Tag: horror

Eyes of Blue by S.M. Sykes Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A lone survivor of a deadly plague must leave her safe haven and face the creatures of the world in author S.M. Sykes’s “Eyes of Blue”. 

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The Synopsis

In a world ravaged by an inexplicable plague, society lies in ruins. Amidst the desolation, a lone survivor perseveres in a secluded state park along the Delaware Coast. Over a year has passed since she lost everything, yet as the sanctuary she’s carved for herself begins to crumble, she must summon the strength to endure once more.

Venturing beyond her haven exposes her to the horrors spawned by the plague, creatures both cunning and primal. Their origins shrouded in mystery; they pose a formidable threat to any who cross their path. Armed with scant knowledge and a grim resolve, she understands only two truths: they hunt relentlessly, and their chilling gaze is unmistakable—they have eyes of blue.

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The Review

This was an engaging and exciting thriller. The author did an incredible job of building a wholly unique and distinct turn on the undead/zombie genre, giving a post-apocalypse with creatures far more dangerous and chilling than the typical creatures survivors face. The twist on not only how these creatures act and hunt humans but also what they feed off of, to begin with, makes this story so unique. 

The shocking imagery that the author brought to life on the page was haunting and engaging, making the world feel very visceral on the page. The protagonist’s character development hit home, as the character felt relatable and memorable, capturing the inexperience of youth with the survivor’s experience.

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The Verdict

Compelling, thrilling, and entertaining, author S.M. Sykes’s “Eyes of Blue” is a must-read post-apocalypse thriller. The narrative’s twists and turns and the exciting new take on the genre will have readers clamoring for more from this fantastic author. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

S.M. Sykes never saw himself as a writer, facing struggles with English classes in school. Even his wife, who doubles as his editor, can attest to occasional challenges with organizing his thoughts. However, despite these obstacles, he discovered a passion for storytelling that he couldn’t ignore. Beginning with his debut novel, Eyes of Blue in 2018 at the age of 38, he found the genesis of his stories in a simple idea that sparked in his mind. As the narrative unfolded, it took on a life of its own, leading to the ongoing series that began with Eyes of Blue and continues with his current project, Loss of Blue. With Loss of Blue, he aims to weave together the threads of his previous works into a conclusion that is both profound and satisfying.

Balancing a full-time job with his writing endeavors, which include advertising and marketing his work, has proven challenging. Yet, his motivation lies not in financial gain or replacing his day job but in the satisfaction of sharing his ideas with readers.

Looking ahead, he remains focused on his writing journey, eager to explore where it may lead. He invites others to join him on this adventure by checking out his books and sharing their thoughts.

View at Medium.com
https://twitter.com/SamSykesSwears

Interview with Author Dan Gindlesperger 

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

    I have always loved writing and use to write a fair amount of poetry. It is both a way to express ideas and calming for me at the same time.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

 The Demon Secret came out of my love for horror when I asked myself “Why do Demon possess he living, there had to be a bigger reason.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

 Have Fun in life.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I have always been a horror fan, so it fit me well. I even have Horror tattoos.

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

 Father Ellis, to better understand what made him want to sell out…

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6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Yes, there is support out there for new writers.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

  IF you love to write and share with the world, kill it. If your in it for fame and fortune, you will be disappointed. 

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I have three book currently in progress, but took a break to promote The Demon Secret. I will keep writing as I love to do it and have fun in life. 

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About the Author

I was raised in a poor household with parents that drank beyond excess, so I found my escape in books from the world that I was brought into. Books were free from the library and I could imagine myself as a hero saving  the world. When I read a book I want to be able to smell the air, feel the warmth and be immersed in the world that is before me. That is how I want my work to feel to the readers, like that are more than readers, that are part of the journey.

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The Demon Secret by Dan Gindlesperger Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A lone exorcist discovers a shocking truth behind the demons he has been fighting and must discover a way to stop them before mankind is torn asunder in author Dan Gindlesperger’s “The Demon Secret”.

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The Synopsis

Father Luke, a trained exorcist, uncovers sacred knowledge hidden in time while removing demons from the innocent. These truths put his own life and the lives of those he cares about in grave danger from every direction. Based near Washington, DC, where greed and deception are around every corner, lie these dangerous secrets, ones that threaten the very fabric of our human world.

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The Review

This was such a rich and thrilling take on the supernatural horror genre. The author found a way to infuse a great sense of humor and wit into the genre, allowing the reader to feel pops of lightness in an otherwise dark and haunting narrative. The layered atmosphere the author was able to draw upon, and the powerful imagery in the author’s writing (as well as the thematic imagery of the threat of demons amidst the human corruption of organized religion) made this story stand out.

What stood out to me as a reader was the rich character development of this narrative. The mythos, the world-building, and the setting all played up thanks to the characters’ dynamics, as the protagonist had to deal with some heavy and complex situations. He had to face the supernatural threats of demons, the horrors of human corruption, and the lengths people are willing to go to protect their secrets. It also challenged his lifelong commitment to the Church, his thoughts on the organization, and the juxtaposition to his faith, making this a compelling story.

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The Verdict

Memorable, haunting, and entertaining author Dan Gindlesperger’s “The Demon Secret” is a must-read supernatural horror novel. The narrative twists and turns and gripping character development made this story feel alive and thrilling on the page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I was raised in a poor household with parents that drank beyond excess, so I found my escape in books from the world that I was brought into. Books were free from the library and I could imagine myself as a hero saving  the world. When I read a book I want to be able to smell the air, feel the warmth and be emersed in the world that is before me. That is how I want my work to feel to the readers, like that are more than readers, that are part of the journey.

Ancient Tides Ashore by Mike Robinson Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Two people separated by time and culture must embrace their destiny to face a malevolent entity in author Mike Robinson’s “Ancient Tides Ashore”.

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The Synopsis

Modern Meets Ancient. Tropical Paradise Meets Paranormal Terror.

In the year 620, a young Polynesian man named Kaimi arrives on the virgin shores of Hawaii. He is among the first people there, though quickly realizes they aren’t alone. Strange company watches on from the trees and shorelines: elemental beings only Kaimi can perceive. Like the dark presence in one particular bay, in the verdant island that will become Kauai.

Fifteen-hundred years later, a Mormon mother named Marilyn Toomey—secretly harboring her own sensitivity to such beings—finds herself whisked away with her husband to the remote Huna’ia Resort on Kauai. Though hesitant, Marilyn feels compelled to go—if only because something seems to be calling her there.

As their lives drift closer across the centuries, and as they come to fully embrace their talents, Kaimi and Marilyn must pull away from their communities and former beliefs in the face of an empowered and malevolent entity—and the looming threat of utter catastrophe.

A thoughtful and beautiful eco-fantasy, Ancient Tides Ashore explores human kinship across time, culture and belief, as well as our relationship to the unknown within—and among—us.

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The Review

This was a compelling and engaging cosmic horror meets eco-paranormal drama. The intensity of the world-building and the vivid imagery that each scene brought to life were breathtakingly beautiful in the writing. The shifting setting between the past and the present was fantastic to see come to life, as the author captured the tone and atmosphere of each era perfectly.

Yet, it was the character development that shined brightly in this book. The grand, cosmic nature of the threat that the protagonists were facing and the paranormal atmosphere were significantly highlighted and drew the reader in because of the realistic approach to character development. The author’s ability to draw on each character’s problems and see both Kaimi and Marilyn’s journeys and how they came together through their shared connection made the story much more inviting.

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The Verdict

Remarkable, passionately written, and entertaining author Mike Robinson’s “Ancient Tides Ashore” is a must-read cosmic horror meets eco-driven paranormal drama. The narrative’s twists and turns and open ending allow the reader to become invested in the characters and the environment and seek out new stories within this new world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Mike Robinson is the award-winning author of multiple novels and dozens of short stories, most of them speculative fiction. His work has appeared in the likes of American Gothic Fantasy, Storyteller Magazine, December Tales II, Underland Arcana and more, and has received honors from Writers of the Future, Publishers Weekly’s BookLife Contest, the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Maxy Awards and others.

As an editor, he worked closely with J.P. Barnett on his bestselling “Lorestalker” series. He is also a book coach with Wordsmith Writing Coaches, as well as a copywriter, illustrator and award-winning screenwriter with two produced credits.

Between all this, he hikes (often with his two dogs), swims, draws, and tries to learn the didgeridoo.

“One of the best speculative fiction authors writing now.”

— Leslie Ann Moore, bestselling author of the “Griffin’s Daughter” series

“Chock full of mind-bending goodness. Mike Robinson delivers equal parts of scares and the bizarre with wit and style―put him on your list of authors to watch!”

— Guy Anthony De Marco, HWA Bram Stoker Award Finalist

https://www.mike-robinsonauthor.com

Suffer the Children by Craig DiLouie Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A mysterious illness takes the lives of the world’s children, only to bring them back with a need to ingest human blood in author Craig DiLouie’s “Suffer the Children”.

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The Synopsis

Nominated for a 2014 Bram Stoker Award and a 2015 Audie Award!

A mysterious disease claims the world’s children before bringing them back. To continue surviving, however, they need to ingest human blood. As the blood supply wanes, parents struggle and compete to keep their children alive.

In the end, the only source left will be each other.

For these parents, the ultimate question will be: How far would you go for someone

you love?

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The Review

This was such an incredible and powerful horror story. The unique twist on the genre that captivates readers to be drawn in was breathtaking. How the author explores concepts like “vampires” and “zombies” through this unique illness that impacts the children of the world was somehow even more chilling than classic vampire stories have come to be. 

This chill factor is due to the unique character development and world-building here. Rather than seeing these characters battle vampire children, the horror comes from the lengths to which these parents and guardians are willing to go to protect and save the children, putting their morality and sense of self on the line to show who the actual “monsters” are in this new world.

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The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and gripping author Craig DiLouie’s “Suffer the Children” is a must-read horror story that readers need to have in their lives. The engaging terror and storytelling that readers are treated to remind me of a classic Stephen King and Dean Koontz novel, in which the characters build the world around them and keep readers invested in the story, no matter how terrifying. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Craig DiLouie is an author of popular thriller, apocalyptic/horror, and sci-fi/fantasy fiction.

In hundreds of reviews, Craig’s novels have been praised for their strong characters, action, and gritty realism. Each book promises an exciting experience with people you’ll care about in a world that feels real.

These works have been nominated for major literary awards such as the Bram Stoker Award and Audie Award, translated into multiple languages, and optioned for film. He is a member of the HWA, International Thriller Writers, and IFWA.

At www.CraigDiLouie.com, you can find all of Craig’s major works, interviews, and hundreds of interesting blog posts. Be sure to sign up for Craig’s mailing list so you can stay tuned on new releases.

The Hiding (The Seer of York Book One) by Alethea Lyons Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

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A killer is loose in York, and a young woman must navigate the worlds of both humans and the supernatural in order to stop this ruthless killer in author Alethea Lyons’s “The Hiding”, the first book in The Seer of York series.

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The Synopsis

Arcane archivist Harper has always been plagued by dreams of grotesque creatures and bloody deaths. When she bumps into a ghostwalker in the Shambles and has a visceral experience of his execution, she knows it’s a foretelling. Yet fear of the Queen’s Guard stops her speaking out. When her vision indeed comes true, the unusual markings on the ghostwalker’s corpse, combined with his neatly excised vocal cords, send a ripple of terror through York.

The witch hunt is on. As the body count rises, Harper knows her magic is the only way to find the killer – if she can avoid being hanged as a witch. To protect both human and supernatural, Harper walks the thin line between their worlds. She and her demonhunter foster-sister form a multi-faith team with a forensic scientist, a spirit Harper accidentally summoned, and a techno-witch, to catch the killer before more people die.

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The Review

This was a compelling and fascinating read. The author does an incredible job of layering this story with mystery and intrigue. The infusion of the supernatural into the narrative felt very much integrated into the fabric of this world. The balance between this thriller, dark, and horror-filled storylines and the pops of humor and heart amongst the characters really brought readers into the narrative in a fun way.

Yet, it was the character development and setting that really made this story shine. Setting the narrative in and around the town of York and yet merging this shadowy, supernatural realm all around it allowed the town to feel like its own character. The banter and relationship between the main character and her sister will draw on the reader’s heartstrings, and the hint of romance that the author uses to shake up the main character’s world, even more, is also a great draw. Yet the complex themes of the blending of cultures and the hardship some face when met with criticism and judgment from overzealous minds really kept the narrative alive.

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The Verdict

Heart-pounding, gripping, and engaging author Alethea Lyons’s “The Hiding” is a must-read horror/thriller that is not to be missed. The perfect way for horror fans to kick off the 2024 spring season, the twists and turns in the story and the shocking open-ended ending will leave fans eager for more. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on March 5th, 2024!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Alethea (she/ze) writes various forms of SFF, with a particular love for science-fantasy, dark fantasy, dystopias, and folklore. Many of her works take place at the intersection between technology and magic. She enjoys writing stories with subtle political and philosophical messages, but primarily wants her stories to be great tales with characters readers will love. She also has soft spots for found family, hopeless romances, and non-human characters. Her short stories can be found in a variety of publications and links for these are on her website.

Alethea lives in Manchester, UK with her husband, little Sprite, a cacophony of stringed instruments, and more tea than she can drink in a lifetime.

Bonus content for The Hiding & other works can be found on her website.

Socials: @AletheaRLyons

https://alethealyons.wixsite.com/stories

It Came From The Trees: And Other Violent Aberrations by Joel McKay Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

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Author Joel McKay explores the cosmic, haunting horrors of the world in his collection, “It Came From the Trees: And Other Violent Aberrations”. 

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The Synopsis

Tree planters on the run from parasitic insects. A physicist who has become the target of a murderous airline. Teenagers trapped in a museum with an eldritch horror. An escaped pit fighter thrust into a desperate stand at a sagging mountain fortress. And a luckless cowboy sailing across a sea of grass to the bloody resurrection of an elder god. Welcome to Joel McKay’s It Came from the Trees and Other Violent Aberrations, a collection of five page-turners as strange, disparate and bloody as their titles suggest.

So, grab a stiff drink, turn the lights down low, settle into your favorite reading nook and enjoy this brief but memorable collection of tales from one of the newest voices in Canadian pulp fiction.

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The Review

This collection of stories did an incredible job of simultaneously capturing the essence of terror and pulp fiction. Each tale expertly weaves the haunting atmosphere the author’s writing evokes with the mounting tension that the genre is infamous for. 

The creepy settings and the horror-filled narratives perfectly complement the rich characters that populate these stories. The way these characters are thrust into these evolving bouts of terror and the unsettling nature of the horrors they face brings to mind the works of Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft and the horror classic The Great God Pan by Arthur Machen. 

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The Verdict

Chilling, atmospheric, and engaging author Joel McKay’s “It Came From The Trees: And Other Violent Aberrations” is a must-read horror and pulp fiction collection. The cosmic horror setting and the grounded character development will keep readers interested and invested in the author’s work now and in the future. If you haven’t already be sure to check out this book today! 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Joel McKay is an award-winning writer. He calls Prince George, B.C. home, where he lives with his wife and two daughters. Wolf at the Door is his first novella, which won the 2022 Global Book Award gold medal for horror. His most recent published fiction was the short story Number Hunnerd in Tyche Books’ anthology Water: Selkies, Sirens and Sea Monsters, and the splatterpunk western short story Hands, which was published in Brigids Gate Press’ anthology Blood in the Soil, Terror on the Wind.

The inspiration for his fiction is drawn from the landscapes and people of British Columbia, particularly the province’s vast, untamed and often misunderstood north. It’s the small towns and the people who call them home that inspired the good ol’ boys featured in Number Hunnerd, or the cool, crisp evenings and early sunsets of October that planted the idea for werewolves at a Thanksgiving feast.

Joel is passionate about Canada, its history and the history of the peoples who have called it home since time immemorial. As far as he’s concerned, New England has got nothing on Northern B.C. when it comes to perfect settings for supernatural tales.

In his spare time, Joel is an avid fly fisherman, mountain biker, hiker and reader. His work as an economic development professional, public relations specialist and journalist has earned him numerous national, provincial and local awards and recognitions.

https://linktr.ee/joelmckay

To the Solemn Graves by Kim Idynne Review

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I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Kim Idynne showcases 13 tales of terror that will chill you to the core in the book “To the Solemn Graves”. 

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The Synopsis

Feeling shunned in their new neighborhood, a family attributes the cold attitude of the neighbors to prejudice—but a little investigation unearths a more shocking motive. A conniving widower finds a new wife through a foreign dating service, but the bride turns out to know him much more intimately than he imagined. A young man enlists a shaman to exorcise a terrifying spirit from his apartment, and as he learns more about the supposed ghost, he begins to form a strange and tender bond with her. To the Solemn Graves presents thirteen stories that, while laced with the supernatural, remind us that most horror comes from the all too natural.

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The Review

This was a compelling, heartfelt collection of short stories. The author did a fantastic job of finding the balance between the spine-chilling terror of each story and rich character development that brought a more grounded sense of storytelling to the book. Each story’s haunting imagery allows the reader to feel transported into the narrative entirely.

The heart of this narrative is in the powerful themes the author explores in this book, as each story elevates far beyond the classic horror genre. Each story reveals the horrors that arise from everyday life, the complex relationships we have with those we love, and the chilling reality of our perceptions of those who are different than us. The social and emotional consequences the author explores help bring the terrifying moments to new levels in the narrative.

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The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, yet emotionally complex, author Kim Idynee’s “To the Solemn Graves” is a must-read horror collection. The twists and turns in the narrative, the terrifying horror moments, and the complex yet engaging character dynamics all brought to mind the intriguing stories told by writer and director Mike Flannigan. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kim Idynne is a Minneapolis-based writer and illustrator. She is the author of several novels for adults and young adults, and she has also published a variety of short fiction. Her first short story, “Meat,” was published in the February 2015 issue of Literary Mama; the following year, Idynne received a Silver Pen award for her story “Fungus.” Her artwork has been featured in journals, books, datebooks, and at galleries around the Twin Cities area. You can check out her work at idynne.com.

House of Haunts Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

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A unique band of authors have come together to tell the story of one home, with very different rooms haunted by very different spirits in the collection “House of Haunts”. 

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The Synopsis

In 1823, Josiah Hale built his family a grand home in the sultry heat and blinding glare of the Deep South.

It wasn’t long before the shadows crept in. Now, two hundred years later, this grand home stands forlorn, abandoned, blank windows reflecting only darkness.

Some houses carry lasting impressions of those who have lived and died there.

Some places still bear the scars of past tragedies.

Some buildings are heavy with the spirits of the dead.

Hale House outweighs them all.

But wait.

The front gate is creaking slowly open, welcoming, beckoning, luring you in…

You have been invited.

Come tour the most haunted location in the world.

Come visit our House of Haunts.

23 rooms. 23 ghosts. 23 stories.

Will you survive them all?

Featuring Stories From

Christy Aldridge * Brooklyn Ann * Simon Bleaken *Jay Bower

Clay McLeod Chapman * Heather Daughrity * Joe DeRouen

William J. Donahue * J-F. Dubeau * Joshua Loyd Fox * Jennifer Anne Gordon

Gage Greenwood * Justin Holley * Jo Kaplan * Ronald Kelly

Marie Lanza * Caitlin Marceau * D.E. McCluskey * Jeremy Megargee

Joe Scipione * Samantha Underhill * Mer Whinery * Mercedes M. Yardley

Foreword by Josh Malerman

Edited by Heather Daughrity

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The Review

These were some compelling and thrilling horror reads. Immediately I was struck by how unique and original each story was, and yet how cohesive the narrative was overall as each story fed the overall theme of this haunted mansion. The haunting atmosphere of each story and the tension that mounted at such an even pace in each story made this a gripping read.

The heart of this narrative rested in the variety of different stories that each tale provided, as well as the detail that went into them. The way each story found itself in a different era of storytelling, from 19th-century gothic horror to modern tales of loss in the age of the pandemic, made the reader feel connected to the authors of these stories and yet wonderfully lost in the characters and their own plights at the same time.

The Verdict

Remarkable, entertaining, and heartfelt all at once, “House of Haunts” is a must-read modern-day horror anthology. The twists and turns each story provided, and the overall story of this powerfully haunted home and the spirits that have left their mark on its walls and the heart of this mansion made the anthology feel alive and buzzing. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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