Howls From the Dark Ages: An Anthology of Medieval Horror

​The thing about Middle Ages is that it was already horrific enough. Most things about it – hence the dark ages. Ages away from the Enlightenment in so many ways. So as far as lending itself to genre fiction, it’s pretty much a gimmie. Still, to their credit, the authors in this anthology did a great job – the went far and wide, spanning continents and cultures, upturning conventions and making the build-in darkness shine with a new gleam.
Did I love it? Not quite. I did appreciate it, though.
I’ve been in a strange mood lately where it’s difficult to gauge my reading desires precisely. I figured this might do the trick and it didn’t. Trying to stay objective enough to separate it into what is and what isn’t the books’ direct fault.
The stories took me a while to get into, not until number four, in fact, did it pique my interest properly. The overall quality was solid, with a few gems here and there, the titles of which promptly left my mind as these things are wont to do.
Mostly unknown authors from what sounds like a really fun publishing collective. Out of the knowns, there was Goodfellow, Evenson. Buehlman (the man who needs no introduction) provides the introduction.
It stands to mention that as far as anthologies go, this one is put together awesomely. It’s lovingly curated like a museum exhibit with a brief wink-wink-nudge-nudge intro and an artwork preceding each entry. Even every contributor gets drawn for the author’s bio section. Very cute.
So, didn’t quite sing for me. Maybe not the right era, Maybe not the right mood. But interesting and entertaining in its own right. Won’t send you howling with joy, but won’t send the villagers with pitchforks after it either. Thanks Netgalley.