Listen: The Sound of Fear

Name: Listen: The Sound of Fear
Price: 18.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781648905438

✍️ R B Thorne

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$18.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A horror anthology of ten stories by trans and nonbinary authors about terrifying sounds.

This volume presents a curated selection of fiction that prioritizes auditory horror over visual spectacle. Thorne brings together writers who specialize in exploring the psychological breakdown caused by persistent noise. The text examines how mundane sounds become sources of extreme dread. It challenges the reader to consider the vulnerability inherent in hearing something unwanted. The stories do not offer easy resolutions or safe havens from these sonic threats. Instead, they depict characters trapped in cycles of auditory torment. The collection emphasizes the isolation that comes with hearing what others cannot. It provides a stark look at fear through the lens of sound.

Key Themes

auditory horror trans and nonbinary voices psychological dread

Literary Context

Published in 2022 by Ninestar Press, LLC, this book sits within the contemporary US horror market. It specifically centers trans and nonbinary authors in a genre that has historically excluded them. The release date places it in a period of growing visibility for diverse voices in supernatural fiction.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Thomas Ligotti · M. R. James · Silvia Moreno-Garcia

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Ninestar Press, LLC 📅 2022 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781648905438

📝 Description: Listen: The Sound of Fear

R B Thorne has compiled ten chilling narratives in Listen: The Sound of Fear. This collection features writing exclusively by trans and nonbinary authors who examine the terrifying nature of auditory phenomena. The stories investigate how sounds such as knocking, ringing, or a steady drip can drive individuals to madness. These noises act as hypnotic siren songs that draw victims in with deadly intent. Readers must witness characters struggle between giving in to these auditory hauntings and resisting them with all their strength. The anthology draws on gothic and supernatural traditions to explore the perplexing power of sound. It does not rely on visual horror but instead focuses on the psychological impact of hearing things that should not be heard. The book is organized as a series of distinct tales, each offering a unique perspective on this specific fear. Thorne’s curation highlights voices often marginalized in the genre, bringing fresh urgency to classic tropes. This work suits readers who appreciate atmospheric dread and diverse storytelling. It may not appeal to those seeking traditional monster hunts or visual gore. The collection stands as a focused study of auditory terror. The final story leaves no doubt about the cost of ignoring these sounds. The silence after the noise is often more frightening than the noise itself.

💎 Our verdict on Listen: The Sound of Fear

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Thorne curates a potent collection that effectively shifts the horror genre's gaze from the visual to the auditory. By focusing on how persistent noise causes psychological breakdown, the stories create a pervasive sense of vulnerability and isolation. The exclusive contribution from trans and nonbinary authors adds distinct urgency to familiar tropes like knocking or dripping water, elevating them into deadly siren songs. The work succeeds in its goal to depict characters trapped in cycles of torment without offering easy resolutions. It is best suited for readers who appreciate atmospheric dread and psychological complexity over action-driven plots. While it may not satisfy those seeking traditional gore, it stands as a focused, chilling study of auditory terror that lingers long after reading.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking atmospheric psychological terror rather than visceral gore will find profound value in this collection. It offers a unique exploration of auditory horror, transforming mundane noises into sources of extreme dread and isolation. Those interested in how sound can induce madness or act as a hypnotic force will appreciate the intense focus on sensory fear. The anthology is ideal for audiences who enjoy marginalized voices bringing fresh urgency to established genres. It appeals to individuals who prefer subtle, lingering unease over traditional monster hunts. By prioritizing the vulnerability of hearing unwanted sounds, it provides a stark, immersive experience. This book is essential for fans of cosmic and psychological horror who want to confront the terrifying power of silence and noise in equal measure.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Thorne curates a potent collection that effectively shifts the horror genre's gaze from the visual to the auditory. By focusing on how persistent noise causes psychological breakdown, the stories create a pervasive sense of vulnerability and isolation. The exclusive contribution from trans and nonbinary authors adds distinct urgency to familiar tropes like knocking or dripping water, elevating them into deadly siren songs. The work succeeds in its goal to depict characters trapped in cycles of torment without offering easy resolutions. It is best suited for readers who appreciate atmospheric dread and psychological complexity over action-driven plots. While it may not satisfy those seeking traditional gore, it stands as a focused, chilling study of auditory terror that lingers long after reading.