Amber Dawn, editor
Reviewer: B.I. Laureano
Erotic queer horror stories are rarely available in bookstores. Amber Dawn is on a mission to change that and has edited one of the first (if not THE first) anthology on this topic. A series of short stories and poems by women all over the world is what you’ll find in this text. It’s important to remember that many different people define “horror” in many different ways. Amber Dawn knows this and offers up a book that is sure to fulfill the definition many people have of “horror.” Beware! Not all the stories are for everyone, and may push some readers in ways they are not ready for.
A timely book with a theme that seems all too fitting for the topic of sexuality and the erotic. How many times have we heard that parents, governments, religious institutions are fearful of talking about or offering services regarding sexuality and sexual health? There is so much fear about sex and sexuality, that I was intrigued by Amber Dawn’s inclusion of so many different stories. She’s found 15 authors to share their stories of what they are afraid of. Dawn writes in the introduction eloquently of fear and women’s focus on safety. Dawn states: “creating safety—from staffing rape crisis centers to organizing queer sex parties—largely remains women’s work” (p. 10). Isn’t that the truth?!
The first story you’ll find is not for the weak. What I realized all to well with this first story, “Slugs,” by Megan Milks is that good writing can elicit some vivid images! Without giving too much of the story away, this first story plays with a different form of fantasy. Poetry comprises the next two parts of the anthology, both by Elizabeth Bachinsky with a focus on Marquis de Sade. These two poems will be extremely esoteric if you have no idea about Sade.
The second short story called “Consipracy of Fuckers” by Nomy Lamm was the first story I could see my fears being written about so vividly. The protagonist is missing a limb, a phone sex operator, and has a fear of being followed and watched by government agencies. The idea of “big brother is watching” is at the heart of this story.
If you are looking for a vampire tale, go directly to Fiona Zedde’s story called “Every Dark Desire.” If you want something that is a throwback to your childhood fears of Bloody Mary, Aurelia T. Evan’s story called “In Circles” becomes extremely vivid. Evan’s character is intersex and we discover that Bloody Mary has a connection with intersex women that gives us a new appreciation of beauty. Kristyn Dunion’s story “Homeland” plays on the fear of thinking we are in control when finding someone to play with at a club/bar, but what happens when we find ourselves drugged?
Other memorable stories include Suki Lee’s “Sido,” which is difficult to categorize. There is so much going on in this story from a young lesbian tourist being attracted to her landlord, to desiring her assailant who she hates for violating her. Eerie is the only word I can think of for this tale. Michelle Tea’s story “Crabby” may be what many of us would find horrific: realizing we have contracted crabs. Although crabs can be treated, Tea does a great job describing the feelings of being “dirty” and the fear in being able to see something attached to your body and sucking your blood!
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