Book review of The Bizarchives #7

by Dave Martel (Author) C.P. Webster (Author)

Updated at: 07/02/2025

Delve back into the uncanny with The Bizarchives #7, the latest installment in this acclaimed anthology of bizarre fiction. Editors Dave Martel and C.P. Webster once again curate a collection of unsettling tales guaranteed to tantalize and terrify. Featuring returning favorites like A. Cuthbertson, C.P. Webster, M.S. Jones, and Arbogast, alongside a host of new voices, this volume promises a derelict dose of succulent strangeness. Prepare for a journey into a world where monsters clash with magic, and machines defy the laws of nature. If you crave the unexpected, the unsettling, and the wonderfully weird, then The Bizarchives #7 is your next essential read.

The Bizarchives #7 (The Bizarchives: Weird Tales of Monsters, Magic and Machines)

5 / 4 ratings

Review The Bizarchives #7

Let me tell you, I had a blast with The Bizarchives #7! This anthology is like a delicious, slightly unsettling cocktail – a potent blend of genres shaken, not stirred, and served with a generous helping of weird. It’s fantastic to see so many familiar faces from previous volumes returning to contribute their unique brand of strangeness; the recurring authors, like C.P. Webster and the always-welcome Count Chocolure, really bring a sense of comforting familiarity to the overall experience. It’s like reuniting with old friends who consistently deliver incredible stories.

What really impressed me was the sheer variety on offer. We're talking cosmic horror that'll make your skin crawl, sword-and-sorcery adventures that'll make you wish for a more magical world, noir tales with enough shadows to hide a thousand secrets, and mythic adventures brimming with larger-than-life characters. It's a testament to the editors’ curation skills that they manage to balance these disparate elements so seamlessly. One moment, you're immersed in a Lovecraftian nightmare, the next you're laughing at some wonderfully absurd fantasy scenario. The pacing never lags; each story is a self-contained gem, leaving you wanting more, yet perfectly satisfying in its own right.

Some standout pieces for me included – well, it's hard to choose! Webster’s contributions, as always, were masterclasses in atmospheric dread. Count Chocolure's return was a joyous reunion, delivering that signature blend of dark humor and genuine thrills. The variety extended beyond genre, too; the anthology felt less like a collection of random stories and more like a cohesive whole, expertly weaving together diverse threads of fantasy, sci-fi, and pulp influences. There's something here for every lover of strange and wonderful tales.

The overall quality is exceptionally high. Each story is well-written, imaginative, and engaging. This isn’t just a collection of quirky ideas; there’s real depth and craftsmanship evident in each contribution. It's clear that a lot of love and effort went into creating this book, and that passion shines through every page. If you appreciate the golden age of pulp, with its pulpy thrills and spills, but also its underlying literary merit, then this is an anthology that respects its heritage while forging its own unique identity.

For fans of weird fiction, this is a must-read. For those new to the Bizarchives, this is the perfect entry point. It's a vibrant, exciting, and ultimately rewarding journey into a world where the bizarre is the norm, and the only limit is the imagination. This seventh volume isn't just a continuation of a series; it's a bold statement, a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and a promise of more weirdness to come. I, for one, can't wait for the next installment. Long may the Bizarchives reign!