Well Worth A Read: Kevin J. Kennedy Presents The Horror Collection: Jewel Edition

In The Jewel Edition, the 32nd book in The Horror Collection series from Kevin J. Kennedy, terror takes on many forms: cosmic, grotesque, psychological, and deeply human. Across a haunting array of stories, ordinary people are pushed beyond their limits, confronting ancient evils, unraveling realities, and the consequences of their own darkest desires.

From cursed transformations and body horror that strips away identity to isolated landscapes where survival breeds monstrosity, each tale explores the fragile line between humanity and something far more disturbing. Gods that devour, parasites that mimic, and objects that think and control all serve as reminders that horror is not just something we face; it’s something we can become.

Blending folklore, cosmic dread, and visceral terror, this collection delivers relentless nightmares where redemption is uncertain, reality is unstable, and even love and memory may not be enough to save us.

If you're in the mood for something grim and ghastly, this horror anthology is bursting with 19 stories of madness and the macabre, sure to horrify and entertain. I have several favorites to tell you about.

The first story sets the bar high with I'm Not Bad by Elizabeth Massie, in which a terminally ill woman who is worried about who will care for her disabled sister once she's gone agrees to take part in an experiment on death.

Just A Fly by Mark Towse is a weird and wacky, gross-out, love triangle. She loves him, but he loves a fly. Does the fly have feelings too?

Another favorite was Used Dentures for a Steal by Viggy Par Hampton, in which a Grandma decides to buy dentures online rather than waste money on a dentist. So what if they're used? They seem to be in pretty good shape. What could go wrong?

Eternal Ever Since Wednesday by Brian Hodge brought back some fond memories of childhood snow days, and at first, it seems the kids in this story will be enjoying their days off too. Except the snow doesn't end, supplies are running out, and people who used to be neighborly are turning against each other.

Beholder by Graham Masterton is about a disfigured child who has been sheltered from the cruelty of the world by her mother. She is led to believe that she is so beautiful that anyone who sees her may try to hurt her out of a jealous rage. This may have seemed to her mom like a good way to protect her, but the consequences are deadly.

Osteodentia by Ryan Colley gave me the heebie jeebies. I hate dentists and anything teeth related, but I felt terrible for this man who underwent an experimental procedure because he was ashamed of his smile.

Blood Drive by Harrison Phillips is a cautionary tale that may have come too late. Self-driving smart cars are already here. What if they are smarter than their owners?

Sigils by Mark Morris is another story that takes place in the midst of a blizzard. I do love a good storm story. A snowbound family is trapped by the weather, and with a sickly grandma upstairs in bed. Dad has gone to try to get help but hasn't returned. Now there is a strange figure outside in the garden who doesn't seem bothered by the knee-high snow, and little sister is getting creepier by the day.

All the stories were great, but those were my favorites. There is something for everyone here, whether you like body horror, ghostly entities, or a touch of sci-fi and humor.

My thanks to KJK Publishing for the e-ARC.

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Table of Contents

I’m Not Bad By Elizabeth Massie

Just a Fly By Mark Towse

The Temple of Ugghiutu By Jeffrey Thomas

Parody By Jeff Strand

Beyond Hell’s Patch By Brian Moreland

Used Dentures for a Steal By Viggy Parr Hampton

Truth Decay By William Meikle

Eternal, Ever Since Wednesday By Brian Hodge

Beholder By Graham Masterton