The Rundown
100 By 100 is exactly that: one hundred stories, each one hundred words long. They tend toward the speculative or strange, often with a twist in the final words. Within these hundred words, author M.L. Kennedy creates universes both hilarious and horrific, sometimes both. Each story feels like a fun-sized candy bar. They’re indulgent and fun. Though you might want a little bit more, ultimately, you’re satisfied.
With a hundred entries, you would expect some of them to be hit or miss. While there are a few themes that are overused or twists that don’t quite stick the landing, they are in the minority. Most of the stories are lean, not wasting a word as they set the scene, build the tension, and ultimately resolve. The first few stories are extremely strong, with highlights including a chilling visit from Santa Clause, mad scientists, and body horrors. This strength continues throughout the collection and even the offerings that don’t live up to their predecessors are not necessarily bad. A few themes, like zombies, appear too often, making their stories a little too repetitive and predictable. However, the brevity of the stories allows these to disappear into the tide of more delightful and chilling offerings.
100 by 100: Stories in 100 Words would be equally enjoyable either in a single sitting or spread out over a stretch of time. The unique format makes the writing breezy and accessible, leading to an extremely enjoyable reading session.
The Recommendation
This book is recommended for fans of horror and speculative fiction. It is especially good for those who like short stories and flash fiction. However, due to the brevity of the stories, it is not recommended for readers who are looking for an in-depth story.
The Rating
4.5 Stars (out of 5): Highly recommended. This book is a great read. It can hold its own against any traditionally published novel in its genre, and surpasses many.
The Pros & Cons
Pros: Humor, Page Turner, Surprise Ending, Unique StyleCons: Character Developement
