Top positive review
4.0 out of 5 starsNot As Good As Volume 1
Reviewed in the United States đșđž on December 20, 2020
3 AND 1/2 STARS
This second anthology of the "Year's Best Hardcore Horror" is clearly not as good as the first book, with only a handful of standouts. The best stories were considerably better than the rest, with few exceptions. The very best were "A Face In The Crowd" by Tim Waggoner, "Kozmic Blues" by Alessandro Manzetti, and "Bed Of Crimson Joy" by Jasper Bark, with a couple Honorable Mentions by Michael A. Arnzen and Wrath James White.
The introduction by the editors felt like an excuse to lower reader expectations by trying to water down the description of what "Hardcore" means. This transparent excuse was only added to explain why quite a few stories were even included in the anthology. I was scratching my head at what was selected, as it was obvious many should not have been chosen at all. When stories are included that my grandmother could read, it probable should not be part of a "Hardcore" anthology. Mild recommendation for the authors I previously mentioned, but I hope volume 3 is an improvement over this one.
