Book Review: Morbid Metamorphosis -Terrifying Tales in Transformation

Morbid Metamorphosis

Terrifying Tales in Transformation

Lycan Valley Press

180 Pages

A collection of 22 short stories with a common theme of change in the morbid variety

Become Him by Greg Chapman: Scott wakes up to find his girlfriend slain and her killer has a most ominous demand.

Joey’s Grove by Roy C. Booth & R. Thomas Riley: Joey, a bullied teen shows his adversaries that their behavior comes with dire consequences.

The Skelly Effect by Terri Delcampo: Mary Ellen’s chronological account of her rapid descent into the unfathomable.

Keep The Change by Dave Gammon: A convenience store clerk learns a ghastly secret in the midst of an armed robbery.

And Thou by Nancy Kilpatrick: There’s something dreadfully amiss about a customer and his apparent obsession with a corner store’s photocopier

Crowded by Rod Marsden: A town in New South Wales, a virtual wasteland is the backdrop for the culling, an apocalyptic movement for the immortal.

You Are What You Eat by Jo-Anne Russell: Genna’s fame come with an eating disorder that knows no bounds.

Spirit Walk on Sour Ground by M.J. Preston: Jaimie endures an aboriginal ritual to unveil the hidden truth of her father’s murder.

The Lake by Stacey Turner: Lilia and her children make the best of a relaxing day by the lake after being interrupted by a group of brash teens.

The Death Vaccination by Tina Piney: David William learns the discovery of fountain of youth comes with catastrophic consequences.

The Moonlight Killer by Suzanne Robb: A bartender sustains a vicious bite while taking a short cut through the woods, his senses are heightened and his target is an even more ethereal adversary.

Pickin’ The Beat to The Devil by Franklin E. Wales: Dramos, a gunslinger and Patrick, a fallen man of the cloth have less than conventional ways but equally persuasive in getting vampires to divulge their dark secrets.

The Catamount by Donna Marie West: Henry’s drastic change under the full moon has his family questioning their future.

Vile Deeds by Suzie Lockhart: Detective Slade has a most unique way of dealing with perpetrators of heinous crimes.

The Corkscrew and The Void by Cameron Trost: When Dean plans a romantic rendez-vous with his wife Janice an epiphany regarding their relationship comes to light.

Paper Trail by Daniel I. Russell: George Sutton, Doc Harrington and the sheriff are perplexed by the string of serial murders in their small town.

Little Spark of Madness by Simon Dewar: Sally Benning, a writer struggles to find inspiration in her writing.

Under the Weight of Souls by Amanda J. Spedding: Ivy has a score to settle over her soul with the very grim reaper himself.

Danger’s Balls by Ken MacGregor: Benjamin’s infidelity comes at a most macabre cost.

Ezzie Does It by Erin Shaw: An exotic dancer’s uncanny resemblance to a farmer’s late wife is a recipe for the inconceivable.

Febrile by Gregory L. Norris: Hugh Monroe’s perseverance in combating international crime is heightened by the prowess of one officer Olivia Upton

Hyde and Seek by Nickolas Furr: A contemporary, gruesome spin on the classic tale of Jekyll & Hyde.

Contributors to this anthology titled Morbid Metamorphosis: Terrifying Tales of Transformation are no question proud of their efforts and justifiably so. This spell binding collection marks not only the inaugural book of short stories but Lycan Valley’s very first release as well. The authors hail from vast back grounds ranging from Canada, Australia, United States, and The UK and beyond.

Each writer brings something to the table in their interpretation of the metamorphosis theme that is as equally eclectic, innovative and eccentric as their own background and style. When one ponders the common thread of change and especially deriving from a press labelled Lycan Valley it is only natural to assume that the stories would be held exclusively under the werewolf type guise. This interpretation couldn’t be further from the truth as we explore the villainous stamps from a vast range including deranged serial killers, vampires, zombies, spirits and of course a plethora of supernatural creatures of the unknown. Rest assured those who rejoice at a good old fashioned howl at the moon will salivate at the lycan based tales with a most imaginative, original twist.

When readers may be prompted to select their favorite tale it may be the rough equivalent of asking a parent to select their favorite child. Every story within beckons tremendous entertainment, exquisite escape and spine tingling embrace. Consumers should take caution however that late night reading may be ill advised and it’s never a bad idea to have someone within vicinity of an ear shot or so.

Each of the tales are relatively brief, on average of ten pages or so. Morbid Metamorphosis may be ideal for commuters, waiting rooms or anyone just looking for good old fashioned riveting material to curl up with on a chilly night. This anthology would also make an ideal gift for that special twisted and disturbed loved one on your Christmas list, the gift that keeps on giving.

Bios citing the background of each contributor will inspire audiences to explore additional efforts. We get a certifiable sneak peek of what each author is all about and get one step closer to grasping what makes each tick.

I predict Morbid Metamorphosis being one of those anthologies readers will return to time and again. There’s a little something for readers from all walks of life. Suffice to state there is something that can be attained a little differently each charter around.

Whether it’s the infectious prose of Nancy Kilpatrick or poetic nuance of Tina Piney, the compelling twists of Franklin E. Wales, comedic interludes from Terri DelCampo, razor sharp satirical wit from Jo-Anne Russell or brutally unnerving Ken MacGregor readers will ponder each of these endeavors long after the final pages.

If you read only one anthology for the remainder of 2016 I strongly recommend Morbid Metamorphosis. After all change is one of the few constants and inevitable in life, why not explore your inner transformation just itching to get out?