K. Scott Forman

One of the reasons I love horror anthologies, aside from my addiction to short stories is that I get to sample the work of writers I may not have heard of before. In this case all of these authors were new to me and though I can't claim any credit for discovering them I can hopefully help other readers to find a new favorite.

This anthology is a treasure trove of witchy horror stories and poems. Each author brings something unique to the table, from a modern day reimagining of Hansel and Gretel to a darkly humorous poem about the deliciousness of caramelized children.
Not all of the witches are wicked but the stories are sinfully good.

Some of my favorites did feature witches with less than honorable intentions, such as The Lady of The Lake by Levi Robinson in which a seemingly kind old woman takes in two lost travelers, who will soon come to regret accepting her gracious offer of food and a place to rest.
The Crazy Cat Lady by Jo Schneider about a reporter for the university paper who is granted an interview with a reclusive woman who has never before agreed to speak for any publication.
in Persona Non Grata by Lehua Parker a religious zealot goes behind the back of her televangelist husband to seek help from her estranged psychic sister in locating her missing daughter. For Scrying Out Loud by Caryn Larrinaga features another psychic, this one trying to save a drunken woman from a horrible fate. Cadmium Blue by Jeff Dosser is the aforementioned modern day twist on Hansel and Gretel and it was shocking how quickly what first appeared to be a helpful police officer turned ugly and hateful. There's no candy cottage here just a house of horrors.
There are many more great stories included, these are but a few that cast their spell on me and still linger in my mind after finishing the book.

I received an advance copy for review.… (mehr)

I received an e-Galley ARC of Wasatch Witches: A Collection Of Utah Horror, edited by Beverly Bernard, with cover design by Rooster Republic and interior design by FireDrake Designs, for review consideration. What follows below is my honest review, freely given.

I rated this anthology 4.5 stars. 25 authors, 25 stories and poems, uniquely crafted and funded fully from a kickstarter campaign; Utah Horror Writers have an annual anthology, this was their 7th. Each year has a theme, with a connection to Utah by author or story a requirement. I think it’s awesome. Keep an eye out for open submissions this year, I hope they get to do another one!

THE PESTILENCE – VINCE FONT
Brilliant choice for the opening of the anthology. Those involved felt vindicated by what followed, proved correct in their fear and action; the readers, arguably those with hindsight, see it as something else.

THE WITCH’S HOUSE – JESSE N. WHITE
“Modern problems require modern solutions” is a meme that works well here; remembering women would visit houses labeled those of a witch for help with their troubles.

THE LADY OF THE LAKE – LEVI ROBINSON
What if the Donner Party and similar occurrences had an outside contributor? Adding to the tragedy, perhaps even being the cause in its entirety? An apex predator that hid in plain sight and could blur your vision of reality to her benefit?

WASATCH WITCHES – C. H. LINDSAY
This poem sounds not too bad a time, all in all, where do I sign up?

UNTIL NEXT TIME – K. SCOTT FORMAN
So the back half made me think of the curse in Ladyhawke (1985), where the man was cursed to be a wolf at night, the woman a hawk in the day, forever kept (just) apart. I felt it almost set up a witch mythos, very unique, at least one I’ve never read.

THE CRAZY CAT LADY – JO SCHNEIDER
Short and not very sweet; simply perfect.

PERSONA NON GRATA – LEHUA PARKER
The less said to avoid spoilers the better, but I enjoyed the complexity of situation portrayed in this story. I could see the underlying solution applied across many familial situations, maybe not to the dramatic conclusion each time, but the basic principle, yes.

FOR SCRYING OUT LOUD – CARYN LARRINAGA
If I had this ability I would finally enjoy looking into mirrors (boom tsh’) Honestly this would be a mixed bag, as the story highlights. But I did like the tongue in cheek feel of this MC’s attitude to life. It was a fun story.

RIP TO RESET – SARIAH HOROWITZ
Think about why you are really doing something. Heed warnings. Gave me the heebie jeebies when I realized she was not the only one in the know, though not fully, that things were different. Have to read the story to understand, no spoilers from me.

FRANKENBEAR – C. H. LINDSAY
Another poem that for better or worse I just love; if it’s supposed to strike fear in my heart, maybe mine is just a little happier with the misfits.

THE FINAL SPELL – ELIZABETH SUGGS
I thought this type of exchange interesting, harder for the witch. I wonder if they are able to not begin the process at all?

THE MOTH – ROBERT BAGNALL
I’m not sure if this story leaves me feeling bereft or full.

FATA MORGANA – DANIEL R. ROBICHAUD
She is more gentle than some in this anthology, doesn’t force anything, but doesn’t ask permission either.

ASPENS – EDWARD MATTHEWS
Midsommer vibe, checking out the local festivities and biting off more than you can chew.

FLY BY NIGHT – MICKIE BOLLING-BURKE
One of my top 5. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. I loved this story for so many reasons that I can’t go into without spoilers.

CADMIUM BLUE – JEFF DOSSER
One of my top 5 of this anthology. This is a messed up Ketchum-flavored kustard, I mean this as a high compliment. You will feel things, strongly, while reading this, about many of the characters. Loved this!

WHY ARE CHILDREN SO DELICIOUS? - JOSHUA P. SORENSEN
This is one poem in this anthology I did not feel a close connection with, thankfully. Catchy though.

THE WARLOCK OF KAY’S CREEK – BRYAN STUBBLES
A hell of a ride. My kids are on an Adventure Time kick, so Liken was Ice King to me a little bit, but western.

DANARA’S COVEN – C. H. LINDSAY
I love a cottagecore rep tale for me to drool over, it’s not very practical for raising two boys in, but sounds so cozy. I couldn’t help but think the police were dropping the ball.

A LIFE WORTH LIVING – RG HUGHES
One of my top 5, another messed up and dark story. I guess I have a type. I was disoriented at parts, but that is intentional I believe, keep reading because the pay off blew my mind.

MISS FORTUNE-ANASTASIA – NATASHA MORNINGSTARR
I’m unsure if this was a baiting or advantage situation. So not sure how the story made me feel ultimately.

UNFRUITFUL WORKS – D. J. MOORE
This one stuck with me after, because I think we have all known at least one truly cruel person in our lives. Maybe not closely, if your lucky, but from a friend, or read about them, sure. Disquieting.

VICE- DONALD EVANS
The practicality of this scenario, my absolute certainty that this is happening in one of our multiverses right now; why not here, why not our earth man?

WHAT HAPPENS IN SALEM – ANGELA HARTLEY
One of my top 5. You never know for sure who is the hunter in the game of cat and mouse, so don’t get too big for your britches, witches.

MOMENTO MORI – C. R. LANGILLE
Top 5, this one is nightmare fuel with the imagery. Gorgeous.… (mehr)