Book Review: Dark Matter Presents Human Monsters: A Horror Anthology edited by Sadie Hartmann and Ashley Saywers

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“Emotions are a series of boxes stacked and welded shut, containing all the things I dare not let myself feel.” —“The Better Man” by Jena Brown

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Human Monsters presents 35 short horror stories surrounding real monsters — that is, those who are very much human rather than fantastical or mythical. As they expose the evil doings of family members, coworkers, friends, neighbors, and strangers, these tales creep, disquiet, disturb, shock, nauseate, and terrify. They also burrow deep, settling into a secret place of fear and dread, leaving the reader unnerved and haunted, rattled and daunted.

Of the 35 authors who contributed, 19 were completely new to me, which was a lot of fun. And while it’s difficult to choose favorites among such varied storytelling — the cornerstone of a successful anthology, where there is literally something for everyone — some standouts were:

• “Eggshell” by Gemma Amor: Disquieting yet somberly hopeful
• “I Did a Thing” by Caroline Kepnes: Uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing

• “Grave Bait” by Chad Lutzke: Darkly twisted and satisfying
• “Monster Misunderstood” by Catherine McCarthy: Chilling and horrifying

• “The Other Wives” by Archita Mittra: Deliciously gothic and blackly mysterious
• “Into the Barn” by Stephanie Nelson: Unsettling and haunting

• “7 P.M. Awards Ceremony, Followed by Girl Scout Auction at 8” by Sam Rebelein: Shocking and brutal
• “I Swear I Didn’t Kill the Others” by Kelsea Yu: Page-turning and cinematic

Though I’ve highlighted a handful above, all of the included works are creative, evoke significant (and often visceral) reactions, and are intense, horrific, and entertaining in their own ways. Horror lovers looking for a fantastic compendium need look no further than Human Monsters.

Thank you to Dark Matter INK for sending me a physical copy of this tremendous anthology; it was a disturbing, macabre, and memorable read!

❤Amanda

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