Book Review: Stranger Than Speculative Fiction: Volume 2 by A. Jarrell Hayes
There’s something uniquely captivating about stepping into the mind of a writer who is as unafraid to traverse the boundary between reality and the fantastical as A. Jarrell Hayes is in Stranger Than Speculative Fiction: Volume 2. I picked this book up not just because I adore speculative fiction, but also because Hayes’ debut collection left me craving more of his imaginative worlds. I felt that this second volume could offer me a deeper journey into the extraordinary, and I was eager to dive into the eight stories that awaited me.
What struck me first was the diverse range of themes that Hayes skillfully weaves together. Each story dances between fantasy, science fiction, horror, and pure speculative delight—ensuring that no two narratives feel the same. There’s an undercurrent of humanity in every tale, exploring vulnerability, desire, and the strange mystique of the unknown. Hayes has a knack for creating characters that are relatable yet placed in wonderfully bizarre situations. Whether it’s a man confronting his fears in a dystopian landscape or a woman discovering her hidden powers, I found myself emotionally invested in their journeys and outcomes.
The pacing of the stories is another highlight—the narratives are crisp and engaging, making it difficult to set the book down. There’s a rhythmic flow to Hayes’ prose that reads almost like poetry, which is intriguing when paired with the more raw, visceral elements of horror. One moment I’d be gripped by tension, and the next swept away by the lyrical beauty of his language. Particularly memorable was a passage where a character gazed into the cosmos, reflecting on existence: “In the cold expanse of starlight, she found both fear and solace.” This line resonated deeply with me, encapsulating the duality of life’s grand questions.
Despite its intriguing premise and Hayes’ distinctive storytelling style, the book did not escape some criticism. A few readers remarked on feeling detached from certain characters or narratives, citing inconsistency in emotional depth. However, I find this to be a typical challenge in anthology collections—where the fragmented nature of stories can sometimes lead to a sense of disconnection. Personally, I appreciated the experimental quality of Hayes’ approach, even when specific threads didn’t resonate strongly.
In conclusion, Stranger Than Speculative Fiction: Volume 2 is a delightful treasure trove for those who revel in stories that push the boundaries of imagination. If you appreciate the blending of genres and enjoy stories that provoke thought while entertaining, this collection is for you. Hayes invites us into worlds that encourage introspection and ignite curiosity, leaving a lingering impact long after you’ve turned the last page. For me, this reading experience was not just an escape, but also a reminder of the power of storytelling—the ability to explore the uncharted and, perhaps, to better understand ourselves in the process.
You can find Stranger Than Speculative Fiction: Volume 2 here >>