Scan barcode
whatyoutolkienabout's review
5.0
I was given a copy to review via Henry Roi PR for HellBound Books. My reviews are always honest and all opinions are my own. #AnthologyofScienceFiction #ChrisMcAuley #HenryRoiPR #HellBoundBooks #HorrorReview #BookReview
What a collection this was! I have read a few of Hellbound Books offerings including their Dracula’s Guests collection of Vampire Stories so I was sure their venture into Science Fiction was going to be good. And I was not disappointed. This anthology compiled by Dr. Chris McAuley offers a bakers dozen of heart-pounding, mind-bending tales of science gone horribly awry, other, mysterious worlds and the unspeakable horrors they spawn and let me tell you it does not let you down on those promises.
Unlike some anthologies I have to say there wasn’t really any story I disliked or wasn’t interested in. I do have to admit that Kingdom of the Worm by Richard Beauchamp was probably the one that made my skin crawl the most but in the best possible way. My favourites though were Mars Rover Seven by James H Longmore, The Thing Inside Woody by Joseph Hirsch and Trauma A CyberVerse Tale by Chris McAuley himself yet all of them were fantastic.
Each author brought their own voice and vision to the genre of science fiction with a good sprinkling of horror and sometimes gore to boot. As a self proclaimed horror lover and sci-fi fan this collection ticked of all my boxes and some I didn’t even know I had. Definitely one to read at night, with lights out or low!
What a collection this was! I have read a few of Hellbound Books offerings including their Dracula’s Guests collection of Vampire Stories so I was sure their venture into Science Fiction was going to be good. And I was not disappointed. This anthology compiled by Dr. Chris McAuley offers a bakers dozen of heart-pounding, mind-bending tales of science gone horribly awry, other, mysterious worlds and the unspeakable horrors they spawn and let me tell you it does not let you down on those promises.
Unlike some anthologies I have to say there wasn’t really any story I disliked or wasn’t interested in. I do have to admit that Kingdom of the Worm by Richard Beauchamp was probably the one that made my skin crawl the most but in the best possible way. My favourites though were Mars Rover Seven by James H Longmore, The Thing Inside Woody by Joseph Hirsch and Trauma A CyberVerse Tale by Chris McAuley himself yet all of them were fantastic.
Each author brought their own voice and vision to the genre of science fiction with a good sprinkling of horror and sometimes gore to boot. As a self proclaimed horror lover and sci-fi fan this collection ticked of all my boxes and some I didn’t even know I had. Definitely one to read at night, with lights out or low!
the_epi_reader's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
Hellbound Books’ Anthology of Science Fiction is exactly what it is, a collection of short stories centered around aliens, space travel, the future, and more. The stories range from Vietnam war stories with a splash of aliens, a worm worshipping cult forming on Mars or crew members hearing voices of a “higher” being during their search for life on other planets. Other stories have underlying sci-fi themes including being able to capture dreams through photography, a man who thinks his girlfriend is an alien, or an interplanetary pianist who loses his hands.
Overall I enjoyed this Science Fiction anthology, some stories I enjoyed a lot more than others. I did not care for the military or hunting themed ones just based on personal preference. Others I absolutely loved, including “Doorways”, which had an apocalyptic, end of the world, survivalist feel. “Mars Rover Seven”, is a must-read as well, featuring a rover who becomes sentient, and left to its own devices on Mars. If you’re a fan of weird short stories, sci-fi or horror, this anthology is a great pick for you.
Thank you to Hellbound Books’ for this ebook in exchange for an honest review!
More...