that are still etched in my mind are On a Wooden Plate, On a Winter’s Night which was not just the normal reunion story that I thought it was at first. I love the way it surprised me. Country Boy, which was about a killer on the loose, The Wife Who Didn't Eat, about a lonely man who has his prayers answered... sort of. The Secret Life of the Unclaimed which I can't really go into without spoiling it for you Sick Cats in Small Spaces finds a family on what is liable to be their last ever family road trip...
I would recommend this anthology to any horror fan, particularly if you are wondering where is the diversity in horror? Because here it is!
4 out of 5 stars
I received a complimentary copy for review.
ericarobyn's review against another edition
4.0
A World of Horror edited by Eric J. Guignard is an amazing collection of tales from all over the world! If you’re a horror fan, you have to check this one out!
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book from the editor in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
This was such an awesome collection! I really loved how it was organized and how it allowed me to read from authors from many countries that I hadn’t read from before!
Each tale had an illustration before it with a caption below that was pulled from the story. These illustrations were created by Steve Lines.
On the page where we see the title, there was also a graphic to indicate which nation the writer was from as well as a lovely blurb from the editor that introduced the tale!
Introduction: Diversity In Fiction by Eric J. Guignard
I loved that the editor discussed why he wanted to undertake this project and how he went about completing it! He also included some stats that I was happy to learn! The diversity of the authors included in this book is awesome; 22 stories from 18 nations, with a 45/55 percent gender split!
“Truly, there’s no shortage of tales to be
shared from the rest of the world,
but not everyone has the opportunity.
Which is why I wanted to undertake this venture.”
Mutshidzi by Mohale Mashigo – 5/5
South Africa
Heartbreaking and spooky! These two siblings are so brave. I loved how positive Mutshidizi was with what she was going through as she tried to keep the home together after the death of their mother.
One Last Wayang by L Chan – 5/5
Singapore
I loved this one! A tale of monsters and shadows that are alive, told to a grandson by a grandfather. The last line really got me!
Things I Do For Love by Nadia Bulkin – 3/5
Indonesia
From curses to seers, this one was so interesting!
On A Wooden Plate, On A Winter’s Night by David Nickle
Canada
I unfortunately missed something here…
Country Boy by Billie Sue Mosiman – 3/5
United States
Phew! What a smart kid! This tale was about a town where a murderer was on the loose. When shovels started going missing, a young kid that was a fan of Sherlock books solved the case. But would the adults listen to him?
The Wife Who Didn’t Eat by Thersa Matsuura – 3/5
Japan
Creepy! I’m gonna have to do research on this fairy tale!
The Disappeared by Kristine Ong Muslim – 4/5
Philippines
A very sad and spooky piece of flash fiction about a river that claims a life once a year.
The Secret Life of the Unclaimed by Suyi Davies Okungbowa – 3/5
Nigeria
Oh goodness! This poor teen. What a nightmare! Puberty is rough enough, but add a more unnatural transformation to the mix…
How Alfred Nobel Got His Mojo by Johannes Pinter – 3/5
Sweden
What a fun but heartbreaking tale!
Sick Cats in Small Spaces by Kaaron Warren – 3/5
Australia
Oh, this was a neat one! I kept waiting for the horror to show, and when it did… wonderful.
Obibi by Dilman Dila – 4/5
Uganda
Phew! What a dark and sad start. the chase in the woods was certainly creepy! I loved the shapeshifting element and how this one turned out!
The Nightmare by Rhea Daniel – 4/5
India
Interesting! I did not see that ending coming. I really enjoyed this one but I was so nervous for the girl the whole time.
Chemirocha by Charlie Human – 3/5
South Africa
What an interesting tale! While this one wasn’t horror focused, there was an underlying unsettling vibe.
Honey by Valya Dudycz Lupescu – 5/5
Ukraine
This was definitely one of my favorites from the collection! I really felt for the characters and didn’t want harm to befall either of them. There’s also just something about homes in the middle of the woods that draw me in. Add the setting of this one and the fear around both the radiation from Chernobyl and unseen monsters… this was right up my alley.
Warming: Flammable, See Back Label by Marcia Douglas – 4/5
Jamaica
Woah! This one was like a fever dream! I’m not sure what exactly was happening, but it was eerie!
Arlecchino by Carla Negrini – 4/5
Italy
Yikes! This poor guy. What a tale! Nothing like being haunted by monsters from childhood…
The Man at Table Nine by Ray Cluley – 4/5
England
How odd and creepy!! What a premise.
The Mantle of Flesh by Ashlee Scheuerman- 3/5
Australia
A eerie tale of family tradition, lore, and the quest to end a cycle.
The Shadows of Saint Urban by Claudio Foti – 3/5
Italy
How spooky! Not a good one if shadows already creep you out. Also, not a brilliant idea to finish the tale and then immediately go into your basement to gather your Spring decorations either…
Warashi’s Grip by Yukimi Ogawa – 4/5
Japan
Woah! This tale. I did not see the end coming! So frustrating and sad that it was all tied to selfishness.
The White Monkey by Carlos Orsi – 3/5
Brazil
Another tale similar to a fever dream and quite spooky!
The West Wind by David McGroarty – 3/5
Scotland
Another sad and spooky one!
My Final Thoughts
This was such a great collection! I had so much fun picking it up from time to time to read a tale.
I highly recommend this collection to those that love horror, and to those that are just dipping into the genre!
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book from the editor in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
This was such an awesome collection! I really loved how it was organized and how it allowed me to read from authors from many countries that I hadn’t read from before!
Each tale had an illustration before it with a caption below that was pulled from the story. These illustrations were created by Steve Lines.
On the page where we see the title, there was also a graphic to indicate which nation the writer was from as well as a lovely blurb from the editor that introduced the tale!
Introduction: Diversity In Fiction by Eric J. Guignard
I loved that the editor discussed why he wanted to undertake this project and how he went about completing it! He also included some stats that I was happy to learn! The diversity of the authors included in this book is awesome; 22 stories from 18 nations, with a 45/55 percent gender split!
“Truly, there’s no shortage of tales to be
shared from the rest of the world,
but not everyone has the opportunity.
Which is why I wanted to undertake this venture.”
Mutshidzi by Mohale Mashigo – 5/5
South Africa
Heartbreaking and spooky! These two siblings are so brave. I loved how positive Mutshidizi was with what she was going through as she tried to keep the home together after the death of their mother.
One Last Wayang by L Chan – 5/5
Singapore
I loved this one! A tale of monsters and shadows that are alive, told to a grandson by a grandfather. The last line really got me!
Things I Do For Love by Nadia Bulkin – 3/5
Indonesia
From curses to seers, this one was so interesting!
On A Wooden Plate, On A Winter’s Night by David Nickle
Canada
I unfortunately missed something here…
Country Boy by Billie Sue Mosiman – 3/5
United States
Phew! What a smart kid! This tale was about a town where a murderer was on the loose. When shovels started going missing, a young kid that was a fan of Sherlock books solved the case. But would the adults listen to him?
The Wife Who Didn’t Eat by Thersa Matsuura – 3/5
Japan
Creepy! I’m gonna have to do research on this fairy tale!
The Disappeared by Kristine Ong Muslim – 4/5
Philippines
A very sad and spooky piece of flash fiction about a river that claims a life once a year.
The Secret Life of the Unclaimed by Suyi Davies Okungbowa – 3/5
Nigeria
Oh goodness! This poor teen. What a nightmare! Puberty is rough enough, but add a more unnatural transformation to the mix…
How Alfred Nobel Got His Mojo by Johannes Pinter – 3/5
Sweden
What a fun but heartbreaking tale!
Sick Cats in Small Spaces by Kaaron Warren – 3/5
Australia
Oh, this was a neat one! I kept waiting for the horror to show, and when it did… wonderful.
Obibi by Dilman Dila – 4/5
Uganda
Phew! What a dark and sad start. the chase in the woods was certainly creepy! I loved the shapeshifting element and how this one turned out!
The Nightmare by Rhea Daniel – 4/5
India
Interesting! I did not see that ending coming. I really enjoyed this one but I was so nervous for the girl the whole time.
Chemirocha by Charlie Human – 3/5
South Africa
What an interesting tale! While this one wasn’t horror focused, there was an underlying unsettling vibe.
Honey by Valya Dudycz Lupescu – 5/5
Ukraine
This was definitely one of my favorites from the collection! I really felt for the characters and didn’t want harm to befall either of them. There’s also just something about homes in the middle of the woods that draw me in. Add the setting of this one and the fear around both the radiation from Chernobyl and unseen monsters… this was right up my alley.
Warming: Flammable, See Back Label by Marcia Douglas – 4/5
Jamaica
Woah! This one was like a fever dream! I’m not sure what exactly was happening, but it was eerie!
Arlecchino by Carla Negrini – 4/5
Italy
Yikes! This poor guy. What a tale! Nothing like being haunted by monsters from childhood…
The Man at Table Nine by Ray Cluley – 4/5
England
How odd and creepy!! What a premise.
The Mantle of Flesh by Ashlee Scheuerman- 3/5
Australia
A eerie tale of family tradition, lore, and the quest to end a cycle.
The Shadows of Saint Urban by Claudio Foti – 3/5
Italy
How spooky! Not a good one if shadows already creep you out. Also, not a brilliant idea to finish the tale and then immediately go into your basement to gather your Spring decorations either…
Warashi’s Grip by Yukimi Ogawa – 4/5
Japan
Woah! This tale. I did not see the end coming! So frustrating and sad that it was all tied to selfishness.
The White Monkey by Carlos Orsi – 3/5
Brazil
Another tale similar to a fever dream and quite spooky!
The West Wind by David McGroarty – 3/5
Scotland
Another sad and spooky one!
My Final Thoughts
This was such a great collection! I had so much fun picking it up from time to time to read a tale.
I highly recommend this collection to those that love horror, and to those that are just dipping into the genre!
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