BOOK REVIEW: The Valancourt Book of World Horror Stories edited by James D. Jenkins + Ryan Cagle

Evil faeries, creepy landlords, spiritualistic seances, and superstitions. Whether you’re a fan of international horror or brand new to the terrifying tales that lie beyond your own borders, you’re gonna wanna get your hands on this fantastic collection.

As someone who has very recently fallen in love with short stories during these long months in quarantine, this beautiful anthology was a real treat. THE VALANCOURT BOOK OF WORLD HORROR STORIES is an assemblage of chilling tales from nineteen countries, translated from thirteen different languages, and packaged in this stunning edition.

"He kept his eyes wide open, seized with a great terror. He thought he would vomit when the ghostly faces began to appear, a thousand decapitated heads turning around them faster and faster, they too monotonously reciting an unknown poem."

I really have to commend Valancourt Books for all the work, care, and love that went into this amazing book. There was clearly a mission to focus solely on horror from non-English speaking countries, stories usually only enjoyed by their local audiences and yet to be introduced to readers such as myself. Valancourt really searched the hidden crevices of the globe in order to find these horror gems that varied in style and culture.

My personal favorites in this anthology were:

The Time Remaining (Hungary)
Down, in Their World (Romania)
Senor Ligotti (Mexico)
The Collector (Peru)
The Bones in her Eyes (Netherlands)
Donation ( Denmark)
Mechanisms (Catalonia)

This was an impressive and very much appreciated achievement for editors James D. Jenkins and Ryan Cagle. The world is vast and I’m eagerly anticipating three or even four more amazing volumes of terror and fright from more countries! I can’t wait!
(4/5⭐)

(Special thanks to Valancourt Books and Night Worms for sending this review copy!)



                                                                       xo Nina