Classic Monsters Unleashed by Kim Newman

Classic Monsters Unleashed (Unleashed, #1) (Unleashed)

by Kim Newman

Stories of famous monsters in a new horror anthology edited by James Aquilone and featuring Joe R. Lansdale, F. Paul Wilson, Jonathan Maberry, Ramsey Campbell, and many others.

Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dr. Moreau, the Headless Horseman, the Invisible Man, the Phantom of the Opera, the Wicked Witch of the West—they're all here, in this collection of horror short stories that reimagine, subvert, and pay homage to our favorite monsters and creatures.

Written by the biggest names in the genre—including Joe R. Lansdale, F. Paul Wilson, Jonathan Maberry, Ramsey Campbell, Lisa Morton, Owl Goingback, Richard Christian Matheson, Seanan McGuire, Maurice Broaddus, Dacre Stoker, Linda D. Addison, Alessandro Manzetti, Tim Waggoner, John Palisano, Mercedes M. Yardley, Lucy A. Snyder, Gary A. Braunbeck, Rena Mason, and Monique Snyman.

And monstrously illustrated by Colton Worley and Mister Sam Shearon.

Reviewed by bookstagramofmine on

3 of 5 stars

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Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read and review this arc!

My major issue with Classic Monsters Unleashed is that a good portion of stories could have been removed and the book would have been better. 

I didn't understand the point of the first writer putting Dolores Haze in hell. Wasn't she the little girl from Lolita?! 

But I don't want to focus on the negatives. I do want to mention the authors, who I felt, put together some good stories for this.

Dreams by F. Paul Wilson was an interesting take on Frankenstein's monster. I want a sequel for Mummy Calls by Simon Bestwick, while The Nightbird by Michael Knost, and Give Me Your Hand by David Surface aren't the most unexpected takes, but are solid decent stories. A Take of Wickedness by Kelsey Yu was a nice read, and I loved the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (I think) inspired story Dead Lions by Richard Christian Mathewson. 

You can have the ground, my love by Charlie St. George is definitely one of my favorites from the collection and I would like to read more by her. Rapt by Rena Mason had so much potential, but something about it just confused me! I want to love it more! I do feel like it will help you to know the stories behind the monsters that are being referenced here. For example, even if you aren't the biggest fan of Frankenstein, knowing generally about Frankenstein will definitely help, I also liked the Monstrous Quotes section and the dedication

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Reading updates

  • 20 February, 2022: Started reading
  • 25 February, 2022: Finished reading
  • 25 February, 2022: Reviewed