Scan barcode
Reviews tagging 'Animal cruelty'
Howls from the Dark Ages: An Anthology of Medieval Horror by P.L. McMillan, Solomon Forse
2 reviews
sheriffrockyraccoon's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was pleasantly surprised by this collection! I had read Between Two Fires and loved it, so when I saw Christopher Buehlman had written the foreword, I trusted it would be interesting.
What I liked most about this collection was that it extended beyond the traditional European Medieval culture and engaged with other stories around the world. This gave a better idea of what the world was like then, and expanded what it means for a story to take place in the “Medieval” era. I especially enjoyed “The Forgotten Valley” by C.B. Jones, as I’m always looking for more North American Indigenous literature. My other favorites included “Schizzare” and “The Lai of the Danse Macabre”.
I finished this book in a little over a day, it was nice to be able to digest many stories at once (although I do feel some were better formed than others). It’s definitely great if you’re looking for a fast or non-committal read.
What I liked most about this collection was that it extended beyond the traditional European Medieval culture and engaged with other stories around the world. This gave a better idea of what the world was like then, and expanded what it means for a story to take place in the “Medieval” era. I especially enjoyed “The Forgotten Valley” by C.B. Jones, as I’m always looking for more North American Indigenous literature. My other favorites included “Schizzare” and “The Lai of the Danse Macabre”.
I finished this book in a little over a day, it was nice to be able to digest many stories at once (although I do feel some were better formed than others). It’s definitely great if you’re looking for a fast or non-committal read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Sexual violence, Death, Sexual harassment, Body horror, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Child death, Blood, Excrement, Violence, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Confinement, Murder, Sexual assault, Injury/Injury detail, and Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Grief, Death of parent, Misogyny, Torture, Cursing, Alcohol, Kidnapping, and Vomit
enchantressreads's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-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
Howls from the Dark Ages is a collection of 18 stories that surround one of my favorite periods of history, The Middle Ages. The stories in this book are diverse, queer, and frankly, very original. I don't think I've read any stories like the ones featured in Howls from the Dark Ages.
Some of my favorite stories include:
Some of my favorite stories include:
- Angelus by Philippa Evans
- Palette by J.L. Kiefer
- In Thrall to This Good Earth by Hailey Piper
- A Dowry for Your Hand by Michelle Tang
- The Lady of Leer Castle by Christopher O'Halloran
- Schizzare by Bridget D. Brave
- White Owl by Stevie Edwards
- A Dark Quadrivium by David Worn
There are all kinds of themes featured in these stories, including religion, warfare, Crusades, folklore, mushrooms (!!!), and sacred texts. Don't forget the butt trumpet.
There are many talented authors in this anthology, many I haven't read before. I can't wait to check out more of their work.
Thank you to Howl Society and Solomon Forse for sending me a copy of Howls from the Dark Ages for my honest review. This anthology releases on May 12th.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Domestic abuse, Animal death, Body horror, Cannibalism, and Sexual assault
More...