The Poison Eaters

Holly Black is definitely an author I could see sitting around a campfire at midnight, telling a story that would give me the creeps. For a good look at some of the stories she might tell, I would recommend checking out The Poison Eaters, a short volume with a dozen short stories by Holly Black.

Among the stories in this book is The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, which you’ll likely recognize as her awesome popular book. This short story is something not to miss, especially if you’re a fan of vampires that are unique and not of the friendly variety. Our main character is making the transition, and she’s keeping drunk to deal with the hunger pains.

The stories in this book are often dark, often feel like fairy tales, and sometimes short and fun. A Reversal of Fortune is one that always stands out as a fun one–care to challenge the devil to a contest?

The Poison Eaters concludes the anthology, and was one of my favorites if you’re looking for a story that’s a bit dark (of course you are, Midnighters!) and a bit surprising.

Quotes from The Poison Eaters

“Farewell, Father,” she said. He fell back upon his chair, choking. She laughed, not with mirth or even mockery, but something that was closer to a sob. “You crafted me so sharp, I cut even myself.”
― Holly Black, The Poison Eaters and Other Stories

“Books were something that happened to readers. Readers were the victims of books.”
― Holly Black, The Poison Eaters and Other Stories

“When you don’t know what you’re searching for, you have to look absolutely everywhere.”
― Holly Black, The Poison Eaters and Other Stories

Have you read much Holly Black? Are you a fan of short story collections? 

For more about Holly Black, check out Amy’s post from a few weeks back, spotlighting Holly Black at BEA.