The Book of Monsters Horror Book Review

Beware. Once you open the Book of Monsters, there’s no going back. Between the pages are a gamut of artistic illustrations, intriguing stories, and an honorable tribute to the classic-style telling of everyone’s favorite subjects - monsters. To start things out, John Passarella(Wither), works his literary magic in a very appropriate and fitting introduction. What follows are ten stories to entertain, disturb, and hold true to the monster stories we grew up with - not the formulaic Hollywood versions, but the stuff that nightmares are made of.


“Prodigium: Recipe for a Monster” written by the eccentric and talented Adrienne Jones, is a captivating story about witches and the sweet taste of vengeance. With a clever plot and luminous characters, this is a recipe for excellence.


“The Endless Memory of Forever Burning Suns” is a poignant recollection from a monster’s point of view, written by esteemed Canadian author Steve Vernon. Through blurred memories of skin, hands, and dreams - this monster believes he was created to do great things, but was never given a chance.


Susanne S. Brydenbaugh offers readers a chilling tale with “Where the Blood Roses Bloom”. Ashes that sit in a silver urn are part of a promise to be fulfilled by loving hands. With brilliant dialogue and an eerie ambience, this classy ghost story sends a few shivers up the spine.


“Colors of Murder” by T.M. Gray, touches on a more psychological note, about an artist who paints his victims, and the one that got away. Gray has a gift for presenting the reader a riveting character study of a serial killer.


Hard driving action and realistic drama make “Snake Face” by Mike E. Purfield, a winning combination. This fast-paced werewolf tale brings to mind an edgy Memento-like feel.


In “The Tombs of Nectanebus”, written by Christopher Fulbright, the reader delves into an unusual but creative atmosphere in the way of mummies. When a doctor looks for a connection between Mars and ancient Egypt, he finds more than he’d ever expected. While this is a longer story, it is a smooth read and a mind candy treat.


Jason Brannon, sends us straight to Hell with his demon tale “The Glass Cage”. What starts as a prank on his mother, takes a turn for the worse for a boy. Told with great imagery, some humor, and realistic dialogue, it’s one of my favorites.


“Those Who Can Help” is a whimsical and unique story told by David Bain, where goblins are caught and turned in for profit. For a mother of some special boys, a little extra help around the house can always comes in handy.


Alex Severin and husband Kailleaugh Andersson, have collaborated on an awe-inspiring piece called “To Rise from the Grave”. An ancient Slavic custom has a woman sacrifice herself over the death of her lover. When death does not satisfy her devotion, she looks to another to complete the final task. Somewhere between poetic and haunting, it has a strong emotional base.


“Witching Eyes” is a fantastical story by Cullen Bunn, sure to remind you of childhood ghost stories around the campfire. For some boys in the forest, an old legend of Maddie Someday, gives them a reason to not stay out so late. This one will leave you with a few goose bumps.


Each story on its own represents a high degree of masterful storytelling, but as a collection it reaches monstrous proportions. Pick up a copy of Book of Monsters and take a trip down memory lane when monsters really were something to be afraid of.