Review: Would you like a nightmare with that?
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 16, 2012
This book of, you guessed it, ten short stories, was a book that I can recommend to those who enjoy a bit of fear mixed in with the storytelling. With ten different authors, each story was different, and I enjoyed almost all of them. Varying from the staples of zombie and vampire, to mystical, and the terror of something that is simply and frighteningly human, they have been polished to a professional standard, which is sadly lacking in indie books. Themes addressed include childhood fears, sexuality, zombies, and the horror that comes from excess or psychological trauma.Some of the stories skillfully built suspense and fear without the use of gore, and the stories that did include gore were not overdone for the sake of it. While reading, I was transported to the place of each story and I could easily picture the scenarios. My favourites were Out of Order by Karen Heard, Death Comes to Maggie McDaniel by Grayson Bray Morris, and The Loft by Liv Rancourt. These ones found their way into my head and tinged my sleep with the aftermath of horror, I don't suggest reading these just before bed. Even though I've picked a few favourites, I enjoyed the others too. Rayne Hall has put together a great collection with the stories complimenting each other in tone with the refreshing air of each being a unique idea (they are not all zombie or all vampire). I highly recommend this collection.