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The Book of Monsters is a collection of short stories, each of which features one of the
classic monsters of horror fiction:
Prodigium: Recipe for a Monster (Witches) – Adrienne Jones
When Dory Carlisle became pregnant she suffered dreadfully with sickness. So when an old women, Theda,
approached her and offered an herbal jam to take away her symptoms she was delighted to receive the help. However
she could not possibly have anticipated that her acceptance of the old woman's help would result
in Dory being alienated from the rest of the village and also her husband.
Because Theda was a witch and to have accepted help from her must mean that Dory was a witch also. So when
Dory's baby can early and died Dory blamed both the old woman and the villagers.
The Endless Memory of Forever Burning Suns (Frankenstein's Monster) – Steve Vernon
Endless Memory is a synopsis of the classic Frankenstein story but told from the point of view
of the monster. As the story progresses you discover the sadness in the monster and realise that
far from being the beast that many people believe, in many ways the monster is actually the victim
of the story.
Where the Blood Roses Bloom (Ghosts) – Susanne S. Brydenbaugh
When Maxwell is summoned to visit his dying grandmother he was quite afraid of what he would discover.
He could never have imagined what was to come and the promise his grandmother would demand from him.
Colors of Murder (Serial Killers) – T.M. Gray
When Jolie saw the painting in the Rothschild collection she could not believe that it had survived.
The image of the dying young woman brought back memories of a traumatic event that Jolie believed had
been consigned to history. No one else could ever realise that the woman pictured in the panting
was in fact Jolie herself.
Snakeface (Werewolves) – Mike E. Purfield
When Greg is hired by Mr Fine to break into a woman's house and steal the contents of an old leather
briefcase he thought it was just another job. When the woman returns home early and attacks him he
discovers that things may not be quite as easy as he first thought.
The Tombs of Nectanebus (Mummies) – Christopher Fulbright
Egyptologist, Dr Kenneth Vaughner, has been given the opportunity of a lifetime – the chance to explore
the pyramids and sphinx recently discovered on Mars. But once up there he discovers that not all of
the investigation team is there for the same reasons as he is.
The Glass Cage (Demons) – Jason Brannon
Matthew is a typical teenager spending his days locked in his room and being nagged by his mother to clean
things up. When, one day, he decides to antagonise his parents even more by pretending to invoke a
demon (using the lyrics from a heavy metal band) he has no idea what he is starting.
Those Who Can, Help (Goblins) – David Bain
Shelly has worked with the handicapped for years, giving her charges the support they need to live a
relatively normal life. The hours are convenient as well; working nights allows her to spend the days with
her own handicapped daughter. But you can only burn the candle at both ends for just so long before
being totally exhausted and it is times like these when a little help is most necessary.
To Rise from the Grave (Vampires) – Alex Severin & Kailleaugh Andersson
Lida loved Nikola with all her heart so when he died she could not accept he was gone. So she chose to
follow an ancient Slavik custom, took poison and had herself nailed into his coffin. But suicide is a sin
and everyone knows that suicides never have a peaceful death...
Witching Eyes (Ghouls) – Cullen Bunn
Legend has it that Maddie was a witch. But when the villagers went to her cabin to kill her she ran screaming
from the building, covered in ghouls, and threw herself into the lake to try and get rid of them. So was this
the end of her evil influence?
This collection is refreshingly different. For once the monsters are not always non-human and the humans are definitely
not always the good guys or heroes. The stories present a different approach to traditional creatures.
Although the various authors have different writing styles they collection blends together to form a
thoroughly enjoyable book.
Superb!
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