Scan barcode
mxsallybend's review against another edition
3.0
Admit it. When you hear the title Appalachian Undead, you immediately start thinking of a zombie Deliverance, don't you? As S.G. Browne writes in his introduction, there is a definite "stereotype of the region as poor and desolate and culturally backward" that fiction has done as much to perpetuate as to dispel.
Some of the stories here are far removed from that stereotype, but others absolutely wallow in it - sometimes to the point of self-parody. Faced with the difficult task of playing to reader expectations, while still being respectful to the inhabitants of the region - living, dead, and undead - editors Eugene Johnson and Jason Sizemore have done a good job of collecting stories from both ends of the spectrum.
As for the zombies themselves, they run the full gamut from mindless shuffling to fast-moving aggression, and everything in between.
Highlights for me included 'Calling Death' by Jonathan Maberry, in which a survivor makes a claustrophobic journey back to the surface; 'Times Is Tough in Musky Holler' by John Skipp & Dori Miller, in which community service takes an unsettling turn; 'Long Days to Come' by K. Allen Wood, which explores a household's duck-and-cover sort of reaction to an outbreak; 'We Take Care Of Our Own' by John Everson, which deftly blends corporate greed with the fear of the outsider; and 'Twilight of the Zombie Game Preserve' by S. Clayton Rhodes, which had a very King/Bachman sort of feel to its tale of revenge and consequences.
The others are a mixed bag, but I'd be remiss in not mentioning 'Sitting Up With The Dead' by Bev Vincent was an interesting tale, in a melancholy sort of way; 'Black Friday' by Karin Fuller was an amusing take on consumerism that could have benefited from a little subtly, but still was a lot of morbid fun; and 'Hell's Hollow' by Michael West was a fun carnival twist that I only wish had been longer.
For the most part, these are simple horror stories, with no attempt at social commentary or heavy-handed messaging, and that's just fine with me. Nothing really wowed me to the point where I felt compelled to rush out and read everything a contributor has written, but I definitely came away entertained.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Some of the stories here are far removed from that stereotype, but others absolutely wallow in it - sometimes to the point of self-parody. Faced with the difficult task of playing to reader expectations, while still being respectful to the inhabitants of the region - living, dead, and undead - editors Eugene Johnson and Jason Sizemore have done a good job of collecting stories from both ends of the spectrum.
As for the zombies themselves, they run the full gamut from mindless shuffling to fast-moving aggression, and everything in between.
Highlights for me included 'Calling Death' by Jonathan Maberry, in which a survivor makes a claustrophobic journey back to the surface; 'Times Is Tough in Musky Holler' by John Skipp & Dori Miller, in which community service takes an unsettling turn; 'Long Days to Come' by K. Allen Wood, which explores a household's duck-and-cover sort of reaction to an outbreak; 'We Take Care Of Our Own' by John Everson, which deftly blends corporate greed with the fear of the outsider; and 'Twilight of the Zombie Game Preserve' by S. Clayton Rhodes, which had a very King/Bachman sort of feel to its tale of revenge and consequences.
The others are a mixed bag, but I'd be remiss in not mentioning 'Sitting Up With The Dead' by Bev Vincent was an interesting tale, in a melancholy sort of way; 'Black Friday' by Karin Fuller was an amusing take on consumerism that could have benefited from a little subtly, but still was a lot of morbid fun; and 'Hell's Hollow' by Michael West was a fun carnival twist that I only wish had been longer.
For the most part, these are simple horror stories, with no attempt at social commentary or heavy-handed messaging, and that's just fine with me. Nothing really wowed me to the point where I felt compelled to rush out and read everything a contributor has written, but I definitely came away entertained.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
bookertsfarm's review
4.0
First things first - look at that cover. I think it's absolutely gorgeous which is why I even enlarged it. I even think the little hound dog with his glowing red eyes looks awesome. I knew immediately this was one of the titles I wanted to review because I live in the Appalachian area. Also the forward from the editors talked about actual places in WV which I recognized which always fun.
"Appalachian Undead" is a collection of zombie tales. Some offer a traditional take on them while others are more unique. I recognized some authors featured such as Jonathan Maberry and Tim Waggoner, and found some which are quickly becoming favorites of mine such as Bev Vincent and Elizabeth Massie. I also have to have to give props to this book for featuring so many female horror authors.
Below I'll include a list of at the tales included but let me point out a few faves. "When Granny Comes Marchin' Home Again" is a wonderful story about Granny Mustard, whom I also got to meet in "Desper Hollow" which I am reviewing next week. It was great to see how the whole thing started and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. "Black Friday" is a perfect story about that infamous shopping day and only goes to strengthen my belief that I should stay home. And "Calling Death" takes old mining folklore a step further and infuses it was a healthy dose of scares and thrills. Finally I have to mention "Repent, Jessie Shimmer!" All I have to say is zombie crocodile. Also the MC is so snarky that I am sure I'll be picking up the author's series which focuses more on this wonderful character I just met.
Here is the entire content:
When Granny Comes Marchin' Home Again - Elizabeth Massie
Calling Death - Jonathan Maberry
Hide and Seek - Tim Waggoner
Twilight of the Zombie Game Preserve... - S. Clayton Rhodes
Being in Shadow - Maurice Broaddus
Sitting up with the Dead- Bev Vincent
The Girl and the Guardian - Simon McCaffery
Repent, Jessie Shimmer! -Lucy Snyder
Almost Heaven -Michael Paul Gonzalez
On Stagger - G. Cameron Fuller
We Take Care of Our Own - John Everson
Sleeper - Tim Lebbon
Reckless - Eliot Parker
Company's Coming - Ronald Kelly
Black Friday - Karin Fuller
Spoiled - Paul Moore
Miranda Jo's Girl - Steve Rasnic Tem
Times Is Tough in Musky Holler - John Skipp & Dori Miller
Long Days to Come - K. Allen Wood
Hell's Hollow - Michael West
Brother Hollis Gives His Final Sermon from a Rickety Make-Shift Pulpit in the Remains of a Smokehouse that now Serves as His Church - Gary A. Braunbeck
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves short story collections, zombies, or good old Appalachian folklore and history. You'll most definitely find some new faves!
"Appalachian Undead" is a collection of zombie tales. Some offer a traditional take on them while others are more unique. I recognized some authors featured such as Jonathan Maberry and Tim Waggoner, and found some which are quickly becoming favorites of mine such as Bev Vincent and Elizabeth Massie. I also have to have to give props to this book for featuring so many female horror authors.
Below I'll include a list of at the tales included but let me point out a few faves. "When Granny Comes Marchin' Home Again" is a wonderful story about Granny Mustard, whom I also got to meet in "Desper Hollow" which I am reviewing next week. It was great to see how the whole thing started and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. "Black Friday" is a perfect story about that infamous shopping day and only goes to strengthen my belief that I should stay home. And "Calling Death" takes old mining folklore a step further and infuses it was a healthy dose of scares and thrills. Finally I have to mention "Repent, Jessie Shimmer!" All I have to say is zombie crocodile. Also the MC is so snarky that I am sure I'll be picking up the author's series which focuses more on this wonderful character I just met.
Here is the entire content:
When Granny Comes Marchin' Home Again - Elizabeth Massie
Calling Death - Jonathan Maberry
Hide and Seek - Tim Waggoner
Twilight of the Zombie Game Preserve... - S. Clayton Rhodes
Being in Shadow - Maurice Broaddus
Sitting up with the Dead- Bev Vincent
The Girl and the Guardian - Simon McCaffery
Repent, Jessie Shimmer! -Lucy Snyder
Almost Heaven -Michael Paul Gonzalez
On Stagger - G. Cameron Fuller
We Take Care of Our Own - John Everson
Sleeper - Tim Lebbon
Reckless - Eliot Parker
Company's Coming - Ronald Kelly
Black Friday - Karin Fuller
Spoiled - Paul Moore
Miranda Jo's Girl - Steve Rasnic Tem
Times Is Tough in Musky Holler - John Skipp & Dori Miller
Long Days to Come - K. Allen Wood
Hell's Hollow - Michael West
Brother Hollis Gives His Final Sermon from a Rickety Make-Shift Pulpit in the Remains of a Smokehouse that now Serves as His Church - Gary A. Braunbeck
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves short story collections, zombies, or good old Appalachian folklore and history. You'll most definitely find some new faves!
More...