Review of "Terrible Things That Happen When You're Lost in the Dark" Compiled by Desiree Horton
Terrible Things That Happen When You're Lost in the Dark is a wonderful collection of horror/sci-fi blended pieces.
Most commonly, the characters across stories were stranded in space where everything from the tentacled to the vast unknown came for them. I was sat!
The second half of stories hit harder for me, but I really liked how there were multiple pieces by the same authors (including some follow-ups!)
My thoughts on each story:
⇝ My top three are in green! ⇜
• A Lullaby from Beyond – Phrique
This poem is deeply eerie, and I love that it is what started off this collection!
• A Thousand Deaths – Zach Ellenberger (Part 1)
A very intriguing start.
• Lost God – Desiree Horton & Chisto Healy
Interesting, and a little sad too.
• TROGLODYTE – J.M. Fickling
Well-executed concept!
• The Knock – Kirsten Noelle Craig
Creepy as hell. The isolation of the main character, Miller, made the story hit that much harder.
• Who is my Space Daddy? – Phrique
Humorous, but there's emotion to it too. It, for some reason, constantly made me think of the song, Arabella by Arctic Monkeys.
• Just Like Laika – Desiree Horton
Heartbreaking and chilling; a very unexpected plot.
• A Thousand Deaths – Zach Ellenberger (Part 2)
A great conclusion!
• ASTROCYTE – J.M. Fickling
A follow-up of TROGLODYTE; what an ending!
• When the Moon Hits Your Eye – Phrique
Beyond incredible, and I loved the case report-like narrative style!
• Blighted Flesh – E.M. Otero
Hooked me start to finish.
• Amnion – Jerry Blaze
Something about this is very 80s/90s sci-fi; not necessarily anything specific but the vibes. I also liked the idea that humanity will play a part in its own invasion because we're too dumb for self-control.
• Archive of the Universe – Kirsten Noelle Craig
The ending, and parts throughout, quite literally gave me goosebumps! This piece is so, SO good and I loved the inevitability of it.
• Endless Harvest – Dev Solovey
One of the most creative alien-contact stories I've read!
• Adrift – Chisto Healy
Perfect ending to the collection; the anxiety of the story follows after you've finished reading the last word.
Quotes I thought were neat:
• "Can I handle the emptiness of space with a sound mind? This isn’t just death they are sending me to; it’s the abyss."
— Just Like Laika, Desiree Horton
• "We take some secrets to our graves. Sometimes those secrets pave the way."
— When the Moon Hits Your Eye, Phrique
• "He looked less like a man and more like a mask."
— Archive of the Universe, Kirsten Noelle Craig
Overall, this collection has creative and well-written concepts, and I think it's perfect for those who, like me, love the idea of sci-fi but need it a little less technical and a lot more horrific!
P.S. Some commotion for the stunning cover!!!
