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/