"Howls from the Wreckage" promises a thrilling plunge into disaster horror, but much like a shipwreck, it leaves you feeling a bit stranded. This anthology gathers a diverse crew of writers, each aiming to deliver a spine-chilling tale, but not all make it to the lifeboat.

The concept is enticing—disasters as the backdrop for chilling narratives—but the execution often feels like a rough draft. Some stories hit the sweet spot, weaving tension and terror with finesse, while others flop harder than a failed rescue mission. It’s a mixed bag, like opening a box of assorted chocolates and finding mostly ones filled with coconut.

What really stood out was the potential; there are glimpses of brilliance in the chaos. You can almost hear the howls of anguish and terror, but they’re sometimes drowned out by clunky prose and meandering plots.

If you’re a die-hard fan of horror anthologies, it might be worth a look. Just don’t expect all the stories to be smooth sailing. "Howls from the Wreckage" is an ambitious attempt, but it might leave you longing for a more cohesive journey through the dark.

I enjoyed Howls From the Wreckage!
It was a really good anthology of disaster horror stories, and I really enjoyed most of the stories included and I didn't really dislike any of them, which was great!
One of my favourite stories was A Tornado or Something Like it.
This one probably horrified me the most. I can't say anything about it as it would spoil it, but let's just say the twist felt like a gut punch, and I can't stop thinking about it.
Other favourites were Son of Yokozuro, which was about a Kaiju and Unzipped, which was about a caving accident.

Here are my individual ratings for each story!
● Don't Play in the Closet - 5⭐
● Execute Release - 4⭐
● Son of Yokozuro - 5⭐
● Crickets - 4⭐
● You Shall Return - 3⭐
● The Richardson Family Reunion - 3⭐
● Casualties of a Predictable Apocalypse - 4⭐
● Heavy Rain - 5⭐
● A War in Hell - 3⭐
● Fleshies - 3⭐
● A Tornado or Something Like It - 5⭐
● A Thing of Habit - 3⭐
● Unzipped - 5⭐
● The Last Sermon of Brother Grime - 3⭐
● Against the Flats - 4⭐
● Hope is a Sad Song - 4⭐
● Systemic Infection - 4⭐
● Forever Home - 3⭐
● The Children of the Event - 4⭐
● Detritus - 3⭐

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a review.

I enjoyed this anthology although I did struggle through some of it. I feel as though I was expecting a little more “disaster” and got a little more sci-fi than expected. It was still a fun read though!

I think I should definitely precede this review with a trigger warning: this book has a lot of suicide references. I’m guessing it contains many more trigger points too, but I noticed there’s a lot of suicide in these stories.

Like most anthologies, Howls From the Wreckage was a bit hit and miss. Actually, more miss than hit. I appreciate that it must be hard to fully flesh out a short story, but there was often a lack of punchiness. And some ‘I’ve hit my word count’ abrupt endings.
Sadly, these stories didn’t really do it for me. I’d forgotten their content as soon as I’d read most of them.
Some exceptions to this: Michelle Tang’s ‘Systemic Infection’ (5 stars for this); Gully Novaro’s ‘Hope is a sad song’ and ‘The Children of the Event’ by Carson Winter (which I found interesting because it mostly dealt with the physical and emotional clear-up after a cataclysmic event).

Thanks to NetGalley and HOWL Socieyy for sending me a copy of this anthology in exchange for an honest review.
~~~~~~~~~~~~

Despite having a theme with such varied possibilities, Howls from the Wreckage falls flat more often than not, with a frustrating inconsistency in story quality across the board.

There were a couple of standouts, both of which involved tragedies on a very personal scale that one may not normally imagine when thinking of “disaster horror,” and that I thought made inventive use of the format and length limitations—specifically, “A Tornado or Something Like It” by C.B. Jones took me by surprise. Even the focus on smaller-scale disasters in itself, though, was kind of disappointing, as I had been hoping to see some more large-scale calamities unfold.

Oh, well. Unfortunately, more forgettable than anything.

2.5/5.

The stories contained in this anthology were extremely unique and strange. I adored them, especially because everything in fiction had become very homogeneous lately.

What an amazing collection!

Some of the best horror authors have created something unique and terrifying. The theme of impending catastrophe weaved through each story is handled in such diverse ways that I was in awe.

Horror fans need this one in their collection.

This is a book that demands your full attention! It absolutely captivated me, and from the moment I began reading, I couldn't bring myself to set it aside. I wholeheartedly endorse it.

A heartfelt thank you to the author and publishers for this truly exceptional literary experience.

A gorgeous variety of thrills and chills that are a pleasant rollercoaster ride when you're in the mood for it.

How's from the wreckage is an anthology of disaster horror. There is a range of stories in here, just long enough that captures disaster perfectly.

There's disaster after an unknown monster strikes, aquatic disaster, earthquakes, cave exploration and just plain disasters of everyday life that come from things happening.

I honestly enjoyed all these stories, and I find that anthologies can be hit or miss with that sometimes. They are straight to the point while also setting up the scene clearly. There was some apocalyptic feeling in these stories as well, more often than not.

Thank you to the publisher, Howl society press for giving me a ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

There are some fantastic stories in this anthology of disaster stories. I don't read too many collections, but it's great to find some new authors and this collection doesn't disappoint. I very much enjoyed TJ Price's Heavy Rain and P.L. Macmillan's Execute Release. Carson Winter's The Children of the Event is another standout, and Michelle Tang's Systemic Infection is horrifyingly good.

Be aware that this is a true horror anthology, and as such it's not always suitable for the faint of heart. There are some gruesome moments in here, but it never feels like gore for gore's sake.

The only issue I had is that unfortunately the formatting doesn't really support my kindle very well, so the stories are broken up with the illustrations. But the prose itself is great and I really enjoyed this.

really fun collection. as with most collections, some stories were better than others, but I feel like I enjoyed most of them in their own ways! didn't really know what 'disaster horror' was until reading this, but I guess I'm a fan now! some big sci-fi vibes with a lot of them, a lot of palpable panic and dread associated with the various types of disaster explored.

Great short story collection. Enjoyed each story and the black mirror esque vibes! For fans of sci-fi, Black Mirror, horror, or unsettling stories!

3.5 out of 5 starts.

This is a good collection of disaster stories of all types, like most anthologies, you’re going to get a variety of stories and writing styles, most I like others I could not fully get into.
But overall there is some great unique stories in here, and it's worth checking out.
Some of my favourites are
- Execute Release by P.L.McMillan
- Don’t Play in the Closet by David Worn
- Unzipped by Bridget D. Brave
- Against the Flats by Jennifer L.Collins

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

Skies darken. Sirens wail. Buildings tremble with each distant boom. You grasp your loved ones close to you. Any second could be your last.

I wanted to love this book more than I did after reading Howls from the Dark Ages which I absolutely adored. Maybe it was the subject content but for me there were quite a few of the stories that I just didn’t like. There didn’t seem to be as much of a connection between these stories as there were in Dark Ages and this disorientated me a little as I was reading through them. There were some real clinkers though that I thoroughly enjoyed such as: Crickets by Solomon Forse, Heavy Rain by TJ Price and A War in Hell by Mike Adamson.

At the end of the day though, I love the Howls from… series and I will definitely be keeping my eye out for the next instalment.

"Howls From the Wreckage: An Anthology of Disaster Horror," with a Foreword by the distinguished Nick Cutter, is an ambitious compilation that attempts to immerse its readers in a world of imminent catastrophe. Skies darken, sirens wail, and buildings tremble, setting the stage for a series of gripping stories that promise to drown readers in the heartbreak of their aftermath.

Under the skillful curation of HOWL Society Press, this anthology showcases a diverse range of tales, each exploring various disaster scenarios that provoke a potent sense of foreboding. From David Worn's "Don't Play in the Closet" to C.B. Jones' "A Tornado or Something Like It," the authors thrust us into the center of relentless turmoil and forces us to confront our deepest fears.

While some stories resonate deeply, not all manage to land their intended impact. For instance, Joseph Andre Thomas' "Casualties of a Predictable Apocalypse" falls short, leaving us yearning for more substantial substance and emotional depth. Moreover, in certain instances, the pacing falters as verbosity threatens to eclipse the narrative thrust. Bridget D. Brave's "Unzipped" treads on such precarious ground, losing its footing amidst a surplus of descriptive meandering.

Yet, amid the hit-or-miss nature of this anthology, several tales stand out as beacons of excellence. Mike Adamson's "A War in Hell" artfully blurs the line between the ordinary and the unearthly, enigmatically drawing readers into a haunting interplay of otherworldly conflict and human struggle. Chelsea Pumpkins' "Forever Home," on the other hand, plucks at heartstrings with its poignant exploration of the profound bond between humans and animals.

Nick Cutter's foreword offers an appropriate prelude to the impending horrors that unfold within these pages. While some stories might lack the finesse needed to truly captivate, the anthology does fulfill its promise of pushing readers to the precipice of disaster, even if it occasionally stumbles on the journey.

In conclusion, "Howls From the Wreckage" attempts to tackle the complexities of disaster horror with varying degrees of success. Its strengths lie in the evocative atmosphere that envelops readers and the breadth of emotions it seeks to invoke. Though marred by a few less-engaging entries and occasional pacing issues, the anthology remains a commendable effort to explore the human experience in the face of overwhelming calamity. As viewers brace themselves for the impending storm, they might find themselves entangled in an array of emotions, a rollercoaster ride that reminds us all of our fragile mortality.

"Howls From the Wreckage" is a well-crafted anthology that showcases a diverse range of horror stories centered around disasters, both natural and manmade. The book is a polished collection that boasts a variety of tones and approaches, making it a captivating and enjoyable read.

One of the highlights of the anthology is the well-written stories that delve into inner fears and explore twisted and weird scenarios. The unpredictability of some tales keeps readers on the edge of their seats, while others focus on themes of courage, bravery, and familial grudges. Each author has contributed intriguing and imaginative stories, creating a rich tapestry of horror experiences.

The addition of tidbits about the authors and images throughout the book adds a touch of levity to an otherwise potentially heavy anthology. This subtle inclusion enhances the overall reading experience and provides readers with some respite between the intense and chilling tales.

The book covers a broad spectrum of disasters, including tsunamis, dust storms, and supernatural calamities, all of which are expertly woven into the narratives. The characters in the stories are flawlessly crafted, with their flaws magnified under stress to scary levels, making their reactions to the disasters all the more compelling.

The order of the stories is thoughtfully arranged, creating a thematic and structural interconnectedness that allows readers to explore the characters' reactions to their personal tragedies. The mysterious aspect surrounding the disasters in most stories keeps readers guessing and often leads to a bleak twist, leaving a lasting impact.

While some stories may not resonate as strongly due to the absence of an eccentric factor that some horror enthusiasts seek, the anthology as a whole offers a diverse and engaging selection that caters to various preferences.

Among the standout stories are "You Shall Return," "Heavy Rain," "Fleshies," and "A Thing of Habit." These tales leave a lasting impression, but each reader is bound to discover their favorites based on individual tastes.

In conclusion, "Howls From the Wreckage" is a captivating horror anthology that brings together an assortment of disasters and compelling characters. With its well-crafted narratives and intriguing twists, the book is sure to leave readers both entertained and unnerved. Whether you are a seasoned horror aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this anthology offers something for every horror enthusiast and is definitely worth adding to your reading list.

This is not a book to be taken lightly! It completely gripped me and once i started reading I could not put it down!
I would highly recommend

Thank you so much to the author and publishers for this wonderful read

As a huge horror anthology fan, I was really excited to read the horror anthology, "Howls from the Wreckage: An Anthology of Disaster Horror" and it did not disappoint. Each tale in this collection explores the darker side of the human experience, where the wrath of nature and the unknown merge to frighten the bravest of readers. From the haunting aftermath of a cataclysmic home explosion to the paranoia that can emerge from the depths of a dark basement during a hurricane's fury, the stories within this anthology are a testament to the power of fear and the macabre allure of calamitous events. The stories offer nightmarish voyages through the darkest recesses of the human imagination, leaving indelible marks that will stay with me for a while. I highly recommend horror buffs read this anthology. It was definitely one of the best books I've read this year.

I received a free advanced reading copy of this book via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

howls from the wreckage: an anthology of disaster horror is honestly one of the best horror anthologies i’ve read in a long long while. normally with anthologies you’ll always have hits and misses but this was genuinely good all the way through — there was only one story i didn’t care much for, mostly because it’s a kind of story i rarely like, but the writing was still fully on point and on par with the rest of it.

each story in howls from the wreckage takes on different approaches to disaster horror and it was interested seeing how many different ways it could be interpreted. from hive mind tamagotchis, to kaijus questioning their destructive nature, to corruption in the hospital industry, to tornados and mysterious cellars — it has it all.

while i loved majority of the stories in this anthology i do wanna highlight my top four as they a) felt very different from each other style wise and b) either wrecked me (heh) or caught my attention 100% and are good indicators for why you should pick up this anthology:

• forever home by chelsea pumpkins

when i say this story broke me into a million pieces i’m not even exaggerating. it’s a story about a woman and her cat, and it’s a disaster story, so you’ll get an idea of the actual real terror you’ll feel reading it. it’s heartbreaking, gut wrenching and i’m literally an empty shell of human being now.

if you’ve got a cat the anxiety will be very real when reading this and it’s so worth it. but also, chelsea, you owe me a therapy session after this (jk jk i hugged my cat and all is well).

• systemic infection by michelle tang

absolutely loved this one and it’s message on corruption within the system how rot needs to be removed from within for things to get better most times.
definitely emotional too!!

• the last sermon of brother grime timaeus bloom

if you like john dies at the end you’ll love this one. like, legit you should read it.

• detritus by lindsey ragsdale

this conjured up images of event horizon, dead silence and from below. think: immense dread, seclusion and lots and lots of trash. it really is such an atmospheric and dreadful story and i loved every minute of it.

——
on a finishing note, the authors and stories are super diverse, and i think it’s what makes this anthology work so well. it’s not just one perspective or one way of life that’s explored. there’s different backgrounds re race and gender, there’s queer characters and relationships, and it definitely shapes the stories and elevates the anthology as a whole because of that. i’m definitely excited to see what new authors will be in the next anthology from howl (and to see what theme it is!).


// thank you to howl society press and netgalley for the arc!