Sang Noir | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

JUDGE DEE AND THE POISONER OF MONTMARTRE by Lavie Tidhar is a bit different from the previous Judge Dee stories. The other two are more sinister and intense, while this one features the lighter side of vampires, with more human moments among the undead, including flashes of dark humor.

I feel sorry for Jonathan though. The poor guy is usually the one providing the POV, but he seems so hopelessly detached from every aspect of life at this point. In the previous stories, he at least seemed to have moments happiness when eating. I don't know if the Judge is apathetic or clueless...in any case, he needs to pay more attention to the mental health of his traveling companion.

If you enjoy mystery and suspense in a supernatural setting, I recommend you read this mini-series of vampiric investigations.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Dark Folklore | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

In a fairy tale equal parts gorgeous and gruesome, village couples seek approval for marriage from a stag with golden rings adorning its horns. That is until one suitor, determined to convince a woman to fall in love with him, makes a rash decision.

THE WONDERFUL STAG, OR THE COURTSHIP OF RED ELSIE by Kathleen Jennings has all the elements of classic storytelling (which made a reader of me in the first place) with wisps of horror woven into this tapestry of folklore.

While being somewhat predictable in nature -- bad man runs afoul of a fantastical creature -- the reaction of the other villagers is chilling, yet satisfying.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Morbid Retelling | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

A provocative retelling of the Greek myth, in which Orpheus, the musician son of Apollo and Calliope, successfully rescues his wife Eurydice--dead of a snake bite-- from Hades.

L'ESPIRIT DE L'ESCALIER by Catherynne M. Valente is a modernized version of the ancient myth, but with a morbid twist. Very graphic way of saying, careful what you wish for.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Tried Something Different | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

The language of the originators defines reality, every word warping the world to fit its meaning. Its study transforms the mind and body, and is closely guarded by stodgy, paranoid academics. These hidebound men don't trust many students with their secrets, especially not women, and more especially not "madwomen." Polymede and her lover Erishti believe they've made a discovery that could blow open the field's unexamined assumptions, and they're ready to face expulsion to make their mark. Of course, if they're wrong, the language will make its mark on them instead.

THE WORD OF FLESH AND SOUL by Ruthanna Emrys is well-written, and I love the concept of words transforming flesh, but I'm left with more questions than answers.The setting may be fantasy, but the center of the story is the relationship between the two women. I love how Rish describes herself...so much more creative than calling herself autistic.

This is so very different from the stories I usually read...I'd recommend this to linguistic lovers.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Cast Off | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

BLOOD IN THE THREAD by Cheri Kamei is the author's version of the Japanese tale, The Crane Wife, with the original fable woven among pieces of love and abuse, shared through the eyes of the secret itself. The ending is both tragic and powerful.

Nothing like the genres I usually read, but well-written and moving.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Out and About | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

COLD WIND by Nicola Griffith is a strange blend of folklore and suspense, set in a city tavern on the eve of a holiday. I strongly suggest paying attention to the details because the story has a subtle style to the writing.

I appreciate the setting and characters representing a group often overlooked or exploited in mainstream fiction.

The ending is superb.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Ticked Off | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

BLACK LEG by Glen Hirshberg is a very unusual mix of modern ghost hunting and traditional folklore. The setup is a bit too long for my liking, but from the moment the narrator entered the mall, the author had me hooked.

I wish more research had been shared in detail, instead of in passing, but Hirshberg succeeded in delivering a chilling end.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Trippin' Ballz | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

THIS WORLD IS FULL OF MONSTERS by Jeff VanderMeer is a difficult story to describe...imagine Rip Van Winkle mixed with Ash from Evil Dead, and throw in some shrooms, and I think you might have some idea what to expect.

The imagery is mind-blowing, and, unfortunately, overwhelming. The storyline proved difficult to follow for me. Told in first person, from a character who didn't understand what was happening to him...I couldn't make sense of it either.

Too confusing to be enjoyed.

As always,

AstraDaemon

The True Self | AstraDaemon

DRAGONKIN by Lavie Tidhar is a fantastic story which reminds me why I have loved folklore, mythology and fairytales all my life. This short is certain to speak to the souls of fantasy readers, but I am recommending this one to all fiction fans.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Blood Price | AstraDaemon

Sometimes a game, even a sacred game, can have far-reaching consequences. In bear country young Skye learns just how far she is willing to go to play the game properly in order carry on the traditions that came before her and will most likely continue long after she is gone.

THE HANGING GAME by Helen Marshall is a terrifying tale, which should come with some kind of warning. I can imagine some ignorant kids attempting this "game" much like the teens who killed someone over the Slenderman urban legend.

As is, I'm recommending this mix of folklore and horror to all readers who are smart enough not to attempt this.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Forced Evolution | AstraDaemon

SOLUTION by Brian Evenson is a short about a scientist who uses his specialized knowledge to create a chance for humanity to survive what they've done to the planet. Unforuntately, the damage already done might alter his plans.

I didn't know what to expect from this author, but this story is so well-written, I'm recommending this one to all fans of dystopian fiction.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Tunnel of Love | AstraDaemon

A series of interviews between a young, clean-cut journalist and an alternative, independent pichal pairi turns into an unexpected romance. But their relationship is tested when the entire world around them shuts down.

#SPRING LOVE, #PICHAL PAIRI by Usman T. Malik is a mix of South Asian folklore and the 2020 pandemic. While interesting, there isn't anything terrifying about it, and I'm wondering why this came up during a horror search on Amazon.

This is pretty much a relationship short, and not a very exciting one. Also, the story format is strange and jolting, giving the story a cold feeling, rather than the romance I expected based on the description.

As always,

AstraDaemon

More From Moore | AstraDaemon

THE TYGER by Tegan Moore is a well-written short story, and absolutely captivating, but I am so frustrated with the ending. The author does a great job of developing the characters' relationships in just a few pages. I want to know more about the falling out between Julian's mom and his aunt. I want to know why his godmother has pulled away from Jules. I know the story is centered on Jules and not his family, but I am fascinated by the influence of the events on his mind.

I've read the author's story, A Forest or a Tree, and Moore seems to have a habit of screwing with the readers at the end of each story. While I expected a Twilight Zone twist, Moore has a way of storytelling which keeps me coming back for more, no matter how much I complain about the endings. Sooo, I look forward to the next one...

As always,

AstraDaemon

Fighting Over Inheritance | AstraDaemon

JUDGE DEE AND THE THREE DEATHS OF COUNT WERDENFELS by Lavie Tidhar is another short story centered on the vampire who serves as judge, jury, and executioner to make sure others of his kind are following their laws.

This time, the issue is more than one person claiming to have killed the Count in order to inherit his castle and land. Upon investigation, it appears the count did indeed die three different ways. Not finding a corpse is an issue, but the Judge is told he turned to dust. Meanwhile, Jonathan remains cold, hungry and clueless.

I highly recommend Judge Dee and the Limits of the Law, which explains Jonathan's relationship with the Judge in more detail.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Delays and Detours | AstraDaemon

ACROSS THE DARK WATER by Richard Kadrey is a short story which follows a thief trying to acquire travel papers to get out of a plague-infested area. He robs graves for gold to hire a guide. The devastation of the disease becomes apparent as they travel out of the city.

The ending caught me off guard, but I love the way the author ties everything together. An entertaining sci-fi thriller.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Strangely, Absurdly | AstraDaemon

SHARDS by Ian Rogers jumps back and forth in time, piecing together a horrible experience resulting in the death of a friend. Unfortunately, the surviving friends never truly recover, and the ending suggests this is a type of curse. Basically, Evil Dead mixed with the Grudge. However, Rogers maintains his talent for twisting common supernatural elements into something uniquely terrifying.

I must admit, I still prefer Rogers' GO FISH, about a psychic team battling a strange creature's ghost.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Should've Be A Movie | AstraDaemon

The Prince of Darkness selects a young woman from the Bronx as his chief lieutenant. Content warning for mature themes and graphic violence.

THE LAMENTATION OF THEIR WOMEN by Kai Ashante Wilson is not at all what I expected from the story's description. A young woman and her sometime lover find a couple of cursed objects at the apartment of her deceased Auntie. Touching the objects enlightens the two on their evil purpose. Soon after, they begin killing people and sending them to Hell. When they become too selective of who they kill, Satan makes his displeasure known.

I don't think the violence is bad enough to necessitate a warning, and, while some might feel there are political undertones, this is more or less two people who are angry and fed up, and the Fallen One twists the situation to his convenience.

I had trouble getting into the writing style, but something about the characters makes me wish this could be made into a movie.

As always,

AstraDaemon 

Frankenship | AstraDaemon

DAMAGE by David D. Levine is a mind-blowing piece of science fiction. This is so much more than just an AI story...the author should get major props for describing a war through the POV of a combat spaceship. The ship itself is cobbled together from the remains of two other ships damaged in battle, resulting in a form of PTSD in the consciousness of the ship.

I love all the characters, both human and inhuman, and the ending is absolutely fantastic. I would love to read more by Levine, and I highly recommend this short, even if you aren't normally a sci-fi fan.

As always,

AstraDaemon

A Life For A Life | AstraDaemon

LA SIGNORA by Bruce McAllister is a fantasy short about an American teen attending a village school in Italy, during the Cold War. He makes new friends by bonding over fishing, among a few other things. As time goes by, he begins to hear references to the "Signora."

When his father becomes distraught, his friends offer an unusual solution. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes during the special night with his friends, and he learns the hard way what it is to love too much.

Well-written, and full of suspense.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Such Variety | AstraDaemon

On a savage backwater world, the last ragged survivors of an expedition to hunt down the infamous war criminal known as The Beast Magrison set off into an inhospitable wilderness in search of the alien village that may be sheltering this beast. The hunters are aliens from two different species, the village is inhabited by strange aliens of yet another species, and Magrison himself is no sterling advertisement for humanity.

OUR HUMAN by Adam-Troy Castro is a fascinating sci-fi short about a group of aliens, all criminals from their home worlds hunting down a human, who is also a criminal. As they track him down to a village full of isolated aliens, members of their hunting party die, until one finally realizes his fatal mistake.

I love the inclusion of the Trivids POV. I laughed at their final thoughts, but I'm not sure if the author intended their perspective to be humorous.

The author has a great talent for creating characters/species, and I highly recommend this short to science fiction readers.

As always,

AstraDaemon