My newest Halloween present has arrived–
If you can’t tell, this is the latest from the great J.R. Hamantaschen, a collection entitled With A Voice That Is Often Still Confused But Is Becoming Louder And Clearer… J.R. is one of the most original voices in horror, especially Lovecraftian horror, today. His first collection, You Shall Never Know Security, pretty much blew my mind. And if you don’t believe me, here’s my original review.
I don’t read all that many anthologies. I prefer reading novels, just as I prefer writing them. So when I do read anthologies, I don’t finish them unless they are good. You Shall Never Know Security by J.R. Hamantaschen is good. In fact, it is very good indeed. I think there is something wrong with J.R., and I mean that in the kindest way possible. His stories display a sickly twisted diabolical nature that is difficult to achieve. Whether it’s the tragically beautiful “A Parasite Inside Your Brain,” the devilishly delightful “Truth is Stranger Than Fiction,” (so ripping this one off at some point), or the hilariously introspective “Nothing,” every single one of J.R.’s stories is both unique and horrifying in its own way. If you enjoy short fiction with a dark twist—particularly that kind of darkness you only see from Lovecraftians—then check out You Shall Never Know Security.
Just beware—the title does not overpromise.
5 Stars
Beware The Shadows 