October Dark by Ron Terranova
Outskirts Press (July 2024)
Reviewed by Rowan B. Minor
Ron Terranova is a writer of novels, short stories, and poetry from Huntington Beach, California. His work has been published in Chiron Review, and he is author of two novels: The Red Wing Chronicles and I, Polyphemus. Terranova’s most recent book, October Dark, is a book of short horror stories that center around nihilism, dark noir, absurdism, and macabre humor. October Dark, which follows books October Light and October Twilight, is the third book in Terranova’s dark fiction trilogy. The stories in October Dark are 3 to 17 pages long and are all set in the month of October.
While this collection is a simple read with no overtly complex plots or characters, it is also slow and stagnant, with some increasing tension in each story. Found within these stories are vivid descriptions and interesting concepts that force characters to fight for survival. Some stories, such as “As Shadows Loom,” tap into a supernatural world, while others, like “Close to Perfect,” encompass plausible, real-world crime. Regardless, these stories will leave readers questioning the intentions of every person they meet. Although nearly all of these stories are completely original ideas, Terranova also has unique takes on familiar horror tropes, such as the grim reaper.
This collection is littered with grammatical and mechanical errors. Many stories seem underdeveloped with potholes and arbitrary rambling and subplots. A few stories, such as “Better than Death,” are over-saturated with characters and ideas, and might have been more successful as well thought out, thoroughly-plotted novellas. Instead of leaning into the book’s marketed philosophies, the author tends to write absurdly for the sake of being absurd, or includes mention of these philosophies without applying them to his writing style. Clearly the author is inspired by the more grotesque macabre, as this is heavily displayed throughout this collection. In nearly every story there is some uncomfortable reference to excessive, pornographic sex, child death, trophy hunting, kidnapping, pedophilia, and/or rape. October Dark should also probably be avoided by those with religious trauma.
Overall, these stories contain some good ideas with limited potential and subpar execution. October Dark might be enjoyed by anyone who likes heinous splatter, as well as those who are close followers of Terranova’s work.
