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jayrothermel's review against another edition
3.0
One of the better recent original fiction anthologies.
http://jayrothermel.blogspot.com/2021/11/a-review-of-after-sundown-edited-by.html
http://jayrothermel.blogspot.com/2021/11/a-review-of-after-sundown-edited-by.html
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
An excellent collection of short stories by some well known and some new to me authors.
All of them are well written even if not all of them are horror.
I thoroughly enjoyed and it's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
All of them are well written even if not all of them are horror.
I thoroughly enjoyed and it's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
wellwortharead's review against another edition
4.0
As a long time lover of short horror stories I'm smiling like a crazed Jack O'lantern at the thought of Flame Tree Press putting out an annual anthology. I would have been happier if it was Halloween themed but that did not stop me from enjoying what will hopefully become a yearly tradition.
The first story to totally blow me away was IT DOESN’T FEEL RIGHT by Michael Marshall Smith. Everyone has something that particularly creeps them out. For me it's always been stories about children. You just never know what a child will do. They're inconsistent and undependable and therefore terrifying.. One minute they tell you that you're the best mommy in the world and the next minute they hate you because their toothbrush is the wrong color. In this story, the every day chore of trying to get a child appropriately dressed and out the door in time for school was something I could commiserate with until it took a horrifying turn.
BOKEH by Thana Niveau also featured a terrifying child who sees and knows more than her unsuspecting mother gives her credit for until it's far too late. This one inspired such a deliciously dreadful feeling because I could just tell this child was up to no good from the start.
THE NAUGHTY STEP by Stephen Volk finds child services attempting to collect a small boy from his home after he survived a traumatic event. This story was as heartbreaking as it was shocking.
RESEARCH by Tim Lebbon had a Misery vibe to it as an author finds himself held hostage although not by his greatest fan, there is nothing personal in the confinement, just a twisted desire to observe what happens when a writer can not write.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ORAL HYGIENE by Robert Shearman is a dental horror story of epic proportions that at first glimpse seems to be merely the tale of a woman who fears losing her husband before it explodes into supernatural terror well beyond my expectations.
MURDER BOARD by Grady Hendrix should be a caution to anyone considering playing with a Ouija board, especially on a perfectly dark and stormy night in your secluded mansion with your embittered aging, has been, of a husband.
THE MIRROR HOUSE by Jonathan Robbins Leon makes me want to spout some overused cliché like there but for the grace of God go I.... But wait, in the mirror house which one is really me? This was a very clever and fear inspiring tale.
These were my favorites but every story is well worth a read.
I received an advance copy for review.
The first story to totally blow me away was IT DOESN’T FEEL RIGHT by Michael Marshall Smith. Everyone has something that particularly creeps them out. For me it's always been stories about children. You just never know what a child will do. They're inconsistent and undependable and therefore terrifying.. One minute they tell you that you're the best mommy in the world and the next minute they hate you because their toothbrush is the wrong color. In this story, the every day chore of trying to get a child appropriately dressed and out the door in time for school was something I could commiserate with until it took a horrifying turn.
BOKEH by Thana Niveau also featured a terrifying child who sees and knows more than her unsuspecting mother gives her credit for until it's far too late. This one inspired such a deliciously dreadful feeling because I could just tell this child was up to no good from the start.
THE NAUGHTY STEP by Stephen Volk finds child services attempting to collect a small boy from his home after he survived a traumatic event. This story was as heartbreaking as it was shocking.
RESEARCH by Tim Lebbon had a Misery vibe to it as an author finds himself held hostage although not by his greatest fan, there is nothing personal in the confinement, just a twisted desire to observe what happens when a writer can not write.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ORAL HYGIENE by Robert Shearman is a dental horror story of epic proportions that at first glimpse seems to be merely the tale of a woman who fears losing her husband before it explodes into supernatural terror well beyond my expectations.
MURDER BOARD by Grady Hendrix should be a caution to anyone considering playing with a Ouija board, especially on a perfectly dark and stormy night in your secluded mansion with your embittered aging, has been, of a husband.
THE MIRROR HOUSE by Jonathan Robbins Leon makes me want to spout some overused cliché like there but for the grace of God go I.... But wait, in the mirror house which one is really me? This was a very clever and fear inspiring tale.
These were my favorites but every story is well worth a read.
I received an advance copy for review.
archergal's review against another edition
3.0
Some interesting horror stories that weren't too creepy. Worth reading.
dawniesummers's review against another edition
4.0
Butterfly Island by CJ Tudor- 4/5 stars
Research by Tim Lebbon- 3/5 stars
Swanskin by Alison Littlewood- 4/5 stars
That’s the Spirit! By Sarah Lotz- 5/5 stars
Gave by Michael Bailey- 3/5 stars
Wherever You Look by Ramsey Campbell- 3/5 stars
Same Time Next Year by Angela Slatter- 3/5 stars
Mine Seven by Elana Gomel-3/5 stars
It Doesn't Feel Right by Michael Marshall Smith- 4/5 stars
Creeping Ivy by Laura Purcell- 4/5 stars
Last Rites for the Fourth World by Rick Cross- 5/5 stars
We All Come Home by Simon Bestwick- 4/5 stars
The Importance of Oral Hygiene by Robert Shearman- 5/5 stars
Bokeh by Thana Niveau- 4/5 stars
Murder Board by Grady Hendrix- 5/5 stars
Alice's Rebellion by John Langan- 4/5 stars
The Mirror House by Jonathan Robbins Leon- 4/5 stars
The Naughty Step by Stephen Volk- 4/5 stars
A Hotel in Germany by Catriona Ward- 3/5 stars
Branch Line by Paul Finch- 3/5 stars
Research by Tim Lebbon- 3/5 stars
Swanskin by Alison Littlewood- 4/5 stars
That’s the Spirit! By Sarah Lotz- 5/5 stars
Gave by Michael Bailey- 3/5 stars
Wherever You Look by Ramsey Campbell- 3/5 stars
Same Time Next Year by Angela Slatter- 3/5 stars
Mine Seven by Elana Gomel-3/5 stars
It Doesn't Feel Right by Michael Marshall Smith- 4/5 stars
Creeping Ivy by Laura Purcell- 4/5 stars
Last Rites for the Fourth World by Rick Cross- 5/5 stars
We All Come Home by Simon Bestwick- 4/5 stars
The Importance of Oral Hygiene by Robert Shearman- 5/5 stars
Bokeh by Thana Niveau- 4/5 stars
Murder Board by Grady Hendrix- 5/5 stars
Alice's Rebellion by John Langan- 4/5 stars
The Mirror House by Jonathan Robbins Leon- 4/5 stars
The Naughty Step by Stephen Volk- 4/5 stars
A Hotel in Germany by Catriona Ward- 3/5 stars
Branch Line by Paul Finch- 3/5 stars
breezer's review
3.5
This was a mix of truly amazing and totally flat horror short stories.
Favourites: Swanskin, Wherever You Look, Mine Seven, It Doesn't Feel Right, Bokeh & Murder Board.
Favourites: Swanskin, Wherever You Look, Mine Seven, It Doesn't Feel Right, Bokeh & Murder Board.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Stalking
Moderate: Rape
oracle_of_madness's review against another edition
5.0
This was a great collection of horror short stories. All the authors involved are incredibly talented at creating creepy atmospheres that would frighten anyone. From monsters to simply unsettling themes, this collection contains it all. I highly suggest this to anyone looking for a scare!
thebookmouse's review against another edition
3.0
Firstly, I'd like to thank the publishers and NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
Anthologies and I get along usually, however there are always some stories that I just don't vibe with. What I love most about anthologies is that you get a taste for multiple authors (and in this collection I have read none of the authors previous works, but have heard of a few of them). It is a good way to give you a taste of what their writing style is like and how they tell stories before you pick up a full-length novel by them.
This anthology, like all I've read from has hits and misses for me. I particularly enjoyed 'The Naughty Step' by Stephen Volk, 'Bokeh' by Thana Niveau, 'The Importance of Oral Hygiene' by Robert Shearman, and 'It Doesn't Feel Right' by Michael Marshall Smith. There were a few more I enjoyed, and a few I hated. I did also find that a few of the stories hit too close to home during the current pandemic, and one story in particular wasn't great for my fear of butterflies, so I was definitely uncomfortable reading some of these stories, but that is what I expect from horror stories.
For full disclosure I did read this anthology during a reading slump and so my review might not be as robust as usual.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants a little taste of different horror writers and different kinds of horror sub-genres. It has something for everyone I feel.
Anthologies and I get along usually, however there are always some stories that I just don't vibe with. What I love most about anthologies is that you get a taste for multiple authors (and in this collection I have read none of the authors previous works, but have heard of a few of them). It is a good way to give you a taste of what their writing style is like and how they tell stories before you pick up a full-length novel by them.
This anthology, like all I've read from has hits and misses for me. I particularly enjoyed 'The Naughty Step' by Stephen Volk, 'Bokeh' by Thana Niveau, 'The Importance of Oral Hygiene' by Robert Shearman, and 'It Doesn't Feel Right' by Michael Marshall Smith. There were a few more I enjoyed, and a few I hated. I did also find that a few of the stories hit too close to home during the current pandemic, and one story in particular wasn't great for my fear of butterflies, so I was definitely uncomfortable reading some of these stories, but that is what I expect from horror stories.
For full disclosure I did read this anthology during a reading slump and so my review might not be as robust as usual.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants a little taste of different horror writers and different kinds of horror sub-genres. It has something for everyone I feel.
bookshortie's review against another edition
5.0
This does what it says on the tin. It’s short horror stories contained in one anthology. I really enjoyed reading these short stories and they’re great when you want a quick read. I’ve started to read more horror stories but am still undecided whether I prefer full on gore, slightly or very creepy stories. So this book was a great welcome in helping me choose. As it’s an anthology it includes stories by many different authors that are known and unknown to me and gave me an idea of the structure and flavour of their writing. I will definitely be looking into more works by some of these authors.
How to describe the stories. They were were either strange, scary, gory, twisted, terrifying or haunting. When you read some they will stay with you long after you’ve read them. One thing’s for sure I’ll never look at Swans and butterflies the same way again. You’ll have to get yourself a copy to find out what I mean
How to describe the stories. They were were either strange, scary, gory, twisted, terrifying or haunting. When you read some they will stay with you long after you’ve read them. One thing’s for sure I’ll never look at Swans and butterflies the same way again. You’ll have to get yourself a copy to find out what I mean
inkslinger's review against another edition
4.0
ARC provided by Flame Tree Press and Mark Morris via Random Things Tours. All opinions are mine and freely given.
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10-21: 'After Sundown,' edited by Mark Morris, is a new horror anthology out on Flame Tree Press.
Specifically in the horror field, I've always been a big fan of anthologies. Over the years, I've discovered some of my favorite horror writers this way because they have a limited time to hook me and deliver and I've found if they can do that in this format, it's almost a sure thing in novels later on.
Of the 20 original horror stories included, 16 of them were commissioned from some of the top names in the horror genre. The cool thing about this anthology, which will hopefully be an annual non-themed horror anthology release, is 4 of those 20 were selected from 100's of stories sent to Flame Tree during a 2-week open submissions window.
What a great way to discover new talent and see how well they might be received!
Some of the short stories, as to be expected, are just slightly unpleasant 'what if' scenarios relating to post-apocalyptic situations, experimentation, or even sort of surreal pandemic settings. All of the stories are at least good.. but there are a few that I feel are exceptional.
I have to start with 'Wherever You Look' by Ramsey Campbell because he's just still such a master in the field. I can't even remember how old I was when I first discovered his work.. probably 15 or so.. and it was definitely in one of those old anthologies I was about to learn to love.
Campbell obviously loves to play with things that skirt the periphery of our minds. Those tricks our brains play on us when we sometimes think we get a glimpse of something out of the corner of our vision, only to turn and see nothing.. or things that are ever present, that we somehow manage to overlook until it's too late.
This story is no different in that regard and it's absolutely one I will carry forward with me. Even now the concept lingers at the back of my mind. I know the experience would be terrifying and love the slow, subtle approach he uses to torment both the character and the reader.
'Mine Seven' by Elana Gomel is a special story, as it takes place near the Arctic Circle and explores concepts of Chukchi folklore, an indigenous people who live within the Russian Federation. Leveraging shamanic themes and a more existential horror style, though the mythos itself is far different.. it carries an almost Lovecraftian feel in the tale's atmosphere. I loved this, as I don't feel we see nearly enough diversity in the industry as a rule, and in the US at least.. we so lack exposure to the eastern storytelling styles that readers often don't even know how to process the differences.
'That's the Spirit' by Sarah Lotz is another really disarming story. It's incredibly well delivered with such a delicate touch of foreshadowing it's actually difficult to see. While I thought I knew what was up, I was completely wrong. She took a classic theme and still managed to surprise me with its use.
'It Doesn't Feel Right' by Michael Marshall Smith is a fantastically creepy read. Smith writes with such an easy humor in the initial pages that I almost forgot that I was reading horror and so with the first glimpse of something really off.. I was so alarmed by it he had me thinking of some of my favorite classic horror films. I won't name them here, because I'd hate to ruin the experience for anyone.. but it was definitely chilling.
Though I'm hard pressed to pick just only one more, 'Alice's Rebellion' by John Langan must be it. I love stories born of Wonderland and it intrigues me that as dark as the original tale is, new perspectives are often even darker. This story is lovingly rendered in a style suitable to follow Lewis Carroll's, though it's less whimsical, it's just as wild. Yet, at the same time, one can't help but see the presentation of our modern world often in very literal, specific ways, throughout. It's a favorite, for certain.
If you like horror and anthologies at all.. do yourself a favor and pick this book up. It's actually probably the best collection I've read all year.. and there are plenty of gems inside. Plus, I'd love to see it get the support it needs to become that annual release they're hoping for.
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