| Title | : | Aberrations: Horror Stories |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 117 |
| Publication | : | First published August 23, 2011 |
Aberrations: Horror Stories Reviews
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It was a good, diverse batch of stories, and I want to take a moment to discuss my three favorites.
The anthology kicks off with “Money Well Earned” by Joseph Nassise. A hit man is hired to rid Point Pleasant, West Virginia of the Mothman. Never one to turn down a job, he goes, but is surprised by what he finds there. I like the blend of urban legend and gritty crime story. The twist was clever (I knew something was coming, but didn’t know what) and the tone really propelled the piece. Great story.
Another that I really dug was Joe McKinney’s contribution, “Survivors”. I’ve read Apocalypse of the Dead and thought it was decent, but this one really moved me, a story about survivor’s guilt set against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse. I like zombie stories that aren’t about zombies, and this one pulled that off nicely. This tale was all about Canavan, and could have been superimposed over any disaster. That said, McKinney took advantage of the zombies for some nice, non-gratuitous gore. Nice blend.
The piece that knocked my socks off, though, blew me away, was “The Hounds of Love” by Scott Nicholson. I was turned off at first: a kid who tortures animals named Dexter? That’s been done. But I stopped caring about that after a page or two. This book explores the concept of love, what it means, what it can do, through an awesome sick and sad lens. It’s really hard to read, as an animal lover, but Nicholoson’s ending is just fantastic. I can’t say anything else about the end ‘cause I want every person who reads this review to run out and read the story. Three thumbs up.
Editor Jeremy C. Shipp’s contribution, “Goat Boy” was good, short and sweet, and I enjoyed Elizabeth Massie’s “Beggars at Dawn”. Some of the other tales I wasn’t wild about, but the good stories make this anthology a must have, especially since the Kindle version is $2.99. That’s less than a snack, and infinitely more satisfying. Also, the cover art is really beautiful! -
I can’t remember the last time I threw myself into some horror. I read a fair bit of horror anthology in my teens but stopped when I ventured into thrillers. I downloaded it after being intrigued by the cover then realised I was home alone and would have to wait for my fella to be here before I could crack it open. Yeah,I’m 28 and can’t deal with the scary stuff alone.
Anyways, review.
Some stories were pretty average, some were insanely creepy and suspenseful. All weird.
The first story, money well earned, played with the myth of the mothman and a hitman. It was different but nothing special, I think it tried to do a clever twist but it just went over my head. It just didn’t have any scare factor.
The second, bug house, I was gripped to. I’ll reveal nothing about its storyline. Just, if you’re to read only one of the stories, let it be this. I’ve already started adding some Lisa tuttle novels to my tbr.
The thing in the woods didn’t really do it for me. There wasn’t enough suspense and it had a rather anticlimactic effect. Enough said about that one.
Survivors was a zombie read. Honestly I read the first few pages of this and skipped it. I don’t do war zone stuff even if it does involve the undead.
Hounds of love. The title sounded interesting. I kind of hoped Kate bush would make an appearance (She doesn’t). Instead you’re met with animal abuse at page two. It took all I had not to skip the entire thing, I despise animal abuse. The only reason I kept going at this point was because I liked the writing style. Aside from the animal torture, the story was pretty disturbing in a way I enjoy. It repulsed me. It was a different take on Stephen kings pet cemetery so if you’re into that you might like this.
Goat boy. This was so weird. It’s very similar to the stuff I write now and again. It was only about 4 or 5 pages long and I have no idea what was going on only that I wished it was longer. And with that, I’m off to add Jeremy’s other works to my tbr.
Tested. Similar to the second story in the book. Couple driving hit a huge bear like creature. Found this one a little tedious as I waited for a punch line that didn’t come.
Bus people. Goosebumps for grown ups. I enjoyed this and despite it being about weird bus dwelling cannibals it felt light hearted and fun. Vivid descriptions and originality.
Beggars at dawn. set in 1918 this was the only ghost story in the book. I don’t think I’ve ever described a story as ‘uplifting ghost tale’ but I’m gonna. It was sweet and far removed from anything else in this anthology.
From Hamlin to harperville. A guy sees a man in a suit standing in the town square by the Hamlin statue who brings something shiny to his mouth. Following that, the town is infested with a plague of rats. My first thought was that the story was a modern day twist on the pied piper. And I was correct. Interesting concept for a creepy story, one which I enjoyed.
I think this collection can be summed up as win some, lose some. There’s some amazing talent in here and some I won’t be rushing to read. It’s piqued my interest in bizarro fiction though. I’ll definitely be venturing into that genre. -
Since this book consists of several short stories, I will rate each on their own.
Money well earned by Joseph Nassise
Very short but nice story about an assassin, who is send to kill a "bad guy". I liked that it is based on the mothman prophecy which was also made into a movie. 3 Stars.
Bug House by Lisa Tuttle
I liked that one very much because of the setting and the topic. The only thing that bothered me, was that the ending was shoved in the readers face midway. 4 Stars.
The Thing in the Woods by Nate Kenyon
A boring scene between a married couple. And a monster walks by at one point. Thats it. 2 Stars.
Survivors by Joe McKinney
Zombie apocalypse... military guy....yawn....1 Star
The Hounds of Love by Scott Nicholson
A boy who tortures and kills his pets gets a visit from old friends. Great story! 5 Stars.
Goat Boy by Jeremy C. Shipp
I liked the story but I did not get it. My BF had to read it twice and explained it to me. It definitely left an impression! 3 1/2 stars.
Tested by Lisa Morton
Similar to the second story. Not really exciting. 2 Stars.
Bus People by Simon Wood
I did not get the point of the story but it had a nice touch to it and I liked the pictures it created in my head. 3 Stars.
Beggars at Dawn by Elizabeth Massie
Hard to remember that one. But it had a nice twist. It has nothing to do with horror, though. 2 Stars.
From Hamlin to Harperville by Kealan Patrick Burke
Fairytale gone Horror. Nice idea, and well done. 3 Stars.
= 2,85 Stars for the whole book! Math, bitches! -
This is, by far, one of the best short story collections I've read in a long time. There are a lot of great horror authors contained within, so I expected nothing less.The standouts for me are:
Money Well Earned by Joseph Nassise
Survivors by Joe McKinney
The Hounds of Love by Scott Nicholson (this one was extra AWESOME!)Tested by Lisa Morton
Bus People by Simon Wood (also extra AWESOME!)
From Hamlin to Harperville by Kealan Patrick Burke
And finally my favorite of the entire collection which was:
Beggars at Dawn by Elizabeth Massie. This story made me hop on to the Kindle store to see what else she had available. Highly recommended collection! -
Aberrations is a mixed bag of chilling horror. Some leave you wondering and the others dish out a look over your shoulder. Some well known authors in this anthology edited by Jeremy C. Shipp a Bram Stoker award winning author.
(Bug House by Lisa Tuttle) Creepy, entertaining. 4★s
(The Things in the Woods by Nate Kenyon) Bigfoot or whatever they hit, 3★s
(Tested by Lisa Morton) I read a few of her stories and this one goes to the top of the list. 4★s
(Bus People by Simon Wood) Only crazy people ride the bus. 3.5★s -
Read solid anthology, strong stories by well known authors. Only one author, Wood, was a new name to me and his story was very freaky, finally someone who has the same view on public transportation. Original takes on familiar scares. Recommended for all horror fans.
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some amazing stories, particularly from jeremy c. shipp, elizabeth massie, and kealan patrick burke. excellent collection.
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Aberrations is an impressive collection of short horror fiction that delivers a wide variety of talent and terror, with just ten representative pieces between the covers of this brief but entertaining anthology.
At the bottom of the list are Money Well Earned (Joseph Nassise) and Bug House (Lisa Tuttle), which are both competent stories, but ultimately predictable enough to rob them of any real impact, even with the former’s inspiring Mothman tie-in.
Survivors (Joe McKinney), Beggars at Dawn (Elizabeth Massie), and Tested (Lisa Morton) delve into the more emotional and mental repercussions of horror, and strike a more contemplative and philosophical tone. War is a common thread throughout these three stories, and they accompany each other fairly well, especially if read in the order listed above.
Goat Boy by editor Jeremy C. Shipp stands out on its own as a successful and highly entertaining foray into the realm of bizarro fiction, and is not to be missed or forgotten. Nipping at Goat Boy’s heels is the equally surreal yet still grounded in reality Bus People, which Simon Wood manages to deftly control through its bizarrely grotesque imagery.
Also standing out from the rest is Kealan Patrick Burke’s fairy tale reboot, From Hamlin to Harperville. An interesting premise and handled well, it doesn’t give more than it needs to, and in the end delivers far more with far less, another memorable entry.
Out of the entire collection, my personal favorite on multiple levels is The Hounds of Love. Scott Nicholson delivers a disturbing tale about abuse and neglect that manages to remain fresh and unpredictable, and keeps the reader uncomfortable from beginning to end. -
A wide range of short stories...most of which I enjoyed. The first story in the anthology, Money Well Earned by Joseph Nassise was my favorite. The story of a hit man who really does have a conscience. I haven't read anything previously by Mr. Nassies but I think I'll check out other work by him. My least favorite story (sorry Mr. Shipp) was Goat Boy by Jeremy C. Shipp. It was a little on the icky side and I didn't understand it. To be fair, I've never read anything by this author either so maybe this was just an off offering. Anyway, I was pleased with this quick read.
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Like all anthologies some were better than others but overall a strong collection. Bus People was my personal favorite.
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If I had to choose a favorite out of this collection of ten stories from ten authors it would have to be The Hounds of Love by Scott Nicholson. There's this kid, Dexter, who tortures critters... sounds cliché, but you've got to read it because where it seems like it's going isn't where you wind up.
The oddest two stories have to be Goat Boy by Jeremy Shipp and Bus People by Simon Wood.
Jeremy can say, like, paragraphs of stuff in a single sentence without setting off the long-sentence alarms. It's a matter of trust on the author's part to allow the reader to imagine more than what is written on the page. That is what Jeremy evokes with nearly every sentence. He does this in Goat Boy, but I still can't tell you what the hell happened. Let's just say I'm still digesting it...
Simon takes this scenario of drug running in an urban environment which starts off like a lot of crime stories—stating how things go down as an info dump. Then he takes a dropper and squeezes out a drop of LSD on every character just to see what they do. It gets really messed up. Just read it...
I liked all the stories, each for very different reasons. All the writers bring their own aberrations to the table, making for a delectable literary meal. -
A strange and bizarre collection of many talented, award winning, authors. Each story compliments each personal view of writing style. I don't have a favorite among the ten horror tales, because I liked them all equally. I will highlight a few of them, but only highlight, because they are to short and it would give away the story.
"Money Well Earned" was very interest as it turns the table on what you believe will happen. A hired hit man will doing the killing, but will it be their intended mark?
"Bug House" what a strange story. A young woman flees to her ailing, elderly aunts house in hopes to clear her troubles away. Little did you know what would happen when a stranger comes to visit, before her aunt passes away. Soon she will be ailing herself.
"Goat Boy" a bizarre tale when the cat coughs up a hairball containing a demon who only helps out the under endowed male.
Over All this is a well writtng book, and a must read for any horror fan! -
~~** Originally posted @
ReadingDiva's Blog- Rating - 4 of 5
Money Well Earned by Joseph Nassise
Review: Money Well Earned is a nicely written short horror story that mixes an urban legend with modern crime. I loved the introduction, it sort of prepares you for the sweet surprise that develops at the end. “I make my living killing things. Sometimes I kill animals. Big ones, usually. Rhinos. Elephants. Stuff like that. More often than not, though, I kill people.” That’s an awesome introduction that sets the ground for an entertaining short ride. My only complain: I wish it was a little longer. I am adding Joseph Nassise to my list of authors to keep an eye on. -
A stunning collection of the macabre! As far as short story collections go, this one is a home run. Some stories I enjoyed more than others but I didn't find a single weak one. I'd have to say my favorite was "Money Well Spent", a solidly written story that blends the urban legend with organized crime. A hit man is hired to kill the infamous Mothman...what does he find? Read it and find out! "Bug House" absolutely gave me the creeps. That's what I'm looking for in a horror story. I found "The Hounds of Love" to be very disturbing because the main character is a sick child who tortures animals, but the ending is chilling and satisfying. If you're a horror fan, Aberrations is one you won't want to miss. An engaging read from start to finish.
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This was a fabulous introduction to some superb storytellers of horror. All loved in this genre, all with some assortment of accolade or other, all very deserving of their standing in the horror realms of the elite. I thoroughly enjoyed being freaked out, bewildered, and limp of jaw. Whipped through theses short stories in record time, each a munching morsel of fascination I needed another taste of at the end of each one.
I recommend this collection for any horror fan. I dived straight into Scott Nicholson's supernatural box set and have J. Ship's Attic Clowns ready to go. :)
Merged review:
Excellent collection! -
Nice short story collection by some authors that I was unfamilar with. Most of the stories were entertaining, with a couple of real stand outs. "The Hounds of Love" by Scott Nicholson was my favorite, and left me thinking about what I had read for awhile. When I read the first few paragraphs depicting child abuse I didn't know if I could read that story, but I'm glad I trudged ahead. The endining was bittersweet. I also enjoyed the zombie tale, "Survivors" by Joe McKinney. I will be looking for more from these authors.
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This is one of those books I wish you could do a half star ratings because 3 doesn't seem enough and 4 seems too much. I liked most of the stories in this collection. There wasn't one i didn't like really, just most really didn't enthrall me that much. The first story is probably my favorite (the mothman one) and probably the only one I would want to go back and re-read anytime soon.
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Some good, some eh. Elizabeth Massie's story blew me away, and the Mothman story at the beginning was quite enjoyable as well. A couple didn't land with me but that's just personal preference I suppose.
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$2.99 Kindle (for iPhone) buy.
You get what you pay for. -
Some great stories in this anthology; check it out!
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There were a few pretty great stories in here, and a few that were not great in my eyes. So it was 'okay' but there were certainly some I didn't enjoy.
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Interesting collection of horror stories. I enjoyed them all.
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a good collection from young but established writers
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A good variety of themes and styles.
