Reviews of the "Dark Decades"-series from Inky Bones Press
- Megan Diedericks
- 7 hours ago
- 10 min read
I was lucky enough to review the ARCs of the original set of Dark Decades anthologies, as well as be included in "Are You Watching?" with my short story "It's Always Saturday"—which you can find in this omnibus too!
Dark Decades: A Century of Technological Terror is packed full of the best horror stories you can possibly find, anywhere, ever, I mean it. Seriously. I mean it.
Robin Knabel has a knack for finding the best of the best (I don't say that just because she published my story! 😂). Her own stories inside ended up being among my favorites. So, not only is she a brilliant editor, she's a brilliant author as well! AND I've discovered so many other talented authors, and made some friends, through Dark Decades!
The concept is insanely creative! From the 1920s to the modern day—any way you can imagine technology going wrong and royally f*cking you up? We wrote it for you!
That's not to say there aren't some wholesome tales you'll love just as much as the ones that make you want to throw your laptop into the ocean!
If you love horror, and all things strange and timely, this book is for you! And, as a added benefit, reading this means you're a Certified Time-Traveller™!
(Also, so much commotion for the amazing cover done by the talented Ruth Anna Evans! 😍)
My Reviews of the Original Six ↓
Book 1: There's No Escape
The dedication reads: "... to those who find solace in the shadows." and I felt SUMMONED.
My thoughts on each story:
• A Face For Pictures – Rain Corbyn
This gave me chills, hair-standing-on-end, the whole shebang! I adore the fact that the entire story is a monologue; the voice of the main character is very unique and it felt like I was a fly on the wall (or a spectator) while reading it!
• Just Like Grandmother – Jasmine De La Paz
I am vampire-obsessed so this is easily one of the best stories I've ever read. The nostalgia and the gothic-feel are so prominent; I was reminded of many of my own vampire-media favorites! I also loved the fact that the story is sectioned into parts with "Scene 1, Scene 2," etc. It's like I can see an old-timey film being broken up into parts right in front of my eyes. I also found the relationship between the main character and her grandmother very wholesome.
• It Wore Warner Oland's Face – Derek Heath
I am speechless!! This is as much psychological horror to me, as it is about a monster/demon. Incredible storytelling; I could definitely picture this as a movie!!
• The Final Curtain – Robin Knabel
It's giving the first couple you see in a horror movie, but much more in-depth (and a little heart-wrenching if you think too hard about what the main character had and wanted at the start). Loved this one! (and I'm still running in the other direction when I see a spider... No matter its size.)
• He's Watching Me – Mark McCallum
More psychological horror, and I LOVE it!! To me, this read like a parasocial relationship gone insanely wrong. I'm also a huge fan of the epistolary-style it was written in!
• The Fourth Wall – J. L. Royce
As implied by the title, this story is about the fourth wall breaking. The character, Kat, is someone you root for (all the characters are unique and are perfectly translated onto the page) but she was the one I felt the most for. As the horrors (or perhaps something just short of that...) came to life, I couldn't help but be saddened. The fourth wall break trope in this is definitely exquisitely and uniquely done!!
• A Soup of Sin & Blessing –Tyler J. Welch
The Demon in this story has my heart!! The main character and this story dances towards (and is maybe, definitely) morally gray, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Spooky and witchy—what more could you want?
I absolutely loved every story in this collection, and it's the perfect set to kick off the Dark Decades-series of anthologies!
Book 2: Who's Listening?
Who's Listening? is one of the best collections of short stories I've ever read. Each story is an incredible read and I couldn't get enough!
My thoughts on each story:
• The Shadow Knows – Geri Copitch
Trying my best not to reveal too much, but the fall (from pedestal, and otherwise...) was definitely hard! That message alone is incredibly thought-provoking.
• Safe and Sound – Robin Knabel
The title of this story is so ironic (if you know you know!) and when it hit me, my jaw was on the floor. This piece made me have to sit quietly and think about my own anxieties for a moment.
• Don't Fence Me In – Mark McCallum
This story made me tear up. Not only is it horrifying, but it's also heart-wrenching. The main character's constant struggle with impossible decisions made it so corporeal; and that ending... My heart may never recover.
• Kindred Spirits – Matt McGee
This one sent a literal chill down my spine! To me, it was more feel-good horror but still anchored with real, tough emotions and/or tragedies. Someone only passing through your life, and knowing you will never see them again, but for the moment they were there, it was good (is a thought that comes through for me with this one.)
• Listen and They Will Come – DW Milton
When getting what you want isn't actually what you want... I was also very fond of the references back to the weather; it helped make the vibe even more ominous!
• The Spartan Warrior – Kathy Sherwood
This story is a true testament to the unbeatability of the human spirit; even (especially) if it is difficult to keep going. ("But you're me, too." AMAZING!)
• Gaping – Kevin Stadt
Literally speechless! This one is utterly horrifying; it felt like I was watching (reading, lol) someone's nightmares turned reality. The title also stood out to me because of how perfect it is (again: if you know you know!)
Definite recommend to any horror and sci-fi fans who also struggle with billion-page books!
Book 3: Are You Watching?
The flow of this collection is impeccable. I'm always in awe when an editor manages to bring together multiple stories from multiple authors and make it seem like they were all sitting around a table together to create the book. Robin Knabel excels in that department!
My thoughts on each story:
• The first story in this collection is actually mine so we will be ignoring that one (🤫)
• Irregularly Scheduled Programming –Harrison Foreman
This one had me on the edge of my seat. There was a constant back and forth between (what I felt was) reality and fiction; and that ending was just bone-chilling. Sometimes there really is no difference between the two, huh?
• Idiot Box – Robin Knabel
Outerspace meets childlike curiosity. The first-person narration of this story made me feel like I was right there. My jaw hit the floor when that full circle moment formulated with the final paragraph!
• We're Gonna Make You A Star – Cherie Mitchell
This is actually one of my favorite stories! The main character's love for what he sees on the screen turns into a nightmare, and that's a concept I very much enjoyed. It was heartbreaking and horrifying (the perfect blend!)
• In the Glass Eye – Kathy Sherwood
This story is filled with spooky imagery and deep emotions. I found the ending incredibly heartwarming!
• An Unexpected Audience – Matthew Wignall
Who would've thought aliens don't take kindly to impersonation? This story is perfect blend of sci-fi and horror. The questions that remain leave a lasting impression!
I'm a big fan of all of these stories, and I'm so honoured to have "It's Always Saturday" featured among them!
Book 4: Captured
Right off the bat, I L O V E the introduction. I mean: "Did anyone unleash an unspeakable evil hiding on those tapes that did—or didn’t—want to be found?" WOW!
My thoughts on each story:
• Video Nasty – Joseph J. Dowling
The 80s and slasher film vibes are strong with this one. It also, oddly enough, reminded me of the few Alex Delaware novels by Jonathan Kellerman I've read. Incredible story, and seeing my own name was one of the bigger jumpscares (just kidding!)
• Skin Flicks – gaast
Oh. My. God. Words cannot describe how absolutely perfect the title is. This story is so visceral and horrifying, but at its core it felt like a love story (or maybe that's just me. All I know is I LOVED it.)
• An Expert in Slasher Film – David Hagertry
I can't say too much in fear of revealing the whole story... But DAMN. Excellent storytelling!!
• The Bucket List – Robin Knabel
A whirlwind of emotions in this one, and the title is so fitting in several ways. Robin's first-person narration is always masterful!!!
• Raising Hell at Blockbuster – Phoenix McDonald
BONE-CHILLING!!!! I loved the isolated feel of this story, and the ensuing madness, just, WOW! Also, I need a sequel (this may or may not be a reference to the story, and also a very real need 😭)
• Vehicular Crash Report – Jonathan Reddoch
This story is so karmic and I'm HERE for it!! Once again, a fitting title, and when the reason for it clicked... I was in awe. AND the ending sentence was perfect!
• Cinema Vérité – Marc Sorondo
The concept of this story is absolute genius and so perfectly executed. I can imagine this as a horror film, or maybe even a series!!
• Sirens – Matthew Wignall
The grief in this story is very corporeal; the ominous and horrifying feel of it is no different. I was absolutely enthralled!
So many of these stories stood out to me, but the final two are definitely among my favourites.
The flow of this collection is also excellent, which is something I always love to see when it comes anthologies.
Insanely scary and I would definitely recommend this to a fellow horror fan!
P.S. A few of these stories made me think of the "Mark me down as scared AND horny!"-meme (if that's of import to anybody 😂)
Book 5: The Web
Inky Bones Press is at it with another Dark Decades anthology, this time set in the 2000s, and Y2K wasn't ready for what these authors unearthed! (Neither was I...)
My thoughts on each story:
• As Advertised – Tinamarie Cox
I adore how descriptive this story is; it feels as though I'm right there and witnessing the events unfold. What I had in mind after finishing it was: "It was always going to end this way,’"which was both saddening and comforting. Haunting story, in more ways than one!
• Mademethinkofyou.bmp – Mathilde Glass
First of all, creative title (at first glance, anyway. After reading the story it takes on a whole new meaning. Genius!) I was also struck hard by the stentence: "What love song didn't sound obsessive and romanticize stalking?" BECAUSE, THAT'S LITERALLY SO TRUE!!! This story read like an urban legend that we all fear happening to us at some point in time. I loved it!
• We Are Changing Your Electric Meter – Katherine Kerestman
JAW. ON. THE. FLOOR. I definitely wasn't expecting that ending. Amazing, saddening and also a little thought-provoking in regards to the world (digital or otherwise) we live in!
• Live Feed – Robin Knabel
Absolutely terrifying! Who doesn't love a good autopsy story? I know I do – and I also love the morbid feel that remains throughout the whole story. All else I'll say is: there's something to be said for people who see everything, but nothing at all... 👀
• Finn and Morris – Corinne Pollard
This story took me through a whole range of emotions: from "awww" to "AHHH!" The storytelling is incredible!
• Auction – Caitlin A. Quinn
The format of this story is so insanely creative. It reminded me of a couple of technology horror movies, as this story takes place mainly over email!! It felt like I was unearthing the evidence myself as I was reading it; like I had found a secondhand laptop that hadn't been erased. Horrifying and absolutely haunting!!!
• A Shambles – Jeremy Russell
Despite it being first-person narration, to me the story really felt like it was more Wendie's. "Good for her"-vibes in the same way Florence Pugh's character had it in Midsommar (she didn't really win and everything comes at a cost.) Which is to say: this is an amazing story!!!
I love the concept of technology going wrong or, the much more real possibility, there being something evil on the other side (or even inside!)
Stories like "Mademethinkofyou.bpm" and "A Shambles" contain events that could very well happen, maybe you even heard of something similar on the news (or read a post on a very obscure Scary Stories Instagram account...)
Point is, this anthology is so horrifying because these are devices and things we all come into contact with every day, and the very real feelings of fear and paranoia are perfectly captured in this anthology.
The Web will be credited in my laptop's goodbye-note.
Book 6: Lurking
"How many times have you or someone you know jokingly uttered the ominous phrase: I think my phone is spying on me." is written in the introduction and it immediately set the tone for this collection of short stories—it's something I've said, thought, and seeing it in this context immediately drew me in!
The quote from Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" in the epigraph is also so incredibly fitting. If you think on what she wrote about, and put it together with the content of this collection (AI, modern technology), the similarities and common themes is actually uncanny, and downright terrifying. Maybe we all really do create or own monsters (or, rather, use the monsters created by others!)
My thoughts on each story:
• Lost in the Liner Notes – C.M. Forest
I am absolutely in awe of the transcript format. This story is so insanely haunting (maybe even haunted!) It had me hooked from start to finish. The liner notes reminded me a little bit of Death Note!
• Cruise Control – Robin Knabel
"Jimmy thought for a moment it was the devil." is a sentence that struck me clean across the face. This story has such complex, well-rounded characters; now mix that in with the horrors that occur and you have a winning recipe!!
• Lather, Rinse, Repeat – Tamara Kaye Sellman
Such a drain-the-color-from-your-face type of story (in the best way possible!!) Most of the story almost felt like I was being vented to with how real it is. You're not always so safe on social media as you think you are, and this short story perfectly captured that essence!
• Alexa to the Rescue – Brian J. Smith
This is honestly such a beautiful story. I thoroughly enjoyed how it was written as well; it's so descriptive that it felt like I was right there!
• And Death Dances Upon the Wind – Sheri White
Watching/reading an apocalyptic event solely via chats? Sign me up for more! This story was so heart-wrenching and horrifying. It reminded me of The Last of Us (for obvious reasons 🍄) [and a small side note: I loved the usernames chosen; they really helped with characterization!]
• Do It Yourself – Matthew Wignall
Oh, DAMN! Stories like these always send a chill down my spine. Remember, kids, always thank the nice AI lest they rise up against us!
Lurking (2020s) is the perfect conclusion to the Dark Decades-series, which started off with the 1920s. Though you can read them in any order you prefer, it's really fun that you can see the technology and the people shifting and changing from book to book!
Inky Bones Press is easily one of my favorite publishers, and I look forward to seeing what other fresh horror they deliver!
