To call me gobsmacked by this review would be the understatement of the century...

"The eleven tales on show here showcase an author with an immense talent to wring every last drop of emotion from both the written words on the page and the emotional response from the reader. These stories, for the most part, are difficult to read due to the rawness of the beating heart that lies open for all to see... a vigorous, vibrant and vital horror voice links these stories.

"The Dancing Bears: Queer Fables for the End Times is a triumph. The broad style of narratives showcased here is a testament to the skill of Costello’s writing ability. Rarely does he pull any punches to deliver a fearless story looking at the dark nature of relationships. However, underneath the horrors and brutality on show here, he still finds the hidden glimmer of beauty or the tiny shard of hope. It is rare for a book that made me so angry reading it to become one that I will recommend as highly as this, but The Dancing Bears: Queer Fables for the End Times truly is an exceptional collection of incredible short stories."

Thank you Jim McLeod and Ginger Nuts of Horror!