What Has Two Heads, Ten Eyes, and Terrifying Table Manners? is an anthology of science fiction horror from Mega Thump Publishing and edited by Sawney Hatton. Included are fourteen twisted stories from fourteen insanely talented writers. None of the tales are alike, yet they all fit nicely and belong together in this collection.
The first installment is a quirky little story of domestic violence taken to a twisted level of insanity. Microwave Technology by Evan Purcell looks at the horrific life of Margaret and her abusive husband Dickie. When he presents his wife with the technologically advanced cooking devise, the gift soon takes multiple roles. It becomes the symbol of both fear and loathing, yet the microwave oven also represents Margaret’s only way of escape.
At first glance, I thought the story Halo by Ben Pienaar might have something to do with the popular video game, but I was pleasantly proven wrong. It is in fact a sad dystopian tale of social behavior control governed by a surgically implanted “halo” devise. Weeks had passed since the main character David’s father removes his halo and commits suicide after going mad. The young man begins to question the power of the halo. When your senses are overridden by pleasant sensations, the user losses the ability think individually and all human rights are lost.
Nighty Night by Lisamarie Lamb is a predictable yet fun nightmare (yes, I said that) about sleep deprivation. Carla signs her life away for an experimental procedure to eliminate the need for sleep. Like every pact with the devil, the vulnerable quickly becomes the victim. But then again, there will always be another victim waiting in the wings.
This is only a small sampling of the various tales found in this anthology and it would take multiple posts to cover each deserved one fairly. Rest assured, they are all solid and merit publication in this book. Other titles included are:
Crooked Head by Steve Billings
Beauty Is Skin by Daniel Hale
The Silence of Hestia by Paul Starkey
An Amuse Bouche by Lizz-Ayn Shaarawi
Green by Vince Liberato
Black by Ashley Norris Hurd
Homecoming by James Austin McCormick
Time to Find Charley by Catherine Edmunds
Mesozoic Appetite by Thomas Kleaton
Out to Pasture by KC Grifant (Amazing Stories contributor Kristina Grifantini)
China Doll by Frank Collia
If you are looking for a wide variety of short science fiction stories with the flair of horror reminiscent of The Twilight Zone or Outer Limits, you need to look no further. What Has Two Heads, Ten Eyes, and Terrifying Table Manners? Brings together a diverse assortment of works from some talented literary voices. Make note of these author’s names because they are bound to turn up on your reading lists again
