Ye Olde Dragon Books’ second anthology of classic monsters targets Frankenstein and asks the question “Who’s the Monster?” Is it the ambitious scientist who goes too far? Is it his creation who, after being rejected, runs amok? Is it both? Or is it a society that can’t see beneath the layers of scars and stretched skin, tormenting those that are different?
Ten authors proffer tales of horror and tenderness, love and hate. Through historical fantasy fiction, twisted science fiction, and cautionary campfire tales, they provide an answer. Who is the monster?
(At this point, I must disclose that my story is included in this anthology and exempt from this review.)
Two of the stories in the anthology fall into the category of an interesting take on the theme of “scientists” and their creations. The first concerns characters who don’t trust their own bodies. “Fix and Refresh,” by Pam Halter, poses an intriguing perspective on Shelley’s tale. This story had me guessing at each page. The second is “Inertia” by Etta-Tamara Wilson. A fascinating portrayal of a so-called “crazed” creator of technology, and an ending that stays long after the last word.
Most offerings in the anthology included could be categorized as urban fantasy—our world with a monster or re-animation science present—except for Michelle L. Levigne’s “Patches.” Her tale explores a monster set firmly in a fantasy world. Levigne’s take on the theme is the most creative version of the monster of all the stories (I won’t spoil how). Humorous and quirky, it’s a “sunny afternoon” in the midst of many “stormy night” stories.
For a darker tone, Deborah Cullins Smith’s “Phillippe” is historical fantasy of what happens when a convent of vampire-hunting nuns come across a Frankenstein monster. Both a short story and an introduction to a novel, the story continues Shelley’s narrative to explore an expanded world of people and the supernatural.
Kaitlyn Emery’s “Monster Girl,” told from multiple perspectives, imagines the monster of Shelley’s novel living among us. A portrayal of loneliness (surprisingly not only of the monster), this tale is an affectionate view of everyone we spurn because they are different.
The next story continues a narrative begun in anthology #1, Moonlight and Claws. Stoney M. Setzer’s “The Sentinel” depicts a world of monsters created by evil geniuses. This one is action-packed, suspenseful, and clearly answers the question of who is the monster.
“Not My Fault” by C. S. Watcher is more science fiction than horror, though it definitely has horrific images. A surprise concept in this anthology, I enjoyed it from beginning to end. When you read the final paragraph, the reader realizes the “Frankenstein” element isn’t the only horror element included.
Lindsi McIntyre’s “The Fear of a Monster” is an encounter between a brutal monster and a quick-thinking girl. The tension is high throughout, but resolves with a satisfying ending. Her take on Frankenstein’s creation feels spot-on.
“The Man on the Train” by Abigail Falanga grabbed me from the beginning to the very last sentence. This story’s style, characters, and plot all blend together into one scary yet thrilling narrative. Really enjoyed this one. Great idea; great execution.
“Who’s the Monster?” with its patchworked creations, amateur software engineers, affectionate but misunderstood monsters, super-soldiers, time travelers, and many more, is like a fun house of an anthology. With its pastiche of offerings, someone is bound to find something they love.