I won’t, of course, review my own story in this book, though I will tell you what it’s about at the appropriate moment. Never fear. Gratia Placenti is an anthology of fiction by authors with the honor of being the Apex Online Featured author of one month or another.

This features some gorgeous cover art by Paul Bielaczyc

Jason B. Sizemore is the editor and writes the introduction to the book.

The fiction in Gratia Placenti, which translates to “For the Sake of Pleasing,” tends more toward dark fantasy in most cases than it does toward straight horror. I’m going to list and comment on each story briefly. I was impressed by the layout and feel of the book, and very happy to be included within its pages.

The stories:
“Translatio” – Geoffrey Girard

This is an odd, almost Lovecraftian story of commitment, tragedy, and inevitable gloom. There is a surreal quality to the fiction, and yet, the protagonist and his anguish come across as very real.

“Follow the Canary” – Athena Workman

This is my favorite story in the book. In this story a man is haunted the the ghost of his ex-wife as he travels across a sort of post-apocalyptic land populated with fantastic beings that almost, but not quite, seem like you could meet them on the streets of Manhattan. I could see this story doing well in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science-Fiction, or Weird Tales. Very strong, and fairly disturbing.

“Crasher” – Debbie Kuhn

This is a story about a man who suffered wartime trauma that never quite let him go. He’s involved with a game that involves a revolver and spirits trapped in his head. He is nearly saved by the beautiful voice of a woman who, tragically, sings rarely. It’s a beautiful story of sacrifice. My one nit-pick is that there are an awful lot of stories written about trauma from the war in Viet Nam.

“Some Glue Never Dries” – David Niall Wilson

This story of mine takes place partly in a man’s home, partly in that same man’s mind and memory, and partly in sessions with his psychiatrist. It has garnered positive comments and reviews, I hope people will enjoy it.

“The Cutting Room” – Shane Jiraiya Cummings

This story takes place in an autopsy room - an arrogant doctor, an incompetent, and possibly not-too-bright assistant - and a woman who appears to have been autopsied before. It’s a little brutal, with an obscure ending, but it sticks with you.

“Bright Red Razors” – Teri Jacobs

Another tale taking place in a psychiatric session - rehabilitation for a girl who is trying to cut the evil out of herself and find redemption. You can see the division between the psychiatrist’s babble and the very different reality in the patient’s mind. The story is weakened by the idea that the Dr. is teasing the patient by playing with a razor, and the ending is a bit predictable, but the introspective voice of the protagonist makes the piece memorable.

“Party Makers” – Adrienne Jones

This one starts out pretty interesting, guy trying to impress his ex. I think, for me, that it didn’t transition as well as it could from every-day reality to the next level - what went on at the party, in other words, seemed like an entirely different story. Interesting, but not my favorite.

“Them’s Good Eats” – JA Konrath

This story is written in Red Neck, which always makes me smile. Still, the foreshadowing is a bit too obvious, and I’m not a big fan of disgusting horror. For those who enjoy aliens and sick humor, this might be the ticket.

“Something Wet” – James Reilly

James Reilly has given us a story with all the tenets of a good, popular horror story. Believable characters, an evil “villain” - sex, a damsel in distress - and an ending you won’t see coming. Strong story, and one of my favorites in the book.

“Popup Killer” – Bev Vincent

Bev Vincent provides us with another good take on the “be careful what you wish for” story - but with a twist. Another ending that satisfies.

“Only Spirits Cry” – R. Thomas Riley

Who expects to see a unicorn story in a horror anthology? It’s here, though - along with the forest, witches, magic, and a young man’s sacrifice for his mother. For me, it starts out very well, but the ending feels somehow rushed and less complete. Still compelling, and definitely a change of pace.

“The Listening” – Neil Ayres

In “The Listening,” Neil Ayres visits the mind of a man who has suffered a loss he has never really recovered from — and shows his way through the pain and the memory . A poignant tale that left me thinking for a bit before I was able to read on.

“Tomorrow and Tomorrow” – Mary Robinette Kowal

This last story has a sort of 60s or 70s Sci-Fi feel to it - a world not quite ours, set in some future, or other place where class distinction is the law. It’s a classic story of the rich and powerful controlling the less fortunate, and of sacrifice. It’s a good conclusion to a satisfying anthology. I look forward to further publications from Apex.

I have some copies of this book that I got from the publisher — they are hardovers, and I can sign or inscribe my story for anyone who wants to buy one. I’m selling them under their original price, these copies are $25 apiece. My preferred method of payment is PAYPAL. If you wish to pay by another method drop me an e-mail:

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— DNW