Dark Tales of Lost Civilizations

Cool idea - good stories with fiction explanations of long-stand

Cool idea - good stories with fiction explanations of long-standing mysteries.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

I like this book a lot! Read the entire book in one day - just c

I like this book a lot! Read the entire book in one day - just couldn't put it down. It was very unique, and poignant stories relating to lots of old civilizations and mysteries. Some of the tales were horror, some very touching, and some funny. The editor brought together a very eclectic mix of writers from around the world to discuss fictional takes on ancient civilizations and peoples. Great idea for a collection of stories and well executed.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

In the spirit of disclosure, I am the editor of this anthology s

In the spirit of disclosure, I am the editor of this anthology so, rightfully, I consider it a five star book. In fact, I consider it the grandest book ever published in the history of civilization... but again I am the editor.

Please feel free to contact me to discuss this book or questions, etc. My e-mail is: eric dot guignard at gmail dot com.

This anthology consists of twenty-five fictional stories that includes accounts of archaeologists and scientists, treasure hunters, tragic royalty, spirits, and even the Witches of Oz. Each story illuminates a particular race of life and explores the genesis of their origin, or the cause of their destruction, or perhaps just contributes a chapter to their legacy.

Within Dark Tales of Lost Civilizations, each author offers a unique perspective to unexplained mysteries or to a society of beings, whether they are historically known or only rumored to exist, in great and fearful whispers.

Has there ever really existed the great continent of Mu? What is it that lures explorers to distant lands where none have returned? Who, not what, are responsible for causing our nightmares? Where is Genghis Kahn buried? What happened to Atlantis? Who will displace mankind on Earth?

Blurbed by author, STEVE RASNIC TEM:

"As a boy, some of my favorite stories were those of lost lands and civilizations, made popular by such writers as H. Rider Haggard, A. Merritt, and Talbot Mundy. I daydreamed of falling through some hidden cave entrance into a lost and forgotten world (sans injury of course) and if asked about my career ambitions I would have answered that I wanted to be one of those specially lucky explorers. As I gradually became aware that such civilizations weren't terribly likely in our closely-examined world, that fantasy became a bit bruised. But now Eric J. Guignard brings back a bit of that magic with Dark Tales of Lost Civilizations, an anthology mixing the values of pulp fiction (returning us to a milieu where such stories seem more possible) with contemporary standards of fresh description. Here we have lost islands, civilizations on the brink, and uncharted lands imaginatively described with new mythologies. David Tallerman, Mark Lee Pearson, Jamie Lackey, Folly Blaine, Jonathan Vos Post, and JC Hemphill--to mention just a few--all shine, and the new Joe Lansdale piece with a unique slant on a western railroad story is a special treat."

--Steve Rasnic Tem, Bram Stoker and World Fantasy Award-winning author of novels (including his latest, Deadfall Hotel) and numerous collections of short fiction.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

An amazing book to read! This book was recommended to me through

An amazing book to read! This book was recommended to me through a book review club and I agree with their recommendation: It is a wonderful collection of exotic stories. This is an anthology (which means a collection of stories) that explores fictional answers and lore to some of the greatest mysteries and civilizations in history. It has a bent to horror and to archaeology, so if you enjoy dark fiction AND tales of science or discovery, this is for you! Not all of the stories are horror - some are very thoughtful and some are downright funny. Sins of our Fathers (by Wendra Chambers) was exceptional writing. Königreich der Sorge (Kingdom of Sorrow) by C. Deskin Rink was scary. Some other favorites are Quivira by Jackson Kuhl and Whale of a Time by Gitte Christensen and Joe Lansdale's story, was good (as is everything he writes).

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Masterful anthology. There's really something for everyone in th

Masterful anthology. There's really something for everyone in this eclectic collection. I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I bought it for some good ol' chills and thrills which were abundant. DARK TALES OF LOST CIVILIZATIONS represents solid fiction.

Some of my favorites were:

We Are Not the Favored Children by Matthew Borgard
Quetzalcoatl's Conquistador by Jamie Lackey
The Small, Black God by Caw Miller
Bare Bones by Curtis James McConnell
Directions by Michael G. Cornelius
Angel of Destruction by Cynthia D. Witherspoon

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Dark Tales of Lost Civilizations, edited by Eric J. Guignard, is

Dark Tales of Lost Civilizations, edited by Eric J. Guignard, is an anthology of the horrific and the mysterious, of long forgotten realms and dark, unimaginable secrets of humanity’s past. This showcase houses some of the best short fiction that breaches boundaries of typical horror and historical genres. Each piece explores different aspects of the human psyche, from insatiable curiosity to the greed of man, to the ever growing search for knowledge that spurs on explorations in culture and history. Guignard perhaps describes the theme of this anthology best when stating that the inspirations for these stories “invariably would resolve around a sense of wonder”. The fiction within Dark Tales of Lost Civilizations truly does appeal to one’s sense of wonder and curiosity, allowing the reader to explore those unanswered questions of the past.

Take, for instance, Cynthia Witherspoon’s Angel of Destruction, which offers a unique and terrifying look into the collapse of a powerful civilization. Witherspoon’s use of narrative and description takes the reader into ancient realms sugared with a touch of supernatural mystery. It is a look into the fall of a complex civilization with an added explanation as to how a popular supernatural monster got its beginnings. From a different gaze, C. Deskin Rink’s Konigreich der Sorge (Kingdom of Sorrow) is an absolutely masterful work of horror that instead features a civilization that is well documented within the history books, one that is a more recent echo in the not so distant past. In the same style as Shelley’s Frankenstein and Stoker’s Dracula, Rink uses first person narration to describe the inevitable demise of a knowledge hungry archaeological team. This story explores the nature of curiosity, and what could wait beneath the frozen ground of the Arctic Circle. In addition to those above, Kuhl’s Quivira is almost psychological nature, delving into themes of madness and greed. Kuhl’s use of ancient mythology and macabre setting makes for an engaging read, drawing the reader in with vivid imagery. Worthy mentions also include Jason Andrew’s Requiem, Wendra Chambers Sins Of Our Fathers, and Bruce L. Piddy’s Gilgamesh And The Mountain.

This anthology of lost civilizations, horrific mythologies, undiscovered cities, and harrowing adventure, appeals to the reader’s fascination with history. Those that have an appetite for the mysteries of our forefathers would enjoy this showcase of fiction. I recommend Dark Tales of Lost Civilizations for any lover of the past looking to escape from the present, and for any lover of horror looking for the next addition to their bookshelf.

-Samantha J. Moore, OneTitle Magazine

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I have lately been overwhelmed with the amount of good books I w

I have lately been overwhelmed with the amount of good books I want to read and when I do have the infrequent free time to just sit and read for pleasure, I want to make sure my time is well spent with something I enjoy. This book fits just that: a perfect read to escape the real world and travel to lands long-lost. I felt excitement as I read these stories as if they were written specifically for me. Each author has different opinions on ancient mysteries and folklore and scientific discovery but the editor did a really well job of combining the right stories in tone so that they flowed together. This book is another must read.