Synopsis:
Once upon a time, there was a woman, and she was tired. Tired of pushing. Tired of being pushed. Tired of feeling alone. Tired of so much.
So she gathered together a pack of wolves, a band of mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, partners, friends, lovers, survivors, victors and brilliant, shining things, and she told them to sing.
And sing they did.
The result is We Are Wolves, a chorus of of terrifying, moving and heart-breaking stories from some of horror’s finest contemporary writers including Gemma Amor, Laurel Hightower, Cina Pelayo, Sarah Read, Hailey Piper, V Castro, Sara Tantlinger, Sonora Taylor and many more.
All proceeds from the sale of this charity anthology will go towards helping the survivors of abuse and assault.
Edition:
Paperback
Trigger Warnings:
This list is going to be a doozy.
- child death
- child abuse
- death
- domestic abuse
- sexism
- sexual assault
- self harm/suicide
- kidnapping
- grief
- death of a parent
My Thoughts:
I love anything that promises me nothing but women writing horror. Especially when that thing also happens to be a charity anthology. We Are Wolves checks both of those boxes.
The Stories:
Foreword by Gemma Amor
In this introduction, Gemma tells how the anthology came to be. It’s an incredibly moving piece, and sets the tone for the collection perfectly.
The Black Wallpaper by Cynthia Pelayo
This one deals with a woman who struggles with feeling like nothing she does is ever enough for the people around her. Like she isn’t enough for them, or for herself. There just doesn’t seem to be enough of her to go around. I felt this story to the absolute bottom of my soul. The ending really hurts.
Though Your Heart is Breaking by Laurel Hightower
I’m not entirely sure how to explain this one without spoiling, so I’ll just say this: it’s a reminder that everyone has their own private battles that the outside world knows nothing about. And sometimes, it’s best to keep your unasked for opinions to your damn self.
Angel by Gemma Amor
The worst case of child neglect a police officer has ever witnessed continues to haunt her long after the fact.
Trouble with Fate by Sarah Read
A sort of mythological tale about three weird sisters, and a prophecy itching to be fulfilled.
A Key for Any Lock by S.H. Cooper
I have read some of Cooper’s other work, but it was all very gentle in comparison to this one. This is a righteously angry rape revenge story. I absolutely loved it.
The Curse of She, Part 6: The Final Girlfriend by Hailey Piper
An fascinating story about an actress who is forced to reckon with a changing horror landscape. In this brave new world, no female role is more valued than that of the Final Girl. This is written in a way that feels very experimental, and that experimentation really pays off. The story is wonderful, and the style is incredibly effective.
The Mutation of Almost Beautiful Things by Sara Tantlinger
Look, Sara Tantlinger is a ridiculously talented poet. That’s really all I’m going to tell you about this one.
By the Throat by J. Danielle Dorn
A novel take on a lycanthrope story. So much has been done with the standard-fare monsters (werewolves, vampires, zombies, you know) that it can all start to feel a bit boring. This one is anything but. Wolves are still cool!
Where a Witch Goes to Burn by Eve Harms
My first foray into Eve’s work. This is a short poem about a witch’s soul finding a new home.
Extra Weight by Laurel Hightower
A look at internal torment written in short bursts. The style of narrative was really interesting, and the story is deeply affecting.
The Parrot by Sonora Taylor
What role can Electronic Personal Assistants play in a household where domestic abuse is commonplace? Well, you’re about to find out.
The Silence of Sarah Cross by Beverly Lee
Another story about a rather done-to-death monster that feels incredibly fresh. Wow, that was weirdly punny. Vampires. It’s about vampires. And a woman who is too progressive for her stodgy, misogynistic time finding her way while simultaneously losing it.
Lobster Trap by V. Castro
An interesting undersea Eco Horror story about the detrimental impact man has on the oceans. It details the incredible lengths threatened life will go to in order to ensure their survival.
Dollhouse by Red Lagoe
A bloody terrifying look at the impact of unrealistic body standards and parental influence. This story honestly shocked me, and I absolutely adored it.
Ruthie’s Garden by Cassie Daley
The legacy of spousal abuse in the family is going to goddamn end at Ruthie. She’ll make certain of it. So when she sees signs of it in her daughter’s relationship, she knows she must take action.
Playing with Gods and Dolls by Erin Al-Mehairi
A fascinating narrative device is used to explore the impact of horrific mental and physical abuse happening inside the walls of Rebecca’s family home.
Room Seven by Gemma Amor
Room Seven is something far more sinister than you might naturally expect a hotel room to be. Oh boy, if those walls could talk…
Water Babies by Sadie Hartmann
A group of friends go on a swimming trip and decide to go off the beaten path to a smaller swimming hole to have some peace and quiet. Only peace and quiet is nowhere to be found, and that swimming hole is devoid of other swimmers for a reason.
Woman. Mother. Goddess. Death. by Lilyn George
A woman, frightened for her daughter who she knows to be stuck in a home with an abusive man returns from the dead.
Poke, Stir, Flesh, Bone by Amanda McHugh
A pack of women must avenge their fallen sister.
A Marriage of Dust and Blood by Michelle Garza and Melissa Lason
A bride on a journey through the Old West finds her new husband to be judgmental, abusive, and just generally shitty. I really, really enjoyed this story. This is not my first experience with the Sisters of Slaughter, and it certainly won’t be my last.
Welcome Home by Jessica Guess
A story involving child kidnapping that ends in the most unexpected way. I really love Guess’ style.
The Body You Loved by Gemma Amor
A truly stunning poem that perfectly wraps up We Are Wolves.
Rating:
We Are Wolves is absolutely overflowing with incredible stories by some of the most talented women currently writing horror.
We Are Wolves Edited by Gemma Amor, Laurel Hightower & Cynthia Pelayo Burial Day Books Published: December 9, 2020 ISBN: 9781735693644 Paperback, E-book 258 Pages
The Black Wallpaper totally broke me. <3