Review: Beyond the Bounds of Infinity edited by Vaughn A. Jackson and Stephanie Pearre

This is a great year for horror anthologies. Something dark and amazing must be in the water as there are some stellar books released that hit all the right buttons.

This one holds zero duds in the entire book. That’s not typical in this era, so when it does, it makes a reviewer happy. The lineup between the covers is strong, which makes choosing favorites that much tougher. Upon a second reading my thoughts pivoted, and I assume they would again if there was a third time. Everyone will find gems in this anthology, depending on preference of style, topic, or voice, but there’s no doubt that readers will enjoy this one.

Beginning with the obvious, “24 Points” by S.A. Cosby is what people would expect — smooth storytelling from a modern master. It’s damn creepy and mentally invasive — in all the best ways. I don’t think it’s possible for this man to write something that’s not compelling.

“The Birth of Sound” by Timaeus Bloom. Anything dealing with music or related to it is a high mark from me. This one strikes all the high notes (pun intended) and creeps up well on the reader.

“The Fracture of Her Reflection” by Amanda Headlee (a writer who knows how to pen quietly amazing stories) hits with a tale of obsessions and compulsions and much more. It’s better to wade in without knowing much about it, but it affected me long after reading.

“The Comfort of A Cold Pit” by Michelle Tang — wow. I love claustrophobic stories like this, especially when they echo Poe or Lovecraft. This one held some thread of Kathe Koja’s The Cipher, which is stellar praise.

I don’t wish to slight any stories in this anthology as not even one is boring, so the details on these four will have to do. Each holds some dark magic and the forms vary. Just look at L Marie Wood’s closing entry, another fine read.

Short enough to be read in a single sitting, but strong enough to make you want to take your time.

Recommended reading.