Dreams from the Edge of Reality
Phil Giunta
Raging Seas Press (June 1, 2026)
Reviewed by Carson Buckingham
Dreams From the Edge of Reality is Phil Giunta’s first short story collection, and it’s something you won’t want to miss. There are 27 stories in this book, making it quite a bit longer than the average collection, and there is truly something for everyone in it.
Since there are far too many stories to address singly, I shall just hit upon those I considered the highlights of the book—but they are all excellent. Here’s some of what you get:
“Tower Sixteen” – This story takes place in a strange, repurposed fire control tower that was formerly used to spot German vessels off Delaware Bay during World War II, and deals with the horrific experiences a visitor has.
“So Hungry” – A couple climbs a mesa in the desert outside Las Vegas and discovers that sometimes Brocken spectres…well…aren’t.
“Photos From the Attic” – All about the positive and sometimes the very negative power of photography. A clever twist at the end.
“The Celestials” – A beloved author dies and has some most unusual pallbearers. This was my favorite story.
“Tapestry” – An interesting take on Ponce de León’s quest.
“Memory Lane Ain’t What It Used to Be” – Ignoring Tom Wolfe’s admonishment, an older couple sneaks into their former home while the residents are out, just to see if anything has changed. Undetected, they leave and go home—and what a home it is! Great twist at the end that I did not see coming.
“Once More, With Feeling” – A 45-year-old terminal cancer patient reflects on his life with his guardian angel. A sweet story that I just loved.
“Don’t Go Fussin’ Over Me” – A bittersweet story of life and death.
“Bottom of the Hour” – Victor Orologio has been able to hear death since he was ten years old. Throw in a haunted car, and you’ve got yourself one terrific story!
“Take a Cue From the Canine” – A sweet story of a boy and his dog escaping from an armed, drunken abuser.
“Where Halloween Never Ends” – A bereaved woman spends time in a Halloween carnival maze that customizes hauntings.
“There’s a Certain Magic About this Place” – A writer’s retreat leads to a paranormal experience for one of the attendees.
“Before She’s Gone Forever” – The mystery of a haunted photograph that can only be solved by a deaf person.
So, whether you love horror, science fiction, thrillers, or fantasy, or like your stories with a little dose of sugar and tears, you are sure to find your new favorite within these pages. Mr. Giunta is a true master at imbuing his characters with such achingly relatable humanity that takes a good story and makes it sublime. And this book is filled with excellent stories. His work will still be on your mind long after you close the book…and that goes for any of his books, not just this one.
Christmas is right around the corner, and Dreams From the Edge of Reality would make an excellent gift—it’s inexpensive, as Christmas gifts go, but the richness within belies the price. Oh, and buy one for yourself while you’re at it! You’ll read it again and again.
5 out of 5 stars
