| Title | : | Slay |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 173521955X |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781735219554 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 325 |
| Publication | : | First published October 13, 2020 |
Drawing from a variety of cultural and mythological backgrounds, Slay dares to imagine a world of horror and wonder where Black protagonists take center stage - as vampires, as hunters, as heroes. From immortal African deities to resistance fighters; matriarchal vampire broods to monster hunting fathers; coming of age stories to end of life stories, Slay is a groundbreaking Afrocentric vampire anthology celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the African Diaspora.
Slay Reviews
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I have pages and pages of notes as well as a bunch of new authors to follow on social media/support and start buying their books. Wow! What a collection. Thank you to the publisher, Mocha Memoirs Press for sending a digital review copy for consideration.
SLAY: Stories of the Vampire Noire is an anthology celebrating vampires of the African Diaspora. And since I enjoyed doing some research and educating myself on words and phrases that were new to me, I thought that I would pass on some of the information I learned without assuming every reader comes to a book fully informed on all things. (wink)
Diaspora: Historically, the word diaspora was used to refer to the involuntary mass dispersion of a population from its indigenous territories.
So right away, I encourage reviewers to read this book with minds and hearts open to hear unique and diverse voices. I love that there was a strong adherence to the theme represented in all of the stories. There's intentionality among the authors to be united with one purpose but also remarkably unique.
All of this being said, I want to highlight some of my favorite stories, amplifying the ones that stood out among the others but also making it clear that there was something special about every offering to the vampire noir genre as a whole.
The first story, DESICCANT by Craig Laurence Gidney is the perfect jumping-off point. Short and sweet, Gidney's characters reminded me of the vibrant cast of the show, POSE. A clever vehicle for vampirism represented in this 'red dust' that freaked me out! The descriptive language was so cinematic--I could "see" everything as it was happening. The ending left me wanting more from both the characters and the world-building. I could see this as a transition into a longer novel or series.
LOVE HANGOVER by Sheree Renee Thomas is one of my favorites. Thomas uses music/song and the club scene as a backdrop for unrequited love and the lengths someone will go to just to get attention (negative or positive) from the object of their obsession/worship. Delilah and Frankie are a sexy queer couple that I loved reading about. I immediately asked the author if there were more stories from this world because I wanted to know more about Delilah and her sisters. (surprise, the answer is yes!)
THE DANCE by L. Marie Wood- Fans of erotic horror will love this sensual story of a woman attracted to another woman on the dance floor but isn't ready to be "seen". The sexual tension was off the charts. I loved the ending.
DIARY OF A MAD BLACK VAMPIRE by Dicey Grenor- Another story that made me want more. Ashanti is a mature vampire seeking a long time companion and she finds a young woman that makes her feel alive and youthful again. Tetra might be a little more than Ashanti bargained for and they embark on a dangerous game. Readers will recognize all the red flags that Ashanti seems to be ignoring--the climax/ending is everything.
ENCOUNTERS by K. R. S. McEntire- I was addicted to this story. A woman is in an airport when she sees her husband who has been dead for 20 years. They board the same plane and the woman confronts this man resembling her deceased husband who is traveling with a very young, beautiful woman. He makes an offer...
This was compelling as hell! I didn't want it to end.
NO GOD BY HUNGER by Steve Van Samson- Vampire plague. Apocalyptic. "Civilization was a dangerous thing." Predator World, where "blood brings blood". This was an exhilarating short story. Nico and Mirelha traveling across the savanna before the sun goes down. There was a lot of world-building here that felt extremely well-developed and I wondered if this story was part of a larger narrative like so many of the other stories in this antho (surprise, right again! This story is connected to the author's book THE BONE EATER KING)
There are a few stories in this anthology that did not have an author attributed to it, but maybe that was my own Kindle edition being formatted incorrectly? In any event, I enjoyed almost all of the stories here, apart from a few that I skipped because the writing just wasn't there for me or I couldn't get invested. It's my recommendation that this is a revolutionary anthology and one that I would like to see more of in the future. I'm excited to pick up some of the novels from the authors that contributed. -
Twenty-eight stories steeped in blood, including works by Craig Laurance Gidney, Sheree Renée Thomas, Steven Van Patten, L. Marie Wood, LH Moore, and a whole lot more.
(WARNING: This review contains minor spoilers.)
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I thank Mocha Memoirs Press and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity.
It’s been a while since I picked up an anthology, and I couldn’t resist Slay: Stories of the Vampire Noire as my undying love for Buffy and vampires in general kicked its way to the surface; even though I don’t read a lot of vampire fiction these days, they’re still my favourite type of monster. What makes Slay stand out is its aim to highlight and celebrate diverse voices, as well as protagonists of the African Diaspora, offering near thirty stories that differ from one another, but involve the common theme of vampires and vampiric entities. Segmented geographically, each tale falls respectfully into the categories of US and UK, Africa and lastly, the future. I didn’t like or didn’t connect to all of them, but there were still those that stood out.
Desiccant by Craig Laurance Gidney was a strong opening that centred around odd happenings in an apartment building, while The Dance by L. Marie Wood submerged the reader in an erotic encounter between two strangers. Diary of a Mad Black Vampire by Dicey Grenor packed a punch, and Encounters by K. R. S. McEntire brought to life a memory. Frostbite by Delizhia D. Jenkins told of a disturbing family secret, and Snake Hill Blues by John Linwood Grant introduced a formidable heroine. No God But Hunger by Steve Van Samson described a desperate hunt gone wrong, and Message in a Vessel by V. G. Harrison depicted an unsettling future.
The above were notable, but below were my top three:
Love Hangover by Sheree Renée Thomas – Delilah was something else, something more ancient.
Frankie meets the other-worldly Delilah, soon becoming entangled in a relationship of deadly desires. So much was packed into this one, and when I think back I recall how impressed I was that it felt so much longer than it was, much like a fully fleshed out novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the 70’s disco scene, as well as the overall spotlight on music and how vividly it served as an escape. The first-person POV immersed me completely; Frankie’s obsession and pining for Delilah’s affections, it was tragic, and I couldn’t help but feel for her.
Ujima by Alledria Hurt – First came the rain, then the heat of summer, then the Master as the nights grew longer.
Imani’s new life in the cadre is turned upside down when she reunites with someone close to her heart. I was immediately pulled into this world, and wanted to know more. It reminded me of the urban fantasy novels I used to love; a heroine to admire, going against the odds. The way it was written was captivating, from that opening scene, to the ending that seized my heart. The surviving bond to family that doesn’t quite die is a common trope for the undead, but it was executed brilliantly here.
His Destroyer by Samantha Bryant – She was to be the instrument.
Dienihatiri awakens to find herself a weapon of revenge. This was a unique spin on biblical lore, specifically the tenth plague of Exodus. I’m a fan of retellings and making something new out of already known legends, it encourages me to dig further and compare. The emotion illustrated here demonstrated how terrible supposed retribution can be. I found it totally engrossing and mystical, with a dark and disturbing tone.
In conclusion: Slay: Stories of the Vampire Noire dedicates itself to vampire lovers, providing something for every type of reader. I’d say that the horror is quite tame in most, but that’s a personal opinion as everyone has different standards on what they expect from the genre. In any case, there’s a wide variety that explores the struggles and turmoil surrounding the mortal and immortal both.
© Red Lace 2020
Wordpress ~
Twitter -
This book arrived just in time for Halloween, full of vampires, lovers, and other monsters. Horror is my favorite genre, and I was excited to see this anthology that celebrates Black horror writers. Growing up, I saw a handful of vampires and monsters like Blade, Blacula, and The Candyman, but those stories were all filtered through the white lens of Hollywood. This book is different, and yes, revolutionary.
As with any anthology, not all of the stories were to my taste, but I found so very many that were. My can't-miss, put-it-on-my-Stoker-list stories are: "The Dance" by L. Marie Wood combined music, desire, and betrayal into a story that just sings through me. I can't say that the monster is a classic vampire but she's certainly vampiric. It reminded me of the club scene of the late 80's, and how it was possible to fall in love on the dance floor. Another that rose to the top of my list was "Diary of a Mad Black Vampire" by Dicey Grenor. Again, it's an erotic infatuation between women, one an ancient vampire, the other a beguiling woman. (There may be a theme to my favorites...)
I did find several stories without a satisfactory ending. A few felt like an excerpt of a larger work, but overall, the depth and breadth of the Vampire Noire theme was a joy to read. -
All in all, this was a good collection of stories, though some were better than others. It is always interesting to read a different perspective on vampires than the usual, Dracula inspired retailing of the myth. So I especially loved the stories that incorporated African mythology.
This is quite a lengthy book with many stories, so after a while they tend to blur a bit, so I would recommend reading this one story at a time as a palate cleanser between other books.
My only complaint is that you can clearly see that some authors gave their best work to the compilation... and some didn't. Some of the stories are lackluster at best, mediocre at the worst. All in all, however, this is a good anthology, especially if you take your time with it and read a few stories now and then. -
The primary thing I demand from a vampire story is originality. Surprise me in some way beyond sparkly chests or “only one side of my body is a vampire” gimmicks. Do the undead some justice. I was very pleased to see the first 2 stories in SLAY: Stories from the Vampire Noire set a tone of unique twists on a venerable genre, although “Dessicant” by Craig Laurance Gidney felt like something from a longer piece, particularly with how it ended, but I liked the surprises it threw, especially how the protagonist Tituba (a trans woman) navigated the horrors of the mundane world and the creepy world like only a Black woman can: straight up, strong, and brooking no sh*t. Followed by Sheree Renée Thomas’s lyrical, honey-infused story of passionate, doomed destiny far deeper than any Romeo & Juliet rehash vampire-style --“Love Hangover”-- the anthology’s other authors had a high bar to clear, and for the most part everybody was successful. As with any anthology, there are hits and misses, but the hits far outnumber the misses here, and the surprises found in these vampire stories not only from the Black perspective but African and temporal (with several standout stories of future vampire shock), as well from across the pond make this book one for your October reading. Vampire tales might be old, but there are new things that go bump in the night, even sometimes in protagonists who, these days, often bump back.
I received this book as an arc toward delivering an honest review. -
Full review coming in Feb
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Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for a review.
A three-point-something rounded up to a four star rating for its originality. This rich anthology centers African and Afrodiasporic vampiric tales and gives us 25+ stories! They are divided into three main sections: US & Britain, Africa (my favorite) and the future. Like any anthology, it's a mixed bag and I'm sure anyone will find some stories they'll love and some they'll dislike. However, this collection is so diverse that it's impossible not to find some new interests for yourself. From the plagues of past Egypt to contemporary London clubs to a future cafeteria on the moon, there's just a little bit of everything. In between every few tales there is a drawn obituary to mix things up as well. A major plus is also the decent amount of LGBT+ tales that are featured in here!
My only downside to this book, besides not liking certain stories, is that it could use a little bit more rearranging for my taste. Sometimes there were a lot of fast-paced actions stories one after another, which was a bit of a drag for someone who has more appreciation for the slower stories.
Below I've written some personal opinions and reactions to each individual story. Although they don't spoil any major twists or endings, they do discuss the topics, so if you'd rather go in blind, avoid these!
Desiccant - 2/5:
When Tituba is forced to move, she is confronted with an ominous red dust in her new apartment... I appreciated the original interpretation of the vampire prompt, but unfortunately the writing style was a little too stilted for me to fully lose myself in the story or to experience a good amount of dread. However, it did inspire me to find and read Tituba's wikipedia page, which was completely worth it.
Love Hangover - 3/5:
Some songs are especially enticing... It was fun to see the inspiration from other mythical tales and beings, not just from vampires. The story had me very stressed, but certainly in a good way. However, the ending was a little too quick to wrap everything up, in my opinion.
The Retiree - 4/5:
Do you know everything about your parents' past? I loved this story, it packed so much of the emotional weight of complicated family ties in so few pages. The dialogues were great and I felt connected to every character. Will look into more by this author!
The Dance - 3/5:
Short and sweet, this is a classic vampire story of seduction, hunting and consequences. I had fun reading it, but it wasn't something really special to me.
A Clink of Crystal Glasses Heard - 4/5:
Vampires have to raise children too! I loved this one, such a cute look into family life at an important moment. I'm a sucker for sisterhood stories, especially if it involves something supernatural, so this story had me convinced from the very first sentence.
Diary of a Mad Black Vampire - 4/5:
This story made me cheer on some chaotic evils, that's how endearing the writing was to me. How entertaining and cute and... absolutely sinister. This story did not go where I expected it to go, haha. Can't wait to read more by this author.
The Return of the OV - 1/5:
This was just really not my thing. I disliked the unrealistic dialogues and was frustrated by the pace, it all felt kind of cartoon-y to me. This might be your thing if you're into comedy sketches, maybe?
The Last Vampire Huntress - 3/5:
An action-packed story that was fun to read, but didn't do something extra for me. There was so much happening, a little too much for me for the length of the story.
Gritty Corners - 3/5:
I'm always here for a revenge plot! I liked how this story gave a small peek into this turning point of a long story arc. The first half was impossible for me to read without the Mission Impossible music playing in my head, which might be a very positive thing for many readers, but wasn't for me.
Shadow of Violence - 3/5:
Another action-packed story with a new type of creature I that had never heard of before! I love when that happens. Ultimately the story was a fun read, but not the most exceptional of the bunch.
'Til Death - 3/5:
It really amused me to see a vampire hunter that doesn't fit the stereotype! A cool fast-paced read, but it didn't pull its punches, which it totally could have done considering the painful topic!
Encounters - 4/5:
Loved this one! How sweet, in such a short time I got so attached to this family and their story. Even though the short format worked really well, I still wish there was a long book version of this tale, because I wouldn't mind this emotional journey being lengthened!
Unfleamed - 3/5:
I enjoy political stories and tales of how people cope in different types of hierarchies. This one was an interesting one. And although it isn't really a extensive tale of disability, it had made me wonder what different types of disabilities would look like for a vampire and how a vampire community would deal with that. How come that vampires are always so optimally healthy and athletic?
Beautiful Monsters - 3/5:
Sanyu has got her priorities straight. Even a vampire needs a bookstore readily available! Again I'm encountered with a creature I've never heard of before, and reading more about them online was engrossing. This story was easy to read and quick to pass.
Frostbite - 4/5:
Loved this one, what a creepy story! The atmosphere was eerie and I felt for this realistic, troubled family. The ending was equally good. I will be looking up other things this author has written.
Di Conjuring Nectar of di Blood - 3/5:
This one felt like watching a movie and I wish it was made into one, it would work well. There's very visual writing that makes you feel the action. I could also appreciate that sign language made an appearance.
Snake Hill Blues - 4/5:
I think everyone's a little tired of vampires being beaten with the most stereotypical Christian items like crosses and holy water. This story was a nice deviation and well written too. Every city could use a Mamma Lucy.
Ujima - 4/5:
This refreshing story read like a (grim) fairy tale! For such a short story, it really chronicles a long type of quest that gives it a bit of that epic feel. I won't spoil any more.
Attack on University of Lagos, Law Faculty - 2/5:
Very short, pretty over the top, full of action and simply not my thing. An annoying main character and the humor of it didn't fix it for me.
His Destroyer - 3/5:
What an awesome, unusual setting for a vampire tale, complete with a Pharaoh and all. Such a good oppressive atmosphere too. I think the story was a bit too quick for my personal taste, but I would love to see more stories with settings and subjects like these.
Quadrille - 5/5:
This is my favorite story of the anthology. I loved experiencing it, I loved how the story was put together and I loved the characters. I have no complaints, only appreciation. Give me more by this author.
Asi's Horror and Delight - 2/5:
Honestly, I'm not quite sure what to think about a story combining Phobetor, an impundulu vampire, a witch, a Pan impersonator and a whole lot of lust. I can't say it was badly written, it must not be aligned with my taste.
In Egypt's Shadows - 3/5:
Another story set in Egypt, cool! It's an okay tale. However, I'm not too fond of vampire stories about vampires just stalking certain people and their descendants forever. One would expect a little more personal growth in so many years of living.
Rampage - 4/5:
Elephant vampire?! One scythe wielding hunter? Cooperation with park rangers? I love this setting and mix of story elements so much. I had a blast reading this. Secretly I wish for this in video game format. Imagine roaming the lands, protecting a village, beautiful cutscenes, pressing Q for your truth sight...!
Not God But Hunger - 4/5:
Yikes, the leeches in this story are really the stuff of nightmares. This story made me very tense and the world terrified me. This was some good writing!
Bloodline - 3/5:
The introduction of a future purged of non-human humanoids, except for vampires, and controlled by inquisitors was pretty interesting. The blood fruit invention was a nice touch as well, but overall the story wasn't very memorable for me.
Message in a Vessel - 4/5:
An interesting take on food scarcity and human society. This world made me deeply uncomfortable. A very short story with a satisfying ending.
Blood Saviors - 3/5:
This is more of a fantasy story than a futuristic story, but a nice one with a kind message about the possibility of cooperation, even when surrounded by false information in these difficult times. -
I received a copy of Slay in exchange for a fair and honest review.
SLAY: Stories of the Vampire Noire is a massive collection of, well, vampire stories, Each and every one of them is focused on and celebrates the African Diaspora.
There are a total of twenty-eight short stories in this collection. Yes, you really did read that right! There are legit almost thirty stories revolving around vampires in SLAY, and each one is totally unique from the rest.
I'll review each short story in greater detail down below, but I would like to talk real quick about how impressive this collection is. The variety of vampire tales is, quite frankly, striking. Some are more classic vampire perspectives, while others take a deep dive into different eras or takes on the fanged world.
Desiccant by Craig Laurence Gidney
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“Red drops of old blood hung in the air, hovered. Then, they burst open.”
The first story in SLAY is titled Desiccant, and it's actually the perfect story to launch with. It's freaky yet fascinating, portraying a different sort of vampire. Or more accurately, the hunting methods of one, and their preferred targets. It's wonderfully written, with a compelling narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Love Hangover by Sheree Renee Thomas
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“She had tasted death and knew she would always live, in one form or the next, like the singer resurrected in the record's groove.”
Music and vampirism – there's something so intriguing about that combination. It's a combination we've seen time and time again, and yet it's not something that I think I will ever get sick of. Sheree Renee Thomas created a fascinating tale here, one that is wonderfully representative, while also showcasing different levels of affection and attention that comes with humanity.
The Retiree by Steven Van Patten
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“Hello beautiful people! I'm Cathy Reynolds and I'll be handling your check-in. Welcome to Shady Meadows!”
Simply reading the title of The Retiree was enough to give me chills, and set my expectations for what was to come. The story did not let me down. It was dark, but not in the ways I expected. Actually, this story didn't end up flowing at all how I would have guessed, and that made me love it all the more. It was so incredibly clever.
The Dance by L. Marie Wood
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“I shook my head against my feelings, against her, but she stared back at me still, her gaze unwavering.”
The Dance deviates a little bit from the creepier tone of this collection, leaning more towards erotic horror than just pure horror. It's a nice bit of variety, while also exploring vampire (and human) nature.
A Clink of Crystal Glasses Heard by LH Moore
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“Blood for blood, they kept telling her over and over again, and that was the extent of the knowledge that she had.”
Vampire lineage, expectations, and family life are all portrayed within A Clink of Crystal Glasses Heard. It was a fun and quick tale, one I thoroughly enjoyed. Also, I have to say that I absolutely adored the title itself!
Diary of a Mad Black Vampire by Dicey Grenor
Rating: ⋆ ⋆
Warnings: Animal death
“I never acquired the taste.”
I'll confess that I had a lot more trouble getting into Diary of a Mad Black Vampire, though that was likely thanks to the animal death that immediately occurred. That's always off-putting to me, even in the context of vampires. Still, I did love the format and method of storytelling used in this one.
The Return of the OV by Jeff Carroll
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“We are not supposed to be out here by ourselves. I can't even see Holly Mansion”
This was an interesting read, though admittedly probably not one of my favorites. I like how it made you think though, even while I struggled to get into it. Despite that, the ending left me wishing for more.
The Last Vampire Huntress by Alicia McCalla
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“Kendra, my beautiful Black Queen, I'll destroy and kill everything or everyone you chose over me.”
The Last Vampire Huntress is exactly the story I imagined when I saw the cover of SLAY, so in my head, this is the embodiment of the collection. It's dark and chilling, following a determined woman deal with a corrupted ex and so much loss. It was wonderfully written, and I would have happily read an entire novel about it.
Gritty Corners by Jessica Cage
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“My name is Kyla and that was how my life as a vampire started, a discarded, unfinished meal of a reckless vampire.”
Set in a world where careless meals can create more vampires, Kyla is a woman determined to have her revenge. Revenge and vampires go perfectly hand and hand, and thus Gritty Corners made for an excellent read.
Shadow of Violence by Balogun Ojetade
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“Sloppy, or overconfident, enough to leave a light on.”
Shadow of Violence is an evocative title, and it certainly sets the scene for what is to come. This is probably one of the most action-filled stories, at least in feeling. It was another fun and quick read, with lots of little twists.
'Til Death by Lynette S. Hoag
Rating: ⋆⋆⋆⋆
“Amondi was listed in the phone book and with 311 simply as “Vampire Assassin.”
That one line right there was enough to make me smile, and fall in love with 'Til Death, at least a little bit. The whole story read with this tone of voice, creating yet another compelling tale about vampires and creatures that live in the dark.
Encounters by K.R.S. McEntire
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“My husband had been dead for twenty years when I saw him at the airport.”
I honestly think that Encounters may just be my favorite from this entire collection. The start of it immediately pulls you in, and it does not let you down. It reminded me a bit of Tuck Everlasting, but with a vampire twist. It was, in short, perfection.
Unfleamed by Penelope Flynn
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“She shifted her head to the left. There it was again. The smell, that familiar olfactory sensation. She tried to crane her neck in the direction it came from but lost the trail...just like before.”
Okay, if you've read any of my other vamp-oriented reviews, then you know that I'm a sucker for vampire politics stories. That is exactly what I got in Unfleamed, and thus, obviously, I adored every moment of it. It also portrayed a different side of vampire life (unlife?) that will leave you wondering, which is always appreciated.
Beautiful Monsters by Valjeanne Jeffers
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“The informant was wrong. And daylight is coming”
If you're looking for a read involving a deeper dive into vampire lore, then Beautiful Monsters is the read for you! Bonus points for including an endearing bookshop, and other concepts that I was truly carried away by.
Frostbite by Delizhia D. Jenkins
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“Three days after my hospital admission, I woke up on a cold, metal slab, locked away in a shelf awaiting.”
That quote accurately sums up all of the chills and emotions that Frostbite caused me. It was such a perfect vampire story, I'm almost at a loss for words here. It was every bit the awakening story I had been hoping to find here.
Di Conjuring Nectar of Di Blood by Kai Leakes
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“Habit made her flick her tongue over the surface, tasting a lingering, robust, and vibrant burgundy essence.”
The descriptions alone make Di Conjuring Nectar of Di Blood worth reading. Everything else is simply icing on the cake – a lot of icing, in this case. I devoured this short story, and no, I didn't miss the irony in that statement.
Snake Hills Blues by John Linwood Grant
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“They found Ruby,” said the younger woman, hesitant on the threshold.”
Honestly, I think I adored every little bit about Snake Hills Blues. It was the ideal twist on a lot of vampiric tropes, all while creating a story that in many ways, felt so real and so very human. John Linwood Grant's evocative writing really brought this one to life.
Ujima by Alledria Hurt
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“She made a choice and she would defend it, to the death if necessary.”
Family ties, responsibilities, decisions, and loyalty. Those are all themes in Ujima. But it's more than that as well. There is such a quality to Hurt's writing. It reminded me of a fractured fairy tale, but in the best of ways. I would have loved nothing more than to read more from this world.
Attack on University of Lagos, Law Faculty by Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“Somebody rushed to the door and turned the handle, in vain. The door was locked.”
If you're looking for a short story with a whole lot of action, then the odds are good that you're looking for something like Attack on University of Lagos, Law Faculty. The title alone speaks volumes, as it really does feel like a non-stop battle.
His Destroyer by Samantha Bryant
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“The city was so altered that she was no longer sure which direction would lead to her home, so she made her way toward the river instead.”
His Destroyer is one of those short stories that would have been significantly improved by having a longer time to set the scene. And that's coming from somebody that enjoyed the story! What I'm trying to say is; I want more. I loved the location, the characters, and every other detail that was made available. I would simply like more of all of it.
Quadrille by Colin Cloud Dance
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“Being a vampire is hereditary. When I turned thirty, I developed a thirst for blood that culminated in me murdering my lover.”
I'm always intrigued by stories that tell of vampirism being hereditary. That was the case here, in Quadrille, but what really made this one stand out is the storytelling format. It's almost nonlinear in the way the story actually unfolds, but that made it all the more interesting in my book.
Asi's Horror and Delight by Sumiko Saulson
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“The impundulu or lightning bird was a vampiric familiar, a shapeshifter who often appeared as a blood-drinking bird.”
Honestly, there's so much going on in Asi's Horror and Delight that I'm really not sure where to start. Vampires, witches, and so much more are found within these pages, and it left me wishing for a more solid understanding of their interactions. Still, it was a fascinating read.
In Egypt's Shadows by Vonnie Winslow Crist
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“You gave her the chance to join us, said Nawa. “She declined.”
I love the concept of obsession and the need to let go and move on. It was so strong in this story, In Egypt's Shadow. It was lovely, and I think really hit the nail on the head for the type of vampire lore they were trying to portray here.
Rampage by Miranda J. Riley
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“You have a way with animals, shiri diki. Be proud of your gift.”
Now, this is a story I really enjoyed! It kind of reminded me of World of Darkness, as so many different creatures of the night worked together. Also, who can say no to animals that also happen to be vampires? Not this girl, that's for sure.
No God But Hunger by Steve Van Samson
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“As the plague spread, so did things like panic, chaos, and finally, a long silence.”
The apocalypse meets vampirism in No God But Hunger, as vampirism is revealed to be a plague upon man. It's a concept I've seen a few times, but honestly? I don't think I've seen it done as well as what I just read here. It was clever and dark, and I really enjoyed every moment of it. Fortunately, it is apparently connected to Steve Van Samson's book, The Bone Eater King. Gotta look into that!
Bloodline by Milton J. Davis
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“That lance would spit a streak of angel fire that would smoke both of us in seconds”
Bloodline kind of shocked me, if I'm being honest. Not because it was bad, or because of anything like that. Simply because of how much it stood out. I've never seen vampires and science fiction blended in such a way! It was delightful to see something so new and different. The concept of vampires being the only humanoid species left, all while other creatures (inquisitors) taking control, is intriguing, and worthy of more literature.
Message in a Vessel by V.G. Harrison
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“The younger you were, the more protected you were.”
Another science fiction story! This one is also set in the far future, where food has become scarce. Not for humans, but for vampires. That has resulted in a different sort of food rationing, and it's enough to make you stop and think.
Blood Saviors by Michele Tracy Berger
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
“She had only seen earth elementals once at the gathering of the Sovereign Societies ball when she was a child.”
Magic and elementals meet vampires in this totally unique story. It even stands out in the context of this collection, diving deeper into the world of fantasy and more. Still, it had a lot of positive notes and messages within, and I really did appreciate that.
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You can read a more detailed review of this book over on my blog!
This book has one of the best premises for a collection of short stories I’ve ever heard; it’s all about black people and vampires. I was so excited to pick this up because I’m desperate to read more vampire stories where white people aren’t the focus. Oh boy, does Slay deliver! As always with short stories, there are some I like more, some I like less, but overall this book was brilliant. With unique twists and turns of old tropes, it truly gives vampires a new life.
It’s difficult to talk about a short-story collection without speaking about each specific story, but I also don’t think that’d make for a particularly readable review (and you’d have no surprises when you read it!). So instead I’m going to talk about five stories, four of my favourites and one I didn’t like as much.
Desiccant by Craig Laurance Gidney – This was one of the most unique stories in the collection, and the perfect one to start. It follows a black trans woman as she’s been forced to move into a run-down apartment complex. No one cares about the strange red dust that seems to be sucking the life out of people, but she’s determined to never back down. I loved how there isn’t a traditional vampire in this story. The only downside is I wish there were more!
Snake Hill Blues by John Linwood Grant – Set in New York City in 1927 a dancing girl shows up dead. Mamma Lucy, the speakeasy’s ‘gen-u-ine conjure-woman’ quickly figures out the culprit is a blood-walker and goes on the hunt. Not only did I enjoy the historical setting, but Mamma Lucy was such a great character. The kind of magic she uses is often devalued in white society, and even the vampire himself won’t take her seriously until it’s too late. I love a good little murder mystery, and this hits the spot.
The Dance by L. Marie Wood – This story heavily focuses on the eroticism of vampires. A woman is in a club watching another woman dancing. She’s never thought about liking women before and struggles with her desire. I love a bit of sexy sapphic goodness, and the writing style ebbed and flowed with the dance so well.
Shadow of Violence by Balogun Ojetade – We’ve got a vampire hunter this time! Ojiji enters a vampire den underneath a funeral home. The vampires originally think she’s one of them, little do they know she’s the last of the Kokou, here to end their undead lives. Ojiji is such a motorbike riding badass; I want more of her.
Attack on University of Lagos, Law Faculty by Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki – Okay so here’s the story I didn’t like as much. There’s an outbreak of zombie-like vampires at the University of Lagos, and our main character helps fight them off. I enjoyed the over-the-top, action-movie feeling to this story, but I absolutely hated the main character. I’m pretty sure it’s a humour that I’m not getting, but he’s consistently going on about how charming and attractive and capable he is, in a cockily unlikeable way. So much so I was sure he was going to be killed for being overconfident, but no, he’s just a good hero. It wasn’t a bad story or anything, but it frustrated me.
Overall, this was such an interesting short story collection and I’d definitely recommend you check it out! I absolutely loved the ideas put forward, and so many of these stories were just superb.
(Thanks to NetGallery and Mocha Memoirs Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review)
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about the collection (which features 28 STORIES!!) via goodreads: “Drawing from a variety of cultural and mythological backgrounds, SLAY dares to imagine a world of horror and wonder where Black protagonists take center stage — as vampires, as hunters, as heroes. From immortal African deities to resistance fighters; matriarchal vampire broods to monster hunting fathers; coming of age stories to end of life stories, SLAY is a groundbreaking Afrocentric vampire anthology celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the African Diaspora.”
yall i loved this one so much. i love vampire stories, so when i was reached out about this anthology, i was so stoked. this had so many great stories with badass Black women as vampires slayers & vampires, Black heroes battling the undead (in one story with a KATANA! so sick), and more. honestly, i would love to see every single one of these stories on the big screen.
i really appreciated the originality of all these - no sparkling chests in this collection - & quite of few of these were like...SCARY scary vamps. lots of LGBTQ+ inclusion as well, including a particularly sensual story about a woman meeting another woman on the dance floor.
ill leave yall with this quote - “as long as there were monsters to slay and people to save, tired heroes would keep fighting.” -
4 STARS
It took me a bit to get into this one! I wasn’t a fan of the first two stories, and that’s not saying they weren’t well written but they just weren’t MY taste. Especially the second because I just wasn’t a fan of how the transgender MC was spoken about, that was the biggest issue for me. I absolutely loved The Retiree though! That was really a standout for me and what made me get into the book. It was well written, and it really made you feel for Gideon AND his daughter. Gideon was such an wonderful character, and I genuinely wish it was longer.
There were so many novellas in this that I wish were expanded on more, or had their own book to shine! I loved so so many of them, especially the ones that actually focused on vampires in those settings rather than the humans.
I think the only reason I’m giving it 4 stars is because of the issues I had getting into it, and there were a few stories that didn’t necessarily feel...genuine, is probably the closest word I can think. As far as the characters and their relationships; but that’s understandable as it’s a anthology, you only get so much space to tell your story.
But, overall, I so so enjoyed this book. It really made me fall in love with the vampire genre all over again, and breathed a bit of life back into it. It had horror, romance, a bit of sci-fi, and just overall has a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy. -
The anthology is a brilliant mix of diverse stories about vampires and vampiric entities. As with any collection, some of the stories drew me in more effectively than others and, in Slay, there are some absolute gems.
I had two favourite stories in this collection. The first was the beautiful and poignant Encounters by K. R. S. McEntire, which starts with the unforgettable line - “My husband had been dead for twenty years when I saw him at the airport.” Who could resist an opening like that? Not me. I was hooked immediately. The second was a futuristic story. It might sound like a wild claim, but Message in a Vessel by V.G. Harrison reminded me of Octavia Butler’s storytelling in style and characterisation. If these two tales weren’t enough to encourage you to sink your fangs into the pulsing vein of this book, there were plenty of other excellent stories.
In all it’s an anthology I would recommend checking out. Many of the authors were unfamiliar to me before reading the collection, but there are some whose other work I intend to search out and consume. -
Mesmerizing
Absolutely loved this anthology. Awesome writers who compliment each other through their writings. The stories flowed as each author contributed to the rhythm and flow. -
Slay: Stories of Vampire Noire presents readers with a collection of vampire stories that often get overlooked, stories that are important, diverse, and engaging; stories from Black voices.
One of the things that is made immediately clear with this anthology, from the very blurb on the back using the phrase Diaspora, is that even though the stories in this collection are united by their blackness, that there is a huge difference in how that plays out in these stories, and what it means to be Black for different people. Diaspora refers to the forced dispersal of a people from their homeland, in this case it would be of peoples from Africa during the Transatlantic Slave Trade that took place over hundreds of years.
This seems to play out in the division of the stories within the book, with three main sections that inform and influence the stories within, those set in the United States and Britain, those set in Africa, and those that look to the future. These sections take some very different experiences of being Black, and the hopes for Black communities in the future, and uses them to inform the work within.
The very first story in this collection, 'Desiccant' by Craig Laurance Gidney, lets readers know right away that this book isn't going to have stories that you'd be instantly familiar with if you don't read diverse fiction, and that not every vampire in these stories will be the kind you recognise. The story follows Tituba, a young Black trans woman, who's been forced to move into the run down and forgotten Bellona Heights Apertments after being thrown out of her last place thanks to the transphobic views of her sister's boyfrind.
Tituba is having to scrape by in a building where it's reinforced how little society thinks of her, a trans woman of colour. She receives scorn and muttered insults from the others who live in the building, and no one seems to take her seriously when she notices that she and other residents are getting sick. The cause of this sickness seems to be a strange rust-coloured powder that she finds coating many of the surfaces in the building, a powder that seems to sometimes move on its own, and comes out at night. Through her investigation she comes to believe that this dust is somehow draining the residents, leaving them sick and dying. Despite having figured out the cause of this sickness the story leaves Tituba facing this danger alone, knowing that no one will be coming to help her, because of who she is, and how little the world cares about Black bodies.
'The Retiree' by Steven Van Patten jumped out at me because it felt a lot like this was the kind of story that could both be the end of a longer series, and the start of something more to come. It follows Gideon Hastings as he is being taken to stay in a retirement home by his daughter Mona. Over the course of the story Gideon comes across as a grumpy, displeased man, one who isn't happy with where life has led him, or the choices his daughter has made. However, over the course of the story we learn that there is something more to Gideon than meets the eye.
It transpires that Gideon is an old demon hunter, one who has killed a lot of vampires and monsters over his younger years. However, he knows that one day the forces of darkness will be coming for him to enact revenge. Having made his home on consecrated ground he's been safe most of his life, but now that he's in a retirement home he's open to attack from these evil beings. Gideon's story here feels a lot like the final chapters of a series of monster hunting stories, one where readers finally get to find out what fate awaits a man who's never lost a battle against the forces of evil, but can't fight forever. It also feels a lot like this could be a great jumping on point to a series, a pilot episode for a show where a young Black woman discovers her father was a demon hunter and decides to take on his mantle and continue the fight following his passing. Either way, it's definitely a story where I found myself wanting to read more about Gideon and his family, and wanting to see more of the world that Steven Van Patten managed to craft in these few pages.
This kind of feeling was also present in 'Beautiful Monsters' by Valjeanne Jeffers, who's story felt like a small part of a much broader tapestry; and one that was instantly grabbing. In this story we follow Sanyu, a vampire living in the wild west style town of Passion, where monsters rule the streets. Passion is run by the Adze, a type of vampire from Ewe folklore, who oppress the other supernatural beings who live there.
Sanyu is a member of the underground resistance, who are fighting against the Adze to gain better rights and free the other oppressed supernatural beings from their evil grip. The story follows her over the course of a night where her mission goes wrong, and she's forced into open conflict with these deadly creatures. As with the previous story I talked about, this one feels like it's taking a small step into a much bigger world, one that brings together a number of different folklore's and myths in new and interesting ways.
'His Destroyer' by Samantha Bryant is one of my favourite stories in the entire collection, despite being one of the shortest included. The story follows Dienihatiri, a woman who has been beaten to death following the birth of her daughter, for having displeased her husband by giving him another daughter instead of a son. The story opens with her suddenly regaining consciousness wrapped in a burial cloth, left for dead. Crawling from her grave, she finds the streets of her home city deserted, but it is in this city, on the bank of the Nile, that she discovers a bright pillar of light in the darkness, a pillar of light that calls her it's destroyer.
Walking through the sleeping city she thinks of how Pharoah has been given chances to do the right thing, been given warnings from a higher power, but chose to ignore them. It's then that she realises that she's the punishment that has been sent upon him. Walking through the city she is driven away from the homes with blood above their doors, made to feel sick. But those that don't, she is drawn to, to the sleeping first born sons within, whose blood could help sate her desperate hunger.
The idea of throwing a vampire into the myth of Moses and Ramses II, to have a vampire created by the powers of heaven stalking through the streets, killing the first born sons of Egypt, is a bold move. I would have never have thought to combine these two ideas, but it really, really works. The idea of blood being what drives her away from certain homes, yet her desire for the blood of others that drives her to her targets is brilliant, and makes it so that I'll never look at this story the same way again.
Steve Van Samson's story 'No God But Hunger' that's included in this collection actually fits into his Predator World series, and features his character Mirhèla Nanji as she travels across the African Savannah tracking down a leopard. She and her companion are hunting the big cat down for food, trying desperately to survive in a world more than two decades into a vampire plague that has all but eradicated the human race. However, when the hunt goes wrong, Mirhèla finds herself fighting off a swarm of deadly vampiric children.
Slay: Stories of Vampire Noire brings together a lot more stories than this, and I could have talkes about how good they all are all day; but I had to draw a line somewhere. The stories in this book feature new tales that stand on their own, as well as stories that tie into bigger series and other novels. The stories subvert traditional themes and tropes, they draw upon African culture and heritage, and focus on a group of people that often don't get given the chance to star in this genre. We have Black vampires, Black vampire hunters, and everyday people drawn into nightmare scenarios, who get to take the spotlight in a series of stories that will have you adding a load of new authors to your list of people whose work you need to check out. A brilliant, and much needed collection.
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Thank you to NetGalley and Mocha Memoirs Press for providing me with this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This anthology celebrates vampires and slayers of the African Diaspora. Drawing from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and myths, each short story has a unique tale to tell which allows the reader to dive into multiple worlds, each involving our favourite undead monsters.
The book is separated into three sections – United States and Britain, Africa, and The Future. This allows the reader an understanding of the settings and prepares them for some of the myth or cultural references which are made within the stories.
Unfortunately, the quality of the content is not consistent throughout the anthology and some stories are far more memorable than others. Tales such as The Retiree, Frostbite and Quadrille excel in creating unique takes on the vampire myth, introducing us to exciting characters and fast paced plot. Others, such as The Dance and Love Hangover embrace the concept of vampirism as eroticism a little too readily, which impacts the narrative a little too much. Many stories, such as Diary of a Mad Black Vampire, include sexual or erotic scenes purely for shock value, making for an uncomfortable read.
The stories which were good were incredible and would have been awarded 5 stars on their own, however there are too many stories which let them down, offering no real story, plot or character development.
Individual commentary on some of the stories :
- Desiccant : this short story includes a plethora of transphobic language which is unnecessary and has no connection to the plot. In addition to this, there is no real solution or explanation and, as a result, the short story seems unfinished, with no purpose other than to shock.
- The Retiree : this is a fun story which tugs at the heartstrings while offering comedic relief exactly when you need it. It is well written, concise and a unique take on the vampire.
- The Return of The OV : typo/inconsistency in first mention of Agatha's name is off-putting but the idea is enjoyable and the ending leaves the reader wanting more from this world.
- 'Til Death : really enjoyable story, let down by the ending
- Ujima : typos and error in tenses makes for jarring reading.
- Blood Saviors : perfect story to end on, one of my favourites. -
SLAY is a unique collection of 28 short stories celebrating vampires and slayers of the African Diaspora.
Each story in this anthology leaves it own unique mark on the reader. It is very rare to get a consistent selection, but I can honestly say that there is no weak story within this anthology. Although it could be commented that certain stories may not have worked in the short story format and could have been longer, I still loved reading them and did not rate any individual story below a 3 star. I was hooked throughout, and each story left its impression on me. I can’t wait to re-read these wonderful stories.
I will say that there are many different stories involving vampires and slayers, and some stories have a completely different take on the mythos that I have not seen before. This makes for an interesting read as you are never sure where the stories are going to go. There are vampires in many different forms, from space vampires to monsters in vents, this collection has something for everyone who has an interest in vampire mythos.
There are, as always, a number of highlights for me;
•Encounters – a wonderful and intriguing first line leads to an emotional and stunning story that I loved throughout
•Snake Hill Blues – One of the more creepy stories in the collection with the ending, but Mama Lucy is just a wonderful character and I would love to read more of her story.
•In Egypt’s shadow – Yet another emotional story that had an ending that left me with feeling happy and satisfied
•Rampage – action packed and intriguing, this has such a great twist at the end that I loved
All in all, this is a brilliant and stunning collection that I would definitely recommend.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review -
There's like THIRTY stories in this collection! Truly something here for everyone.
My personal faves were the stories:
Love Hangover by Sheree Renée Thomas (the atmosphere! The longing!)
Diary of a Mad Black Vampire by Dicey Grenor (loved the format and I'm always here for a twist ending)
Snake Hill Blues by John Linwood Grant (the characters! The magic!)
And Quadrille by Colin Cloud Dance (the structure was brilliant. Like what else can I say????)
The editing could use some juice. It was by no means unreadable though. Not a deterant, just, know that going in. -
This has been one of my favorite short horror stories about vampires.
They are all so different and unique and include so much culture that it is a treat to discover the different takes on vampirism.
There will be something for everyone and it is one of those rare occasions in which I really loved nearly all of the stories. -
DNF @ 52 %
I knew it was different stores in this book, but i did not think it was that many and they all were extremely short. I felt like when i had sort of gotten into the story it was done and it happend i think 99% of it. I didn`t enjoy that and some of the stories was sort of interesting as i stated but then it got done and i was like hey! why? then another story i had to get to know the characters all over again. This just was not for me. -
I'm not a horror book fan and even less a short story fan. However, Slay is everything a horror lover would like. I was engaged in a few of the stories and would probably read them if they were full novels. Carefully, of course, because I don't want to sleep with the lights on.
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Some books you go into determined to love them, and SLAY: Stories of the Vampire Noire was one of those stories for me. Like, look at the summary. Look at the cover!
Since it’s an anthology, it’s inevitable that some of the stories were better than others. Some of them were actually much better than others, which is mostly a comment on how damn perfect some of the stories were rather than as a slight on the other stories.
Particular favourites of mine:
--‘Lover Hangover’ by Sheree Renée Thomas | A human becomes an uneasy, enchanted accomplice to a murderous siren of a vampire.
--‘The Retiree’ by Steven Van Patten | A retired Supernatural hunter goes into an old folks’ home.
--‘Diary of a Mad Black Vampire’ by Diey Grenor | Two women – one a vampire, one a psycohpath – become enamoured with each other.
--Shadow of Violence by Balogun Ojetade | In the dead of night, a beautiful woman with a motorbike and a ‘teenie-weenie afro’ hunts vampires.
--Desiccant by Craig Laurence Gidney | A trans woman is forced to move into a shithole full of supernatural bloodsuckers and will give up without a fight.
Some of the other stories great concept but were lacking in execution, cut off far too soon to work as a short story, or were solid stories but not as fantastic as the above. But it is definitely, definitely worth reading.
ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review -
’SLAY: STORIES OF VAMPIRE NOIRE—[Edited by Nicole Givens Kurtz]— is a revolutionary anthology celebrating vampires of the African Diaspora. SLAY is a groundbreaking unique collection and will be a must-have for vampire lovers all over the world.’
My Favorites:
’Desiccant’ – by Craig Laurance Gidney
’The Retiree’- by Steven Van Patten – Love It!
’A Clink of Crystal Glasses Heard’ – by LH Moore – Love it!
’Diary of a Mad Black Vampire’ – by Dicey Grenor
’The Last Vampire Huntress’ – by Alicia McCalla
’Gritty Corners’ – by Jessica Cage
Shadow of Violence – by Balogun Ojetade – Love it!
’Encounters’ – by K. R. S. McEntire – Love it!
’Unfleamed’ – by Penelope Flynn
’Frostbite’ – by Delizhia D. Jenkins
’In Egypt's Shadows’ – by Vonnie Winslow Crist
’Rampage’ - by Miranda J. Riley
’Message in a Vessel’ – by V.G. Harrison – Love it!
Thank you, NetGalley and Mocha Memoirs Press, for loaning me an eGalley of SLAY: STORIES OF VAMPIRE NOIRE in exchange for an honest review. -
The late L.A. Banks’ Vampire Huntress series, and her ability to transform common tropes of vampire fiction into stories that reflected the African-American experience, inspired many of the authors in SLAY: Stories of the Vampire Noire. Anthology editor Nicole Givens Kurtz continues that tradition here by showcasing Black writers and their imaginings of vampires, slayers, and hunters through their stories, giving Black readers the opportunity to be seen in vampire fiction that takes on the standard Eurocentric tropes and transforms them in a way that is uniquely relevant to Black people and also provides a window for other readers into what they have been missing because of the limited perspective of most vampire fiction. The stories come from all over the African diaspora, but the majority of them are by authors from the United States and Britain. Authors take various approaches to the concept of vampirism, inspired by Black culture, mythologies, history, and experiences, but there is nothing boring here. Interspersed between stories are beautifully calligraphed obituaries.
In the section of stories from the United States and Britain, strong stories include “Dessicant”, by Craig Laurance Gidney, takes place in a badly-kept up low-income apartment building that has red dust in the vents that is making its occupants sick and draining them of fluids. The negligent landlord can’t be reached and the protagonist, a Black trans woman ostracized by other residents, has to find a way to combat the dust, or whatever it is, on her own. “The Retiree”, by Steven Van Patten, is a funny, heartbreaking story that will give readers a new perspective on what goes on in a retirement home. In “The Dance”, by L. Marie Wood, the protagonist is surprised to learn there is more to her sexuality than she realized. In “A Clink of Crystal Glasses Heard”, by LH Moore, Neeka and her friends have a coming-of-age ceremony planned by their mothers that is not what they expected. “Diary of a Mad Black Vampire”, by Dicey Grenor, puts the reader in the head of a bored, lonely and vicious Black vampire who finds herself intrigued by a fragile-seeming albino white girl. “The Last Vampire Huntress”, by Alicia McCalla, remixes the story of Kendra the Vampire Slayer, with Kendra the reluctant, prophesied, last vampire huntress who must accept her destiny and kill her vampire boyfriend after he attacks her friends. “Unfleamed”, by Penelope Flynn, tackles race and violence in the Victorian era with its take on the Dracula story. “Di Conjuring Nectar of di Blood” , by Kai Leakes, is a gorgeously written historical story of love and generational trauma. In “Snake Hill Blues”, set in 1927, conjure woman Mamma Lucy eliminates a vampire who has been preying on dancing girls. I hope this author will bring her back in other stories!
The stories from African authors are also strong. A few that stuck out to me included Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki’s “Attack on University of Lagos Law Faculty”, an entertaining story narrated by a pompous, egotistical law student who finds himself in the surprising position of vampire slayer, and “His Destroyer”, by Samantha Bryant, is a powerful rendering of the Passover story from the point of view of the avatar of the Angel of Death. “Quadrille” is an engaging and occasionally darkly humorous story about friendship narrated by a vampire who has become a reporter in conflict zones in order to cover up his feeding habits, abetted by a djinn and a shapeshifter.
A last section contains stories about the future. These stories aren’t really horror, but they are compelling. In “Bloodline” scientists make a terrible mistake, enhancing a vampire’s powers. “Message in a Vessel” is a science fiction story about the consequences of human enslavement to vampires, and “Blood Saviors” is a more fantasy-oriented tale in which an investigator for the vampires’ council discovers that a vampire has been enslaving and draining earth elementals to make a rejuvenating serum for humans, whose blood has become polluted, leading to vampires getting sick.
This is a great collection overall, with fresh takes on vampire lore that I really haven’t seen elsewhere, informed by Black experiences and perspectives. There’s enough here to love that it has taken me much longer than I expected to write this review. If you love vampire fiction or horror anthologies, and want to support Black authors, publishers, and readers of horror you should definitely pick this up. It’s a great way to discover some really talented Black writers, if you haven’t already. Highly recommended.
Note: I received a digital review copy from Mocha Memoirs Press in exchange for an honest review. -
This was a wonderful anthology of short stories! I've read a few this year, and this may be my favourite so far. I read it in the spirit of Halloween, and I am so happy I did as it's the perfect read for it. The anthology focuses solely on vampire tales from across the African diaspora. The anthology is split into three sections: UK/America, Africa and Future. I found this to be a nice touch and I like that it organised the tales according to diaspora/ theme as this wasn't something I had previously considered in the sense of how different story plots would be affected according to where they are geographically in the world, as well as time wise (although looking back, of course it would be).
The stories were all so richly imagined, with some tales revolving around a killer vampire elephant, as well as another about a murderous disco vampire siren killer (one of my favourite stories!). Each story was so unique and although I didn't enjoy every single one, I appreciated the imagination in each story.
I loved that every single main character was black, as this isn't something that I have frequently encountered with regards to vampires. It was certainly very refreshing to read. My favourite section was the Future section, as although I'm not a massive fan of science fiction, I thought the stories in this section were the most captivating and enthralling to read.
My only criticisms were that I thought some of the stories ended unnecessarily abruptly. It seemed rushed and slightly lazy of some of the writers, particularly since the stories were really engaging prior to that. This isn't really a criticism but a lot of the stories I really wanted to read so much more about! It's not that these ones ended abruptly, just that the stories were so brilliant that I wanted it to be a full blown story.
I would say if you're looking to diversify your bookshelf and you love anything to do with sci fi or fantasy, 100% this is the book for you. Also, the front cover? Possibly my favourite of the year.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. -
NetGalley kindly provided a review copy of this book, but my opinions are my own.
‘Slay’ is a vampire anthology unlike any I’ve read – and I’ve read quite a few! It focuses on black protagonists, with stories divided into sections based on which country they take place. This is neither all-white or all-UK/American, and is refreshingly contemporary.
This book arrived just as I was about to start a month of hospital treatments, so it became my companion every day. It’s a good-sized book, but I usually read a story or two at a time – because I often had to pause between each tale to think on what I’d just read!
The majority of these stories are excellent, really A+ writing for their original settings and memorable characters. These are far more than black caricatures; most protagonists have fully-realized histories, motivations, families and friendships sketched excellently over their limited pages. This book has a lovely undercurrent of community, with each tale managing to share space in both the supernatural world and that of the real.
At first, I actually began to not quite believe my eyes – was this an anthology with no ‘bad’ stories? The first third were all remarkable, and I’ve made notes of their authors to follow up.
But then I found a couple of chapters that seemed to have (oddly) missed out on an editor. The storylines seemed interesting, but I couldn’t get past the errors or writing style. This may be an issue with this being a review copy, but it was a shame nonetheless.
Stephen King once said that while novels were akin to a relationship, short stories were a loving kiss from writer to reader. These are kisses that I’ll remember fondly and gladly revisit.
Huge thanks to the editor who made this all happen, and the authors who shared their worlds with this jaded old vampire fan – and reminded me why I love this genre all over again.
Definitely recommended. -
This is such a great idea for an anthology - one that's focused on vampires of the African Diaspora. As soon as I heard about it I made a mental note of "I want to read that" and now I have. There are some fantastic stories in here, but the anthology as a whole is also rather uneven, I think, as those fantastic stories shared space with a handful of other stories that were unfortunately not up to the same standard. But given I'd prefer to talk about things I love rather than things I don't, let's have some praise for the stand-outs here.
"A Clink of Crystal Glasses Heard" by L.H. Moore is a story about three 12 year old girls growing into their vampiric inheritance and being distinctly unimpressed with it; it's a bit reminiscent of Ginger Snaps in that vampirism is treated as a metaphor for feminism and adolescence. It also reads a bit like the first chapter in a novel, and I'd read that novel. If "Frostbite" by Delizhia D. Jenkins was expanded similarly I'd read that too. Best worldbuilding goes to the excellent "Di Conjuring Nectar of Di Blood" by Kai Leakes, in an alternate history that I'd love to read more of, and best protagonist is the tired, powerful old woman of John Linwood Grant's "Snake Hill Blues." I've never read about a vampire elephant before, so all credit to Miranda J. Riley for coming up with "Rampage," the most original story in the anthology. Another animal focused story was the leopard-centred "No God But Hunger" by Steve Van Samson, which was honestly outstanding and my second favourite here. Top spot, though, goes to the opening story "Desiccant" by Craig Laurance Gidney, which combines environmental racism with microscopic bugs in an awesomely creepy story that I plan on reading again and again. -
I am very envious of the job that Nicole Givens Kurtz had with SLAY because I cannot imagine the joy of getting to read so many works of art and I can guess how many Kurtz read that did not make the cut.
As usual, I let my finger roam the contents page and the first story was definitely a treat though some might look at it like a trick (laugh). I started with Diary of a Mad Black Vampire by Dicey Grenor and I have to confess that I found nothing “mad” about Ashanti. Her logic made sense to me, so what does this say about me I wonder? (laugh) The format of diary entries made the story entertaining as did the progression of Ashanti and Tetra’s relationship. I kind of guessed the ending, but it still made the story entertaining.
Vonnie Winslow Crist gave me an unexpected ending In Egypt’s Shadow. Obsession can lead people down a dark path and its recipient of such adoration onto another path. I loved Crist’s take on this vampire tale and the twist. I hope to see more from Crist.
I am on my knees and begging for more! Please tell me that there is more after Message in A Vessel. I am hooked. V.G. Harrison’s sci-fi dystopian thriller is fantastic. Holy sugar! It is like an entire book within this short story and I am craving more. I don’t want to give anything away, but this story is a must read!
Slay is not your ordinary vampire anthology...it is better! Make sure this collection of stories is part of your Halloween reading.
I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily. -
I was provided with an eARC of this book by the publishers and netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
I couldn’t like this even though I really wanted to. Some of the stories were great, others awful. The different levels of writing made that really difficult to want to continue. Anthologies should be edited to the same standard but some stories were full of errors - typos or tense issues, and others lacked flow. Especially the ones with older characters and children who all talked like adults from our generation. The same with the characters from the 1920s. There were some stand out stories but ultimately I would be disappointed to buy this anthology and to find it so inconsistent in quality.
I love the idea and themes here, but I’d almost prefer less stories but longer ones? I’m not sure how this could be better.
I’d also say one story has a main character who is trans and is deadnamed within the story which I found concerning. It wasn’t necessary and felt invalidating.
Also use of some archaic terms for Black people which some may find offensive even if accurate to the time period were used in various stories.
I thought it would be really cool to read stories about vampires cantering around Black characters, but a lot of them seemed only driven by sex and constantly objectified Black women, though it was nice to see more queer characters. -
I was provided with an eARC of this book by the publishers and netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
I couldn’t like this even though I really wanted to. Some of the stories were great, others awful. The different levels of writing made that really difficult to want to continue. Anthologies should be edited to the same standard but some stories were full of errors - typos or tense issues, and others lacked flow. Especially the ones with older characters and children who all talked like adults from our generation. The same with the characters from the 1920s. There were some stand out stories but ultimately I would be disappointed to buy this anthology and to find it so inconsistent in quality.
I love the idea and themes here, but I’d almost prefer less stories but longer ones? I’m not sure how this could be better. I’d also say one character is trans and is deadnamed within the story which I found concerning. Also use of some archaic terms for Black people which some may find offensive even if accurate to the time period. -
This book was packed with a huge variety of stories - all following the title theme. I was impressed with the creativity of the approach, and the writing almost always had great flow and drive. As with any collection, some stories were right up my alley, and some I didn't like as well (hence the 4 vs 5 star rating). I really, really like the first story (great opener!), but felt let down by the ending - I'd definitely read more by that author and several others. This is an adult anthology that doesn't lean into the need for excessive gore, which I also appreciated.
I would definitely recommend this book for anybody that likes vampires, or is looking to get into the Halloween mood!
