Review of "Tales from the Ruins: A Post-Apocalyptic Anthology" from Black Beacon Books
- Megan Diedericks
- Apr 8
- 4 min read
Tales from the Ruins from Black Beacon Books delves deeply and thoroughly into all things that can be expected after an apocalyptic event—and even some things one wouldn't consider (unless stranded in such a hellscape yourself!)
A lot of these stories feel almost inevitable, and those are the ones which terrified me the most. Let's hope none of these authors have the gift of prophecy, because I will NOT survive the events they've written.
Another common thread is a sense of emptiness, even when the narrator/main character is part of a group. These authors ended their worlds and didn't hold back on showing you the full extent of the aftermath—emotionally and environmentally.
I also love that some of the apocalypses aren't explained, it helped focus me on the main event: survival.
This book made me sit and think about the actions the characters took and I really had to wonder if I, or anyone I know, would act any differently if thrust into the same situations.
My thoughts on each story:
• THE AFTERMATH – Claire Davon
The alone-ness of this piece is very eerie.
• HELL TAKES NO PRISONERS – Karen Bayly
This story reads like a "worst case scenario" of the world we already live in, except fuel is added to the patriarchy-fire by aliens. I appreciate how the author didn't hold back on the brutality; just because there's some sci-fi in there doesn't mean what happens in this story isn't real.
• CHASING THE WHITE LIMOUSINE – Kurt Newton
I can honestly say I've never envisioned a couple of speedsters at the end of the world. Very creative story, and I love that it helps break the gloom a little!
• AN INTERLUDE IN THE ENGLISH CIVIL WAR – David Turnbull
This one is very morally gray; I found myself feeling sorry for the main character then wondering if I even should—and round and round it went. A very bleak, yet open, ending that I felt was fitting.
• A KISSIDOUGOU CHRISTMAS – Michael Picco
In between an ending I didn't see coming, and an almost comedic first-person narration, lies very real commentary about ignoring a virus because it's not here (but there). I liked this one a lot!
• THE FIELDS – Mark Towse
This one is so awfully sad. It reads like the protagonist, a young boy, wrote it; that added to the authenticity for me.
• CAST UPON THE WATER – Joseph S. Walker
I love the cramped feel of this one. The apocalyptic event isn't directly referenced, and the focus is much more on what the characters lost, or might even—hopefully—gain.
• HELP, SCOTLAND – Malcolm Timperley
This story was like listening to your friend tell you the worst things they've ever been through. The conversational tone also made me think that the first-person narrator might have been trying to keep himself sane while all the events occurred. Another thing I enjoyed was the way the creatures are described in this story: simple yet effective enough to paint a clear picture in my head.
• THE DEEP END – Cameron Trost
Action-packed in a way that propelled me forward. The love the main character has for his daughter, and his willingness to do anything to keep her safe, really hit hard. In circumstances such as he's experiencing, I found myself wondering if he was merely enacting justice.
• END OF THE LINE – Louise Zedda-Sampson
A very short story with a very apt title. It hits hard and perfectly at its length!
• THE DEATH OF RACCOON – Adam Breckenridge
This story is very descriptive; death and destruction stand at odds with the beautiful prose used to describe scenes of the past—which is something I really enjoyed!
• DARKNESS AT THE EDGE OF MEN – Stuart Olver
A sort of hopeful feel in very bleak circumstances; like there's still a chance for the world and humanity to improve once again.
• SAILORS' DELIGHT – Claire Fitzpatrick
The destruction and emptiness of this world is described so perfectly. It's eerie, vast, yet insanely personal. I think this one might be my favorite!
• HOMECOMING – L.P. Ring
There's a twinge of humor in this story, and it only helps make it that much more devastating. A wonderful piece!
Quotes I thought were neat:
• "Humany left their mark on the world, even those trying not to leave a carbon footprint." | "No ashes to ashes for us—we would be carrion for the feast."
— THE AFTERMATH, Claire Davon
• "If something hurts, I must be alive."
— HELL TAKES NO PRISONERS, Karen Bayly
• "I guess if you torture someone long enough, you can get them to confess to anything."
— AN INTERLUDE IN THE ENGLISH CIVIL WAR, David Turnbull
• "... we now saw our fellow man without the trappings and fake smiles of the past. We now saw this true self—a mangy dog snarling over a brittle bone."
— THE DEEP END, Cameron Trost
• "He was a survivor and he was going to make damn sure the universe knew it, even if there were no comsic eyes to witness it for all he knew."
— THE DEATH OF RACCOON, Adam Breckenridge
• "That country is dead—choked on the bones of our fallen."
— DARKNESS AT THE EDGE OF MEN, Stuart Olver
• "A wolf without its pack is just a wild dog barking at the moon."
— SAILORS' DELIGHT, Claire Fitzpatrick
• The ending two sentences of HOMECOMING (I don't want to give it away 👀)
Tales from the Ruins is mostly dark and inhumane, places in fiction which mirror reality—where what you have to fear most is men, natural disasters, and more. Yet some of the stories remind you that humanity and hope do still prevail.
This book is an amazing read!
