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_johnson's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
gareth_alan's review
3.0
This is a collection of short horror stories based around carnival/circus settings with coming of age themes. I was like, here we go, another cliché collection of "scary clown" stories. But it wasn't like that at all. There were some interesting and fun ideas mixed into this one.
As with a lot of short story collections, there were a couple of duds in there, but most of the stories were decent enough. Dark and creepy tales with a few sprinkles of humour, and a few bullies get their comeuppance, which is always nice.
For me I enjoyed reading one story at a time during dinner breaks or in between other books, or on the toilet, but you could easily get through the entire book in a couple of sittings. I think any horror fan would enjoy this one, it's not too extreme or over the top, just a fun little collection to kill some time with.
I shall keep my eye out for some of these writers, and the publishers of this seem pretty cool too, so I'll be looking out for more titles from them.
As with a lot of short story collections, there were a couple of duds in there, but most of the stories were decent enough. Dark and creepy tales with a few sprinkles of humour, and a few bullies get their comeuppance, which is always nice.
For me I enjoyed reading one story at a time during dinner breaks or in between other books, or on the toilet, but you could easily get through the entire book in a couple of sittings. I think any horror fan would enjoy this one, it's not too extreme or over the top, just a fun little collection to kill some time with.
I shall keep my eye out for some of these writers, and the publishers of this seem pretty cool too, so I'll be looking out for more titles from them.
melissa_boyer's review against another edition
5.0
Step right up and come on in. Welcome to the Funhouse is a collection of 12 well written stories centered around the carnival. Even though the theme is the same the stories were different. I was drawn immediately. It was hard to put down but my advice is to read each story slowly. Feel the horror unfold in each page. For some of the stories the horror is front and center and for others the horror sneaks up on you. This was a fun ride.
readbyashleyd's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
This collection of short stories is absolutely PHENOMENAL! I picked it up for cover reasons alone and I’m so glad I did so that I could discover these stories. Out of the whole collection there wasn’t one story that I didn’t absolutely love, they all knocked it out of the park! I really loved that there were a lot of diversity in this collection, quite often they tend to be white, straight male centric and while I have nothing against these kinds of writers, it’s nice to see some diverse representation. I discovered SO many new authors who’s work I want to look into as well and that’s always exciting! I absolutely refuse to pick a favourite because I’m obsessed with carnival/circus horror and all these stories were just so damn good. This collection really has it all when it comes to carnival horror stories, from gruesome and gory to just downright bone chilling. Horror fans, you don’t want to miss out on this collection!
jesswilko161's review against another edition
4.0
I’m always very apprehensive starting short story collections because they can be so very hit or miss but in this one all the stories delivered! Obviously as always there are ones you prefer over others but there was not one in there that I did not enjoy! Clowns terrify me and I’m not a huge fan of carnivals or funfairs so this was a horror collection that from the get go was about things I’m a bit scared of!
My 4* rating is a combination of the ratings for all the stories which I’ve given below! (And to reiterate, I enjoyed them all!)
Mirrors - Robin Grieve 3*
Candy Apple Smiles - Christopher Robertson 5*
The Cyclone Sisters’ Travelling Circus - Angela Sylvaine 4*
Anna and Abby - L. Pine 5*
The Prop - Nikki R. Leigh 3*
The Viperess of Las Cruces - C.W. Blackwell 4*
The Golden Tickets - Roxie Voorhees 4*
Dance With Us - Kelly Brocklehurst 5*
No Strings - Jamie Stewart 4*
Family Outing - Brianna Morgan 3*
Mirrored - Dave Musson 4*
Smile at all the Good Times We Had - Spencer Hamilton 4*
Would definitely recommend this one! It was easy to read and enjoyable the whole way through!
My 4* rating is a combination of the ratings for all the stories which I’ve given below! (And to reiterate, I enjoyed them all!)
Mirrors - Robin Grieve 3*
Candy Apple Smiles - Christopher Robertson 5*
The Cyclone Sisters’ Travelling Circus - Angela Sylvaine 4*
Anna and Abby - L. Pine 5*
The Prop - Nikki R. Leigh 3*
The Viperess of Las Cruces - C.W. Blackwell 4*
The Golden Tickets - Roxie Voorhees 4*
Dance With Us - Kelly Brocklehurst 5*
No Strings - Jamie Stewart 4*
Family Outing - Brianna Morgan 3*
Mirrored - Dave Musson 4*
Smile at all the Good Times We Had - Spencer Hamilton 4*
Would definitely recommend this one! It was easy to read and enjoyable the whole way through!
bozzi1's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
4.5
🎡Spoiler Free Book Review🎢
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Carnivals and horror go together like tacos and Tuesdays…or peas and carrots if you’re into vegetables I guess. My point is, they just fit.
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Maybe you’re wary of clowns or the thought of getting lost in a mirror maze gives you nightmares. Maybe you have a memory from your childhood about getting separated in the crowd or maybe you love everything about carnivals but still see the possibility for terror…when it’s shut down for the night, or for good…in the eyes of the shifty guy running the roller coaster…in the creaks and groans of the Ferris wheel as it turns. If any of this sounds familiar, this book is for you.
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Welcome to the Funhouse is a collection of short stories, each by a different author, and there’s something here for every horror fan. The cover art, the forewords, and the order of the stories all come together to make a fantastic reading experience. Every story is well written and each of the authors involved deserves a place on your TBR.
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I won’t review every story here, but I will highlight a few personal favorites.
Candy Apple Smiles - Part fantasy, all spine-chilling nightmare material. I want more!
The Cyclone Sisters’ Travelling Circus - Hunger Games vibes with a horrific twist. Loved it!
Dance With Us - Sometimes less is more. The possibilities are endless with this creepy tale!
Mirrored - Everything I want from a short story. Great characters, a unique plot, and that ending👌🏼
Smile at All the Good Times We Had - A perfect teaser sequel to ‘Welcome to Smileyland’. Now please gimme the Smileyland novel!
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Blood Rites Horror continues to put out quality content and I can’t wait to see what’s next from them.