Jack Forest, Soul Collector: A Horror Novelette

by E. Reyes

In the gripping novelette Jack Forest, Soul Collector, the town of Devil’s Hill, Arizona, becomes the stage for a chilling and morally complex tale. Jack Forest, a man returned from the dead on Halloween night, is compelled to serve as a soul collector for Hell. Tasked with branding the souls of woman abusers, he embarks on a haunting mission.

As Jack navigates the shadowy realm between the living and the dead, he is torn between the ruthless directives of Hell and his own sense of justice. The line blurs when faced with a momentous decision that challenges his very nature. This gripping narrative explores themes of redemption, the consequences of one’s actions, and the power of individual choice. Jack Forest, Soul Collector delves into the darkness of the human soul and the depths of compassion that may yet emerge from the most unlikely circumstances.

58 pages, Paperback

Published July 18, 2023

About the author

E. Reyes is a writer, a horror fanatic, and the author of the novel The House on Moon Creek Avenue. Overloading on books and movies and working retail, Reyes brings terror and the unimaginable to everyday life with his experiences and transcends them into a different range of characters and situations. When not watching scary movies and reading books, E. Reyes is busy being a father and a husband and putting in time playing Xbox. He resides in Arizona.

Reviews

[C.J. Daley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grabbed the paperback to give a go, as this is perfect for Spooky Season. I love the author’s shared universe of Devil’s Hill, so I always come out and support, as I am doing (trying) similar with ‘Cemetery.’

This novelette has some heavy content material and is deserving of a contents warning, although the dedication is a clear indicator of what’s the come. Domestic disputes, trafficking, and assault against women. Due to the loss of a loved one, Jack Forest takes the law into his own hands, both for retribution, as well as his own sanity. This choice leads him to work for Satan. He dishes out judgment to those that seek to cause harm, and brands them for judgment.

Even with this being a heavy read, it’s also fun, at times even funny. As the afterward states, Reyes has created this Deadpool/vigilante/red dead redemption looking/acting-esque character. There are some laugh out loud, almost cartoonish comments made by the soul collector.

Personally a 4/5*, I will read more when it comes out, and I wish this one was longer.

https://fanfiaddict.com/christmas-nig...

[W Hearsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a another great quick read from Devil's Hill Jack Forest, takes revenge on the man who destroyed his wife's life. She was raped as a teenager and years later, still haunted by her traumatic experience, she takes her own life. So Jack takes his and then dies in an accident. Sent straight to Hell, Jack is offered the job of hunting down, the men who abuse women, rapists and sex traffickers. Branding them and so condemning their souls to hell, when their miserable lives end. A horror
story, about a vigilante ghost cowboy. Witty dialogue from Jack and a Highly Recommended from me for this fantastic Horror Author.

[Alana K. Drex · Rating 5 out of 5]

In such a quick read, Reyes introduced us to a truly tortured soul. Jack Forest's past put him where he is today, avenging beaten and battered, raped and utterly wrecked women. His motto. 'Now I’m gonna brand you. What I’m going to do to you is give you a golden ticket to Hell. Yes, real Hell. Luckily for you, you’re not going to die today. But this will hurt.' ~Jack Forest

And trust me when I say he takes great delight in giving these men true tickets to Hell. His backstory is tragic. This is a story that I read in one sitting as I did not want to take a single break.

[Eric Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick, easy read, this novelette gives me thoughts of a more sinister and brutal version of my novel PUMMELED. A man died, and went to hell, but has returned to battle some of the sickest elements of society.
If there was anything wrong with this story is that it wasn’t long enough. There is so much more to tell regarding Jack Forest but I’m happy to read that he will return in future books. If you love revenge tales, this is an easy fix to satisfy that craving.

[Sara Mcfadden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind your triggers. This felt like a vindication for those of us who are survivors of DV. It is a well written vigilante horror story but it has substance. I thoroughly enjoy this authors writing style and how he tells his stories

[Smut and Stabby NICOLE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun quick read Halloween book!!! The story follows Jack Forest who unalived his wife’s assailant. Got sent to hell and became a hunter to mark those who abuse women for a ticket straight to hell.

[Kiki Marie Bookish Wh0r3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a quick read and was a good concept. I think the dialogue was a little rough but overall the story was good.

[Maritza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining vigilante/revenge horror story about Jack who comes back from the dead Halloween. I can’t say more, or I’ll spoil it. Check it out!

[James Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun little read jack forest reminded me of a mix between Roland (the gun slinger) and spawn. can’t wait to read more about this vigilante. A horror hero!