outstanding anthology

I've been fortunate with these audiobooks lately, I haven't found one that I didn't like. Though I've probably jinxed myself now by saying that, but this anthology was a real treat. I've heard fantastic things about this collection, and I adored the front cover. It's so creepy and enticing and really makes you wonder what horrors are hiding inside. The first story, A Wail of a Tail By Emma K. Leadley, was an excellent starting story. The narrator added atmosphere with this one, especially with the creature that, in my mind, was like a demented version of Tigger. At least the dog Jasper wasn't hurt and got fed even if it was an unexpected meal. You'll understand when you hear the story. The Thing In The Woods By D.R. Smith was incredible but also gave me bloody nightmares. D.R Smith I had nightmares for a week of that bloody cat! It was like reliving the horrors of the film The Thing. And those poor animals! I'm sorry, but if I found a strange rock in the woods, it's staying no matter how shiny. The John Carpenter vibe was most definitely strong with that story. The Hike" By E.E.W. Christmas is a grisly horror that held depth and suspense and a shocking ending. The love story mixed with horror was a nice touch and the conclusion made it all the more twisted. Now we come to my favourite story, the Forest man By Holley Cornetto; the back and forth from past to present was easy to follow. Intense and had IT crossed with a slender man vibe. The characters were engaging and well thought out, and I loved the creepiness of the Forest man. It is so incredible how each one of these writers takes a creative take on the theme. From being hunted by wolves in the forest to fighting through the forests of the mind in Jodie’s spot by Mark Towse. There was so much depth in that story, and the symbolism of grief and guilt is done amazingly by Mark. Then I got to experience Tim Mendees work, two great stories, one involving old folk law in Rouse them and A Matter of Recycling works on the mind of a child dragged into the charms of the woods. Only to be possessed by the hunger of the creatures that occupy the clearing. Following Stuart's life as his mind slowly warps into adulthood, and how he starts to lose his handle on reality. Neumark woods was another twisted and imaginative use of something as innocent as a baby's cry and making it something far more sinister. My second favourite is Lazarus’ Respite by Micheal Subjack. I loved the way he made you feel for the character Walter. I'm not gonna lie, I did get a huge feeling of satisfaction with this story. Probably because of being bullied myself, let's face it as kids we all secretly wanted to get our own back on our tormentors. Dig had an exciting beat going through the story that made you question the word throughout the father and son expedition. Lady in the woods explores Irish folk law beautifully and scarily, and I loved it, especially the character's fate. 13 held mystery and wonder but also the fear of the unknown and made you step into the mind of a hungry predator. This is a collection beyond anything I could have imagined, from the terrifying static man to the truth that fairy tales are real and tooth fairies are the thing of Guillermo del Toro nightmares. Even creepy talking wounds that lure you to your doom. It's not the audiobook I expected, but I'm so grateful that I purchased this Eerie River publishing anthology. I can't wait to keep an eye out for more titles by the publisher and the authors.

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An Insatiable Hunger Lies Within The Forest

A little birdy (Nat Whiston) introduced me to Eerie River Publishing, and piqued my interest from her youtube channel review of this book! I mean a forest theme linked in with horror, what is there not to like? Forests are peaceful with beautiful landscapes, but l can also imagine the eerie atmosphere of twisting branches snapping, howling winds at night and the sounds of rustling leaves, which leads me to introduce;

The Hike by E.E.W Christman, this was the first story to lure me in. l found myself listening intently as l wanted to know what had happened to Becca! At one point the familiarity of eighties psycological horror films started to conjure up ideas in my mind, and this in turn had me gripped! I found it more creepy when dialogue was not exchanged, instead a descriptive image of what could be seen of Becca. This kept me guessing, and with the ever building tension of not knowing. A twist that l did not see coming!

A Matter of Recycling by Tim Mendees, this was my favourite if l had to pick out of the two of his stories included in this anthology. The concept gave me a different perspective in terms of the way in which l view nature, and this took on a whole new meaning. Such as how nature could completely drive a person to lose their own sanity! It was as if nature had become a form of never ending hunger, and the very idea of this made me fearful.

Getting Away From It All by Greg Hunter. The thought of hearing your own wounds talk and guide you practically made my legs turn to jelly, as l actually looked down to imagine the feel of the vibration in my body coming from the talking voices! This notion had never entered my mind before, l found it extremely unnerving and at the same time thought provoking!

Out of all the stories Jodie's Spot by Mark Towse haunted me the most. Steve's sister Jodie had gone missing for over a year. She was never far from his thoughts or dreams. Whenever he goes hiking he still imagines seeing her. This leads to a questionable event, where we the reader can never be sure if this happened or whether it was his subconcious making an appearance due to the guilt he carried around with him for so long. When Jodie calls out for Steve, a big part of me wanted it to be her but another part of me did not want to believe that this was possible. The sights, smells and sounds of the forest could have evoked a need within himself to seek a form of closure. You could come to the conclusion of Steve having an overactive imagination, as he himself mentions. Though when faced with the one person you miss the most in that moment, who can say what is apprehensible as real or existant.

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1 person found this helpful

Loved it

Dark and gruesome in places but I really enjoyed it and I highly recommend this book.
The storylines and characters are amazing. The narration is really great.
❤️🤩🥰😍🤣

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