What do you think?
Rate this book
What Dances in the Dark: a collection of short horror stories
Thirteen Stories. Thirteen Terrors. From the shadows of ancient myths to the horrors lurking in quiet towns, this chilling anthology weaves together thirteen tales of terror, folklore, and the unknown.
🩸 A city trembles as a forgotten colossus stirs beneath Tokyo.
🩸 A small American town harbors a cult with secrets older than the land itself.
🩸 A woman discovers an unblinking eye staring from her bathroom wall.
🩸 A child hears relentless tapping on his window—two stories above the ground.
🩸 A grieving mother finds solace in the presence of something… not quite human.
Rooted in the eerie whispers of global folklore, this collection is perfect for fans of Junji Ito and Lovecraftian horror. Whether drawn from ancient legends or born from the fears we dare not name, these stories will haunt your dreams long after the last page is turned.
Dare to enter? Read at your own risk.
🩸 A city trembles as a forgotten colossus stirs beneath Tokyo.
🩸 A small American town harbors a cult with secrets older than the land itself.
🩸 A woman discovers an unblinking eye staring from her bathroom wall.
🩸 A child hears relentless tapping on his window—two stories above the ground.
🩸 A grieving mother finds solace in the presence of something… not quite human.
Rooted in the eerie whispers of global folklore, this collection is perfect for fans of Junji Ito and Lovecraftian horror. Whether drawn from ancient legends or born from the fears we dare not name, these stories will haunt your dreams long after the last page is turned.
Dare to enter? Read at your own risk.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2025
1 person is currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Shawn Brooks
7 books28 followersSHAWN BROOKS loves the dark. He was born in the mountains of Lake Tahoe. After traveling the world he washed ashore in his current home near Kyoto, Japan. He writes horror fiction and non-fiction travel memoirs. His work has been published in the Japan Times. He enjoys hiking with his Siberian husky and paddle boarding serene lakes with unknown terrors below.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 24, 2025
What Dances in the Dark is a collection of thirteen supernatural horror stories of the mysterious and creepy variety. But under that general umbrella of quiet, ghostly horror, author Shawn Brooks touches on a wide range of sub-genres, including psychological, folk, occult and dystopian. Each selection is relatively short and the author has a well-written and accessible style that makes it easy for the reader to get sucked into the stories immediately.
There are familiar elements to a couple of the tales, and homages to other well-known works and tropes that many horror lovers will recognize. For example, the story "Tornaq," about a fur trapper seeking answers to the sudden abandonment of an Arctic village and the disappearance of its residents, called to mind Dan Simmons' The Terror, while another story conjured up scenes from a childhood favorite film, "Cat's Eye." In the the author's note at the end of the book, Brooks acknowledges these references openly. But the stories also display his own unusual spin on these themes. I thought the description of the force behind an apocalyptic America in "Fish Hooks," was novel and delightfully dark, and "The Man with the Glass Bones" was a unique take on cult horror. Other favorites included the Japanese folk horror stories "Face" and "Ubume," and the weird psychological horror "Fried Rice."
I was impressed by this collection and will definitely check out more books by the author.
There are familiar elements to a couple of the tales, and homages to other well-known works and tropes that many horror lovers will recognize. For example, the story "Tornaq," about a fur trapper seeking answers to the sudden abandonment of an Arctic village and the disappearance of its residents, called to mind Dan Simmons' The Terror, while another story conjured up scenes from a childhood favorite film, "Cat's Eye." In the the author's note at the end of the book, Brooks acknowledges these references openly. But the stories also display his own unusual spin on these themes. I thought the description of the force behind an apocalyptic America in "Fish Hooks," was novel and delightfully dark, and "The Man with the Glass Bones" was a unique take on cult horror. Other favorites included the Japanese folk horror stories "Face" and "Ubume," and the weird psychological horror "Fried Rice."
I was impressed by this collection and will definitely check out more books by the author.
February 13, 2025
What Dances in the Dark is Brooks’ first short story horror anthology and his ability to immerse his readers in some seriously disturbing and grotesques stories is a testament to his writing skills. Consisting of 13 stories, Brooks switches it up with each new tale. Everything from a cult in a small American town to a creature emerging from the depths beneath Tokyo.
Brooks experiments with different points of view and different types of horror and this collection will appeal to many readers because of not only this experimentation but also for the way he grabs the readers’ attention and sucks you into the stories.
Standout stories for me include: Longing told from the point of view of the monster; The Face which unlocked childhood trauma of looking out into the darkness; The White Feather club with its nod to a Japanese legend; Fish Hooks, an apocalyptical tale which I loved and want to be expanded into a longer novella or novel.
The story that stood out the most for me in this collection is Ubume. Another tale based on Japanese legend, this story made me bawl my eyes out. It’s not too often that a story will get me so emotional but the heaviness of this tale absolutely had me in pieces.
If you’re looking for an anthology that covers a variety of horror types, delivers on the creepy and sinister as well as the grotesque vibes, What Dances in the Dark needs to be on your radar. You could easily read this book in one sitting but be prepared to keep your eyes on the dark corners of your room when you do so.
What Dances in the Dark is out now. 4.5⭐️ Thanks to the author for the arc.
Brooks experiments with different points of view and different types of horror and this collection will appeal to many readers because of not only this experimentation but also for the way he grabs the readers’ attention and sucks you into the stories.
Standout stories for me include: Longing told from the point of view of the monster; The Face which unlocked childhood trauma of looking out into the darkness; The White Feather club with its nod to a Japanese legend; Fish Hooks, an apocalyptical tale which I loved and want to be expanded into a longer novella or novel.
The story that stood out the most for me in this collection is Ubume. Another tale based on Japanese legend, this story made me bawl my eyes out. It’s not too often that a story will get me so emotional but the heaviness of this tale absolutely had me in pieces.
If you’re looking for an anthology that covers a variety of horror types, delivers on the creepy and sinister as well as the grotesque vibes, What Dances in the Dark needs to be on your radar. You could easily read this book in one sitting but be prepared to keep your eyes on the dark corners of your room when you do so.
What Dances in the Dark is out now. 4.5⭐️ Thanks to the author for the arc.
June 24, 2025
When I organized an ARC of What Dances in the Dark: a collection of short horror stories, I had a strong desire to read a horror anthology. This whim comes over me again and again because I want to discover new authors in the genre. A collection of their stories is always a good way to see how they write. I've found that a short story is often not enough to determine whether I want to read more from someone.
Looking back, I really liked the collection. As with any horror story collection, there are stories that resonate with me (Ubume) and those that don't (The White Feather Club). I'm a huge fan of Japanese ghost stories and love the fact that some of the stories are set in Japan. I lived in Tokyo for three years myself and could strongly identify with some of the stories (Fried Rice, Foundations). I like the mix of the everyday and the fantastical.
The author's writing is very atmospheric, which is always a plus in the horror genre. I found the characters in most of the stories very tangible and relatable. Not everyone can achieve that in so few words.
In summary, I had a great time with the book and am very grateful to have been able to check it out. My interest in horror is returning, even if it's sometimes difficult in the height of summer. The stories are best read individually and let them sink in for a while. For me, it was totally worth it.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Looking back, I really liked the collection. As with any horror story collection, there are stories that resonate with me (Ubume) and those that don't (The White Feather Club). I'm a huge fan of Japanese ghost stories and love the fact that some of the stories are set in Japan. I lived in Tokyo for three years myself and could strongly identify with some of the stories (Fried Rice, Foundations). I like the mix of the everyday and the fantastical.
The author's writing is very atmospheric, which is always a plus in the horror genre. I found the characters in most of the stories very tangible and relatable. Not everyone can achieve that in so few words.
In summary, I had a great time with the book and am very grateful to have been able to check it out. My interest in horror is returning, even if it's sometimes difficult in the height of summer. The stories are best read individually and let them sink in for a while. For me, it was totally worth it.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2025
4.5🌟
What dances in the dark is a short horror story anthology with a great diversity in topics. Some folk, some paranormal and even apocalyptic horror. My personal favorite stories were Fried rice and The face which were downright scary! Followed by Fish hooks, Daughter of spring and The man with the glass bones which were dark, unsettling and even emotional. But all were solid and scary tales for sure. Definitely an author to keep an eye on and I can’t wait to read more anthologies of Shawn Brooks! 🤩
What dances in the dark is a short horror story anthology with a great diversity in topics. Some folk, some paranormal and even apocalyptic horror. My personal favorite stories were Fried rice and The face which were downright scary! Followed by Fish hooks, Daughter of spring and The man with the glass bones which were dark, unsettling and even emotional. But all were solid and scary tales for sure. Definitely an author to keep an eye on and I can’t wait to read more anthologies of Shawn Brooks! 🤩
January 31, 2025
4.5 stars!
This just might be one of the most diverse horror anthologies I have ever read! What Dances in the Dark incorporates diverse subgenres of horror that present as a unified piece of literature that dynamically changes gears, thus, offering more range, creativity, innovation, and unpredictability. It is abundantly clear that the author has been inspired by a large variety of horror literature such as slasher horror, folk horror, nostalgia horror, eldritch horror, Japanese horror, paranormal horror, indigenous horror, and more. The use of folklore and urban legends adds not only mystery and intrigue to the different pieces but produces an eerie, nature-bound, raw horror atmosphere. The overall vivid horror imagery and high-stakes, anxiety-inducing pressure generate both excitement and nervousness and elevate the stories' creepy artistic ambience.
However, the pieces shine mostly due to the author's fundamental understanding of people, places, and cultures. This anthology is inundated with familial and romantic relationships that feel real and aim to settle a story as a complete work with a horror premise and chilling moments of fright but also innate portrayals of grief, loneliness, happiness, child innocence, job insecurity, etc.
All of the stories end on a kind of cliffhanger with no real resolution. These playful teases present some ambiguity in my feelings as a reader. On the one hand, each story has a certain expandability and can be turned into a much larger piece of work; furthermore, the teasing ends deliver a touch of The Unknown which leaves its own impression. But, a lot of times I did wish for a fuller ending because it feels unfair that right as evil is unmasked, the story ends. The sheer curiosity as to what happens next leaves me hanging as a reader.
Nonetheless, What Dances in the Dark is such a well-written and well-researched horror anthology with beautifully imagined scenarios of fright, creepiness, viscera, nature, monstrosities, and otherworldly eeriness!
This just might be one of the most diverse horror anthologies I have ever read! What Dances in the Dark incorporates diverse subgenres of horror that present as a unified piece of literature that dynamically changes gears, thus, offering more range, creativity, innovation, and unpredictability. It is abundantly clear that the author has been inspired by a large variety of horror literature such as slasher horror, folk horror, nostalgia horror, eldritch horror, Japanese horror, paranormal horror, indigenous horror, and more. The use of folklore and urban legends adds not only mystery and intrigue to the different pieces but produces an eerie, nature-bound, raw horror atmosphere. The overall vivid horror imagery and high-stakes, anxiety-inducing pressure generate both excitement and nervousness and elevate the stories' creepy artistic ambience.
However, the pieces shine mostly due to the author's fundamental understanding of people, places, and cultures. This anthology is inundated with familial and romantic relationships that feel real and aim to settle a story as a complete work with a horror premise and chilling moments of fright but also innate portrayals of grief, loneliness, happiness, child innocence, job insecurity, etc.
All of the stories end on a kind of cliffhanger with no real resolution. These playful teases present some ambiguity in my feelings as a reader. On the one hand, each story has a certain expandability and can be turned into a much larger piece of work; furthermore, the teasing ends deliver a touch of The Unknown which leaves its own impression. But, a lot of times I did wish for a fuller ending because it feels unfair that right as evil is unmasked, the story ends. The sheer curiosity as to what happens next leaves me hanging as a reader.
Nonetheless, What Dances in the Dark is such a well-written and well-researched horror anthology with beautifully imagined scenarios of fright, creepiness, viscera, nature, monstrosities, and otherworldly eeriness!
April 16, 2025
Psst… hey, listen. Listen. So. I read this book, and it like spooked me, yeah? It was supposed to be fiction, like that's what it was listed as man but now I'm having these nightmares and they're telling me I gotta write a review.
Wait where're you going? Please don't go! Please, the nightmares - just listen and they'll stop.
Okay, good. Good. Yes, just sit there.
Review… alright here we go.
So the book, it was called What Dances in the Dark by Shawn Brooks, and it was really good. I have plans to read his Japanese folk horror books, so I wanted to see what I was in for with a sort of sample platter. This book is a collection of short stories, each one with it's own unique knife at your throat. They unsettle, twist, unnerve, and creep. The strongest aspect of this collection is the individuality of each tale. Each one posed a unique challenge to the writer, and so offers a special treat for the reader. Yet, they all feel cohesive and form a very nice collection together. Its hard to pick a favorite since they're all great, but I think mine was Tornaq - I think. Reading this has made me very excited to dove into Shawn’s other books.
Wait where're you going? Please don't go! Please, the nightmares - just listen and they'll stop.
Okay, good. Good. Yes, just sit there.
Review… alright here we go.
So the book, it was called What Dances in the Dark by Shawn Brooks, and it was really good. I have plans to read his Japanese folk horror books, so I wanted to see what I was in for with a sort of sample platter. This book is a collection of short stories, each one with it's own unique knife at your throat. They unsettle, twist, unnerve, and creep. The strongest aspect of this collection is the individuality of each tale. Each one posed a unique challenge to the writer, and so offers a special treat for the reader. Yet, they all feel cohesive and form a very nice collection together. Its hard to pick a favorite since they're all great, but I think mine was Tornaq - I think. Reading this has made me very excited to dove into Shawn’s other books.
February 10, 2025
What Dances in the Dark is a fantastic horror anthology, delivering bite-sized scares that keep you on the edge of your seat. Each story is distinct, well-written, and brings something unique to the collection. The first story was one of my favorites, but every tale had me hooked, eager to see where the darkness would lead next.
If you love horror anthologies that offer a mix of chilling, unsettling, and suspenseful tales, this is definitely worth picking up. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 26, 2025
What Dances in the Dark is a chilling, imaginative collection of short horror stories that explore everything from folklore to psychological dread. Shawn Brooks creates unsettling atmospheres with just a few words, and several stories left me thinking long after I finished them. Some were more creepy than outright terrifying, but the variety keeps it engaging. A solid pick for fans of bite-sized horror with a twist. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 2, 2025
This is an excellent collection of mostly Japan-based horror stories, brimming with creepy imagery, wild imagination, and precise, flowing prose. All the stories are gems, original and disturbing, exactly what I'd be after in a collection of this kind. There's marine horror, post-apocalyptic tales, and some downright weird ones. I have my personal standouts though: "The White Feather Club" was a stunning tale of weird/folklore creature feature, probably the best in the collection; "Fried Rice" read like a brilliant creepypasta; "The Face" was a really creepy tale, with a very satisfying ending; but the one I found absolutely exciting was "Fish Hooks"! I cannot recommend it enough. A story that needs to be experienced for oneself, richly imagined and very much emotional how ever you read it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 31, 2025
Normally I don't read anthologies but I really enjoyed this one! The stories were all unique and fairly creepy. I liked some more than others. My only problem was that I wished they were longer and had more detail. I suppose that would defeat the purpose of a book of short stories though!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 1, 2025
🔥 BRO vs. WHAT DANCES IN THE DARK 🔥
🥊 The Book: What Dances in the Dark is Shawn Brooks’ first horror collection, offering a mix of eerie concepts and unsettling stories. Some land with full impact, others pull their punches, but all aim to bring that creeping dread.
💪 The Bro: I don’t usually read a lot of short horror fiction because it’s tough to nail that perfect balance between being sharp and actually terrifying. More often than not, I walk away thinking, Well, that was fine. But I was curious to see if this collection could change my mind.
🥊 ROUND 1: First Impressions
• Strong writing—clean and effective without getting bogged down in overly complex prose.
• Premises are intriguing across the board, even if not all of them stick the landing.
• Definitely leans into the kind of horror that makes for a cozy but eerie night of reading.
🥊 ROUND 2: Midway Feels
• “The White Feather Club” & “The Face” – Killer concepts that set up something fantastic but don’t quite deliver that knockout punch at the end.
• A lot of the stories fall into the “good, not great” category—enjoyable, just missing that extra oomph.
• Pacing stays strong throughout, making it an easy, engaging read.
🥊 ROUND 3: Final Verdict
• “Longing” & “Daughter of Spring” – The clear standouts. Both take their concepts and push them to full impact, showing what the author is really capable of.
• The collection as a whole doesn’t hit great, but it’s consistently good, which is more than I can say for a lot of short horror collections.
• Leaves me curious to see what Brooks does next—because when he does land a story, it hits hard.
🔥 FINAL BELL: The ARC Bro Scorecard 🔥
🛎️ Split Decision – A solid horror collection with some real highlights. Worth a read if you like short horror!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🥊 The Book: What Dances in the Dark is Shawn Brooks’ first horror collection, offering a mix of eerie concepts and unsettling stories. Some land with full impact, others pull their punches, but all aim to bring that creeping dread.
💪 The Bro: I don’t usually read a lot of short horror fiction because it’s tough to nail that perfect balance between being sharp and actually terrifying. More often than not, I walk away thinking, Well, that was fine. But I was curious to see if this collection could change my mind.
🥊 ROUND 1: First Impressions
• Strong writing—clean and effective without getting bogged down in overly complex prose.
• Premises are intriguing across the board, even if not all of them stick the landing.
• Definitely leans into the kind of horror that makes for a cozy but eerie night of reading.
🥊 ROUND 2: Midway Feels
• “The White Feather Club” & “The Face” – Killer concepts that set up something fantastic but don’t quite deliver that knockout punch at the end.
• A lot of the stories fall into the “good, not great” category—enjoyable, just missing that extra oomph.
• Pacing stays strong throughout, making it an easy, engaging read.
🥊 ROUND 3: Final Verdict
• “Longing” & “Daughter of Spring” – The clear standouts. Both take their concepts and push them to full impact, showing what the author is really capable of.
• The collection as a whole doesn’t hit great, but it’s consistently good, which is more than I can say for a lot of short horror collections.
• Leaves me curious to see what Brooks does next—because when he does land a story, it hits hard.
🔥 FINAL BELL: The ARC Bro Scorecard 🔥
🛎️ Split Decision – A solid horror collection with some real highlights. Worth a read if you like short horror!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 20, 2025
Another fabulous collection by Shawn Brooks! Love Japanese horror? Then What Dances in the Dark by Shawn Brooks (author of The Black Sun series) is a collection you don’t want to miss. Many of these stories are set in Japan, and every one of them carries that distinct, lingering eeriness that makes the genre so addictive. The atmosphere is dark, subtle, and wonderfully creepy.
A few of my favorites:
- The Face – A family living deep in a remote forest discovers they aren’t as alone as they thought.
- The Thing in the Closet – A first-person descent into unraveling sanity that's completely believable.
- Tornaq - one of the few stories not based in Japan, it tells the story of a disappearing native village in the northern wilds of Canada.
If you enjoy folklore-tinged horror, psychological chills, or stories that quietly burrow under your skin, this collection is absolutely worth your time. Perfect for reading late at night.
This is the second collection by Brooks that I've really enjoyed! (Pine Haven -Short Horror Stories is his other one)
I received a free Epub from BookSirens. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
A few of my favorites:
- The Face – A family living deep in a remote forest discovers they aren’t as alone as they thought.
- The Thing in the Closet – A first-person descent into unraveling sanity that's completely believable.
- Tornaq - one of the few stories not based in Japan, it tells the story of a disappearing native village in the northern wilds of Canada.
If you enjoy folklore-tinged horror, psychological chills, or stories that quietly burrow under your skin, this collection is absolutely worth your time. Perfect for reading late at night.
This is the second collection by Brooks that I've really enjoyed! (Pine Haven -Short Horror Stories is his other one)
I received a free Epub from BookSirens. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2025
This collection blew me away with its originality and excellent execution! Shawn Brooks has a frank, straightforward style that really lets the unique features of the stories shine through. I never felt like any of the stories were padded for word count or that any of them were half-baked - each came through fully in its own way. I never knew what was coming next - would I be reading a modern ghost story grappling with grief through terror's lens, or a blood-soaked apocalypse with an ending I couldn't see coming? I loved the variety of voices, subjects, and settings throughout.
My personal favorite stories were Longing and Ubume. Longing works in a really subtle, slow way despite being fairly short and the style appealed to my Gothic sensibilities in a way that makes me think it will be a hit with fans of Nosferatu. Ubume dealt with some unexpectedly poignant themes and I loved the power and depth of the ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My personal favorite stories were Longing and Ubume. Longing works in a really subtle, slow way despite being fairly short and the style appealed to my Gothic sensibilities in a way that makes me think it will be a hit with fans of Nosferatu. Ubume dealt with some unexpectedly poignant themes and I loved the power and depth of the ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 28, 2025
I read this anthology at the request of the author. While I normally don’t enjoy anthologies (completely a me problem and never an author problem), I actually enjoyed this one! I think the problem is I want more! More of the characters, more of the plot, more information! But I ended up enjoying most of these despite them being short stories.
I’ve never reviewed an anthology before, so this might be weird. I don’t want to go through each story and review, that would take forever. For sure, I enjoyed some of the stories more than others, but overall they were all enjoyable and spooky. The stories are widely varied, there’s no common theme, which I liked. Several of them are pretty unhinged, which I loved. Few had surprise twists, which I also loved! This is a fun collection worthy of your time.
If you have read or plan to read this collection, I’d love your thoughts! The only thing more fun than the reading is discussing the reading. I hope you decide to pick up a copy, as these stories are pretty horrifying and great.
I’ve never reviewed an anthology before, so this might be weird. I don’t want to go through each story and review, that would take forever. For sure, I enjoyed some of the stories more than others, but overall they were all enjoyable and spooky. The stories are widely varied, there’s no common theme, which I liked. Several of them are pretty unhinged, which I loved. Few had surprise twists, which I also loved! This is a fun collection worthy of your time.
If you have read or plan to read this collection, I’d love your thoughts! The only thing more fun than the reading is discussing the reading. I hope you decide to pick up a copy, as these stories are pretty horrifying and great.
February 20, 2025
What Dances in the Dark was my first book by author Shawn Brooks and I loved this whole collection of short horror stories.
Many, but not all, of those stories are set in Japan, which is perfect for horror stories. We get a lot of folklore in here, there are cults, distopian settings but also grief and the occasional monster from the woods. It‘s a mixed bag of the finest, and that’s exactly what it felt like to read this book.
The writing is superb, it never became boring, we have many great ideas and a handful of gore. What could you possibly want more from a collection like this?
For me, Daughter of Spring, The Face and Longing were outstanding. Brooks knows how to play with different POVs and that’s what makes his stories so unique.
I‘ll definitely read more by him and I recommend these short stories to everyone who‘s into folk horror or wants to dip their toe into it!
Thanks for providing me with a free arc for this one! This review is my honest opinion in exchange for it.
Many, but not all, of those stories are set in Japan, which is perfect for horror stories. We get a lot of folklore in here, there are cults, distopian settings but also grief and the occasional monster from the woods. It‘s a mixed bag of the finest, and that’s exactly what it felt like to read this book.
The writing is superb, it never became boring, we have many great ideas and a handful of gore. What could you possibly want more from a collection like this?
For me, Daughter of Spring, The Face and Longing were outstanding. Brooks knows how to play with different POVs and that’s what makes his stories so unique.
I‘ll definitely read more by him and I recommend these short stories to everyone who‘s into folk horror or wants to dip their toe into it!
Thanks for providing me with a free arc for this one! This review is my honest opinion in exchange for it.
April 4, 2025
Really great short horror collection! A number of pretty inventive twists throughout—several stories went in directions I absolutely didn’t expect, which is rare and super satisfying. The tone shifts nicely between eerie, unsettling, and outright disturbing without ever feeling repetitive.
My favorites were “Fried Rice,” “Daughter of Spring,” and “Fish Hooks”—each one had such a distinct voice and atmosphere. “Fried Rice” had this creeping dread that just kept building, “Daughter of Spring” was mythic and haunting in a way that stuck with me, and “Fish Hooks”… that one was wild. Disturbing in the best way.
Definitely recommended for fans of short-form horror with a bite.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My favorites were “Fried Rice,” “Daughter of Spring,” and “Fish Hooks”—each one had such a distinct voice and atmosphere. “Fried Rice” had this creeping dread that just kept building, “Daughter of Spring” was mythic and haunting in a way that stuck with me, and “Fish Hooks”… that one was wild. Disturbing in the best way.
Definitely recommended for fans of short-form horror with a bite.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 31, 2025
Rating: 4/5 stars
Absolutely loved this collection, just like I expected I would! By now you'd know how much of a fan I am of Shawn's works.
Every single story pulled me in, true some weird a bit hard to get into at first, but quickly the fog cleared up and I found myself at the edge of my seat.
I really enjoyed the mix of eerie, unsettling, and downright creepy. Shawn has such a great way of building tension and atmosphere, making even the shortest stories feel immersive. The writing was solid, and I found myself thinking about a few of these long after I finished.
Definitely a must-read for horror fans, and I’ll be looking forward to whatever Shawn writes next!
Absolutely loved this collection, just like I expected I would! By now you'd know how much of a fan I am of Shawn's works.
Every single story pulled me in, true some weird a bit hard to get into at first, but quickly the fog cleared up and I found myself at the edge of my seat.
I really enjoyed the mix of eerie, unsettling, and downright creepy. Shawn has such a great way of building tension and atmosphere, making even the shortest stories feel immersive. The writing was solid, and I found myself thinking about a few of these long after I finished.
Definitely a must-read for horror fans, and I’ll be looking forward to whatever Shawn writes next!
April 17, 2025
I’ve rated each short story and ordered them from the one I liked most to the one I liked least.
I generally look for pacing, suspense, horror, and the ability to world build/plot.
Ubume- 10/10
Daughter of Spring - 9.5/10
Fish Hooks - 9/10
Tornaq - 9/10
Foundations - 9/10
Smile Wide for Me - 8.5/10
Longing - 8.5/10
Fried rice - 8.5/10
Pitter- Patter Go the Feet - 8/10
The White Feather Club - 7.5/10
The Face - 7.5/10
The Thing in the Closet - 7/10
The Man With the Glass Bones - 7/10
This averages to about 83% which is a four star read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I generally look for pacing, suspense, horror, and the ability to world build/plot.
Ubume- 10/10
Daughter of Spring - 9.5/10
Fish Hooks - 9/10
Tornaq - 9/10
Foundations - 9/10
Smile Wide for Me - 8.5/10
Longing - 8.5/10
Fried rice - 8.5/10
Pitter- Patter Go the Feet - 8/10
The White Feather Club - 7.5/10
The Face - 7.5/10
The Thing in the Closet - 7/10
The Man With the Glass Bones - 7/10
This averages to about 83% which is a four star read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 12, 2025
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoy horror stories that are more psychological in nature rather than just straight gore. This book fit the bill. Several short horror stories compiled into one book. Many of the stories gave off vibes of previously told urban legends or myths, but with an individual twist. I think "Longing" was probably my favorite. But "Ubume" was a close second. A quick read that kept my interest and was easy to follow, but will have you looking over your shoulder when you're alone at night. Could use a little bit of a polish to correct a couple typos and make everything flow a little more smoothly, but overall I recommend.
I really enjoy horror stories that are more psychological in nature rather than just straight gore. This book fit the bill. Several short horror stories compiled into one book. Many of the stories gave off vibes of previously told urban legends or myths, but with an individual twist. I think "Longing" was probably my favorite. But "Ubume" was a close second. A quick read that kept my interest and was easy to follow, but will have you looking over your shoulder when you're alone at night. Could use a little bit of a polish to correct a couple typos and make everything flow a little more smoothly, but overall I recommend.
February 6, 2025
This was an excellent collection of short stories. They were well-written and all over the place in the content and experience. Some of these were downright bizarre… and I loved it. "The Thing in the Closet" was dark and very disturbing. "Pitter-Patter Go the Feet" seemed like it was taken from some Norwegian folk-lore. "Fried Rice", "Foundations", "Tornaq"… all very different and all very well done. This was just a great collection.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 10, 2025
"What Dances in the Dark" is a creepy, atmospheric collection that takes everyday moments and turns them into pure nightmare fuel. From finding an eye in your bathroom wall to a boy hearing strange taps on his window and roof, each story pulls you deeper into unsettling territory. The stories are packed with tension and spine-chilling imagery, making you question what's lurking in the shadows long after you finish reading.
4/5 Stars!
Thanks to BookSirens for the Arc!
4/5 Stars!
Thanks to BookSirens for the Arc!
February 12, 2025
I really wanted to like this anthology. I didn't hate it, the stories all started out great. The problem for me was that I felt there was so much missing from each story. Some of the stories started out strong but fizzled out at the end. The epilogue gave more insight than the stories did. The anthology felt rushed and key details were left open.
January 12, 2025
First book by this author I have read, it is a good collection of different short stories I really enjoyed them & each one is different so there is something for everyone I will look for further books by this author.
January 18, 2025
A nice selection of short horror stories, one very visual and the other that leaves a lot to the imagination. There is a lot of variety in the stories. Definitely looking forward to more from this author
January 27, 2025
I like short horror stories and absolutely loved this book. I was a little confused every now and then, but besides that and some spelling mistakes, it was really good. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Always love reviewing books like this.
February 9, 2025
This collection of stories ranges between good and excellent. They are all original and well paced. Love the twist at the end. Many of the stories are Japan themed. I recommend this collection to those who love new writers with great imaginations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2025
I really enjoyed these creepy stories! I think there’s something for all fans of different types of horror in it. Some stories had me gasping while others lingered in my mind.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 14, 2025
Very good collection of horror short stories!
I didn’t really understand the second 1 but the rest was great.
Good writing, creepy, and unique takes on horror tropes
I didn’t really understand the second 1 but the rest was great.
Good writing, creepy, and unique takes on horror tropes
February 5, 2025
What happens when you steal a toy and its owner wants it back? Becareful what you wish for. It could be dangerous. These and other frightening tales await.
May 14, 2025
This was a nice book in terms of the fact the stories were short, easy to follow, and quick reads. I do wish some of them were longer, or even turned into 150 page stories themselves as there were lots of areas in some stories that I thought had potential to be filled out.
Some didnt peak my interest, but given that there are 13 stories within this book, theres bound to be at least one or 2 that just dont grab your attention and thats ok.
these stories are really easy to read - with short sentences that make it easy to pick up again after putting it down - easy read before bed, on the bus, on lunch break or simply when you have a 10 minute break.
I received an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Some didnt peak my interest, but given that there are 13 stories within this book, theres bound to be at least one or 2 that just dont grab your attention and thats ok.
these stories are really easy to read - with short sentences that make it easy to pick up again after putting it down - easy read before bed, on the bus, on lunch break or simply when you have a 10 minute break.
I received an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews