Monstrous Affections

Edited by Gavin J. Grant, Kelly Link

An award-winning collection of beastly tales, featuring bestselling authors Cassandra Clare, Patrick Ness and Holly Black.

Welcome to a world where humans live side by side with monsters. Where band members and betrayed friends happen to be demonic, an eight-legged alien makes tea, and harpies are as likely to attract as repel. Fifteen top voices in fantasy fiction explore the intersection of fear and love, of monsters and men, and our fatal attraction to what hides in the shadows. This award-winning, darkly imaginative collection will make you laugh, cry and keep you awake at night... Stories by M. T. Anderson, Paolo Bacigalupi, Nathan Ballingrud, Holly Black, Sarah Rees Brennan, Cassandra Clare, Nalo Hopkinson, Dylan Horrocks, Nik Houser, Alice Sola Kim, Kathleen Jennings, Joshua Lewis, Kelly Link, Patrick Ness and G. Carl Purcell.

Categories: Fiction

For readers aged: 14+

  • Publication details:
  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781406389753
  • Published: 03 Oct 2019
  • Price: £9.99
  •  
  • Size: 228 x 165 mm
  • Pages: 480

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Customer reviews

Reviews

'Luminous... There are wonderful stories... M. T. Anderson’s “Quick Hill” is a tour de force of contemporary short fiction. It does, as well as anything I’ve read recently, what scary stories are supposed to do: It says what we feel, but cannot say.' New York Times Book Review

'From vampires to ghosts and from strange creatures made of mercury to half-harpies, these beasts will broaden readers’ perspectives. Teens will never think about monsters in the same way again. Long after the last page is turned, these tales will linger in readers’ brains, in their closets, under their beds, and in the shadows.' School Library Journal (starred review)

'Link and Grant present an engrossing, morally complex anthology of 15 stories centered on the seemingly antagonistic concepts of monsters and love. ... All of the entries are strong, and many are splendid.' Publishers Weekly (starred review)

'The authors of these tales brilliantly intertwine morally charged issues with elements of horror writing that engage the reader. ... This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys horror fiction.' Library Media Connection

'A deliciously gory collection of fifteen original stories... While the theme is certainly familiar, the diversity of interpretations of monsterhood is an asset, and the book sets a fresh and amusing note with the opening pop quiz that assesses readers’ views of monsters. ... Fans will be happy to find a well-edited, sharp collection of new stories about their favorite topic that covers both the creepy and alluring elements of monsters.' Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

'Short stories with otherworldly creatures may be a dime a dozen, but rarely do they offer such nuanced scope. Link and Grant ... know their way around excellent short fiction, and their editorial skills are on display here. From the light(ish) and delightful to the subversively unromantic, from humor to horror, each entry both tells a good story and says something about monstrousness. ... An anthology of riches, even if they aren’t always fair of form.' Kirkus Reviews

'Link and Grant clearly spent a lot of time building this collection, which includes a graphic entry, and consequently none of the stories disappoint. Authors such as Cassandra Clare and Patrick Ness—along with the monster dripping blood on the cover—will draw in readers eager for creepy, atmospheric tales.' Booklist

'A delightful (often frightful) anthology of short fantasy fiction. ... The strong writing brims with misdirection, humor, horrors and twisty endings. ... This substantial volume will provide older teens--and adults--with hours of thoroughly enjoyable reading. A monstrously entertaining anthology.' Shelf Awareness

'Provocative. One would expect no less from veteran anthology editors Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant. ... Beautiful language.' Boston Globe

'"Monstrous Affections" is a stunning collection of original tales whose title explains it all. Who cares if it's nominally a young adult book; it's the best collection of monster stories of the year, with unusual ideas as to what really makes a monster.' Orlando Sentinel

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