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mxsallybend's review
4.0
With Unburied, editor Rebecca Rowland has gathered 16 genre-spanning authors to put their own ‘queer’ spin on dark fiction. While there’s some horror to be found here (along with other genres), the darkness comes more from the emotions and the experiences than any narrative tropes. Of course, dark emotions and dark experiences often evoke dark reactions, prompting something of a tiff between reviewers over trigger warnings. Personally, I don't want them, I don't need them, and I don't miss them, but if you do . . . well, proceed accordingly.
Like with any anthology, the stories here are an uneven mix, but there are a few stellar standouts and only two that I found myself skimming. The queer mix is somewhat uneven as well, heavily weighted towards gay men, but there are a handful of lesbian characters, one transgender protagonist, and another who is genderfluid.
Sweet Dreams by M.C. St. John is a great little story, an understated bit of nightmare-driven horror with a Twilight Zone twist. It’s more sweet than dark, which sets a bit of an odd expectation for an opener as it’s very different from the stories that follow.
Night Follows Night is a deeply unsettling tale by Greg Herren, set amidst the bright lights and friendly aisles of a supermarket, with a slowly unveiling backstory that feeds the increasing sense of dread. Exceptionally well done, with an ending I honestly didn’t expect.
Flawed by Felice Picano was one of those stellar standouts I mentioned, a curious tale of two gay men, a wealthy socialite in need of company, and a cursed antique mirror. There’s so much subtext to the story, so many layers of meaning, it’s a genuine joy to read and discover what it all means.
After one story that didn’t work for me and another that I skimmed, Laura DeHaan yanked me right back into things with Open Up and Let Me In. The opening half page is some of the creepiest, most intriguing material in the whole collection, and while epistolary stories (especially those heavy on chat transcripts) don’t often work for me, I was hooked on every little detail, every question, every doubt. Superb.
I don’t know what I can say about The Red Candle without getting into spoiler territory, but huge kudos to Louis Stephenson for tugging at my soul, breaking my heart, and turning my stomach all at the same time. Part of me wanted this to be longer but, really, it’s perfect just as it is. Another stellar standout.
After another pair of stories that just didn’t work for me, Christina Delia made me sit up and take notice with Moi Aussi. There’s a lot going on for such a short story, but I loved the interplay of language and images, the contrasts between living and dead, love and hate, longing and fear. Vengeful ghost stories shouldn’t be this much fun!
With the first two sci-fi tales falling flat for me, I didn’t initially expect much of Cut Off Your Nose to Spite Your Race by J. Askew, but the bold, brash, sarcastic narrator of Harper won me over. It’s a sci-fi tale of two women trapped in a government breeding program, a story of impossible loves and even more impossible choices.
For the Gods by Robert P. Ottone is the longest (and brightest) story of the collection, the story of a young man struggling with his identity, his sexuality, and the occupant of his closet. The fluidity of the story, personified by Swayz and reflected by DeAndre, resonated with me in ways I can’t describe, making this weird romance my favorite.
1,000 Tiny Cuts by Veronica Zora Kirin is the most down-to-earth of all the stories, and that makes the darkness of controlling abuse all the more horrific. It’s one of those stories where you know it’s going to get worse before it gets better, and all you can do is hope for survival.
Blessed by George Daniel Lea closes out the collection on a beautifully, tragically, atmospherically dark tale in which we’re the character, the subject, the victim, being addressed by the narrator, whose soothing tones and carefully chosen words disguise such horror. One of those you need to reread to understand all that happened.
You never know what you're getting into with an anthology, especially one with so many unfamiliar authors, but Unburied was a pleasant surprise with enough variety and enough diversity to appeal to a wide range of readers. Definitely recommended for lovers of dark fiction.
https://www.sallybend.com/2021/05/book-review-unburied-rowland.html
Like with any anthology, the stories here are an uneven mix, but there are a few stellar standouts and only two that I found myself skimming. The queer mix is somewhat uneven as well, heavily weighted towards gay men, but there are a handful of lesbian characters, one transgender protagonist, and another who is genderfluid.
Sweet Dreams by M.C. St. John is a great little story, an understated bit of nightmare-driven horror with a Twilight Zone twist. It’s more sweet than dark, which sets a bit of an odd expectation for an opener as it’s very different from the stories that follow.
Night Follows Night is a deeply unsettling tale by Greg Herren, set amidst the bright lights and friendly aisles of a supermarket, with a slowly unveiling backstory that feeds the increasing sense of dread. Exceptionally well done, with an ending I honestly didn’t expect.
Flawed by Felice Picano was one of those stellar standouts I mentioned, a curious tale of two gay men, a wealthy socialite in need of company, and a cursed antique mirror. There’s so much subtext to the story, so many layers of meaning, it’s a genuine joy to read and discover what it all means.
After one story that didn’t work for me and another that I skimmed, Laura DeHaan yanked me right back into things with Open Up and Let Me In. The opening half page is some of the creepiest, most intriguing material in the whole collection, and while epistolary stories (especially those heavy on chat transcripts) don’t often work for me, I was hooked on every little detail, every question, every doubt. Superb.
I don’t know what I can say about The Red Candle without getting into spoiler territory, but huge kudos to Louis Stephenson for tugging at my soul, breaking my heart, and turning my stomach all at the same time. Part of me wanted this to be longer but, really, it’s perfect just as it is. Another stellar standout.
After another pair of stories that just didn’t work for me, Christina Delia made me sit up and take notice with Moi Aussi. There’s a lot going on for such a short story, but I loved the interplay of language and images, the contrasts between living and dead, love and hate, longing and fear. Vengeful ghost stories shouldn’t be this much fun!
With the first two sci-fi tales falling flat for me, I didn’t initially expect much of Cut Off Your Nose to Spite Your Race by J. Askew, but the bold, brash, sarcastic narrator of Harper won me over. It’s a sci-fi tale of two women trapped in a government breeding program, a story of impossible loves and even more impossible choices.
For the Gods by Robert P. Ottone is the longest (and brightest) story of the collection, the story of a young man struggling with his identity, his sexuality, and the occupant of his closet. The fluidity of the story, personified by Swayz and reflected by DeAndre, resonated with me in ways I can’t describe, making this weird romance my favorite.
1,000 Tiny Cuts by Veronica Zora Kirin is the most down-to-earth of all the stories, and that makes the darkness of controlling abuse all the more horrific. It’s one of those stories where you know it’s going to get worse before it gets better, and all you can do is hope for survival.
Blessed by George Daniel Lea closes out the collection on a beautifully, tragically, atmospherically dark tale in which we’re the character, the subject, the victim, being addressed by the narrator, whose soothing tones and carefully chosen words disguise such horror. One of those you need to reread to understand all that happened.
You never know what you're getting into with an anthology, especially one with so many unfamiliar authors, but Unburied was a pleasant surprise with enough variety and enough diversity to appeal to a wide range of readers. Definitely recommended for lovers of dark fiction.
https://www.sallybend.com/2021/05/book-review-unburied-rowland.html
atlantabelle's review
4.0
I've always loved collections of short stories so I was excited to read this book. This is one of the only times that I've liked every story in the collection. I loved how each one was different than the others and none of them repeated themes. Each story was different in it's own way and they were great. I look forward to buying this for my son.
emilyyjjean's review
4.0
16 tales about the supernatural, psychological horror, paranormal, dark, and science fiction.
I wanted to highlight a few stories that really stuck out to me:
1. Cut Off Your Nose to Spite Your Race (science fiction horror)
Two lovers are stationed at a futuristic breeding compound awaiting their results. Both wishing they are infertile, so they can live their lives the way they would like instead of staying at the compound and conceiving three children to help populate the human race.
I really wish this was a longer story! I loved the main characters and the society that they lived in. This would be an even better story (than it already is) if it was fleshed out more.
2. 1,000 Tiny Cuts (psychological thriller)
Girl meets girl, girl moves in with girl, girl marries girl. Life seems perfect with Claire, until she realizes life with Claire might not be so picturesque.
This story had me feeling for the main character every step of the way. It's a page turner!
3. When the Dust Settles (science fiction horror)
Tara owes The Company since she signed the contract, but now she's hospitalized after an accident in the mines that she can't quite remember. The Company has supplied neural integrated prosthetics so she can get back to the mines, but she's having trouble making them move. What will Tara find once she starts remembering the events of the accident? Will she ever be able to fully use her prosthetics so she can pay off her debt?
This also would be even better as a longer story. I was wanting to learn more about Tara, her friends, The Company, and the accident. I was really sad to see it end.
If you like stories about witches, cults, haunted items, ghosts, creatures, monsters, etc. then you should give this collection a read!
TW: rape, domestic abuse, violence
Thank you to NetGalley and AM Ink Publishing for the ARC
I wanted to highlight a few stories that really stuck out to me:
1. Cut Off Your Nose to Spite Your Race (science fiction horror)
Two lovers are stationed at a futuristic breeding compound awaiting their results. Both wishing they are infertile, so they can live their lives the way they would like instead of staying at the compound and conceiving three children to help populate the human race.
I really wish this was a longer story! I loved the main characters and the society that they lived in. This would be an even better story (than it already is) if it was fleshed out more.
2. 1,000 Tiny Cuts (psychological thriller)
Girl meets girl, girl moves in with girl, girl marries girl. Life seems perfect with Claire, until she realizes life with Claire might not be so picturesque.
This story had me feeling for the main character every step of the way. It's a page turner!
3. When the Dust Settles (science fiction horror)
Tara owes The Company since she signed the contract, but now she's hospitalized after an accident in the mines that she can't quite remember. The Company has supplied neural integrated prosthetics so she can get back to the mines, but she's having trouble making them move. What will Tara find once she starts remembering the events of the accident? Will she ever be able to fully use her prosthetics so she can pay off her debt?
This also would be even better as a longer story. I was wanting to learn more about Tara, her friends, The Company, and the accident. I was really sad to see it end.
If you like stories about witches, cults, haunted items, ghosts, creatures, monsters, etc. then you should give this collection a read!
TW: rape, domestic abuse, violence
Thank you to NetGalley and AM Ink Publishing for the ARC
effy's review
Found it difficult to find time to pick up as I like to read anthology stories in one go
enchantressreads's review
4.0
Unburied edited by Rebecca Rowland is a collection of 16 short horror stories, all from queer authors featuring queer characters.
I always say, horror is inherently queer, but it’s so nice to see it put into paper (or screen lol) like this! I enjoyed most of the stories; some were amazing and others were just okay, but there were no disappointing stories in this collection.
Some of my favorites include: Night Follows Night by Greg Herren, When the Dust Settles by Sarah Lyn Eaton, The Red Candle by Louis Stevenson, The Procedure by Daniel M. Jaffe, and Cut Off Your Nose to Spite Your Race by J. Askew.
This collection has a little bit for everyone: there’s dark fantasy, paranormal horror, psychological thrillers, creature features, and my favorite, sci-fi horror.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dark Ink/AM Ink Publishing, and Rebecca Rowland for the advanced review copy!
CW: homophobia, transphobia, body horror, illness, domestic violence
I always say, horror is inherently queer, but it’s so nice to see it put into paper (or screen lol) like this! I enjoyed most of the stories; some were amazing and others were just okay, but there were no disappointing stories in this collection.
Some of my favorites include: Night Follows Night by Greg Herren, When the Dust Settles by Sarah Lyn Eaton, The Red Candle by Louis Stevenson, The Procedure by Daniel M. Jaffe, and Cut Off Your Nose to Spite Your Race by J. Askew.
This collection has a little bit for everyone: there’s dark fantasy, paranormal horror, psychological thrillers, creature features, and my favorite, sci-fi horror.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dark Ink/AM Ink Publishing, and Rebecca Rowland for the advanced review copy!
CW: homophobia, transphobia, body horror, illness, domestic violence
isabella_hansen's review
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and DarkInk for an ARC.
This book is a collection of dark stories of various genres. The stories are about cults, technology gone wrong, monsters under the bed and much more. Some of which can be triggering. But isn’t that only a plus? Personally I read scary stories to get, well - scared. To get triggered. To learn something new about myself and to process fears. Both childish and adult. “Unburied” managed to trigger me, and I’m better off for it.
Though the stories were only sometimes frigthening, they were all well worth reading.
This book is a collection of dark stories of various genres. The stories are about cults, technology gone wrong, monsters under the bed and much more. Some of which can be triggering. But isn’t that only a plus? Personally I read scary stories to get, well - scared. To get triggered. To learn something new about myself and to process fears. Both childish and adult. “Unburied” managed to trigger me, and I’m better off for it.
Though the stories were only sometimes frigthening, they were all well worth reading.
tjthetd23's review
*I was given an advance copy by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Honestly, this book was just too much trauma. I couldn’t finish it. I’d read a couple of reviews (that the editor subsequently trashed which is a huge red flag) so I was on my guard but it was still just so much. I could’ve have done with a trigger warning. I wouldn’t have even considered this if I’d known how much upsetting content it contains. I like horror and I get that trauma and horror are intrinsically linked but half of the time the content in here didn’t even add to the story; it was just in there for shock value. Wouldn’t recommend.
Honestly, this book was just too much trauma. I couldn’t finish it. I’d read a couple of reviews (that the editor subsequently trashed which is a huge red flag) so I was on my guard but it was still just so much. I could’ve have done with a trigger warning. I wouldn’t have even considered this if I’d known how much upsetting content it contains. I like horror and I get that trauma and horror are intrinsically linked but half of the time the content in here didn’t even add to the story; it was just in there for shock value. Wouldn’t recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Body horror
spellboundchapters's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange of my honest opinion!
I don't read many short stories because I always find them too... well, short (big books lover here!). But when I saw that these were queer and dark fiction, I absolutely had to try it and boy am I *not* disappointed! I still had a couple short stories that I didn't really vibe with, which was predictable - but overall I'm very pleased with the amounts of 4 and 5 stars I gave!
Here are the ratings I gave each story - these are just my personal opinions, keep in mind we all have preferences and different tastes, so you might end up loving some I didn't !
Sweet Dreams : 3*
Night Follow Night : 4*
Flawed : 3*
When the Dust Settles : 4*
I Can't Wait to Become a Man : dnf - the writing style sadly didn't work for me
Open Up and Let Me In : 5*
The Red Candle : 4*
Razor, Knife : 4*
The Procedure : 2*
Moi Aussi : 5*
The Other Boy : 3*
Cut Off Your Nose to Spite Your Race : 3*
For the Gods : 5* (probably my favourite of the anthology <3)
Some Kind of Monster : 5*
1,000 Tiny Cuts : 5*
Blessed : 2.5 - the writing here was superb but I definitely need to re-read it later because a lot went way over my head 😅
Average : 3.8 rounded up
I don't read many short stories because I always find them too... well, short (big books lover here!). But when I saw that these were queer and dark fiction, I absolutely had to try it and boy am I *not* disappointed! I still had a couple short stories that I didn't really vibe with, which was predictable - but overall I'm very pleased with the amounts of 4 and 5 stars I gave!
Here are the ratings I gave each story - these are just my personal opinions, keep in mind we all have preferences and different tastes, so you might end up loving some I didn't !
Sweet Dreams : 3*
Night Follow Night : 4*
Flawed : 3*
When the Dust Settles : 4*
I Can't Wait to Become a Man : dnf - the writing style sadly didn't work for me
Open Up and Let Me In : 5*
The Red Candle : 4*
Razor, Knife : 4*
The Procedure : 2*
Moi Aussi : 5*
The Other Boy : 3*
Cut Off Your Nose to Spite Your Race : 3*
For the Gods : 5* (probably my favourite of the anthology <3)
Some Kind of Monster : 5*
1,000 Tiny Cuts : 5*
Blessed : 2.5 - the writing here was superb but I definitely need to re-read it later because a lot went way over my head 😅
Average : 3.8 rounded up
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