Category Archives: Gothic/Horror

Book Reviews, Fantasy, Gothic/Horror

My Little…Unicorn?

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The Laundry is a super-secret department of British Intelligence that handles issues of a magical/occult nature. The stories in this series follow a particular operative, Bob Howard, as he handles the often dangerous assignments that come his way as part of the job. In this case, that job is unicorns.

I know, sounds ridiculous on the surface, doesn’t it? Trust me, My Little Pony…er, Unicorn, this ain’t!!! Charles Stross channels H.P. Lovecraft in a story that is both humorous and deliciously creepy. Equoid can be read as a stand-alone entry in this series and makes a great introduction to Bob Howard.

Today on SF Signal I review the Charles Stross novella, Equoid. I have not previously read any of Stross’ Laundry stories and the positive buzz I read about this story made me want to read it before I solidify my nominations for the Hugo Awards.

The novella can be read for free here, or formatted or your e-reader for $1.99.

My more thorough, non-spoiler review can be read here.

Sneak peek? You are going to want to add this to your TBR list. And you will never feel the same way about unicorns again…ever!

(Image credit: David Palumbo)

Book Reviews, Gothic/Horror, Mystery, Young Adult

The Clockwork Scarab ~Colleen Gleason

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In the year 1889 the sister of Bram Stoker and the niece of Sherlock Holmes are called together by the only woman to ever best the great detective to undertake a secret assignation for Queen and country. Evaline Stoker is a young woman active in London society who carries the burdens and responsibilities of a great and powerful legacy. Mina Holmes longs to overcome the stigma of age and gender to prove that the powers of observation and deduction are not restricted to the male sex. Together these young women must lay aside their solitary natures and distrust of one another to determine why other young society women are either disappearing or being killed before more lives are lost.

Colleen Gleason, author of the successful adult paranormal romance Gardella Vampire Chronicles, debuts her first title written for teens. The Clockwork Scarab is set in a steampunk-infused London and blends together elements familiar to the subgenre with paranormal and science fictional tropes to create a story that delights in its world-building but is successful because of the strength of its two female protagonists. Adults and young people alike will find Gleason’s characters at once familiar and refreshing in that they embody the characteristics of their fictional and non-fictional ancestors while being established as believable heroines in their own right.

I became a fan of Colleen Gleason’s work after first befriending her online and then moving outside of my comfort zone to read the first of her Buffy-and-Jane-Austen-inspired Gardella novels. My enjoyment of each subsequent novel increased and I was excited when she announced that she would be breaking into teen fiction with a steampunk novel. Having just spent much of the last 24 hours lost in an alternative Victorian London I can safely say that this is her best work to date. 8.5/10 stars.

The book releases September 17th. Go grab a copy right away. Tis’ the season for compelling mystery and adventure.

Continue reading The Clockwork Scarab ~Colleen Gleason →

Book Reviews, Gothic/Horror, Short Stories

Mrs. Henderson’s Cemetery Dance ~Carrie Cuinn

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(Image Credit)

On a nice Spring day a stray dog sets in motion a series of unexpected events when he digs up and runs off with the forearm of Mr. Liu, a resident of the village’s old cemetery. In his pursuit of the purloined appendage, something he is too attached to (or was until recently) to easily part with, he brings the dead in contact with the living in a manner that is far too familiar and discomforting for those still imbued with their mortal coil. As the villagers and the deceased meet to come to terms that will return the dead to their proper place, events unfold that demonstrate that a lot can be learned from those who have gone before.

That was my synopsis of this delightful story, the first in author Carrie Cuinn’s new short story collection Women and Other Constructs, when I reviewed the collection for SF Signal a few weeks ago. This story has taken up residence in my mind over the past two weeks, chasing away (to some degree) awareness of the summer heat and stirring up feelings of autumn days and the kind of reading inspired by that season. I had originally planned to wait until September/October during the autumn-themed R.I.P. Challenge, but I simply cannot do so. I had to share this story now. The story in its delightful entirety can be found here for your reading pleasure.

The format of these longer, single-story posts is always a rambling discussion of what I see in the story and how I experienced it. I am by no means an expert and do not intend this to be taken as if I am assuming the stance of one. I am a fan of short stories, and those that capture my imagination and won’t let go need to be discussed in further detail than to simply say, “I like this.” I hope you’ll take a moment to read this story and come share your experiences with it. They will be uniquely your own and I look forward to reading about them.

Here is your usual “last chance” warning: There Be Spoilers Ahead.

Continue reading Mrs. Henderson’s Cemetery Dance ~Carrie Cuinn →

Book Reviews, Fantasy, Gothic/Horror, Mystery, Science Fiction, Short Stories

Short Fiction Friday: Art and Prose from Tor.com (and goodbye to a reading challenge)

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This week I discuss two of the more recent free short story offerings over on Tor.com. Elizabeth Knox brings us a tale with a creepy, backwoods atmosphere in “A Visit to the House on Terminal Hill”. This one works on your imagination and will give you chills, something that may be most welcome on these increasingly warm summer days.

The other story is “A Window or a Small Box” by Jedediah Berry. I became a fan of Berry’s work with his debut novel, The Manual of Detection (READ IT!!!). This is my first experience with his short fiction. It is a surreal trip through an alternate United States, following a young, soon-to-be-married couple, as they are on the run from pinstripe-suited goons. This one marries imaginative, weird, fun imagery with a more grounded “protagonist trying to stay ahead of the bad guys” story.

Both are really enjoyable. Please check out my non-spoiler reviews over on SF Signal and then read the stories and share your thoughts.

Continue reading Short Fiction Friday: Art and Prose from Tor.com (and goodbye to a reading challenge) →

Book Reviews, Gothic/Horror, Young Adult

The Graveyard Book Discussion: The Conclusion

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“You’re always you, and that don’t change….”

October breezes are quickly blowing the days away and here we come to the end of our group read of Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book. I have mentioned often that I am experiencing this on audio for the ???th time (its been several, that is all I can say with certainty) and despite my familiarity with both the story and with Gaiman’s telling of it I have enjoyed “reading” this as much as anything else I have partaken of this year. I’m not sure what makes a classic “classic”, but The Graveyard Book feels like a book that could legitimately be enjoyed for a long, long time.

What follows will be a discussion of the final two chapters and spoilers will be present for those who have not read the story. If that is you, consider adding this to your ‘to be read’ pile.

Continue reading The Graveyard Book Discussion: The Conclusion →