Secret Hours

Name: Secret Hours
Price: 15.00 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9780978991104

✍️ Michael Cisco

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$15.00

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A collection of horror and dark fantasy short stories by Michael Cisco.

This volume brings together short fiction that draws heavily on the Cthulhu Mythos and H.P. Lovecraft's legacy. Cisco uses these established tropes to create new narratives within the horror genre. The book is not a novel but a series of distinct tales. It features artwork by Harry O. Morris, Jason C. Eckhardt, and Thomas Brown. Robert M. Price provides an introduction that contextualizes the work for readers familiar with Lovecraftian scholarship. The stories operate within the dark fantasy tradition, offering a specific aesthetic rather than broad appeal. This collection is designed for those who appreciate the intersection of classic mythos elements and modern horror writing.

Key Themes

Lovecraftian fiction Cthulhu Mythos dark fantasy

Literary Context

The book sits within the tradition of Lovecraftian scholarship and cosmic horror. It draws on H.P. Lovecraft's legacy and the Cthulhu Mythos framework. The work is positioned for readers interested in the intersection of classic mythos elements and modern horror writing, supported by scholarly introduction from Robert M. Price.

Difficulty

●●● Challenging

Recommended For Fans Of

H.P. Lovecraft · Robert M. Price · Ramsey Campbell · Algernon Blackwood

🐙

Cosmic Horror

🏛 Mythos Books LLC 📅 2006 📖 134 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780978991104

📝 Description: Secret Hours

Michael Cisco, an author recognized by the International Horror Guild Award, presents Secret Hours, a collection that blends horror and dark fantasy with Lovecraftian themes. This volume gathers various short stories inspired by H. P. Lovecraft and the Cthulhu Mythos tradition. The text is supported by visual elements including a cover and interior artwork created by Harry O. Morris, along with additional illustrations from Jason C. Eckhardt and Thomas Brown. The book includes an introduction written by Robert M. Price, a noted author and scholar of Lovecraftian literature. Readers seeking traditional gothic tales or modern supernatural fiction will find this compilation relevant to their interests. Those preferring contemporary mainstream horror without mythological influences may find the specific stylistic choices less appealing. The collection offers a curated look into Cisco's work within the established framework of cosmic horror. This edition provides a distinct experience for fans of the genre. It does not offer new long-form novels but rather focuses on shorter narratives that explore the darker corners of fantasy. The inclusion of artwork enhances the reading experience, providing visual context to the written word. Robert M. Price’s introduction offers scholarly insight into the Lovecraftian elements present in Cisco's stories. This structure allows readers to engage with the material in a way that respects the source traditions while presenting Cisco's unique voice.

💎 Our verdict on Secret Hours

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🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Michael Cisco delivers a compelling collection that rigorously explores the boundaries of cosmic horror and dark fantasy. By leveraging the established framework of the Cthulhu Mythos, he crafts distinct narratives that offer a unique aesthetic experience rather than conventional plot-driven tales. The volume is enhanced by artwork from Harry O. Morris, Jason C. Eckhardt, and Thomas Brown, which provides visual context to the written word. Robert M. Price’s introduction contextualizes these stories for those familiar with Lovecraftian scholarship, ensuring readers understand the specific literary lineage. This book suits best those who appreciate the intersection of classic horror tropes and modern writing styles. It is a targeted work for fans of psychological and cosmic horror who value atmosphere and thematic depth over broad accessibility.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate the intersection of classic mythos elements and modern horror writing will find this collection particularly rewarding. It is designed for those who seek a specific aesthetic rather than broad mainstream appeal, offering a curated exploration of darker corners within fantasy. The inclusion of scholarly context via Robert M. Price’s introduction provides valuable insight into the Lovecraftian influences, making it ideal for enthusiasts of cosmic and psychological horror. Those interested in how established tropes are reimagined through dark fantasy traditions will gain from this distinct experience. It does not cater to those preferring straightforward supernatural fiction without mythological depth, but rather invites engagement with the nuanced, atmospheric storytelling characteristic of the genre's more specialized practitioners.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Michael Cisco delivers a compelling collection that rigorously explores the boundaries of cosmic horror and dark fantasy. By leveraging the established framework of the Cthulhu Mythos, he crafts distinct narratives that offer a unique aesthetic experience rather than conventional plot-driven tales. The volume is enhanced by artwork from Harry O. Morris, Jason C. Eckhardt, and Thomas Brown, which provides visual context to the written word. Robert M. Price’s introduction contextualizes these stories for those familiar with Lovecraftian scholarship, ensuring readers understand the specific literary lineage. This book suits best those who appreciate the intersection of classic horror tropes and modern writing styles. It is a targeted work for fans of psychological and cosmic horror who value atmosphere and thematic depth over broad accessibility.