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delliomellidom's review against another edition
HorrorScope: A Zodiac Anthology Vol 2 is a wonderful horror anthology filled with several poems and short stories that explore the signs of the Western Zodiac in a multitude of ways. These pieces are cleverly done, and I’m certain everyone who picks it up will find a gem they will treasure. H. Everend has done a wonderful job with compiling works from multiple authors into these anthologies. It’s fun to find baby authors as well as more seasoned authors. The variety in voices ensures you will be terrified and horrified by the end. As with the first volume, you don’t even have to believe in horoscopes to enjoy the collection.
bucher_freund's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Just like its predecessor, Volume 2 is full of stunning stories and poems inspired by the zodiac. Everend possesses the keen eye and perceptive heart required of a curator compiling such a collection of tales. The entries range from darkly funny to gruesomely horrifying. Some are surprising, some sexy, some sad, and some downright scary. With such a broad spectrum, not every entry will be for everyone, but there is plenty of solid writing here and I think every reader will close its pages satisfied.
My personal favorites:
Speak My Name Again by Gregory Leather - an unsettling and prophetic Aries poem.
My Only Monster by Hayley Anderton - a hopeful young creature attends a ball looking for their Only One, but the soul mate they find may not be the one they need.
The Gemini Rose by Jason A Jones - this creepy poem with a fun rhythm tells of an attic dweller and her cat, and the things they get up to when they're hungry.
Crusty's Penny Arcade by Willie R Heredia - old Crusty owns a seaside penny arcade, but only invites an exclusive few inside to see his collection. Beware his magic tricks!
It Came From Broken Heart Bay by Christopher Robertson - this throwback to old 50s creature features follows a newshound as he investigates a strange boating incident. Wacky fun, with great rat-a-tat dialogue.
All Eyes on You by Torrence Bryan - can't really summarize this one without spoilers. Tense and well written body horror.
Perfection by Jena Glover - a prim and proper perfectionist trolls the online dating scene for a mate. I loved the narrator of this one. Mind your manners around her!
That Blissful Darkness by Gillian Church - a talented woman helps her mother-in-law host an engagement party as she inwardly seethes. A sharp and fascinating piece on the madness of thinking we can be everything to everyone at all times.
In the Desert by Marshall Gunness III - a darkly atmospheric poem that serves as a nice appetizer to the Scorpio section
The Restless Ones by Skye Myers - a group of college girls sneak into an abandoned church to mess around with contacting the beyond. Tense and well paced, with a doozy of an ending.
Visions of Burning Stars by Kirsten Aucoin - a man with a strange gift discovers his nephew might be burdened with the same, and reaches out to make a connection with him. Engaging and has a good twist.
D.U.M.E (Song of the Sagittarian Witch) by M Rook Grimsley - a bewitching little spell of a poem.
Rot by Nikki Kossaris - a woman begins a downward spiral as she obsesses over slights on social media, wondering if they are real or just perceived. Wicked and timely, with a satisfying ending.
Sea of Grief by Loki DeWitt - a pensive and beautiful poem that describes well the experience of drowning in waves of sadness.
Pisces Iscariot by Wendy Dalrymple - a dark and enchanting fairy tale of a poem.
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