Beneath the Willow

by Gemma Farrow

A story of love, death and betrayal.

Thomas loves Keziah; he'll do anything for her. On a night out with friends, Keziah calls Thomas. Something terrible has happened. A new reality is born and Thomas is trapped in a nightmare. Should he stand by Keziah and help conceal her secret or contemplate something far worse? The problem is love doesn't die easily. This is something Thomas learns.

'The heart's the trouble.' Keziah said.

Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Novella, Short Stories, Romance, Fiction, Vampires

44 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 24, 2013

About the author

Gemma has been writing horror and psychological stories for a number of years. She has had short stories published in magazines and on E-zines, such as Supernatural Tales, Twisted Dreams and Micro Horror. Gemma's stories can be found on her Trinity Hanging blog.

Reviews

[Jason Parent · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first few paragraphs of Beneath the Willow were a little too poetically sentence structured for my tastes, perhaps to set an atmosphere through tone and description. (As if that sentence was any better) They didn't work for me, but the rest of the story did. Overall, this was a fairly standard vampire-type tale. What sets it apart is the mood and overall creepiness brought out by the author's well chosen words and slow-paced story.

I mean that last bit in a good way. The pacing was perfect for a tale of this length and nature. That creepy feeling builds slowly but surely too an almost claustrophobic ending. So, the plot is somewhat traditional vamp, but the mood is gothic greatness not found in most modern day vampire tales.

I would definitely read more from this author.

[Sulin Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written, intense, psychological short story

I have to say, this was a very good short story. I'm not a fan of short stories in general, but I was intrigued that this was a horror, and I was in need of some scary creepiness. That being said, Beneath the Willow imparts a psychological bang rather than a scare/shock/gore tactic which I appreciated. But geez, that under-the-bed scene made me freak a little! And I enjoyed seeing a story deviate from the normal scheme of vampire/zombie clichés (and boy have I been seeing a lot of them), playing with the emotions of our torn protagonist.

We see love at its best, and love is what cost Thomas his sanity, his beliefs, and his humanity. Gemma Farrow has a style that draws you in, not allowing your eyes to leave the words despite the fact that you know what this is about, what's happening, that this is all about one thing only. Because this is a short story, it's really hard to write anything about it without giving the whole plot away, but I will attempt to do so (that is, not give anything away).

Thomas's love of his life, Keziah, is bitten by a vampire. She survives but Thomas has a hard time coming to terms with the supernatural. Keziah refuses to get help and instead, convinces Thomas to bury her. She promises to love him forever, her feelings for him will never change but Thomas is unsure. Wrecked with uncertainty, self doubt, and overwhelming love, Thomas does the unthinkable. Read this story to find out. :) The ending was good, but like many short stories, it indicated other possibilities and I hate that! Your brain is left in an eternal loop of several theories trying to figure out, disclaim, or push out its own conclusion. Grrrr.

[Bèbè ✦ RANT ✦ · Rating 5 out of 5]

MIND. BLOWN.

Every time I tried reading short stories, they have always disappointed me. With undeveloped characters, misleading story and fast ending, I never found something that blows me away. Beneath the Willow is different. From the beginning I sensed the sadness, the love and the betrayal that Thomas experienced. His emotions that were mixed with terror and love were so overpowering, I couldn’t stop reading.

"I'd be a mindless thing, Thomas. A screaming, violent thing inside this room. All things come from the earth and some need to return in order to come forth once more."

This is a personal example of amazing writing, mystery and that feeling when you know something is going to happen but you have no idea what it is. My whole body was shaking by the end of the book because what Thomas was feeling – I was feeling. Simple horror with a mix of awe.

Gemma Farrow – you are my new favorite author! *bow down*

[G.S. Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath the Willow is a short horror story that serves as a powerful reminder of what the genre is about. Horror stories should unsettle you, give you an uncomfortable feeling in your gut, and the author successfully accomplishes that. Gemma's story has all of the elements of good horror. As you uncover more and more of the event taking place, the protagonist's feelings for what he's lost make it impossible for him to turn back, as he heads toward the inevitable.
So what is it about? It is a vampire story returning to the roots of the legend. The vampire is gritty and monstrous, haunting and alien, and most importantly unpredictable. What happens when you loved the person before their inevitable demise? Is it love or guilt that drives the protagonist to do what he must not? With the relationship of the characters, it is easy to accept the decisions made that drives this story. I could see myself making similar choices.
The author needs to make more of her short stories available. This was a very impressive introduction to an author that understands the elements of horror and is worth reading.

[D.E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deft combination of short and scary

“Beneath the Willow” is a creepy short story about a young man who loses his girlfriend to a vampire attack … or does he? Even though this is a short story, author Gemma Farrow manages to create an atmospheric and compelling narrative.

While the very beginning may have belabored the grief of the main character, Thomas, it soon picks up and relates the events through a series of flashbacks inter-cut between current events that is very effective, and strings the reader along through the mystery without losing them.

There are moments of genuine creepiness and honest emotion wrapped around two very well developed characters for such a brief length.
I normally don’t care for short stories, because they usually force me to take too much for granted, and leave me with more questions after I’m done than a satisfying ending. There is none of that here. The world and situation is detailed, logical, and wraps up on an appropriately dark note.

If you want a quick, eerie read “Beneath the Willow” is an excellent choice.

[Sheryl Seal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath the Willow by Gemma Farrow is about the love that Thomas has for Keziah. He would do anything for her. But when a night out turns into a nightmare and she is bitten can he stand by her as she turns into a vampire? What she asks him to do next is even more horrifying, does he love her enough to do as she asks?

Very well written and I was entranced from page one as the authors descriptions of her characters and the story-line brings you in quickly.

This is not a long read but from beginning to end the story is gripping and the outcome is terrifying.

I would highly recommend "Beneath the Willow" and hope there will be more books by this author. It was a fun read. Be prepared to get the chills.

[Julie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This very entertaining short story captivated me and I will surely be reading more from this author. It had just the right amount of suspense and made me think on what I might do if I were in Thomas's position. I feared for Thomas but at the same time I felt so bad for Kaziah! It is so hard for me to speak without spoiling it for the next reader! So, I leave you with this... Awesome job, this is a story I would recommend to horror fans and I for one will be searching out more of Miss Farrows stories! If I could give it more stars, that would suit me better!

[Colleen Bratley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short horror story written to keep you reading and wondering how it ends. It's a story of love, horror and the ultimate test of faith in that love.

Writing a short story can be more difficult than you think because you have to tell a compelling story, limit any excursions or deep details, and yet propel the characters forward to a speedy ending that the reader will remember and enjoy.

Some authors have an ability to do just that, and do it well. Gemma is one of them. I am not much of a reader for horror stories, but the reviews I read before purchasing this book lead me unable to resist reading it. The other reviewers were right, it was a very well done short story that I will remember for some time, and even find myself still thinking about it from time to time days after I finished it.

In the story, Thomas and Keziah were the epitome of soul mates. They were deeply in love, had a wonderful future at their feet and lived their lives to make each other happy. Nothing was beyond acceptable to do for each other. You know the couples who finish each other's sentences? They have each other so ingrained in their thoughts that even when they are not present, they hear them, feel them, know their very soul.

So what could possibly ever happen that would change the direction of their lives so completely? If one thing happened to one of them that drastically changed that person physically, emotionally or intellectually, how would the other one react? How would they live, how would they deal with the change? How would each of them deal with a mind rendering change to the dynamics of their relationship and the gut wrenching twist to their souls?

Before anything changed, Thomas and Keziah believed in each other. They carried the umbrellas that harbored their souls, clinging to the truth that neither would do less than everything for each other to love, honor and protect them. So when one did change, the need to continue carrying the torch of stalwart devotion became not only more intense, but more absolute than ever before. There was only one question on each of their minds. Did this change everything; did the other one's devotion suffer a tear that would soon unravel the whole union into pieces as incohesive as grains of sand?

You will be wondering that question as you turn the pages, looking for the grade on the test of their souls. Your thoughts will go from one to the other feeling their pain, and while you ponder what should happen, you'll be greatly thankful that this could never happen to you. Or could it? Get the book, and then you can decide.

[Caroline Greyling · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Thomas,’ Keziah whispered, ‘don’t bury me deep.’

Thomas’s life has changed in a few short days, and so has his beloved Keziah. After an attack one night, by a creature that shouldn’t exist, Keziah tries to prepare them both for what is to come, but can Thomas do his part? Can he make the right choice and live or die by the consequences?

I can count on my two hands the number of short stories I’ve read in my life, and most of them were school curriculum selected. In general, they’re not my thing. I always wonder how an author can cram a whole, meaningful story that requires character development into so few words. But Gemma Farrow can - and she does it well.

‘Beneath the Willow’ is a poignant tale of love, grief, moral questioning and fear. With a few well chosen words, Ms Farrow has created an immediate emotional connection to characters that are four-dimensional. Her choice of original similes, metaphors and beautifully descriptive words pull you into the melancholy dilemma that faces Thomas as he decides what to believe, and what to do about his adored Keziah, who is changing into something else – something ‘other’.

I’m also not normally a fan of memories and flashbacks but they are so well done here, that they add an additional dimension of surreal grief to the tale. The story itself is unique too, without the sexual and glamorous plotlines most vampire novels have, or the usual expected ending. There is a thriller / horror element, a little romance too, but for me, this story is more about being human. It’s about having to make choices between your head and your heart and paying the consequences for those decisions.

If Ms Farrow can do this in only a few words, I wonder what she can do with a full-length novel. I’ll be keeping my eye out for more work from this talented author!

[Jim Goforth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma Farrow’s ‘Beneath the Willow’ is a short, but eerily effective piece that draws to mind classic works from the likes of Poe and Blackwood, with its dark sombre settings and emotional themes.
It is the tale of lovers Thomas and Keziah, their lives profoundly changed forever on a fateful night when a trip out to go clubbing for Keziah turns into something much more.
It’s a vampire story, but it spurns the standard approach for such fare, instead cultivating and escalating tension, and making a great reliance on the characters themselves, playing out the tragedy engulfing them, with poignancy.
Being a novella, ‘Beneath the Willow’ is something that can easily be read in one sitting, in fact once you are drawn into the nightmare Thomas is facing, you will no doubt want to remain with him as he descends into it, battling grief and hopelessness, ensnared in something he can hardly believe himself.
Books and stories revolving around vampires tend to be one of two things, either overly romanticized or intentionally horrific, but Gemma Farrow has managed to find a very nice balance of the two, and while it is a quiet horror with which this tale is told, it is a creeping and befittingly unnerving one.
Extremely well written, crafted with a subtle beauty and hosting a sting in the tail, ‘Beneath the Willow’ is certainly a remarkable tale.
The heart’s the trouble indeed.

[Chameleon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminds me of a stick of dynamite: small, but what a big bang! It did grab ahold of me right from the beginning. Thomas' anguish was gripping, and intense enough that I found myself wondering what on earth I would do if I were in that situation. The minute he made the decision NOT to do what he had promised her he would do, my fear actually intensified, because somehow I just knew there would be dire consequences. I did think it would end a little differently, BUT the fact that it didn't is what gave me the biggest chill! It's a short story, so I can't get any more detailed than that without giving anything away. This is a really good short, and an intensely chilling one. If you're looking for a good book to pass an hour or so out of your day, this is it, but if you're reading it at night, alone, be prepared to be glancing over your shoulder, and eyeing the bed hesitantly as you approach it for the night. I had to turn my light off from near the door, then make my way to my bed. It was the first time it bothered me that my bed was so high off the floor! This an an Author to watch, IMO, she has the ability to become the Poe of this generation. I'll be watching for more books from her.

[Kshitij · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beneath the willow is a stylishly written and intensely portrayed horror novelette that keeps the reader captivated. The love, as we often read in vampire tales, is a core of the story. But in between few pages it blends bouts of fear with compassion and hideousness and produces a story that would stay with readers for a long time.

The simplest way to enjoy this book is to put oneself in the shoes of Thomas, as I did (LOL, that’s crazy... I know). The way he acted to rescue his love; I’m pretty much sure I’d have done the same. I loved the author’s writing style and the way she garnished such a simple story- put it altogether on a different level. Horror can certainly become an art if it is in right hands. That’s what every author aspires to do and Gemma is certainly on a right track, in fact pretty close. And that’s why I can’t give this book a perfect five, although that’s what it deserves, and I’m pretty sure that this author will outdo herself with her next piece of writing. It’s just a matter of time. (Can’t wait for it, though)

I’ll recommend it to any of my friends. And for horror fans... well, don’t wait just grab this book!

[William O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tangle with your emotions

Beneath the Willow is a gripping and unsettling great read.

You are taken into a world which feels very real of horror and vampires.

Your thoughts will be touched and played with as you flip the pages of this well-detailed story. This is a lovely example; Earth stained hands breached the edge of the grave, they slid forward followed by forearms that dug elbows into the soil. Sheeting hung in ragged strips.

A highly recommended 5***** and you will discover all the disturbed wonders when you pick up this book. I did feel certain words/wording caused me to pause and think... hmmm...? Maybe me over-analysing- either way, it works and works well. A super story which will tangle with your emotions. Farrow has crafted something special.

Certainly, an author to look out for in the future.

[Ginger Gelsheimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Beneath the Willow in one sitting and must have been on the edge of my seat the whole time. I couldn't wait to figure out whether Thomas was going to get Keziah, or if Keziah was going to get Thomas! Love, betrayal - I felt bad for both of them. For a second I pictured the old MJ "Thriller" video, when MJ turns into to the werewolf in front of his girlfriend! She still wanted to love him before she was terrified out of her mind! The prose was elegant and I could easily imagine hiding behind the willow watching Thomas's struggle.

Would recommend this read and would love to read a Part 2!

[Christina Keats · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, for a short read, gave more than what you could come to expect from the shorter stories. You start to “feel” as you start to read the first page. This book takes you on a journey that I, as a reader, did not expect. The story is true to it’s words and twists on “the heart”. Although taking you through one, major event it also provides reflection on the different levels that this story offers at a point blank glance.

This book filled my desire for a good tale as well as touched my own inner thoughts on the things right in front of me. If you are looking to quench your thirst for fun madness and read from a deeper perspective, I’d suggest Beneath the Willow.

[L. Sommers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully written short horror story. I don't normally read horror stories, but the fact that it had some well-defined characters that truly love each other peeked my curiosity. The main character, Thomas, has leery thoughts about what he must do for his girlfriend, Keziah, when she suddenly becomes injured, or shall I say bitten by a vampire, while out clubbing with her friends. I hate giving away parts of stories, but this one reminds me of the movie, Pet Cemetery.

I highly recommend this book as it comprises of different elements that you currently don't see or read about out there in the vampire/horror genre right now. Good job, Ms. Gemma Farrow!

[Christoph Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Beneath the Willow" by Gemma Farrow is an excellent short horror story with bite and a twist. At its heart however it is also a bit of a touching love story.
I can't tell you about the plot without spoiling it but I will say that I was completely taken in and glued to the pages as I read this intriguing, well written and original tale.
I am not normally a fan of horror or paranormal but the writing is very strong and the story premise got me right away. The ending is unexpected and very well done as well.
Highly recommended.

[Jack Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written Vampire love/ occult story. It's not the normal genre I like to go for so it's a testament to the story's strengths that I read it, enjoyed it and felt comfortable leaving a review. What I enjoyed most was the fluid and poetic voice of the author, which gives the story a lovely feeling of being narrated. The romantic elements of the story also provide depth to the usual horror tale: this is not horror as gore, this is an unsettling shake of the reader's ethics and empathy. Beneath The Willow is a short story that leaves you looking for more works from the author.

[J.P. Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma Farrow's undead offering is a short, well-written story about the triumph of hope over reality. Thomas wants life back as it was before his beloved girlfriend, Keziah, was attacked. And now, in dreams, a strange figure describes for Keziah certain actions that Thomas must take on her behalf. Devotion wars with truth. Will she again be the girl he loved or something quite different, quite frightening?

Farrow's pacing and sharp focus kept me turning the pages. Characters were, for the most part, well drawn. Give this short story a shot.

[Dina Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this novella was great! I really enjoyed it. I hope to read more from this author someday!

The story reminded me a little bit of Pet Sematary because there's an eerie kind of burial of loved ones and then wondering what's going to happen after they're buried.

It's kind of a vampire/zombie thing in the fact that it involves bites that make people sick and transforms them.

I thought the book was spooky, creepy, suspenseful, and sad...all the things I like to see in a horror story.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Beautifully Crafted Work of Art!

Gemma Farrow builds the tension masterfully as more and more forces converge on the protagonist Thomas. This is not your average Vampire story. There’s depth and range and subtle detail here. I would love to see this brief novella expanded into a series of full length novels. There’s so much here to explore and I, for one, would be among the first eager to take that journey with you.

Excellent work. A steal at the current price.

[Jan Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beneath the Willow is a great paranormal story. I was just a tiny bit disappointed that it ended so soon, just as I was getting into what Keziah will turn out to be. I sincerely hope that Keziah’s story is in the making. It is a well written, scary tale and Gemma Farrow gives clues in bits and pieces, that make you read faster to find out the exact sequence of events and how it all came about. The final twist was macabre and genius. I enjoyed the book and am hoping for a sequel!

[Deborah Blanchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a very compelling read. The characters are well developed even though it is a short story. I love how well the story flowed and drew you in. I was captivated from the first page until the very end. It's a love story mixed with the paranormal, which I loved. I will definitely be reading more of Gemma's books. I definitely recommend this one! What a fascinating storyteller she is! Incredible!

[Demelza Carlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one's an interesting vampire short. told from a very personal perspective. No sparkling here - just the mystical, monstrous sort of vampire who attacks randomly in the night and an equally mystical transformation.
The ending seemed a little quick, but I do always seem to complain that short stories are too short. You'd think I'd learn by now...

[Susanne Leist · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dark paranormal fantasy. Thomas doesn't know whether to believe that his sick girlfriend was bitten by a vampire. As he watches her fangs grow in, he becomes a believer. He buries her deep in the earth. He has to decide whether to leave her there to rot, or to let her be re-born as a vampire. A simple man with complex choices.

[A.V. Dalcourt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath the Willows explores the bonds of love, dedication, grief, loss and betrayal. The story centers around Thomas, an upstanding guy who must endure watching the death of the one he loves, followed by her rebirth.

I loved how you're thrown right into the middle of the story, the pivotal moment in Thomas' life. By the end of the story, I was left wondering who was the real monster?

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great short story that reminded me of Ghost Stories and Vampires story of old, but with a contemporary voice.

Great stuff and hey, it was 99 cents.

[Conny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short story, about how far you can go when you love someone.
Love the cover also very much.

[Flurbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creepy. Atmospheric. Reminds me of Poe. There is excellent dread, and mystery, and a sense that something isn't right--
Fans of horror. Fans of Gothic horror? Check it out. Well worth your time.

[Kate Prudchenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the tradition of Stephen King, this excellent horror novella is more psychologically horrific than it is brutal and violent. Drawing the reader in, the story develops quickly and the action is fast paced, but it is the story's imagery and descriptions that really give it substance and depth.

"He’d sat up waiting, watching the Discovery Channel, idly wishing he could save enough to travel somewhere amazing. The Amazon or the Congo, somewhere away from the masses, just nature and how it might have been when the world was young."

Filled with sentences like these, Beneath the Willow allows the reader to enter Thomas' mind and see the world through his eyes, his fears and hopes.

"It was early evening and the pub was occupied with a scattering of people. Most out of work, and had likely been there since the afternoon. They had nothing better to do. The pub was their mainstay, the world they orbited, the people they knew. They belonged somewhere. They mostly sat at the wide bar, some old and faded, others younger and knowing their futures would likely run the same path, propping up the bar until they could prop it up no longer."

"This end was like a boat graveyard, wooden corpses tethered by rotting rope to the black railing."

It is images like these that give Beneath the Willow charm and character. I recommend this book to both horror and non-horror fans.