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wasauthor's review
3.0
I received an advance reader copy of Emporium of Superstition for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
With two of the authors from the fantastic [b:Beyond the Cogs: A Steampunk Anthology|59647298|Beyond the Cogs A Steampunk Anthology|C. Vonzale Lewis|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1637211148l/59647298._SY75_.jpg|92363915] authors contributing to this anthology, I leapt at the opportunity to read and review it.
Featuring a compendium of twelve short stories (in addition to a prologue which introduces the concept) Emporium of Superstition collects old wives’ tales framed as horror stories and cautionary tales, sometimes with a healthy dose of dark fantasy. However, while it touches upon these genres and the stories are often atmospheric, there is very little material that will actually frighten the reader. If you’re a fan of horror, you might find yourself disappointed by how tame the horror aspects in the book are. The lack of scares isn’t because the book is aimed at younger readers—it is squarely a book for adult audiences, full of subject matter that isn’t advisable to hand to anybody under the age of eighteen. But while the reader can expect plenty of adult subject matter within the collection, they can’t expect plenty of frights.
As with any anthology, the reader’s mileage will vary from story to story. Each story has a limited amount of space to get everything across to the reader, and invariably, some stories use this space better than others. Emporium of Superstition is a sizeable collection, but with twelve stories to get through, space is limited. Unfortunately, a fair number of the stories in the anthology don’t use the space as well as I’d have liked, resulting in a book that may feature some enjoyable concepts and entertaining stories, doesn’t shine as brightly as they could.
If you enjoy old wives’ tales, suspenseful stories and cautionary tales, don’t mind adult subject matter, and enjoy horror that isn’t particularly horrific, there’s a fair amount to enjoy within the collection. You’ll find some stories work better than others (which is true of any anthology), but as a complete experience, the collection is unlikely to linger with you.
My full review (including my thoughts about each of the stories in the anthology) will be available on my website from 21 August 2022. To read it, along with a host of other reviews, click here.
With two of the authors from the fantastic [b:Beyond the Cogs: A Steampunk Anthology|59647298|Beyond the Cogs A Steampunk Anthology|C. Vonzale Lewis|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1637211148l/59647298._SY75_.jpg|92363915] authors contributing to this anthology, I leapt at the opportunity to read and review it.
Featuring a compendium of twelve short stories (in addition to a prologue which introduces the concept) Emporium of Superstition collects old wives’ tales framed as horror stories and cautionary tales, sometimes with a healthy dose of dark fantasy. However, while it touches upon these genres and the stories are often atmospheric, there is very little material that will actually frighten the reader. If you’re a fan of horror, you might find yourself disappointed by how tame the horror aspects in the book are. The lack of scares isn’t because the book is aimed at younger readers—it is squarely a book for adult audiences, full of subject matter that isn’t advisable to hand to anybody under the age of eighteen. But while the reader can expect plenty of adult subject matter within the collection, they can’t expect plenty of frights.
As with any anthology, the reader’s mileage will vary from story to story. Each story has a limited amount of space to get everything across to the reader, and invariably, some stories use this space better than others. Emporium of Superstition is a sizeable collection, but with twelve stories to get through, space is limited. Unfortunately, a fair number of the stories in the anthology don’t use the space as well as I’d have liked, resulting in a book that may feature some enjoyable concepts and entertaining stories, doesn’t shine as brightly as they could.
If you enjoy old wives’ tales, suspenseful stories and cautionary tales, don’t mind adult subject matter, and enjoy horror that isn’t particularly horrific, there’s a fair amount to enjoy within the collection. You’ll find some stories work better than others (which is true of any anthology), but as a complete experience, the collection is unlikely to linger with you.
My full review (including my thoughts about each of the stories in the anthology) will be available on my website from 21 August 2022. To read it, along with a host of other reviews, click here.
allyssabrinker's review
5.0
Wonderful, thought-provoking anthology!
Just as a note, these anthologies are dark, and some of them do have elements that some may find triggering, such as domestic violence or miscarriages. Each story highlights a superstition, such as bad luck for seven years if you break a mirror, or the idea to never wake a person sleepwalking.
For the sake of keeping this review short, I'll highlight some of my favorite stories.
Mirror, Mirror by Candace Robinson-- particularly, I thought the time period was carefully selected and perfect for the story. She's come undone by Katya de Becerra, Oh Cruel Darkness by Christis Christie, Stay with me by Meg Dailey, and Whistle for me by D.M Siciliano.
While I did have favorites, there wasn't a single story that I completely disliked. They all had degrees of entertainment and thought provocation.
Overall, I rated this highly because I loved the dark vibe, the cohesion of the stories, the superstitions selected, and the chance to read so many stories from different authors. Chances are, the reader will find at least a few stories they absolutely love!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. However, I loved this anthology so much that I'm going to purchase a physical copy for myself!
Just as a note, these anthologies are dark, and some of them do have elements that some may find triggering, such as domestic violence or miscarriages. Each story highlights a superstition, such as bad luck for seven years if you break a mirror, or the idea to never wake a person sleepwalking.
For the sake of keeping this review short, I'll highlight some of my favorite stories.
Mirror, Mirror by Candace Robinson-- particularly, I thought the time period was carefully selected and perfect for the story. She's come undone by Katya de Becerra, Oh Cruel Darkness by Christis Christie, Stay with me by Meg Dailey, and Whistle for me by D.M Siciliano.
While I did have favorites, there wasn't a single story that I completely disliked. They all had degrees of entertainment and thought provocation.
Overall, I rated this highly because I loved the dark vibe, the cohesion of the stories, the superstitions selected, and the chance to read so many stories from different authors. Chances are, the reader will find at least a few stories they absolutely love!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. However, I loved this anthology so much that I'm going to purchase a physical copy for myself!
ariloves2read's review
4.0
I really enjoyed these different stories. Some of them had me hooked. I loved that they were each short stories that told a different superstition.
starkva's review
4.0
Thank you to BookSirens for this ARC. A decent anthology with a lot of good stories in. Worth reading!
Prologue: What a start! I wish that went on for many more pages. I'm so intrigued... 4/5
Mirror Mirror: I liked the premise of this story but I found some of the explicit bits rather awkward to read, and I found the narrative confusing in places. 3/5
An Ax for the Storm: The beginning of this story shook me, but I grew to really enjoy it. It had some wonderful concepts in, and it felt very realistic for something with supernatural elements. 4/5
Oh Cruel Darkness: Yikes. 2/5
She's Come Undone: This was brilliant! I loved the writing, and the story was great fun. Really enjoyed this one. 5/5
One Last Breath: Aw, I do like a sweet little lesbian love story! Not the most riveting plot but I enjoyed it nonetheless. 4/5
Once Upon a Storm Drain: The lace concept was so cool! I kind of wanted a more satisfying ending but there were some good ideas in this story. 3.5/5
(Hair)Suit: Well that ending was a surprise! I thought I had it all figured out, and then... huh! Not bad. 3.75/5
Perfection: I liked this a lot - the conclusion was very clever and unexpected for the genre! A pleasing story indeed. 4/5
Stay With Me: For me, this was very average. Nothing stood out to me. It wasn't bad, just a bit bland. 3/5
Whistle for Me: This was a semi-interesting premise that felt like it could have been well-used, but instead it just happened and that was it. Not my fave. 2.5/5
The Seventh Crow: A little bit twisty and a good ending. I love George! 3.5/5
SleepWalker: Oh yikes. That was a surprising end to this anthology. Ouch. 3/5
Prologue: What a start! I wish that went on for many more pages. I'm so intrigued... 4/5
Mirror Mirror: I liked the premise of this story but I found some of the explicit bits rather awkward to read, and I found the narrative confusing in places. 3/5
An Ax for the Storm: The beginning of this story shook me, but I grew to really enjoy it. It had some wonderful concepts in, and it felt very realistic for something with supernatural elements. 4/5
Oh Cruel Darkness: Yikes. 2/5
She's Come Undone: This was brilliant! I loved the writing, and the story was great fun. Really enjoyed this one. 5/5
One Last Breath: Aw, I do like a sweet little lesbian love story! Not the most riveting plot but I enjoyed it nonetheless. 4/5
Once Upon a Storm Drain: The lace concept was so cool! I kind of wanted a more satisfying ending but there were some good ideas in this story. 3.5/5
(Hair)Suit: Well that ending was a surprise! I thought I had it all figured out, and then... huh! Not bad. 3.75/5
Perfection: I liked this a lot - the conclusion was very clever and unexpected for the genre! A pleasing story indeed. 4/5
Stay With Me: For me, this was very average. Nothing stood out to me. It wasn't bad, just a bit bland. 3/5
Whistle for Me: This was a semi-interesting premise that felt like it could have been well-used, but instead it just happened and that was it. Not my fave. 2.5/5
The Seventh Crow: A little bit twisty and a good ending. I love George! 3.5/5
SleepWalker: Oh yikes. That was a surprising end to this anthology. Ouch. 3/5
megare's review
3.0
A mixed bag - horror, but also fantasy and humour - but definitely worth reading!
I love how the book begins – in the prologue, a girl finds a “forbidden” book of her late grandma’s, one that her mother fears. The tome is a collection of tales re-interpreting various superstitions. Those were a mixed bag for me.
Firstly, I was expecting horror stories – & a few are, however, several others are fantasy & 2 are just downright humorous, which threw me out of the dark mood I was enjoying in the horror ones.
The outstanding ones:
I love how the book begins – in the prologue, a girl finds a “forbidden” book of her late grandma’s, one that her mother fears. The tome is a collection of tales re-interpreting various superstitions. Those were a mixed bag for me.
Firstly, I was expecting horror stories – & a few are, however, several others are fantasy & 2 are just downright humorous, which threw me out of the dark mood I was enjoying in the horror ones.
The outstanding ones:
llyrian's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
4.0
Thank you BookSirens for the ARC!
A collections of short horror stories that each revolve around a superstition/an old wives tale.
It started very strong with a gradual decline, but all in all it was quite enjoyable and I'll definitely note down the authors of my favourite stories to look up their other or future work.
A collections of short horror stories that each revolve around a superstition/an old wives tale.
It started very strong with a gradual decline, but all in all it was quite enjoyable and I'll definitely note down the authors of my favourite stories to look up their other or future work.
itsabookthing2021's review
4.0
I absolutely loved Emporium of Superstition, all the short stories were equally as good as each other.
The stories below are for the purpose of this review as I enjoyed them all.
Mirror Mirror was an eerie tale and it took a direction that I did not see coming.
Killian in all his foolishness showed just what devotion could lead to. I was horrified by each task he completed in his quest for Clove and as much as the sentiment was there I couldn't help but think him foolish.
The ending of this short tale was surprising and to be honest left me quite surprised yet I feel smug knowing my analysis of Killian is quite correct.
Mirror, mirror is greatly written and the ghastlyness of it was captured quite well.
An Axe For The Storm was a sad little tale that found justice in an unexpected way.
I felt sorry for our main character Rosette but also felt relief when she got her justice. I enjoyed this story dispite it's nature, It was excellently written with it's supersitions played out well.
One Last Breathe, oh my, this short story was gripping to say the least. I loved the direction it went, it started off as a murder mystery but turned into a supernatural murder mystery and the culprit being the least expected!
Misty was a great character and very down to earth as a homicide detective, her partner Iniya brought an unexpected witchyness to the mix and the cats!!
I really enjoyed this one!
The stories below are for the purpose of this review as I enjoyed them all.
Mirror Mirror was an eerie tale and it took a direction that I did not see coming.
Killian in all his foolishness showed just what devotion could lead to. I was horrified by each task he completed in his quest for Clove and as much as the sentiment was there I couldn't help but think him foolish.
The ending of this short tale was surprising and to be honest left me quite surprised yet I feel smug knowing my analysis of Killian is quite correct.
Mirror, mirror is greatly written and the ghastlyness of it was captured quite well.
An Axe For The Storm was a sad little tale that found justice in an unexpected way.
I felt sorry for our main character Rosette but also felt relief when she got her justice. I enjoyed this story dispite it's nature, It was excellently written with it's supersitions played out well.
One Last Breathe, oh my, this short story was gripping to say the least. I loved the direction it went, it started off as a murder mystery but turned into a supernatural murder mystery and the culprit being the least expected!
Misty was a great character and very down to earth as a homicide detective, her partner Iniya brought an unexpected witchyness to the mix and the cats!!
I really enjoyed this one!
pbanditp's review
4.0
Is there not something comforting in old wives tales? It brings about the feeling of nostalgia, of grandmothers, of protection. They are something to take away the bad luck or something to blame it on.
Black cats, broken mirrors, knock on wood, step on a crack, never wake a sleepwalker, throw salt over your left shoulder, and so many more.
This collection takes old wives tales to a new extreme, rendering everyday people into true believers that will do anything to get what they want. With a variety of settings and dangers these stories are beautifully crafted.
Superstitions are believed the world over, they are varied and familiar. Will some of these be new to you or will they be a little too close to home?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Black cats, broken mirrors, knock on wood, step on a crack, never wake a sleepwalker, throw salt over your left shoulder, and so many more.
This collection takes old wives tales to a new extreme, rendering everyday people into true believers that will do anything to get what they want. With a variety of settings and dangers these stories are beautifully crafted.
Superstitions are believed the world over, they are varied and familiar. Will some of these be new to you or will they be a little too close to home?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
pizzaghost's review
5.0
This is a HUGE collection of memorable and spooky stories inspired by old wives tales. Some of the superstitions were familiar to me, others were invented for the anthology. Some of these stories are full of supernatural horror imagery, others are more realistic. They're all dark and well worth a read. It reminds me of the old storybooks I grew up with… but way scarier.
I especially enjoyed how these stories were long enough that the reader can really sink their teeth in.
Fangs to BookSirens and the author for providing a free copy of this ebook. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I especially enjoyed how these stories were long enough that the reader can really sink their teeth in.
Fangs to BookSirens and the author for providing a free copy of this ebook. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
roxxie's review
4.0
Emporium of Superstition ♦ Anthology | Review
Are you a fan of mythological stories with a whiff of horror, fantasy and paranormal beings? Then you should read this anthology.
Twelve talented young female writers will abduct you into amazingly written short stories, also known as old wives' tales.
Emporium of Superstition ♦ Athology
The anthology Emporium of Superstition is just wonderful! Each one of these short stories were remarkably written, even though not all could catch me completely! I was reading one story at a time. Once I started a story it was hard to put my Kindle down. But I just couldn't indulge in the next one. Some just needed to settle with my emotions.
All the authors who participated in this anthology are new to me, but I will definitely keep my eyes open for more of all twelve of them.
Next to ghost stories, I found mythological stories about and with demons, witches, and other paranormal beings and I felt delighted reading all these tales. As I informed myself about them, I found out those were retellings. As a German I am not very familiar with typical US American Old Wives' Tales. Therefore, with some I had to do some research for a better insight to the new tales.
Bottom Line
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
In case you are looking for some spooky short stories for this Halloween season, you should get this anthology.
Emporium of Superstition will not disappoint.
I have to thank BookSirens for the ARC in exchange for my personal opinion.
This review was first published at The Art of Reading.
Are you a fan of mythological stories with a whiff of horror, fantasy and paranormal beings? Then you should read this anthology.
Twelve talented young female writers will abduct you into amazingly written short stories, also known as old wives' tales.
Emporium of Superstition ♦ Athology
The anthology Emporium of Superstition is just wonderful! Each one of these short stories were remarkably written, even though not all could catch me completely! I was reading one story at a time. Once I started a story it was hard to put my Kindle down. But I just couldn't indulge in the next one. Some just needed to settle with my emotions.
All the authors who participated in this anthology are new to me, but I will definitely keep my eyes open for more of all twelve of them.
Next to ghost stories, I found mythological stories about and with demons, witches, and other paranormal beings and I felt delighted reading all these tales. As I informed myself about them, I found out those were retellings. As a German I am not very familiar with typical US American Old Wives' Tales. Therefore, with some I had to do some research for a better insight to the new tales.
Bottom Line
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
In case you are looking for some spooky short stories for this Halloween season, you should get this anthology.
Emporium of Superstition will not disappoint.
I have to thank BookSirens for the ARC in exchange for my personal opinion.
This review was first published at The Art of Reading.