Darkness 102: Superior Classes Have been Discovered
Jonathan Reddoch, Elizabeth Suggs (eds.)
Collective Tales Publishing (August 30, 2025), 102 pages
Reviewed by Carson Buckingham
Darkness 102 is an anthology of 100 two 102-word tales on the theme of “classes realized.” Let me say on the outset that I’ve an excessive amount of respect for individuals who can convey a whole story in solely 102 phrases. It takes me 102 phrases simply to order espresso.
That being mentioned, although I loved the tales, half or extra didn’t appear to stick to the ‘classes realized’ theme, and although they have been good little slices of horror, they took away from the cohesiveness of the guide, which might have been a fantastic choice of model new, mini-Twilight Zone tales, which is what I used to be anticipating after having learn the again of the guide.
Often, editors attempt to keep away from together with their very own work in books they’re enhancing/compiling—or in the event that they do, it’s a single story. Elizabeth Suggs has not one, not two, however 5 tales on this anthology! And her co-editor, Jonathan Reddoch additionally has 5 tales included. Unhealthy type, individuals…actually unhealthy type.
However my favorites of those who did adhere to the theme comply with:
Title Lesson Discovered
“Rain Dance” Don’t mock the tribesmen.
“The Mailbox on Mordoc Lane” Don’t take an opportunity on messing with an City Legend. Tied for my favourite
“Hell of a Hangover” Be certain your youngsters perceive precisely what you imply.
“Sticks and Stones” Very intelligent. An unorthodox college psychologist and really be efficient.
“Lacking Cat” Don’t intrude with different individuals’s pets.
“Circe” For those who assume she’s a witch, don’t piss her off. Tied for my favourite.
“Wonderful Print” At all times learn it…at all times.
“The Fantasy Ebook of Evil” By no means assume.
“Follow Makes Excellent” Study the fundamentals otherwise you’ll do it over and over.
“Guess” Generally endings actually are prosaic.
“Biscuit Revenge” Don’t let one other take the blame for one thing you probably did.
“Spectacular Credentials” Don’t lie in your resume.
“Serving to Hand” When somebody wants your assist, assist them.
“Delivery Error” Don’t attempt to pull a quick one on shippers.
“Cracking Nuts” Don’t cheat in your spouse—particularly at Christmastime.
“Educational Integrity” Don’t cheat in your closing—it may very well be simply that.
“Omega Beta Monster” Frat boys ought to be cautious who they attempt to use.
“Generative Assignation” Do your individual work.
Although my “Lesson Discovered” for every story could sound relatively uninteresting, the tales that train them are something however, and you’ll get pleasure from them. And in case you have a guide report due and are out of time, that is the one you wish to learn. I completed it in lower than 40 minutes.
As this evaluate involves an in depth, I really feel that I have to point out one other factor about this guide that bothered me—the $9.99 price ticket. $2.99 would have been essentially the most it ought to have value, contemplating that it’s simply 102 pages lengthy, and every web page solely has 102 phrases on it. That involves 10,404 phrases or about 42 normal 250-word pages—a single brief story size. I imply, it’s a cute thought and all, but when I didn’t get a free evaluate copy, I by no means would have shelled out $9.99 for it. Cash comes too laborious for a value like that on such a guide. Proper now, you will get the Kindle model for .99, and I’d seize that one if I have been you.
This guide would make a fantastic Secret Santa Reward.
3 out of 5 stars.
About Carson Buckingham
Professionally, Carson Buckingham has made her manner in life doing all method of issues, most of which contain arson. She is at the moment employed as a contract author on a piece launch program. In her spare time, she research forensics, in hopes of making use of her new information to eluding the authorities extra successfully the following time.
She is initially from Connecticut, however now resides in Kentucky—and Connecticut is glad to be rid of her.
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