Slice Of Paradise: Edited By Ben Long & Andrew Robert
Reviewed By Steve Stred
The second of two ‘Beach Vacation’ themed horror anthologies, ‘Slice of Paradise’ for me was head and shoulders better than its sibling ‘Beach Bodies.’
I think the reason I found this more enjoyable was due to solid storytelling, better crafted stories and ultimately more variety in the ‘where’ of the story taking place.
I found that more of the stories had my interest, even from the get-go and more of the stories featured unique takes on what happens once these characters were there.
What I liked: This one had some really, really strong stories. The highlights for me were;
Secret Beach by Mark Towse – anxiety filled opener. Really enjoyed the sinister undertones throughout it and the father-daughter aspect.
Night Dive by Drew Starling – this one was claustrophobia personified. Even the thought of diving at night will make most squirm, but the story within makes sure to ruin this activity for everybody from here on out.
The Guardian by Philip Fracassi – outstanding story. We get a solid group of friends, a great location and a survive-at-all-costs tale. Loved this one.
Beach Snakes by Aiden Merchant – a really fun story about a husband and wife that hate each other and an enjoyable local urban legend that has bite.
Zipline by Nick Kolakowski – a fantastic story of a man who enjoys extreme sports but has an incident while zip-lining. Favorite story between the two anthologies.
Once again, I really found that all the stories, even those that were a miss for me, had some really dark events in them, which makes for a fun time.
What I didn’t like: Even though this one was a stronger one, story-wise, there were still a few that missed for me, as in most anthologies. Once again, reader mileage will vary.
Why you should buy this: Of the two, I enjoyed this one more, but again, if you’re looking for a retreat or an escape and want to feel some sun, sand and suspense, these two anthologies will make for great companion reads.
Slice Of Paradise
An unknown danger lurks beneath the sand at a secluded beach. A couple encounters a deadly creature during their nighttime dive. A father fights to save his daughter from a harrowing nightmare. A newlywed’s honeymoon is interrupted by the apocalypse. A maid discovers a shocking secret at the exclusive resort she works for.
Beach vacations are meant for relaxing and unwinding away from the drudgery of normal life. The sparkling sun, shimmering on cresting waves. A light breeze as you sit with toes in the sand, a cold drink in one hand. Utopia on an island. But what happens when that paradise suddenly becomes a purgatory of pain?
What will you do when the beaches fill with bodies and the waters run red with blood? When creatures crawl the coastline and the jungle teems with terror. How will you survive when a tropical respite becomes an arena of peril?
Slice of Paradise is an all-original anthology featuring fifteen shocking stories of beach vacation horror. For even more scares, check out the companion anthology Beach Bodies out now from DarkLit Press.
Steve Stred
Steve Stred writes dark, bleak fiction.
Steve is the author of a number of novels, novellas and collections.
He is proud to work with the Ladies of Horror Fiction to facilitate the Annual LOHF Writers Grant.
Steve has appeared alongside some of Horror’s heaviest hitters (Tim Lebbon, Gemma Amor, Adrian J. Walker, Ramsey Campbell) in some fantastic anthologies.
He is an active member of the HWA.
He is based in Edmonton, AB, Canada and lives with his wife and son.
You can follow Steve on Twitter @stevestred
You can follow Steve on Instagram @stevestred
You can visit Steve’s Official website here
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