Let me tell you about one of my pet peeves in bookstores (both physical and digital). I find it very irritating to enter the section labelled as "Science Fiction" and find it stocked with fantasy. I find it just as bothersome to browse the "Horror" section and find it stocked with those same fantasy novels. Or detective novels. Or fantasy detective novels.
I find it especially bothersome to start reading a book that bills itself as "New Tales of Darkest Horror" only to find that a significant percentage of it is neither dark nor horrific, but rather tales of fantasy and detective fiction which supposedly nod to horror by containing elements magical or monstrous.
Even more so when such a book dares to compare itself to some of the great anthologies of the past few decades such as Kirby McCauley's Dark Forces, which I remember fondly.

To be clear, there are some VERY good stories in this collection. Many of them are chilling and resonate long beyond the time it takes to read them. There are some new twists on classic monsters..."Enough For Hunger and Enough For Hate” by John Langan really stands out...and new horrors based on current events; see “Swim in the Blood of a Curious Dream” by editor John F.D. Taff. As an anthology in itself, it is very satisfying and probably a cut above many. Certainly any time you can get Ramsey Campbell involved, you will have my full attention.

However too much of the book barely, if at all, qualifies as horror and leans on elements that might fit the genre in form, but not in substance. Good horror is as much about the atmosphere and feeling created by a story and should have a resonance beyond the story itself, and some of the stories in this collection fall short of that mark. Perhaps if the editor labelled it as a collection of "Horror and Dark Fantasy" it might have been more honest and left me with a better feeling at the end. As it was, by the end I was satisfied with a good read, but in doubt as to whether the book had hit the target it was aiming for.

This is going to be a book i review many times so each book can have its rating


The Attentionist—Caroline Kepnes
5*
I loved this cruel bully story. It was very jeepers creepers someone in your house kind of story. And it was crazy beliveable talk about heebiee jeebie... yup now bookmarking this author i must read her
Also excellent narrator to this

A Life in Nightmares—Ramsey Campbell
3*
I liked the creepy vibes of seeing the evil of the world before it happens I just don't think I connected enough to the characters to get invested. They felt a bit flat

Papa Eye—Priya Sharma
3.5*
This was mysterious and world building. I felt it was enhanced by many cultures, beliefs and walks of life. I loved the diversity. It took a bit to get to the story but when it developed it was really good and enjoyable. I was actually sad when it was over.

Volcano—Livia Llewellyn
5*
Love how realistic the main character is. She cusses and keeps it real that sometimes it's all kinda of sh*t. Love how creative and riveting it stayed throughout!

All the Things He Called Memories—Stephen Graham Jones
3*
This one seems to be a huge fan favorite but for me it just wasn't enough. It's a covid meets trapped meets mad scientist but I love the idea better than the story

Trinity River Blues—Chesya Burke
3.5*
Love the way it starts narrator pulls you into a believable story. Who doesn't like another story of the dead right ?? This book is more spooky than scary and its written well.

The Familiar's Assistant—Alma Katsu
3*
Ooh a vampire story and a unique one at that.

Swim in the Blood of a Curious Dream—John F.D. Taff
4*
This needs to be a full book end of.. this was great !

The Sanguintalist—Gemma Files
3*
Okay this series brought me a mage I love me some magic but it’s a strange story about travels and restroom horror.. for me it was okay

Mrs. Addison’s Nest—Josh Malerman
3*
This could be a full blown novel and the amount of description, world building and character development was too much for how short this was which led to confusion and misdevelopment.

Challawa—Usman T. Malik
4*
I really like that this series is not just based in America because this one is in Pakistan and really talks folk horror which is very scary and very believed.

Enough for Hunger and Enough for Hate—John Langan
5*
Why was the best saved for last here sad face this had all the elements needed in horro and even story building. It’s a yes for me!

Reviewing anthologies is always challenging as I tend to want to judge the stories individually instead of as a whole. This work was compiled and edited by John F.D. Taff, and contains a dozen stories from a variety of outstanding horror authors. As a whole I enjoyed most of these stories, with only a couple being not up my alley not to say they are bad just no for me.

A few stories that stood out for me are:

The Sanguinstalist by Gemma Files

Maybe it’s because i’m largely a fantasy reader and this one bridges that gp, but i thought this was phenomenal! Don’t get me wrong I really enjoyed Gidoen the Ninth but I think this is more of the necromancer that people were expecting in that story albeit in a different setting. The MC uses necromancy (or a magic akin to it) to help solve murders by communicating with the spirt of the decease via a blood link. They have some strong Constantine vibes that left me wanting more at the end of the story. I’d definitely read a full length novel in this world.

All the Things He Called Memories by Stephen Graham Jones

This is a pandemic story that is distributing on multiple levels. It centers around a couple going through quarantine and exploring the nature of irrational fears and spirals deeper from there.

Volcano by Livia Llewellyn

Cosmic horror story that does what cosmic horror does and leaves you with more questions than answers and is creepier for it


Honorable Mention:
The Attentionist by Caroline Kepnes

I was on the fence about including this as a standout story as I don’t think it falls firmly into the horror genre as presented in this anthology. It is, as a father, absolutely horrifying. I felt uncomfortable throughout the whole story. I do however think the story went on a little too long. It could have been more impactful if it was more open ended leaving it up to the reader to wonder what happened.

Big thanks to Netgalley and Recorded Books for providing me with a chance to get in on this book. I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC!

I really like horror anthologies. And this is a good one! The stories range from gruesome to creepy, with many dark emotions in between. If you like horror stories, check this one out!

Thank you to Recorded Books Media for providing me with an audiobook of Dark Stars: New Tales of Darkest Horror.

I've read most of the authors in this collection before & thoroughly enjoyed their work, however, something just didn't work for me when it comes to Dark Stars. I can't pinpoint the reasoning as to why; it definitely does not have to do with the skill of these authors because they are all brilliant writers.

With that being said, I'm sure this is just a me thing & if any of the authors in the TOC scream out to you, then check this collection out and see if it works better for you!

There were some great stories in the Anthology, which I would rate 4 out of 5, like ‘The Familiar’s Assistant’ by Alma Katsu and ‘Enough for Hunger and Enough for Hate’ by John Langan
But some of the stories I found too slow moving for my taste, and more creepy that horror, these I’d give 2 out of 5.
The stories were well written, and not bad, just not what I was expecting.

*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.*

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* I took breaks after each story to not get confused and pay more attention to each induvial story. There was some i liked more than others but overall it was a pretty creepy read!

Here are 12 original stories written by today's top horror authors, edited by John F.D. Taff.
Some of the stories were great and some were just okay.

Read it for yourself and leave a review.
Thank You Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review.







***

I listened to this collection of 12 short horror stories over the last 10 days.

I usually don’t read short story collections as it’s nearly always a mediocre mixed bag that I put down after the 3rd story & never pick up again. This collection flips that assumption. It’s more good than bad & I found myself looking forward to a story everyday. Not terrifying but there’s plenty to trigger here so beware.

The ending of the piggy story got me.

If you like horror, these short stories might be just what you’re looking for, little bite size morsels that will make you think & creep you out.

Take a look at the authors:

Josh Malerman
Stephen Graham Jones
Priya Sharma
Alma Katsu
John Langan
Caroline Kepnes
Usman T. Malik
Chesya Burke
Livia Llewellyn
Gemma Files
John F.D. Taff
Ramsey Campbell

Thank you NetGalley & Recorded Books! This was well curated, written & narrated. Just shy of a 5star read!!

This is a overall stars for the book⚠️
3⭐️⭐️⭐️
.
.
.
.
.
Thankyou #netgalley #nightfirepublishers for giving me arc copy of the book for honest review .
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Each individual of the story comes with a different score stars. Of course, it’s very difficult to liked them all as it would depends on a readers preferences (me).
.
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The attentionist - Caroline kepnes
⭐️⭐️⭐️
A life in nightmares - Ramsey Campbell
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Papa Eye - Priya Sharma
⭐️⭐️ - DNF
Volcano - Livia Llewellyn
⭐️⭐️⭐️
All the things he called memories - Stephen Jones
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trinity river blues - Chesya Burke
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The familiar assistant - Alma katsu
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Swim in the blood of curious dream - John F.D Taff
⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Sanguintalist - Gemma Flies
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mrs. Addisons Nest - Josh Malerman
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Challawa- Usman Malik
⭐️⭐️ DNF
Enough for Hunger and enough for hate -
John Langan
⭐️⭐️

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❤️Shaye.reads

ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.

I really didn’t have any idea what I was getting myself into with these stories! First off, the audiobook was put together fantastically, with each story being read by a different narrator, and held my interest the entire time. The stories were short enough that I could listen to one or two at a time so I didn’t have to stop mid way and forget what was happening, which I enjoyed. The writing was phenomenal throughout all the stories and I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes creepy horror stories that really make you think, and double check your doors are locked before heading to bed.

Audiobook Review
Title: Dark Stars

Summary
Dark Stars is a tribute to horror’s longstanding short fiction legacy, featuring 12 terrifying original stories from today's most noteworthy authors, with a foreword by bestselling author Josh Malerman (Bird Box) and an afterword by Ramsey Campbell.

Created as an homage to the 1980 classic horror anthology, Dark Forces, edited by Kirby McCauley, this collection contains 12 original novelettes showcasing today’s top horror talent. Dark Stars features all-new stories from award-winning authors and up-and-coming voices like Stephen Graham Jones, Priya Sharma, Usman T. Malik, Caroline Kepnes, and Alma Katsu, with seasoned author John F.D. Taff at the helm. An afterword from original Dark Forces contributor Ramsey Campbell is a poignant finale to this bone-chilling collection.

Within these pages you’ll find tales of dead men walking, an insidious secret summer fling, an island harboring unspeakable power, and a dark hallway that beckons. You’ll encounter terrible monsters—both human and supernatural—and be forever changed. The stories in Dark Stars run the gamut from traditional to modern, from dark fantasy to neo-noir, from explorations of beloved horror tropes to the unknown—possibly unknowable—threats.

It’s all in here because it’s all out there, now, in horror.

Review
I thought this was an enjoyable and diverse collection of horror stories. My favorite was, “All the things he called memories.”

Dark Stars: New Tales of Darkest Horror by John F.D. Taff

This is an anthology and a nod to today's horror writers. There was something for everyone in this book. I thought some of the stories are well written and others that I lost interest real quick. I still think overall that this is worth the read. I also enjoyed the different people reading the audio version of the book. This anthology also tackled many different subjects in the stories such as bullying, stalking, slut shaming, family drama, rape, loss of a baby, and so much more.

John Taff edited this and did the opening on the audio version of the book which he stated that the intention of this anthology is to show the different types of horror. I think he delivered on this part.

I think some of the stories just fell flat for me and this is why I rated it 3 stars. I think the different narrators made the audio version more entertaining.

I recommend this anthology for horror lovers because it is sprinkled with a variety of stories which should entice your horror palate.

Thank You to Netgalley and RB Media for an opportunity to read this book for an honest review.

Dark Stars is a horror anthology. I enjoyed this book it was easy to listen to and a variety of stories and authors.

The first story took a while to grab my attention but after that I couldn't stop listening! I am anxious for the release of the Kindle version.
Each story had me wondering what would happen next!

This anthology is full of such a diverse group of authors across a wide array of horror subgenres. It is dark in ways you expect and many you don’t. It is literary, intelligent, and for the most part very well written.

Dark Stars is a healthy mix of established horror legends with newcomers. It includes horror heavyweight Ramsey Campbell as well as Priya Sharma, who will be familiar to readers of Ellen Datlow’s horror anthologies.

Kirby McCauley’s 1980 anthology Dark Forces was a landmark in the horror fiction landscape, featuring the original publication of Stephen King’s “The Mist,” as well as stories by Ray Bradbury, Joyce Carol Oates, Isaac Bashevis Singer, and Manly Wade Wellman. A book that still has a place of honor on my bookshelf. John F.D. Taff put together Dark Stars: New Tales of Darkest Horror as a conscious tribute to Dark Forces, including pieces by prominent authors from all across the horror genre.
This anthology isn’t for everyone and some of us old-time horror fans might want to argue what is and what isn’t horror, but in their own way, each author is true to the genre.

Not all are my cup of tea, but that is more a matter of personal taste than any comment on the writer’s gifts.

Thanks to @Netgalley, Tor Nightfire, Macmillian-Tor Forge for the chance to read this e-Arc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion

Dark Stars is a great collection of 12 original stories written by today's top horror authors, edited by John F.D. Taff. As a fan of the genre, I was really excited to read this anthology: imagine my surprise when I was granted the audiobook ARC and found out these are actually almost as long as novellas!

As with most collections, I enjoyed most of the stories, but some fell a bit flat for me and others definitely worked better and left a mark (yes, I scared myself a few times).
This is my top 3:
The Familiar's Assistant—Alma Katsu (Always love a vampire story)
Enough for Hunger and Enough for Hate—John Langan (Perfect ending of the anthology)
The Attentionist—Caroline Kepnes (The creepiest story in the collection, for me)

In this anthology, there's no fil rouge besides its genre but the stories have all different voices, situations and tropes! Not only these novelettes are well written, but they are also greatly interpreted by the different narrators of the audiobook version!
Overall I really enjoyed this, solid 4 stars from me.

* I'd like to thank the Publisher and NetGalley for providing this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I am a big fan of horror anthologies. This collection has some interesting authors that are always on my to-read list. If you like short stories then this certainly is a collection you want to read. However overall the real deep creepiness of dark horror was missing, which meant I rated it as average. There were some stories that worked and I wanted more but a few that fell flat.

I don't know why I keep coming back to horror stories when I'm so very picky. And, in this case, I was not satisfied. Even Stephen Graham Jones didn't do much more than make me roll my eyes. The stories aren't scary or even vaguely unsettling; they're just weird, bland. The kind of horror I like best is highly detailed, quiet, usually in the form of creepy environments. But these just felt like normal life with a very forced drop of "weirdness" that set everything off-kilter without giving us a payoff.

The narrators were great, giving life to the characters involved, even if their stories weren't particularly interesting.

ARC audiobook provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

“Dark Stars” is a horror anthology consisting of 12 short stories by different authors. The stories range from paranormal to supernatural to urban legend to plain old human monsters. The book advertises that the stories “run the gamut from traditional to modern, from dark fantasy to neo-noir, from explorations of beloved horror tropes to the unknown—possibly unknowable—threats.”

I must start off by saying I am, quite frankly, a horror junkie. I’ve been a die-hard fan of the genre since I was a kid and got sucked in at age 10 with Stephen King’s “It.” I love all of the sub-genres of horror, and I am a fan of short stories as well as epic novels. With that background, I was excited to dive into this book and explore the range of authors.

Unfortunately, this anthology just wasn’t for me. I hung on through the whole book in order to listen (I had an audiobook copy) to each of the various authors and their differing stories. Despite this, I felt this whole book was simply middle-of-the-road. The stories weren’t very engaging or original. Most of the stories felt like I’ve heard them before with just a few different details. Nothing jumped out at me or drew me in.

I hate to give a poor review, but maybe I just wasn’t the right audience for this book being that I am an adult super-fan of horror. This book may be more apropos to a young adult reader just starting to read horror. The stories are simple and safe, making the book fairly compatible to a young adult reader. They do vary in sub-genre, so I think that would also be good to give a reader new to horror a feeling for what variety of horror they may enjoy.

Since I did have an audiobook copy, I also wanted to touch on the narrators. The majority of the narrators did a very good job. The men as a whole did very well, even with the female voices. Unfortunately, a couple of the female narrators did not do so well with the male voices. These narrators did not quite pull it off, leaving all of the voices sounding so similar it made it difficult to engage in the stories.

Overall, this book did not work for me. It wasn’t a bad book; it was just mediocre. However, I do recommend this for a young adult reader or a reader new to horror as I feel this would be a good introduction into the genre. That being said, if you are an adult fan of horror, this book may not be for you.