Soul Scream Antholozine Volume Three: Monstrous Hearts Paperback – August 30, 2023

I was referred to this book by a friend as I wanted to expand outside of the topics that I usually read. I am normally not into horror / monsters but I decided to try it. It was more enjoyable than I expected as I am not used to reading this genre but it put me in the mind of when I was young and would watch Outer Limits and Twilight Zone: short, fun and fantasy based entertainment. The short stories are fun to read and flow well. Happy to say -no nightmares! Just a fun ride by talent that is new to me.

This analogy has fiction and non-fiction pieces. The very diverse stories are fives. For originality Paul Popiel’s story was my favorite.The fiction:“The Lovers” by John CollinsA seemingly nice elderly couple meet at a diner.“Behind Corn Cob Eyes” by Paul PopielSomething’s wrong when a barbeque meat man becomes a vegetarian.“Desert Demons” by Alex SimmonsA black woman in the 1930s goes out into the desert to rescue a friend.“The Visitor” by Wendy MaxonIn the midst of hurricane, a woman has a strange visitor.“Desdemona: faith” by Christopher RyanA monster from another dimension causes a woman to be late for work.”“The Eagle and the Jaguar” by Steven Van PattenAn Aztec warrior doesn’t follow the rules for offering sacrifices.“Operation Jinx” by Joab StieglitzNazis meet a golem.“Anna June” by Jennifer Jeanne McArdleA family secret destroys its members following the Civil War.“Make It Go Away” by Diane ArrelleThe dangers of wishing on a magic book can make anything go away.“McTavish’s Lament” chronicled by Chrisotpher RyanA very good poem.Nonfiction“Chief Brody: One Man Makes a Difference” by Mike RogersThe movie “Jaws” is about more than a shark.The rest of nonfiction, written by staff, are from interviews with the authors and the cover illustrator. The answers to what inspired them to create the present piece, when they first recognize their creative passion, and their work habits are interesting, sometimes surprising, even motivating. The authors would’ve been better served if their credits were listed after the reader’s interest was piqued by their personal insights.Although I would give the nonfiction section a four, I have to give the analogy a five for the strength of its fiction.