The Horror Collection: Ruby Edition is a killer collection of short stories that were each a blast to read and served up plenty of terror!
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
Let’s dive in!
My Thoughts on The Horror Collection: Ruby Edition from KJK Publishing
I was so pumped to see that this title was the ruby edition. I assumed we’d see a lot of this color included, and these stories did not disappoint! There were red skies, red fire, red blood, red crabs, red berries, and more, all of which I pictured as a dark, ruby red!
Per usual, here are my thoughts on each tale!
Dedication
This collection is dedicated to two gentlemen that passed last year, author Guy N. Smith, and Kevin’s father, John Kennedy. What a beautiful dedication this was. I couldn’t wait to read their work inside this collection.
Preignition by Steve Stred – Five Stars
When a group of men board a small plane, they can’t wait to get back home to their lives. But while in the air, something happens below… something world changing. Phew, I am so grateful I read this after my work trip and that I won’t be boarding another plane any time soon! The dread I felt from the opening of this story was intense, and it only got worse and worse as I read on. This one made my stomach do so many flips while reading! Truly terrifying!
A Campfire Tale by Tom Deady – Five Stars
There’s a killer making their rounds through a campsite. When two women, Beth and Gabriela, park at their site, they are immediately approached by a man. This man invites them over for dinner that night. After the meal, he mentions the killer and the mood suddenly changes. I was so tense while reading this. What an awesome and unsettlingly suspenseful tale! The flirting with danger made me so nervous.
Tanglewood by Ronald Kelly – Five Stars
When a man tries to take a shortcut one day, he has an experience that leaves him shaken. While his marriage is falling apart, he can’t help but focus on what happened in the woods… What a trip this one was! It was so unsettling and I was nervous to see how it would all play out. I was rooting for the main character and I absolutely loved the ending!
New Skulls for the Old Cemetery by Calvin Demmer – Four Stars
When three friends enter a cemetery, one of them, a boy named James, has an ulterior motive. When things don’t go as he planned, he storms off in a huff. What a total turd James was!
Larry’s Guest by Guy N. Smith – Four Stars
Larry has a space where he develops his film that he shares with another person who smuggles items and gives Larry a cut of the sales. One day, Larry is shocked to find a closed coffin in the space and runs back home. Unable to think of anything else, he goes back that night…. But this time the coffin is open. This one was fun! I was curious to see where it would go and it certainly didn’t disappoint!
Where the Holly Ceases to Grow by Lex H Jones – Five Stars
When a young boy is wandering around the woods, he finds a strange place where the holly ends and a quiet space begins. He thinks he is alone there but then he realizes that was not the case… I loved where this story went! The initial friendship was so heartwarming. I really enjoyed what a good listener this being was and I also enjoyed what the being could offer.
Crabs by Kevin J. Kennedy – Five Stars
After a tsunami, a town is left rocked. While the waters have left, some of the sea life has not… and some of them are getting violent. This story was a blast!
Dead Ends and Open Roads by Kyle M. Scott – Four Stars
When a toxic couple is on a trip, a gas attendant gives the wife advice to take a shortcut, promising that it’s a shortcut that is sure to set her free. But just what is this area and will it really solve her problem? My god I absolutely hated Dale with a fiery passion. Kyle did a great job with that character. This one was brutal and horrifying. And that ending was perfect!
Lifewatch by Christopher Motz – Five Stars
When a new smart watch comes on the market that can tell the wearer exactly when they will die… things go about as well as you’d think. People either try to extend their timeline by changing their ways, while others assume they are invincible. This story was so fun but terrifying. This is definitely one I could see happening for real, especially with that last scene.
Family Ties by John Kennedy – Five Stars
A fun little poem with wonderful flow and pacing!
My Final Thoughts on The Horror Collection: Ruby Edition
Like all of Kevin’s collections, I cannot recommend this one highly enough. Some of the tales truly terrified me while others made me chuckle or were more heartwarming. As always, this one has something for everyone and the mix is just wonderful as it will keep readers on their toes, not knowing what to expect next.
Snag a copy through your local bookstore if you are able or feel free to use my Amazon affiliate link:
Related Reading:
- Interview with Kevin J. Kennedy
- Halloween Land by Kevin J. Kennedy
- The Horror Collection: Black Edition
- The Horror Collection: Emerald Edition
- The Horror Collection: Gold Edition
- The Horror Collection: Pink Edition
- The Horror Collection: Pumpkin Edition
- The Horror Collection: Purple Edition
- The Horror Collection: Silver Edition
- The Horror Collection: White Edition
- The Horror Collection: Yellow Edition
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