Books matching: dark fantasy short stories
73 result(s)
The Very Best of Caitlin R. Kiernan is a collection of uniquely imaginative and haunting stories that defy categorization, blending elements of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. The author, Caitlin R. Kiernan, is praised for her masterful prose that creates believable worlds and maintains tension throughout the storyline. The book is described as a literary treasure trove, filled with beautifully written tales that evoke poignant despair and surreal imagery.
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Save:Oathblood by Mercedes Lackey is a collection of short stories featuring the dynamic duo of Tarma and Kethry. The book showcases the beginning of their paths, their growing friendship, and family bond. Readers are taken on various adventures with the two characters, providing glimpses into their school and their life after the events of Oathbreakers. The stories delve into the world of sword and sorcery, offering a mix of adventures, morals, and character development that keeps readers engaged.
This is the very first appearance of Tarma and Kethry, and how they met. I distinctly remember presenting this and a second Tarma and Kethry story to Marion in person. The occasion was just before one... - #3
Save:'Extremities' by Kathe Koja is a collection of dark fantasy short stories that focus on character development and language. Koja's writing style emphasizes creating mood and atmosphere through her characters' extreme transformations, whether psychological or physical. The stories delve into the lives of sad and warped souls, offering experiences rather than definitive endings. Koja's prose is described as literary, with a strong emphasis on character and language, creating a surreal yet grounded world for her characters to inhabit.
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Save:'The Poison Eaters and Other Stories' by Holly Black is a collection of dark and unique tales that turn traditional fantasy subjects on their head. From creepy stories of girls with deadly kisses to vampires portrayed in a terrifying light, this book offers a fresh take on familiar themes. The writing style is described as well-crafted and captivating, with characters that are unforgettable and worlds that readers will want to immerse themselves in.
The stories in this collection range from voodoo-like fairy tales to modern-day settings with supernatural elements. Holly Black's writing style shines in creating atmospheric and haunting narratives that linger in the reader's mind long after finishing the stories. The book is praised for its originality and ability to deliver unexpected twists on classic fantasy tropes.
The man she stood with snaked his hand around her back, warm fingers digging into her side as he pulled her closer. He and his friend with the open-necked shirt grinned down at her like underage equal... - #5
Save:Set in 1930s Chicago, 'Hot Lead, Cold Iron' follows Mick Oberon, a fae detective with a humorous demeanor, as he navigates a world of mobsters, magic, and mystery. The story revolves around Mick's investigation into a case involving a mob wife who believes her daughter is a changeling, leading Mick to delve into the Otherworld to uncover the truth. The book blends elements of urban fantasy, detective mystery, and fae folklore, creating a unique narrative that combines hard-boiled detective tropes with fantastical elements.
I really feel that fewer of modern society’s bits and pieces are sadder—more banal, I guess—than a big office. It’s kinda like, once mankind perfected the assembly line, there was nothing left to do b... - #6
Save:'Lovecraft's Monsters' edited by Ellen Datlow is an anthology of short stories, poems, and novellas inspired by the early master of horror, HP Lovecraft. The collection features a variety of tales that reimagine Lovecraft's universe of cosmic horror, each written by renowned authors such as Neil Gaiman, Elizabeth Bear, and Nick Mamatas. The stories range from eerie goings-on to full-on Lovecraftian horror, taking readers on a journey through different time periods and locations, all while invoking a sense of cosmic dread and helplessness.
The writing style in 'Lovecraft's Monsters' is praised for its ability to capture the essence of Lovecraft's work while adding a fresh perspective to his mythos. Readers appreciate the diverse range of stories that explore Lovecraftian themes in unique settings such as Indonesia, California's Gold Rush, and a future with only a few human survivors on Earth. The anthology offers a blend of familiarity and novelty, breathing new life into Lovecraft's monstrous creations and cosmic horror.
Cthulhu! Yog-Sothoth! Azathoth! Shub-Niggurath! Nyarlathotep! Are there any more provocatively named beings in horror fiction? The very spelling of their names suggests the alien and the outré. The to... - #7
Save:'The Girl with No Hands' by Angela Slatter is a collection of 16 twisted and fractured fairy tales and dark fantasies that reimagine classic tales with a focus on female heroines. Slatter's writing style is described as elegant and simple, illuminating the symbiotic relationship between pleasure and pain in each story. The author questions traditional fairy tale morals and rules, painting characters in shades of grey and creating powerful storytelling that is not fit for children but rather for adults.
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Save:'The Drowned Life' by Jeffrey Ford is a collection of weird and fantastical short stories that effortlessly blend elements of fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and humor. Ford has the uncanny ability to take mundane settings and weave them into something magical, unreal, and sometimes terrifying. The stories in the collection range from surreal yet grounded tales to creepy and fantastical narratives, showcasing Ford's range as a writer and his ability to craft unique and meaningful stories.
Ford's writing style is described as BS free, poetic, straightforward, and beautiful. He has a way of starting off with relatable characters and then leading the readers into strange and unpredictable worlds where anything goes. The title story, 'The Drowned Life,' perfectly exemplifies Ford's style by taking readers on a journey from normalcy to battling rising tides of misfortune and descending into a living world of the dead, showcasing Ford's creativity and storytelling prowess.
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Save:'Children of Lovecraft' is a collection of short stories that pay homage to H.P. Lovecraft's cosmic horror themes. The stories range from medieval times to a strange future world, featuring characters struggling with madness, ancient monuments, and encounters with Lovecraftian gods. The writing style varies from light horror to complex narratives, all aiming to bring Lovecraft's legacy into the present day.
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Save:The Midnight Circus by Theodora Goss, Jane Yolen is a collection of dark fantasy short stories that delve into haunting themes, real-life events, and twisted fairy tales. The stories explore a wide range of topics such as family legacies, war, imaginary worlds, and the horrors of history. The writing style is described as whimsically dark, with familiar stories refracted through a unique prism, creating a sense of depth and mystery throughout the collection.
The book weaves together various narratives, from a young girl's journey to become a warrior to a man's encounter with seven angels. Each story offers a different perspective on darkness, imagination, and the human experience, leaving readers intrigued by the unexpected twists and haunting atmospheres that permeate the pages.
INITS THREE RINGS you will find a seal maiden and a queen of the sea,wolves that howl under the bed and wild girls who know how to fight forthemselves, angels who are less than angelic, a boy who drea...
