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A review by jmanchester0
Dark Dreams: A Collection of Horror and Suspense by Black Writers by Francine Lewis, Terence Taylor, Robert Fleming, Kalamu ya Salaam, Linda Addison, D.S. Foxx, Christopher Chambers, L.H. Moore, Rickey Windell George, Tananarive Due, Ahmad Wright, Joy M. Copeland, L.R. Giles, Zane, L.A. Banks, Gordon Doyle, Steven Barnes, Chesya Burke, Lawana Holland-Moore, Patricia E. Canterbury, Anthony Beal, Brandon Massey
3.0
I didn't know what to expect especially after I got through the first couple stories. The first story, Resident Evil, has a lot of sex in it. I don't much like sex with my horror. Plus, the story was really poorly written. The dialogue was atrocious. I know that Zane is a fairly prolific author, and I assume she's popular. But this read like somebody's first draft of a story. I didn't care for it.
The second story (But Beautiful and Terrifying) was better written, but it was still about sex! Is this an anthology of horror or erotica?
He Who Takes Away the Pain. OK. Finally, a story without sex. And well written. But I still have no idea what it was about. I suspect it was an allegory for something, or a metaphor. But I don't know for what.
The fourth one (Brak Coopee) started out about sex. But then it start talking about race, which I thought would be interesting. Of course this is the story that has the line, "My accusation hung in the air like a fart." It wasn't even suspenseful, until the very end. This one was just OK.
Hair dreams. So far, this is my favorite. Good story. Great ending.
The Track was pretty good too.
If the Walls Could Talk. This is a pretty enjoyable story. About revenge and women done wrong.
The Fourth Floor. Short, sweet, and spooky.
Empty Vessel was horrifying. But not for scary or supernatural reasons.
I Ghoul and Dreads were interesting.
Plaything was disturbing, too.
The Power was a good story.
Red was just‰Ы_ ew. This is why horror and sex don't mix.
Siren Song was well-written and well-performed.
Grandad's Garage was a great story.
Wild Chocolate was fascinating.
Come On! It's Lovely Weather is the second story in this set in which a giant phallus plays a central role. It's also has the honor of coining a term I bet has never been said: "Coital subservience." I like Krampus tales, but would have passed on this one.
The Gray Riders was interesting. Until the end.
Danger Word was a good story to end on.
Overall, I thought there were several stories here that were worth reading - but several that weren't worth it. I guess that's about like any short story anthology.
The second story (But Beautiful and Terrifying) was better written, but it was still about sex! Is this an anthology of horror or erotica?
He Who Takes Away the Pain. OK. Finally, a story without sex. And well written. But I still have no idea what it was about. I suspect it was an allegory for something, or a metaphor. But I don't know for what.
The fourth one (Brak Coopee) started out about sex. But then it start talking about race, which I thought would be interesting. Of course this is the story that has the line, "My accusation hung in the air like a fart." It wasn't even suspenseful, until the very end. This one was just OK.
Hair dreams. So far, this is my favorite. Good story. Great ending.
The Track was pretty good too.
If the Walls Could Talk. This is a pretty enjoyable story. About revenge and women done wrong.
The Fourth Floor. Short, sweet, and spooky.
Empty Vessel was horrifying. But not for scary or supernatural reasons.
I Ghoul and Dreads were interesting.
Plaything was disturbing, too.
The Power was a good story.
Red was just‰Ы_ ew. This is why horror and sex don't mix.
Spoiler
And what do you do when the protagonist is evil? And eats her own child?Siren Song was well-written and well-performed.
Grandad's Garage was a great story.
Wild Chocolate was fascinating.
Come On! It's Lovely Weather is the second story in this set in which a giant phallus plays a central role. It's also has the honor of coining a term I bet has never been said: "Coital subservience." I like Krampus tales, but would have passed on this one.
The Gray Riders was interesting. Until the end.
Danger Word was a good story to end on.
Overall, I thought there were several stories here that were worth reading - but several that weren't worth it. I guess that's about like any short story anthology.