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skepticcurmudgeon's review against another edition
2.0
more misses than hits
A short story collection is always a mixed bag, but this one felt to me as if the majority of the stories fell flat. Also quite a few deviated from the folk horror theme.
A short story collection is always a mixed bag, but this one felt to me as if the majority of the stories fell flat. Also quite a few deviated from the folk horror theme.
sarina_langer's review against another edition
3.0
Rating 3.5
I always struggle with anthologies. They're such wonderful selections of different authors, but it's because of this that you can't love them all equally, isn't it? (Maybe it's just me, but I don't think you're likely to love every single story in a collection of so many different voices.) I really enjoyed some of the stories while other didn't work for me, but I do think that's normal with anthologies *shrugs*
If you love horror, then you *will* find new favourite authors in this, and I strongly recommend it. It's a great selection of many different styles and 'levels' of horror, so even if you're a coward like me you'll be fine. And with proceeds going to the NHS, there's really no reason not to try it!
I always struggle with anthologies. They're such wonderful selections of different authors, but it's because of this that you can't love them all equally, isn't it? (Maybe it's just me, but I don't think you're likely to love every single story in a collection of so many different voices.) I really enjoyed some of the stories while other didn't work for me, but I do think that's normal with anthologies *shrugs*
If you love horror, then you *will* find new favourite authors in this, and I strongly recommend it. It's a great selection of many different styles and 'levels' of horror, so even if you're a coward like me you'll be fine. And with proceeds going to the NHS, there's really no reason not to try it!
the_coycaterpillar_reads's review against another edition
5.0
How the hell do I write this review?
Diabolica Britannica is quite frankly everything that is good about the horror fiction genre neatly compacted in a kick ass anthology. The genre is producing some of the best fiction out there at the moment and it’s getting harder to get scared and shocked but this awesome work of art packs a swift punch to jugular. A Dark Isles Compendium instantly took me to the freezing and rugged coastline of the Scottish highlands, the brutal streets of London and the isolating manor houses watching your every move, so it can make theirs!
As much as I love the genre, sometimes, the titles don’t jump out at you and the synopsis just sounds the same. There’s names you automatically trust, you know that you are going to be in safe hands. Pick up this book and you are going to be reacquainted with old friends and new outstanding voices that will quite frankly knock your socks off! So, what are you going to get when you dive into Diabolica Britannica? A new wave of British horror, genuine characters that evoke a wide spectrum of emotions and plots of intricately weaved that you aren’t sure if you want to stay in the story or crawl away kicking and screaming!
The opening story is a doozy! Catherine McCarthy hits us straight in the feels with her Story Carreg Samson. Ever sat and thought about how simpler our childhoods were? Lack of social media, no internet and no mobile phones. It’s about being more Intune with your environment rather than destroying it at a rate that is frighteningly irreversible. It’s a truly realistic horror story. This story was love at first sight for me. A plot that drew blood, a raw truth.
The Secret of Westport Fell by Beverley Lee stood out for me. Set in what I assume is in the Victorian era – the atmosphere is palpitatingly claustrophobic. A woman who has got to the point in her life where she hasn’t married. She arrives at Westport Fell to care for her dying aunt. This story is haunting…so haunting I’m surprised I didn’t have fog pouring out of my kindle. We’ve come across stories like this before, so what made the difference? The author did. Beverley Lee’s writing is so utterly flawless that words spill out into the void and scramble for supremacy.
Diabolica Britannica wouldn’t have been complete without a werewolf story and boy can Janine Pipe deliver on the monster horror. Footsteps…the title doesn’t instantly strike fear in the heart of its readers, but it is a sinister undertone in an atmosphere of dread and panic. Another author that can set a scene and it impregnate it in your psyche and it takes root and makes itself at home. The safety of home and a locked door is a faded memory. My eyes grew to the size of saucers and I’m not ashamed to say that I had a few WTF moments. A heavy and intense read that will make monster lovers extremely happy!
Linger by John F Leonard gave me my long anticipated haunted house story. A different literary voice that knew exactly what I wanted and delivered it with every fibre of his being. It’s the perfect pretext at examining the human condition and how it has a predispotion to greed and literally nothing will stand in their way of achieving their goals. The ending felt like being in a snow storm with no jacket on – try as you might to fight against the oncoming freeze, it will get into your bones and chill you!
Diabolica Britannica is the very best in British horror. There is not one bad story contained within. Be prepared to be transported into a world of horrific situations and spellbinding atmosphere. Powerfully visceral with razor sharp narratives.
Authors can be found at – Diabolica Britannica
Thanks to Keith and all the contributing authors for the work they’ve put in in putting this compendium together and donating all proceeds going to the NHS in the wake of covid – 19.
Diabolica Britannica is quite frankly everything that is good about the horror fiction genre neatly compacted in a kick ass anthology. The genre is producing some of the best fiction out there at the moment and it’s getting harder to get scared and shocked but this awesome work of art packs a swift punch to jugular. A Dark Isles Compendium instantly took me to the freezing and rugged coastline of the Scottish highlands, the brutal streets of London and the isolating manor houses watching your every move, so it can make theirs!
As much as I love the genre, sometimes, the titles don’t jump out at you and the synopsis just sounds the same. There’s names you automatically trust, you know that you are going to be in safe hands. Pick up this book and you are going to be reacquainted with old friends and new outstanding voices that will quite frankly knock your socks off! So, what are you going to get when you dive into Diabolica Britannica? A new wave of British horror, genuine characters that evoke a wide spectrum of emotions and plots of intricately weaved that you aren’t sure if you want to stay in the story or crawl away kicking and screaming!
The opening story is a doozy! Catherine McCarthy hits us straight in the feels with her Story Carreg Samson. Ever sat and thought about how simpler our childhoods were? Lack of social media, no internet and no mobile phones. It’s about being more Intune with your environment rather than destroying it at a rate that is frighteningly irreversible. It’s a truly realistic horror story. This story was love at first sight for me. A plot that drew blood, a raw truth.
The Secret of Westport Fell by Beverley Lee stood out for me. Set in what I assume is in the Victorian era – the atmosphere is palpitatingly claustrophobic. A woman who has got to the point in her life where she hasn’t married. She arrives at Westport Fell to care for her dying aunt. This story is haunting…so haunting I’m surprised I didn’t have fog pouring out of my kindle. We’ve come across stories like this before, so what made the difference? The author did. Beverley Lee’s writing is so utterly flawless that words spill out into the void and scramble for supremacy.
Diabolica Britannica wouldn’t have been complete without a werewolf story and boy can Janine Pipe deliver on the monster horror. Footsteps…the title doesn’t instantly strike fear in the heart of its readers, but it is a sinister undertone in an atmosphere of dread and panic. Another author that can set a scene and it impregnate it in your psyche and it takes root and makes itself at home. The safety of home and a locked door is a faded memory. My eyes grew to the size of saucers and I’m not ashamed to say that I had a few WTF moments. A heavy and intense read that will make monster lovers extremely happy!
Linger by John F Leonard gave me my long anticipated haunted house story. A different literary voice that knew exactly what I wanted and delivered it with every fibre of his being. It’s the perfect pretext at examining the human condition and how it has a predispotion to greed and literally nothing will stand in their way of achieving their goals. The ending felt like being in a snow storm with no jacket on – try as you might to fight against the oncoming freeze, it will get into your bones and chill you!
Diabolica Britannica is the very best in British horror. There is not one bad story contained within. Be prepared to be transported into a world of horrific situations and spellbinding atmosphere. Powerfully visceral with razor sharp narratives.
Authors can be found at – Diabolica Britannica
Thanks to Keith and all the contributing authors for the work they’ve put in in putting this compendium together and donating all proceeds going to the NHS in the wake of covid – 19.
loslibrosdelupita's review against another edition
4.0
Al tratarse de 14 voces distintas nos encontramos con una mezcla de estilos, enfoques y recursos literarios muy diversos. Mientras algunos autores apuestan por un lenguaje simple, criaturas o eventos clásicos, otros se vuelan la barda trayendo a la vida escenarios y criaturas mitológicas que al menos yo no conocía.
En estos relatos también abundan la melancolía y la brutalidad humana, retratadas en un conjunto de personajes que pese a desarrollarse en unas cuántas páginas, despiertan interrogantes tan elementales y difíciles como ¿hasta dónde somos capaces de llegar cuando creemos que no sufriremos consecuencias?
Si buscas historias con onda spooky y hasta reflexiva, te recomiendo esta antología. Además, todo lo recaudado de sus ventas será destinado a NHS charities. Sin duda, mis historias favoritas fueron estas:
En estos relatos también abundan la melancolía y la brutalidad humana, retratadas en un conjunto de personajes que pese a desarrollarse en unas cuántas páginas, despiertan interrogantes tan elementales y difíciles como ¿hasta dónde somos capaces de llegar cuando creemos que no sufriremos consecuencias?
Si buscas historias con onda spooky y hasta reflexiva, te recomiendo esta antología. Además, todo lo recaudado de sus ventas será destinado a NHS charities. Sin duda, mis historias favoritas fueron estas:
ljwrites85's review against another edition
5.0
I love short stories and I don’t read them often enough, particularly horror, and I saw that Diabolica Britannica was all for a good cause, with all profits going to fund the NHS' efforts COVID-19 research, so I thought why not.
What I loved was the variety of British horror that was in Diabolica Britannica, from monsters to folklore inspired tales to psychological horror and so much more. Another thing I loved was I now have a whole host of new authors I want to read.
Each story may have only been short but they were creepy, chilling and utterly captivating! Of course there were a few stand outs for me:
Tourist Traps by Christopher Henderson, is a story about a boy who is obsessed with ghost hunting, so much so he takes a ghost tour of London and gets more than he’s bargained for.
The Secret of Westport Fell by Beverley Lee, was an atmospheric historical story about a young woman sent to look after her ailing aunt and ends up taking in a young girl she finds wandering in the cold.
Scripted in Shadows by Morgan K Tanner, is a blood soaked story about a mysterious and murderous book.
The Coven by Sarah E England is about a woman who returns to the town she was born in to find out why her family was forced to flee the country.
I could go on but I’d think I’d be boring you with this review soon!
Diabolica Britannica is packed to the brim with talented authors and a must if you love horror.
What I loved was the variety of British horror that was in Diabolica Britannica, from monsters to folklore inspired tales to psychological horror and so much more. Another thing I loved was I now have a whole host of new authors I want to read.
Each story may have only been short but they were creepy, chilling and utterly captivating! Of course there were a few stand outs for me:
Tourist Traps by Christopher Henderson, is a story about a boy who is obsessed with ghost hunting, so much so he takes a ghost tour of London and gets more than he’s bargained for.
The Secret of Westport Fell by Beverley Lee, was an atmospheric historical story about a young woman sent to look after her ailing aunt and ends up taking in a young girl she finds wandering in the cold.
Scripted in Shadows by Morgan K Tanner, is a blood soaked story about a mysterious and murderous book.
The Coven by Sarah E England is about a woman who returns to the town she was born in to find out why her family was forced to flee the country.
I could go on but I’d think I’d be boring you with this review soon!
Diabolica Britannica is packed to the brim with talented authors and a must if you love horror.
lunordraconis's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
janinepipe's review against another edition
5.0
I preface this review by saying that I am one of the contributing authors but I will not talk about FOOTSTEPS. I am also just going to say that both Adam and Tim's stories are 10/10 as one would expect from such horror legends.
CARREG SAMSON gorgeous language, brutal message. Folklore, folktale, magic. Perfect start.
TOURIST TRAPS my personal favourite. Echoes of Jack the Ripper, could envision myself there. Perfect ending. 10/10
THE SECRET OF WESTPORT FELL gorgeous gothic language. Beautiful scenery. Immersive and A Class prose.
THE CONDUCTOR An episode of The Twilight Zone in the making. Wonderful creeeepy imagery.
WE PLOUGH THE FIELDS AND SCATTER An episode of Midsommer Murders with a lot more blood. Folktale, brutal ending.
LINGER a book in a story. Awesome imagery again. Polished writing. Lots of intrigue, awesome end.
SONG OF THE MOOR would NOT want to mess with one of the characters in this! Spooky setting and great ending.
WALED A PALE HORSE ON CELTIC FROST very Poe, loved it, Kept me turning the page and wanting more. Love a bit of gore.
THE HOLE horrendous story but only for the heartbreaking content. Beautifully written, echoes of Susan Hill. Brought a lump to my throat. Kudos.
SCRIPTED IN SHADOWS loved it!!! My kind of story, like a Barker or King with an awesome plot and plenty of violence. Rock on, Morgan!
THE COVEN kept trying to guess what would happen. Was wrong and enjoyed that! Witchcraft is always fun to read about.
CARREG SAMSON gorgeous language, brutal message. Folklore, folktale, magic. Perfect start.
TOURIST TRAPS my personal favourite. Echoes of Jack the Ripper, could envision myself there. Perfect ending. 10/10
THE SECRET OF WESTPORT FELL gorgeous gothic language. Beautiful scenery. Immersive and A Class prose.
THE CONDUCTOR An episode of The Twilight Zone in the making. Wonderful creeeepy imagery.
WE PLOUGH THE FIELDS AND SCATTER An episode of Midsommer Murders with a lot more blood. Folktale, brutal ending.
LINGER a book in a story. Awesome imagery again. Polished writing. Lots of intrigue, awesome end.
SONG OF THE MOOR would NOT want to mess with one of the characters in this! Spooky setting and great ending.
WALED A PALE HORSE ON CELTIC FROST very Poe, loved it, Kept me turning the page and wanting more. Love a bit of gore.
THE HOLE horrendous story but only for the heartbreaking content. Beautifully written, echoes of Susan Hill. Brought a lump to my throat. Kudos.
SCRIPTED IN SHADOWS loved it!!! My kind of story, like a Barker or King with an awesome plot and plenty of violence. Rock on, Morgan!
THE COVEN kept trying to guess what would happen. Was wrong and enjoyed that! Witchcraft is always fun to read about.
candacerobinsonauthor's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a cool and fun collection!! S.J. Budd’s story was my favorite and felt unique to this genre! I loved the writing on this story and the characters! I can’t wait to read more from this author!
charshorrorcorner's review against another edition
4.0
DIABOLICA BRITANNICA is an anthology of stories put together to benefit COVID19 research in the U.K. When one of the authors contacted me about reviewing the book, I jumped on the chance, (and then I bought a copy too.) These tales do not have a connecting theme, but damn! This was a great bunch of stories.
Among my favorites were:
The Conductor by Arthur M. Harper: A man is waiting on the platform just before the midnight hour when the conductor appears. I'm not saying any more about it, but I LOVED this tale!
Footsteps by Janine Pipe: Just...wow! Loved this short tale complete with its prologue. I have a fondness for stories that start off going in one direction and then end in a completely different one. Bravo!
The Flow by Tim Lebbon: This author's tales are always good, but The Flow was EXTRA good because of the themes involved-domestic violence being one of them.
We Plough the Fields and Scatter by Stephanie Ellis: I love folk horror tales or stories where local rituals are followed. It's time to harvest and some rituals are still in place in those small, dark, farming towns.
Linger by John Leonard: This one is part of Leonard's Dead Boxes Archive. The tale itself is an age old one in the horror genre: A man inherits a house/mansion from a man he never met. These types of stories are excellent when done well and this one definitely is.
The Hole by Sarah Budd. It's always hard on the children when a widowed parent remarries. This one made me chuckle because it was so dark. (I'm obviously a terrible person.)
Scripted in Shadows by Morgan K. Tanner. Where did this author come from? WOW, this story was super fun and sick all at once. A seemingly normal woman is having problems tearing herself away from her book. To the point of not working, not shopping, not eating. Hehehe, that's all I'm going to say. This was my favorite story of the collection.
With a formidable introduction by the legendary Ramsey Campbell, this anthology is sure to please and all proceeds go to to Covid research in the U.K. It's a win-win situation!
Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/325ZMgW
*I was provided an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. Then I bought my own copy as well.*
Among my favorites were:
The Conductor by Arthur M. Harper: A man is waiting on the platform just before the midnight hour when the conductor appears. I'm not saying any more about it, but I LOVED this tale!
Footsteps by Janine Pipe: Just...wow! Loved this short tale complete with its prologue. I have a fondness for stories that start off going in one direction and then end in a completely different one. Bravo!
The Flow by Tim Lebbon: This author's tales are always good, but The Flow was EXTRA good because of the themes involved-domestic violence being one of them.
We Plough the Fields and Scatter by Stephanie Ellis: I love folk horror tales or stories where local rituals are followed. It's time to harvest and some rituals are still in place in those small, dark, farming towns.
Linger by John Leonard: This one is part of Leonard's Dead Boxes Archive. The tale itself is an age old one in the horror genre: A man inherits a house/mansion from a man he never met. These types of stories are excellent when done well and this one definitely is.
The Hole by Sarah Budd. It's always hard on the children when a widowed parent remarries. This one made me chuckle because it was so dark. (I'm obviously a terrible person.)
Scripted in Shadows by Morgan K. Tanner. Where did this author come from? WOW, this story was super fun and sick all at once. A seemingly normal woman is having problems tearing herself away from her book. To the point of not working, not shopping, not eating. Hehehe, that's all I'm going to say. This was my favorite story of the collection.
With a formidable introduction by the legendary Ramsey Campbell, this anthology is sure to please and all proceeds go to to Covid research in the U.K. It's a win-win situation!
Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/325ZMgW
*I was provided an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. Then I bought my own copy as well.*
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