Short Stories

The Light That Devours The Sky by Guilherme Lemos

Genre: Short Stories, Horror

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★1/2 (4.5 stars)

Chilling and Inescapable

If you're a fan of cosmic and body horror, The Light That Devours The Sky by Guilherme Lemos is definitely worth checking out. The core premise—that horror isn't a curse, but an inescapable law of nature—is downright chilling.

I really enjoyed how the book tells its story in reverse, peeling back the layers of the Maxwell Universe from a cursed house in 2013 back to an ancient tragedy in 1533. The imagery of an iron-rich comet twisting biology, soil, and human memory is super unsettling. The 1893 story set in the Brazilian coffee fields especially gave me the creeps!

If I had one minor nit pick, the oppressive atmosphere can feel a bit relentless, but it completely fits the bleak, eerie vibe Lemos builds. Overall, it’s a smart, deeply atmospheric read for horror fans looking for something refreshingly unique.

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Wormholes and Other Unlikely Places by Carl Alves

Genre: Short Stories, Science Fiction

                        Rating:  ★ ★ ★ ★

If you’re looking for a read that keeps you on your toes, Wormholes and Other Unlikely Places by Carl Alves is a fantastic pick. This genre-bending collection is a wild ride that jumps from the high altitudes of ancient Tibet to the neon grit of dystopian game shows. Alves doesn’t just stick to standard sci-fi tropes; he weaves in mythological gods and dives deep into cosmic philosophy.

The storytelling is seamless, even when shifting between vastly different settings. I loved how the book explores theoretical spacetime while keeping the emotional elements grounded. While some stories feel like they could be expanded into full-length novels, the variety ensures there’s never a dull moment. It’s a great choice for readers who enjoy high-concept ideas served with a side of adventure. If you want fiction that challenges your perspective on reality, definitely give this a look.

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Faces In The Flames by N. T. McQueen

Genre: Short Stories

                                       Rating: ★★★★1/2 (4.5 stars)

Faces in the Flames by N.T. McQueen is a beautifully heavy collection of interconnected stories that captures the grit and grace of small-town life. 

I really appreciated how the characters’ lives overlap; it makes the community feel authentic and lived-in. McQueen has a sharp eye for the burdens we inherit and the quiet ways violence shapes us. 

While some of the tales are heart-wrenching, they are deeply human. If you enjoy character-driven fiction that explores the long shadows of the past, this is a must-read. It’s a compelling, thoughtful debut that lingers long after you finish.