Author: A.C Wise, T. Kingfisher, Paul Tremblay, Catlin R. Kiernan, Laird Barron, Norman Partridge, Elizabeth Hand, Aaron Dries, Conrad Williams, Steve Rasnic Tem, Brian Hodge, etc.
Genre: Horror, Science fiction, fantasy, horror, anthology, short stories, queer themes
Publisher: Tachyon Publications
Format: NetGalley E-book
Release Date: July 21st, 2026
Editor: Ellen Daltow
TW: death, murder, suicide, cancer, sexual assault, rape, cannibalism, immolation, body horror (transformation into a meat thing), eyes, heights
This was a bone-chilling collection of stories that I was alternately scared and glad to read. These stories capture the spirit of Lovecraft in a perfect way, blending the themes he used with relatively modern stories.
Lovecraft's Brood is all about the monsters that lurk in the bark and walk brazenly in the light. It is about the haunting of grief and love turned sour. The language in each story is different, and some of it may not cut as sharp, however, all of it is definitely readable. I particularly love the language in 'Sideways' as it has stuck with me for a while. There were a few stories where I was cold, but the uniqueness and 'stickiness' of others kept me reading.
I wish there was PoC representation here, which is my only true criticism. I like seeing Lovecraft's racist ideas being refuted in works with play with his themes, but you won;t find that here. These stories also deal with extreme topics related to cosmic horror and horror more mundane.
I recommend this anthology, to see Lovecraft's themes brought into the modern day. Mind the trigger warnings, and maybe sleep with the lights on.
Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Tea paring: Black tea, dark as the void
