P.L. McMillan

Anthologies are often hit or miss for me. So often, I find the themes or short stories become repetitive--fast--or showcase only a few standouts among a host of stories that clearly don't live up to the standards set by those few among the many. As a result, I'm often reluctant to pick them up, and that might have been especially true here, where I knew a number of the authors and feared what I'd say if I didn't at least enjoy the collection as a whole. And yet...

I loved it. In fact, page show more for page, this is probably the best horror anthology--no, the best short story anthology, if not anthology period--that I've ever come across. (This is fudging things only slightly because there is one gorgeous poem in the collection.) On top of being full of original stories that carry the reader back to the middle ages to experience a wide brand of horrors, the writing in the anthology is unquestionably impressive. From story to story, page to page and image to image and character to character, the talent here shines forth from every story, whether coming from a well-known name or one with only a few publications on their resume.

Knowing how heavy such a setting as the dark ages can become, I wondered if the book would become too heavy, or too one-note. Simply put, I was wrong. There's such variety in this anthology that I feel sure there's something for everyone, and although I've got my favorites (because of course I do), I feel confident in believing that every story/poem here is deserving of being some reader's favorite, and I'm not sure when I've been able to say that for any anthology I've come across. There's also no doubt that this is a collection of horror--you won't find any quiet, shifty stories that don't quite fit the darkness you're hoping for. In fact, some may well leave you without an appetite or wondering if you'll ever sleep again.

But isn't that the lovely thing about horror collections? So, drink some coffee or some whiskey to keep you awake, and pull open this collection. Be ready to mark down some new horror names you'll want to follow, as well.

Absolutely recommended. show less

Howls from the Dark Ages by P.L. McMillan is a horror anthology that attempts to transport readers into the chilling shadows of the medieval era. With such a unique and promising premise—horror stories set in a time of plagues, religious fanaticism, and superstitions—I had high hopes for a collection that would deliver eerie atmospheres, spine-tingling narratives, and unforgettable characters. Unfortunately, most of the stories fell flat, lacking the depth and tension that a true horror show more fan craves. While the medieval setting was consistently maintained, many tales felt underdeveloped, with abrupt endings or minimal impact.

That said, a couple of stories did manage to rise above the rest. The Crowing stood out for its unsettling imagery and slow-building dread, capturing the spirit of horror rooted in historical fear. Brother Cornelius was another highlight, weaving religious horror and inner torment with a satisfying level of suspense. These two pieces hinted at what the anthology could have been—a terrifying journey through dark history.

Overall, the collection feels uneven and misses the mark in terms of delivering consistent scares. Readers who enjoy medieval horror might still find value in the unique setting, but those seeking a truly gripping experience may leave disappointed. show less

Barely surviving a brutal car crash, John Ainsworth awakens in the remote Crimoria Convent where he is greeted by a cadre of unconventional nuns and two visiting Church auditors. Confined due to his injuries, John admires the Sisters' cheerful nature and their autonomous way of life thanks to their unnaturally, successful vineyard. The auditors, however, are less impressed and enlist John's help to claim the Church's due. As he investigates, John struggles more and more to reconcile the show more disturbing nature of his findings with the charming and affable nature of the nuns. With the mention of an impending annual ritual, more questions arise, for is it God that they worship or something else?

In traditional folk horror style, the story is from the perspective of the unassuming new arrival. John's character and personality had so many opportunities to go south and it never did. Although he's not a particularly religious man presently, John was raised Catholic and accepts that the rigid auditors have a job to do. He also comes to understand what the convent has suffered through. The significance of their holy Mother Superior making the ultimate sacrifice to save her flock is not lost on John.

It may be unconventional, to put it very lightly, but I love the idea that these nuns protect themselves and not a single man, John or otherwise, is an exception to this rule. This one would've been perfect, except that I felt that certain parts of the story could've been drawn out a little bit more. Specifics of the nuns' former misery and desperation could've added another element of horror to the story and psychological insight. On a positive note, John finds himself attracted to one of the nuns, and she seemingly in return, but thankfully in a genuine way. It's not a rushed seduction, or a predictable male fetishization/"trapped with sexy nuns" kink. Instead, the author turns the trope on its head in a delightfully wicked and sapphic way. The reader will find themselves morally conflicted alongside John as the history of the convent is revealed. Highly recommend! show less

I first heard about this collection when it was announced on Twitter a few years ago (back when I still liked and regularly used Twitter). I was not a huge horror reader at the time, but I was scheduled to take a class on Horror Literature and decided that my love for historical fiction could overcome any issues I had with the horror aspects.

And let me assure you, it was totally worth it.

First off, the book is set up as a museum tour—as though the reader is being shown these strange show more objects with horrifying histories behind them. I love a fun writing conceit, so this drew me in instantly. The first story was a normal horror fantasy, which was not my favorite, but I can understand the editors’ decision to put it first. It does serve as a good basic introduction to horror.

The next few stories are what really cemented my opinion, however. Stories about amoral monks and strange magic traditions. A fascinating dissection of beauty standards as a medieval woman destroys her skin with cosmetics. A first person account of the ‘miracles’ of a saint with an unsaintly temper. They were strange and engaging and wonderful to read.

Obviously, like all collections, not every story is a perfect story. Some of them were a bit too strange for my tastes, or seemed more like a straight fantasy story than a horror story. One was just confusing and I even attempted to dissect it for one of my college essays. That said, none of these ruined my reading experience. Not every story is for every reader, and I can respect the time and effort put into them. The stories I loved, I really loved.

As much as it pains me, I do have to give this collection a 9/10. While it is a 10/10 in my heart, in reality, I have to acknowledge that there were parts I did not love. Still, a fantastic collection for anyone who loves horror or obscure medieval history. show less