I am usually not a big short-story person but i really wanted to read more from Bazterrica, and i’m so glad i took a chance on this! I liked that these were truly SHORT stories (20 stories in this ~150page book), and the author did a phenomenal job of packing a story with a punch into a few pages. Dark, disturbing, and psychological…beautifully and hauntingly written. “Ronaldo” was the highlight for me.

I’m going to be completely honest, this anthology was filled with hit-or-miss stories for me. Some of them managed to be both interesting and revolting, with the particular matter-of-fact writing style that originally drove me to read this compilation, but there are also some stories that felt a bit more like My Year of Rest and Relaxation than Tender is the Flesh. Although I know that there are definitely some people that will very much enjoy those stories, they were not necessarily for me, and I enjoyed the others much more. I think these short stories also felt a bit too short at times, so the skills of the author’s writing couldn’t really show through like they are capable of doing in a full-length novel.

Thank you so much to NetGalley & the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I was so into Tender Is the Flesh I had to read this book. I also am just obsessed with short story collections so that was a bonus.

These stories were strange. Uncomfortable. There were some that just didn’t make much sense to me. A few of them I enjoyed the most. The Continuous Equality Of The Circumference, A Hole Hides a House, & Mary Carminum were the ones I enjoyed the most. A few of these made me very sad & disturbed but I liked that. I’m looking forward to more books/stories from Augustina because her writing has been so fun to read.

As someone who absolutely loved Tender is the Flesh, I was somewhat worried about what to expect from a collection of short stories. That being said, I'm very pleased with this collection! The brilliant writing, exceptional attention to detail (as I was hoping and expecting!), and bleak, disturbing- yet very enjoyable and memorable stories, this is a book I would love to add to my bookshelf. I can see myself picking it back up again to reread.
As for the stories specifically, there are a good amount for the book length, and the topics vary drastically. From a bit eerie to strange, dark, and traumatic- there is a lot going on in this little book, and it won't let you down! Fabulous read!

I was really excited to read this one, having read Bazterrica's Tender is the Flesh, which was impressive and memorable. This one just didn't do it for me, unfortunately. There were a couple stories that stood out and were more interesting, but most of them were kind of forgettable. They just felt too short and underdeveloped to me. If more of her work is translated, I'd give it another shot, but I didn't love this collection.

Thank you netgalley for this ARC

I finished this novel in a day my favorite thing about this was that the short stories were actually shorter than ones ive usually read but the writing was so good that them being short didnt matter because this novel had such dark, uncomfortable, scary stories i loved it this novel definitely has a story for everyone i will say some of them i didnt really understand or like but that is normal with a short story collection. This author had such an amazing take on different things half of these ideas i would have never even imagined to think of which made the reader uncomfortable at times but the best stories and art are the ones that are uncomfortable. My favorite one hands down was the moon story that concept was crazy i loved it. Also the cover is great and fits the novel. I could not put this novel down i wanted to keep reading to find out what the next story was about. If you like dark stuff and short stories this one is definitely for you.

In general, I prefer novels to short stories, but collections of the strange and bizarre are the exception. This is my first time reading anything by Agustina Bazterrica, but it won’t be the last.

The stories here were very short compared to a lot of collections I’ve read, but they were able to draw me in and keep me thinking about them long after I’d finished them. Like any collection, there were some I definitely preferred over others, but overall everything contained here was very strong.

I look forward to enjoying more of Bazterrica’s work in the future.

I was expecting something very twisted & out of this world from the author of Tender is the Flesh. I was sadly let down.

This is a collection of 20 short stories & I only enjoyed 5-8 of them, some of those I loved and some of them I simply tolerated. The other 15-13 stories I either felt like the ending was missing something or the author could have elaborated more.

I was hoping to like more of the stories but it just felt like there was a lot missing in most of them or they just flat out were not good.

Giving this 3 stars instead of 2 because some of the stories I did enjoy were executed very well!

This was my first time reading a collection of short stories, to say I was in love is an understatement.

I was so ready to read another piece of work by Agustina Bazterrica after Tender is the Flesh and this did not disappoint! Her writing is so macabre and beautiful it's haunting.

I truly believe there is a great mix of short stories here, my favorites: Anita and Happiness, Candy Pink, A Light, Swift and Monstrous Sound, The Dead and Mary Carminum, and the only thing missing was more amazing stories!

I cannot wait for this book to be published so everyone can get a chance to read it. Big thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy. I will post more opinions once the book is available for purchase.

Tender is the Flesh is one of my favorite horror novels so I immediately had to read this short story collection. With each tightly crafted story, Bazterrica delves into themes of death, loss, murder, and suicide. Her writing is evocative and haunting, drawing the reader into macabre worlds that are still strangely relatable. This book is a must-read for fans of diverse and dark fiction, showcasing Bazterrica's exceptional ability to shock and provoke while capturing the complexities of the human experience.

For the first book I've read by Agustina Bazterrica, I have to say: I can't wait to read more.

I'm not usually a fan of books of short stories—I find that there's usually really only one or two of note—I was pleasantly surprised to find myself enthralled with most of what Bazterrica brings to the table. She's exactly what everyone has been raving about: surprising, edgy, and raw. She dives into the dark and twisted minds of her characters without glorifying or vilifying them, shedding light onto the parts of humanity that we dare not let others see. Well, at least those of us who claim at least a semblance of sanity try not to.

Consider this book quick enough to get through even when the stories doesn't necessarily pique your interest, and interesting enough to brave the idea of a book of short stories if you're averse to them like I am. Can't wait to read Tender is the Flesh now!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Nineteen Claws and a Black Bird.

I read Tender is the Flesh and it creeped me out, in a good way. so I was eager to read this.

There's no doubt the author is talented; dark, unique, creative.

Not all of the stories are favorites, but there were quite a few that left me thinking more than I expected.

Some are creepy, I wasn't scared, but I was unsettled.

I like how some of the endings feel open minded so readers are left to parse out the meanings with our own imaginations.

This isn't for everyone, but if you enjoy the author's previous book, or are in the mood for something 'different' (but in a good way), give this a try.

Agustina Bazterrica is an amazing author and that clearly shows in Nineteen Claws and a Black Bird. The stories in this book are so many things: creepy, realistic, poignant, bizarre...I could go on and on. Each story took me by surprise; some truly blew my mind. Even the shortest stories packed a major punch! I have not read her book Tender is the Flesh yet, but I now am moving it up my TBR list to get to it sooner because if this book proves anything, it's that I will love that book, as well!

I fell in love with Agustina Bazterrica when I read, "Tender is the Flesh," and yet again, she has proven herself to be an amazing writer with a truly unique point of view. I will immediately pre-order any books she publishes from now on!

I was so happy to get an advanced copy of Nineteen Claws and a Black Bird. With such a beautiful cover and amazing author, I knew these stories were going to hook me in from the beginning.  These short tales are incredibly written. (Absolutely no surprise there.) They also pack a major punch. Absolutely recommending to anyone who loves a collection of short stories that makes you sit back and reflect on your life and what got you here every time you finish one.

Thanks so much netgalley for the chance to read this one early!! I absolutely loved tender is the flesh so when I saw she had a new book I knew I was going to have to read it! This book was multiple short stories and all were so different and creepy and kept me wanting more. There were a few stories that really stuck with me even after finishing the book. I really enjoyed it and will recommend it!

A collection of dark, brutal, and funny short stories that look into our deepest fears and through our most disturbing fantasies. Stories dealing with violence, alienation, and dystopia. This was such an interesting collection of short stories, you never really knew what you were going into but right off the bat I was captured with the first story alone, “A Light, Swift, and Monstrous Sound” was definitely my favorite one of the short stories and it was the first one. I had a fun time reading this and would absolutely recommend it for anyone looking for a dark and interesting read!

*Thanks Netgalley and Scribner for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Such a dark and twisted set of stories in this one! I shouldn’t be surprised, given how dark Tender is the Flesh was, but phew, the author really went all in on some of these pieces and didn’t hold back!

Like most short story collections, there were some I enjoyed and others I did not. But overall, this was a 5/5 read for me from one of my favorite authors.

"Nineteen Claws and a Black Bird" is a short story anthology that contains nineteen weird and wonderful translated stories from Agustina Bazterrica (author of "Tender is the Flesh"). I'm really interested to see how this book is received among the "Tender is the Flesh" superfans. While these stories were short, scary, and truly unique, it never hit the level of science fiction horror for me, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing. I would describe these stories as bizarre and grotesque. In typical anthology fashion, some stories were better than others, and then there were ones that will stick with me forever ("Roberto," "Teicher vs. Nietzsche," and "Anita and Happiness"). The writing style of each story was different too, which made for a diverse reading experience. A few of the stories were written in 2nd person, a difficult yet admirable feat for any writer. For anyone who loved "Cursed Bunny" by Bora Chung or any Kelly Link fans, you'll love "Nineteen Claws and a Black Bird."

OH MY GOSH. That was the easiest 5-star rating I've ever given. I was seriously sleeping on Agustina Bazterrica, and now I must sprint over to read Tender is the Flesh. I am so so so thankful to Scribner Books, our wonderful author, and NetGalley for granting me advanced access to this horrifyingly magnificent collection of stories that are sure to keep you up at night. Nineteen Claws and a Black Bird is set to publish on June 20, 2023, and I am so excited to create some hype for this masterpiece.

Bazterrica mystifies readers with a group of horrifying stories centered around the art and ritual of death. From pedophile teachers being attacked by a genital cryptid to soul-sucking demons making an appearance at funerals, there's something here for everyone if horror is your cup of tea.

Bazterrica writes pure poetry with her verses, averaging hundreds of words per sentence, filled with the most descriptive and colorful imagery and sequences to haunt your dreams and daytime involvements. I will cherish this work of art FOREVER!