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Introduction
Hey everyone. This week we have third short story: Houses Under the Sea, by Caitlín R Kiernan.
I am a little late getting this out, because of some sudden work requirements. Sorry about that.
We are now half way through our trial run. As a reminder from the plan, when the 5th story is finished I will solicit feedback.
The Story
This story is freely available at Nightmare Magazine! I'd like to thank /u/Charles__Martel, who has been kindly finding these for me thus far.
I don't really feel my purpose here in the self-post is to analyze or give commentary, but to encourage discussion.
So what did you think?
- It seems we're in the Mythos. How does it fit?
- Anyone else get the feeling the author is talking directly?
- Exactly who and what is Jacova, and the girl in the warehouse? What happened to her that day at the beach?
There are of course more questions -- please tell us things you noticed or thoughts that occurred to you.
Information
- Hub Thread - A hub for the collection. As long as Reddit lets me, I will be editing in new entries each week. When that fails, I'll make a new one.
- The story itself, available for FREE!
- ISFDB Entry - Check here to see if the story is in a collection you already own!
- The Very Best of Caitlín R. Kiernan - Publisher Store. This is the collection we are following.
Hi, this is a review of a book I just finished in my vacation in Italy while my wife was doing yoga :) I published it in my Cosmic Horror page and I wish my English was better.
Review of "Agents of Dreamland" by Caitlín R. Kiernan
A tight violent race across the country and century between a shadowy government branch and a doomsday cult will determine the future of humanity. Two rough secret agents try to delay by all means the inevitable fate when the Old Ones will return to earth while the residents of a ranch in California sit and watch static noise on TV, waiting for that same beautiful moment to arrive.
Kiernan's 112 pages novella is another addition to the Cthulhu mythos that H.P. Lovecraft created so wonderfully and horribly but it is defiantly not a simplistic pastiche.
Human cults that are devoted to the return of the old gods is perhaps the most disturbing concept in Lovecraft's mythos, As we imagine what unthinkable horror those giant cosmic entities will bring with them, we're even more repulsed by the collaborationism of those individuals who betray fellow humanity for their own personal gain or twisted thought. We can feel a little safe when Lovecraft's cults are buried in the unwritten pages of history, long forgotten from our collective mind. The ill fated protagonist might be familiar with them through an ancient forbidden books such as the infamous "Necronomicon" or the "Unaussprechlichen Kulten" (which was introduced in the Robert E. Howard's powerful short story "The Black Stone"). The hero will surely encounter them personally in a vivid dream or in a seaside deserted town but we, as readers, are still distanced since we're led to believe that we still have time before the stars are right again and the weird monstrosities will return to earth.
In Kiernan's novels the time is up, the future of our planet is already sealed. The horror is not personal and will not end with some troubled soul mysteriously vanishing after being too curious and reading some forbidden tome. Kiernan is bringing us glimpses into a cosmic nuclear winter that is just around the corner if we'll not stop it somehow, humans will be subjects and games to horrifying forces an we'll all mutate against our will in a planet that became hell on earth.
"Agents of Dreamland" is a great dark book that will creep even the more experienced Lovecraft's fans. The modern setting where merciless men in black battle a sinister cult made of ex-heroin junkies and former Facebo
Welcome to February! Big thanks to everyone who made the January discussion thread so active, between that and Annihilation we've had a great couple of months for talking about books.
Use this thread to discuss Kiernan's latest release, The Dinosaur Tourist! What did you like, didn't like, how does it compare to her other work?
As always, check back throughout the month to keep the conversation rolling, as everyone reads at different speeds!
Hey all!
I’m re-reading Agents of Dreamland and just came across where Immacolata visits the future where the Old Ones have taken over.
Does she have any other stories that show that future? Anyone aware?
The Red Tree and the Drowning Girl were especially amazing, and now I'm looking for some similar cosmic horror/psychological horror stories.
Hey there, everyone! I am new to this community.
I am a senior in college, soon to graduate. My concentration is not English or creative writing. However, I love reading dark fiction, horror, and fantasy. To get to the point, I am taking a class on Horror Literature. It is truly out of my comfort zone, but I find myself loving this class more and more. We have read The Castle if Otranto by Horace Walpole; Selected Stories by Edgar Allan Poe; Selected Tales by H.P. Lovecraft; It by Stephen King; Things We Lost in the Fire by Mariana Enriquez; and, finally, The Very Best of Caitlín R. Kiernan.
To those who have read some of Kiernan’s short stories, specifically, “A Child’s Guide to the Hollow Hills” and “The Mermaid of the Concrete Ocean”, what were your interpretations? Kiernan uses an abundance of intertextuality and cognitive estrangement — which I am not familiar with.
Also, drop your Kiernan suggestions or any other gothic/horror/dark fiction/literature here.
Thanks!
I'm looking to read some of Kiernan's fiction as I've never actually read any despite being a huge fan of most things Lovecraftian/weird.
For those of you who are familiar with Kiernan's work, if I were to ask you to recommend me one novel and one short story collection, which would you recommend--and why?
The main agent character is named The Signal Man. Do you think this is in reference to the Charles Dickins' story "The Signal Man"?
Hi! I am looking for novels in the style of Poppy Z. Brite’s -Lost Souls- and Caitlin R. Kiernan’s -Silk-.
I am familiar with the rest of those authors’ work those are just my favorites.
Specifically, I am looking for novels that:
- feature characters that are identifiably “goth” subculture
- address trauma and mental illness using horror and the supernatural
- take place all or mostly in our world, not a fantasy world. I particularly like work where the fantasy/supernatural element is unclear whether it’s real or just psychosis
- adult novels not YA
- bonus points if it has a female protagonist or heavily features female characters
Thanks in advance!
I got it on Audible with my most recent credit and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. The only problem is the story is kind of ambiguous so I've been dying to hear other people's thoughts on it, but it's hard to find much information about it aside from reviews on Goodreads.
Has anyone here read it?
I recently started reading “The Very Best of Caitlin R. Kiernan” thanks to recommendations on this sub. This is my first time reading anything by this author and I just have to gush about it. I was looking for the type of read that is deep and mysterious in an unsettling way. A horror that lingers and sticks to the mind because of the images and feeling invoked when reading. Well, I just finished the 3rd short story and I can’t stop thinking about it. This book is exactly the thing I was looking for. Here is a teaser of the 3 stories I’ve read so far:
“Andromeda among the Stones”- At the edge of the ocean, on a remote cliff side, sits a small house. And in that house is a locked door, and behind that locked door, lies a horrifying mystery that just might change everything.
“La Peau Verte”- A struggling artist is pulled back to the memories of her childhood. Something happened then. Something she wants desperately to forget.
“Houses Under the Sea”- A journalist ventures into the tangled world of the Open Door of Night cult, and into the arms of a mysterious woman named Jacova Angevine.
If any of these juicy bits get your horror senses tingling, then I highly recommend adding this book to your collection!
Introduction
Hey everyone! I'm excited to kick off the first week of the /r/WeirdLit Short Story Discussion group. we're starting with Andromeda Among the Stones, by Caitlín R. Kiernan.
The Story
I don't really feel my purpose here in the self-post is to analyze or give commentary, but to encourage discussion. Yet I can't help but feel that this is an appropriate story for us to start with. An accursed family, a menacing ocean setting, and as always, a suspicious black book. Oh yes, home is where the Shoggoths are.
So, what did you think of it? Please discuss below. Here are a couple of starters:
- What do you think of the setting?: The story begins on the eve of WWI, the worst conflict thus far known. But we know an even larger and bloodier one is on the horizon - how does that fit into the story? Why war, the sea, or any of it?
- What is this 'Key' about, and what is the role of women here?
- How effective is this as a Lovecraftian Horror story?
There are of course more questions -- please tell us things you noticed or thoughts that occurred to you!
Information
- Hub Thread - A hub for the collection. As long as Reddit lets me, I will be editing in new entries each week. When that fails, I'll make a new one.
- ISFDB Entry - Check here to see if the story is in a collection you already own!
- The Very Best of Caitlín R. Kiernan - Publisher Store. This is the collection we are following.
Next Week - Le Peau Verte
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Weekly WeirdLit Short Story Discussion: What's this?
This is a weekly discussion focusing on short stories within the Weird Fiction genre. For those who do not know, Weird Fiction is a subgenre of horror, fantasy, and speculative fiction is which is infamously hard to quantify.
Each week I will be posting a new thread on a story from the current collection, moving from front-to-back. We are currently following through a single collection as a pilot, and when we're done with it, we will set a broader schedule.
you're welcome to join at any time. Feel free to also discuss on WeirdLit's discord. We still have plenty of stories to cover in the current collection, so it's not too late to hop on board.
This Week's Story: The Mermaid of the Concrete Ocean
Hey everyone. This week we have our 12th short story in the collection: The Mermaid of the Concrete Ocean, by Caitlín R Kiernan. Please share and discuss what you thought about it!
Reminders
- We have a room on the WeirdLit's Discord! I will drop notices of this thread there from now on. Join there if you want a reminder.
Information
- Hub Thread - A hub for the collection. As long as Reddit lets me, I will be editing in new entries each week. When that fails, I'll make a new one.
- The Very Best of Caitlín R. Kiernan - Publisher Store. This is the collection we are following.
- ISFDB Entry - Check here to see if the story is in a collection you already own!
<-- Previous Discussion --- Next Discussion -->
Weekly WeirdLit Short Story Discussion: What's this?
This is a weekly discussion focusing on short stories within the Weird Fiction genre. For those who do not know, Weird Fiction is a subgenre of horror, fantasy, and speculative fiction is which is infamously hard to quantify.
Each week I will be posting a new thread on a story from the current collection, moving from front-to-back. We are currently following through a single collection as a pilot, and when we're done with it, we will set a broader schedule.
you're welcome to join at any time. Feel free to also discuss on WeirdLit's discord. We still have plenty of stories to cover in the current collection, so it's not too late to hop on board.
News
You weren't deceived, there wasn't a thread last week for a holiday. I was traveling, and forgot to post a notice.
This Week's Story: Fish Bride (1970)
Hey everyone. This week we have our 12th short story in the collection: Fish Bride (1970), by Caitlín R Kiernan. Please share and discuss what you thought about it!
Reminders
- We have a room on the WeirdLit's Discord! I will drop notices of this thread there from now on. Join there if you want a reminder.
Information
- Hub Thread - A hub for the collection. As long as Reddit lets me, I will be editing in new entries each week. When that fails, I'll make a new one.
- The Very Best of Caitlín R. Kiernan - Publisher Store. This is the collection we are following.
- ISFDB Entry - Check here to see if the story is in a collection you already own!
<-- Previous Discussion --- Next Discussion -->
Weekly WeirdLit Short Story Discussion: What's this?
This is a weekly discussion focusing on short stories within the Weird Fiction genre. For those who do not know, Weird Fiction is a subgenre of horror, fantasy, and speculative fiction is which is infamously hard to quantify.
Each week I will be posting a new thread on a story from the current collection, moving from front-to-back. We are currently following through a single collection as a pilot, and when we're done with it, we will set a broader schedule.
These threads every Friday night (PST), and you're welcome to join at any time. Feel free to also discuss on WeirdLit's discord. We still have plenty of stories to cover in the current collection, so it's not too late to hop on board.
What happened to last week's thread?
There was a thread last week. It unfortunately got eaten by the spam filter. Reddit did not tell me this so it took /u/lividhedgehog pointing it out for me to resolve it. Sorry about that.
This Week's Story: In View of Nothing
Hey everyone. This week we have our 8th short story in the collection: In View of Nothing, by Caitlín R Kiernan.
This is a very dream-like story, set in a (I think) a future with something sinister going on in the background. I look forward to hearing what others thing.
News
- We have a discord channel on WeirdLit's Discord! Feel free to drop in and discuss on #weekly-weirdlit-discussion. Thanks to /u/hiddentowns for setting that up. I will drop notices of this thread there from now on.
- I am also going to be posting this thread to /r/horrorlit and I hope they join us. I asked the moderators if this was alright, but I did not get a response. If they (or concerned members) wish me to stop, please contact me.
- This thread got caught in the spam filters last week. Sorry!
Information
- Hub Thread - A hub for the collection. As long as Reddit lets me, I will be editing
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The Story: The Ammonite Violin (Murder Ballad No. 4)
Hey everyone. This week we have our sixth short story: The Ammonite Violin (Murder Ballad No. 4), by Caitlín R Kiernan.
I remember reading this story before, and I'm excited to go over it again this week. I think it might be my favorite of the collection so far.
Special Note
I will be posting and linking a reflection thread shortly. If you're interested in continuing these discussions, please show up and share your thoughts
Information
- Hub Thread - A hub for the collection. As long as Reddit lets me, I will be editing in new entries each week. When that fails, I'll make a new one.
- ISFDB Entry - Check here to see if the story is in a collection you already own!
- The Very Best of Caitlín R. Kiernan - Publisher Store. This is the collection we are following.
<-- Previous Discussion --- Next Discussion -->
The Story: Bradbury Weather
Hey everyone. This week we have our fourth short story: Bradbury Weather, by Caitlín R Kiernan.
I will be joining a bit later. I was expecting many things, but I wasn't expecting a SciFi story. Let me know what you think!
Information
- Hub Thread - A hub for the collection. As long as Reddit lets me, I will be editing in new entries each week. When that fails, I'll make a new one.
- ISFDB Entry - Check here to see if the story is in a collection you already own!
- The Very Best of Caitlín R. Kiernan - Publisher Store. This is the collection we are following.
<-- Previous Discussion --- Next Discussion -->
Weekly WeirdLit Short Story Discussion: What's this?
This is a weekly discussion focusing on short stories within the Weird Fiction genre. For those who do not know, Weird Fiction is a subgenre of horror, fantasy, and speculative fiction is which is infamously hard to quantify.
Each week I will be posting a new thread on a story from the current collection, moving from front-to-back. We are currently following through a single collection as a pilot, and when we're done with it, we will set a broader schedule.
you're welcome to join at any time. Feel free to also discuss on WeirdLit's discord. We still have plenty of stories to cover in the current collection, so it's not too late to hop on board.
News
You weren't deceived, there wasn't a thread last week for a holiday. I was traveling, and forgot to post a notice.
This Week's Story: Galapagos
Hey everyone. This week we have our 11th short story in the collection: Galapagos, by Caitlín R Kiernan. Please share and discuss what you thought about it!
Reminders
- We have a room on the WeirdLit's Discord! I will drop notices of this thread there from now on. Join there if you want a reminder.
Information
- The Story available as audio Here. It starts about 38 minutes in.
- Hub Thread - A hub for the collection. As long as Reddit lets me, I will be editing in new entries each week. When that fails, I'll make a new one.
- The Very Best of Caitlín R. Kiernan - Publisher Store. This is the collection we are following.
- ISFDB Entry - Check here to see if the story is in a collection you already own!
<-- Previous Discussion --- Next Discussion-->
The Story: A Child's Guide to the Hollow Hills
Hey everyone. This week we have our fifth short story: A Child's Guide to the Hollow Hills, by Caitlín R Kiernan.
Despite being one of the shortest stories in the collection, I think this is one of the most raw and disturbing one so far to me. I'm curious as to what you all think of it.
- How do you think the mythology plays here?
- Is this a strange growing up / loss of innocence story? A bitter reflection?
Meta
As a reminder, next week as per the Plan I outlined before, after this story I will be stop for a moment to tally the results, talk about outcome, and solicit feedback for the future.
Hopefully you will join me there.
Information
- Hub Thread - A hub for the collection. As long as Reddit lets me, I will be editing in new entries each week. When that fails, I'll make a new one.
- ISFDB Entry - Check here to see if the story is in a collection you already own!
- The Very Best of Caitlín R. Kiernan - Publisher Store. This is the collection we are following.
<-- Previous Discussion --- Next Discussion -->
Weekly WeirdLit Short Story Discussion: What's this?
This is a weekly discussion focusing on short stories within the Weird Fiction genre. For those who do not know, Weird Fiction is a subgenre of horror, fantasy, and speculative fiction is which is infamously hard to quantify.
Each week I will be posting a new thread on a story from the current collection, moving from front-to-back. We are currently following through a single collection as a pilot, and when we're done with it, we will set a broader schedule.
you're welcome to join at any time. Feel free to also discuss on WeirdLit's discord. We still have plenty of stories to cover in the current collection, so it's not too late to hop on board.
News
I had a bit of a family crisis this week, but everyone is alright. It just made this come out a little late.
This Week's Story: The Ape's Wife
Hey everyone. This week we have our 9th short story in the collection: The Ape's Wife, by Caitlín R Kiernan.
It's uh, the sequel you didn't expect.
Reminders
- We have a room on the WeirdLit's Discord! I will drop notices of this thread there from now on.
Information
- The Story available Here!
- Hub Thread - A hub for the collection. As long as Reddit lets me, I will be editing in new entries each week. When that fails, I'll make a new one.
- The Very Best of Caitlín R. Kiernan - Publisher Store. This is the collection we are following.
- ISFDB Entry - Check here to see if the story is in a collection you already own!
What are the best/most worthwhile short stories or novella by Caitlín R. Kiernan?
Can anyone point me in the direction of 7 or so stories for me to get started?
Caitlín Kiernan for Horror Lit
Hey there, everyone! I am new to this community.
I am a senior in college, soon to graduate. My concentration is not English or creative writing. However, I love reading dark fiction, horror, and fantasy. To get to the point, I am taking a class on Horror Literature. It is truly out of my comfort zone, but I find myself loving this class more and more. We have read The Castle if Otranto by Horace Walpole; Selected Stories by Edgar Allan Poe; Selected Tales by H.P. Lovecraft; It by Stephen King; Things We Lost in the Fire by Mariana Enriquez; and, finally, The Very Best of Caitlín R. Kiernan.
To those who have read some of Kiernan’s short stories, specifically, “A Child’s Guide to the Hollow Hills” and “The Mermaid of the Concrete Ocean”, what were your interpretations? Kiernan uses an abundance of intertextuality and cognitive estrangement — which I am not familiar with.
Also, drop your Kiernan suggestions or any other gothic/horror/dark fiction/literature here.
Thanks!
