Loved it!

It has werewolves, witches, shape shifters, and vampires all together at their beginning. The story unfolds at just the right pace, keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The characters are truly great, each with their own unique personalities and backstories. You'll find yourself rooting for some and despising others, but all of them will leave a lasting impression. The author has done an excellent job of creating a world that is both magical and terrifying, filled with danger and excitement at every turn. Whether you're a fan of paranormal romance, horror, or just a good story, this book has something for everyone. I highly recommend it!

This isn't a modern dark fantasy story as it was written way back in 1940.

In a sense, that's precisely half the charm of this novel. Penned before the advent of computers, cell phones, and the Internet, at a time when reporters still relied on typewriters, Williamson's Darker Than You Think exudes a film noir atmosphere.

As the hero embarks on a quest to track down the culprit behind a supernatural murder, the story unfolds with a sense of mystery and intrigue.

The way Williamson weaves the narrative, creating a world that is both familiar and yet filled with otherworldly elements, is truly captivating.

And let's not forget the amazing twist at the end. It completely catches the reader off guard and adds an extra layer of excitement and satisfaction to the whole reading experience.

Overall, Darker Than You Think is a classic that continues to charm readers with its unique blend of noir and supernatural elements.

Sometimes, when I visit the library, I find that none of the audio books I've flagged are available. However, I know that I have a series of chores coming up that will require some listening material. So, I simply select something that is ready for borrowing and falls within my genres of interest. And that's precisely how I ended up reading this particular book.

To be honest, I'm at a loss as to how to review this thing. I'll keep it brief. Written in the 1940s, it is extremely strange. It's not horror; rather, it gives me more of a fanfictiony vibe. I wouldn't really recommend this to anyone unless they have a penchant for pulpy power fantasy. There are some interesting glimmers of potential, but unfortunately, nothing truly comes to fruition. The main character is incredibly stupid, and we have to follow this imbecile through this dull story as he ignores everything and pays no attention to anything, which is extremely frustrating. Having said all that, this book, written by a man in the 40s, is actually significantly less sexist than several modern books I've read this year. So, there's that.

The dude straight up turns into a pterodactyl at the end. So, yeah.

The more I immerse myself in Jack Williamson's work, the deeper my affection for him grows. I find myself constantly repeating that I wish I had unearthed his literary treasures earlier in my life. I'm convinced that, back in "the day" (whatever that era truly implies), I would have adored him just as much as I did Heinlein.

What sets Williamson apart is his ability to effortlessly traverse different genres. Despite being a Science Fiction Grand Master, he pens books like this one that are undeniably horror.

"Darker Than You Think" delves into the realm of shape-shifters and witches. The cover aptly describes it as "the seminal dark classic of transformation and terror," a description I wholeheartedly believe it merits.

The story commences with reporter/journalist Will Barbee patiently awaiting the arrival of an airplane. Onboard are four men who have spent several years abroad, exploring an archaeological site. They are purportedly bringing back something of utmost importance.

Dr. Lamarck Mondrick is slated to make a significant announcement upon their landing.

While waiting, Barbee encounters April Bell, a captivating red-headed woman (it seems Williamson has a penchant for redheads) curiously carrying a small, black kitten. She claims to be a rookie reporter for a rival newspaper in town.

Mondrick and his companions finally arrive, safeguarding a mysterious green box. It is rumored to contain something极其危险的东西, and all four men appear to be mildly petrified of it.

However, before Mondrick can deliver his momentous announcement (he's right in the midst of it, in fact), he dies mysteriously, seemingly from an allergic reaction to something... perhaps, a kitten?

Barbee is instantly smitten with April Bell, and a strange relationship begins to unfold.

Remember, I mentioned that this is about shape-shifters. But not just werewolves. That's what I initially thought it would be about. These shape-shifters, however, are not confined to any specific form. They can essentially become anything that suits their needs or the circumstances.

Ms. Bell is trouble, as we quickly deduce from the start. She is a kind of witch, yet also one of the shifters, initially presenting as a white wolf. She is wearing a white fur coat when she first meets Barbee. She claims to be trying to protect someone she repeatedly refers to as the Child of Night.

This story is truly terrifying, especially considering it was written in 1948. As Barbee delves into the investigation of what appears to be Mondrick's murder, he experiences some极其令人不安的 dreams.

Or are they? And that's one of the aspects that makes this tale so remarkable. At certain points, the reader (at least I was) is left completely uncertain as to whether what they just read was a dream or reality. I made several notes in the Bookly app while reading, and one note states, "It was a nightmare," only to be almost immediately followed by "or was it?"

I did manage to guess, early on, who the Child of Night was. I'm a bit proud of that.

Williamson's writing, in this book, is highly engaging. There were numerous occasions when I had to force myself to stop reading in order to get some sleep. It's an exciting piece of work with a somewhat unexpected ending. Well, by the time I reached that point, it might not have been entirely "unexpected," but it was certainly unconventional.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to horror enthusiasts. If you're solely seeking science fiction, you might not be as fond of this one. Fortunately for me, I have a penchant for it all!

How do you combat psychic werewolves that have evolved clandestinely beside humans for thousands of years? Naturally, silver comes to mind, but also eugenics! That's precisely what I gleaned from this peculiar mystery sci-fi horror novel published in 1940.

It is so inundated with trendy psychological jargon and racist anthropological drivel that I was on the verge of dismissing it. And then, someone transformed into a goddamn pterodactyl!

So, yes, it earns 3 stars. The combination of the absurd premise, the overuse of certain tropes, and that unexpected twist makes it a somewhat entertaining read, albeit one that is far from perfect. It's a strange concoction that manages to both frustrate and amuse in equal measure.

Perhaps it's a relic of its time, with its odd blend of ideas that would be considered highly controversial today. Nevertheless, it has its moments that keep the reader engaged and curious about what might happen next.

Overall, it's an interesting but flawed piece of literature that leaves a lasting impression, if only for its sheer audacity.

[3 and 1/2 stars]

This book features a taut plot and some clever techno-babble that elucidates the science behind its shapeshifter antagonists. I believe it could have fit comfortably within either the SF Masterworks series or the Fantasy Masterworks. While it was likely quite ground-breaking upon its release, reading it in 2013 feels like retracing very familiar territory. In fact, I was able to figure out almost all of the plot "twists" in advance. There are also some disturbing aspects that seem to celebrate the Inquisition. Additionally, the protagonist can be breathtakingly and irritatingly stupid at times.

However, it has aged fairly well in other respects. There are genuine elements of horror and nasty (though not overly explicit) violence. The female characters are granted a reasonable degree of agency and personality. The author excels at conveying the murky sense of paranoia that envelops the protagonist. And I must give him credit for avoiding the purple prose that so many books of this genre tend to descend into.

Overall, it's a mixed bag. Despite its flaws, there are still enough redeeming qualities to make it an interesting read.

The unsettling dreams start to haunt small-town reporter Will Barbee shortly after he first encounters the mysterious and beautiful April Bell. These dreams are vivid, powerful, and deeply disturbing nightmares in which he commits atrocious acts. One by one, his friends meet violent deaths. It becomes evident to Barbee that he is caught up in something far beyond human comprehension, something unspeakably evil. And it is intimately related to the seductive and dangerously intoxicating April, along with the question, 'Who is the Child of the Night?'

When he uncovers the answer to that, his world will change completely.

Barbee is now in a terrifying situation, not knowing who to trust or what to do. The dreams continue to plague him, and the deaths of his friends weigh heavily on his conscience. He must find a way to solve the mystery and stop the evil before it's too late.

With each passing day, Barbee gets closer to the truth, but he also realizes that the answer may be more than he can handle. Will he be able to face the reality and save himself and those he loves? Only time will tell.

Some parts of it

such as the historical witch-hunt justifications and April's form of choice being a naked lady

get dangerously close to the MOR fuck-up

which is the worst kind of fuck-up.

However, this book is splashy and weird!

I always knew probability was evil!

It's truly astonishing how these elements interact within the story.

The historical references add a layer of depth and a sense of foreboding.

April's rather unconventional form choice is both shocking and captivating.

And the idea that probability is evil gives the whole narrative an air of mystery and danger.

Despite the potential pitfalls of getting too close to the MOR fuck-up, the book manages to maintain its unique charm and keep the reader engaged from start to finish.

It's a wild ride that takes you through a world of strange and wonderful events.

Whether you love it or hate it, you can't deny that this book is anything but ordinary.

Jack Williamson's "Darker Than You Think" is a remarkable one-shot horror-novel venture for this science fiction Grand Master.

Described not only as the author's finest work but also as one of the best treatments of the werewolf in modern literature, it has been included in notable overviews.

Originally appearing in a shorter form in "Unknown" magazine in 1940 and later expanded for a 1948 book edition, the novel presents a unique take on werewolves as shape shifters.

The story mainly follows Will Barbee, an alcoholic newspaperman in the fictional city of Clarendon. Barbee meets April Bell while covering a story at the airport.

As Professor Mondrick and his colleagues start dying in a pattern matching Barbee's strange dreams, the reporter must figure out what is real and what is fantasy.

Though not strictly a science fiction novel, Williamson offers a scientific explanation for the shape shifters' powers, incorporating various subjects.

The background history of "Homo lycanthropus" is fascinating, integrating ancient mythology and historical figures.

Compared to Williamson's earlier sci-fi works, "Darker Than You Think" is more elegantly written with better control over descriptions and dialogue.

The novel gets increasingly intense, with each chapter revealing surprises and shocking plot developments.

It is an accomplished melding of multiple genres and almost a perfect novel, despite a few minor flaws.

Highly recommended for fans of fantasy, horror, sci-fi, and pulp noir, this novel features werewolves that make Lawrence Talbot seem weak.

While it's hard to say if it's Williamson's finest work, it's definitely a gripping read that will appeal to a wide range of readers.

I have to admit that I had a rather difficult time with this book.

Shapeshifting monsters that have re-emerged into society thousands of years after the beginning of time, werewolves (sort of), a mysterious red-haired film-noir style villainess, and plenty of action – yet, somehow, I just couldn't get into it.

Most of the time, when I read something and like or dislike it, I don't find it hard to explain my reasons. But with this one, I'm a bit confused myself.

However, I'll tell you one thing right off the bat that turned me off. It was all that sci-fi mumbo jumbo about probabilities and the way these creatures could attack only by adhering to these rules of probability. I know this isn't a horror story, but it seems like one on the surface, and I'm not sure if the mixing of this sci-fi element was a good idea. The author kind of took the fun out of the whole thing by explaining the lycanthropic abilities in such a manner.

Another thing I didn't like was the main character's name. Barbee. Seriously? For a tough SOB like this guy, the name Barbee just doesn't seem right.

That's a minor complaint, though.

I did like the dream element, and the fact that Barbee kept trying to convince himself of his innocence up until the last fifty pages. And some of the individual chase/fight scenes were fairly exciting. The opening, with the mysterious woman and the cat at the airport, was also done well.

Newspapermen and a strikingly gorgeous, redheaded, green-eyed newspaperwoman await on the chilly tarmac of the Clarendon airport. They are waiting for the chartered plane that is bringing back the Lamarck Mondrick expedition from their two-year stint in Nala-Shan. (Nala-shan is an actual mountain range in Northern China between Ninxgia and Inner Mongolia's Alxa League, perhaps the only verifiable fact Williamson brings to his novel.) Alongside the press are the family members of the four returning explorers. Among them is the elderly and stately Rowena Mondrick, who has been blind since a panther tore out her eyes in Nigeria some years ago.

Mark Barbee, an old friend of the explorers and now an alcoholic reporter for the Clarendon Star, is also present. He introduces himself to the beautiful redhead, April Bell, a novice reporter for Clarendon's rival newspaper. She carries a small snakeskin bag that contains an adorable black kitten. However, one shouldn't get too attached to the kitten.

The plane lands, and the much-aged and visibly frightened explorers descend the ramp. They carry a heavily locked green case. The enfeebled Mondrick begins a speech, promising world-shattering revelations, but then dies suddenly, perhaps of asthma or a heart attack, or a combination of both. There is much consternation. April Bell vanishes, but Matt Barbee has already made a date for later that night. His nose for news leads him to a dumpster near the airport terminal, where he discovers the snakeskin bag with the kitten. It has been strangled by a red ribbon and its heart punctured by an ivory pin decorated with a running wolf. Despite this disturbing discovery, it must be that same nose for news that prevents Barbee from considering canceling his date.

This is the setup for Darker Than You Think. (Oh, and in case you need more clues about the coming events, Rowena Mondrick drapes herself in silver jewelry, and her mastiff, wearing a silver-studded collar, goes berserk when he sees April Bell.)

Williamson's novel first appeared in John W. Campbell's Astounding in 1940 as a 40,000-word serial. After WWII, the market for science fiction changed. Pulps were losing out to radio and paperbacks, but the now grown-up kids who loved sf from its pulpy origins wanted to see the stories in book form. Lloyd Arthur Eschbach founded Fantasy Press in 1946 and published Williamson's The Legion of Space. Respectable sales prompted Lloyd to ask Williamson to double the length of Darker Than You Think, and its sales equaled those of the previous novel. It has been reprinted many times. The edition I read was a Dell 1979 paperback that reproduced the original drawings by Edd Cartier. According to the book's blurb, Cartier's work adds an extra dimension of enjoyment. Well, maybe. Certainly it adds an extra dimension of camp. My favorite is the frontispiece that features a nude woman seated on the back of a sabre-tooth tiger. She has the perky but nipple-free breasts not uncommon to illustrations of the time.

April Bell is a witch, part of the Old Breed that Mondrick wants to eliminate from the earth. Barbee, it turns out, is a shapeshifter himself. I thought it was cheating to have them turn invisible when they took animal form, but it is necessary to make the plot work. Because Williamson wanted to write science fiction and not occult fantasy, he provides some anthropological background for this demon breed and some fanciful physics for why they can walk through walls. This theory is put forth at length several times in dialogue that bears no hint of realistic human speech.

Williamson lists this among his favorite books because it embodied much of what he learned about himself in psychoanalysis. He had been selling erratically to the pulps for years, but in 1936 he hit a wall. (He was 28.) He had been reading about psychiatry and wrote to Ives Hendricks, the author of Facts and Theories of Psychoanalysis, about coming to Boston from New Mexico for treatment. Hendricks suggested the Menninger Clinic in Topeka, and Karl Menniger agreed to see him on April 13. With enough money to live frugally in Topeka, even paying the five dollars an hour for treatment, Williamson stayed. He was under the treatment of Dr. Charles W. Tidd until two years later when the money ran out and he and his doctor agreed there was nowhere further to go at the time.

In Darker Than You Think, Topeka becomes Clarendon. Glennhaven is an enormous and very active psychiatric hospital where Barbee makes a brief stay. There is too much plot to keep him there for any length of time. What Williamson learned with Dr. Tidd at the Menninger was to let go of some of his inner conflicts and accept parts of himself he had attempted to keep rigidly separated. How this works out for Barbee in the novel, some readers found shocking.

Darker Than You Think is enjoyable but dated and creaky. Here is a clue to how you might enjoy it more. Imagine it as a black and white movie from RKO studios in the 1940s, produced by Val Lewton and directed by Jacques Tourneur. That is if you want to emphasize the moodier aspects. For a crisper image, turn the project over to Robert Wise.

(All the biographical information in this review comes from Williamson's memoirs, Wonder's Child.)

Definitely, this novel is one of the greatest in the fantasy/horror genre of all time. Williamson, a Grand master in the science-fiction field, truly showcases his remarkable talents in this book. It delves into the captivating themes of shape-shifters, human pre-history, and murder. The story weaves together these elements in a seamless and engaging manner, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Whether you prefer a physical copy for your shelf or a digital version for convenient reading, this book is a worthy addition to any fantasy lover's collection. It offers a unique and thrilling reading experience that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning fans of the genre.