Phenomenal Fantasies

Name: Phenomenal Fantasies
Price: 19.95 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781478735946

✍️ B L McKenny

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$19.95

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A collection of surreal adult short stories set across the American Northwest and beyond by B L McKenny.

McKenny organizes this volume around distinct geographical locations to frame each supernatural encounter. The stories range from fatalistic romance in "Fateful Death" to mythological reinterpretations in "Drunk by Gin/Bitten by Jack." The author employs magical realism in "Filthy Pigs" and cryptozoological tension in "Animosity." By moving between the Olympic Mountains, the East Coast, and Colorado, McKenny demonstrates a versatility in setting that supports the varied tones of each tale. The work relies on specific plot devices like wands, spell-books, and spider hunts to drive its narratives forward.

Key Themes

Sasquatches Jack Frost Poisonous spiders

Literary Context

This collection reflects a tradition of American regional horror fiction, grounding supernatural events in specific real-world locations such as Washington State, the Olympic Mountain Range, and Colorado. It draws on folklore elements like Jack Frost and Irish magic to create a distinct atmosphere within the contemporary short story format.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Shirley Jackson · Poppy Z Brite · T E D Klein · Gothic regional horror anthologies

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Outskirts Press 📅 2014 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781478735946

📝 Description: Phenomenal Fantasies

B L McKenny presents Phenomenal Fantasies, a collection of adult-oriented short stories primarily set in the American Northwest. The author draws on supernatural and gothic traditions to explore themes of fate, transformation, and hidden dangers within familiar landscapes. This volume appeals to readers who enjoy regional horror with a surreal edge, while those seeking traditional linear narratives or non-adult content may find it less suitable. The collection opens with "Fateful Death," which examines a couple bound by identical demise. McKenny then shifts to Washington State for "Drunk by Gin/Bitten by Jack," a surreal take on the Jack Frost legend. The narrative moves to Ireland-inspired magic in "Filthy Pigs," where immoral characters face transformation via a spell-book and wand. In "Animosity," the setting changes to the Olympic Mountain Range, where a man encounters Sasquatches during a chase through the woods. Further stories expand the geographic scope. "Story About a Witch" follows a Seattle native returning home to confront spiritual realms at a boarding house on the East Coast. The final tale, "Upon Arachnid Hill," transports readers to Colorado, focusing on religious snake charmers who hunt large poisonous spiders in a mine. McKenny’s work utilizes specific regional settings to ground its fantastical elements. The book suits fans of localized supernatural fiction and short-form horror narratives.

💎 Our verdict on Phenomenal Fantasies

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

McKenny demonstrates impressive versatility by anchoring surreal supernatural encounters in distinct geographical locations, from the Olympic Mountains to Colorado mines. The collection effectively utilizes regional settings to ground its fantastical elements, creating a unique atmosphere of hidden danger within familiar landscapes. While the tone varies from fatalistic romance to mythological reinterpretation, the consistent thread is the exploration of transformation and fate through a gothic lens. This work suits fans of localized supernatural fiction who enjoy surrealism over conventional plotting. However, readers expecting traditional linear narratives or non-adult content may find the structure challenging. It is a solid choice for those who appreciate the intersection of regional horror and magical realism.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a departure from traditional linear narratives will find this volume compelling. It appeals to those who enjoy regional horror with a surreal edge, particularly fans of the American Northwest and its mythological undercurrents. The collection offers diverse tones, ranging from fatalistic romance to cryptozoological tension, making it suitable for adults interested in magical realism and psychological unease. Those who appreciate how specific plot devices like wands or spider hunts drive supernatural encounters will value McKenny’s versatility. It is ideal for readers comfortable with adult-oriented content who wish to explore fate, transformation, and spiritual realms through a distinctively localized lens.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

McKenny demonstrates impressive versatility by anchoring surreal supernatural encounters in distinct geographical locations, from the Olympic Mountains to Colorado mines. The collection effectively utilizes regional settings to ground its fantastical elements, creating a unique atmosphere of hidden danger within familiar landscapes. While the tone varies from fatalistic romance to mythological reinterpretation, the consistent thread is the exploration of transformation and fate through a gothic lens. This work suits fans of localized supernatural fiction who enjoy surrealism over conventional plotting. However, readers expecting traditional linear narratives or non-adult content may find the structure challenging. It is a solid choice for those who appreciate the intersection of regional horror and magical realism.