Book Review: Never Whistle at Night :An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.

Rating: 4⭐

Never Whistle at Night :An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr. features twenty-six stories written by indigenous authors. Surrealism and the supernatural, indigenous folklore, traditions, beliefs, racism, legacy and generational trauma are only a few of the themes that are explored in this collection of “dark” fiction. I wouldn’t describe the vibe of these stories as nightmare-inducing but more than a few will leave you feeling unsettled and pondering over what you just read. Do take your time with these stories as they are heavy reads despite the short length.

My ratings for the individual stories are as follows:

 Kushtuka by Mathilda Zeller : 5⭐
 White Hills by Rebecca Roanhorse: 4.5⭐
 Navajos Don’t Wear Elk Teeth by Conley Lyons: 3⭐
 Wingless by Marcie R. Rendon: 3.5⭐
 Quantum by Nick Medina: 4.5⭐
 Hunger by Phoenix Boudreau: 4⭐
 Tick Talk by Cherie Dimaline: 4⭐
 The Ones Who Killed Us by Brandon Hobson: 4.5⭐
 Snakes Are Born in the Dark by D.H. Trujillo: 4⭐
 Before I Go by Norris Black: 3.5⭐
 Night in the Chrysalis by Tiffany Morris: 3.5⭐
 Behind Colin’s Eyes by Shane Hawk: 3.5⭐
 Heart Shaped Clock by Kelli Jo Ford: 3.5⭐
 Scariest. Story. Ever. by Richard Van Camp: 4⭐
 Human Eaters by Royce K. Young Wolf:3.5⭐
 The Longest Street in the World by Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.: 3.5 ⭐
 Dead Owls by Mona Susan Power: 5⭐
 The Prepper by Morgan Talty: 3.5⭐
 Uncle Robert Rides the Lightning by Kate Hart: 3⭐
 Sundays by David Heska Wenbli Weiden: 4⭐
 Eulogy for a Brother Resurrected by Carson Faust: 3.5⭐
 Night Moves by Andrea L. Rogers: 3⭐
 Capgras by Tommy Orange: 3 ⭐
 The Scientist’s Horror Story by Darcie Little Badger: 3⭐
 Collections by Amber Blaeser-Wardzala: 4.5⭐
 Limbs by Waubgeshig Rice: 4⭐

As with most anthologies, some of the stories were more impactful than others but overall, with strong writing, vivid imagery, and superb storytelling this is an impressive collection of stories that I would not hesitate to recommend to fans of indigenous fiction that tends towards darker themes. I also enjoyed the Foreword written by Stephen Graham Jones which gives us insight into the theme behind the collection.

Many of the authors whose works featured in this collection were new to me and I’m glad for the opportunity to have been introduced to their work. I look forward to reading more from these talented writers in the future.

Finally, I love the cover art!

Many thanks to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.