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rketterer47's review
4.0
Read on my Kindle. 3.5 stars, rounding up.
There were some knockout stories in here, as well as a few I really didn't enjoy. As I read more anthologies, I am coming to realize that this is the norm, and I'm ok with that.
The overarching theme in this anthology was monsters, and the authors featured interpreted this theme in many different ideas. There was everything from actual monsters, such as werewolves and Frankenstein, and abstract concepts of monsters as well, such as heart disease, war, and domestic violence. In nearly all cases, these monsters are man-made - miscreations, if you will.
Along with a variety of monsters, we also have a variety of formats. I counted 4 poems, a story told completely from the perspective of online forum posts, and one a letter to a distant relative.
Here are a few of the stories that stood out to me, in order of appearance:
- Matryoshka, by Joanna Parypinski
- Butcher's Blend by Brian Hodge
- You Are My Neighbor by Max Booth
- Paper Doll Hyperplane by R.B. Payne
- Not Eradicated in You by Bracken MacLeod
- The Making of Asylum Ophelia by Mercedes M. Yardley
There were some knockout stories in here, as well as a few I really didn't enjoy. As I read more anthologies, I am coming to realize that this is the norm, and I'm ok with that.
The overarching theme in this anthology was monsters, and the authors featured interpreted this theme in many different ideas. There was everything from actual monsters, such as werewolves and Frankenstein, and abstract concepts of monsters as well, such as heart disease, war, and domestic violence. In nearly all cases, these monsters are man-made - miscreations, if you will.
Along with a variety of monsters, we also have a variety of formats. I counted 4 poems, a story told completely from the perspective of online forum posts, and one a letter to a distant relative.
Here are a few of the stories that stood out to me, in order of appearance:
- Matryoshka, by Joanna Parypinski
- Butcher's Blend by Brian Hodge
- You Are My Neighbor by Max Booth
- Paper Doll Hyperplane by R.B. Payne
- Not Eradicated in You by Bracken MacLeod
- The Making of Asylum Ophelia by Mercedes M. Yardley
motherhorror's review
5.0
Originally published on Cemetery Dance
https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/review-miscreations-murano-bailey/
I clearly remember a debate that transpired last summer on social media about anthologies. An author wondered about the future of anthologies because it seemed to him they don’t make any money. Several industry people weighed in with their strong opinions either in support of anthologies or against them (not really opposed to anthologies in general but speaking more about the profitability, or lack thereof).
Watching from the sidelines, I was beside myself. Anthologies are some of my favorite books to read. I chimed in on the conversation, only to add that I enjoy a well put together, themed anthology and that I am wholeheartedly in support of their continued success. Miscreations, by award-winning editors Doug Murano and Michael Bailey, proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that anthologies are well worth any amount of effort, money, blood, sweat, and tears.
The table of contents boasts an impressive collection of diverse, talented authors bringing original stories to the table. There isn’t a single lackluster tale in the whole lot. Perhaps my favorite reason to share with others why I love anthologies so much is that I get excited to read new short stories from my favorite authors, but even more delicious is the potential to find new favorite authors!
A solid example of this would be the first two stories. I read everything I can get my hands on from Michael Wehunt, and his story “A Heart Arrhythmia Creeping Into A Dark Room” is so perfectly Wehunt, I’d know it was his story without his name following the title. A reader enjoying his unique storytelling for the first time is given the best opportunity here to become a fan and buy more of his work.
The next story, “Matryoshka” by Joanna Parypinski, reads like modern folklore. A woman is in her childhood home, seeing her mother’s doll collection and its purpose for the first time. Halfway through, I made note of Joanna Parypinski: “Buy something from this author!”
Scott Edelman, also new to me, appears with a story about a victim of domestic violence who turns the tables on her aggressor. She decides to commemorate her victory in a startling way. This story stuck around in my mind long after I read it.
I read my first book by Victor LaValle this month, so reading another story so soon afterward was a real treat. “Spectral Evidence” is proof that an author can dig deep in a manner of pages. This one moved me.
I’ve been dying to read something from both Lisa Morton and Lucy A. Snyder; their stories blew me away. Morton’s is this strange story of a woman who sets her mind on creating a man from her own body. The results were both humorous and upsetting. Snyder’s is a brutal account of a sex worker encountering some kind of…monstrosity. It was really quite disarming and disturbing. Of course, I loved it.
I must make mention of the amazing work some of my long-time favorites did for this anthology. Nadia Bulkin captured my imagination and my heart with her mechanical giant. Josh Malerman did the same with his werewolves. I adored “You Are my Neighbor” by Max Booth III, once again confirming Max as one of the most consistently solid writers in the genre right now.
The poetry offerings peppered throughout by Christina Sng, Linda Addison, and Stephanie Wytovich are both impressive representations of their individual talents, but also a nod to Murano and Bailey for knowing that those lyrical reprieves were just what readers needed in between such meaty stories.
I can’t forget to say that Alma Katsu’s foreword and the interior illustrations by M. Fersner (hagcult) assist in making all the moving parts of this anthology feel like one, cohesive…beast. Monster. Miscreation.
Standouts from this collection: It’s no surprise to me that Bracken MacLeod’s dark tale, “Not Eradicated in You,” made a huge impact on me. I’ve read several anthologies featuring a story from MacLeod and they always stand out among the others. He is my favorite short story writer.
“Umbra Sum” by Kristi DeMeester, features her underlying dread and special brand of earthy, atmospheric storytelling. Mercedes M. Yardley’s “Asylum Ophelia” has that dark fairytale quality I have come to love from Mercedes. This story is so lush and beautiful I was dreading the turning of the last page.
“Paper Doll Hyperplane” by R. B. Payne. Who is R. B. Payne?* I don’t know but I assure you that after reading his story about a mathematician turned serial killer, I’ll be on the hunt for more of his work. Truly a standout. Lastly and perhaps the most colorful piece, Laird Barron’s, “Ode to Joad the Toad.” Trust me, you need this story in your life.
Miscreations is like a present stuffed with quality horror. Readers can open the gift slowly; tasting. Or tear through it; devouring. Authors you know and love delivering exactly what you want. New authors showing off and gathering new fans. Anthologies this good are an invaluable resource. Thank goodness for Doug Murano and Michael Bailey.
https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/review-miscreations-murano-bailey/
I clearly remember a debate that transpired last summer on social media about anthologies. An author wondered about the future of anthologies because it seemed to him they don’t make any money. Several industry people weighed in with their strong opinions either in support of anthologies or against them (not really opposed to anthologies in general but speaking more about the profitability, or lack thereof).
Watching from the sidelines, I was beside myself. Anthologies are some of my favorite books to read. I chimed in on the conversation, only to add that I enjoy a well put together, themed anthology and that I am wholeheartedly in support of their continued success. Miscreations, by award-winning editors Doug Murano and Michael Bailey, proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that anthologies are well worth any amount of effort, money, blood, sweat, and tears.
The table of contents boasts an impressive collection of diverse, talented authors bringing original stories to the table. There isn’t a single lackluster tale in the whole lot. Perhaps my favorite reason to share with others why I love anthologies so much is that I get excited to read new short stories from my favorite authors, but even more delicious is the potential to find new favorite authors!
A solid example of this would be the first two stories. I read everything I can get my hands on from Michael Wehunt, and his story “A Heart Arrhythmia Creeping Into A Dark Room” is so perfectly Wehunt, I’d know it was his story without his name following the title. A reader enjoying his unique storytelling for the first time is given the best opportunity here to become a fan and buy more of his work.
The next story, “Matryoshka” by Joanna Parypinski, reads like modern folklore. A woman is in her childhood home, seeing her mother’s doll collection and its purpose for the first time. Halfway through, I made note of Joanna Parypinski: “Buy something from this author!”
Scott Edelman, also new to me, appears with a story about a victim of domestic violence who turns the tables on her aggressor. She decides to commemorate her victory in a startling way. This story stuck around in my mind long after I read it.
I read my first book by Victor LaValle this month, so reading another story so soon afterward was a real treat. “Spectral Evidence” is proof that an author can dig deep in a manner of pages. This one moved me.
I’ve been dying to read something from both Lisa Morton and Lucy A. Snyder; their stories blew me away. Morton’s is this strange story of a woman who sets her mind on creating a man from her own body. The results were both humorous and upsetting. Snyder’s is a brutal account of a sex worker encountering some kind of…monstrosity. It was really quite disarming and disturbing. Of course, I loved it.
I must make mention of the amazing work some of my long-time favorites did for this anthology. Nadia Bulkin captured my imagination and my heart with her mechanical giant. Josh Malerman did the same with his werewolves. I adored “You Are my Neighbor” by Max Booth III, once again confirming Max as one of the most consistently solid writers in the genre right now.
The poetry offerings peppered throughout by Christina Sng, Linda Addison, and Stephanie Wytovich are both impressive representations of their individual talents, but also a nod to Murano and Bailey for knowing that those lyrical reprieves were just what readers needed in between such meaty stories.
I can’t forget to say that Alma Katsu’s foreword and the interior illustrations by M. Fersner (hagcult) assist in making all the moving parts of this anthology feel like one, cohesive…beast. Monster. Miscreation.
Standouts from this collection: It’s no surprise to me that Bracken MacLeod’s dark tale, “Not Eradicated in You,” made a huge impact on me. I’ve read several anthologies featuring a story from MacLeod and they always stand out among the others. He is my favorite short story writer.
“Umbra Sum” by Kristi DeMeester, features her underlying dread and special brand of earthy, atmospheric storytelling. Mercedes M. Yardley’s “Asylum Ophelia” has that dark fairytale quality I have come to love from Mercedes. This story is so lush and beautiful I was dreading the turning of the last page.
“Paper Doll Hyperplane” by R. B. Payne. Who is R. B. Payne?* I don’t know but I assure you that after reading his story about a mathematician turned serial killer, I’ll be on the hunt for more of his work. Truly a standout. Lastly and perhaps the most colorful piece, Laird Barron’s, “Ode to Joad the Toad.” Trust me, you need this story in your life.
Miscreations is like a present stuffed with quality horror. Readers can open the gift slowly; tasting. Or tear through it; devouring. Authors you know and love delivering exactly what you want. New authors showing off and gathering new fans. Anthologies this good are an invaluable resource. Thank goodness for Doug Murano and Michael Bailey.
shanehawk's review
4.0
3.5 stars rounded up!
Mr. Doug Murano chose a wide array of perspectives and styles to include in his weird/horror anthology, MISCREATIONS. Loved the overarching theme of monsters. (Anyone remember The X-Files' Monster-of-the-Week episodes?)
Sometimes one can grow tired of themed anthologies after too many duds. To me, this anthology doesn't have a dud. Sure, there were some that didn't agree with my tastes, but none of them totally turned me off at all. I believe this was helped by some format variation. This anthology included standard narratives, poems, a letter, and an internet chat forum type-thing. Different takes on story format can excite the mind into pushing forward due to the freshness of style and creativity.
And to conclude, a list of favorites:
[a:Nadia Bulkin|4723236|Nadia Bulkin|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1506973591p2/4723236.jpg]'s Operations Other Than War - I love seeing commentary on war as I've been antiwar since childhood.
[a:Victor LaValle|1762294|Victor LaValle|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1280959466p2/1762294.jpg]'s Spectral Evidence - Should one be brutally honest?
[a:Lucy A. Snyder|948181|Lucy A. Snyder|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1465839703p2/948181.jpg]'s My Knowing Glance - Whoa, didn't know cosmic horror could be so rad!
[a:Mercedes M. Yardley|3084816|Mercedes M. Yardley|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1333652263p2/3084816.jpg]'s The Making of Asylum Ophelia - Holy moly, Mercedes! Why haven't I checked out your stuff sooner?
[a:Max Booth III|5362281|Max Booth III|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1607407165p2/5362281.jpg]'s You Are My Neighbor - Yup, this solidified my decision to check out way more of Booth's work.
[a:Laird Barron|466494|Laird Barron|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1446325324p2/466494.jpg]'s Ode to Joad the Toad - Who knew Laird was so funny?
Mr. Doug Murano chose a wide array of perspectives and styles to include in his weird/horror anthology, MISCREATIONS. Loved the overarching theme of monsters. (Anyone remember The X-Files' Monster-of-the-Week episodes?)
Sometimes one can grow tired of themed anthologies after too many duds. To me, this anthology doesn't have a dud. Sure, there were some that didn't agree with my tastes, but none of them totally turned me off at all. I believe this was helped by some format variation. This anthology included standard narratives, poems, a letter, and an internet chat forum type-thing. Different takes on story format can excite the mind into pushing forward due to the freshness of style and creativity.
And to conclude, a list of favorites:
[a:Nadia Bulkin|4723236|Nadia Bulkin|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1506973591p2/4723236.jpg]'s Operations Other Than War - I love seeing commentary on war as I've been antiwar since childhood.
[a:Victor LaValle|1762294|Victor LaValle|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1280959466p2/1762294.jpg]'s Spectral Evidence - Should one be brutally honest?
[a:Lucy A. Snyder|948181|Lucy A. Snyder|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1465839703p2/948181.jpg]'s My Knowing Glance - Whoa, didn't know cosmic horror could be so rad!
[a:Mercedes M. Yardley|3084816|Mercedes M. Yardley|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1333652263p2/3084816.jpg]'s The Making of Asylum Ophelia - Holy moly, Mercedes! Why haven't I checked out your stuff sooner?
[a:Max Booth III|5362281|Max Booth III|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1607407165p2/5362281.jpg]'s You Are My Neighbor - Yup, this solidified my decision to check out way more of Booth's work.
[a:Laird Barron|466494|Laird Barron|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1446325324p2/466494.jpg]'s Ode to Joad the Toad - Who knew Laird was so funny?
brennanlafaro's review
4.0
Editors Doug Murano and Michael Bailey have now released Miscreations into the wild. The book started off in the hands of Night Worms customers in January, giving a whole lot of happy horror fans early access to what will surely be one of the most anticipated anthologies of 2020.
Murano and Bailey have talked about how much time and care goes into curating an anthology, and Miscreations has that care on display in every facet. The illustrations and title fonts fit the creating a monster theme superbly. Adding to that the order of stories and inclusion of poetry by some of horror's top voices felt very blatant and pored over. Alma Katsu's introduction is also a can't-miss addition to the collection.
The bookends in Miscreations, A Heart Arrhythmia Creeping into a Dark Room by Michael Wehunt and Frankenstein's Daughter by Theodora Goss, are the perfect choices to begin and end with. Wehunt's piece is a self-aware, fourth wall breaker that I almost mistook for a second introduction. It evoked such anxiety in me by the time all was said and done. Goss' piece is a direct homage, and spiritual successor to Mary Shelley's 1818 novel.
Murano and Bailey seemingly made very conscious decisions to pull stories that would give us a worldly flavor, pulling various monsters and mythology from all over. Matryoshka by Joanna Parypinski, The Vodyanoy by Christina Sng, and Resurrection Points by Usman T. Malik are some prime examples of stories that entertained me by showing me a side of horror I hadn't been familiar with before.
Like any anthology, not every piece resonated with me, but I found the misses to be few and far between. Since the whole book reads like a story from cover-to-cover, it's easy to shrug off a story that didn't work for me in anticipation of what comes next. One of the biggest reasons that this anthology is an easy recommendation is the sheer number of stories that blew my mind with their underlying commentary, social or otherwise.
I won't go into detail about all my favorites because you should probably be spending your time reading Miscreations rather than a 7-page review of it, but I'll leave you with some of the stories that worked best for me: Operations Other Than War by Nadia Bulkin, You Are My Neighbor by Max Booth III, Spectral Evidence by Victor LaValle, and My Knowing Glance by Lucy A. Snyder.
Special attention to Josh Malerman for putting a really interesting and unique take on a werewolf story, and to Ramsey Campbell for Brains, which was hands down my favorite story in the collection. I bought this as a very satisfied Night Worms subscriber. If you aren't getting their monthly packages, what are you even doing?
Murano and Bailey have talked about how much time and care goes into curating an anthology, and Miscreations has that care on display in every facet. The illustrations and title fonts fit the creating a monster theme superbly. Adding to that the order of stories and inclusion of poetry by some of horror's top voices felt very blatant and pored over. Alma Katsu's introduction is also a can't-miss addition to the collection.
The bookends in Miscreations, A Heart Arrhythmia Creeping into a Dark Room by Michael Wehunt and Frankenstein's Daughter by Theodora Goss, are the perfect choices to begin and end with. Wehunt's piece is a self-aware, fourth wall breaker that I almost mistook for a second introduction. It evoked such anxiety in me by the time all was said and done. Goss' piece is a direct homage, and spiritual successor to Mary Shelley's 1818 novel.
Murano and Bailey seemingly made very conscious decisions to pull stories that would give us a worldly flavor, pulling various monsters and mythology from all over. Matryoshka by Joanna Parypinski, The Vodyanoy by Christina Sng, and Resurrection Points by Usman T. Malik are some prime examples of stories that entertained me by showing me a side of horror I hadn't been familiar with before.
Like any anthology, not every piece resonated with me, but I found the misses to be few and far between. Since the whole book reads like a story from cover-to-cover, it's easy to shrug off a story that didn't work for me in anticipation of what comes next. One of the biggest reasons that this anthology is an easy recommendation is the sheer number of stories that blew my mind with their underlying commentary, social or otherwise.
I won't go into detail about all my favorites because you should probably be spending your time reading Miscreations rather than a 7-page review of it, but I'll leave you with some of the stories that worked best for me: Operations Other Than War by Nadia Bulkin, You Are My Neighbor by Max Booth III, Spectral Evidence by Victor LaValle, and My Knowing Glance by Lucy A. Snyder.
Special attention to Josh Malerman for putting a really interesting and unique take on a werewolf story, and to Ramsey Campbell for Brains, which was hands down my favorite story in the collection. I bought this as a very satisfied Night Worms subscriber. If you aren't getting their monthly packages, what are you even doing?
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