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A review by davidgreenwriter
From the Shadows: Villainous Tales of Dark Lords, Despots, and Devils by Jamie Edmundson, J.P. Burnison, D.W. Hawkins, Joe Jackson, Allegra Pescatore, J.T. Williams, Christopher Russell, Aaron Hodges, Jacob Peppers, Bethany Hoeflich, Sarah K.L. Wilson, Angel Haze, J.C. Kang, Eileen Mueller, Zaid Samer Alshattle, Miri C. Golden, Eric T. Knight, J.E. Mueller, Jeff Bacon, Jeffrey L. Kohanek, Rachel Rener, Stacey Trombley
4.0
Reading about villains is fun, right? The more villainous and complex the better? If you agree, and why wouldn't you, then From the Shadows is for you. 21 dark fantasy tales from the badguys point-of-view are compiled in this anthology. As with all collections, some stories stand out more than others, but, in my opinion, there isn't a *bad* story included. All are well-written, though some work as standalone stories more than others. That being said, this anthology is absolutely worth a fantasy fan's time.
A nice touch is that the stories become darker as the stories progress - for people a little more squeamish or readers who don't like their fantasy too dark, it signals a good time to tap out.
Ghoul Grief by Jacob Peppers: A really fun, strong start to the anthology, dealing in fake news and PR spin in a fantasy setting. Maximillian is a great character, one not as heroic as his press would make out, in life or undeath.
The Precipice of Sin by Rachel Rener: While this felt like a part of a larger story, Ms Rener did a good job at making the story work on its own, too. Excellent writing to make us feel empathy for Zeb.
A Dragon's Guide To Hatching A Rebellion by J.C. Kang: Excellent. Very enjoyable *and* skillful how Mr Kang portrayed the dragon, its thought process, its journey, and how it sparked a rebellion almost through accident.
Interview With the Dark Elf by Jamie Edmundson: Mr Edmundson has proven adept at adding sharp wit to his fantasy, and there's no change here, but this story comes with a deliciously vicious streak. I'm not sure why, but I got a Wile E. Coyote vs Roadrunner vibe from this, and I'm all for it.
Let The Dark In by Stacey Trombley: We meet Malcom and Julie in this magical story about abuse and what happens to people who are pushed too far. How will they snap? And what happens when they do? I'd like to have known Julie a little better here, but this was a tense, well-written read.
The Sea Witch by Bethany Hoeflich: A wonderfully dark prequel to The Little Mermaid, focusing on Ursula. Taking the fairy tale and adding depth, this is a brilliant example of an author working with an existing property and bringing something new to it.
A Mad King's Hymn by J.E. Mueller: Enjoyed the worldbuilding here, and feel this story would benefit from a longer storytelling form. There's a novel just waiting to be unleashed in this demonic tale!
This Trap Has A Beating Heart by Sarah K.L. Wilson: A fan of writing about family struggles and strife, this story really spoke to me as a reader and author. The characters all feel *real* and I could empthasise with many of them. Except the Emperor. Kiss the dust!
Zens' Dragon by Eileen Mueller: I've always had a soft-spot for science crashing into fantasy, and the cloning shenanigans here are very satisfying. I feel this is part of a larger story, and researching says that is, and this story has me interested in reading more. Zens isn't a likeable villain, but compelling.
Wizardoms - Soul Blade by Jeffrey L. Kohanek: Feeling like a slice of a larger tale, Soul Blade nonetheless proved a worthwhile read due to the wonderful world-building present, and the craft and deft detail shining through.
The Binding Day Truce by Allegra Pescatore and J.P. Burnison: I'm glad I'd read A Bond of Thread before this as I think it's quite essential to fully enjoying this excellent story. I'm not certain it would work as a standalone of without prior knowledge, but I had a great time with it, The Fae are well explored and defined, and the break-neck pace with shifting POVs worked well.
Sun Touched by Zaid Samer Alshattle: I enjoyed Quareth, and the dark-brooding tension of this tale, but it left me wanting more. Not a bad thing, but it really did feel like the beginning of a larger story.
Oblivion by Eric T. Knight: A real high point. Straightforward but not lacking in detail, the characterisation here really shines through in this ripping-yarn villainous adventure. Hagen is brilliant, and the monk/religious aspect of the fantasy here is fascinating. It's the origin story for a larger work, but it tells its own story, and really whets the appetite for more.
The Menagerie by Miri C. Golden: A dark, thrilling story of perspectives. Who's is the villain in someone's life? A person who represents change, or someone who craves the status-quo? A fascinating, moreish story that left me wanting more.
Gravitas - A Tale of the Constella by Christopher Russell: Ambiguous and delightfully dark, this is epic fantasy distilled into a wonder short-story. Scraw held my attention throughout, and at times I found myself rooting for him.
Birth Of Darkness by Aaron Hodges: A strong bit of fantasy horror, and it's welcome at this stage of the anthology. Enjoyable, Theo's manipulation and drive is fun to read.
Apples and Shadows - A Tale of Dwemhar by J.T. Williams: "Elvish wine. The King might claim he hates elves but he sure as Vankou doesn't mind drinking their wine." Isn't that just the way? More fantasy straying into horror, this story explores hypocrisy and the corruption of innocence, and don't we all love that?
The Trouble With Necromancy by Joe Jackson: I've always enjoyed a necromancer story and Mr Jackson doesn't disappoint here with one of my favourites in the anthology. Daorun's experiments are a wild ride, and his characterisation is on-point.
Ascension To Hell by Jeff Bacon: Ambitious, this story is perhaps confined by the short-story format. Well-written, it tries to cover so much ground and detail that it would benefit from more space to breathe.
Into The Storm by D.W. Hawkins: "Please understand - conversion is best for you all." And with that, the author had me hooked. The villains here believe they're in the right, and aren't they just the best ones to deal with?
Bound In Death by Angel Haze: "The blond would die tonight." The darkest comes last, in this horrifically dark necromancer tale that should come with its own warning. I loved it! A perfect way to end a strong anthology, and a story that had me laughing out loud when I really shouldn't have.
A nice touch is that the stories become darker as the stories progress - for people a little more squeamish or readers who don't like their fantasy too dark, it signals a good time to tap out.
Ghoul Grief by Jacob Peppers: A really fun, strong start to the anthology, dealing in fake news and PR spin in a fantasy setting. Maximillian is a great character, one not as heroic as his press would make out, in life or undeath.
The Precipice of Sin by Rachel Rener: While this felt like a part of a larger story, Ms Rener did a good job at making the story work on its own, too. Excellent writing to make us feel empathy for Zeb.
A Dragon's Guide To Hatching A Rebellion by J.C. Kang: Excellent. Very enjoyable *and* skillful how Mr Kang portrayed the dragon, its thought process, its journey, and how it sparked a rebellion almost through accident.
Interview With the Dark Elf by Jamie Edmundson: Mr Edmundson has proven adept at adding sharp wit to his fantasy, and there's no change here, but this story comes with a deliciously vicious streak. I'm not sure why, but I got a Wile E. Coyote vs Roadrunner vibe from this, and I'm all for it.
Let The Dark In by Stacey Trombley: We meet Malcom and Julie in this magical story about abuse and what happens to people who are pushed too far. How will they snap? And what happens when they do? I'd like to have known Julie a little better here, but this was a tense, well-written read.
The Sea Witch by Bethany Hoeflich: A wonderfully dark prequel to The Little Mermaid, focusing on Ursula. Taking the fairy tale and adding depth, this is a brilliant example of an author working with an existing property and bringing something new to it.
A Mad King's Hymn by J.E. Mueller: Enjoyed the worldbuilding here, and feel this story would benefit from a longer storytelling form. There's a novel just waiting to be unleashed in this demonic tale!
This Trap Has A Beating Heart by Sarah K.L. Wilson: A fan of writing about family struggles and strife, this story really spoke to me as a reader and author. The characters all feel *real* and I could empthasise with many of them. Except the Emperor. Kiss the dust!
Zens' Dragon by Eileen Mueller: I've always had a soft-spot for science crashing into fantasy, and the cloning shenanigans here are very satisfying. I feel this is part of a larger story, and researching says that is, and this story has me interested in reading more. Zens isn't a likeable villain, but compelling.
Wizardoms - Soul Blade by Jeffrey L. Kohanek: Feeling like a slice of a larger tale, Soul Blade nonetheless proved a worthwhile read due to the wonderful world-building present, and the craft and deft detail shining through.
The Binding Day Truce by Allegra Pescatore and J.P. Burnison: I'm glad I'd read A Bond of Thread before this as I think it's quite essential to fully enjoying this excellent story. I'm not certain it would work as a standalone of without prior knowledge, but I had a great time with it, The Fae are well explored and defined, and the break-neck pace with shifting POVs worked well.
Sun Touched by Zaid Samer Alshattle: I enjoyed Quareth, and the dark-brooding tension of this tale, but it left me wanting more. Not a bad thing, but it really did feel like the beginning of a larger story.
Oblivion by Eric T. Knight: A real high point. Straightforward but not lacking in detail, the characterisation here really shines through in this ripping-yarn villainous adventure. Hagen is brilliant, and the monk/religious aspect of the fantasy here is fascinating. It's the origin story for a larger work, but it tells its own story, and really whets the appetite for more.
The Menagerie by Miri C. Golden: A dark, thrilling story of perspectives. Who's is the villain in someone's life? A person who represents change, or someone who craves the status-quo? A fascinating, moreish story that left me wanting more.
Gravitas - A Tale of the Constella by Christopher Russell: Ambiguous and delightfully dark, this is epic fantasy distilled into a wonder short-story. Scraw held my attention throughout, and at times I found myself rooting for him.
Birth Of Darkness by Aaron Hodges: A strong bit of fantasy horror, and it's welcome at this stage of the anthology. Enjoyable, Theo's manipulation and drive is fun to read.
Apples and Shadows - A Tale of Dwemhar by J.T. Williams: "Elvish wine. The King might claim he hates elves but he sure as Vankou doesn't mind drinking their wine." Isn't that just the way? More fantasy straying into horror, this story explores hypocrisy and the corruption of innocence, and don't we all love that?
The Trouble With Necromancy by Joe Jackson: I've always enjoyed a necromancer story and Mr Jackson doesn't disappoint here with one of my favourites in the anthology. Daorun's experiments are a wild ride, and his characterisation is on-point.
Ascension To Hell by Jeff Bacon: Ambitious, this story is perhaps confined by the short-story format. Well-written, it tries to cover so much ground and detail that it would benefit from more space to breathe.
Into The Storm by D.W. Hawkins: "Please understand - conversion is best for you all." And with that, the author had me hooked. The villains here believe they're in the right, and aren't they just the best ones to deal with?
Bound In Death by Angel Haze: "The blond would die tonight." The darkest comes last, in this horrifically dark necromancer tale that should come with its own warning. I loved it! A perfect way to end a strong anthology, and a story that had me laughing out loud when I really shouldn't have.