Night & Day

Ellen Datlow, an undisputed maestro of horror anthologies, curates a collection that both reaffirms and subverts the traditional boundaries of the genre. 'Night & Day' splits into two halves — the eerie, unpredictable night and the deceptive brightness of day. The stories unfold like a yin and yang of terror, each pushing the reader into new realms of fear. The anthology features an impressive roster, from Stephen Graham Jones to Priya Sharma, showcasing a spectrum of voices that redefine horror. Datlow's editorial hand ensures a seamless yet varied experience, pulling the strings of tension with precision.

The 'Night—Dreadful Dark' section plunges the reader into a realm where the absence of light amplifies fear. Stories like 'Trash Night' and 'The Night House' tap into primal anxieties about what stalks unseen. Pat Cadigan's 'The Night-Mirrors' cleverly plays with perception and reality, while Benjamin Percy's 'Fear of the Dark' takes a more visceral approach, wrapping darkness in layers of psychological terror. Each tale is a testament to the night as a canvas for the unknown, yet none feel repetitive or derivative.

Contrarily, 'Day—Merciless Sun' pulls back the curtain on the horror that thrives in full view. Priya Sharma's 'The Bright Day' and Rachel Harrison's 'Faire' showcase how daylight can cast shadows just as long and dangerous as night. This half of the anthology is particularly striking for its ability to unsettle without the traditional crutch of darkness. Jeff Ford’s 'One Day' offers a particularly chilling narrative that questions the safety of daylight. These stories argue that terror doesn't need to skulk in the shadows; sometimes, it thrives under the sun.

However, not every story hits its mark. While the collection is largely impressive, there are moments where certain narratives feel like they lack the innovation expected from such a prestigious lineup. 'Dismaying Creatures' by Robert Shearman, for example, treads familiar ground without offering much new. Similarly, 'Cold Iron' by Sophie White, despite its intriguing premise, doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential, leaving the reader with a sense of incomplete exploration. These minor missteps remind us that even the brightest stars cast shadows.

Nonetheless, 'Night & Day' stands as a formidable entry in the horror anthology genre. Datlow curates with a deft touch, ensuring a diversity of styles and themes that appeal to both purists and those seeking fresh visions. The duality of the anthology's structure is not just a gimmick but a profound exploration of horror’s pervasive nature, in light and darkness alike. It challenges readers to reconsider their definitions of fear and the spaces it inhabits. This anthology doesn’t just scare; it resonates and lingers, redefining what it means to find horror in the everyday.