This is all in service of a gut-punch of a story that marries gore with potent social commentary, using its allegory of institutional violence to deliver an intelligent and impactful critique. The novel is notably more subversive and politically charged than many of its dark academia peers, offering a refreshing … A Review of The Library at Hellebore by Cassandra Khaw: A Viciously Brilliant Descent into Dark AcademiaRead more
Distinguished Folk Horror author makes an intriguing change of direction There is limited horror on show here and the story is more of a meditation on old age and illness, with guilt a lurking dark passenger in the background. It asks tough questions about dealing with the end of life, … Saltwash by Andrew Michael Hurley: Deeply Moving FictionRead more
For generations, the chill of a well-told ghost story, the creeping dread of Gothic decay, and the profound terror of the uncanny have found a home in the pages of literary horror. Now, Penguin Books invites readers to rediscover the foundations of fear with their new series, PENGUIN HORROR, a celebration … Penguin Horror Brings Back Forgotten ScaresRead more
Herculine by Grace Byron is a Raw and Unforgettable Descent into Trans Horror There’s a particular, piercing quality to horror that feels both deeply personal and universally unsettling. It’s the kind of story that gets under your skin not just with its monsters, but with its painful, poignant truths. Grace … Herculine by Grace Byron is a Raw and Unforgettable Descent into Trans HorrorRead more
Extremity is a sharp, intelligent, and relentlessly entertaining novella that successfully merges the detective thriller with mind-bending science fiction. Nicholas Binge demonstrates a remarkable ability to craft a complex, high-stakes narrative that is both thought-provoking and immensely readable. Book Review: Extremity by Nicholas Binge, A Time-Bending Police Procedural In Extremity, Nicholas Binge, … Book Review: Extremity by Nicholas Binge, A Time-Bending Police ProceduralRead more
The Fog by James Herbert celebrates its 50th anniversary with a brilliant reissue from Tor Nightfire. This book will always hold a special place in my heart. Alongside Hammer’s Taste the Blood of Dracula, it was the cornerstone that sparked my love for the horror genre. Like Taste the Blood … James Herbert’s The Fog: My Childhood Terror StoryRead more
A Definitive Spell: Why That Very Witch Is Essential Reading for Horror Fans and Feminists Alike That Very Witch: Fear, Feminism, and the American Witch Film by Payton McCarty-Simas is a vital, thought-provoking, and exhilarating read that successfully argues for the witch’s place at the heart of the American zeitgeist. By demonstrating … That Very Witch: Fear, Feminism, and the American Witch Film by Payton McCarty-Simas: Book ReviewRead more
readers are left grappling with the harsh realities of privilege, power, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. This electrifying tale delivers both spine-tingling suspense and a searing indictment of a world where wealth can no longer shield from the darkness lurking within. Fiend Review: Alma Katsu’s Scary Take on Greed … Fiend Review: Alma Katsu’s Scary Take on Greed and Family SecretsRead more
The Originals Rage by David Watkins: Howling Good Finish But it’s not all blood and guts; there’s heart here too. I found myself genuinely caring about these characters, even the ones with excessive body hair. The emotional stakes are sky-high, and the ending, while not what everyone expected, subverts traditional … The Originals Rage’ by David Watkins: Howling Good FinishRead more
Gemma Fairclough’s New Novella The Retreat: Cults, Secrets, and Sacrifice The latest release in the Northern Weird Project heads into Cumbria, spending time with a family destroying and money grabbing cult Gemma Fairclough’s The Retreat is the fourth release in The Northern Weird Project, published by Wild Hunt Books. Once … Gemma Fairclough’s New Novella The Retreat: Cults, Secrets, and SacrificeRead more
While there are plenty of heavy, heady moments in Where Dark Things Rise, Clark infuses his novel with generous dollops of humor and plenty of welcomed wink-and-nod nostalgic throwbacks to the music, movies, cars, and questionable fashion choices of the Reagan era. References to Prince, Ratt, Bon Jovi, Jason Voorhees, … Where Dark Things Rise by Andrew K Clark: a Spine-Tingling TaleRead more
The Long Walk, as is always the case, will upset King purists because of its handful of plot changes. But when it comes to delivering a cinematic experience with an unfilmable novel, the movie’s a winner. Is The Long Walk Movie Scary Enough for Fans? From the highly anticipated adaptation … Is The Long Walk Movie Scary Enough for Fans?Read more
Neil McRobert’s ‘Good Boy’ is a strong contender for novella of the year Even though I knew how the story was going to end, it has a certain inevitability, it still had me cheering (and tearing up) from my sofa. Great things come and small packages and Good Boy nails … Why ‘Good Boy’ by Neil McRobert is Your Next Must Read BookRead more
Craig Crawford’s Childhood Fears: Big Eyes & Ocean Depths Growing up, I had my moments where I was creeped out by the dark and other usual kid scares. Having said that, there were two distinct things that freaked me out and I can really only come up with reasons on … Craig Crawford’s Childhood Fears: Big Eyes & Ocean DepthsRead more
Above all, this novel is horror that holds a mirror up to the lives of marginalized people in a hostile world, echoing the works of Stephen Graham Jones and Eric LaRocca.If you want more horror that is as personal as it is political, then keep an eye out for the … You Weren’t Meant To Be Human by Andrew Joseph White: A Powerful Story About ChoiceRead more
