ericarobyn's reviews
1364 reviews

The Invisible by Steve Stred

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

5.0

The Invisible by Steve Stred is a jumpy and patchwork tale of a man struggling with the journey that he is on. 

Content Warnings: depression, suicide attempt, death of a pet, illness, and more.

The Foreword by Jeremy Hepler was so wonderful! I love it when authors talk about their experience with the tale we’re about to read before we dive in!

Now, about The Invisible – When setting out on a journey that he knows he must go alone, this man jumps between the journey in his car as he tries to outrun a creature and the lighthouse that he believes is his key destination. 

However, the more time he spends in the lighthouse, the more frequent the time glitches become. Soon he’s left questioning everything…

Ah, this is a story that you really just need to dive into, so I will keep this short. I had no idea what to expect here, but boy, I was absolutely rocked by that ending. I was so intrigued by the sporadic bursts of storyline, and I couldn’t wait to see where they were going to intersect.

At the end of the book, Steve added a lovely Afterword that starts off with the kindest line, “So, how’re we all doing?” The sound that came out of me after reading that was wild. WE ARE NOT OKAY, STEVE! NOT OKAY!

What a tale!! 

My Favorite Passages from The Invisible –  

It came again, almost instantly after the first impact, and louder this time, fuller. A dread took hold, one that suggested I keep my mouth shut and turn tail and flee, but instead, my legs refused to move, and, like a dumbass, my mouth opened.

I tried to convince myself that it wasn’t anything to be concerned with. Then, I realized how quiet everything was. The sounds of nature – birds, wind, water and so on – had ceased. It was as though the mountain itself and all its inhabitants were collectively holding their breath, armed with the knowledge that something horrible was about to happen.

My heart dropped. 
It was as though an anchor had been tied to the hopes of finding those answers, and when none came, the anchor had been thrown overboard.

Where I grew up, depression wasn’t a thing that was spoken about, wasn’t something I’d even heard other kids my age have to deal with.

I’d experienced so many moments of sheer confusion over the last few days that I should’ve been able to handle whatever the next crazy thing was. But apparently, I wasn’t.

My Final Thoughts on The Invisible – 

Anything Steve writes, I’m here for. This book was so brutally twisted. After reading, I was absolutely gutted.  

The Old Man and His River by Matt Wildasin

emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

5.0

The Old Man and His River by Matt Wildasin is a tale about a man searching for one last big catch, but who finds so much more out there on the river.

Okay, first things first, in the introduction, Matt lays a lovely foundation for the man that the tale is centered on. For anyone who has had the heartbreaking chance to see their grandparents age and pass, this will hit you right in the heart and prepare you for what’s to come next.

Then we dive into the story…

Feeling the weight of time catching up with him, this old man is determined to have one last big fishing adventure before he leaves the riverside. As he embarks on his quest for a once-in-a-lifetime catch that has haunted local legends for years, the river becomes both a physical and psychological journey.

My gosh, the adventures through the rapids on the way out had me holding my breath. I was so ready for disaster to strike at any moment! As soon as he made it through, I didn’t relax; I was already anxious for the return trip.

I read this story in one sitting. I just needed to know what would happen next and how this journey would end. I absolutely loved that as he ventures deeper into the river, he realizes that the river, and life, aren’t just about the destination, but about the people and the moments you share along the way.

My Favorite Passages from The Old Man and His River –

The dancing fireflies whipped about aimlessly through the darkness like his mental search for that very moment, but it was lost. Sadness gripped his throat, but he swallowed it away so that the boy would not realize he could not remember.

My Final Thoughts on The Old Man and His River –

Though not strictly a horror novel, The Old Man and His River is a book that I would highly recommend to horror fans as well as other readers. The theme of chasing one final, grand adventure while knowing time is running out is incredibly powerful.

Death of a Clown by Catherine McCarthy

emotional hopeful mysterious reflective slow-paced

4.5

Death of a Clown by Catherine McCarthy is a dark fantasy about a man struggling to escape his past and start a new life, even as the stubborn remnants of his former life pull him back.

Exhausted by the repetition of his life and burdened by his clownish nose and feet, this man seeks escape in his writing. One day, feeling a deep need for change, he embarks on a journey guided by a journal that he found, using it as his guide to navigate through various cities that were described within the pages.

I loved that the main storyline was interwoven with journal entries and the semi-biographical stories written by the main character. But phew, prepare yourselves for The City of Silence by Runo Quill. This one struck a chilling chord for 2025, especially with the current president banning words.

This world was absolutely fascinating! From the way they built their towns to the unique structures of their religion, every detail felt so thoughtfully crafted. I was so curious to learn more!

One last note before moving on, I was obsessed with the dedication at the start of the book, especially this line: And remember, you only get one shot at this glorious shit show.

My Favorite Passages from Death of a Clown – 

She gives a little wink and her pale eyes glisten. There’s magic in those eyes, Chester thinks. Not only because of what she must have read over the years, but because of the majesty of this place.

Father Roly turns to face Chester. “Do you scare easily?” Chester shakes his head. “Not at the dead,” he says, and his clouded breath meets the minister’s in the middle and melds into one. “It’s living that scares me.”

Buildings change, technology progresses, but people do not change. Still, they fear difference and grow intolerant of those who are unlike themselves.

His breath is a ghost that wisps its way towards the lips of strangers in the hope of gleaning information.

My Final Thoughts on Death of a Clown –

This story was a captivating journey, blending dark fantasy with intriguing world-building. The main character’s struggle to escape his past, but the hope for the future kept me hooked! This is another of Catherine’s works that you just don’t want to miss!

The expected publication is May 27, 2025! Preorder your copy today!

Fiend by Alma Katsu

dark emotional tense medium-paced

4.5

Fiend by Alma Katsu is a tale of intense drama, manipulation, and violence that propels this family into a whirlwind of emotional turmoil and chaos.

For hundreds of years, this rich and powerful family has been untouchable. Hearing rumors and stories, the daughter, Marisa, thinks it’s just a rumor that they have been helped by something supernatural, a being that she thought was just a childhood fantasy. But when it goes after one of their family members, she’s forced to open her eyes to the very real horror that her family is cursed with. 

But unfortunately, the horrors here have layers and Marisa is about to see how deep they go. But by the time she has all that she seeks, will it be too late?

My gosh, the author absolutely nails these dark and twisted family dynamics. I despised this family with every fiber of my being but at the same time, I couldn’t tear myself away, eagerly waiting to see what would happen next.

I also have to say how much I loved the structure of the story. The way the author wove in flashes of the past, jumping back in time in short, strategic bursts, was masterful. Each flashback provided just enough information to give us a glimpse into the deeper layers of the family’s history, revealing motivations and secrets that made their present-day turmoil even more understandable and disturbing!

The constant tension in this book is absolutely gripping. It pulls you further into the family’s web of secrets. You’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat, as every action, no matter how small, seems to escalate the chaos and destruction around them. Just when you think things can’t get any worse, they do, and you can’t help but wonder what will happen next!

What a twisted ride! 

My Favorite Passages From Fiend –

NOTE: These passages were pulled from an ARC copy. They may change before the final version is released.

There is no such thing as the protector, she reminds herself one more time. This is the twenty-first century. There are no boogeymen-but she can’t help but wish just a tiny bit that there were. Because a protector would make things so much easier. You could make problems go away merely by wishing.

There’s something about this room that warns visitors off, like a porcupine bristling its spines.

Maris can’t help but wonder if this is what happens when you live so close to the supernatural. If your life is good fortune and beauty and long life until it isn’t, until the spell comes undone and it all comes crashing down on your head like in The Picture of Dorian Gray.

My Final Thoughts on Fiend –

The anticipation and the unraveling of this family’s dark fate in Fiend is a ride you won’t want to get off. Readers who love twisted and dramatic family dynamics mixed with just a pinch of gore and the supernatural will absolutely love this tale. I had such a blast reading it!

This book publishes on September 16th, 2025! Preorder your copy today!

Below by Kev Harrison

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

4.5

Below by Kev Harrison is a story of sheer determination in the face of the impossible. Every step of the way, this crew faces more and more horrific things, all while underground in an old mine. 

Content Warnings: Cannibalism and Claustrophobia. 

On a mission to tell his grandfather’s story, a man and two female team members go into an old mine to find more information about what happened to the miners after the mine entrance collapsed. Gathering clues and filming as much as they can, they’re all excited about what the publication of this documentary will bring. But soon after the entrance is dug out and reinforced, the crew starts to get an eerie feeling about the mines… Unfortunately, it only gets more intense from there. 

I was so connected to these characters from the start. I absolutely loved their relationships with one another and how much they looked out for one another. 

With every new area they explored, I equally couldn’t wait to see what they found and was so nervous to see what they would uncover. Knowing loosely what happened there so many years ago, you knew the darkness was coming, but phew… you have no idea how dark it is. 

My Favorites Passages from Below – 

His ears began to ring and then he was falling, his eyes tricking him, as though he was watching someone else fall. He clattered to the ground and the darkness turned shade blacker.

Sofia emerged from the shadow with Jess close behind, their features being filled in, as though by a sketch artist, the closer they came to the flare.

My Final Thoughts on Below – 

Readers will be completely captivated by this story. I was absolutely obsessed with seeing what was to happen next. By the time I reached the end, I was genuinely sad! But oh, how I wish I could see the footage from their adventure!

Marshland Horrors: The Cellar Door Issue #5 by Aric Sundquist

challenging dark sad tense medium-paced

4.5

Oh, I love a good tale set in a marsh! There’s just something about marshlands that screams horror, and boy did this collection bring the horror! In Marshland Horrors: The Cellar Door Issue #5 edited by Aric Sundquist, we get some wildly dark fiction that delves deep into the horrors that haunt the depths of the swamp.

My Thoughts on Marshland Horrors: The Cellar Door Issue #5 edited by Aric Sundquist –

First things first, I’m absolutely obsessed with the cover art by Mikio Murakami! It’s a perfect blend of eerie and captivating that sets a strong vibe for the collection, drawing you in before you even begin to check out the content. It’s like you can feel the mood shift just from the cover!

Speaking of the vibe… this collection was so darkly fun! The theme centered around the marshlands is so interesting. It’s a setting that I think is both beautiful and terrifying. There’s a tense and mysterious draw to it… the stillness of the water, the sounds of nature, but also the sense that something could be lurking just beneath the surface. And in this collection, many things were lurking!

Per usual, here are my notes on each tale!

Acknowledgments – 

Ah, Aric! Too kind!! These collections are always so much fun. I’m honored to be able to read and review them! Thank you again for your patience with my delayed turnaround time now that I’m a mom! 

ROUGAROU by Ashlee Lhamon – 

Making a living by providing whatever his customers ask, he thinks he’s off for an easy day on the water. But then thoughts of a creature being to take over his thoughts and things don’t go as planned…

The TENSION! My gosh, what a tale to kick off the collection with. I was so nervous each second that passed while he was out on the water. 

MY MAGGOT FILLED BROTHER by Matt Bliss – 

Refusing to believe his father, this boy tends to his brother as his father tells him, but also goes against what his father says to try to teach him. One day, he breaks one of his father’s big rules and things go sideways. 

Such a heartbreaking and terrifying situation! I felt terrible for all the kids involved! 

THE HISS OF THE GLADES by Jennifer L. Collins – 

Determined to learn from one of the greats, this deputy goes to try to learn some secrets. What he ends up learning is so much more than he could have ever imagined. 

Oofh, the darkness here is short but incredibly sad. But the sheer determination and drive this man has was so fun to follow! I loved how he kept his cool on his quest for justice. 

GUTS OF GOLD by Mark Szasz – 

When these two find that their latest kills had gold bars in their guts, they try to learn more about why that could have been. Learning about some old stories, they go back in search of more. 

There’s just something about a quest to find rumored lost gold that always gets me! That ending was so dark and so much fun! 

CARNIVAL OF REEDS by S.R. Miller – 

When she begins to see her patient in her dreams, she brushes it off as curiosity. But when the dreams start crossing onto real life, she knows where she needs to go… 

This tale made me so nervous! There were so many red flags and this woman knew it, but her curiosity certainly kept winning. 

THE GAST OF BLACKWATER by Martin Thompson – 

When twin sisters with a complicated relationship go camping one night with a group of one twin’s friends, only one of them returns from the trip. But the other twin spends the next year preparing for the one-year anniversary of her twin’s death. 

A twisted tale of grief and reflection. 

THE COVE(N) by Alex Ebenstein – 

Shocked when her boyfriend asks her to marry him after only a couple of months, this woman goes out for a solo kayak paddle. Curious about one specific area on the last that her boyfriend had told her about, she enters… 

Oh gosh. The levels of terror here. As a female reader, the initial scene of the fast proposal kicked things off in a very tense way. I was so nervous to see what would happen from there.

RISEN by Richard Beauchamp –

After an event that they can only justify as the rapture office and later, when their father was taken, it’s not long before the family realizes they must risk it all to get to safety. 

My god, this one crushed me. Reading tales like this as a still relatively new mom is difficult. That ending!!

A ROSEBUD, SWEET WITH MILK by Cassandra Daucus – 

Oof. Big content warnings for this one (see the top of the post). 

After losing her baby, this mother finds another being that she can support. 

YES, THE RIVER KNOWS by Scotty Milder – 

Generations of men within a family are required to carry out a brutal task each year. Without any excuses, they all learn and understand why they must do it. But this year, what they find when they go to complete their task is different…

Woof. Everything about this tale feels so dark! The family pressure, the lack of choice in the matter, the task itself… even being forced to stay where they are currently living feels dark. I loved the format of this one and how we get to learn more about why this family has to do this task while we’re living through the latest task in the present day. That ending was chilling! 

My Favorite Passages from Marshland Horrors –

It was a cool day. Under the shade of the tupelo and bald cypress trees the water looked black, and it slid off Tommy’s oar like oil. The birds had not filled the lack-of-tourists-silence, as if suspicious said silence was a harbinger of worse things.
— ROUGAROU by Ashlee Lhamon

They cleaved into a civilization of cypresses. The trees jutting from the water looked like lightning had made a family tradition of striking them every Thanksgiving for the last several hundred years. Their deformed trunks gave the impression a nest of giant spiders had fallen onto their backs, drowned in the swamp water, their legs left bent, drawn, and moss-riddled above the water table.
— GUTS OF GOLD by Mark Szasz

We all-and by this I mean the whole of humanity across the ages-have an in-built fascination with the unknown. A fear, yes, but a fear that dances in step with a natural curiosity.
— CARNIVAL OF REEDS by S.R. Miller

My Final Thoughts on Marshland Horrors –

These tales were all so interesting! Dark story fans will love that they all have a stark boundary between life and decay, between known and unknown.

The Horror Collection: Crystal Edition by Kevin J. Kennedy

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

4.5

I recently finished reading The Horror Collection: Crystal Edition presented by KJK Publishing and I’ll kick off this review by saying it yet again because it’s true: the variety in these collections is WILD. In The Crystal Edition, there’s so much to take in and so many of these stories stuck with me. Some even got under my skin in a way I didn’t expect.

What I love about this collection is that every story feels different. You never know what you’re going to get next, but it’s always something that makes you feel something. Some are haunting while others just leave you feeling gutted—but in a good way, if that makes sense (horror fans, you’ll know)!

My favorites from this collection include:

• Headed North by Sarah Jules
• Winter’s Whistle by Dexter McLeod
• Magic Eye by Stephen Mark Rainey 

Per usual, here are my notes on each tale!

Foreword – 

BOOK 22?! I will always comment on my shock at how many of these there are. I just love them so freaking much! 

Mistral by Mark Morris – 

In desperate need of some time away, this family of three goes on a vacation. But nice they arrive, things feel a bit off…

Oh the heartbreak so evident in one specific scene around their IVF journey hit me like a gut punch. It’s nice to see real world elements like this making it into stories. But phew this one is eerie! And that ending! What an absolute nightmare. 

In Three Days by Thomas Stewart – 

When receiving a text from an unknown number, this man is told he has three days. Spending his time drinking, bringing women home, and denying that this was real, things start to get strange. 

Ah, that ending was so nice after following this guy around. 

The Nightmare Channel by  Lee Mountford –

When his TV switched to an odd channel late one night, this man sees horrific scenes and is unable to ignore the pull of morbid curiosity. 

Oh man, that ending was even more terrifying than what was seen on screen! 

Chasing the Dragon by Brian Moreland – 

Determined to find his love after she goes missing, this man will stop at nothing to be by her side again. 

So many fun elements here!! My gosh. I was so nervous that this was going to end badly so many times throughout the story! That ending was absolute perfection. 

The Devereauxs by Lisa Breanne –

When receiving word that she must attend a meeting about the will of a family member that she didn’t know she had, she ends up having a few weird encounters. 

Ah, those situations should have been red flags! I was so nervous to see where this was going! 

Frozen in Terror by Devin Cabrera – 

Ignoring all the signage to keep out, this group skis a closed area of the mountain anyway and learns why they should have listened to the signs to keep out. 

Phewwwww, the body horror here! 

Celebrity Skin by Harrison Phillips – 

Obsessed with a girl from school, this young man is willing to take any chance he can create to engage with her. But how far will his obsession go?

Oh, this was wild. Absolutely unhinged! 

Dummy by Jeff Strand – 

Stuck inside a dummy’s body, he’s forced to witness whatever the “ventriloquist” does… but he dreams of escape. 

This tale takes readers on such a wild ride! 

Headed North by Sarah Jules – 

While driving north, a woman hears a news story about some brutal murders. And of course, this woman is involved.

Oh my gosh. The title for this one is just perfect. I was so anxious reading this to see where it was going to go next. THAT ENDING. Diabolical. 

Misophonia by Veronica Smith – 

Struggling with listening to his coworker eat constantly throughout the day, this man starts to spiral… 

My gosh, this one set off my Misophonia right from the start. I was literally squirming in my chair through this one. Ah, I hated and loved this tale so much! 

Winter’s Whistle by Dexter McLeod – 

With a storm approaching, a couple arrives seeking help after an attack. As much as some of these characters try to convince themselves that it is a bear, they quickly learn that it isn’t. 

This was so intense! From the second we learned about the claw marks, I was nervous.  It just kept getting more and more terrifying! 

Gracious Mother by Stephen Barnard – 

Haunted by events of her past, this elderly woman needs to share before she goes to meet God. 

Ugh, the bedroom scene broke me. 

Remembering Falls by Zachary Ashford – 

When her father goes for a walk, this character immediately knows where he has gone. Struggling with what she finds once she gets there, her memories from childhood suddenly begin to come back…

Absolutely heartbreaking. Your blood will boil for this poor wife and kid. 

Unnatural Selection by Gord Rollo – 

Determined to carry on his family’s legacy, this character recounts tales that had been kept hidden. 

So wonderfully eerie! The gore here was introduced so quickly, and just as quickly, it was over. What a darkly fun and unsettling tale! 

Magic Eye by Stephen Mark Rainey –

When a radio arrives, this woman is shocked, knowing none of her friends or family could have afforded it. But when she discovers a new frequency the radio can be tuned to, she starts to think something is very wrong. 

This had such fun Michael Crichton vibes! So eerie and so fun! I loved this one so much! I love that it was organized in two parts as well!!

Afterword – 

Always a wonderful touch at the end! 

My Favorite Passages from The Horror Collection: Crystal Edition –

Cracked sidewalks, storefronts that had not seen a fresh coat of paint since their opening, flower pots held cemeteries of shriveled brown stems.
— The Devereauxs by Lisa Breanne

The Yeti had snapped her in half, and her blood was now pouring onto the ice, creating clouds of steam as it hit.
It was hard to look away from. It was an image that would be seared into their minds forever.
— Frozen in Terror by Devin Cabrera

If a steady diet of true crime podcasts had taught her anything, it was that the public was far too quick to snap photographs of dead bodies. It was like they completely forgot that the thing they were taking a photo of was a human being. Never mind the fact that the human being likely had loved ones who would be devastated, traumatised, by a photograph of their dearly departed’s body (decapitated, in this instance) making the rounds. Didn’t people deserve to die with dignity? People who exploited the dead were the worst of the worst, as far as Hester was concerned.
— Headed North by Sarah Jules

My Final Thoughts on The Horror Collection: Crystal Edition –

If you’re looking for a collection that’s going to stick with you long after you’ve finished, this one’s it. It’s a wild ride and I’m excited to revisit it down the road!

Consumed By Evil by John Durgin

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

5.0

With new horrors emerging from the shadows in Consumed by Evil by John Durgin, the latest installment in The Newport Curse series, this tale takes the terror to a whole new level, plunging readers into an even darker, more intense nightmare set in a small town.

With the Halloween massacre still haunting their every thought, as fresh in their minds as the blood that still stains their clothes, the town of Newport is struggling under the weight of their grief and shock. One kid is having a harder time than most as he carries the weight of the trauma as well as something darker that he attempts to battle alone.

Not far into the storyline, it becomes chillingly clear that Newport is far from being safe. The town, which thought it had already faced the worst, is in for an even greater nightmare. What they had thought was the culmination of horror is actually just the beginning. And the terrifying demon they fought before? Well, it’s nothing compared to what is about to emerge from the darkness. The true terror lurking just beneath the surface is far more dangerous, far more insidious, and it’s going to take everything they have to survive it.

Oh my gosh, let’s talk about how John seamlessly recaps the end of the previous book right at the start of chapter two. I was honestly so impressed with how naturally it flowed. It never felt forced or out of place—it was like he was speaking directly to the reader, drawing them back into the story in the most organic way possible. It’s a quick and powerful reminder of where the characters are and where they’ve been, without ever feeling like a rehash. It really pulled me right back in, ready to dive deeper into the madness.

And speaking of madness… Wow, the intensity in this one? It’s off the charts! If you thought the first book was wild, this one takes it to a whole new level. The bloodshed starts early, and from that first brutal scene, things only escalate. The violence and horror are relentless, and the author doesn’t hold back. There’s one scene in particular that had me gripping my phone so tightly, my hands cramped. The pain of what happens to a character’s hand was so real that I couldn’t help but cringe. It’s that kind of gruesome detail and action that makes this book impossible to put down!

And finally, to those of you who have already read the book: AH, THAT LAST LINE!! No spoilers, but I can’t stop thinking about it. It’s the perfect setup for what’s to come and I’m dying to know where John is going to take this next.

My Favorite Passages from Consumed by Evil –

Getting scared in the woods no longer felt like a real-life fear after what he’d been through. The biggest threat now was inside of him, not out here lurking between the trees.

As desperate as she was to fall asleep, every time Bethany closed her eyes, she saw flashes of the shadow swaying back and forth in her sister’s room. The threat she had read in her diary traveled across the blank space behind closed eyelids like a teleprompter.

She wanted to reach out for him, tear through the Sheetrock and pull him to safety. Instead, she listened as someone stabbed him repeatedly, metal entering flesh, as her dad slowly dragged himself across the floor.

The door began to open, and Ken pressed himself tightly to the side wall, pressing so hard he thought he might burst into a puddle of gore and bodily fluids.

Any sign of light had been sucked out of the hallway as if trying to warn Bill not to proceed.

My Final Thoughts on Consumed by Evil –

Consumed by Evil is a killer follow-up to the first book in the series, building on the tension, terror, and twists that made the original unforgettable. It takes everything I loved about the first book and cranked it up to a whole new level. The stakes are higher, the characters more deeply tested, and the horror more relentless than ever before.

If you haven’t read it yet, brace yourselves—this one’s going to hit hard. Once you start, you won’t be able to look away until the very last page.

BOREAL: An Anthology of Taiga Horror by Katherine Silva

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

4.5

BOREAL: An Anthology of Taiga Horror edited by Katherine Silva is a collection of dark and mysterious tales filled with suspense. With all the intense loss and longing, there is also a thin line of quiet hope in some that leaves readers thinking all will be well before being crushed again moments later.

Content Warnings: For those that need it, the back of the book contains wonderful content warnings!

All of the unique takes on this term were so interesting! We had a bunch that were where my mind went; in the middle of nowhere in the woods. But there were so many others like being alone with a family burden that caught me totally off guard.

I can’t help it, I always hope for a happy ending. There wasn’t much of that here…

Per usual, here are my thoughts on each tale!

Introduction – 

A perfect intro! The last paragraph is just wonderful: Remember to keep a light with you at all times, tell a friend where you’ll be embarking. If you find yourself adrift in the verdant darkness, remember that you’re not alone. There’s always something lurking just beyond the light. 

Cabin Creatures by E.M. Roy – 

After the brutal deaths of the previous occupants, a cabin sits and waits for its revenge. 

I loved the format of this one and how it was focused on the cabin as a character. This tale was so cozy at the start, then we’re thrown right into the terror.

Every Mask, Another Cask by Akis Linardos – 

Visited by some unusual customers, this innkeeper is about to learn a new truth. 

I was so excited to see what character would walk in next! 

Gathering of the Dead by Vincent West – 

Warned to never go near the woods, girls in this town are told horrible tales of a monster that lives in the shadows. But this character doesn’t believe the tale. 

This took such a fun journey through this girl’s childhood before we jump to the present day. The description of everything when the main character goes into the woods had me SO on edge! 

Nightmare In The Kettle Park by Jon Gauthier – 

When a father and his six-year-old daughter go to take a walk in the woods, they continue on even though the park is closed for maintenance. They should have listened to the sign…

So many red flags! Oh my gosh, my anxiety was so high while reading this one! This just kept getting more and more intense! 

All Affairs Will Prosper by K.L. Massey – 

While on a meticulously researched trek, this character has her good luck charm with her; her camera. But while out there, she’s forced to do a lot of reflection. 

Such a dark tale focused on trauma and the nasty things your brain can do to you mixed in with elements that seemed a bit paranormal. I was so nervous to see where this journey was going. 

True North by Nicole Lynn – 

Living in seclusion with her father, this girl has gotten used to his stories and believes them until one day, one of their temporary guests changes things. 

My heart hurt for this poor kid. 

Cold White Teeth by J.R. Santos – 

Blinded by his determination to climb a mountain, this man pushes the few left by his side away. Alone and lacking everything needed for a successful summit, mountain madness begins to creep in. 

Oh, how I hated this character! But I also wanted to see him reach his goal. What a chilling tale! You’ll have goosebumps and look for a blanket while reading!

The Family Axe by Neil Williamson – 

Struggling with both wanting to believe their family lore and wishing it were all made up, these boys are about to see it in all its terrifying action. 

The tension here was so intense! I loved how the author makes you feel nervous and takes that feeling on quite the journey. 

Soft Fire by Marisca Pichette – 

Stuck constantly trying to rebuild a gingerbread house, this woman is out of options and desperately wants this to work. She has ghosts in the house that are constantly trying to go into the fire, but can she save them?

Oh, the descriptions of all the sweets here had my stomach growling so loud! But while there are many edible sweets, that’s where the sweetness ends. This tale did an amazing job of making me feel lonely just like the main character. 

The Bannik by Ren Graham – 

Desperately trying to avoid another beating, this young man tries to do what his father asks. But when a talking car approaches him, he learns there may be another way…

A quiet tale filled with dread of what may come, plus a lovely supernatural element! 

Hallowed Ground by J.S. Betula- 

While experiencing the spring in an isolated forest, this character hears an animal in distress and goes to see if they can help. 

This tale really took a dark plunge into the sadness of nature but added an eerie twist.

In The High Places by Ally Wilkes – 

While trekking through the snow and trees, these friends keep going from camp to camp. When one of the trailers begins to move with one of the friends in it, she’s pumped because she thinks it’s saving her a day’s walk… but of course, she’s wrong. 

Getting separated from a group scares me so much! This one gave me chills. 

Patrimony by Daphne Fauber – 

After the death of her father, this woman returns to a home she swore she’d never see again to take care of things once and for all.

This poor woman. My heart broke for her with the very last card she received. 

Roadside Cross by Brian Holm – 

As the new sheriff, she’s determined to figure out what the story is behind a roadside cross that she stumbles across one night after she has an encounter. The answers are closer than she thinks….

Ah, the grief horror here is potent. Even experiencing it through the main character who is speaking to the mother who lost her boy is so powerful. Ug,h my heart. 

Always Prepared by Jonah Buck – 

While out on an expedition, the geologist goes missing right before bad weather sets in. Then the team finds handprints that date back to a time that seems impossible…

Oh, this was eerie! I kept expecting the geologist to pop back into the story, but where this one went was wild! That ending too will give any reader chills. 

Waldeinsamkeit by Airic Fenn – 

After being slowly replaced with automation and other tech, this character is the last of the rangers that post up keeping an eye on the area. One day, she walks into the woods to find answers. 

The isolation with this one hit fast! How heartbreaking to think of replacement by tech like this. 

Desecrations by Brian Rowe – 

Paid to find missing people from a village, this character is determined to bring them back but knows the risks.

Love love love that ending! 

Practical Applications of Fungal Bioremediation by H.P. Patterson – 

When a journalist goes into the forest to interview two doctors who are studying fungi, they are uneasy with what they learn. Then things take a terrifying turn.

Stories like this freak me out so badly! At first, things sound okay but how quickly it gets truly scary and then dark was such a fun ride!

Rules For Seeking Angels by LB Waltz – 

The descriptions in this one, my gosh! So much vibrancy!

He Has Not Seen A Bird Before by SJ Townend – 

While wandering the woods of a future construction site, this man falls in love with a being that changes his life forever. 

Such a heartbreaking tale of death for the sake of “progress.” Oh my gosh, that last line! 

For The Forests Were Made Of Our Bones by Sarah Musnicky- 

While in the forest, this man struggles to remain hopeful when he is forced to watch man after man die. The only thing he can do is make sure they don’t die alone. 

This tale was so thick with grief that it felt like it could easily suffocate. 

A Clearing Near Vanavara by Kuzma Mac – 

While traveling back home, stories of their lives are told in bits. As they get nearer to their goal, things become more clear.

What a tale to end the collection with! Phew!

My Favorite Passages from BOREAL: An Anthology of Taiga Horror –

Remember to keep a light with you at all times, tell a friend where you’ll be embarking. If you find yourself adrift in the verdant darkness, remember that you’re not alone. There’s always something lurking just beyond the light.
— Introduction

A dark sea it was, and every lighthouse that tried guiding Kincaid away from dangerously close shores had instead the opposite effect. Lured as a moth to flame, Kincaid not only wanted the fire, but hungered for the light of conquest.
— Cold White Teeth by J.R. Santos

There’s something outside, she thinks. The oldest of human fears.
— In The High Places by Ally Wilkes

Fog rolled through the endless lines of conifers like muddy water through the gills of deep-sea fish. To Yulia’s eyes, it seemed like the trees ought to tear the fog apart, to shred it like claws through cloth. But the fog simply drifted onward, unperturbed and impenetrable.
— Always Prepared by Jonah Buck

I could return to Fairbanks and fly home, pretending that everything was fine—until it wasn’t. That was how so many horror movies started, wasn’t it? Someone in denial, ignoring danger.
— Practical Applications of Fungal Bioremediation by H.P. Patterson

My Final Thoughts on BOREAL: An Anthology of Taiga Horror –

Dark horror fans who aren’t afraid of some major isolation and creepiness, you gotta check this collection out!

Where the Daybreak Ends : Stories from Buzzard's Edge by Brennan LaFaro, Brennan LaFaro

adventurous challenging dark funny mysterious sad tense fast-paced

5.0

Where the Daybreak Ends: Stories from Buzzard’s Edge by Brennan LaFaro is a collection of tales so vivid, that you can practically taste the grit of the dust, feel the suffocating weight of the heat on your skin, and hear the eerie silence punctuated by the sharp, metallic scent of coppery blood lingering in the air.

To begin, you all know how obsessed I am with Brennan’s writing. Every single work so far has been a five-star read for me and I can never wait to get my hands on more!

That being said – I absolutely loved the format of this collection. The decision to have one overarching narrative interwoven with various short stories was a brilliant choice. The way these short stories and their timelines were scattered throughout added an exciting layer of unpredictability and as the short stories unfolded, you could feel the subtle buildup of something much bigger. It was almost like a puzzle, with each piece contributing to the overarching mystery, making the conclusion even more thrilling when it arrived. What a perfect blend of pacing and suspense!

Per usual, here are my notes on each tale included in this collection:

Pick a Card by Tyler Jones – 

What a lovely introduction!! I loved the story of the magic trick and how that was tied right into explaining a great story. And the note about this collection being a gift to readers who connected to Rory and Alice! With every compliment Tyler added, I found myself smiling bigger and bigger. Brennan is one of my favorite authors, and this intro has me so pumped to dive into these tales! 

This passage was just wonderful:

…the genre is a sandbox and LaFaro is not only playing in it, but assembling those dusty grains into complex structures that flirt with so many genres and sub-genres while remaining true to all the core elements you expect from stories that take place in the Old West, that these stories, in some ways, defy categorization.

The Reaping, Part I – 

While wandering the desert, this man thinks his eyes are tricking him when he sees the glimmer of water. But what he finds next is even more unexpected. 

My gosh, you can feel the desperate thirst while reading this one! I had to get a glass of water myself. 

They Only Come Out at Night –

While working to build a schoolhouse, Ned notices that they have visitors who come out at night but stand on the edge of town. Violet also learns of the beings but isn’t going to let them terrorize them… 

Just reading the title of this one, I was already on edge. With every evening that falls during the course of this tale, I got more and more nervous. 

The Reaping, Part II – 

Jumping back to Josiah Dennis and his new friends from the first tale, we get a glimpse of the town from his new perspective. Then he’s asked if he would like another tale…

This was such a cool addition! Hearing a story about the town and then stepping over the town line had a special intensity! 

Come and Take My Hand – 

What an awesome introduction to George and Merella! This brutal short story will have you ready to reach through the pages to help George fight back. This poor kid…

I LOVED that the father is never mentioned by name. Like he was so despicable that his name wasn’t important. But phew, revisiting this was just as brutal as my first read! Click here to check out my full review of this short.

The Reaping, Part III –

Ah, them telling Josiah this is just the beginning of a darker story! If anyone came into this collection not having read Brennan’s other works this would be such a fun dark note of what’s to come! 

Holes –

The Sheriff, Elijah “Hellfire” Sparrow made quite a name for himself when he became a lawman. But in his career, he couldn’t kill Noose when he tried to have him hung. Retiring to the outskirts, he’s happy with his bit of isolation. He’s got his dog and a woman who pops by every now and then to occupy his time. For the other time when his PTSD comes back to haunt him, he’s got his booze to distract and numb him. But one day he discovers a hole in his yard…

A terrifying tale of your past coming back to haunt you. This poor man certainly did some not-so-great things, but he did his job. I felt bad for him being so deeply haunted.

The Reaping, Part IV –

Oofh, the tension felt here with the mention of the leftover blood!

Where the Daybreak Ends –

When two men, Wes Bradley and Andrew Martin, set out, all they want to do is carve out a space for some peace and quiet to enjoy life together. But no matter how far they go, they’re hunted.

The cruelty here will make your blood boil. What a great setup to have this lead as a conversation and story told between Deputy Billy and Wes Bradley! But this poor man, Wes.

I am obsessed that this one links Slattery Falls and Noose. The mention of Weeks immediately gave me goosebumps, and the dialogue line that was about Noose and Marella was great! It was added in almost as an under-the-breath type of comment, but for readers that have read Noose, they’ll pinpoint it immediately!

The Reaping, Part V –

In this short, we see Josiah get a bit nervous about the area and the journey he’s on. 

Trade Secrets –

What a fun detective story! When Thaddeus Locke arrives in town, he begins to help the local law enforcement with a slew of brutal murders. They’re all shocked by the methods of the killing, and little do they know, the killer is closer than they think. This was short and sweet, with a fine dose of gore and murder. What a wild ride!

LOVED getting to see Sheriff John Harden in action here.

The Reaping, Part VI –

Transitioning perfectly from the last tale into this one, things get tense as Josiah is called out for not telling the full truth about what led him to Buzzards Edge. Oofh…

Salvia Sunset – 

Spotting a monster outside, Nola isn’t sure what exactly she saw. But when miners begin to go missing, she’s determined to find answers. 

I first read this one in The Horror Collection: Monster Edition! Another amazing character to get to know in this town. She certainly wasn’t afraid to try to take matters into her own hands! 

The Reaping, Part VII – 

Josiah is pushed to tell more of his story, breaking down he admits the terrible truth.

Ugh, one scene here is absolutely gut-wrenching. 

The Ice Man – 

When Rory and Alice begin to build a home for themselves, their plans get delayed when their friend Ruby is murdered. Per usual, these two have to solve the case before they can get back to their everyday. 

Gosh, it was so good to see these two in action again! The introduction of the sign language book was so much fun! 

The Reaping, Part VIII – 

Josiah finally learns what the two creatures were slowly gearing up to tell him…

When It’s All Said and Done – 

Sent to kill a man and take a special item from his shop, two men are forced to go back and search again when their first attempt doesn’t work out. The second attempt takes a turn… 

I was SO nervous for these two! 

The Reaping, Part IX –

After the last tale is told, the two who remain wait to see what’s to come…

Afterword –

I love it when authors give insight into their tales! This was such a fun wrap-up for the book! 

Lagniappe – Spokes in a Wheel

What a treat! Oh, the tales this quick short may open up! I can’t wait to see! 

My Favorite Passages from Where the Daybreak Ends: Stories from Buzzard’s Edge –

Silence lingered in the air as the sun ducked behind the horizon.
— They Only Come Out at Night

Ned’s stomach dropped so hard and fast, he was afraid it might slap against something inside him and burst.
— They Only Come Out at Night

Something about the little tunnel to nowhere made the hair on his neck prickle. He couldn’t nail down that exactly, but the hole seemed too dark for daytime.
— Holes

He couldn’t be sure, but it sounded as though every hole spoke. A variety of timbres, combined to create a symphony of the damned. High, low, loud, soft, and every imaginable interval between, chattered in a ghastly unison that forced the hair on his arms to stand at attention.
— Holes

It struck me that I could scream at the top of my lungs, and it likely wouldn’t reach a soul, a truth that simultaneously thrilled and terrified me.
— Where the Daybreak Ends

“We seen some things ‘round here, that’s for sure. A witch, a man that bullets and nooses couldn’t touch, but what you’re describing?” Billy shuddered.
— Where the Daybreak Ends

When the sun starts to shake hands with the tops of the buildings on the western edge of town, that’s when I usually close up shop.
— Salvia Sunset

I swear the shot moved so slow I watched it carve through the thick afternoon air, politely excusing itself before cracking the surface of the Gila monster’s eye.
— Salvia Sunset

My Final Thoughts on Where the Daybreak Ends: Stories from Buzzard’s Edge –

I was totally captivated by each and every tale here. When I finished reading, I was so sad that it was over. Now, to patiently wait until I can return to this dusty town yet again!