When Havok publishes an anthology, my son and I read them, approximately one a night, and then compare notes. We give a 1 to 10 rating after finishing each tale. We finished Havok’s latest, Sensational, where the usual blend of mystery, science fiction/fantasy, humor, and thriller offerings are centered on one of the five senses. Havok added a special category of sixth sense to make it an even half dozen.
Overall, most of the stories were rated highly. I consider a 7 rating memorable and well worth reading. Thirty-three of forty-nine received a 7 rating. The remaining were all in the 5 and up category. It’s difficult to rate anthologies because they’re usually uneven, but Havok’s are all in the good to excellent range. Both of us thought highly of this entry in the series.
Many honorable mentions here. Each one of these stories finished off our day on a high note so bravo to all these authors. Mama Louise’s One-Eyed Gumbo (A. C. Williams), Eyes of the Blind (Rachel Ann Michael Harris), Flee Market (Andrew Winch), Color (Hannah Robinson). Dad was also especially fond of A Spoonful of Spice (Beka Gremikova) and Poisoned Melody (Kaitlyn Emery).
Not all was tranquility when it came to settling on a number. At times, one of us would rate a story higher than the other. This was due to Dad being more interested in mysteries and thrillers and Son being more inclined to humor. Both of us enjoy science fiction and fantasy. Dad’s list of stories that deserve a read even if you’re not a fan of the genre include the chilling and highly effective The Purple Dawn by Michael Teasdale. The Art You See (Kat Heckenbach) married an interesting concept with a powerful ending. The Unseen by Kaitlyn Carter Brown built a lot of action and heart into such a short story. And A Ghost’s Guide to Haunted Hugs (Kristiana Sfirlea) was sweet and sad—not your (para)normal haunted cave story.
Son’s list leaned toward humor. Where’s Santa? by Linda Jane Neidfeldt was a crowd-pleaser and entertained my son to its big “reveal.” Your Nosy Neighborhood Granny (Beka Gremikova) took an oft-overlooked character and made her the star to hilarious effect. And Komainu (Michael Erasmus) showed us that epic battles don’t always occur in the middle of wars.
We each had our favorites. Dad’s was the simple yet enthralling Always Beauty by Linda Sammaritan. All I have to say is “cicadas” and anyone who has ever read it recalls the plot. If the purpose of a story is to make the reader feel, this story succeeded admirably. Son’s choice was The Laundress by Ronnell Kay Gibson. The idea behind this story is what made it stand out. Charming, inventive, and spellbinding with a great and powerful concept, we hated to see it end.
So, delight your senses, especially your sense of sight, and pick up Havok’s Sensational. Sure to have something for everyone, and at least a handful of stories in each sense, this unique collection is worth a read. My sixth sense tells me you will enjoy it.