A Sliver of Darkness

This was a very fun collection of alternate reality horror short stories! I've really enjoyed C.J. Tudor's books in the past so I knew I would love this as well. I wish i could read full length novels of all of these short stories, because I keep thinking about them and wish there was more. I also really enjoyed the forwards to all the stories where the author talked about the origins and the basis behind all the stories, it was really interesting and a nice look into the behind the scenes of writing the stories. I personally wasn't scared or deeply unsettled by any of the stories, which is the only reason it's a 4 not a 5. But otherwise, it was a very enjoyable collection!






Thank you to Random House Publishing Group, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an eBook copy to review.

While some of the stories in the book improved as I read, I did notice a concerning amount of fatphobia in one of them. Additionally, I found that the endings of the stories were somewhat predictable and lacked character redemption. However, one character, Gloria, stood out to me and I would be interested in reading more about her. Overall, I felt that the book deserved a two-star rating.

This is a collection of 11 short stories. I usually don't read short stories but I really enjoy the author so I thought I would give tem a try.

I have to say m favorites were I'm not Ted and Final course. Definitely an entertaining read.

The book definitely delivers what is advertised.

Thank you netgalley for my review copy!

1.5 stars

ouch this was bad ! every story was predictable and boring and nothing new. only liked 3 out of 11. this author is clearly not for me bc I've read one book by her before and guessed the whole plot after chapter 1.

end of the liner 3/5
the block 2/5
runaway blues 4/5
the completion 1/5
the lion at the gate 1/5
gloria 1/5
i'm not ted 2/5
final course 4/5
the copy shop 5/5
dust 2/5
butterfly island 1/5

C.J. Tudor's “A Sliver of Darkness” is an exciting short story collection that was fantastic from start to finish. This book was recommended to me by a good GR friend, and I am so glad I saved it to my spooky read list. Each story has quite a bit of intrigue, scares, and immersion that I think just about everyone can enjoy. I had not read any of the author's work before this, but I will definitely start to read her back catalog. One thing that stands out to me is how incredibly relatable each story is. You can tell that the author is having quite a bit of fun writing these stories, and the passion shines through. Each short is fun, dark, atmospheric, and overall creative. The horror is not shocking all the time. Sometimes it is sprinkled on top for a ‘slashtastic' twist or a ferociously brilliant statement.There are still a few spooky-season days left. What are you waiting for? Check this one out!It's so hard to review this as a whole, so I'll just post the mini-reviews of each below.~~~~~~~~~~~❖ Story 1 “End of the Liner” - A post-apocalyptic world where we follow a group of people stuck on a cruise ship for decades. Exciting and full of tense moments! 4⭐'s❖ Story 2 “The Block” - A group of kids break into an old abandoned warehouse and find something unsettling. The location, setting, and twist was fantastic! 4⭐'s❖ Story 3 “Runaway Blues” - A couple loves going to the Pink Flamingo to see their favorite blues singer. The singer has a mysterious hat box given to him by his love. What's inside is haunting. This one was amazing! Full of twists and turns. 5⭐'s❖ Story 4 “The Completion” - A sordid real estate agent will do anything to sell an expensive property and the owner makes a deal that the firm cannot refuse. This one was so dark, grimy, and fun! These short stories keep getting better and better. 5⭐'s❖ Story 5 “The Lion At The Gate” - A lion on a wall might just bite if you get too close. I enjoyed the idea behind this one. Very clever. 4⭐'s❖ Story 6 “Gloria” - This could be my favorite short yet. It throws you right into a Luc Besson-inspired narrative that is compelling and full of tension. 6 out of 5⭐'s