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myriadreads's review against another edition
3.0
So grim. Really interesting stories, for sure, but the sort of dark end of the world scenarios that leave little hope. Hey, it's not as if the title didn't warn me!
kikuchiyo90's review
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
caitpoytress's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed reading this anthology and, unlike some, I was able to read more than one story in a sitting because the stories are all different than one another even though they have the same general theme. One or two stories were a little too hardcore sci-fi for my tastes, but I will mention some of my favorites. Before I get started, I should mention that I like to listen to quiet background music when reading some of my rather "moody" books. The album that accompanied this book was Agnes Obel's "Aventine". Some samples:
Chord Left
Fuel to Fire
- The End of the World by Eugene Mouton: It amazes me that this incredibly prescient story was written in 1872! It's hard not to grow increasingly uncomfortable, even creeped out, as the story unfolds - you recognize the descriptions. You are watching it unfold in real life, even as you are turning pages.
- The Pedestrian: Ray Bradbury
Simple but creepy story with just the right amount of atmosphere. I couldn't finish his "Something Wicked This Way Comes", so it was nice to realize that I do enjoy Bradbury's writing after all.
- 2BR02B: Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
Loved the premise and conclusion - all wound up tightly with a nice little bow. Population control at its finest.
- I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream: Harlan Ellison
This story was a total trip - as in, a bad acid trip or a nightmare you can't wake up from. Completely original and compelling.
- The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas: Ursula K. Le Guin
This is the second time I've read this story, and it's just as great as the first time. Haunting.
- The End of the Whole Mess: Stephen King
So this story was written in 1986 - how have I not come across it yet?? This was probably my favorite story of the bunch. I love King's writing. It's nice to be able to read a "short" story and become totally engrossed. I felt as if the character were speaking directly to me and it was so authentic. So good.
- Tight Little Stitches In a Dead Man's Back: Joe R. Lansdale
I thought Joe R. Lansdale had the unenviable spot of following Stephen King's story - that's a lot to live up to. Turns out I was wrong - great story and again, completely original, like nothing I've ever read. I need more Lansdale in my life.
There were other stories that were good, but the ones above just stood out for me. If you like short stories, if you like apocalit, if you like great writing - read this book.
*Thanks to netgalley for providing this book for an honest review*
Chord Left
Fuel to Fire
- The End of the World by Eugene Mouton: It amazes me that this incredibly prescient story was written in 1872! It's hard not to grow increasingly uncomfortable, even creeped out, as the story unfolds - you recognize the descriptions. You are watching it unfold in real life, even as you are turning pages.
- The Pedestrian: Ray Bradbury
Simple but creepy story with just the right amount of atmosphere. I couldn't finish his "Something Wicked This Way Comes", so it was nice to realize that I do enjoy Bradbury's writing after all.
- 2BR02B: Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
Loved the premise and conclusion - all wound up tightly with a nice little bow. Population control at its finest.
- I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream: Harlan Ellison
This story was a total trip - as in, a bad acid trip or a nightmare you can't wake up from. Completely original and compelling.
- The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas: Ursula K. Le Guin
This is the second time I've read this story, and it's just as great as the first time. Haunting.
- The End of the Whole Mess: Stephen King
So this story was written in 1986 - how have I not come across it yet?? This was probably my favorite story of the bunch. I love King's writing. It's nice to be able to read a "short" story and become totally engrossed. I felt as if the character were speaking directly to me and it was so authentic. So good.
- Tight Little Stitches In a Dead Man's Back: Joe R. Lansdale
I thought Joe R. Lansdale had the unenviable spot of following Stephen King's story - that's a lot to live up to. Turns out I was wrong - great story and again, completely original, like nothing I've ever read. I need more Lansdale in my life.
There were other stories that were good, but the ones above just stood out for me. If you like short stories, if you like apocalit, if you like great writing - read this book.
*Thanks to netgalley for providing this book for an honest review*
jimbob_luke's review against another edition
4.0
Good collection of fiction from the finest current writers of horror. Like any collection, they were some stories I liked more than others, but overall this was a fine collection.
wellwortharead's review against another edition
3.0
These are stories of the end of the world, and the various ways it can come about. There are lots of big name writers which is what attracted me to this book but also I was hoping for a little more horror and a little less science fiction. You may have come across some of these stories in previous publications. All are worth a read but none are particularly terrifying. I did particularly enjoy "Automatic"
"2BRO2B" where population control is of such importance that if you want to have a baby you must find a volunteer to die. "The End Of The Whole Mess" a Stephen King story that I don't think I have read before.
I received a complimentary copy for review
"2BRO2B" where population control is of such importance that if you want to have a baby you must find a volunteer to die. "The End Of The Whole Mess" a Stephen King story that I don't think I have read before.
I received a complimentary copy for review
sapphirestars's review against another edition
2.0
I think the story I liked most was the last called Inventory. I have read 90% of these stories already so that is likely why it wasn't that enjoyable for me, I was hoping for other stories that are published in less volumes or something
shotsky's review
5.0
One of the best anthologies I have ever read. Review for Monster Librarian forthcoming.
apolasky's review
2.0
If you like strange and weird apocalyptic stories this book is for you. Thank you Netgalley and Dover Publications for the ARC. Full review on my blog.
Si te gustan las historias apocalípticas raras este libro es para vos. Reseña completa en mi blog.
Si te gustan las historias apocalípticas raras este libro es para vos. Reseña completa en mi blog.
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