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celina246 's review for:
The Nightmare Box and Other Stories
by Cynthia Gómez
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Beautifully written, tragic horror stories. I had my favourites among them, didn't love all, but most, if not all were beautifully haunting, i have to admit, although the content was heavyyy (definitely common themes of racism, colonisation, homophobia, police brutality, etc.) The horror of some felt a bit rushed, but that's unfortunately I think just an accepted downside of some short stories.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Individual Ratings:
Lips like sugar - 4⭐️ - short and sweet, not too complex so it doesn't NEED more, tho I wanted more.
A Kiss to Build a Dream on - 3⭐️ - loved the concept of the store that appeared when needed, but the horror wasn't really giving horror. The least creepy of all of them so far besides Huitzol & the Rope of Thorns.
The Nightmare Box - 3.25⭐️- such an interesting concept, but the beginning was a little confusing and the ending was okay.
Will They Disappear - 4.75⭐️ - the best so far, imo; so tragic, especially that it's based on a true story, but the ending was satisfying.
The Road out of Nowhere - 4⭐️ - the writing was so well done, i felt like i was there, and like it could be a movie.
Huitzol & the Rope of Thorns - 3.25⭐️ - this was okay; same satisfying element (good vs evil) as the others, but not my favourite.
The Teacher's Association - 2.75⭐️ - this felt like edging. I was so excited to find out more and then i was just kind of left like what?? maybe that was the point, idk. not for me, left too many questions.
The Weight of It - 4⭐️ - not much content, but tragic and again, beautifully written. just filled with grief.
Red Brick - 3.75⭐️ - in a way should be satisfying, the first one from the white man's POV and him getting 'just desserts'' for his anti-immigration stance; but the author made sure it isn't at all satisfying, too.
Someone Else's to Destroy - 4.5⭐️ - heavy. again, not scary, just supernatural, but tragic and just heavy.
The Unburied - 3.75⭐️ - great storytelling and an amusing ending if I’m right - white guilt?
Hot and Cold - 3.5⭐️ - a bit creepy, but felt really rushed (unfortunately a downside of short stories).
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Individual Ratings:
A Kiss to Build a Dream on - 3⭐️ - loved the concept of the store that appeared when needed, but the horror wasn't really giving horror. The least creepy of all of them so far besides Huitzol & the Rope of Thorns.
The Nightmare Box - 3.25⭐️- such an interesting concept, but the beginning was a little confusing and the ending was okay.
Will They Disappear - 4.75⭐️ - the best so far, imo; so tragic, especially that it's based on a true story, but the ending was satisfying.
The Road out of Nowhere - 4⭐️ - the writing was so well done, i felt like i was there, and like it could be a movie.
Huitzol & the Rope of Thorns - 3.25⭐️ - this was okay; same satisfying element (good vs evil) as the others, but not my favourite.
The Teacher's Association - 2.75⭐️ - this felt like edging. I was so excited to find out more and then i was just kind of left like what?? maybe that was the point, idk. not for me, left too many questions.
The Weight of It - 4⭐️ - not much content, but tragic and again, beautifully written. just filled with grief.
Red Brick - 3.75⭐️ - in a way should be satisfying, the first one from the white man's POV and him getting 'just desserts'' for his anti-immigration stance; but the author made sure it isn't at all satisfying, too.
Someone Else's to Destroy - 4.5⭐️ - heavy. again, not scary, just supernatural, but tragic and just heavy.
The Unburied - 3.75⭐️ - great storytelling and an amusing ending if I’m right - white guilt?
Hot and Cold - 3.5⭐️ - a bit creepy, but felt really rushed (unfortunately a downside of short stories).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, Grief, Murder, Colonisation
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Hate crime, Police brutality
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Vomit