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maree_k's review against another edition
4.0
I picked this book up on the recommendation of another horror writer/editor whose taste I like, and although I didn't love everything in this collection, there are some outstanding stories that demonstrate great craft and insight.
Five Day Summer Camp - a haunting story about sibling love set in a dystopian land where obedience is everything - has Margaret Atwood tones in its stark depiction of a lives under complete control, and for me is one of the best in the collection. The Tower Princesses is a modern fairy-tale with a twist that impressed me with its originality and honest depiction of teenage life; however its pacing lagged towards the end and I felt it would have been a stronger story with more editing. Others in the collection I really enjoyed include All the Red Apples Have Withered to Gray, another fairy-tale styled story that deals with the expectations based on young women, and the disappointment that failures can bring, and Skin Like Honey and Lace, a love-gone-wrong story that is both disturbing and heartbreaking.
The treatment of women, young women in particular, is a theme running through the anthology. The opening story, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, sets the tone for the whole collection in this regard. Highly original with stunning prose, this story shows Kiste as a serious talent in modern horror.
This isn't a perfect collection, however there are some absolute gems which makes it a must read for lovers of imaginative horror with a literary feel.
Five Day Summer Camp - a haunting story about sibling love set in a dystopian land where obedience is everything - has Margaret Atwood tones in its stark depiction of a lives under complete control, and for me is one of the best in the collection. The Tower Princesses is a modern fairy-tale with a twist that impressed me with its originality and honest depiction of teenage life; however its pacing lagged towards the end and I felt it would have been a stronger story with more editing. Others in the collection I really enjoyed include All the Red Apples Have Withered to Gray, another fairy-tale styled story that deals with the expectations based on young women, and the disappointment that failures can bring, and Skin Like Honey and Lace, a love-gone-wrong story that is both disturbing and heartbreaking.
The treatment of women, young women in particular, is a theme running through the anthology. The opening story, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, sets the tone for the whole collection in this regard. Highly original with stunning prose, this story shows Kiste as a serious talent in modern horror.
This isn't a perfect collection, however there are some absolute gems which makes it a must read for lovers of imaginative horror with a literary feel.
sarahblessing's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, I absolutely adored this collection. Not since “Her Body and Other Parties” have I been this jazzed about a short story collection. It helps that both have a lot of the same underlying themes: feminist twists on fairy tales, ghost stories, the turmoil of motherhood, the dangers of being a girl, etc. I am definitely going to revisit this book again and again and it will absolutely be in my top 3 favorites I’ve read in 2019.
A few standout stories to me were definitely:
“10 Things to Know About the 10 Questions”
“Dear Man in the Ambry”
“The Tower Princesses”
and my absolute favorite that I’m going to go back to time and time again will be “Audrey at Night”
will continue to read Kiste’s work immediately.
A few standout stories to me were definitely:
“10 Things to Know About the 10 Questions”
“Dear Man in the Ambry”
“The Tower Princesses”
and my absolute favorite that I’m going to go back to time and time again will be “Audrey at Night”
will continue to read Kiste’s work immediately.
motherhorror's review against another edition
5.0
Review originally published in SCREAM Mag issue 61 July/Aug 2020
I’m a huge fan of short story collections in the horror genre. For me, it’s the best way for me to see what an author has to offer. Typically, one collection will have several stories with a wide range of style and substance. After a particularly delicious collection, I’ll desire to seek out more and buy a novel. If the collection wasn’t a successful introduction, spending more time with that author won’t be a huge priority. Very effective.
AND HER SMILE WILL UNTETHER THE UNIVERSE is a stellar example of how a collection can win a reader’s heart forever.
During my time with these stories, I fell in love. I marveled at the vulnerability and beautiful sorrow infused into the story, THE CLAWFOOT REQUIEM. A story about a young woman troubled by her sister’s suicide and unable to let go.
THE MAN IN THE AMBRY is an epistolary story of a unique relationship between something hiding in the walls and the girl who is secretly in love with it.
I read, AUDREY AT NIGHT after my whole family had gone to bed and I was the only one awake. It terrified me (which is a good thing). I read so much horror and I hate the idea of becoming too numb to feel those goosebumps so I relished the horror this story managed to evoke. THE FIVE DAY SUMMER CAMP reminds me of a modern-day STEPFORD WIVES or A CLOCKWORK ORANGE but with children. Parents sending their kids to a facility that ensures well-behaved, docile citizens by the end of “camp”.
SKIN LIKE HONEY AND LACE is a sexy, disturbing, and strikingly beautiful story about a species of women who prey on others at clubs and bars in order to get close enough to shave off some skin in order to apply it to their own skin. Getting that close to people often leads to dangerous feelings of intimacy. This one was tragic and heartbreaking. It primed the pump for my last favorite story, THE TOWER PRINCESSES. Fairytale like in style, Kiste tells the tale of young, attractive women being encapsulated in towers-making them inaccessible to the ones who fall in love with them. This story was so romantic and at the same time, an in-depth portrayal of how difficult it is to love who you love and to bravely chase that love no matter the cost. There was a lot going on in this short story, emotionally. It really struck a chord.
I can’t recommend this collection enough. Gwendolyn Kiste is a new favorite author of dark, haunting tales.
I’m a huge fan of short story collections in the horror genre. For me, it’s the best way for me to see what an author has to offer. Typically, one collection will have several stories with a wide range of style and substance. After a particularly delicious collection, I’ll desire to seek out more and buy a novel. If the collection wasn’t a successful introduction, spending more time with that author won’t be a huge priority. Very effective.
AND HER SMILE WILL UNTETHER THE UNIVERSE is a stellar example of how a collection can win a reader’s heart forever.
During my time with these stories, I fell in love. I marveled at the vulnerability and beautiful sorrow infused into the story, THE CLAWFOOT REQUIEM. A story about a young woman troubled by her sister’s suicide and unable to let go.
THE MAN IN THE AMBRY is an epistolary story of a unique relationship between something hiding in the walls and the girl who is secretly in love with it.
I read, AUDREY AT NIGHT after my whole family had gone to bed and I was the only one awake. It terrified me (which is a good thing). I read so much horror and I hate the idea of becoming too numb to feel those goosebumps so I relished the horror this story managed to evoke. THE FIVE DAY SUMMER CAMP reminds me of a modern-day STEPFORD WIVES or A CLOCKWORK ORANGE but with children. Parents sending their kids to a facility that ensures well-behaved, docile citizens by the end of “camp”.
SKIN LIKE HONEY AND LACE is a sexy, disturbing, and strikingly beautiful story about a species of women who prey on others at clubs and bars in order to get close enough to shave off some skin in order to apply it to their own skin. Getting that close to people often leads to dangerous feelings of intimacy. This one was tragic and heartbreaking. It primed the pump for my last favorite story, THE TOWER PRINCESSES. Fairytale like in style, Kiste tells the tale of young, attractive women being encapsulated in towers-making them inaccessible to the ones who fall in love with them. This story was so romantic and at the same time, an in-depth portrayal of how difficult it is to love who you love and to bravely chase that love no matter the cost. There was a lot going on in this short story, emotionally. It really struck a chord.
I can’t recommend this collection enough. Gwendolyn Kiste is a new favorite author of dark, haunting tales.
biblio_beth's review against another edition
5.0
These stories were achingly beautiful. What haunting worlds the author can draw us into in such a few pages!
stephaniemwytovich's review against another edition
5.0
This collection of stories made me feel like I fell down the rabbit hole into a dark, whimsical Wonderland shared by the Brother's Grimm. It was gorgeous, hauntingly beautiful, and told from a refreshing voice in the horror world. This was my first encounter with Kiste's work, but it certainly won't be my last. Count me a fan.
exorcismemily's review against another edition
5.0
"Sometimes I've wondered if maybe I wasn't meant for this world. Maybe my job was to taste stars, but everyone got me off track."
And Her Smile Will Untether the Universe is now one of my favorite books I've read this year. This was an amazing collection, and every single story in here got 5 stats from me. This book has been on my TBR since it was nominated for a Stoker, and I can't believe it took me this long to read it. The stories in this book are gorgeous, dark, and haunting. I probably felt every emotion while reading this book. It is so personal, and I felt connected to many of the stories.
If I had to pick my top 5 favorites, they're probably The Clawfoot Requiem, Skin Like Honey and Lace, The Lazarus Bride, The Man in the Ambry, and Something Borrowed, Something Blue. I loved all of them so much, though.
Reading this book reminded me of when I started reading Sylvia Plath - I felt connected & understood. And Her Smile Will Untether the Universe made me feel a little bit less alone. This is something I know I'll be re-reading - I could choose any of the stories from this book & be happy. This book handles all sorts of female relationships, and I believe there is only one story that has a man as the main character. I appreciated that, and I think that's part of why the book was so easy to connect to.
I cannot recommend this book enough - treat yourself & pick up this book. I'm still thinking about it today.
And Her Smile Will Untether the Universe is now one of my favorite books I've read this year. This was an amazing collection, and every single story in here got 5 stats from me. This book has been on my TBR since it was nominated for a Stoker, and I can't believe it took me this long to read it. The stories in this book are gorgeous, dark, and haunting. I probably felt every emotion while reading this book. It is so personal, and I felt connected to many of the stories.
If I had to pick my top 5 favorites, they're probably The Clawfoot Requiem, Skin Like Honey and Lace, The Lazarus Bride, The Man in the Ambry, and Something Borrowed, Something Blue. I loved all of them so much, though.
Reading this book reminded me of when I started reading Sylvia Plath - I felt connected & understood. And Her Smile Will Untether the Universe made me feel a little bit less alone. This is something I know I'll be re-reading - I could choose any of the stories from this book & be happy. This book handles all sorts of female relationships, and I believe there is only one story that has a man as the main character. I appreciated that, and I think that's part of why the book was so easy to connect to.
I cannot recommend this book enough - treat yourself & pick up this book. I'm still thinking about it today.
ctgt's review against another edition
4.0
In this moment, she is all things, and her jagged pieces fit into the curves of my jagged pieces, and the two of us, these broken girls, are whole for the first time.
This collection started a bit slowly for me but quickly climbed from good to great. Even though it is listed as a Stoker award finalist I wouldn't call this horror, at least not in the traditional sense, there are few real"squishy" moments but plenty of interesting/odd ideas that remind you of something otherworldly or ephemeral.
The Clawfoot Requiem-two sisters and how to deal with death
She was a ghost even when she was alive.
All the Red Apples have Withered to Gray-an interesting twist on the Sleeping Beauty tale.
The Man in the Ambry-a young girl deals with an "imaginary" friend as she ages.
Audrey at Night- a woman is visited by a former rival.
The Five-Day Summer Camp-an older sister tries to help her sibling deal with summer camp.
Adults always thought kids were too stupid to figure out the truth, and sometimes, it was easier to let them go on believing that.
Skin Like Honey and Lace-one of my favorite stories and truthfully I'm not sure how to blurb this. All I can say is read it.
"Figured it was you when I turned the corner", she says. "Your skin sings differently than the others. Like famine and lullabies."
He won't see me for what I am-a cage of beautiful bones I've hidden too long beneath other people's promises.
The Tower Princesses-another of my favorites, a twist on how we build walls around each other (the quote from the beginning of the review is from this story)
Victims are someone to blame.
And Her Smile will Untether the Universe-a man becomes infatuated with an actress from the early days of movies.
Your heart tugs tight like a stone in your chest, as the sunlight hits her face just right. Her skin shimmers, a strange shift that doesn't look confined to the screen. It looks like it's happening somewhere in the middle, between where she is and where you are.
The Lazarus Bride-a man is desperately in love with his new bride.
We end in fire. All beautiful things end in fire.
A great collection of stories that was well worth the price. Hoping for more from this author.
8/10
Everything's gossamer here, paper lanterns on exposed bulbs to minimize the glare, all the harshness in the world scrubbed away.
This collection started a bit slowly for me but quickly climbed from good to great. Even though it is listed as a Stoker award finalist I wouldn't call this horror, at least not in the traditional sense, there are few real"squishy" moments but plenty of interesting/odd ideas that remind you of something otherworldly or ephemeral.
The Clawfoot Requiem-two sisters and how to deal with death
She was a ghost even when she was alive.
All the Red Apples have Withered to Gray-an interesting twist on the Sleeping Beauty tale.
The Man in the Ambry-a young girl deals with an "imaginary" friend as she ages.
Audrey at Night- a woman is visited by a former rival.
The Five-Day Summer Camp-an older sister tries to help her sibling deal with summer camp.
Adults always thought kids were too stupid to figure out the truth, and sometimes, it was easier to let them go on believing that.
Skin Like Honey and Lace-one of my favorite stories and truthfully I'm not sure how to blurb this. All I can say is read it.
"Figured it was you when I turned the corner", she says. "Your skin sings differently than the others. Like famine and lullabies."
He won't see me for what I am-a cage of beautiful bones I've hidden too long beneath other people's promises.
The Tower Princesses-another of my favorites, a twist on how we build walls around each other (the quote from the beginning of the review is from this story)
Victims are someone to blame.
And Her Smile will Untether the Universe-a man becomes infatuated with an actress from the early days of movies.
Your heart tugs tight like a stone in your chest, as the sunlight hits her face just right. Her skin shimmers, a strange shift that doesn't look confined to the screen. It looks like it's happening somewhere in the middle, between where she is and where you are.
The Lazarus Bride-a man is desperately in love with his new bride.
We end in fire. All beautiful things end in fire.
A great collection of stories that was well worth the price. Hoping for more from this author.
8/10
Everything's gossamer here, paper lanterns on exposed bulbs to minimize the glare, all the harshness in the world scrubbed away.
curatoriallyyours's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A macabre collection of tales, I was not expecting to enjoy something in the horror genre but I found myself enjoying it very much. Brooding and dark rather than scary and shocking, this book intersperses fantasy elements effortlessly. It also has a strong feminist undercurrent without being preachy. Recommended.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Bullying, Death, Self harm, and Suicide
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Bullying, Cannibalism, Child death, Confinement, Grief, Medical trauma, Medical content, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Violence
Minor: Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Incest, Infidelity, Sexual content, and Vomit
bookswithscrump's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars! A strange and dark short story collection by a new to me author, Gwendolyn Kiste. I am so happy I picked this up. Many of the stories focus on women and horror, in a way that will make you feel deeply and creep you out thoroughly. Unlike most short story collections, there was only 1 or 2 stories I didn't like, which considering the expanse of the stories within, it is quite impressive. Many of the characters were well developed and it made the stories all the better. Run, don't walk, to pick up this gem of a collection!
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