Tales from the Ruins: A Post-Apocalyptic Anthology edited by Cameron Trost
Tales from the Ruins: A Post-Apocalyptic Anthology edited by Cameron Trost is comprised of fourteen beautifully bleak tales. Published on February 5, 2023 by Black Beacon Books, it weighs in at 248 pages.
I was excited as soon as I opened this book and looked at the Table of Contents, because I recognized a handful of authors whose work I’ve enjoyed in the past! That’s always a bonus when I am reading an anthology.
This anthology has everything you would expect in a post-apocalyptic collection of stories: violence, despair, evil, terror, fear, factions, bloodlust, humans acting dastardly—and a few glimmers of hope.
There’s a variety of dystopian landscapes in here, dripping with an overlay of despair and utter desolation. Just the way you want it to be for this horror subgenre. The stories will reach into your chest, grab your heart, and make you ponder what you’d do. What would the world be like? How would you handle it? What would you do if faced with similar situations, whether by choice or force?
It feels weird to say I enjoyed reading these stories, based on the fact that they highlight some of the worst aspects of humanity. Of course, the stories have a bleak overview to them. There are many different versions of accepting death versus avoiding it, all depending on each unique situation. I thought the authors did a great job at creating scenarios that were fathomable and quite frankly terrifying if they were to happen.
I love that even though a book is based on dire consequences and the prospect of death and disaster, there are still touching moments between characters. I think that’s one of my favorite things about dystopian and post-apocalyptic fiction.
I’d like to share some thoughts I jotted down about each of the stories, listed in order of appearance in the anthology.
“The Aftermath” by Claire Davon: I enjoyed the ecohorror vibe in this story and the realization that blossoms until the end.
”Hell Takes All Prisoners” by Karen Bayly: This gave me pause. As a woman, this is terrifying!
”Chasing the White Limousine” by Kurt Newton: Great language and a fun ride. Enjoyed the interactions of the characters.
”An Interlude in the English Civil War” by David Turnbull: Great character relationships. Kicked me in the gut.
”A Kissidougou Christmas” by Michael Picco: Love the train of thought in the story and the main character’s evolution.
”The Fields” by Mark Towse: This one has some gut-wrenching moments. Classic Towse.
”Cast Upon the Water” by Joseph S. Walker: Absolute dread and desolation. Great characters. Beautiful writing.
”Help, Scotland” by Malcolm Timperley: So well written. The dread is creeping up on you the whole time. Chilling.
”The Deep End” by Cameron Trost: This is the epitome of dystopian hell. Scariest to me, because human nature can be terrifying.
”End of the Line” by Louise Zedda-Sampson: Quick but potent story. As a mom, it gutted me.
”The Death of a Raccoon” by Adam Breckenridge: Introspective and calmer tale but still hard-hitting.
”Darkness at the Edge of Men” by Stuart Olver: A constant wager for survival. Layered story of mystery and intrigue.
”Sailors' Delight” by Claire Fitzpatrick: Highlights one of the overlying themes: the freedom of death. Survival and despair at its finest.
”Homecoming” by L.P. Ring: This one hits home and mirrors situations in today’s society, highlighting the fear and desperation.
Need more Black Beacon Books?
Who is Cameron Trost?
Cameron Trost is an author of mystery, suspense, post-apocalyptic, and horror fiction best known for his puzzles featuring Oscar Tremont, Investigator of the Strange and Inexplicable. He has written four novels and three collections. Originally from Brisbane, Australia, Cameron lives with his wife and two sons near Guérande in southern Brittany, between the rugged coast and treacherous marshland. He runs the independent publishing house, Black Beacon Books, and is a lifetime member of the Australian Crime Writers Association and The Short Mystery Fiction Society.
- From Cameron Trost’s website
About the Publisher:
Black Beacon Books is an independent publisher founded by author and anthologist, Cameron Trost. It began in Australia in 2013 and is now based in Brittany. We publish thrilling fiction in the genres of mystery, suspense, post-apocalyptic, horror, and ghost stories. We like our tales quirky, atmospheric, and thought-provoking.
- From the Black Beacon Books website
Check out my review of The Black Beacon Book of Horror, a collection of 16 short horror stories ranging from folk to psychological horror, including stories from two of my favorite authors Deborah Sheldon & Kev Harrison.
