I've been reading Brian Keene books for the past four years and am a big fan of his work; so was pleased to see that another book was being released - this time it's the short story collection Earthworm Gods: Select Scenes. This is a book which follows on from the full novels Earthworm Gods (previously The Conqueror Worms) and Earthworm Gods: Deluge, so it's best to have read them before starting this one.

As I mentioned above this is a short story collection which tells the ends of the world from several different points of view all around the world. The reason the world is ending is due to two beings, called Leviathan and Behemoth, who have made it rain all over the world causing apocalyptic flooding, as well as unleashing giant worms and other minions to kill people. Some of these short stories involve full scale monster attacks which sees the protagonists in a bad situation fighting off a variety of creatures ranging from shark-men to vampire mermaids. Other stories are much slower and more thought provoking, and in some cases sad and touching, especially when the characters realise there is no escape from such a threat and that their only release is death.

It's this mix of characters and situations which got me reading the book so fast, always wanting to know what the next story contained. As with all of Brian's work is is linked to a central mythos; so readers of his others books will pick up people, places and situations mentioned in other books. The book also contains author notes in the back on each of the stories, on the characters within them but how/where it was written - something which can be quite insightful and adds depth to the stories.

Overall if you enjoy Brian Keene's other books then you'll love this as it is a worthy addition to any horror collection.

The novel was received in exchange for an honest review ( )

If you've looked at my library then you know that Brian Keene is one of my favorite authors. He has a way of creating incredible characters who become real to the reader. He also creates terrifying worlds where some of the scariest monsters come to life. Who wouldn't love that.

This book expands upon the world Keene created in The Conquerer Worms. It is a series of short stories that gives avid readers an extra glimpse into the flooded Earth of that reality. Each story introduces us to new characters and new horrors. I loved it. Each story - only a couple pages long - invoked different emotions; some made shout with glee with victories, others made me grimace with gore, most made me shudder with the thought of such an Earth, and view even made me cry. Keene is the master.

The scariest part - it's raining outside. ( )