Book Review: DARKNESS 102

by | Oct 9, 2025 | Book Reviews, Reviews, The Horror Review News | 0 comments

Darkness 102:  Advanced Lessons Were Learned
Jonathan Reddoch, Elizabeth Suggs (eds.)
Collective Tales Publishing (August 30, 2025), 102 pages
Reviewed by Carson Buckingham

Darkness 102 is an anthology of one hundred two 102-word tales on the theme of “lessons learned.” Let me say at the outset that I have a great deal of respect for those who can convey an entire story in only 102 words. It takes me 102 words just to order coffee.

That being said, though I enjoyed the stories, half or more did not seem to adhere to the ‘lessons learned’ theme, and though they were nice little slices of horror, they took away from the cohesiveness of the book, which could have been a great selection of brand new, mini-Twilight Zone stories, which is what I was expecting after having read the back of the book.

Usually, editors try to avoid including their own work in books they are editing/compiling—or if they do, it is a single story.  Elizabeth Suggs has not one, not two, but five stories in this anthology! And her co-editor, Jonathan Reddoch also has five stories included. Bad form, people…really bad form.

But my favorites of those that did adhere to the theme follow:

Title                                                                Lesson Learned

“Rain Dance”                                                Don’t mock the tribesmen.

“The Mailbox on Mordoc Lane”                    Don’t take a chance on messing with an Urban Legend. Tied for my favorite

“Hell of a Hangover”                                     Be sure your children understand exactly what you mean.

“Sticks and Stones”                                      Very clever. An unorthodox school psychologist and actually be effective.

“Missing Cat”                                                Don’t interfere with other people’s pets.

“Circe”                                                           If you think she’s a witch, don’t piss her off. Tied for my favorite.

“Fine Print”                                                    Always read it…always.

“The Fantasy Book of Evil”                           Never assume.

“Practice Makes Perfect”                              Learn the basics or you’ll do it over and over again.

“Bet”                                                             Sometimes endings really are prosaic.

“Biscuit Revenge”                                        Don’t let another take the blame for something you did.

“Impressive Credentials”                              Don’t lie on your resume.

“Helping Hand”                                             When someone needs your help, help them.

“Shipping Error”                                            Don’t try to pull a fast one on shippers.

“Cracking Nuts”                                            Don’t cheat on your wife—especially at Christmastime.

“Academic Integrity”                                     Don’t cheat on your final—it could be just that.

“Omega Beta Monster”                                Frat boys should be careful who they try to use.

“Generative Assignation”                             Do your own work.

Though my “Lesson Learned” for each story may sound rather dull, the stories that teach them are anything but, and you will enjoy them. And if you have a book report due and are out of time, this is the one you want to read. I finished it in less than 40 minutes.

As this review comes to a close, I feel that I must mention another thing about this book that bothered me—the $9.99 price tag. $2.99 would have been the most it should have cost, considering that it is just 102 pages long, and each page only has 102 words on it. That comes to 10,404 words or about 42 standard 250-word pages—a single short story length. I mean, it’s a cute idea and all, but if I didn’t get a free review copy, I never would have shelled out $9.99 for it. Money comes too hard for a price like that on such a book. Right now, you can get the Kindle version for .99, and I’d grab that one if I were you.

This book would make a great Secret Santa Gift.

3 out of 5 stars.

About Carson Buckingham

Professionally, Carson Buckingham has made her way in life doing all manner of things, most of which involve arson. She is currently employed as a freelance writer on a work release program. In her spare time, she studies forensics, in hopes of applying her new knowledge to eluding the authorities more effectively the next time. She is originally from Connecticut, but now resides in Kentucky—and Connecticut is glad to be rid of her.

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