(Rounded down from 4.5)

This collection is a dark and delightful surprise! When I first started reading, I felt that the anthology’s theme, “what scares you,” seemed too vague to really even be called a theme. But then I got into these stories, and it all makes sense. These stories feel intimate and personal, they feel like something exposed, raw and unflinching. Each story seems to have a central truth it understands, about itself or the world, and horrors unfurl around and through that truth. While there are sprinkles of body horror mixed with dashes of blood here and there, a little supernatural and sci-fi added just for spice, these stories all feel like they revolve around psychological horror. Horror that lives under your skin, nesting in your mind’s hidden spaces.

That said, the collection does feel diverse and balanced. It doesn’t feel like the same story told different ways, even though the collection feels coherent. (While I stand behind the claim to the diversity of the stories, somehow two of the stories feature Greek grandmothers, which brings my total number of horror stories featuring Greek grandmothers to… two. But one of them almost made me cry, and the other had a stellar framing device and ending, so I will allow it!). While star rating systems are arbitrary, I will say that although not all of these stories were five star reads a lot of them were, and most of the rest were strong fours. I wasn’t disappointed with any of these stories, and I had a lot of fun with the entire collection.

It is hard to narrow down the audience for this, since the theme of the collection is so nebulous. I think any horror fan will find a lot to love in this collection, a lot to scratch at their insecurities and make their breath catch in their chests. It reads quite quickly, nothing feels like it lags or slows the anthology down, and the stories were curated and paced really well. Definitely check it out!

I want to thank the author, the publisher Brigids Gate Press, and NetGalley, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I love the cover of this book. It's mystical and bewildering of the horror that lies inside that represents the facets of mankind. This anthropology of stories is a riveting exploration into psychological tales with a mystic and mysticism atmosphere. There are so many great tales, that it is hard to pick a favorite. Some are quite chilling, some or shorter than others, but each has its unique value. I love the poem at the end and the explanation for those who are not familiar with Lagniappe, a saying or phrase that is directly tied to New Orleans Louisiana. I would definitely recommend this read

I really wanted to like this more, but the majority of stories here elicited little more than a shrug from me. Of the 24 gathered, there were seven that stood out…

The Craving, Vivian Kasley: excellent period horror, and I mean Carrie style not something set in the 1800s

This Side of the Moment, Megan M Davies-Ostrom: a very clever and very scary tale of what-if

In the Darkness We Dig, Nicole M Wolverton: what starts as something creepy about teeth becomes fully unhinged by the end. Impressive!

One Star Would Not Recommend, Anya Leigh Josephs: really fun way of assessing yourself - via imagined reviews of your body left by the aliens that have borrowed it!

The Grandmothers That We Leave Behind, Christine Lucas: another creepy fable with some haunting images of people stuck in a time loop

The Last Train, Jen Mierisch: very powerful and haunting story about the darker side of having a new baby. Drew me in and kept me there.

Mad Lullaby, Ray Pantle: interesting idea set in a parallel world where people don’t sleep.

Thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley & S.D. Vassallo for gifting me with the terrifying, but absolutely binge worthy. I flew through all these stories & my mind was blown & I was full of emotions & feelings I don't necessarily find comfortable to sit with which was one of the points of the book. Incredible book & I highly recommend this book.

Thanks to netgalley for this ARC, due to be published 10/12/2024.

I don't pick up many short story compilations as I do tend to prefer a longer story to sink my teeth into. However, short stories/novellas can sometimes be a better alternative for when you want something short and sweet...

This collection of tales is aix of quirky, weird and wonderful. There's a supernatural element to some, horror and just terrible happenings to others, often at the hands of another person or being.

They capture your attention for the whistle stop tour of adventures. I enjoyed working my way through the individual stories but my favourite has to be the first. I think a lot of women will relate to it on some level and perhaps feel some sympathy. It definitely grabbed my attention and was a great introduction to the compilation.

The Horror That Represents You

There's a strong passion for the genre that's clearly evident in the authors that creatively soon each of these dark tales; The Horrors That Represent Us is a smart, scary, banger of an anthology.

Several stories gave me nostalgic vibes while reading ... of bring a teen and scaring myself senseless late at night, in my room.
While I'm now in my 40's, have a TAD more sense (depending on who you ask), and don't get scared the way I used to, these stories were still highly effective.

This anthology was a very pleasant surprise, and I'd highly recommend checking it out if you enjoy horror shorts at all.

It's a really solid one.

4..5 / 5 (rounded up)

**Review of *The Horror That Represents You***

*The Horror That Represents You* is a captivating anthology that delves into the diverse fears and terrors that shape our individual experiences with horror. Curated from the voices of 24 talented authors, this collection showcases a rich tapestry of stories and poems, each reflecting personal nightmares and phobias that resonate with readers on a deeply personal level.

From the outset, the anthology emphasizes that fear is subjective. The contributors explore a wide range of anxieties—from the common and relatable to the profoundly unique. This variety ensures that readers can find something that speaks to their own experiences, whether it's a fear of heights, confined spaces, or more abstract existential threats. The emotional resonance is palpable, as each piece taps into the primal nature of what scares us, creating a bridge between the reader's psyche and the narratives on the page.

The writing quality is impressive, with each author bringing their distinct voice and style to the collection. Whether through chilling prose or haunting poetry, the stories evoke a wide array of emotions, from anxiety to dread. Some pieces are stark and visceral, while others employ a more subtle, psychological approach that lingers long after reading.

Particularly noteworthy is how the anthology invites reflection on the nature of fear itself. The authors skillfully explore not just what frightens us, but why. This introspective angle elevates the collection, transforming it from mere entertainment into a thought-provoking examination of our innermost anxieties.

Visually, the anthology is well-presented, making it a pleasure to read. The layout allows each piece to shine, ensuring that the themes of fear and horror are complemented by a striking aesthetic.

In summary, *The Horror That Represents You* is a compelling exploration of the many faces of fear, showcasing a diverse range of voices and perspectives. It's a must-read for horror enthusiasts and anyone interested in the complexities of what terrifies us. This anthology not only entertains but also fosters a deeper understanding of the fears that define us. Prepare to confront your own shadows as you delve into this exceptional collection.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!!

Oh my goodness!! What a great book!! This creeped me out so much but in the best possible way!!!