Horror Library: The Best of Volumes 1-5
Edited by R.J. Cavender
Cutting Block Books
April 30, 2015
Reviewed by Jess Landry
How do you pick thirty-three of nearly one-hundred and fifty awesome stories spanning over five volumes for one bad-ass Best Of collection? Pick names out of a hat? Quickly flip through the past volumes and plop your finger down wherever it feels right? Whatever the method, the thirty-three stories collected for the Horror Library: The Best of Volumes 1-5 really are something to write home about.
What sets this Best Of collection apart from other anthologies is the sheer variety of genres, subgenres and wild plots. Sure, there’s the usual stuff like ghosts and monsters and zombies but because of the calibre one comes to expect from the Horror Library, it’s a guarantee these aren’t run-of-the-mill stories. There are even stories about exterminators, puppets, children made from meat chunks and magical dildos. Yeah.
In a collection of entertaining stories, a few that stood out for me include “The Exterminators” by Sara Joan Berniker. It’s a short but not-so-sweet tale that could also serve as a warning to read something before you sign it. And “The Apocalypse Ain’t So Bad” by Jeff Strand, which is a snarky little take on a post-apocalyptic world overrun with zombies (or mutants). Any respectable smart-ass will get a kick out of it.
As far as notable names goes, this collection has tales penned by Bentley Little, John F.D. Taff and Colleen Anderson, just to name a few. There were some new names in there for me and after reading the collection, it’s safe to say I’ve added a few more authors to my must-read list.
Not only is the content great, but the cover artwork suits the collection to a T. Just looking at the creepy family portrait (appropriately titled “Freak Family” by William Smyers) is enough to set the tone for what’s ahead.
So do yourself a favour, pick up Horror Library: The Best of Volumes 1-5. And while you’re at it, you might as well pick up volumes 1 through 5 and see what you’re missing.
