Why You Need to Read: “Giving the Devil His Due”

Giving the Devil His Due: A Charity Anthology by The Pixel Project

Edited by: Rebecca Brewer

Published: May 25, 2022

Genre: Short Stories, Horror, Magic Realism, Science Fiction, Thriller

It’s time to stop violence against women. Together. –Regina Yau, Founder and President, The Pixel Project.

            Stories exist for multiple reasons, from sharing knowledge to providing a form of entertainment. Many stories explore themes about the human experience and other societal issues which needs to be addressed. The societal practices of domestic violence and violence against women is an ongoing disease which continues to fester within each upcoming generation. There has been more criticism regarding the works of fiction that contain moments of (graphic) violence against women, but there are not as many stories about the victims getting revenge against those who violated them, or their loved ones, and got away with it (in the legal system). Giving the Devil His Due is an anthology—with stories written by Stephen Graham Jones, Nisi Shawl, Kelley Armstrong, Christina Henry, and several more notable authors—that explores domestic violence and the lengths the victims are willing to go to in order to reclaim their power over themselves. 

            There are 16 short stories written by authors across all genres of speculative fiction. However, do not let this discourage you from reading ALL of these stories. Without getting into spoilers, each story delves into various types of domestic violence: physical abuse, emotional abuse, confinement, stalking, rape, etc. The abuse happens to victims across race, sex orientation, age, socioeconomic status, etc., across eras in time from the past to the present. It is essential to point out some of the point-of-view characters are not always the victims but are the ones performing the abuse onto their wife, their children, their relatives, their friends, etc. These stories are all cautionary tales about how domestic violence continues to plague individuals. But, many of these stories end with the victim getting their vengeance on those who’ve wronged them using “unconventional methods.” These “unconventional methods” are performed by the victims after they see themselves backed into the corner of their trauma while their abuser(s) continue to get away with what they’ve done to them. Readers will find themselves rooting for the victims as the gain their form of justice without feeling guilty about it.

            Readers need to know this anthology contains tales about various forms of abuse containing payback that reciprocates the level of violence. A trigger warning is not necessary for this anthology, but some readers may not be comfortable reading it. That being said, the mood within each story is dark and dreary; but, the tone will leave readers feeling satisfied knowing the abuser(s) got what was coming to them. There are a few stories in this anthology containing twists you will not see coming. Not only are these moments presented as the reality within the fiction, but also as reminders that anyone can become a victim of abuse from those who are closest to them. This anthology can and should be read by fans of speculative fiction and by advocates who are against domestic violence and violence against women. 

            Fiction continues to be humanity’s way of coping with trauma from sexual assault and/or domestic violence while highlighting the message of these issues to the audience. Awareness and stories surrounding these issues have been presented by non-profit organizations—such as The Pixel Project—and survivors: female and male, heterosexual and members of the LGBTQ+ community. While I did enjoy reading this anthology, I am an advocate against all forms of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, etc. Reading and reviewing this anthology is my way of contributing to this cause so that domestic violence and violence against women can end sooner rather than later. 

            Giving the Devil His Due is an essential anthology about fighting back. Readers can enjoy stories from some of their favorite authors while becoming informed of the issues presented within these stories. If you’re interested in stories where the victim comes out victorious or where the villain gets what’s coming to them, then you will enjoy this anthology. Let’s read to stop violence against women.

My Rating: MUST READ IT NOW (5 out of 5)!!!  

If you are interested in learning more about The Pixel Project and their cause to end Violence Against Women and other forms of domestic violence and human trafficking, then please visit: https://www.thepixelproject.net for information and for resources.