The concept of an anthology based on phobias is brilliant. Some of the stories in Fearology live up to promise and glow like gems. There are far more hits than misses within its pages, and it is definitely a worthy read for horror fans. I found a handful of new authors I'm going to be keeping my eyes on, and I'm going to highlight a handful of my favorites:
Val Muller's "Horrible Harry" - The story of a woman alone carrying the fear of a boogeyman who killed her father.
Quinn Hernandez's "The Hell Behind Her Eyes" - A new and novel take on Little Red Riding Hood, a story of manipulation, depravity, deception and revenge.
Gustavo Bondi's "Back in the Fold" - A truly disturbing look through the eyes of a man afraid of being touched who has finally found his true calling and identity, and because of it, must live in hiding.
Camille Alexa's "Things from Things" A cringing look at a germ-a-phobe through the eyes of his wife.
And now my two favorites:
F.J.R. Tictchenell's "Gravity" - A story of love and attraction, and how it all goes wrong when a man afraid of falling visits an amusement park with the object of his desires. The story is well written, characters well drawn, you root for them and hope it all works out in the end.
Ken Goldman's "Donny Doesn't Live Here Anymore" - A masterfully told story of friendship, loyalty, and the fear of being alone. Authur Harland recounts the life of his close and disturbed friend, Donny Villanelle, both through a biography he's written, and during a police interview. Through brilliant vignettes of childhood episodes, we learn who Art and Donny are, and what binds them so close. It's amazing storytelling.