Review of A Dark World of Spirits and the Fey Edited by Alan Russo first published in 2013

This is a testament to the power of social media. It is also clear evidence of just how dark and twisted are the minds of the many who send in their tales to be included in a Zombie Works Publications anthology. So, what do we think of when we consider the fey? Pretty fairies with interesting plans for mere mortals (especially foolish men), perhaps gnomes smoking pipes while tinkering upon some mechanical contraption, sensual dryads and nymphs mysterious and mystical, or even the dark dwellers of caverns and caves who are as much the cause of collapses as they are the saviors of survivors (cough… cough… kobolds…) No, these gathered tales, thirteen in total to be precise, are far more sinister and troubling than anything I could have imagined when I considered the possibility of dark spirits and fey. As Alan Russo, editor, alludes in his introduction, it is almost the anthology which never made the light of day. Perhaps these creatures of myth preferred to remain hidden in the darkness, shrouded in unknowingness, but now, they have been released upon us, bound and printed for our pleasure and delight.

Beginning with a well stated, and yet sadly too oft ignored warning from the most talented Jessica Lynne Gardner (never eat what is not yours and of course anything that is too good to be true should never be truly trusted), we swiftly move on to devils, angels, and the mortals stuck between them (thanks Mark Slade). S. Sadie Burbank has a job history as lengthy as both arms and uses this varied experience well to weave a tale of the most eerily supernatural in The Haunting of Mikhail Zotkin.

Brandon Cracraft makes us wonder whether our belief in the unseen and the unknown can perhaps be taken too far, and Maynard Blackoak, a self-confessed recluse causes us to stop and ponder the darkness of a place as much as a persona and the wisdom of the elderly and those who know such places best. Chris Robertson's Purgatory suggests that there are fates far worse than death, while Errick A. Nunnally in his story The Last Apology considers that an apology when it finally does arrive is not always for the benefit of the one who receives it.

In John McCormack's tale, Morton the Barbarian, we discover the passion of youth can be its own form of fey, and like the fairies of old just as misunderstood and torturously tricky. Denny E. Marshall sends a shiver down the spine of every creative (but is it a good shiver or one of pending woe) as we read his most unusual After Reading Night of Acceptance. Master storyteller Kevin Adams explores a familiar quartet, some unfamiliar ancient linguistics, and the true meaning of terror for a poor detective caught up in a very personal investigation.

We then round out our thirteen with the return of Maynard Blackoak (a recluse that appears twice) who in his story A Child for Tomorrow paints a sweet picture of motherhood, selling such to all, until the brilliant and savage twist that awaits mother and reader both. Jay Wilburn gifts us with a warning and a picture less pretty and more destructive. Finally, T. Fox Dunham brings things to a close with the eye opening and clever story, Golden Son, when a child is deemed precious no matter the parentage.

Thirteen unique tales, all focused upon that dark world we some might suspect is there but thankfully can never truly know. Alan Russo what most intriguing ingenious to dream up such a dream. Thank you, good sir, thank you wondrous social media, thank you writers. Five fiery stars blaze bright for this one. Turn not away if you deem yourself brave enough. Prepare for your thoughts of the spirits and the fey to remain forever changed.