If you’re a horror fan, this is an absolute treat! Dark Forces brings together a powerhouse lineup of genre superstars from the 1980s, with original and often unforgettable stories by names like Stephen King, Robert Bloch, T.E.D. Klein, and Joyce Carol Oates. The collection is best known for debuting King’s novella ‘The Mist,’ but you’ll find hidden gems and a rich variety of chills and thrills throughout. Whether you’re new to classic horror or a long-time devotee wanting a walk down memory lane, this anthology showcases the evolution of modern horror and the talent that shaped it.

Who May Not Like This Book:

This collection isn’t for everyone. If you prefer fast-paced plots or are hoping every story will be a nail-biting thriller, you may find some tales too slow or literary for your taste. Like most anthologies, the quality varies - some stories are instant classics, while a few may leave you scratching your head or unimpressed. And if you’re only here for King, be ready - most of the book comes from other authors, and some stories stray more toward the surreal or experimental than pure, straightforward horror.

A landmark horror anthology featuring legends at the top of their game - uneven but essential for genre lovers, especially if you want the original ‘The Mist.’

About:

'Dark Forces' by Kirby McCauley is a landmark anthology in horror and suspense that captures the previous generation of horror fiction. The book features a collection of stories by renowned horror writers like Stephen King, Richard Matheson, and Ray Bradbury. It includes a variety of horror tales ranging from revenge plots and witchcraft to eerie encounters and supernatural occurrences. The stories are well-crafted, engaging, and offer a mix of classic and modern horror elements that keep readers on edge.

Characters:

Characters are often complex, facing terrifying circumstances, with notable depth in King's portrayal of a father-son duo.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style varies, encompassing engrossing narratives and literary complexity, with some stories adopting noir or Gothic tones.

Plot/Storyline:

The anthology features original short stories, including a notable novella by Stephen King, covering a range of horror themes from psychological to supernatural.

Setting:

Settings vary widely, contributing to the tense atmosphere and range of horror experiences, from suburban backgrounds to more fantastical elements.

Pacing:

Pacing differs from story to story, with some maintaining a gradual build-up to horror, while others are more immediate and urgent.

They were driving back from a midnight screening of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (“Who will survive and what will be left of them?”) when one of them decided they should make the Stop ’N Start Market o...

Notes:

Dark Forces was edited by Kirby McCauley and published in 1980.

All stories in Dark Forces were originally commissioned for the anthology.

Stephen King's novella The Mist first appeared in Dark Forces.

The original 1980 version of The Mist is different from the later edited version in Skeleton Crew.

Seven out of 24 contributors to Dark Forces are still alive as of August 2021.

The anthology includes a mix of established and lesser-known authors.

The Mist is often regarded as one of King’s finest works.

Edward Bryant's story Dark Angel is noted for its elaborate revenge plot.

The Bingo Master by Joyce Carol Oates is described as more noir than horror.

Dark Forces features a variety of horror sub-genres and styles among the stories.

The book includes an afterword and interviews by the editor Kirby McCauley.

The anthology is considered a landmark collection in horror literature.

Many readers recommend Dark Forces as essential for horror fans.

The table of contents showcases renowned authors like Isaac Bashevis Singer and Ramsey Campbell.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The anthology includes content that may be unsettling, such as themes of violence, psychological trauma, and supernatural horror.

From The Publisher:

This is the ultimate feast of fear by a host of horror writers such as Robert Bloch, Ray Bradbury, Ramsey Campbell, and others. Twenty-four macabre tales include the nerve-twisting novelette The Mist by Stephen King.

Previously published in mass market by Bantam.

1980

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568 pages

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Dark Forces

Kirby McCauley

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