Hellhole: An Anthology Of Subterranean Terror – Edited By Lee Murray

Reviewed by Steve Stred

Strangely in 2018 I have read a fair number of single author collections yet not one multiple author anthology releases. Not sure how that even happened, but Hellhole finally ticked that box.

The listing of included authors is impressive, but that can sometimes work as a detriment. Expectations can be too high going in, causing a let down by the material included.

I can say easily, that is not the case here.

Included within are short to border-line novella length stories from some of the best story tellers currently releasing stuff. Jonathan Mayberry, J.H. Moncrieff (who is easily tied as my favourite female author out there with someone named Ahlborn), Paul Mannering, Sean Ellis, Rena Mason, Michael McBride just to name a few.

The interesting thing with this anthology is that while they all had a similar idea, the themes were so vast and different, I never once felt like I was reading the same tale over and over.

That also brings me to the difficulty of picking a standout! I would personally choose The Offspring by J.H. Moncrieff simply because I loved Return to Dyatlov Pass and to keep this spoiler free, let’s just say if you have read that, you will love this.

Michael McBride’s tale, Rena Mason’s story, Kristen Cross’s yarn and Paul Mannering’s offering all stack up so well together that it really makes for such a solid offering.

One tale that will scream at you to read is Ginormous Hell Snake by Jake Bible. Seriously, that’s the title. The story is just as fantastic as it sounds.

I personally have never read any of the Joe Ledger stories from Jonathan Mayberry, so I’m not sure if it offers anything more for fans of his, but it was a fun read to open the anthology with.

This anthology works really well together and it definitely lived up to the billing.

Star Rating (out of 5): 4*

A descent into terror.

Legends tell of a hollow earth, a world beneath our own. A world filled with wonders… and danger. But what if the legends are true?

Delve into dark worlds in HELLHOLE, where death lurks around every corner, and come face to face with creatures from your worst nightmares in this collection of dark thrillers. New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry and Bram Stoker Award winner Rena Mason headline a cast of bestselling and award-winning authors.

You can buy Hellhole: An Anthology Of Subterranean Terror from Amazon UK & Amazon US

Steve Stred

Steve has a new book out will ALL PROCEEDs going to charity!

You can buy Dim The Sun from Amazon US & Amazon UK

Steve Stred is an up-an-coming Dark Horror author. Steve is the author of the novel Invisible, the novellas 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.

Steve also has a number of works on the go and enjoys all this horror, occult, supernatural and paranormal.

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