Member Reviews
Nice mix of stories from different, darker genres. Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a free e-arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Malafarina has created an incredible anthology of stories in a mix of genres such as mystery, horror and sci-fi. The writing is very good, and each tale is well thought out and plotted.
Even though some titles are quite short, they are so descriptive and captivating, drawing you easily into their world. My favourite would have to be Bloody Creek.
I look forward to more title from this author.
**Book Review: "Malaformed Realities Volume 7" by Thomas M. Malafarina**
Thomas M. Malafarina returns with a chilling addition to his acclaimed *Malaformed Realities* series, delivering *Volume 7*, a collection that solidifies his reputation as a master of modern horror. Featuring eighteen unnerving tales, this volume showcases Malafarina's signature blend of psychological terror, supernatural elements, and stark social commentary.
From the very first story, readers are thrust into a realm where the bizarre and the macabre intertwine seamlessly. *Argogork, Harbinger of Death* sets the tone with a captivating narrative that explores the intersection of myth and mortality, compelling readers to question the nature of evil. Each tale that follows, including the standout *Vaccine*, pushes the boundaries of horror, tapping into contemporary fears and anxieties with a deft hand.
Malafarina's writing is both visceral and thought-provoking, expertly crafting atmospheres that linger long after the final page. His characters are richly developed, each navigating their own psychological labyrinths, making their fates all the more impactful. The tension builds steadily, with twists that catch you off guard, forcing you to confront not just the horrors within the stories, but also the darker aspects of human nature.
One of the collection's strengths lies in its diversity of themes. From supernatural hauntings to unsettling explorations of societal issues, Malafarina ensures that each story feels distinct yet interconnected, creating a cohesive experience. The imagery is haunting and vivid, with Malafarina’s imaginative prowess vividly painting scenes that are both grotesque and mesmerizing.
*Malaformed Realities Volume 7* is not for the faint of heart. Malafarina dives into topics that challenge moral boundaries and delve into the human psyche, making this collection a profound reflection on fear, regret, and the unseen monsters that haunt us. His ability to evoke genuine terror while simultaneously prompting introspection is what sets this collection apart.
In summary, Thomas M. Malafarina has delivered another masterclass in horror with *Malaformed Realities Volume 7*. Fans of the genre will find themselves riveted by his compelling narratives and unique storytelling style. This collection is a testament to his talent and a must-read for anyone who revels in the dark and the uncanny. Prepare for a journey into the twisted corridors of the mind, where every turn holds a new nightmare waiting to be uncovered. Highly recommended!
If you love a good horror anthology with a variety of stories, this is a good place to start! The stories were good and I very much enjoyed the writing style and atmosphere.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sunbury Oress for the opportunity to read this ARC!
The writing here is phenomenal, and I can't wait until it comes out. It is horrifyingly good, I don't want to say too much or give anything away.
The stories are excellent, my highlights include Bloody Creek, Arborgork, and To Bee or Not to Bee.
For the most part I enjoyed this. In some of the shorter stories there’s a frustrating detachment from the characters that makes them feel pretty one-dimensional. In many of the stories, the exposition is a bit too on the nose. I found myself laughing at some parts, particularly the cartoonish villain and silly reasoning in Dead Things. I think there are a lot of great ideas here and I would definitely read more of them.
This is a collection of short stories, ranging from horror, sci-fi, and mystery. If you love horror, then this is for you, as there is plenty.
I really enjoyed the book, highlighted shorts would be: Bloody Creek, Friends, Arborgork, Infection, Problem Deleted, and Rejection.
'Infection' was my favorite, and I would devour a full novel just based on it alone. 'Problem Deleted' was a fantastic concept, and I'd love to see the others' contributions to the anthology, especially if they were similar to this.
Some of the stories are only a few pages long, but the detail and descriptions provided makes it feel like they're bigger than they actually are. The wide variety of shorts is also appreciated, because you get to experience multiple kinds of thrills. I would recommend this book.
There were some misspellings, like a name being written one way and two sentences later in the same story, being written different (Derek vs Derrick, then back to Derek, or Bryan vs Brian), but wasn't too distracting overall.