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Ravens in Our Midst is the Gratista Vampire Clan Dark Writers Group’s tribute to Edgar Allan Poe—especially his famous poem about a creepy bird known as a raven. So sit back and enjoy these well-written, sinister tales and poetry, along with the marvelously eerie photography of Cinsearae Santiago and the remarkable artwork of Anton Glascow.
In “Blackbird Fly” by Anton Glascow, a huge black-winged creature terrorizes a small, artsy town, to the horror of Ramon Ragnar Viennes, who just came to town to inquire about the purchase of a liberal arts college. An Alfred Hitchcock feel to this story makes it a sure bet for becoming a classic read.
A selfish old man becomes obsessed with a shadow on his wall in “The Shadow of the Raven” by John Neumeister. As Arthur’s body deteriorates and he laments the loss of his beloved Lucinda, the power of his mind conjures up all kinds of horror about the shadow of the raven on his wall. This story was a delight to read and so very Poeish in its delivery, complete with a small, clever twist at the end.
Christy Poff brings us a dark romance with “The Raven’s Nest.” Vampiress Ravyn Smythe has finally freed herself from a bad relationship, but then her sire, Jareth Moorecock, comes around looking for redemption. But it’s going to take more than the word of a man who says he’s changed to convince Ravyn of anything. With steamy love scenes and a dark bar, you’re sure to enjoy this well-written vampire romance.
In “When Love May Return” by Tony-Paul de Vissage, Marius Andrews recounts a sizzling romance he had with a sculptress—the woman who refused his dark gift. It’s a touching love story between a mortal and an immortal, with a fresh look at a familiar plotline.
Ravens in Our Midst ends with another cryptic offering by Anton Glascow called “Joline.” In the 1670 village of Raven’s Head, Maine, a woman named Joline tries to escape a fate of which she has no wish to be a part. In present-day Raven’s Head, a significant archeological find uncovers a whole village that seemingly fled in terror—but what caused it is a mystery. This final story is deliciously chilling and highly clever, featuring a historical Russian serial killer and depraved witchcraft.
Two poignant and profound raven poems by Rebecca Sarté round out this enjoyable tribute to Edgar Allan Poe. Like the man himself, each story and poem, written by fresh new talent in the line of horror, is sufficiently dark and mysterious. Poe would be deeply honored.
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