Reviews

Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror by Jordan Peele, John Joseph Adams

readingwmiles's review against another edition

5.0

First off, thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I am so glad that I got to read this as soon as I did. This is one of my favorite story collections I've ever read. This had such a great mix of authors I already knew and loved and authors I hadn't heard of before. I'm excited to check out everyones work based off of what I saw here. I really enjoyed most of the stories in this collection but I want to spotlight a few of my favorites.
"Reckless Eyeballing" by N.K Jemisen was a great way to start off the collection. It follows Carl, a Black police officer who starts seeing eyes on cars, indicating who he should pull over. It sounds weird but it works. The story turns into an anxious, paranoid mess as Carl's sanity deteriorates.
"The Rider" by Tananarive Due is about two sisters who are part of the Freedom Riders movement trying to make their way to Montgomery, Alabama. It's a great historical horror that will keep you on edge until you finish it.
"Pressure" by Ezra Claytan Daniels crafts an unsettling, dreamlike atmosphere that was so effectively uncomfortable to experience. It follows a woman, the only person of color in her family, returning to her hometown. Its set in a slightly alternate universe (or maybe the near future) where things just aren't right and apocalyptic tensions are building.
"Dark Home" by Nnedi Okorafor might have been my favorite story in this collection? In it, a Nigerian-American woman returns to Nigeria for her father's funeral. Something follows her home, looking to take back something she brought home with her. This is just how I like my horror, folklore inspired and steeped in grief. It was nice and scary and I got to learn about Nigerian culture.
"Origin Story" by Tochi Onyebuchi was a unique screenplay that kept me hooked the whole time and made some poignant statements on whiteness, victimhood, and privilege.
There are some great stories that I didn't mention here, but these are just the ones that have stuck with me the most. Whether you're a seasoned horror reader or a beginner looking for a varied but cohesive story collection, this has something for everyone. I can't recommend it enough.

yerm's review against another edition

challenging dark tense medium-paced

3.5

lourdeslo's review against another edition

4.0

As someone who is a a huge fan of so many authors featured in this book, I must say this was very much so Jordan Peele vibes. This book is filled with thought provoking stories that may leave you with more questions than answers. This book definitely gave me Twilight Zone vibes more than anything..This is a wonderful way to read more from authors you love and authors you may not be familiar with. All these amazing authors in one book is amazing yet sends goose bumps down my arms. Thank you so much Random House Publishing and Netgalley for allow me then privilege of reading one of my most anticipated reads of the year.






All thoughts and opinions are my own.

cleverusernamehere's review against another edition

adventurous challenging mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

mchester24's review against another edition

4.0

A good variety of story types— from in your face shocking to subtle to some over my head. But trying to see where each story was going and typically missing wildly was a fun exercise— satisfying for those looking for the same type of whoa/aha moments that Peele’s movies tend to give you.

mktaylor15's review against another edition

emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

I feel like it’s always hard to rate an anthology of short stories. I liked some, felt indifferent to others. Most of these are more thriller than horror. I did like Peele’s prompt for all the authors

babywithanipad's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

ashyeoman's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I saw what all of the stories were trying to do but genuinely not enough of them were actually scary. I understood what horrors they were trying to exploit and capitalize on but frankly, very few actually got my heart rate up and built up enough suspense for the horror to be effective. With that, they were all well-written and I did like the message of the stories individually as well as the collection as a whole highlighting the horrors that manifest in everyday life for Black Americans. 
My 5 star stories were: Lasirèn by Erin E. Adams, Dark Home by Nnedi Okorafor, Flicker by L. D. Lewis, The Norwood Trouble by Maurice Broaddus, and Your Happy Place by Terence Taylor.

laurasmash's review

challenging dark mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.75

stellakent's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

4.5