Fiction Friday: Ten Tales From Hell

“Ten Tales From Hell” is a collection of dark delicacies, each a treat to be savored, with innocent beginnings but mind-blowing endings.

While scrolling through Facebook, I stumbled upon this independent publisher behind the Spawn of Nightmares series, a unique collection of five horror-filled books. Their ability to publish consistently compelling stories from seasoned writers alongside fresh talent sets them apart.

Driven by curiosity, I delved into the Ten Tales From Hell. The stories immediately seized my attention, drawing me into their world. They resemble the kind of macabre tales found in the classic series Tales from the Crypt. For this review, consider me the Crypt Keeper, introducing you to these ten terrifying tales.

Listen up, kiddies, as our first nasty comes from Dominic Kane.  His tale, Unborn, reminds me of the movie Sin City, directed by Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez. In case you don’t know, Sin City is a neo-noir film that uses classic dark movies’ visual style and themes but with a modern sensibility, featuring graphic depictions of violence and sexuality. Similarly, Unborn is a graphic and violent tale of a serial killer being hunted by a hard-boiled, stop-at-nothing detective. This dark story boasts fantastic imagery, bordering on discomfort.

Next on our journey is Deadline by David E. Anderson, a tale about a writer who just wanted to be famous. Many writers can relate to this author’s quest for validation, especially as they try to kickstart their careers. Unfortunately, as protagonist Thomas Curran will learn, it’s not always a gift to get what you wish for.

Holly D. McCarthy’s Blood Pact follows a woman being chased by a monster as a result of a contract she never agreed to or signed. She’s been running from this nightmare for so long that she wonders if she will ever escape, and you’ll be desperate to find out if she does.

Dad Kills The Uber Driver by Revna Zil is a scary, smartly crafted story about a married couple enjoying a night away from the kids. However, Mom (Emily) can’t help but feel nervous and unsure about this evening. Something is wrong with the air, the atmosphere, and especially her husband, Nick. It’s a disturbing story that makes you question: Can you ever really know your partner?

In our next tale, Mark of the Man-Eater by Kev Valgard, a creature of the night stalks the villagers of Kumaon. Stories say it’s a tigress, but no one has seen her and lived. The only thing ever found is bodies maimed and ripped as if by a wild animal. Yet, only certain bodies were found, as if the man-eater was targeting its victims. So, is the man-eater a tigress… or something more sinister?

Bob Makes a Movie by A.V. Donaldson is about a mute boy who turns to movies, joy, and entertainment. Watching these movies fills his life with so much pleasure that he has decided to create his own film. It will be a medium for him to communicate with others since he can’t talk. So, what does Bob have to say?

Night of the Living Pizzeria by Brody Butcher, who also edited this anthology, takes an ordinary night and turns it into a nightmare. What if one summer night, as you are working at the local pizzeria and closing up, your world is turned upside down without warning? What if you were suddenly under attack by something horrific and unimaginable? What would you do?

In the excellent Widow Maker by Tina S. Transformation, Alyssa discovers that the man she is married to doesn’t really love her. Worse yet, it seems she’s the butt of a cruel joke that everyone seems to be in on but her.

Childhood Memories by Audriana Yasmeen is about Kamaria’s life from childhood to adulthood. She suffered terrible things inflicted upon her by her mother and the men her mother knew. A psychologist, Dr. Brooks, helps Kamaria work through these traumatic memories and discover the truth she’s kept buried—a truth that challenges the validity of the stories she has told herself to survive.

We end our harrowing journey through Hell with Carrion’s Cross by J. K. Aleister. Kiddies, the final entree in our ghostly meal is a real treat. Carrion is a girl with an unusual childhood: the only girl raised by men in the wilds of South Carolina. Her father gave her an education she could never earn in traditional school. Just don’t cross her, or the hard lesson you learn may be your last.