The Bone Drenched Woods by L.V. Russell

Genre: Folklore/Horror

Format: eBook (ARC)

Pages: 237

Rating: ★★★★★

Synopsis:

Carve the bones. One for the gate, one for the door, two for the mantel, and three for the floor… Hyacinth Turning knows the terrors beyond her village, the insatiable hunger of the Teeth. She listens to the sermons given by the Elders in their hare-skin masks. She watches as the heathens hang and the witches burn. They tell her to be good and quiet. But Hyacinth is neither good nor quiet. After a series of tragic events, Hyacinth finds herself hastily wedded and sent far away from all she has ever known to a settlement at the edge of the sea. Where more than just the Teeth are hungry. Another horror swims below, leviathan shadows kept at bay by offerings of flesh and bone.

But no sooner does Hyacinth take root in her new home do the Teeth and the Deep come to feed. Suspicion soon falls upon the outspoken Hyacinth, who spends more time with the outcasted Morgan Carroway than her own husband. The Elders want her burned, her husband wants her hanged, and a long-lost love claws at her dreams, but Hyacinth only wants one thing. A life and death of her choosing.

Review:

"Share the stories, keep the faith, bring the bones, carve the bones."

Hyacinth lives during a time of deep uncertainty. She is expected to always follow the rules of the village. Her parents as well as the elders. By rebelling she risks not only her life but her family. All are forced to follow the ways or be hanged as a heathen or burned as a witch and sacrificed to the woods. 

There is always an unsettling fear among the villagers. They must sacrifice and hang the bones for protection from what dwells deep within the dark and sinister woods. They must live in fear of the woods and always be sure to satiate its hunger or risk everyone. 

The elders decide the ones to be sacrificed. Everyone's lives are always in danger, not only from the monsters that dwell within the woods, but also from the human monsters.

Hyacinth in her rebellion has been chosen to marry, and they are both sent far away to another village. What she discovers there is even more terrifying than what she was forced to leave behind. 

The darkness that lies within this novel is permeating, right into the soul. The thought of having to live a life that was never yours to control with all decisions made for you is unsettling. Always living in fear of having to pay for your sinful ways with your life or being devoured by monsters, humans or otherwise. Feeling as if there is never a place that is safe and knowing that decisions are always made for you. Wanting more than anything to break free. Discovering that no matter where you go, there is something even worse waiting for you. 

It is so atmospheric that it always feels dark, it always feels cold, damp and chilling, with a deep-seated loneliness. It feels dreadful and deeply unsettling. It feels as if there is no hope for a better future, only peril. 

This is not my first experience of reading L.V. Russell's writing style, and I was excited to read this one as well. I also knew I would not be disappointed.

 "Folklore serves to validate culture, reinforce morals and values, and provide a means of social pressure." Indeed, this novel embodies the fear of these old practices from a time long past.

There is no greater light than merciful love. 

Thank you so much Quill & Crow and L.V. Russel for the complimentary copy! It is very much appreciated!

 Goodreads Author Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/

Amazon Author Link:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/L.V.-Russell/author/

Author Website Link:

https://lydiarussell63.wixsite.com/intothewickedwoods

About the Author

Lydia grew up on a farm deep in the Dorset countryside alongside her three elder brothers, using the fields and woodland as their playground.

As an adult with two young children, she has used the memories of the wild woods of her youth to write The Wicked Woods Chronicles

A tale of lost sisters, whispering trees, and dark romance.

oh, the woods are dark and wicked...

Publisher Link:

https://www.quillandcrowpublishinghouse.com/

Review Links:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/

The Dark Within by R.A. King

Genre: Psychological Horror

Format: eBook (ARC)

Pages: 230

Rating: ★★★★

Synopsis:

Enter the unsettling world of The Dark Within, a psychological horror that blurs the lines between nightmares, reality, sanity and madness.

Alex Parker, a financial analyst in his late 20s, has built a new life in Chicago, far from his dark origins as the son of a serial killer. But the past has a way of catching up, especially when the present is haunted by life like nightmares. Alex's dreams transform into vivid, terrifying experiences of murder that eerily reflect the grisly actions of the "Chicago Slicer," a new terror stalking the city.

As these nightmares invade his waking life, Alex's grip on reality slips. His close friends, including Maya, who is desperately searching for her missing brother Liam, become unwittingly involved in his spiraling descent. When Alex's nightmares start to predict real events, like the disappearance of his friend Ben, he's forced into a harrowing self-investigation. Is he a victim of his own fractured mind, or is there a malevolent force at play?

Review:

"Hissing whispers filled the air, darting through the shadows like unseen phantoms. They taunted him, their words incomprehensible yet laden with malice, a language that echoed from the depths of his fear."

As a young boy, Alex was warned by his father to never go near or enter the shed. No reason was ever given. But when he hits a ball through the window, he goes in and from that moment on, life was and never will be the same. The hidden horrors have been unleashed from within.

 20 years later, in the city of Chicago, Alex established a new life for himself. A steady job and good friends. But there is something disturbing and sinister occurring in the city. Someone stalking the city, committing murder. Methodically in his ways, he never leaves a trace of evidence, and the victims vanish without a trace. One by one, the group of friends begin to disappear. 

 Alex has been having vivid nightmares, placing him at the scene of the crime while in a state of dreaming. He is confused as to why this is happening, and his friends seem to not believe him when he tells them it feels so real. The only logical explanation is it is just a dream. 

 The "Chicago Slicer" is among them. The question is, who is it? Will Alex figure out why he sees the killings occur in his nightmares? Will the serial killer eventually be caught? Will the real nightmare end? 

 There is so much foreboding darkness within this story. A creeping dread. As the storyline builds, there are scenes that are chilling, disturbing, and there is a sadness that settles in. As the beginning of the synopsis states, this is a psychological horror that blurs the lines between nightmares, reality, sanity, and madness. As Alex is the one experiencing this within the pages of the book, the reader certainly feels like it is invading one's mind as well. Questioning what the hell is happening. A mind bender, blurring one's thoughts, believing one thing, or maybe not. Feeling terrible for Alex and what he has experienced as a child, and yet, questioning his character as an adult. Who is he, really? Is he something else than what he presents as or is there something even more sinister occurring that is deeply hidden within him? 

 As a debut novel, the author is giving a glimpse into his writing style. Clearly a talent to be appreciated. And as with many authors, as time goes on, their writing becomes stronger. There were some disconnections, but nothing too serious that detracted too much from the story. 

 If you enjoy:
Psychological Fiction
Horror
Dread and sadness.
An unreliable character/Narrator
Indie Authors

Brutality

 Please consider giving this one a read!

 Goodreads Author Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/

Amazon Author Link:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/R.A.-King/author

Author Website Link:

https://www.ra-king.com/home

About the author

R.A. King is the author of "The Dark Within" (3/28/25), Channel 137 (8/1/25), and "The Purity Protocol" (3/1/26). He is a horror enthusiast, avid movie watcher, and dedicated film collector. With a deep appreciation for the eerie and unsettling, he finds inspiration in the dark corners of storytelling. When not writing, he explores horror films across all subgenres and time periods, always searching for the next great scare.

Review Links:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/

Cutter's Deep: Welcome to Hell by Ronald McGillvray

Genre: Dark Fantasy Horror

Format: Paperback

Pages: 364

Rating: ★★★★★

Synopsis:

Down a lonely stretch of highway stands the deserted and desolate town of Cutter's Deep. Except it's not as desolate as it seems. In fact, there's quite a lot going on behind its decaying facade and for those unfortunate to find themselves within its shadow, it's almost always deadly.

Within its guarded walls lives a young man named Arlington Woods. He's about to meet an outsider who's going to trigger something hidden deep within him that just might destroy Cutter's Deep.

Review: 

"The town and hotel were located along the dark, deep, flowing waters of the Ottawa River, a northern town located in the province of Ontario, Canada."

Upon entering Cutter's Deep, what is seen is an abandoned, desolate town. Empty buildings, empty streets, and quite possibly something lurking in the shadows. Confusion enters the visitors' minds, now wondering what the hype is about this town. Why do tourists come here as there is nothing to see? Unless that is you were personally invited and provided the necessary item which will reveal that which is hidden. 

Looking for shelter proves to be a challenge because no one is allowed to enter after midnight. There is an occurrence happening called "the Howling", the wind blows, unforeseen creatures surface, abominations, and there seems to be no way to escape the doom that is now being fought for survival. Once you enter, you may not ever leave. 

Cutter's Deep has been the only home that Arlington has ever known, he has always followed the rules until one day he begins to question everything he has ever learned. He meets someone that has caused feelings to surface that he has never experienced. He decides to go against the rules and follow his heart. He must uncover the truth and figure out how to leave Cutter's Deep once and for all time.

Creepy creatures, squishy giant worms, green globs of death, and blood splatter everywhere. Welcome to Hell

This is one of the most uniquely creative novels I have ever read. Peculiar characters, a very dark atmosphere that seems to linger even in daylight hours, blood frenzied creatures, and deep secrets. Tons of action that causes anxiety, feeling like running beside them, trying to escape this cursed town. 

Chilling horror combined with dark fantasy, where evil is trying to control the goodness of the heart, pure love always wins. 

 Mr. McGillvray is one of my favorite authors, so I was not surprised at all that I thoroughly enjoyed this! His writing is always so extraordinary, and his book cover designs are fabulous!

I believe this is a novel that is fitting for adults and young adults. 

Goodreads Author Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/

Amazon Author Link:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ronald-McGillvray/author/

BookBub Author Link:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ronald-mcgillvray

 Author Website Link:

https://www.ronaldmcgillvray.com/

About the Author

Ronald McGillvray is a writer from Ottawa, Canada. He’s published short stories, scripts, novellas and his most recent novel “The Candy Witch,” available now as a print or ebook. He is currently working on a new novel. His novel, “Cutter’s Deep,” his short horror story collection, “Tales From The Parkland,” and his fantasy novella, “James’ Journey To Dreamland,” are all available as a print or ebook. "Tales From The Parkland" is also available as an audiobook.

His writing credits include the short story, “The Garbage Collectors,” which was published in Horror Library Volume 2 as well as in their best of anthology. His short story “Ukrainian Chimes” was published in the anthology Screaming For Peace. An audio version of his story, “Big Boy,” was produced by Pseudopod and his story, “A Night Out,” was published by Dark Fire Fiction.



Two of his film scripts, “The Storm” and “Chimes,” were produced by Cellardweller Projects. “The Storm” was chosen as one of the films to be screened at the World Horror Convention. It also screened at the Shocklines Film Festival in New York City.

 His story, “Head Case,” was made into a film produced by Columbia College in Chicago. His film script, “Magic Man,” was optioned by Hyde Park Media.



His stage play, “The Line,” was chosen as part of the reading series by the Saint John Theatre Company.

Review Links:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/

The Corner of Her Eye: The Light (Book 4) by JJ Carpenter

Genre: Ghost Suspense

Format: eBook (ARC)

Pages: 309

Rating: ★★★★★

Synopsis: 

“I've never told you the full story... what happens when a Keeper fails...”

Charlie White has felt the ripples of imbalance through the Dream for months now. First, through the traumatised young child, Marie. Then, through the coalescing of frantic spirits on the Great North Road. And most recently, by facing the dangers of imbalanced, betrayed lovers destined for revenge.

She is about to discover where these ripples stem from. Who set them in motion. What they’ve unleashed into the world. And how this will continue to unseat everything in Charlie’s life.

Secrets will be released as yet more spirits drag unresolved memories back from the grave. But will Charlie regret what she discovers? And is she prepared for just how much she’s about to lose?

Review:

"I'd almost hoped... well... I hadn't hoped it was over, I suppose, but it was nice enjoying a normal life. Just for a little while."

As Charlie's journey as a keeper continues, she learns more about how the spirits have become imbalanced. Traveling to Newcastle with her dearest friends, Tess, Trent, and Brent, they visit the beautiful Nobbys Island and the lighthouse.

The island and lighthouse have been beautifully preserved, and the history runs deep. 

Once again Charlie encounters many spirits, but something is quite different this time. The spirits are unbalanced here, unable to move on. There are many different colored spirits, and Charlie must figure out why they are here and how to help them move on. 

Not only is there much confusion, mystery, and the task of keeping the balance, there is a shocking, painful, and life changing loss in the lives of Charlie and her lovely friends. 

Charlie is also in for another major surprise, a very unexpected one, but one that is welcomed.

 

 I love the strength of the characters’ friendship, and I feel like I have walked alongside them through every novel. Watching from a distance as Charlie learns more about her ability as a keeper and developing as a person with an earnest heart. The history of Australia that is included is so interesting to learn about.

 

Each novel has been suspenseful, intriguing, and sometimes chilling, but for me they have all touched my heart in some way as well. This series has been such a joy to read, and I am so looking forward to reading more to come.

"Don't go into the tunnel, or the soldier will drown you."

**Thank you so much; Jess, for the complimentary copy and for sharing your wonderful stories with me!

Goodreads Author Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/

Amazon Author link:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/JJ-Carpenter/author/

BookBub Author Link:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jj-carpenter

Author Website Link:

https://www.jjcarpenterauthor.com/

About the Author

JJ Carpenter is the author of The Corner of Her Eye, a series of Australian ghost stories exploring the concept of purgatory.

JJ has been writing books since she was six years old - a collection of kooky tales she would staple together and hide in a shoebox under her bed. Penning her first novel at the age of 12, her love of all things creepy, supernatural and wild has never left her. Join JJ as she journeys through haunted places and chilling mysteries across the beautiful country, and rich history, of Australia.

She was born in Canberra, Australia. She spent her childhood in various locations, including the Barossa Valley, South Australia, and Hampshire, England. As an adult, she's spent much of her career living and working in the South Pacific: Solomon Islands (twice), Vanuatu, Fiji and beyond.

Review Links:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/

Joni Jones and the Ghost Train by P.D. Leyshon

Genre: Paranormal Fantasy/Middle Grade

Format: eBook

Pages: 298

Rating: ★★★★★

Synopsis:

The Ghost Train is approaching... Are you brave enough to jump on?

A page - turning time travel, fantasy adventure for children aged 8-14, who enjoy the Harry Potter books, or films like The Goonies.

It is nearly a year since 11-year-old Cai Jones went missing on that awful Halloween night.

When Joni Jones starts hearing the eerie sound of a steam engine on the haunted old path in the woods, he is convinced it is linked to his older brother's mysterious vanishing.

After Joni and his friends, Osh and Ellie, sneak out to investigate, they discover a ghost train that takes them to a parallel spirit world, where all the ghosts that ever existed are trapped for eternity.

With the help of the Resistance, a commando unit of ghost fighters, Joni must rescue his brother, then somehow return home.

Travelling through time to fight ghosts isn't for everyone.

To have any kind of future, Joni and his friends must first conquer the paranormal past.

Review:

"It was a question that had troubled the villagers of Nant-Y-Glo in West Wales for nearly a year since that Halloween night when the eleven-year-old schoolboy disappeared. Eleven months and twenty-nine days, to be exact."

Joni's brother disappeared almost a year ago. Life has not been the same for Joni and his grandparents. Their hearts are filled with sadness and worry. Joni begins to experience strange occurrences. Waking in the night, hearing a train that should not exist. Seeing a woman and a white crow. Discovering his brother has his telescope pointed towards the old path in the woods, wondering why. He also discovers his brother's hidden diary with things written that are the same as what he is experiencing. 

Joni convinces his best friend, Osh, to investigate where the sound of the train is coming from. They never could have imagined what they would encounter or the adventure they will be taken on after jumping on the train. Eventually joining up with others, they learn where they are, why they are there, what they must do to rescue Joni's brother, and are able to return home safely. 

There is so much that occurs throughout the story. It is mysterious and filled with historical times. The adventure is exciting and engaging. I really enjoyed the quirkiness and diversity of the characters and the bonds between friends. It was great to see each of them discover more about themselves and begin to show their strengths. The descriptive prose created a vivid and atmospheric setting of the parallel world set in the past. There is just enough darkness that creates a creepy, ghostly, spine-tingling adventure.

As an elementary librarian, I can easily say that this is a perfect book for those kids that love a fantastical, historical, spooky read! There were certain names of the kids that popped into my thoughts that I know would love this book!

As an adult reading it with the kids in mind, it was really fun to read. But I also feel that as an adult, if you still love to read middle grade books, I definitely recommend grabbing your own copies to enjoy. Also, if you have your own children to read with or children with a passion for reading, this adventurous book is delightful!

**A very kind thank you to the author for reaching out and providing a complimentary copy!

Goodreads Author Link:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/
Amazon Author Link:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/P.D.-Leyshon/
BookBub Author Link:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/

Author Website Link:

https://www.paulleyshon.com/books/

About the author

P.D. Leyshon is a TV Producer and Director responsible for delivering some of the UK's most popular property, history, and antique shows. He is also very experienced in directing children's tv. Two decades working on history shows have provided the inspiration for some of the characters and locations in his debut novel. A passion for history, geography, and all things peculiarly paranormal led to him creating 'Joni Jones and the Ghost Train'. Paul is available for media appearances and school visits via his website.

Review Links:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/

Remembering Demons (The God Cycle Book 1) by J. Cornelius

Genre: Dark Fantasy

Format: eBook

Pages: 284

Rating: ★★★★

Synopsis:

Have you ever wondered what lurks in the mirrors?

Daryl doesn't have to wonder... he knows.
But why do they stalk him? Why can't he remember anything?
It's enough to drive a guy crazy!

Meanwhile, the eerie asylum seems to know more than an old pile of rock and mortar has any right to and his therapy is uncovering a blood-stained past of pain and death, alongside something dormant within him of disturbing power. When Dr. Walker teaches him how to face his demons, the psychoses and dreams conspire to warn him of something even worse stalking him. Something ancient and evil.

To survive, Daryl must confront the repressed memories that drove him insane.

For madness—is a blunt instrument.

Review:

“The process of your capture is to be part of your punishment. First, I will break your body and then deliver what is left to Purgatory for eternal damnation.”

Daryl is in an Asylum, he does not know why he is there, nor does he remember his past. He has repressed his memories and is too fearful to face uncovering the truth. He meets with a therapist who is trying to help him not only remember and face his fear of pain, but also to stop believing his hallucinations are real and there are no monsters. 

Daryl is so confused he just does not know what to believe. His dreams do not feel like they are just dreams, they feel real, and he begins to realize there is so much more going on than he could have ever imagined.

Visits from imaginary friends, monsters in mirrors, angels and demons, pain, and fear. 

Will Daryl figure out who he is, face his past, and will anyone believe him when the truth is revealed?

"Feeling safe is a promise your past makes to your future. It does not, in fact, mean that you are safe."

This dark fantasy is like stepping into a fever dream, wondering if you will be able to step your way back out. The lines between the realm of monsters and gods and Daryl's world are blurred until he begins to realize many truths which then blends cohesively together. And yet there are the elements of surprise that still cause the mind to wonder and question, is it all real? Or is it a way of tolerating suppressed memories and past traumatic experiences? 

A blending of dark fantasy, elements of horror, mythology, and moments of humor. I chuckled a few times, which added a little enjoyable lightness to the story. 

If this sounds like a book that you would enjoy reading, please try it. If you feel a bit confused at first, stick with it because it will come together and it will be worth your time spent in a world of imagination.

**Thank you so much, J. Cornelius for reaching out and for the complimentary copy. 

 Goodreads Author Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/

Amazon Author Link:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/J.-Cornelius/author/

BookBub Author Link:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-cornelius

Author Website Link:

https://www.j-cornelius.com/

About the Author

J. Cornelius writes traditional and dark fantasy. His debut novel, Remembering Demons, is an epic dark fantasy novel with traditional fantasy and sci-fi elements. It is the first in The God Cycle series, a contemporary fantasy epic. Besides books, he also juggles a job as a full-time virus researcher and father of two beautiful girls and a boy for whom looks are too early to tell. He has also been a bartender, a food oil sommelier, a singer and composer of songs, and an embarrassingly avid dancer of dances. In his copious free-time he greatly enjoy making snaps and following the world of physics and cosmology, both of which have served as inspirations for the themes of The God Cycle.

Review Links:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/

THE APARTMENT: Fear Stalks the Halls (Part 3 Houses of Horror Series) by Kevin Bachar

Genre: Horror

Format: eBook

Pages: 264

Rating: ★★★★

Synopsis:

An unholy being is unleashed in the terrifying novel from the EMMY-award-winning producer and screenwriter of the LIONSGATE horror film THE INHABITANT.

 What if the horrors of the past seeped into the present? THE APARTMENT is a place where every hallway, door, and staircase leads to madness. And where a serial killer by the name of THE HARVESTER has decided to stalk their victims.

Benjamin and his girlfriend Katherine move to New York City. Instead of stylish Manhattan, or hip Brooklyn, the couple end up on Roosevelt Island, a spit of land in the middle of the East River.

It's secluded and steeped in sordid history. The place was once known as the ‘Island of the Damned’ when it was home to a prison, a smallpox hospital, and a mysterious building where strange experiments occurred.

Review:

Katherine aka Kat has a special gift. Starting at the age of eight she has been able to see beyond what others are not able to. Pictures appearing in her mind showing her events happening or are yet to happen. Spirits appear to her at times, but there is one that is malicious, a bringer of doom. 

After a traumatic experience at the age of eight, her ability goes dormant for many years. She has also become very susceptible to becoming terribly ill. She must be incredibly careful not to be exposed, so she mostly stays secluded. 

"Time and trauma had etched their mark, leaving her with a perpetual wariness in her storm-grey eyes."

As her life moves forward, she has found love and a new future. She takes a huge leap of faith and moves to New York with her boyfriend, Benjamin. He chooses an apartment on a less populated island to help protect Kat from being exposed to illnesses. 

Kat soon learns that the apartment building and the island have many hidden dark secrets, and it has awoken her ability. Once again, she starts to see disturbing and horrible things.

The other tenants seem strange and distant, often cranky.

"Some people are just not pleasant."

There is now a murderer among them. The crimes are heinous and have everyone on edge, feeling unsafe.

As thoughts of the island linger in Kats mind, her visions become more frightening, and her dreams become more disturbing. She does not quite feel like her normal self anymore. 

Murder and mystery abound within these pages. Kat's character is so intriguing as she is not easy to figure out because of her ability, it turns one's mind to really wonder what is actually going on, what is real and what is not. The lingering spirits are unsettling because of how much pain they are in, lost and trapped. The most disturbing is learning what occurred on the island many, many years before, heart wrenching. 

The end chapters are full of surprises!

Ghosts, paranormal, thriller, serial killer, mystery, and horror. This was a fun read!

 Goodreads Author Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/

Amazon Author Link:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kevin-Bachar/author/

BookBub Author Link:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kevin-bachar

Author Website Link:

https://www.kevinbachar.com/

About the author

I’m a national EMMY award-winning documentary filmmaker and WGA screenwriter. If you’ve watched National Geographic, PBS, or The Discovery Channel you’ve seen my work. I’m the idiot in the water filming sharks in murky water or vampire bats in pitch-black caves. But I sometimes like to leave the factual world behind and work in fiction.

The elevated horror film I wrote - The Inhabitant - was released through Lionsgate last fall and is available on Prime. A reviewer in The Guardian wrote - “...there’s a lot more finesse here in the telling of the backstory … and a sense of menace lurking around every corner in the bland suburban setting; together it evokes indie “elevated horror” features such as It Follows.”

Review Links:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/