Rage Against the Night: High Honors for Horror Story Collection by Several Writers including Stephen King

RAGE AGAINST the NIGHT might not appeal to the squeamish.  But the breadth of scary stories span the genres of sci-fi, fantasy, apocalyptic futures, good v. evil, demons, monsters, magic and have the mystifying power to get under one's skiing & spark one's imagination.  This varied collection covers the gambit of ghouls, and spine chilling, hair raising visceral responses.  There is so much to be said for stories make the reader feel terrified, unanchored with heart a fluttered.  Writers able to create a world with supernatural occurrences, instill magic in the air that dances like static electricity are writers with phenomenal creative prowess.   Having attested to my high regard for the supernatural, bizarre, metaphysical and yes, horror genre, I submit not all stories in RAGE AGAINST the NIGHT are sublime.  My favorite niche within tales of evil & doom are those that rail against the dark night.  The combined stories here attest to courage, sacrifice and the majesty of life which many consider mundane; perhaps until it's too late.  Skillful "horror" writers possess a magical craft that causes us to pay attention to the things that may have gone unnoticed but now imprint a haunting impact.  My favorite pick within this inventive & unnerving collection is "Constitution" by Scott Nicholson.  Randall has a loving wife, Demora (a play on the word morte?)  Randall has recently passed away but somehow has remained tethered to life (much as in the film GHOST) and his beloved, Demora.  Unlike GHOST, Randall's body is decomposing and rigor mortis setting in although Demora seems oblivious.  Regardless, Randall is all to aware of what bounties he will miss.  "He never before noticed the breadth and depth of reality.  So much detail, every bit of mica in the sidewalk glistening in the sun…People flush with health, cheeks blushed with blood, all hearts racing, pounding, pouring, pumping life.  So alive.  Such a treasure it was to breath.  The living knew not their wealth."  Perhaps some people are unaware that what constitutes a horror story is the fear of death our frail mortality.  RAGE AGAINST the NIGHT should be bring a wider audience in  to appreciate - before it's too late - oops, you've made a fatal mistake!  Do not slight tales from the dark side.  Good horror stories make us feel alive!  "We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."  (T Wilder "Our Town")