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slimeandslashers's review
5.0
FIVE STARS! Autumncrow has been one of my favorite reads of the entire year so far, and I can see it becoming an all-time favorite of mine that I will revisit time and time again. Cameron Chaney has done an incredible job with capturing the mood and atmosphere of autumn and of Halloween time in this wonderful collection of stories.
The prose is elegant but still easy-to-read and approachable, and, in my opinion, there are no weak stories here. I enjoyed each one, but my personal favorite was CRYP-TV. That story had plenty of nostalgia, humor, and was filled with Halloween vibes. Another thing I loved about the collection is that each story had a small connection to another story within the book. This is a welcomed change from other collections I've read -- most are a hodgepodge of non-related stories.
If you'd like to hear more of my thoughts on this collection, I dedicated an entire video to discussing it. You can check out my Autumncrow reading vlog here: https://youtu.be/5ojMWRXq5OE
Overall, I very much enjoyed my "trip" to Autumncrow, and I can't wait to see what else Cameron Chaney has in store for us with his upcoming new book Autumncrow High. I will be excited to read anything he writes in the future.
The prose is elegant but still easy-to-read and approachable, and, in my opinion, there are no weak stories here. I enjoyed each one, but my personal favorite was CRYP-TV. That story had plenty of nostalgia, humor, and was filled with Halloween vibes. Another thing I loved about the collection is that each story had a small connection to another story within the book. This is a welcomed change from other collections I've read -- most are a hodgepodge of non-related stories.
If you'd like to hear more of my thoughts on this collection, I dedicated an entire video to discussing it. You can check out my Autumncrow reading vlog here: https://youtu.be/5ojMWRXq5OE
Overall, I very much enjoyed my "trip" to Autumncrow, and I can't wait to see what else Cameron Chaney has in store for us with his upcoming new book Autumncrow High. I will be excited to read anything he writes in the future.
kellyj1028's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
This was the cutest Halloween βspookyβ book. Loved all the stories. Perfect for the season
mistressviolet's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
This book presents several distinct short stories that all take place in a town called Autumncrow. The stories are all interesting on their own, but together they leave readers with an unsettling impression of just how unique and creepy the town of Autumncrow is.
Good writing. Good stories. Everything was well-paced. Lots of creepy Halloween vibes.
svangleboyer's review
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Autumncrow is a nice anthology of spooky stories perfect for October or to read in the fall months! I really liked that not every story was necessarily a horror tale, so it has a little something for everyone.
Each story has some interesting twist and I really enjoyed them all. The ones that stand out the most and are my absolute favorites are Pumpkin Lights (sweet), Burnt Brownies (sad), and Cryp-TV (funny). I wish there were actually more stories because I feel like there are so many more interesting people and places in the town of Autumncrow.
Highly recommend to fans of horror anthologies that are on the lighter side or anyone looking for a spooky anthology just in time for spooky season!
Each story has some interesting twist and I really enjoyed them all. The ones that stand out the most and are my absolute favorites are Pumpkin Lights (sweet), Burnt Brownies (sad), and Cryp-TV (funny). I wish there were actually more stories because I feel like there are so many more interesting people and places in the town of Autumncrow.
Highly recommend to fans of horror anthologies that are on the lighter side or anyone looking for a spooky anthology just in time for spooky season!
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death and Child abuse
shawna_reads's review
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
"Everyone's afraid of something."
Every night is Halloween in Autumncrow Valley. There are only a few rules: stay out of the forest, don't go out in the dark, and don't stare at the shadows for long. You might not like what you see!
Before I get into it, I want to say that this is hands down one of my favourite covers! The art is just amazing π
This is a collection of 7 stories set in the town of Autumncrow Valley. The prologue titled Follow Me In sets the reader up for what is expected in this creepy town, which I loved. There are different themes to each story that you may not think fit, but it all worked so well. They range from sweet and innocent to spooky and eerie. You can feel all the autumnal, chilly vibes within each story.
My favourites include Pumpkin Light, CRYP-TV, and There Are Monsters Here. Autumncrow is perfect for spooky season. I highly recommend it!
Every night is Halloween in Autumncrow Valley. There are only a few rules: stay out of the forest, don't go out in the dark, and don't stare at the shadows for long. You might not like what you see!
Before I get into it, I want to say that this is hands down one of my favourite covers! The art is just amazing π
This is a collection of 7 stories set in the town of Autumncrow Valley. The prologue titled Follow Me In sets the reader up for what is expected in this creepy town, which I loved. There are different themes to each story that you may not think fit, but it all worked so well. They range from sweet and innocent to spooky and eerie. You can feel all the autumnal, chilly vibes within each story.
My favourites include Pumpkin Light, CRYP-TV, and There Are Monsters Here. Autumncrow is perfect for spooky season. I highly recommend it!
louisegraveyard's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Death, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Suicide attempt, and Child death
constancepsych's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I had seen this little book numerous times in my spooky book club posts online and bought it. Saved it for fall. What a delight! First off, I thought it was a novel, it is of sorts but each chapter takes place in the same town and their lives interconnect through each chapter although they donβt interact if that makes sense. Very creative book, so glad I did not know it was short stories, I would have never bought it. Excellent read, easy, little spooky but all around enjoyable!
ghostlydreamer's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Autumncrow pleasantly surprised me. I'm not usually a huge fan of short stories and have to be in the right mood to read and enjoy them. But Autumncrow actually made it easy. Each of the stories are set in this little spooky town of Autumncrow, and what's cool about them is because of this, many characters and events from previous stories get mentioned in passing throughout. It's a nice way to keep everything connected. If you like small town horror stories, this might be the right book for you.
Right away, we get hit with an intriguing and beautifully written short story called Follow Me In that left me curious and reflective after reading. It perfectly sets the haunted tone for the rest of the stories. βββββ
Pumpkin Light was told in a rather unique format that, although it took me a moment to get into it, really left me intrigued by the end. I loved the cyclical nature, like what goes around comes around and that's just how things are. ββββ
Burnt Brownies wasn't my favorite of the stories, but the twist at the end and the use of fire throughout was done very well. I really felt for the little boy, even though I now forget his name. βββ.5
In Frost, we start outside of Autumncrow. But I loved that sinister pull the town had on our protagonist. How absolutely inescapable it was. To me, Autumncrow sounds like a wonderful place to live. But there's no doubt there's something wrong with it, especially to certain outsiders. ββββ
Saving Face was rather disturbing, in many ways. But I love that twist of revenge the author included at the end. I love that we actually get to see the "good" guy win, even though it's done in a rather horrifying and grotesque way. ββββ
As for I Have No Mouth and I Must Feed, I think this was my least favorite. It feel like I should have loved it more. Mannequins and killer doll type things usually enamored me. But there seemed like there was a little too much exposition and that took away from the suspense. βββ
CRYP-TV was easily my favorite of the stories. It was very different from what I expected, and didn't really scare or frighten. But I felt like it was creative and had all the Halloween vibes I'd been craving. I actually wanted to know more about this one. βββββ
There Are Monsters Here was rather unique. I don't actually remember if it took place in Autumncrow, now that I think about it. And it definitely left me scratching my head, a little confused. But I think that was the purpose. The concepts of monsters and how that's a part of us and our family struck all the right chords. ββββ
All in all I'd recommend these stories. Some moved a little slower than others, but overall they gave me all the spooky, Halloween vibes. So if you're looking for short, digestible pieces of spooky fiction, this book has your back.
Right away, we get hit with an intriguing and beautifully written short story called Follow Me In that left me curious and reflective after reading. It perfectly sets the haunted tone for the rest of the stories. βββββ
Pumpkin Light was told in a rather unique format that, although it took me a moment to get into it, really left me intrigued by the end. I loved the cyclical nature, like what goes around comes around and that's just how things are. ββββ
Burnt Brownies wasn't my favorite of the stories, but the twist at the end and the use of fire throughout was done very well. I really felt for the little boy, even though I now forget his name. βββ.5
In Frost, we start outside of Autumncrow. But I loved that sinister pull the town had on our protagonist. How absolutely inescapable it was. To me, Autumncrow sounds like a wonderful place to live. But there's no doubt there's something wrong with it, especially to certain outsiders. ββββ
Saving Face was rather disturbing, in many ways. But I love that twist of revenge the author included at the end. I love that we actually get to see the "good" guy win, even though it's done in a rather horrifying and grotesque way. ββββ
As for I Have No Mouth and I Must Feed, I think this was my least favorite. It feel like I should have loved it more. Mannequins and killer doll type things usually enamored me. But there seemed like there was a little too much exposition and that took away from the suspense. βββ
CRYP-TV was easily my favorite of the stories. It was very different from what I expected, and didn't really scare or frighten. But I felt like it was creative and had all the Halloween vibes I'd been craving. I actually wanted to know more about this one. βββββ
There Are Monsters Here was rather unique. I don't actually remember if it took place in Autumncrow, now that I think about it. And it definitely left me scratching my head, a little confused. But I think that was the purpose. The concepts of monsters and how that's a part of us and our family struck all the right chords. ββββ
All in all I'd recommend these stories. Some moved a little slower than others, but overall they gave me all the spooky, Halloween vibes. So if you're looking for short, digestible pieces of spooky fiction, this book has your back.
shelf_possessed's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75