The Horror Collection: LGBTQIA+ Edition is a collection of tales that captures such a wide variety of fears; violent shadows, people doing horrible things to one another, nightmare rideshares, terrifying forests, and so much more!
Let’s dive in!
My Thoughts on The Horror Collection: LGBTQIA+ Edition presented by KJK Publishing
Kevin J. Kennedy has done it again! What a killer collection of tales. So many of these authors were new to me while I recognized a handful.
My favorites stories from the collection include:
- Husk by James Bennett
- The Ride by Brandon Ford
- Bad Night at the Office by Emma K. Leadley
Per usual, here are my thoughts on each tale!
Foreword by Kevin J Kennedy –
Such a great intro to kick off this collection!
X-Treme by Callum Pearce –
Receiving an invitation to an exclusive party, one man is thrilled while the other just tries to make the most of it. Once attending the festivities, they each soon realize that something was seriously wrong here. But they have no idea just how wrong.
What a tale of getting what you deserve! I loved how this story slowly unfolded, showing us the heart of the darkness going on.
Husk by James Bennett –
Born out of blood, dust, and hate, this being follows its person, sinking into his every thought and feeling. Growing stronger with each instance of long-overdue payback, this being also feels jealousy and more rage.
I’m obsessed with this tale. While it’s heartbreaking and maddening as you watch events from the characters’ life play out, it’s a great reflection on the fact that there’s a stronger emotion than hate.
Toy Box by Mark Young –
Lured in by what he thinks is a connection, this man follows a man dressed like a cowboy to a house that’s clearly not his own. Once there, the cowboy tells the man why he’s tricked him and brought him there. Of course, while the main character just can’t help but be nice and helpful, he soon learns there are more tricks in store.
My gosh the tension that built while reading this one! So many ignored red flags. And what an ending!
My Cin by Maxwell I. Gold –
Forging a new lover from clay, blood, and loneliness, this being has made their favorite one. But their creation grows to more than just something that they can control.
What a slow burn! I was so nervous to see where this was going as there was clearly some major unrest.
The Ride by Brandon Ford –
A husband and father working on Christmas Eve decides to take just one more ride request, thinking it will be good money. But of course, this one last ride doesn’t go as expected.
What a brutal and terrifying tale! Not just the big reveal, but the little things that lead up to it like dealing with drunk people. I don’t know how ride-share folks do it. The bravery and patience…
Drop. Rock. Death. by James Lefebure –
Secretly in love with his best friend, this teen gets quite the surprise one night after a workout.
I was so caught up in the mindset of ruminating while running, I was so unprepared for what came next!
Effigy by Mark Allan Gunnells –
Frustrated to find that someone has decorated his statue for Halloween, this man goes out to clear it off. Soon, he realizes it’s not just the neighbor’s kid playing a prank.
Phew, this story had so much packed into it! Guilt, shame, fear, growth, and so much more. A difficult read, but such a powerful tale. Content warnings here!
Like Peonies by Caitlin Marceau –
Told not to enter a forest as it is protected land, this woman can’t help but take the shortcut when she misses her bus during a storm. What she ends up discovering inside the treelike hooks her curiosity, refusing to let her go.
My gosh… I can’t wait for readers to learn what is in these woods!!
Wolves Within by Zachary Rosenberg –
Sneaking out at night to meet with her lover, this Christian woman just doesn’t understand her people’s hatred of their neighbors. When wolves close in, the two aren’t deterred. But one day, the wolf gets too close.
A great tale of breaking ties with toxic beliefs and the people that drag you down on your way to salvation.
The Loss by Michael R. Collins –
Haunted by a being that fuels itself off of grief, this character sees it take his friend before coming for him.
This an interesting take on grief and how it affects the body! What a great quick spurt of body horror at the end as well!
The Acquisition by Lindz McLeod –
Desperate to move into a new home, this woman is being haunted by something strange. She thinks finally getting the keys to her new place will solve the issue, but she has no idea what’s to come.
What a fun and spooky haunting tale!
Zero Sum by J. Daniel Stone –
Getting into a vehicle with a man he’s never met before is common for this young man. But what’s not coming is for him to form a bond. But there’s something else magical going on. And one element of magic is about to go dark.
This story was filled with so many turns! I was so excited to see what would come next. The violent scenes were brutal!
Bad Night at the Office by Emma K. Leadley –
Leaving the office late, this woman is shocked to see a bloodied and terrified face right outside the doors. She recognizes him and lets him in, locking the doors behind them. He tells her zombies attacked him. She doesn’t want to believe him at first, but soon they’re just trying to survive.
This story was so much fun! I loved the quick setup before were right in the action! This story also had a wonderful blend of horror and comedy!
My Favorite Passages from The Horror Collection: LGBTQIA+ Edition
“He was a charming man, I will give you that. That doesn’t mean good. This man has a body count worthy of the greatest serial killers, he just managed to do it without getting his own hands dirty.”
— X-Treme by Callum Pearce
The six o’clock train slammed into Brick’s tumbling body at a hundred miles per hour. He burst apart like a melon. His spine went one way carrying his head. His legs another.
— Husk by James Bennett
He hadn’t slept properly all week. His eyes bore the brunt of this. Usually a soft brown, now they were red and bloodshot. The bags living under his eyes were not designer.
— Drop. Rock. Death. By James Lefebure
She fears the idea of going into the woods at night. As irrational as it is, she can’t unmarry the idea of a darkened forest with monsters and sinister beasts hiding at the edges of her vision.
— Like Peonies by Caitlin Marceau
To be evil is to enforce your own ill will upon someone else’s fragility…
— Zero Sum by J. Daniel Stone
My Final Thoughts on The Horror Collection: LGBTQIA+ Edition
This is the FIFTEENTH book in this series! If you haven’t yet picked any of them up, I highly recommend them!
This edition specifically covers amazing ground in both story topics and diversity. You’ll never know what story you’re about to enter next!
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