Taaqtumi: An Anthology of Arctic Horror Stories

This anthology of horror stories, compiled by Neil Christopher, features nine well-known writers who have an Inuit heritage or close ties to northern Canada The award-winning authors include: Aviaq Johnston, Cara Bryant (Ann R. Loverock), Gayle Kabloona, Jay Bulckaert, K. C. Carthew, Rachel and Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley, Repo Kempt, Richard Van Camp, and Thomas Anguti Johnston. The book’s title, Taaqtumi, is an Inuktitut word that means “in the dark”, a fitting name for a collection of horror tales.

The stories all fall under the horror genre although there is also adventure and science fiction mixed in by some authors. The horror runs the gamut from evil spirits and unearthly noises to a post-apocalyptic tale, a cannibal, and zombies. The authors create suspense and fear in different ways so each story stands on its own and is quite unlike the others. None are so graphic that they are unsuitable for the target young adult audience. As in any group of writing by different authors, some stories are stronger than others, but all are deserving of a place in this collection.

What links the stories, beyond the shared horror genre, is their basis in Inuit tradition and culture. Readers will be immersed in the atmosphere and activities of the north and, in some cases, will learn about Inuit mythology and legends. The stories are reminiscent of other horror tales, certainly, but their Arctic origins give them a flavor and interest all their own. Blizzards, polar bears and survival on the northern tundra make this anthology one of a kind. The book also includes a glossary of Inuktitut words and notes on their pronunciation.

The stories vary in length from 10 pages to more than 50, but each is a standalone, and so readers can pick and choose what has the most personal appeal. Young adult readers who enjoy the thrills and frights of horror will undoubtedly want to add Taaqtumi to their reading list.