- RoShamBo Publishing

Library Journal Review

What’s in the box? A new anthology featuring 20 speculative fiction writers dares to find out. Each story begins with a simple premise: a moving company employee discovers something strange about a box in the owner’s house. There’s the temptation to open the box, of course, and once the unsuspecting employee opens the box, whatever was dreamed up by these 20 writers will be released. The stories have as much variety — from science fiction to visceral horror — as the possibilities of what lies within the box. It could be the doorway to another world, lethal packing peanuts, or the severed head of a celebrity. This anthology has stories from award-winning authors such as Brian Keene and Cynthia Pelayo, as well as lesser-known authors (many of whom are celebrated in the world of independent publishing) who are also worth discovering.
VERDICT All of the writers in this collection seem to have fun with the premise of a mover and a cardboard box’s mysterious contents, creating a worthy showcase for sci-fi and horror fans looking for their next favorite author.
Reviewed by James Gardner, Aug 30, 2024

RA for All: 31 Days of Horror

Three Words That Describe This Book: Original, Range of Scares, Gaming Frame
This is a “premise” anthology that works perfectly. The setup is a mover is working and the box he has moves on its own. He rolls a 20-sided die and the 20 stories that follow answer what is in the box. The mix of authors goes from HUGE names — Brian Keene– to big names– Cynthia Pelayo and Christine Morgan– to rising stars– Christopher Hawkins– to new to you names– J9 Vaughn (not new to me though, another awesome library worker here in the Chicago burbs). You need this book because of the bigger names in it, but you will want it because it is worth it. […] I love the connection to table top gaming as well. This is a great handsell for anyone who likes an original idea for a themed Horror anthology, but also, recommend to anyone who also likes D&D and the like. This one is worth your time– and for my libraries– your purchase.
Reviewed by Becky Spratford, Sept 30, 2024

Legends of Tabletop Interview

“Random chance, random chance, random chance!” – Robert Anton Wilson

This anthology sets forth such a simple prompt and delivers a wide and wild variety in response. I abandoned an accepted, linear approach. Since the premise is based upon the rolling of a 20-sided die, why not consume it with the same lack of restraint? What is in that box, anyway? At the twelfth entry, rolling of dice upon each completion became rather tedious. I persevered, listing entries I hadn’t seen, and ones I’d already read. Doubles were no longer a hassle to discern.
“Pre-orders receive a special ‘roll table’ bookmark and a 20-sided die with the order to help navigate the box.” I recommend this approach. I did not pre-order this anthology. If I had, I wouldn’t need to plot my own course. Through what territories we travel! Michael Allen Rose provides a collection as fulfilling and kaleidoscopic as its roster of inhabitants. Though some names are unknown to me, you’ll find pleasant satisfaction in these strokes of ink. Between these sheets you’ll find echoes of Lovecraft, Chambers, and Ballard as they intertwine with new voices in fresh harmony.
Reviewed by Leah Bon d, Sep 2, 2024