Title: Kali Ma: A Collection of Short Stories
Author: EL.T. Fullah
Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
ISBN: 978-1662935459
Pages: 49
Genre: Horror Short Stories / 90-Minute Literature & Fiction Short Reads / Single Authors Short Stories
Reviewed by: Christina Avina

Read Book Review

For those who have a message or a desire to express an opinion, the need to find avenues for which to express those opinions becomes of the upmost importance. The need to add their creativity and knowledge on a particular subject, or create something for which people can draw their own conclusions on that same subject drives them to craft intricate works of art, or long and comprehensive novels that explore the human condition. Yet sometimes simplicity can become its own form of thought-provoking and engaging commentary on the world around us, and so long as the message remains the same, the content often serves as just the vehicle for the context itself.

In author EL.T. Fullah’s Kali Ma: A Collection of Short Stories, the author explores several powerful themes and commentaries on the world around us through striking and chilling horror short stories. Between the violinist who uses his stardom to incite chaos and death, to the scientist on death’s door reaching out to life from other worlds for the answers to life, and a scientist’s attempt to get a killer to gain empathy for their victim, these twisted tales bring a grand balance of story and theme which will strike the reader instantly.

For such short and easy to read stories, the author did an incredible job of writing in a way that really stuck with the reader afterwards. The way each story focused less on character development and more on broad definitions for the characters involved allowed the reader to put themselves in the shoes of those witnessing these shocking events. The way each story not only chills the reader to the bone, but then serves to cause quiet contemplation on the message of each story, really stood out to me, and will keep readers engaged long after the book is complete. One story in particular, Beware of the Charlatan, really stood out to me on multiple fronts, speaking both to the power of religious fervor and the dual nature of religion with politics in our modern world, especially seen in America as of recently.

This is the perfect read for those who enjoy short stories, in particular those that enjoy horror short stories and the 1-hour reads style of storytelling, as well as the thematic storytelling that resided within each short story. The powerful imagery and visceral nature of each story was a perfect juxtaposition to the chilling nature of these themes and the commentary on how things are going in our world today.

Thought-provoking, captivating, and engaging, author EL.T. Fullah’s Kali Ma: A Collection of Short Stories is a must-read short story collection for horror fans and literary readers alike. The twists of each story and the memorable messages the author subtly weaves into each tale will keep readers hanging off of the author’s every word, and the striking visuals the author’s writing conjures up will have readers eager for more of the author’s work. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!