ARC Copy...terrifying mix of horror stories which range from sub genres/fused with like sci-fi (Bastion) to Demented Romance (Dark Waters). Good read.

BASTION by Simon Clark 4.* - This novella length length story sucked me immediately. It was strangely surreal with its anywhere, anywhen plotline. But, I wished the author had put more time into answering at least some of the many questions that came up. Many people don't need every string tied, but for my taste there were a few too many loose ends. I would love to see this turned into a full fledged novel.

ON AMEN’S SHORE by Clive Barker - 4* The only 'old' story in this anthology, it probably will be a re-read for fans of Clive Barker. However, if you haven't read his stories this is a great place to start. Not all his work is blood and gore; you may find you really enjoy his style and move on to WEAVEWORLD.

THE WOMAN IN THE BLUE DRESS by Heather Herrman - 5* This was a very nice, creepy tale that I thoroughly enjoyed. More what you're used to reading in a Dark Screams anthology; very Twilight Zone in style; most are sure to enjoy.

SEVEN YEARS by Wrath James White 3.5* - Well written, as all of White's books are I found myself somehow unimpressed by the plotline.

DARK WATER by Marc Rains and Lisa Tuttle 4* - This nasty bit of work has something for everyone. A very nice dark read.

THE TRENDY BAR SIDE OF LIFE by Kristine Kathryn Rusch 5 * - Like the first story, this was very different from what you're probably used to reading and I think that's why these two were my favorites. Original and with something to say, TRENDY BAR was the perfect ending to another fine DARK SCREAMS anthology.

The team of Freeman and Chizmar in conjunction with Hydra did a superb job in amassing this collection. I'd like to thank them for my Advance Review Copy.

Excellent book with great authors some well known, others newer but worth a read.

This collection includes stories that are unsettling -- some more so than others. The "Trendy Bar Side of Life" was scary in its reality, but as a parent, the story that was the most unsettling was "The Woman in the Blue Dress."

Another great collection of shorties!

Not much in the way of horror, and there were a few misses, but overall highly entertaining.

Bastion is by far my favorite-very creative!

ARC provided by NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

What more to say than: another great selection of fun to read short stories. Can not wait for the next volume.

Kind of sad to be the first one reviewing this, wish I had praises to lavish, but...This anthology has usually been reliable for some eerie thrills. Volume 10 took the longest as far as waiting time for request approvals goes on Netgalley and was the least worth it. Something about this collection just didn’t work, none of the stories were in any way noteworthy or extraordinary or even that great. Bastion by Simon Clark is first and, taking up nearly 50% of the book, most significant. Clark’s been at it for so long he’s got the storytelling aspect down, but this tale of never never land turn war zone has a distinctly unfinished taste to it. It’s generous with atmosphere and violence, but tragically stingy when it comes to explanations. There’s also a moral, a very heavy handed one. And that just might be the leitmotif for this edition, interestingly enough since Dark Screams usually just screams theme free. Maybe it’s trying to be timely. After all, it put together a scathing commentary on child abuse, black lives matter and # metoo. The latter, the volume’s closing act, might be the strongest one, albeit dramatically bleak and depressing. The ghetto fable is abysmal, crap writing, trite sentiment and heavy handed doesn’t even begin to cover the moral delivery. City of Brotherly Love strikes again. In general this collection is at best bland, obvious and lackluster. A disappointing entry into usually decent series. Thanks Netgalley.

In this tenth volume of Dark Screams, Bastion by Simon Clark leads the billing. Bastion is a tightly wound, fast-paced story that follows a tween as he discovers himself in a violent new land, emotionally cut off from his youth. His struggle is multi-faceted as he confronts social ignorance, that while it has purpose, lacks liberty and insight. Bastion has a bite that is deeper than it's surface story.

I found Dark Water to be strangely compelling. The narrative is smooth. Part of the enjoyment of the story was in the hints dropped here and there about a succubus who desires to be desired. Anyone who does not fully give in to her domination is doomed.

The last story, The Trendy-Bar Side of Life, has the most developed character, one that you come to learn about and appreciate. A character who desires finding one's place in the universe, crafting the self while creating a home and a neighborhood that transcends daily comforts, but is the very center of an abnormal, but real, community.

The entire book is interesting and worth the price of admission.