By Paula Limbaugh
Happy Little Terrors: Freak Show is an anthology of short stories and poems about all kinds of freaks. This “happy” little book features great stories from a great group of writers. Produced by David Reuben and Monique Happy, you’ll find work by Michael Robertson, Craig McDonough, Derrick LaCombe, David Reuben, CL Hernandez, Joseph A. Coley, James Michaels, Tania Cooper, Eila Oakes, Brandon Ryals, Michael Clary, Kya Aliana, Allen Gamboa, Dean Wild, John McIlveen, Toni Lesatz, Brandon Cracraft, and Steven G. Bynum, among others.
The opening poem, Thirsty Tanya Cooper’s novel sets the tone for what’s to come. It’s a dark warning that’s worth heeding.
Ghost Marshal That’s it. Michael Clary created a ghost sheriff whose job was to “protect the living from the dead.”
Michael Robertson’s In the name of science This is the tragic story of a scientist who lost his way.
Ever been to a freak show? Ever seen those jars filled with formaldehyde and specimens? David has, and now, somehow, one of those jars is in his car. Dean H. Wilder Jars.
At one glance, he was mesmerized. But, you know what? she says“You should pay more attention, you really should pay more attention.” Craig A McDonough gave meaning to this quote, be careful what you wish for.
Happy Place It’s that special place, that faraway place you can hide when things aren’t going well. But what makes one person happy doesn’t necessarily make another happy. Derek Larcombe will show you that in this story.
CL Hernandez tells a strange story The mysterious death of disco king WallyOld alcoholic Wally won’t let his stepdaughter go. When they discover a Ouija board in their home, they decide to put Wally to death once and for all!
Okay, metal fans, Slayer By: Joseph A Coley At Home! Well, an old metalhead and a policeman save the world; who would have thought!
James Michaels preys on our fear of the unknown. Beasts in the trenches The story takes place during World War I. In the dead of winter, the soldiers guarding the trenches are attacked, but what exactly is attacking them?
Eila Oakes’ story is different Through the looking glass, darkThings are not always as they seem, and sometimes newfound knowledge can bring with it extreme fear.
Sad ending Kya Aliana’s work is a bittersweet reminder of the brevity of life.
Ahhh, as a result ofJohn M McIlveen wrote such a sad and haunting story. It has stayed with me. A man haunted by past actions seeks atonement, but is there really such a thing as erasing the past?
Brandon Cracraft’s story is probably the weirdest in the anthology. Canasta It tells the story of a teddy bear that is different from others. A scarred and beaten teddy bear that a little girl found in the garage becomes a scourge to the family.
It’s like déjà vu, Jeff’s been there, done that, done what?! Train hit By Steven J Bynum.
I, the Heart Eater (The “Eyes” of a Serial Killer) David Reuben Aslin’s enucleation is the most horrific of the bunch. “Enucleator: A person who intentionally surgically removes or in whole or in part an eyeball from its socket.” Need I say more?
As we began, we will end with a closing poem. Brandon Riles’s “Queen of Hell” brings us back to square one.
Well, that’s a quick summary of some really good stories. Don’t miss this collection, there isn’t a single story I didn’t like!
Order yours here today.
score:4/5
