Little Paranoias – Sonora Taylor
Reviewed By Steve Stred
“Only memories were supposed to fade in houses.”
Sonora Taylor returns with her new collection of short stories and poems, and this is a strong collection that doesn’t disappoint.
I read ‘Without Condition’ previously by Taylor and was really surprised by how much I loved it. (KR: You can read that review HERE). Going in I was worried that it might be a bit too much romancy for my tastes, but Sonora is such a solid writer that those fears went out the window quickly.
This collection opened with a short burst with the title story, “Little Paranoias,” but for me, the absolute high mark of this gathering of tales is story number 2; “Weary Bones.”
“Weary Bones” was both repulsive and heartbreaking. A serum was created that had unintended side effects. Now the living must deal with the dead in a way that nobody saw coming.
I can’t stop raving about the idea of this story, but also the execution. The story moved along so deftly but my goodness the FEELS! Gah. I’m so jealous at how amazing this story is and I hope this thing gets some serious consideration for awards.
From there, Taylor weaves her way with new horror after new horror. I found myself engrossed and flying through them. I read this over two sittings, but this could easily be handled in one sitting if you so choose.
“Never Walk Alone,” was a gruesome take on late-night strolls, “The Note on the Door,” also ensured you had no idea of how the story was going to end – until it did.
“Cranberry” was a brutal psychological story about body image issues and the fun “Quadrapocalypse” made sure that Taylor ended the world horrifically.
One last story I’ll mention is “A Part of You.” The descriptions are shockingly visceral and reading this story reminded me of the first time I ever watched the movie “Heavy Metal.”
Outstanding work by a massive rising star in the horror field and if Taylor isn’t on your “Must Read” list yet, it’s really time to change that.
Little Paranoias
Is it a knock on the door, or a gust of wind? A trick of the light, or someone who’ll see what you’ve done?
“Little Paranoias: Stories” features twenty tales of the little things that drive our deepest fears.
It tells the stories of terror and sorrow, lust at the end of the world and death as an unwanted second chance. It dives into the darkest corners of the minds of men, women, and children.
It wanders into the forest and touches every corner of the capital.
Everyone has something to fear – but after all, it’s those little paranoias that drive our day-to-day.
You can buy Little Paranoias from Amazon UK & Amazon US
Steve Stred
Steve Stred writes dark, bleak horror fiction.
Steve is the author of the novels Invisible & The Stranger, the novellas The Girl Who Hid in the Trees, Wagon Buddy, Yuri and Jane: the 816 Chronicles and two collections of short stories; Frostbitten: 12 Hymns of Misery and Left Hand Path: 13 More Tales of Black Magick, and the dark poetry collection Dim the Sun.
On September 1st, 2019 his second collection of dark poetry and drabbles called The Night Crawls In arrived. This release was specifically created to help fund the 1st Annual LOHF Writers Grant.
Steve is also a voracious reader, reviewing everything he reads and submitting the majority of his reviews to be featured on Kendall Reviews.
Steve Stred is based in Edmonton, AB, Canada and lives with his wife, his son and their dog OJ.
You can follow Steve on Twitter @stevestred
You can visit Steve’s Official website here
I’m starting this tonight. So excited! Great review, Steve.