Vastarien: A Literary Journal vol. 7 issue 0 - The Last Vastarien Journal
A cover as black as the void, a whisper of lettering you can see only in the right light to tell you that this is Vastarien, and this is the last issue of Grimscribe Press' Vastarien Literary Journals. It was also the first one I've ever read, despite my adoration of all things Jon Padgett.
This collection of short stories holds within its pages variations of cosmic horror, artistic anguish, enthralling poetry, and undulations of the troubled human mind that extend into areas beyond time and space. I dosed myself with one story at a time, allowing a gap in between each to grow giddy about reading what might come next. It was worth it, and I'm pleased to see that I can still get my hands on some past Vastarien journals even though I'm late to the party.
Some of my favourite stories in here are:
Five Poems by Marisca Pichette - these poignant little treats had me reveling in their beauty. I read them over several times and enjoyed the change in pace from short stories to poetry.
An Angel of God by Emma E. Murray - this made me think of some particularly horrifying scenes from the Hannibal TV series and I was positively disturbed by it. Probably my favourite story in the book.
Tonight, the Moon is not Quite Complete by SJ Townend - a musician plays the Theremin in a way that 'draws' his deceased mother's likeness and he finds himself haunted, seeing her when he performs his music. Absolutely unique, it inspired the most vivid imagery, and I was haunted too.
The Dark Wood Teaman by Rebecca J. Allred - this story read like a horror movie that takes place at an abandoned fairground. Undertones of madness that go hand in hand with Alice in Wonderland, I won't soon forget this tale.
Everything Wrong with Me by Carson Winter - this felt like a deep dive into mental illness, insecurity, and fear. It was the most relatable story of all of them, feeling like it played upon how much anxiety can make you act irrationally, make you fear others, and drive you to isolation and maybe something more sinister.
This volume is a great investment in the imagination. I've simply got to get more.
