Christopher O'Halloran

"Howls From the Wreckage" is a well-crafted anthology that showcases a diverse range of horror stories centered around disasters, both natural and manmade. The book is a polished collection that boasts a variety of tones and approaches, making it a captivating and enjoyable read.

One of the highlights of the anthology is the well-written stories that delve into inner fears and explore twisted and weird scenarios. The unpredictability of some tales keeps readers on the edge of their seats, show more while others focus on themes of courage, bravery, and familial grudges. Each author has contributed intriguing and imaginative stories, creating a rich tapestry of horror experiences.

The addition of tidbits about the authors and images throughout the book adds a touch of levity to an otherwise potentially heavy anthology. This subtle inclusion enhances the overall reading experience and provides readers with some respite between the intense and chilling tales.

The book covers a broad spectrum of disasters, including tsunamis, dust storms, and supernatural calamities, all of which are expertly woven into the narratives. The characters in the stories are flawlessly crafted, with their flaws magnified under stress to scary levels, making their reactions to the disasters all the more compelling.

The order of the stories is thoughtfully arranged, creating a thematic and structural interconnectedness that allows readers to explore the characters' reactions to their personal tragedies. The mysterious aspect surrounding the disasters in most stories keeps readers guessing and often leads to a bleak twist, leaving a lasting impact.

While some stories may not resonate as strongly due to the absence of an eccentric factor that some horror enthusiasts seek, the anthology as a whole offers a diverse and engaging selection that caters to various preferences.

Among the standout stories are "You Shall Return," "Heavy Rain," "Fleshies," and "A Thing of Habit." These tales leave a lasting impression, but each reader is bound to discover their favorites based on individual tastes.

In conclusion, "Howls From the Wreckage" is a captivating horror anthology that brings together an assortment of disasters and compelling characters. With its well-crafted narratives and intriguing twists, the book is sure to leave readers both entertained and unnerved. Whether you are a seasoned horror aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this anthology offers something for every horror enthusiast and is definitely worth adding to your reading list. show less

I admit I struggle with books where the main character isn't likeable, especially when they're downright unsympathetic, so this book wasn't exactly built for my tastes, but it is a fun, fast horror read that serves up a fantastically unique story. O'Halloran is a great storyteller--all the more obvious since I'm sure this same MC would have led me to DNF the book in some other writer's hands, given that sympathy element--and a talented writer, so I'll look forward to what comes next from show more him.

I will give one caveat; there really should be a CW on the book for animal death/mutilation, so read with caution if that's something which tends to bother you.

Recommended for horror lovers. show less

Christopher O’Halloran’s Pushing Daisy is the kind of ghost story I love to see: multifaceted, emotionally charged, and very scary. This beautifully written novel delivers profound character change through the process of moving through shame, grief, and self-hatred.

FYI Review - This anthology contains the following:
-Forward by Nick Cutter
-Welcome to the HBI
-Don't Play in the Closet by David Worn
-Execute Release by P.L. McMillan
-Son of Yokozuro by Caleb Stephens
-Crickets by Solomon Forse
-You Shall Return by L.P. Hernandez
-The Richardson Family Reunion by Ryan Marie Ketterer
-Casualties of a Predictable Apocalypse by Joseph Andre Thomas
-Heavy Rain by T.J. Prize
-A War in Hell by Mike Adamson
-Fleshies by Thea Maeve
-A Tornado or Something Like It by C.B. show more Jones
-A Thing of Habit by Cassandra Khaw
-Unzipped by Bridget D. Brave
-The Last Sermon of Brother Grime by Timaeus Bloom
-Against the Flats by Jennifer L. Collins
-Hope Is a Sad Song by Gully Novaro
-Systemic Infection by Michelle Tang
-Forever Home by Chelsea Pumpkins
-The Children of the Event by Carson Winter
-Detritus by Lindsey Ragsdale show less