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Fear

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Fear - arguably humanity's strongest emotion - is both a blessing and a curse.

It binders some, while it fuels others, but witbout it, our species would not bave survived bundreds of thousands of years. however it might affect you, you've felt fear. We all bave. Witbin this book, you'll come face to face with new fears as you open your imagination and experience the incredible lives of original characters in eight vastiy different short stories that span many unique and gripping genres, including thriller, tragic romance, crime, science fiction, retelling, ano more.

Each story is a different face of fear.

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2024

14 people are currently reading
20 people want to read

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Janelle Schiecke.
Author 4 books148 followers
September 2, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of short horror stories, and they're all so different and creative!

"The Banquet" and "Dead Tongues" are my two favorites, and each story includes such realistic characters that we can empathize with, cheer for, or absolutely dread. The dialogue is always spot-on, and I appreciated the level of detail added to characters and scenes. Each story has such a unique atmosphere.

If you're looking for your next spooky season read, Fear is for you!
Profile Image for Despoina Kemeridou.
Author 7 books276 followers
July 18, 2025
A marvellous, dark, short story collection of various horror genres.

The title of this book perfectly sets the tone for what's to come. Fear.

The stories were all so masterfully written that it's really hard to pick just one. I loved "The Banquet", "Dead Tongues", "Timmy is Back", and "A Father's Pain" the most, but all were extremely enjoyable to the point I couldn't stop turning the pages.

If you're looking for a short, disturbing book and enjoy horror stories, this one is for you.
Profile Image for Molly Macabre.
Author 4 books111 followers
May 13, 2025
Fear by Jose Trevino is a short story collection featuring nine horror tales. Trevino works across horror genres to bring us tales ranging from psychological, supernatural, paranormal, and science fiction.

Trevino’s ability to move seamlessly between past and present tense, along with point of view shifts, is impressive. One story may be written in the third person past tense, then the next in first person present tense.

Trevino displays a variety of characters, all of which were natural and full of depth, even in the short time we get to know them. From a grieving son to a misled youth who has joined a cult, each character is unique and enjoyable.

In some of the stories, the horror builds alongside the plot, revealing unsettling details slowly to help understand each event. In others, Trevino wastes no time. He pulls you in, terrifies you, and leaves enough to the imagination that there is no choice but to continue flipping the pages.

Trevino writes with authority. Though he often drops the reader into an unknown setting, he continues on, delivering just enough knowledge to understand what is happening but leaving the questions unanswered until the right moments.

The stories themselves were unique: twisted retellings of familiar legends, and distinct perspectives on common subgenres. In particular, Dinner For Two and the Hunger took me by surprise in such a delightful way. Both were dark, unprecedented takes on the familiar vampire and zombie stories.

The stories within Fear provided a great balance between dreadful and hopeful. There were terrible endings (my personal favorite), happy endings, and some stories ended with ambiguity, leaving the reader to make their own decisions as to what occurred thereafter.

Fear is a must-have for any horror reader’s shelf—perfect for those who appreciate thought-provoking narratives, fear rooted in everyday life, and genre-spanning, morbid tales.

A FanFi Addict Review
Profile Image for Horror Reads.
920 reviews331 followers
September 4, 2024
This is a horror anthology with some fear fueled stories which span several horror genres.

From the grotesque to the bloody and even to the heartfelt, there's something in here for everyone. There are serial killers, vampires, a terrifying twist on the Pied Piper, and some dark horror fantasy among others!

The easy going writing style by this author mixed with stories which are meant to frighten makes this anthology about as creepy as you'd want.

If you don't believe in monsters, some of these tales might make you check under your bed or leave a light on just in case. I always appreciate a collection of stories which grabs you by the throat and makes your pulse pound faster and that's what this does.

I highly recommend it! I received a copy from the author. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Profile Image for S.S. Fitzgerald.
Author 4 books21 followers
April 25, 2025
A series of great short stories in a small bundle. The first story hooks you in with a high brow story of preying on the poor and it only gets better from there.
Profile Image for Uilleam Whitedale.
Author 15 books17 followers
October 28, 2025
A book of imaginative horrors, many with classic tropes twisted into something new. I particularly enjoyed Dead Tongues and Patient #41. The stories seem to become more imaginative as the book progresses, which kept me reading and helped to pull me in more deeply. Much here may actually scare a number of venturous souls, or, at the very least, leave them with some ripe nightmare fuel.
There's a good balance of gore and psychological tension. Now, I am not a fan of present dramatic tense. I find it jarring and unnatural, But the book was still well-written and Chavez's plots and dialogue kept me turning pages, which means that FEAR is well worth the read.
32 reviews9 followers
April 13, 2025
I absolutely love a short story collection, and the premise of this grabbed me.
I truly enjoy horror books that make me uncomfortable, and there are plenty of moments like that in this collection. Each was engaging enough for me to tear through this book in one evening!

Of the 8 stories featured in Fear, I enjoyed each of them - but there were a handful that really stuck with me.

Dinner for Two: was creepy, and deeply sad. A love story with a tragic ending, full of tenderness and gave a really interesting twist around halfway through. I assumed that it was going in a totally different direction, but it was quite heartbreaking in the end (though it was very entertaining to read).

Dead Tongues: this had me wrapped up in all sorts of questions for a big chunk of the story. Questions like 'Who is this dude?' 'Will there be a full length novel of this story? Because it's excellent!' One of the fantastic things about this collection, is that there are really clever nods to stories being in the same universe which is super fun as a reader. Keep your eyes peeled for some awesome nuggets!

Patient #41: this terrified me. Once you read the book, you'll understand why - but the thought of someone thinking I'm crazy when I KNOW I'm right is akin to the fear of being buried alive for me. Harrowing.

TIMMY IS BACK!: This. Freaked. Me. Tf. OUT. I cannot describe how much I wanted to crawl out of my skin reading this. It truly encapsulated an irrational fear for me. To describe it in detail would spoil it. But. It's in the house.

Bravo to this fabulous author and storyteller for this corker of a debut!

Really excited to see what's next from this writer.

Profile Image for Janvi Santwani.
641 reviews48 followers
October 1, 2024
The cover and title immediately caught my attention, hinting at an exploration of fear in its rawest forms. From the moment I started reading, I knew this book was going to take me on a thrilling ride through the most complex human emotions. The idea of eight different stories, each reflecting a unique face of fear, was captivating!

Each of the eight short stories dives deep into different genres—thriller, tragic romance, crime, and more!The plotlines are gripping, from intense suspense to heart-wrenching moments of vulnerability. The author’s writing style is immersive, drawing you into every story while keeping a sharp focus on the theme of fear. It's fast-paced yet detailed, making each twist and turn feel even more impactful.

The exploration of fear as both a curse and a survival instinct is masterfully done. It connects all the stories, from thrilling moments of danger to emotional, tragic love. I loved how this book left me reflecting on my own fears and how they shape our lives. Each story had its own unique takeaway, making it a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers!
Profile Image for Jayce.
15 reviews
December 31, 2024
Fear by Jose Francisco Chavez is the most chilling book I've read in a long time.

Francisco Chavez creates a balance between the generous use of imagination with logically paced plot. Each story kept me from some much desired sleep with witty dialogue and often surprising conclusions. Often the author leaves us with cliffhangers that bring the arc to a satisfying end but also leave one reflecting on the fate of the characters and the resulting implications on the real world.

It's the realist aspect of these stories that makes them particularly special. The writer carefully curates each tale ranging from the mysterious to the thriller oriented to scary monster stories. While it might be easier to rely on spectacle, shock value and formula, the author instead rises to the challenge each time to write something new but equally terrifying.

Fear highlights the threats and terrors that put humans most on edge - loss of love, control, life, loyalty and power.






1 review
April 14, 2025
Great book. I love short stories, I love thrillers/horror and I love fast paced! This book of short stories has it all. Each story is so different and so entertaining. Most of them are fast paced and some really get your heart racing, especially my favourite one, The Journey. I certainly recommend, and especially if you need some bursts of heart racing entertainment! Great read!
332 reviews31 followers
October 22, 2024
Jose Fransico’s anthology, “FEAR”, delves into the multifaceted nature of fear, presenting eight distinct short stories that span genres from thriller to science fiction. This masterful collection captures the essence of fear, showcasing its capacity to paralyze or propel us forward. With a mix of heart-pounding suspense and quieter, reflective moments, Fransico expertly weaves together a nuanced exploration of fear’s various forms.

Each story stands alone, yet collectively they resonate on a personal level, confronting readers with universal fears: fear of loss, fear of the unknown, and primal fears. This anthology lingers long after the final page, leaving readers both unsettled and contemplative. Some stories deliver pure adrenaline, while others build slow-burning tension that seeps into the mind.

“FEAR” transcends mere horror, inviting readers to ponder fear’s role in everyday life. Perfect for fans of mixed genres and relatable themes, this collection will keep you on the edge of your seat and challenge your perspectives on fear. Fransico’s work is ideal for readers seeking a thought-provoking exploration of fear, a genre-bending anthology, or stories that linger long after finishing the book.

“FEAR” is a must-read for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers, science fiction, or literary fiction with a darker edge. Fransico’s masterful storytelling will leave you reflecting on the human experience and the complexities of fear. With its diverse range of themes and styles, this anthology is sure to captivate readers and leave a lasting impression.
Profile Image for Jorge Chavez.
1 review1 follower
August 14, 2025
An amazing compilation of short stories that dives deeply into different perspectives of the same emotion we have all experienced - Fear.
I really loved to pick up the book and read something new, exciting and very different each time.
Big fan of the raw and unique horror story telling found on the book.
Not only you will understand fear but you will also experience it.
1 review
September 7, 2024
An unforgettable collection of stories. I was lucky enough to read this collection of stories, and they really made an impact on me. Each one is unique, but what ties them all together is José's captivating writing style. It's completely engaging and keeps you hooked, wanting to find out what happens next. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to get lost in a great read. A Must-Read Experience.
Profile Image for Donna C.K.
128 reviews3 followers
October 2, 2024
I haven't read horror novels/stories since the mid-1990s, so when the opportunity was presented to dip my toe in those waters again, I grabbed it, and I'm pleased I did. Thanks to the author Jose Chavez for gifting me an e-ARC.

I like what he's done in his debut work. He chose fear, an emotion that affects most, if not all individuals, at some point in their lives and gives the reader multiple stories that are gripping, thrilling, and interesting.
Each of the stories in this collection is centred around the theme of fear, which fuels
and drives some people or cripples others.
The stories are all imaginative and different. You will find a crime story, which was my favourite, thrillers, romance, albeit tragic, Sci-fi, and a retelling of one of my favourite childhood stories, The Pied Piper.
My favourites are: Monster, Dead Tongues, and The Journey.

Before starting, I thought I'd be unable to sleep but that was not the case and I am grateful for this. I didn't find any of the stories overly gory. The imagery and story telling are really good and I felt the emotions of the characters as I read along. I was there in the moment.

What the author did that I liked a lot was go beyond the story. This caused me to pause multiple times will reading to think about the underlying messages in that story whether it was how people with means think so little of those who don't, fear of the unknown and trying something new, fear of the past, fear of loss, and fear of repressed memories.
The collection also explores how we interact with us other, the social strata that exists, how human beings and robots can work together for good, what we as individuals are willing to do to survive and who the real monsters are.

I will forever speak about short stories and short story collections/anthologies and how great they are if you want to read multiple stories with different characters and views. For people who want to ease back into reading and those in a reading slump, I always recommend them.

If you are like me and want to ease back into this genre or try a new one, Fear is a good place to start.
Profile Image for Jithendra Jithu.
2,375 reviews124 followers
March 29, 2025
FEAR by Jose Trevino Chavez 🤩📚🥰📚

🔥 Fear—it’s what keeps us alive, yet it’s what holds us back. It’s our greatest survival instinct and our worst nightmare. 🔥

Rating:5/5

Review:

👉In FEAR, Jose Trevino Chavez takes readers on a thrilling, thought-provoking journey through eight incredibly unique short stories, each exploring a different side of this powerful emotion. Covering multiple genres—thriller, tragic romance, crime, sci-fi, and more—this book is an emotional rollercoaster that will keep you glued to every page!

👉From the very first story, I was hooked! The writing is fast-paced, vivid, and immersive, making you feel every ounce of tension, dread, and suspense. Each story is completely different, yet they all connect through one universal truth—fear is an emotion we can’t escape. Some characters crumble under it, while others use it as fuel to fight for survival. 😱🔥

👉What I loved most was the depth of each story. It’s not just about scary moments—it’s about the way fear shapes us as people. Whether it’s the fear of the unknown, fear of losing someone, or fear of facing the truth, every story left a lasting impact. Some were heart-wrenching, others shocking, and a few even made me pause and reflect. The twists?? Absolutely mind-blowing! 🤯

👉This book is a must-read for anyone who loves suspenseful, intense storytelling with layers of emotion! 🥰📚🔥 If you enjoy stories that challenge your emotions, make your pulse race, and leave you thinking long after you finish, FEAR is the perfect book for you!

Happy reading 😁

#BookReview
162 reviews8 followers
October 14, 2024
*Fear* by Jose Trevino Chavez is an incredible exploration of fear in all its forms. This collection of eight short stories masterfully takes readers through a range of emotions, and each story offers a unique perspective on how fear impacts people. From thrilling crime plots to heart-wrenching tragedies and even science fiction, every genre feels fresh and gripping.

What I really appreciated was how diverse the stories were—not just in genre, but in how they portrayed fear. Some characters are paralyzed by it, while others are fueled to take action. The variety keeps you on your toes, never knowing what type of fear you’ll encounter next. Each story left me reflecting on my own experiences with fear and how it can both hinder and motivate us in life.

Chavez does a fantastic job of creating vivid, complex characters in such short spaces, which made the emotional impact of each story even more powerful. Whether you’re drawn to suspense, tragedy, or sci-fi, there’s something in here for everyone. This book made me think deeply about how fear shapes us all. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking, intense reads!
Profile Image for RowdyPlayer1.
98 reviews11 followers
October 12, 2025
Really enjoyed the short stories in this. My favorites were The Banquet, Hunger, and Patient #41. they are all good, but these are the standouts to me. They are all quick, fast paces and to the point. The only thing that I wish was that they were longer because some of these stories would be incredible if they were longer. I know that's not the point of a short story collects, but I want more!! LOL
1 review
January 19, 2025
This collection of short stories is an impressive first offering by author, Jose Francisco Trevino Chavez. Well-developed tones, witty phrasing and vivid imagery kept me thoroughly engaged and excited to keep reading.

I would not be surprised to see several of these stories adapted for the screen.

Altogether a worthy and enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Letty.
11 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2024
These short stories were enticing and once I begin reading I couldn’t put it down! If you’re into thrillers and horror, I highly recommend these! He is very descriptive and sets the scene just right where I can feel, smell and see what the characters in the book are experiencing!
Profile Image for Jan Miklaszewicz.
Author 16 books57 followers
October 10, 2025
A solid and engaging set of horror shorts, with some genuinely creepy scenes and striking images. My current favourites are ‘Patient #41’ (ick, scary) and ‘Timmy Is Back’ (ick, wtf, great ending). Good stuff.
Profile Image for Spencer.
29 reviews
November 4, 2025
Yet another wonderful recommendation from a friend. Didn't know it would be a set of shorts when I picked it up, was handed off from said friend so totally on me there..

I found this easy to read one story and come back to later.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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