I don’t usually read anthologies, but having read (and reviewed, and loved) individual works by the majority of the authors featured in the Kingdom Horror Collective Anthology, I was eagerly anticipating the arrival of this book.
The collection contains seven short stories and one short graphic art tale. The calibre of the work in all the stories is so high, it’s evident that these writers have honed the economy of their craft over time, to evidence here that, in addition to their longer works, they absolutely know how to deliver a shorter tale too.
One aspect of this that’s particularly joyful, is that reading shorter works by those who’s style I have become accustomed to via their novels and novellas, is actually a real treat, and I would encourage anyone who is interested in the works of the collective, to use this book as a gateway drug.
There’s a lot of grunge and gore here, served up at times with wry humor, existential contemplation, and a host of characters who get what’s coming to them. The beautifully drawn graphic tale “The Tattybogle Man” by William Hazel is a welcome treat in the middle of the collection.
Each one of these stories is a delicious morsel of horror to be discovered. Perfectly delivered in time for Halloween. Further collections are teased, and I’m very much up for more of what this talented team have to offer.