Steve Rasnic Tem is a master of the dark and unsettling, frequently delving into the depths of the human psyche to explore the horror that lies beneath the surface of ordinary life. His intricate style and keen insight into human nature make him a unique storyteller. Tem's works are characterized by a pervasive atmosphere of creeping dread and existential questions that linger long after the final page. He is an author who captures the fragility of the human spirit and the shadowed corners of our perception of reality.
Exploring the chilling legend of the Wendigo, this collection of tales delves into themes of hunger, isolation, and the human psyche. Each story offers a unique perspective on the Wendigo myth, blending horror with cultural commentary. The narratives traverse various settings and characters, revealing how the insatiable craving for power or survival can lead to terrifying consequences. Readers will encounter both traditional and contemporary interpretations, making for a haunting exploration of folklore and its impact on humanity.
The book offers a profound exploration of contemporary horror literature, encouraging diverse formal analyses and interpretations. It highlights significant projects within the genre, showcasing their relevance and depth. Praised for its beauty and bravery, the work delves into the complexities of horror, inviting readers to engage with it on multiple levels.
This fourth volume of the Valancourt Book of Horror Stories series showcases 15 chilling tales from various centuries, highlighting the rich history of horror literature. It includes five original stories, two rare foreign pieces translated into English for the first time, and eight previously scarce works. Curated by Valancourt Books, this collection emphasizes the revival of lost and neglected horror literature, offering readers a diverse array of unsettling narratives from both established and emerging authors.
Exploring the intricate relationship between the living and the dead, the narrative delves into the protagonist's lifelong fascination with dreams of the deceased. This journey reveals deep emotional connections, unresolved issues, and the impact of loss on personal identity. As the story unfolds, themes of memory, grief, and the quest for understanding emerge, challenging the boundaries between reality and the afterlife. The protagonist's experiences invite readers to reflect on their own perceptions of death and the enduring presence of those who have passed.
Steve and Melanie Tem have expanded the ideas in the original award-winning story The Man on the Ceiling to create a compelling work that examines how people find a family, stay together despite incomprehensible tragedy, and, in the end, how they find love.
Set in a surreal vacation resort for the collective unconscious, the story follows Richard Carter and his daughter Serena as they navigate the eerie Deadfall Hotel, a place where nightmares linger and the dead find respite. As they seek to rediscover life, they must confront the sinister forces that inhabit the hotel, posing a threat to their survival. The narrative combines elements of horror and psychological exploration, creating a unique and chilling atmosphere.
The Canterbury Nightmares is a collection of stories from the edge of the abyss. Combining the essence of Chaucer's pilgrims on their journey to a shrine, with what appeared to be the end of a global pandemic, these tales were born in a time when personal connections were few, breathing the air in a grocery store felt unsafe, and the country was dissolving into seemingly irreparable divisions. Eleven travelers heading out to visit The Grand Canyon. All of them have their reasons. All of them have their losses, and their pain. All of them are dark. From an old man taking a promised journey with his wife, to a congregation that has lost its way, from different backgrounds and cultures, to different ways of dealing with grief, loss, and isolation, this book will take you places you do not expect. Contents: The Old Man's Tale - Steve Rasnic Tem The Liberation of Brother Buffalo - Michael Boatman Think of the Family - Ai Jiang To See Her in Sepia - Scott J. Moses The Preditor's Tale - Terence Taylor The Wife of Wrath's Tale - John B. Rosenman The Secret Place: A Knight's Tale - Stephen Mark Rainey The Sacred Clarion - S. A. Cosby The Tour Guide's Tale - Anna Tambour Every Form of Person - J. A. W. McCarthy Vending Machine Girl - Eric LaRocca
In a surreal prison called Ubo, Daniel is subjected to bizarre and harrowing experiences orchestrated by giant roaches. Each resident shares fragmented memories of their arrival, marked by dreams of winged insects invading their homes. Daniel is forced to embody figures from humanity's dark past, such as Jack the Ripper and Stalin, in ever-changing scenarios that blur the lines of reality and identity. As chaos reigns and the environment deteriorates, the prisoners face psychological torment and the uncertainty of their fates in this nightmarish realm.
The book explores the theme of choice versus inevitability, emphasizing the importance of agency in personal relationships and life decisions. It delves into the emotional complexities of absence, suggesting that actively choosing to step away can be more empowering than experiencing a loss imposed by external circumstances. Through its narrative, it invites readers to reflect on their own experiences with absence and the power of making conscious choices in the face of uncertainty.
Colorado's Fantasy, Dark Fantasy and Science Fiction
A finalist for the World Fantasy Award. Many important fantasists and science fiction writers have lived and written in Colorado from the 1940s to the 1990s. For some, Colorado did not feature prominently in their work. But for others, its high mountains and deserts and unique urban enclaves proved a profoundly interesting backdrop for works of imagination. Now editor Steve Rasnic Tem has assembled a notable cast of contributors and some of the best writing in the field, much of it entirely new or previously uncollected. Work is included from Vance Aandahl, Michael Bishop, Ed Bryant, Joanne Greenberg, Wil McCarthy, Stanley Mullen, Bruce Holland Rogers, Melanie Tem, Don Webb, Connie Willis and many others. An original novella by Dan Simmons is also included in its first appearance in print. In addition to the fiction, High Fantastic is illustrated with art of the fantastic created by Colorado artists of the 1940s through the 1990s. Ed Bryant has contributed a history of genre writers and writing in Colorado, and art editor Lee Ballentine has also contributed an essay on Art and Science Fiction in the state.
