ericarobyn's reviews
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Christmas Eve Carnage by John Lynch

dark tense medium-paced

4.5

Christmas Eve Carnage by John Lynch is a tale of dampened holiday cheer, the thick presence of loss, and well, all-out carnage.

With Christmas quickly approaching, one family still reeling from the loss of their mother is gearing up for a tough holiday. When the youngest finds a creepy elf named Sprinkles in the attic, she is quickly attached to it even when the rest of the family tells her to put it away… Little does this family know the horrors they are about to face. 

Oh my gosh, this poor family! They had already been through some horrible events… now this? My heart broke for them over and over again while reading. These characters jump right off the page though! I quickly reacted to things they were doing like they were my own family! 

Written in chapters of varying perspectives I have to say that I’m obsessed with the organization of this story! I loved learning about each character and following them until they all eventually crossed paths. I may have missed some hints, but there were a couple “OHHH!” moments for me when things started clicking together. 

So from the title you know there’s a lot of bloodshed here. The body horror is brutal and so descriptive. Not only are you going to picture the scenes, but you’re gonna practically be able to hear them too. One particular crunch has been haunting me… 

This is a killer horror novel that really brings the terror to the holidays!

My Favorite Passages from Christmas Eve Carnage – 

Ah, I marked so many passages but every single one was a spoiler! Readers… you’re gonna love so much of the brutal descriptions here. 

My Final Thoughts on Christmas Eve Carnage – 

Ah man, I picked this up from John while at the Merrimack Valley Book Fest this year, and even though I still owe him a couple of reviews, I just couldn’t wait to dive into this during the holiday season. As my first holiday read, it certainly set things off on a wild tone! I had such a blast reading the terror inside these pages. I can’t get one of the final scenes out of my head! 

Fear of Clowns A Horror Anthology: Coulrophobia Stories by Fiction › Thrillers › SupernaturalFiction / Anthologies (multiple authors)Fiction / HorrorFiction / Thrillers / Supernatural

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense fast-paced

5.0

Fear of Clowns A Horror Anthology: Coulrophobia Stories edited by Kenneth W. Cain is a spine-chilling compilation of some of the most terrifying clown stories I’ve ever encountered.

You may think you know clown horror… but you have no idea how wild the horrors can get until you dive into this collection. Good luck! 🙂

My favorites from this collection include: 

• Mr. Tasty Crinkle by Craig E. Sawyer
• The Fears Of A Clown by Bev Vincent
• Giggles In The Glitch by Dex Bryant
• A Ticket To The Funhouse by Gwendolyn Kiste
• The Gift by Lisa Kröger 

Per usual, here are my notes on each tale!

The Hollow Ones Weep Greasepaint by Hailey Piper – 

The clowns that had once brought laughter have transformed into receptacles for humanity’s emotional garbage. But be careful not to care about them! And definitely don’t cry for a clown… 

All of the anger, hurt, and hate being thrown at these clowns is devastating to read. The scenes with parents coaching kids to continue to be hateful were especially difficult to read. 

Quit Clowning Around by Clay McLeod Chapman  – 

While commuting, this character has a strange encounter with an old woman. The next day it happens again with another person. But what is going on? 

Oh this was wildly unsettling! The elements of the commute alone is enough to set anyone off, but the smiling… and that ending!!

Mr. Tasty Crinkle by Craig E. Sawyer –

Set up in a Reddit thread format, a group of people try to recall a spooky children’s cereal. As they reminisce, things get darker and darker… 

This story gave me chills! When I was younger, I was so interested in urban legends and trying to find out where they stemmed from. This one took that darkness to a whole new level! 

Dots The Magic Clown by Adam Cesare – 

A man desperate for book sales has a plan. 

In classic Adam Cesar fashion, there’s a lot of brutal bloodshed here! This tale would make me nervous to ever attend a book event with Adam! Haha 

Clown Heads by Em Starr – 

While working with a carnival, everyone knows there’s something wrong with number 9… 

Carnival horror is one of my favorite sub-genres. This one had so much dread infused in it! 

The Fears Of A Clown by Bev Vincent – 

Set up in a monologue where a clown is speaking to a therapist, the clown discusses his struggles as well as the fear of clowns.

This was so darkly fun! Ugh, the line about people being nasty though… if only people could just be kind! 

Jollification by Mel Reynes – 

After an incident, this crew is forced to perform a quick autopsy on their crewmate to determine what happened and whether it was contagious.

This one got WILD so fast! My goodness! I was so nervous about seeing the next carnival treat that would be mentioned. 

The Circus Inside You by Tim Waggoner – 

When a road rage incident forces this character into flashbacks from childhood, each scene gets more and more brutal. 

This poor guy… my goodness. From the event in childhood to the stressors of the current day, he needed something good to happen. 

Pop by Jonathan Lees – 

Haunted by a clown around every corner, this man cannot get away from the terror. 

The dread in this one is intense! 

Giggles In The Glitch by Dex Bryant – 

Determined to find a VHS tape, this woman is looking to return to something… 

My gosh, when you find out what she was trying to relive and prove herself was real is horrific. 

The Drolls by Jonathan Janz –

A cynical man doesn’t want to be attending an event for his son’s birthday. Letting his wife know about some childhood trauma doesn’t help the situation. Things only get darker as the day goes on.

My gosh, this main character is so easy to dislike! And phew, that ending! 

Scribble Face by S.B. Caves – 

When an email is sent reporting a stranger had gotten onto school property, one mom asks her son about it and is immediately thrown back into a scene from her childhood.

This one was so dark and brutal! That ending had me holding my breath and I’m so very grateful for the details that were left out! 

Grease Paint and Monkey Brains by Duncan Ralston – 

After a bit of road rage, this character finds themselves in clown country. 

A quick tale of tension and running toward who you are.

Serial Clown by Rutger Middelburg – 

A homicide detective on a case of a serial clown killer is about to get a break in the case, but it’s nothing he would have ever suspected. 

Oh, this got so eerie! What a spooky premise! 

No One Wants To Go To Happy Land by Douglas Ford – 

Obsessed with a clown, even after he kidnaps her, this woman just can’t let that love go. 

How nonchalant this character was at every stage of this tale was so unsettling. 

Fear Of Boys by Carissa Ann Lynch – 

Falling head over heels for a boy, this girl has plans for their anniversary…

The end of this! Oh my gosh. 

A Ticket To The Funhouse by Gwendolyn Kiste – 

When a carnival comes to town, this woman is drawn to it but she is also hesitant after a scare from childhood left her with questions. 

This poor woman! I was rooting for her right from the start! 

Cypress Circus by Red Lagoe – 

Taking a fishing trip on a bit of an odd day, this man has one goal, and it’s not to clear his head. 

The description in this one! Oh my gosh, from the waters to the roots of the trees, this was so powerful. It forces readers to be right in the moment with the character. 

All Smiles Under The Big Top by Bitter Karella – 

A woman with a fixation on different types of clowns has one mission for the night and she won’t let anything get in her way. 

Oh god, that last bit broke me. That poor kid. I hate that ending so much, ugh my heart. 

The Penthouse Suite At The Plague Pit Hotel by A.C. Wise – 

When telling secret histories, this couple keeps trying to one-up each other and ends up in the tunnels below the building. And of course, something happens in the tunnels. 

This was so eerie! The tension built is intense!

The Gift by Lisa Kröger – 

Receiving unwanted gift after gift from someone she was trying to avoid, she receives a clown doll in the mail that really spooks her. No matter what she does, she can’t get rid of it. 

This is a tale straight from my nightmares. I had a terrible nightmare once about a doll and the next day gave every single one of them to my Nana. This tale had such a similar vibe it left me with the chills. 

Anymore Is A Long Time by Thomas Tessier – 

Finally leaving someone who clearly didn’t care for him, this man thinks he’s just on a trip to start over. But then things get tense. 

Oh my gosh, the jumps between scenes made this one extra tense! 

The Grim Chameleon Apparatus by Michael A. Reed – 

Receiving a punishment each night, this teen is stepped to his bed with a contraption that hovers above him. For a full eight hours, he’s stuck with the torture. 

Punishment of kids is so difficult for me to read. I wanted to jump into this scene and help the poor kid. 

The Funhouse by V. Castro – 

Taking a turn off the highway for some fun, this man gets into a sticky situation. 

All the red flags here, but this man was so darn determined to have a good time!

Bobo by Hunter Shea – 

Reeling from the loss of their son, the mother begins to see the boy again. But is he really there or is it a side effect of her medication? 

I surprised myself by reading this one! Any horror kid-related has become a no-go for me, but man can Hunter Shea write!! This was absolutely gut-wrenching, and that ending!! 

A Very Special Boy by Daniel Willcocks – 

While in hospice this special boy finds a friend. 

Oofh. Two gut-wrenching child tales back to back. This one hurt. 

Ordinary People by Rachel Harrison – 

Moving into a house with a dark past, this woman is determined to prove to her husband that everything will be fine. But when they move in, she realizes she was wrong. 

Another gut punch of a tale. Your heart will break over this situation. 

The Old College by Aaron Beauregard – 

This tale came with a trigger warning. Since the others with the same topic didn’t, I’m assuming this one is much more brutal. I skipped this one but I’m sure it was great! I appreciate the warning very very much! 

The Last Laugh by Graham Masterton & Late Mogielska – 

When her husband begins to say he’s being followed by a clown, this woman chalks his tales up to his alcohol problem. But things get more and more intense from there…

Ah, I love stories that give you a rational explanation right along with another bit of information that makes you keep thinking, well what if? This was brutal and terrifying! 

Afterwords & Acknowledgements by Kevin Kangas – 

I love learning about why an anthology was created! This was a wonderful wrap-up!

My Favorite Passages from Fear of Clowns A Horror Anthology: Coulrophobia Stories –

I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to his lips, like that smile could’ve gone wider, if he wanted.
— Quit Clowning Around by Clay McLeod Chapman

It’s amazing how fast one can run when death slows down to stare at you.
— Pop by Jonathan Lees

He whips around. Nothing. Because he’s just paranoid, or because the thing hunting him isn’t human, hasn’t been for a long time. It lives in the dead spot in his peripheral vision that he’ll never be quick enough to turn around and see.
— The Penthouse Suite At The Plague Pit Hotel by A.C. Wise

I knelt on the floor in a circle of clowns-of clues, of gifts-and I lit the candle, and I thought about how people are afraid of clowns. But Sarah was right-their only job is to make people smile, laugh. That’s why they exist. It’s the rest of us…we are terrifying. We’re the ones capable of unspeakable horrors.
It’s the ordinary people. The ones so hard to spot.
We taint the good and joyful because we’re undeserving. Because we’re evil.
— Ordinary People by Rachel Harrison

My Final Thoughts on Fear of Clowns A Horror Anthology: Coulrophobia Stories –

If you weren’t afraid of clowns before… you will be after reading this!

Stars shining darkly by Mercedes M. Yardley

challenging dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced

4.0

Stars Shining Darkly by Mercedes M. Yardley is a gripping story of terror, violence, and the unbreakable bonds of blood, enduring through even the darkest circumstances.

Content Warning: Sexual assault.

After witnessing the brutal slaying of their parents, this child is forced to remain on the ship and pretend like they hadn’t witnessed the brutality from the crew. Determined to get revenge one day, they end up getting a little help from the unexpected.

Wow, this one dives straight into the horror! I almost put it down after the first few pages, but I’m so glad I stuck with it. I couldn’t resist following the character’s journey. The path turned out to be far more surprising than I expected, and I loved how the author guided us to such a satisfying conclusion.

My Favorite Passages from Stars Shining Darkly –

One day we were sailing somewhere new and ominous. Even the stars shown darkly. The ship creaked and rocked side-to-side while we watched off the bow. 

I didn’t know a man could go so pale and still be alive. The only color in his face was his rum blossom nose. 

Fire raced along the wood, taking great mouthfuls of anything that would burn. 

My Final Thoughts on Stars Shining Darkly –

Horror fans, if this isn’t on your radar, it should be! This was such a dark and fun read. Who doesn’t love a tale of revenge?!

Red Sky Morning by Jessica Raney

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

3.0

Red Sky Morning by Jessica Raney is a tale of the seas and a desperate hunger that one being will do anything to satiate.

Grieving over being dismissed by his love’s father when asking for her hand, this man has no job and nothing left to lose. Signing up for work aboard a ship that looks shockingly new, he tries to push the red flags away as they set sail.

Let’s just say, that in today’s edition of what-in-the-world-did-I-just-read… This was a journey! I mean, my goodness, this took such a wild turn!

The description of the red filth… *shudders*

My Favorite Passage from Red Sky Morning –

On land he never seems to find his footing but on a deck, he felt grounded and part of the ship. 

My Final Thoughts on Red Sky Morning –

Horror fans who enjoy quick punches of terror sprinkled with a little sexual content will love this one!

The Horror Collection: Splatterpunk Dreams by Kevin J. Kennedy, Gord Rollo, Edward Lee, Edward Lee

challenging dark tense fast-paced

4.0

The Horror Collection: Splatterpunk Dreams presented by KJK Publishing is one of those books that comes along and challenges the limits of what I think I can stomach. This splatterpunk nightmare certainly pushed my personal boundaries and let me tell you, there were moments I found myself skimming through some of the really extreme parts. Despite the madness, I couldn’t put it down!

There’s such an awesome range here, but a range that goes far past my stopping point! The “worst” (for me) was saved for last! The last four in a row I had to skip or skim. Absolute all-out brutality! 

My favorite tales:

• Easy Money by  P.J. Blakey-Novis
• Hard Headed by Kevin J. Kennedy
• Hell on the Highway by Candace Nola

Foreword –

Kicking things off with an explanation of the term splatterpunk, readers will either be nervous or pumped to dive in! I loved this passage: These stories are a little bit of madness, brought to you by some of the best horror authors working in the industry, today, that wanted to show off their love for splatterpunk.

Walter With an Axe by Steve Stred – 

While watching a film one night, this young man’s evening takes quite a turn when he hears something outside. 

I love it when stories have stories within them! Seeing what was happening in the movie this character was watching g was wild! And oh my gosh, that ending! I wanted to scream at this character! 

Sister Silence and Lady Strange by Gord Rollo – 

While locked up, this woman has taken a vow of silence. But when her past comes back and tries to take advantage of that, we all learn why this woman was there in the first place.

Phew, the sudden shift was intense! 

Crazy Horse by David Owain Hughes – 

After catching her man cheating, this woman finds herself desperate for a shop. While there, she’s given the chance to play a game. With nothing to lose, she takes part… 

Oh my gosh, the situations she gets into here are WILD! I was so nervous to see what was going to come next! This had so many horror elements included. Phew! 

Easy Money by  P.J. Blakey-Novis –

Always on the search for random things that will pay easy money, this character signs up for some kind of horror experience. Little do they know, this experience is about to test how far they would go for money. 

Oh my gosh, this was terrifying! The action starts so quickly and it just keeps getting more and more brutal! What a tale! I was so nervous to see what would come next!

Death By Pumpkin by Jason Nickey – 

After being killed by a pumpkin, this young man is shown flashes of what he is to do next. 

This poor kid! The second you read about the pumpkin, the dread kicks in and things get darker from there. 

Skin Game by Adam Millard – 

Sent out to do a task to please their mother, these two men try to come back with something special. 

The body horror here was intense! And ugh that ending made me feel so sick. 

The Digger by D.W. Hitz –

This man gets paid by storing corpses on his property. But this day, he’s given something that throws off his routine. 

Oh, so many elements here made me so uncomfortable while reading! Sensitive readers, proceed with caution on this one! 

Hard Headed by Kevin J. Kennedy – 

Not shy when it comes to fighting back, this man is approached one day to be asked to join an underground fighting league. With the payday that came with each fight, he couldn’t turn the work down. But what he finds surprises him.

This was so much fun! I loved the little twist that comes once he gets fighting! And that ending… 

Scratching that Itch by Veronica Smith –

Seeing an interesting piece of tech in a commercial, this woman decides to give it a shot. But it is way better than she was anticipating. 

The body horror here, my gosh! 

Hell on the Highway by Candace Nola – 

When the body count along I-90 piles up, one trucker refuses to step away when the killer goes after one of her chosen family members. 

This was terrifying! This entire story from start to finish has a thick sense of dread that will leave readers antsy to see what’s to come while also absolutely not wanting to see what could be around the next bend. 

Pig by Ryan Colley – 

Oofh, I couldn’t read this one! I tried, but it was too much for me! 

The Birderer by Chisto Healy –

After being pushed over the edge, this character is ready for revenge. 

Oh… my… gosh. Brutal. By far one of the most graphic things I’ve read. 

It’s a Good Day for a Sexorcism by Matthew Vaughn –

Not one for me! 

The Crew by Edward Lee – 

When vigilantes take matters into their own hands when it comes to the worst of the worst, one cop can’t condone the behavior… He openly approves of it.

Good god, this was another that I had to skim. Too much for me!

My Favorite Passage from The Horror Collection: Splatterpunk Dreams –

The darkest hours of night were the only witness to the small van pulled onto the shoulder; rear doors opened wide as the bulky form of a man heaved a bundle from the back.
– Hell on the Highway by Candace Nola

My Final Thoughts on The Horror Collection: Splatterpunk Dreams –

Splatterpunk Dreams is a blood-soaked rollercoaster of horror that may just push readers to their limits, but if you’re willing to hang on, it’ll take you places few books dare to go! And honestly, as horror fans, would we have it any other way?

A Flock of Crows: And Other Short Stories by Devin Cabrera, Devin Cabrera

dark medium-paced

3.0

From the very first page of A Flock of Crows: And Other Short Stories by Devin Cabrera, you’ll find yourself immersed in stories that begin with the comforting familiarity of everyday life, only to veer into the dark, unsettling unknown. Whether you’re a fan of psychological suspense or grotesque terror, this collection has it all. So, buckle up — you’re about to take a thrilling, unpredictable ride through the many faces of fear.

The eerie shift from the ordinary to the horrifying is what makes this anthology fun! There’s also a great variety of horror. Each story offers something different: sci-fi horror, creature features, suspense, apocalyptic horror, supernatural horror, slasher, body horror, holiday horror, and more!

There were a few inconsistencies within some of the stories, such as being told they were the only guests in a hotel when they weren’t, a kid not being able to stand on his ankle but then being able to run just fine, being in footie pajamas but then being in a shirt, citing several gunshots but from a gun a seemingly with space for two rounds. But these instances didn’t cause any ripple effects that were too bothersome.

My favorite tales include: 

• The Clowns Walk Among Us
• There’s Something Inside Me
• A Flock of Crows

Per usual, here are my thoughts on each! 

The Nautical Hotel – 

After winning a stay at a fancy hotel, this couple can’t wait to get away for a bit. When they learn where they will be staying, they’re nervous but keep telling themselves that nothing will go wrong…

My goodness, the claustrophobia this one induces just thinking about the setting is wild! This poor couple! 

The Marshland Monster – 

Warned not to go into the swamp at night, this boy has no choice when his dog runs off one night. 

I was so nervous for the dog! 

The Clowns Walk Among Us – 

When giant clowns awaken and take over, the surviving humans must find ways to get by. But the clowns are the worst things to fear in this new world… 

Showing both the best and worst of humanity in this terror-filled tale! 

When the Sun Goes Down – 

When renting a boat, the owner has just one rule: get back to shore before sunset. Of course, these renters don’t heed the warning. 

When the action starts here, it all plays out so quickly! 

Bunker Buddies – 

Surviving and coming together totally by chance, these two ride out the end of the world together for a while. One day, their radio goes off, announcing a safe place. Will they make the journey though and what awaits them there? 

This one was so fun! I loved how nonchalant these two were the whole time. 

The Ice Cream Man – 

When a kid hears the ice cream truck at three am, he has to go investigate. Meeting something of nightmare, this poor kid quickly realizes he should have stayed in bed. 

This one was so unsettling! The description of the ice cream man’s hands on the cone made me feel nauseous.

The ToyMaker – 

Trying to make enough money to keep himself fed, this toymaker has an unfortunate run-in with a knight. Little does the knight know, he’s messed with the wrong toymaker. 

The darkness in this one was so fun!

There’s Something Inside Me – 

While on vacation, these two immediately go for a swim. When diving underwater, only one comes back up.  

Oh my gosh, the scene of the floorboard creaking and what happens immediately afterward! That scene got me!

The Naughty List – 

After year after year of seeing kids act up and do nothing after receiving coal for Christmas, Santa is fed up…

The immediate terror this one brings into play was wild! This poor family! 

A Flock of Crows – 

Thinking they’re being clever and egging a kids’ house, this group soon learns of their grave mistake. Fleeing into the cornfield, they think they will be safe, but the terror is just beginning. 

I read this one while rocking my kiddo back to sleep very late one night and of course, our heat clicked on and the way I jumped! I was convinced the scarecrow was right outside. 

My Favorite Passages from A Flock of Crows: And Other Short Stories –

The traffic created by the panic allowed for easy pickings, and the clown moved from car to car, checking them for people like a boy searching under rocks for lizards.
— The Clowns Walk Among Us

The waves crashed against the shore, and I struggled to listen over them. Everything that had seemed so quiet a moment before now seemed so loud.
— There’s Something Inside Me

As far as he knew, scarecrows weren’t supposed to walk on their own. Even worse than that, this one was wearing the face of the farmer on the ground, his skin tucked into the scarecrow’s own leathery face.
— A Flock of Crows

How could he kill something that wasn’t supposed to be alive in the first place?
— A Flock of Crows

My Final Thoughts on A Flock of Crows: And Other Short Stories –

Horror fans, you’re going to have a blast with these tales! There’s something for everyone here and the author’s writing style makes it so easy to fall right into each story. 

Dead Folk by Katherine Silva

challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

5.0

Dead Folk by Katherine Silva is a tale of grief and a continued journey toward getting the revenge our main character seeks.

Content warnings are included on the copyright page for anyone interested!

Janet thought she had come to terms with her grief. But when a new death occurs, she’s plunged right back into her personal storm. Turns out, her journey for revenge isn’t over.

Knowing her backstory now, I was extra nervous to see what was to come. I so badly wanted to see her have a little light in her journey. But of course, that wasn’t to be.

Not yet anyway! I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book! 

My Favorite Passages from Dead Folk –

Paintings of churning seas and ships with full sails lorded over the staircase landing as she reached it. The rich wood behind it was carved in swirls and eddies much like the waves in a storm.

Running along in the woods, she’d get scraped up by all manner of broken sticks and thorns without noticing. Only when her parents reacted did she finally see and the pain slipped in like a silent passenger along with panic.

My Final Thoughts on Dead Folk –

While the first book in this series read like a gut-punch, this one was non-stop action and I thought the worst was about to happen at any moment!

Ugh, I’m SO NERVOUS to see where book three takes us!

Halloween My Way by Somer Canon

dark mysterious tense

5.0

Halloween My Way by Somer Canon is a collection of stories and essays about the greatest day of the year; Halloween. While the cover may look sweet, you’re in for some delightful tricks within these pages!

Grab yourself a sugary treat and let’s dive in!

Halloween fans, get ready for some of the most fun and terrifying tales that celebrate our day.

Per usual, here are my notes on each tale!

Introduction – 

A short and sweet intro that asks readers why fellow spooky friends all get so giddy this time of year! I love how conversational this intro is, like Somer was sitting next to me preparing me to dive into these tales! 

Mischief – 

When a being comes earthside they’re thrilled to get into all kinds of mischief. But of course, their mischief isn’t just things like putting black dye in candy or toilet papering a neighbor’s tree… 

How wild this tale gets almost immediately gives you a good taste of what’s to come! 

Jeffy – 

Thrilled to be first-time homeowners, and in their dream home at that, this couple can’t wait to settle in. But the house came with something they didn’t expect; an old cat. 

My gosh, I’m not a cat person at all. This one got me! I was squirming during so much of this tale! What a wicked cat. 

Boneyard – 

On this Halloween night, the dead are looking for some entertainment. As they know people just can’t stay away from the cemetery on Halloween, they know the entertainment will be wonderful. As the groups of people start to arrive, the dead get started. 

This tale started out so cozy and fun but then took an intense turn into terror! I was so nervous to see what would happen to each new group!

The Spirit of the Season – 

Told from the perspectives of a mall cop and a Halloween store employee, this night ends in bloodshed and terror. But the human monster isn’t the only one to fear! 

I read this last year when I was deep in the trenches of having a newborn and oh my gosh it was so much more fun this time around! I dreaded what was to come, but being able to read it start to finish in one sitting was so much better than my last choppy experience! This is one of those tales that I can see myself reading each Halloween season to get into the swing of things! 

Hospitality – 

Ready to protect what’s theirs, this couple doesn’t think twice before firing a round into their closed door when someone arrives and asks for help. Will that scare the would-be “intruder” away or just make things worse for them?

The way that Somer kept these two repeating that they have a right is so dreadfully spot on for folks like this. Nevertheless, it made my blood boil. The way all of the contradictions in their “arguments” are easily explained away… chefs kiss! 

The Halloween Mood – 

Perfectly titled, this piece could get anyone in the Holiday mood with this thoughtful ode to Halloween! 

Adventures in Candy Soliciting – 

Oh my gosh, if this doesn’t bring back all your Halloween memories, nothing will! This was such a fun little piece!

My Favorite Passages from Halloween My Way –

Halloween has come around again.
The crispness of fall, the chill, and sweet smell of dead leaves now permeates everything. Orange pumpkins adorn anything standing still as this part of the world celebrates the end of summer’s sweltering stranglehold.
— Boneyard

While the seasonal change from verdant green to the warm, cozy colors of fall certainly had an aesthetic appeal that almost everybody seemed to like, the season of Halloween was a different creature altogether. It wasn’t anchored in an obligatory family gathering like so many other holidays, nor was it force-feeding the masses saccharine sentimentalities that were sometimes more hurtful than inspirational, especially to those who were alone in the world, like herself. It was a season that invited people to indulge in their darker sides, even if their darkness only went as far as pumpkins and baskets of chrysanthemums.
— The Spirit of the Season

Time makes fools of us all, and it was her turn to experience that painful truth.
— The Spirit of the Season

Panic and terror wrapped their own gnarly and rotten hands around her and she had to endure it all surrounded by these decorations.
— The Spirit of the Season

“In the front of this home are many markings indicating that this home strongly believes in and follows a faith of peace and brotherhood. I asked for hospitality and your reaction was one meant to be fatal to me. Why the disparity in faith and reaction to pleas for help?”
— Hospitality

“The world has always been dangerous, thus the divinity in the act of helping those in need, of putting your own self-interests on the backburner while you see to the needs of those who come to you seeking help. It’s really not a complicated concept. I know you’re afraid. I know the world is a strange place, as it has always been. And I know that there’s simply too much information floating around for frightened people to sort through. Fear overcomes compassion and anger displaces logic.”
— Hospitality

My Final Thoughts on Halloween My Way –

You already know I’m always here for anything Somer Canon writes. Her storytelling is just TOO GOOD. When I heard this collection was coming out, I could not WAIT to dive in. I had such a blast with this collection of fiction and writings about Halloween as she experienced it.

While Halloween-themed, this is a great read for fans of the holiday no matter the time of year!

The Stones of Landane by Catherine Cavendish

adventurous mysterious tense slow-paced

5.0

The Stones of Landane by Catherine Cavendish is a tale of romance and destiny, steeped in tension and uncertainty.

When a couple, Nadia and Jonathan, take a trip to Landane, it seems like it’s going to be a quiet stay as Nadia shows Jonathan around. While Nadia says she’s been there before, it soon becomes known that she doesn’t keep visiting just for the cozy stay at the local inn. There’s a local attraction that she can’t stay away from. 

The longer they stay, the weirder things get. 

With time, the couple finds themselves desperate to leave. But are they sucked too deep into the current of terror already or will getting out of town remove them from danger? 

Of my gosh! I so love stories that have character and time jumps! The characters that we got to meet here were all so interesting. I was so sad when we’d move from one character to another, only because of wanted more from the character I was just with! But that sadness was short-lived as I was excited to see what was to come with the next character. 

The oddities begin pretty early on, which helps to set the tone, and the storyline progresses in such a fun slow burn. Overall, this story has such an unsettling feel to it. And of course, because it’s Catherine, you can feel the weight of every scene. Whether that’s the warmth of the bar at the in, the pot-thick air of the festival, or the musty and earthy caverns. 

My Favorite Passages from The Stones of Landane –

A narrow, carpeted staircase took us to the upper floor, where uneven floors creaked when you so much as looked at them and protested when you put your foot down.

He left me to my thoughts and the remains of my beer. I made short work of the Bud. but my thoughts remained as tangled as a plate of spaghetti carbonara.

Vicki’s lips moved. The words came out a fraction after her mouth uttered them. The bizarre effect made Shelly’s flesh creep. The words themselves did nothing to dispel her feeling of dread.

The woman in front of me opened her mouth and let out a sound that reminded me of a murder of crows. Maybe it was her version of laughter. It sounded to me like the gates of hell had just been flung open. 

Outside the summer sun blazed but the cathedral provided a cool, calm place of solace and reflection. The crypt was another case entirely. Here it was as if winter had suddenly descended. I almost expected to see icicles hanging off the gargoyles.

My Final Thoughts on The Stones of Landane –

I’m all in for anything Catherine writes! I had an amazing time with this one. The slow build of dread was perfectly paced and incredibly impactful.

After Tomorrow: The Cellar Door Issue #4 by Aric Sundquist

challenging dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced

4.75

After Tomorrow: The Cellar Door Issue #4 edited by Aric Sundquist is filled with tales of fear and the sheer determination to live in impossible situations. But in this collection, there are many tales where the apocalyptic landscape is the least of the characters’ worries. 

Content warning at the start:
Contains scenes of graphic violence, violence involving children, sexual assault, and misogyny.

Ah, apocalyptic horror is always so nerve-wracking! In this collection, there is such a terrifying spread of tales. Without fail, the thing that gets me with this sub-genre is the isolation and desperation for basic needs. I can’t help but put myself in the characters’ shoes and wonder what I would have done. 

My favorites from this collection include:

• SURVIVAL OF THE SMALLEST by Danielle Davis
• THE LONG WINTER by Aric Sundquist 
• THIRTY SECONDS by Scott McCloskey

Here are my thoughts on each tale:

CAT PERSON by Serena Jayne – 

Determined to become a mother, this woman concocts a plan to trick her ex-husband. But the apocalypse that they have going on puts a bit of a strain on the situation. 

There are so many small yet brutal scenes here. But oh my gosh, that last line had me particularly queasy! What an unsettling tale to kick off this collection! 

OLD FATHERS by Scott Paul Hallam – 

Taken by those he knew would come for him, this man grapples with fresh grief but focuses on his anger to help him fight back. 

This tale was so intense! Kicking off with a scene that’s right in the middle of the action, things only get more intense from there. 

SKIES by Elin Olausson – 

While trying to survive, this character captures birds and makes sure to keep listening for them. 

Oh gosh, that ending. I love that it’s not spelled right out for us so you can have either a dark ending or a lighter one.

THE BANJAX by Sarah Jones – 

This family trying to get by rotates who goes to look for survivors. But what happens when they find one?

I should have known this was going to take a turn, but I wasn’t at all prepared for where this one went. Grief and terror all wrapped up and mixed with terrible hunger. 

ALL THESE CHILDREN by Scotty Milder – 

After an attack, people have fled the cities to try to survive where they won’t be attacked. But of your, humans are terrible to one another, and more monsters walk among them. 

I had a gut feeling this one was going to be tough for me. I had to put this short tale down five times before getting through it. Phew. Pregnancy and anything with kids like this is so hard to read. And that ending! 

SURVIVAL OF THE SMALLEST by Danielle Davis – 

After he’s the last one of his group left alive, this young man goes into the city for supplies. He is discovered by a younger boy who brings him back to his crew of survivors. 

This tale was so scary and so fun! I was nervous to see what would happen next. I would love a whole book about Pollo!  

THE LONG WINTER by Aric Sundquist – 

When winter has set in, this character hasn’t seen another living thing in ages. When they see a wolf watching them eat, they try to make her comfortable. Luckily, it works and the two continue on to find food. 

I loved this tale! The terror with the cold and the creatures was solid nightmare fuel, but it was blended so wonderfully with hope!

THIRTY SECONDS by Scott McCloskey – 

When monsters have crawled out of the waters in this town, the people are forced to try to keep things as normal as they can during the day or risk losing their minds from fear. But at night, it’s all about surviving to the sunrise. This young kid has a tool that can help. But only for 30 seconds…

My gosh, the tension with this one! 30 seconds is such a small amount of time to be working with. I was so nervous during this entire read! 

COCKROACHES AND BODY AUTONOMY by Tre Luna – 

A woman who had been genetically modified since she was three had found a way to survive the role she was forced into. With a smile, she serves up what is expected of her, but she’s not going to just let the man take what he wants from her. 

As this hits in bodily autonomy, it had my blood boiling for this poor woman. Sci-fi or not, that’s such a hard topic to read about. I’m obsessed with the ending of this one! 

DEATH AND THE BLACK WINDOW by Richard Beauchamp – 

Determined to do something other than live in his lonely purgatory, this man finds his mission when coming across a family of fellow survivors. Unfortunately, he has no idea what he’s getting himself into. 

This apocalypse has such a terrifying premise! The poor kid, my god that hit me so hard. 

My Favorite Passages from After Tomorrow: The Cellar Door Issue #4 –

I used to cry sick off school when I was out of mascara, but alive is the most any of us can expect to be these days.
— THE BANJAX by Sarah Jones

The other dark figures scattered like smoke escaping in the wind.
— THE LONG WINTER by Aric Sundquist

Juniper is on the Everglades, just far enough into the wetlands to be considered remote. It’s a tiny, out of the way place that is easily forgotten by the world, though I’ve started to wonder if there’s any world out there to forget.
— THIRTY SECONDS by Scott McCloskey

My Final Thoughts on After Tomorrow: The Cellar Door Issue #4 –

All of these stories, even the ones with a lighter mood, made me feel so uneasy. At one point I was so antsy I started googling key tips from preppers. 

Yet another killer collection in this anthology series! Go grab your copy today!