The Shadows Within: A Review of Jack Mackay’s Debut Middle-Grade Horror Gloam Gloam is a standout debut. It’s unflinching in its scares but tender in its humanity, proving, as Mackay intended, that horror can be “life-affirming”. While echoes of Coraline and IT linger, the novel’s heart is wholly original. Gwen’s journey, from fractured protector to resilient … A Review of Jack Mackay’s Debut Middle-Grade Horror GloamRead more
BOOK REVIEWS
Anthony Ryan’s The Feeding and the Art of Post-Apocalyptic Terror
Anthony Ryan’s The Feeding and the Art of Post-Apocalyptic Terror A Horror Book Review by Jim Mcleod Anthony Ryan, renowned for his bestselling fantasy sagas, ventures deeper into post-apocalyptic terrain with The Feeding, a gripping, standalone thriller that masterfully blends relentless action, poignant character drama, and genuinely unsettling horror. Released on August 12, … Anthony Ryan’s The Feeding and the Art of Post-Apocalyptic TerrorRead more
The Atlas of Hell by Nathan Ballingrud: Hell and Earth’s Dark Side
Nathan Ballingrud returns with a journey into The Atlas of Hell the stories are ultra bleak and examine the darker side of human nature, split between those set in Hell itself and those dealing with murky earthly goings on, sometimes with a dark fantasy vibe. In parts gory, others very … The Atlas of Hell by Nathan Ballingrud: Hell and Earth’s Dark SideRead more
Skin by Kathe Koja – A Visceral Tale of Art, Madness, and Human Nature
Book Review Skin by Kathe Koja – A Visceral Tale of Art, Madness, and Human Nature It knows how to toy with you and portray an image of perversion, but because you often take some time to acclimatise to the images and worlds she’s creating, no matter how alluring they … Skin by Kathe Koja – A Visceral Tale of Art, Madness, and Human NatureRead more
My Top YA Bram Stoker Award Picks of the Last Decade by Tony Jones.
The Young Adult (YA) Bram Stoker Award: my top picks from the last decade of Final Ballots In my previous Young Blood article “A depressing night for quality children’s fiction” I criticised the 2024 Bram Stoker Award, particularly the members who voted for two very weak novels, which clearly do … My Top YA Bram Stoker Award Picks of the Last Decade by Tony Jones.Read more
A Viewing Guide to the Pandemic: Depictions of Plague and Pandemic on Film and TV
A Viewing Guide to the Pandemic: Depictions of Plague and Pandemic on Film and TV by Richard Scheib, book review In an era indelibly marked by the COVID-19 crisis, film critic Richard Scheib delivers a groundbreaking cultural artefact with A Viewing Guide to the Pandemic: Depictions of Plague and Pandemic on … A Viewing Guide to the Pandemic: Depictions of Plague and Pandemic on Film and TVRead more
The Damocles Files: Vol 3: The Key of the Abyss, A Dark Triumph in Occult WWII Horror
The Damocles Files: Vol 3: The Key of the Abyss By Benedict J. Jones & Anthony Watson, A Dark Triumph in Occult WWII Horror The Key of the Abyss is a high-water mark for occult WWII fiction. It balances pulp spectacle with philosophical heft, proving Ginger Nuts’ longstanding thesis: Jones and … The Damocles Files: Vol 3: The Key of the Abyss, A Dark Triumph in Occult WWII HorrorRead more
Into the Wild Green Yonder: A Short and Creepy Fairy Tale
Book Review – Into the Wild Green Yonder by Peter Crowther and Tim Lebbon: A Short and Creepy Fairy Tale Its story and vision exceeds the humble sheets of paper it’s printed on. It shades itself with moments of horror and finds a nice overall home within the fantasy genre, … Into the Wild Green Yonder: A Short and Creepy Fairy TaleRead more
Angel Down: A Descent into the Divine and Demonic in the Trenches of War
Angel Down by Daniel Kraus: A Descent into the Divine and Demonic in the Trenches of War Daniel Kraus, the acclaimed author behind the enjoyable Whalefall, returns with a unique and interesting narrative masterpiece: Angel Down. This immersive, cinematic novel plunges readers into the visceral nightmare of World War I, only to … Angel Down: A Descent into the Divine and Demonic in the Trenches of WarRead more
Why An Echo of Children Stands Out in Modern Horror Fiction
Book Review – An Echo of Children by Ramsey Campbell ‘“They’re too fond of exorcisms in Barnwall for my liking.”’ When it comes to Ramsey Campbell, two things usually become quite obvious very quickly: firstly, that you’re in the presence of a man who has the finesse to warp and … Why An Echo of Children Stands Out in Modern Horror FictionRead more
The Needfire by MK Hardy: Ancient Magic Mysteries & Female Resistance
The Needfire by MK Hardy: Ancient Magic Mysteries & Female Resistance The Needfire is an impressive and captivating debut novel. Hardy’s poetic and vividly detailed descriptions of the rugged landscape, their fresh and innovative approach to traditional gothic elements, and their deeply passionate portrayal of sapphic anger combine to create … The Needfire by MK Hardy: Ancient Magic Mysteries & Female ResistanceRead more
The Homecoming by Zoë Apostolides, Gothic Secrets and Female Themes
The Homecoming by Zoë Apostolides, Gothic Secrets and Female Themes The Homecoming remains a compelling read for those drawn to character-driven Gothic fiction and atmospheric literary suspense. It is a promising, if imperfect, debut that showcases Apostolides’ considerable talents. Zoë Apostolides’ debut novel, The Homecoming, arrives draped in the evocative trappings of Gothic … The Homecoming by Zoë Apostolides, Gothic Secrets and Female ThemesRead more
The Library at Hellebore: A Dark Tale of Power and Pain
The Library at Hellebore by Cassandra Khaw: A Dark Tale of Power and Pain Grotesque and compelling, this is a work of horror genius. I highly recommend it, but only if you’re strong enough. Oh, and whatever you do, do NOT go into the Library. The Hellebore Technical Institute for … The Library at Hellebore: A Dark Tale of Power and PainRead more
The Leeds Point Horror by John Collins, The Journey of a Debut Author
The Leeds Point Horror by John Collins, The Journey of a Debut Author John Collins doesn’t disappoint with this multiple POV tale. His dialogue is genuine. The characterizations are pitch perfect. And the descriptions are evocative. The Leeds Point Horror is a quick, fun read that will satisfy anyone’s itch … The Leeds Point Horror by John Collins, The Journey of a Debut AuthorRead more
Secret Lives of the Dead by Tim Lebbon, A Masterful Descent into Folk Horror
Secret Lives of the Dead by Tim Lebbon: A Masterful Descent into Folk Horror Tim Lebbon’s Secret Lives of the Dead (Titan Books, August 2025) emerges as a taut, blood-soaked narrative that masterfully blurs the lines between folk horror and kinetic thriller. Across a single, rain-lashed day in the fictional UK village … Secret Lives of the Dead by Tim Lebbon, A Masterful Descent into Folk HorrorRead more