Darkness 101: Lessons Were Learned by Jonathan Reddoch

Darkness 101: Lessons Were Learned Reviews

• 
  Russell Gray

  I'm not the biggest fan of microfiction, but I am a short story enthusiast, especially when it's horror. This felt like a good pickup between more lengthy reads and was perfect for October. Each story weighed in at exactly 101 words to fit with the title, so it was easy to breeze through this book in a few short sittings.
  
  My hands-down favorite of the bunch was Library Meet Cute by Jonathan Reddoch. It was the perfect mix of quirky detail and delivery on the promise set by the title. The ending made me genuinely laugh out loud and I think the neighbors heard me.
  
  Other favorites in order of appearance were:
  Relationship Resurrection by Elizabeth Suggs
  Whisked Away by Jonathan Reddoch
  Banquet by Robin Knabel
  Thank the Lord! by Elizabeth Suggs
  Package by Joshua Insole
  Radio Silence by P.S. Tom
  DIY Shampoo by Elizabeth Suggs
  A Visit From the Elders by Jonathan Reddoch
  Fresh Apricots by Alex Child
  Too Late by Robin Knabel
  Champain Room by Taylor Crook
  Follow the Rules by Morgana Price
  Those Who Dig by McKenzie Richardson
  
  I can't help but view micro fiction through the lens of open mic nights at a comedy club. You have to hit fast and hard with quick setups and punchlines. Once you think a joke has legs, you can expand it to a longer bit with a few related jokes on the way to a larger payoff. I guess the parallel would be when a micro-story lengthens to flash fiction, allowing more words for characterization and plot elements to increase the payoff. Despite that example, I'm not a comedian, so don't look for me at the Comedy Attic.
  
  Some stories in this collection used unique ideas for a surprise twist. Others springboarded a simple idea with excellent descriptive prose and turns of phrase. My favorite stories combined all these elements. The sheer number of entries in this collection helped me narrow down common elements of stories that worked for me and ones that didn't. So besides being enjoyable, I learned a few things for my writing, which is always a plus. My sweet spot for short fiction length is 1,000 words, so it's possible for many stories in this collection to hit other readers differently.
  
  I think this collection is a great pickup for anyone who enjoys flash and micro fiction. If you prefer longer stories, this might be more hit or miss, but I would imagine all readers will find some stories they enjoy.
• 
  Winona

  I read this collection in a little less than an hour an a half. A collection of flash fictions, each of the 101 stories are exactly 101 words long. The very first story had me hooked and instead of "just a couple of stories" I just kept reading 'til I ran out of things to read. I can't say I loved every single one of the stories, but I loved enough of them to give it 5 stars and fully recommend it to anyone who loves flash fiction and horror.
• 
  Tanya

  Darkness 101 is a quick read at just 130 pages. The book features 101 "lessons" (stories) that are 101 words each featuring various creatures, myths and ways to die.
  
  As with any short story collection, some are better than others, but none of these were really bad. My favorite of the bunch is "My Lips are Sealed" by AudraKate Gonzalez. It has a main character named Tanya in it!
  
  I'd recommend this to anyone who likes short stories, drabbles, horror and spooky things.
• 
  Robin Knabel

  This book is perfect for October! Readers can indulge in as many of these bite-sized pieces of horror as desired in a sitting.
  
  I'm a contributor to this book, but I'm also a reader. I enjoyed the variety of stories, and I am a sucker for collections with interesting themes or formats. This one hit the mark for me.
  
  This is a quick, easy, and enjoyable read!
• 
  Robert Foster

  Darkness 101 is a fun, fast, frightening read. You'll be glad you weren't the one who had to learn these particular lessons.
• 
  Mae

  A fun escape into some twisted minds. Worth a read.