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Reap, Sow
The halls are familiar. Lucianne "Lucky" Boyle knows that much. But how she came to be in this strange place that tries to make itself look like home is a mystery. Filled with doors that have no handles, rooms that shift to almost familiar, and faceless people in blue, Lucky is determined to find a way out to get back to her family and the man she loves. Until her family starts to show up, one by one, to lead her down a dark and twisted path that ends in a terrible truth.
- GenresHorror
Unknown Binding
Published March 24, 2025
36 people want to read
About the author
S.H. Cooper
19 books136 followersS.H. Cooper is a Florida based, multi-genre author with a focus on horror and fantasy. Her titles include the Victorian gothic novella, INHERITING HER GHOSTS, the cosmic horror novella, THE FESTERING ONES, and the YA fantasy novel, THE KNIGHT'S DAUGHTER, in addition to three short story collections and the horror comedy podcast, Calling Darkness. She is also a regular contributor to the award winning anthology series, The NoSleep Podcast. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband, pets, and a cup of Earl Grey.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 7, 2025
Lucky wakes up in a corridor containing doors with no knobs and faceless people hunting for her. Where is she? How did she get here? How does she escape this place?
S.H. Cooper takes us inside this house of horrors as Lucky finds her way around and encounters her relatives as her past slowly unravels in her brain and before our eyes as doors finally start opening.
This novelette is very dark and atmospheric. Being in this corridor with Lucky at the start made me feel claustrophobic and antsy. The pacing and length of the story are perfection, and it wraps up very nicely. I definitely recommend giving this horror story a go!
Release Day is March 24, 2025
Disclaimer: The author was kind enough to send me a digital copy, and I'm voluntary reviewing it. Thank you to S.H. Cooper!
S.H. Cooper takes us inside this house of horrors as Lucky finds her way around and encounters her relatives as her past slowly unravels in her brain and before our eyes as doors finally start opening.
This novelette is very dark and atmospheric. Being in this corridor with Lucky at the start made me feel claustrophobic and antsy. The pacing and length of the story are perfection, and it wraps up very nicely. I definitely recommend giving this horror story a go!
Release Day is March 24, 2025
Disclaimer: The author was kind enough to send me a digital copy, and I'm voluntary reviewing it. Thank you to S.H. Cooper!
March 4, 2025
For being a shorter length novella I was pleasantly surprised by how much dread and anguish is packed into the narrative. A story of deep seated guilt and grief and a surprise of an ending.
Luci, known as Lucky, is trapped at the beginning of this book. She's in a liminal space full of doors with no handles, endless hallways, an ever shifting environment, and an old lady with hatred in her eyes chasing Lucky.
She begins to see warped versions of her family. She's desperate to get back to them but these versions of them are horrific and bloody.
We'll eventually see what this all means. It's a grief filled story of brutality and a deep guilt which she can't escape. This is a fantasticlly creepy novella which delivers an emotional and horrifying punch. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book through Booksirens. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Luci, known as Lucky, is trapped at the beginning of this book. She's in a liminal space full of doors with no handles, endless hallways, an ever shifting environment, and an old lady with hatred in her eyes chasing Lucky.
She begins to see warped versions of her family. She's desperate to get back to them but these versions of them are horrific and bloody.
We'll eventually see what this all means. It's a grief filled story of brutality and a deep guilt which she can't escape. This is a fantasticlly creepy novella which delivers an emotional and horrifying punch. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book through Booksirens. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
December 24, 2024
A very disturbing, nightmarish, and almost chaotic telling from the first point of view of a woman's struggle to understand where she is, what she has done to be placed there, and what the meaning of her wandering is. She's persecuted by an old woman who seems to be the woman's personal nemesis. Bit by bit, things clear up and the revelation comes precisely the moment it should. Recommended for atmosphere, mood, the acute sense of being lost, and the thoughtful ending.
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.
December 20, 2024
This week, I got the chance to read an ARC of this awesome novelette, and I was hooked instantly.
When Lucky finds herself inside a long corridor with closed doors that have no handles and faceless people who hunt her down, she doesn't know what's going on. But as her family members start showing up, the past returns with a vengeance...
Wow. This story is as dark as it is fantastic. I enjoyed every minute of it and loved how the mystery started to unravel. It's raw and tragic, full of heartbreak and the worst kind of betrayal. It's about the worst choices we make and how easily they can ruin our lives and chase us forever.
Loved it!!
When Lucky finds herself inside a long corridor with closed doors that have no handles and faceless people who hunt her down, she doesn't know what's going on. But as her family members start showing up, the past returns with a vengeance...
Wow. This story is as dark as it is fantastic. I enjoyed every minute of it and loved how the mystery started to unravel. It's raw and tragic, full of heartbreak and the worst kind of betrayal. It's about the worst choices we make and how easily they can ruin our lives and chase us forever.
Loved it!!
February 15, 2025
*3.5 stars rounded up
Reap, Sow by S.H. Cooper is a psychological horror that see's our protagonist waking up in an unknown, terrifying world where she is continuously tormented and haunted. This story takes us on a journey with Lucky as she struggles to understand this unsettling hallways, scenes and entities that are following her. Readers will soon piece together the truth as Lucky's dark history is revealed.
This story starts off quite chaotic and disorienting, making it hard for readers to keep track of the plot. Even though the beginning was quite confusing, the story soon gains momentum in the second half as the pieces begin falling into place. The twist at the end will genuinely take readers by surprise, leaving readers with an array of emotions.
Upon finishing the book, you can see how important the chaos and confusion was at the beginning for readers and it really does have a huge impact once revelations are made. Despite its confusing start, this novel ultimately delivers an intriguing, and unpredictable conclusion through the wonderful use of unsettling, eerie world building and storytelling, which will stick with readers long afterwards.
Thank you so much to the author and BookSirens for an ARC of this story in exchange for a completely honest and voluntary review. This story is due to be released March 24th 2025
Reap, Sow by S.H. Cooper is a psychological horror that see's our protagonist waking up in an unknown, terrifying world where she is continuously tormented and haunted. This story takes us on a journey with Lucky as she struggles to understand this unsettling hallways, scenes and entities that are following her. Readers will soon piece together the truth as Lucky's dark history is revealed.
This story starts off quite chaotic and disorienting, making it hard for readers to keep track of the plot. Even though the beginning was quite confusing, the story soon gains momentum in the second half as the pieces begin falling into place. The twist at the end will genuinely take readers by surprise, leaving readers with an array of emotions.
Upon finishing the book, you can see how important the chaos and confusion was at the beginning for readers and it really does have a huge impact once revelations are made. Despite its confusing start, this novel ultimately delivers an intriguing, and unpredictable conclusion through the wonderful use of unsettling, eerie world building and storytelling, which will stick with readers long afterwards.
Thank you so much to the author and BookSirens for an ARC of this story in exchange for a completely honest and voluntary review. This story is due to be released March 24th 2025
January 7, 2025
Reap, Sow: a powerful novella that will both terrify and delight.
There is great power in words, and REAP, SOW accomplishes this so stinkin’ well. It opens with such consuming confusion, but gradually clarifies, piece by tense piece. You’re right there with Lucianne every step of the way. Luci’s emotion is so raw in this story, and it bleeds through everything. Her pain motivates her choices and it comes through so clearly. I hurt right along with her.
I loved how the perspective weaved in and out, varying from intangible to concrete, how everything blended together. I don’t want to go too deep into dissection for spoiler purposes, but it was a clever way to reveal important parts of the story without feeling contrived.
REAP, SOW is going to stick with me long beyond its conclusion. S.H. Cooper continues to craft haunting yet beautiful stories, and this is no different. 5/5, highly recommend.
I was given the opportunity to read an advance review copy of this story for free. My opinions are honest and given freely.
There is great power in words, and REAP, SOW accomplishes this so stinkin’ well. It opens with such consuming confusion, but gradually clarifies, piece by tense piece. You’re right there with Lucianne every step of the way. Luci’s emotion is so raw in this story, and it bleeds through everything. Her pain motivates her choices and it comes through so clearly. I hurt right along with her.
I loved how the perspective weaved in and out, varying from intangible to concrete, how everything blended together. I don’t want to go too deep into dissection for spoiler purposes, but it was a clever way to reveal important parts of the story without feeling contrived.
REAP, SOW is going to stick with me long beyond its conclusion. S.H. Cooper continues to craft haunting yet beautiful stories, and this is no different. 5/5, highly recommend.
I was given the opportunity to read an advance review copy of this story for free. My opinions are honest and given freely.
April 6, 2025
This was a great, short read that managed to pack in a lot.
I guessed what was going on within really early, but there were still surprises that got me. And me quickly figuring things out didn't ruin the experience at all, cuz it still plays with you as Lucky's trying to find answers as well.
4.25
I guessed what was going on within really early, but there were still surprises that got me. And me quickly figuring things out didn't ruin the experience at all, cuz it still plays with you as Lucky's trying to find answers as well.
4.25
January 29, 2026
{SFINCS3 Semi-Finalist Review}
I don’t have a lot to say about Reap, Sow by S.H. Cooper. This often happens for books that I really like. I’m sure I’ve mentioned this a few times, but I don’t read descriptions for competition books so I had no idea what this is about. And I’m really glad I went in blindly. It worked well for this.
The first chapter was very dreamy and creepy. I was immediately curious how this would factor into the rest of the story and impressed that I could be affected as much as I was so quickly. The uncertain feeling I had during that chapter was carried through the whole book really well and it took me so long to realize what was going on. The way it came together and then was rounded out at the end was awesome. I loved it.
I’ve read multiple horror short story collections over the last year and almost always felt like the stories needed to be longer to have enough impact. Reap, Sow showed me that I need to try novellas instead because that hit just right! I haven’t finished this round’s allocations yet, but so far this is my favorite read of the competition!
I don’t have a lot to say about Reap, Sow by S.H. Cooper. This often happens for books that I really like. I’m sure I’ve mentioned this a few times, but I don’t read descriptions for competition books so I had no idea what this is about. And I’m really glad I went in blindly. It worked well for this.
The first chapter was very dreamy and creepy. I was immediately curious how this would factor into the rest of the story and impressed that I could be affected as much as I was so quickly. The uncertain feeling I had during that chapter was carried through the whole book really well and it took me so long to realize what was going on. The way it came together and then was rounded out at the end was awesome. I loved it.
I’ve read multiple horror short story collections over the last year and almost always felt like the stories needed to be longer to have enough impact. Reap, Sow showed me that I need to try novellas instead because that hit just right! I haven’t finished this round’s allocations yet, but so far this is my favorite read of the competition!
January 4, 2025
2025 appears to be having a minor liminal spaces renaissance between the releases of S.H. Cooper’s novelette, Reap, Sow, in March and Chuck Wendig’s The Staircase in the Woods in April. Interestingly, Wendig’s book became a flashpoint of controversy over the last 24 hours, as the perpetually online youth crowd who haven’t even had the opportunity to read his forthcoming release discovered, likely to their chagrin, that books can and do often share similar elements or concepts, especially when involving real-life occurrences such as the existence of staircases in the woods, and that such conceits are not plagiarism, especially when executed in such starkly different manners. Nobody tell them about the superficial similarities in synopses between Stephen King’s IT and Dean Koontz’s Phantoms that caused such a dust-up in the 80s and occasionally reoccur online as new readers discover these works. Let them discover that particular joy for themselves. Nobody tell them, either, of the initial and quite modest similarities between Cooper’s short work of grief horror and Wendig’s much longer novel, lest they stir up yet another tired hornet’s nest of attack against Wendig simply because they don’t like the man. Eventually, one of them is bound to accidentally trip over the concept of simultaneous invention and eat crow.
But I digress.
Reap, Sow opens with the familiar conceit of liminal space horrors — a young woman, Lucy, aka Lucky, finds herself in a foreign but familiar hallway, which she has inexplicably appeared in. She has no idea how she got there, and things only get stranger as she proceeds along the corridor and through the doors it offers. The architecture makes no sense and the doors lead only to the inexplicable and illogical, opening into rooms that shouldn’t be there or that exists in entirely different settings, like the inside of a barn or an apple orchard. Yet, all have some deep, personal connection to her, and as she goes from room to room both Lucky and readers become privy to her forgotten past and the secrets she has so deeply buried.
To say much more, though, would ruin the surprises Cooper has crafted. What she has built here is a memory palace that’s like Russian nesting dolls by way of Pandora’s box. The surprises hit like deft, well-placed punches to the kidney and ribs, and the reveals all make sense in the grand scheme of things. What has been crafted here is a humane and empathetic construct about mistakes and their consequences. Reap, Sow is a smartly built and deeply personal puzzle, and that Cooper does all this with such economy is a testament to her skill as a storyteller. I’ve read longer works with similar story beats that don’t land even half as well, nor as memorably, as they do in Cooper’s 60-some pages.
But I digress.
Reap, Sow opens with the familiar conceit of liminal space horrors — a young woman, Lucy, aka Lucky, finds herself in a foreign but familiar hallway, which she has inexplicably appeared in. She has no idea how she got there, and things only get stranger as she proceeds along the corridor and through the doors it offers. The architecture makes no sense and the doors lead only to the inexplicable and illogical, opening into rooms that shouldn’t be there or that exists in entirely different settings, like the inside of a barn or an apple orchard. Yet, all have some deep, personal connection to her, and as she goes from room to room both Lucky and readers become privy to her forgotten past and the secrets she has so deeply buried.
To say much more, though, would ruin the surprises Cooper has crafted. What she has built here is a memory palace that’s like Russian nesting dolls by way of Pandora’s box. The surprises hit like deft, well-placed punches to the kidney and ribs, and the reveals all make sense in the grand scheme of things. What has been crafted here is a humane and empathetic construct about mistakes and their consequences. Reap, Sow is a smartly built and deeply personal puzzle, and that Cooper does all this with such economy is a testament to her skill as a storyteller. I’ve read longer works with similar story beats that don’t land even half as well, nor as memorably, as they do in Cooper’s 60-some pages.
January 3, 2025
My god does S. H. Cooper know how to write, finished the whole thing in one sitting and I’m so glad I did, absolutely unputdownable!
The setting and atmospheres fantastic, I went from wondering what’s behind the doors, where is she, why is this happening to her to oh no what did she do, but what that was kept me guessing right until the reveal! The characters jumped off the page especially Luci. Fantastic stuff as always, highly recommend.
The setting and atmospheres fantastic, I went from wondering what’s behind the doors, where is she, why is this happening to her to oh no what did she do, but what that was kept me guessing right until the reveal! The characters jumped off the page especially Luci. Fantastic stuff as always, highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2025
What a fantastic recommendation!
A fellow indie author suggested this to me and I have to say, it was an exquisite read. The nightmarish vision of this short novella was vivid, and all consuming. It felt like the epitome of terror when you've done something unforgivable and cannot break free of the nightmare.
Simply fantastic.
A fellow indie author suggested this to me and I have to say, it was an exquisite read. The nightmarish vision of this short novella was vivid, and all consuming. It felt like the epitome of terror when you've done something unforgivable and cannot break free of the nightmare.
Simply fantastic.
Read
January 21, 2025*Huge thanks to S.H. for sending me a digital ARC of this!*
There are few authors out there that I know that are as versatile and shape-shifting as Cooper is. Between M/G-Y/A, fantasy, gothic, historical/period, folk horror and straight up horror, Cooper outwrites 99% of every single author out there that focuses squarely on any of those genres singularly. It’s one of the reasons why I always look forward to more of her work, but also why I get so friggin’ annoyed when I don’t see her work shouted from the rooftops of every single Bookstagrammer and Book Tokker.
When Cooper announced this one, I was immediately struck by A.A. Medina’s cover and knew that Cooper had something vicious in store for us. I dove in, expecting to get smacked in the face, but I didn’t expect to not be able to put this one down. Read over a single, frantic session, I had to know what the secret was, what the big reveal would be, and when it came, I was so happy for how well Cooper had pulled it all together.
What I liked: The story follows a young woman, seemingly struck with a brief amnesiac spell, trying to figure out who she is, why she knows some things but not others and why bits and pieces are slowly coming back to her.
Known by her nickname of ‘Lucky,’ family members start to arrive, questioning her and we see that something’s off with each one. Cooper keeps the aspects of this ‘offness’ close to her chest with each interaction, slowly revealing the reality of what it is, but still not allowing Lucky to have that lightbulb moment of what actually occurred.
Not until we get to the very – bitter – end.
When the cards are shown and the truth comes out, Cooper does a wonderful job of making sure every single detail is blood covered and to a degree, this turned out to be a bit of a semi-retelling of ‘The Boy Who Cried Wolf.’ The ending is powerful, gut wrenching and will ultimately make you rethink how you perceived Lucky throughout.
What I didn’t like: Nothing, lol. This one was perfect from start to finish. Cooper really outdid herself here with this one.
Why you should buy this: Cooper should be a ‘must-buy’ and a ‘must-read’ author, so if you’re already a fan, you’re going to be very, very happy with this one. If you’ve not read any of her work before, this is a great jumping in point, but be aware – she’s got a sizable back catalog, so you’re wallet will be taking a hit!
There are few authors out there that I know that are as versatile and shape-shifting as Cooper is. Between M/G-Y/A, fantasy, gothic, historical/period, folk horror and straight up horror, Cooper outwrites 99% of every single author out there that focuses squarely on any of those genres singularly. It’s one of the reasons why I always look forward to more of her work, but also why I get so friggin’ annoyed when I don’t see her work shouted from the rooftops of every single Bookstagrammer and Book Tokker.
When Cooper announced this one, I was immediately struck by A.A. Medina’s cover and knew that Cooper had something vicious in store for us. I dove in, expecting to get smacked in the face, but I didn’t expect to not be able to put this one down. Read over a single, frantic session, I had to know what the secret was, what the big reveal would be, and when it came, I was so happy for how well Cooper had pulled it all together.
What I liked: The story follows a young woman, seemingly struck with a brief amnesiac spell, trying to figure out who she is, why she knows some things but not others and why bits and pieces are slowly coming back to her.
Known by her nickname of ‘Lucky,’ family members start to arrive, questioning her and we see that something’s off with each one. Cooper keeps the aspects of this ‘offness’ close to her chest with each interaction, slowly revealing the reality of what it is, but still not allowing Lucky to have that lightbulb moment of what actually occurred.
Not until we get to the very – bitter – end.
When the cards are shown and the truth comes out, Cooper does a wonderful job of making sure every single detail is blood covered and to a degree, this turned out to be a bit of a semi-retelling of ‘The Boy Who Cried Wolf.’ The ending is powerful, gut wrenching and will ultimately make you rethink how you perceived Lucky throughout.
What I didn’t like: Nothing, lol. This one was perfect from start to finish. Cooper really outdid herself here with this one.
Why you should buy this: Cooper should be a ‘must-buy’ and a ‘must-read’ author, so if you’re already a fan, you’re going to be very, very happy with this one. If you’ve not read any of her work before, this is a great jumping in point, but be aware – she’s got a sizable back catalog, so you’re wallet will be taking a hit!
August 4, 2025
I love S.H. Cooper’s writing style. She conveys a lot with a few sentences. Like a master painter, her skill with language produces vivid pictures with few words. Her imagination astounds me, and her use of imagery is truly terrifying. She has a knack for turning everyday situations into something horrific. Her characters are real people, so you care about them as you read their story, and there is profound sadness as well as a pervasive atmosphere of dread in their tales.
Lucky can’t escape her past, and this is a big theme in the book. It shows the ripple effect of actions and how selfish choices don’t just damage you in the moment, they continue to inflict pains for years to come.
The pacing is spot on. The book starts with a mystery. Where is Lucky and why is she there? As she explores and tries to solve this mystery, while being bombarded with nightmare visions, we are also shown Lucky’s life before she came to this place. Slowly the threads build a picture of a young woman desperate to cling to her dreams, and Lucky’s story comes together. I liked the nonlinear structure and the puzzle like nature of the book. Some of the pieces I guessed before they were provided, while others were a surprise. It built to a very satisfying picture when all the pieces were put together.
It was easy to empathise with Lucky from the beginning. It is such a horrible idea to find yourself in a weird place and have no idea how you got there or how to escape. The author uses this connection to good effect as the story unfolds. As we learn more about Lucky, we are challenged to remain sympathetic towards her. She is a frightened young woman who makes mistakes with huge consequences, which makes her pitiable if not exactly endearing. Each new development produces a visceral reaction and the author certainly knows how to play upon your emotions. Lots of surprises in this story.
I highly recommend this book. It is a thoughtful, sad book full of longing and real human relationships that takes tragedy one step further into horror. I like that my strongest impression, that will linger with me for quite some time, is the human story of the characters rather than the chills.
Lucky can’t escape her past, and this is a big theme in the book. It shows the ripple effect of actions and how selfish choices don’t just damage you in the moment, they continue to inflict pains for years to come.
The pacing is spot on. The book starts with a mystery. Where is Lucky and why is she there? As she explores and tries to solve this mystery, while being bombarded with nightmare visions, we are also shown Lucky’s life before she came to this place. Slowly the threads build a picture of a young woman desperate to cling to her dreams, and Lucky’s story comes together. I liked the nonlinear structure and the puzzle like nature of the book. Some of the pieces I guessed before they were provided, while others were a surprise. It built to a very satisfying picture when all the pieces were put together.
It was easy to empathise with Lucky from the beginning. It is such a horrible idea to find yourself in a weird place and have no idea how you got there or how to escape. The author uses this connection to good effect as the story unfolds. As we learn more about Lucky, we are challenged to remain sympathetic towards her. She is a frightened young woman who makes mistakes with huge consequences, which makes her pitiable if not exactly endearing. Each new development produces a visceral reaction and the author certainly knows how to play upon your emotions. Lots of surprises in this story.
I highly recommend this book. It is a thoughtful, sad book full of longing and real human relationships that takes tragedy one step further into horror. I like that my strongest impression, that will linger with me for quite some time, is the human story of the characters rather than the chills.
January 1, 2025
Have you ever looked back on your life-perhaps at one particular moment when you made a decision- and then almost immediately regretted it? Meet Lucky.
We join her as she walks up and down a hallway lined with doors. As she walks and tries to figure things out, doors open-in both Lucky's mind and in real life. Each room presents new questions, new locations, and old memories. Why is Lucky pacing this hallway? What is she experiencing in those rooms? You'll have to read this to find out!
Grief and guilt based horror is one of my favorite tropes. That's as close as I'll get to talking about the plot here, because it should be presented to you as the author intended-in her words. Because I read a lot of this type of horror, I guessed about 70% through where this tale was going, I just didn't see the entirety of it. It's rare that I'm surprised at all these days, so I consider that an achievement.
S. H. Cooper is a new-to-me author and based on what I've seen here, I intend to search out more of her work in the future. Novellas and novelettes are a great way to discover new authors, (as are collections and anthologies), and I'm so glad I requested this ARC!
Highly recommended, especially to fans of grief and/or guilt-based dark fiction!
*ARC from Book Sirens
We join her as she walks up and down a hallway lined with doors. As she walks and tries to figure things out, doors open-in both Lucky's mind and in real life. Each room presents new questions, new locations, and old memories. Why is Lucky pacing this hallway? What is she experiencing in those rooms? You'll have to read this to find out!
Grief and guilt based horror is one of my favorite tropes. That's as close as I'll get to talking about the plot here, because it should be presented to you as the author intended-in her words. Because I read a lot of this type of horror, I guessed about 70% through where this tale was going, I just didn't see the entirety of it. It's rare that I'm surprised at all these days, so I consider that an achievement.
S. H. Cooper is a new-to-me author and based on what I've seen here, I intend to search out more of her work in the future. Novellas and novelettes are a great way to discover new authors, (as are collections and anthologies), and I'm so glad I requested this ARC!
Highly recommended, especially to fans of grief and/or guilt-based dark fiction!
*ARC from Book Sirens
November 6, 2025
*This story was reviewed as part of the SFINCS competition*
First off, the star of this story was the prose. S.H. Cooper does an absolutely fantastic job and weaving together an evocative description. I also think Luci's narration is top notch, readers can very easily connect with her mental state throughout the story and experience her anguish alongside her. I think it's a story that will stick with me for a long time primarily because of the stellar prose.
I don't read a ton of horror, and at first I wasn't sure how this story fit in the SFINCS competition as I felt like the speculative elements were a bit of a reach, but in the end, I think this story leans into the magical realism side of things.
The twist of this story is somewhat predictable (especially if you've read stories of a similar style) but I still found the journey to the end to be a very enjoyable read. I think the nightmare scenario Luci finds herself in is very well done at making Luci and the reader second guess themselves from time to time, which adds to the psychological horror of it all.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable read with some prose and turns of phrase I will carry with me for a long time.
First off, the star of this story was the prose. S.H. Cooper does an absolutely fantastic job and weaving together an evocative description. I also think Luci's narration is top notch, readers can very easily connect with her mental state throughout the story and experience her anguish alongside her. I think it's a story that will stick with me for a long time primarily because of the stellar prose.
I don't read a ton of horror, and at first I wasn't sure how this story fit in the SFINCS competition as I felt like the speculative elements were a bit of a reach, but in the end, I think this story leans into the magical realism side of things.
The twist of this story is somewhat predictable (especially if you've read stories of a similar style) but I still found the journey to the end to be a very enjoyable read. I think the nightmare scenario Luci finds herself in is very well done at making Luci and the reader second guess themselves from time to time, which adds to the psychological horror of it all.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable read with some prose and turns of phrase I will carry with me for a long time.
January 22, 2025
Let’s just get straight to the review, since a summary and blurb of the book is already provided. I am not a reviewer that can tell you all about the technical stuff and describe why each word and page and chapter makes you feel the way you do, nor am I a talented writer, like the author of this book. I am just a reader who can say whether or not I liked the book I read, so please, bear with me. lol.
I enjoyed and recommend this book! It is a quick and easy read, both due to the length, and the story that pulls you in. I read it in one sitting when I technically should have been cleaning. Don’t tell my husband. Lol. True to the gothic horror genre, the environment is itself a character in the story, using familiar settings that should bring comfort and security and twisting and darkening them to cause a looming sense of dread and unease. It also uses pretty words to create a grotesque picture. From page one, I thought I knew what was going on, and I did, but I didn’t know EVERYTHING that was going on, and it was fun to journey and pick up each clue until discovering the full truth at the end. PICK THIS UP!
I enjoyed and recommend this book! It is a quick and easy read, both due to the length, and the story that pulls you in. I read it in one sitting when I technically should have been cleaning. Don’t tell my husband. Lol. True to the gothic horror genre, the environment is itself a character in the story, using familiar settings that should bring comfort and security and twisting and darkening them to cause a looming sense of dread and unease. It also uses pretty words to create a grotesque picture. From page one, I thought I knew what was going on, and I did, but I didn’t know EVERYTHING that was going on, and it was fun to journey and pick up each clue until discovering the full truth at the end. PICK THIS UP!
February 7, 2026
Read for SFINCS 3
4 stars
S.H. Cooper creates a high bar for success in the setup of this story. We meet Lucianne as she is walking through a hallway she vaguely remembers. She is having difficulty remembering much, but something about the walls and carpets are familiar.
This is a setup that could be annoying. There’s not much to learn when following a character who doesn’t know much. She repeats herself in her confusion. This could have gone wrong. However, S.H. Cooper handled it brilliantly.
We receive just enough information to slowly understand the scene. As more and more scenes playout, the picture of who Lucianne is and what is going on becomes clearer. She is trying to get back to her family and the boy she loves, but is only met with horrific visages of them.
It felt like a very atmospheric, horror version of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Though, it never got very scary.
While reading, I found myself being impressed by the craft and the difficulty of making this story work more than I enjoyed it. Reap, Sow was well-crafted, well-plotted, immersive, and impressive.
4 stars
S.H. Cooper creates a high bar for success in the setup of this story. We meet Lucianne as she is walking through a hallway she vaguely remembers. She is having difficulty remembering much, but something about the walls and carpets are familiar.
This is a setup that could be annoying. There’s not much to learn when following a character who doesn’t know much. She repeats herself in her confusion. This could have gone wrong. However, S.H. Cooper handled it brilliantly.
We receive just enough information to slowly understand the scene. As more and more scenes playout, the picture of who Lucianne is and what is going on becomes clearer. She is trying to get back to her family and the boy she loves, but is only met with horrific visages of them.
It felt like a very atmospheric, horror version of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Though, it never got very scary.
While reading, I found myself being impressed by the craft and the difficulty of making this story work more than I enjoyed it. Reap, Sow was well-crafted, well-plotted, immersive, and impressive.
March 3, 2025
Lucy, the protagonist of Reap, Sow, awakes to ask the familiar question—where am I? The answer is terrifying.
The reader follows Lucy (Lucky) as she moves from door to door and the rooms taking her into the worlds that are both familiar and unfamiliar.
Cooper’s craft is unmistakable as we follow Lucy’s journey into the horrific consequences of mistakes. This is a disturbing story filled with chilling descriptive detail, skillful deep point of view, and a satisfying final twist. A treat of a read on one of those proverbial dark and stormy nights.
Thanks to S.H. Cooper and BookSirens for the digital ARC, which I’m reviewing voluntarily.
The reader follows Lucy (Lucky) as she moves from door to door and the rooms taking her into the worlds that are both familiar and unfamiliar.
Cooper’s craft is unmistakable as we follow Lucy’s journey into the horrific consequences of mistakes. This is a disturbing story filled with chilling descriptive detail, skillful deep point of view, and a satisfying final twist. A treat of a read on one of those proverbial dark and stormy nights.
Thanks to S.H. Cooper and BookSirens for the digital ARC, which I’m reviewing voluntarily.
December 21, 2024
Today, had the pleasure of reading Reap, Sow by S.H. Cooper, and I am here to report that this is a sad and sometimes shocking trip through the fragile, if not altogether broken psyche of Lucianne "Lucky" Boyle. Her harrowing efforts to return back to the normalcy and safety of home drive her further down a path of discovery that is shared step-by-step with the reader. With every piece of the puzzle that is uncovered, a new, dark truth is revealed.
I strongly recommend this book to any fan of the horror genre! It was a page-turner until the very end!
I strongly recommend this book to any fan of the horror genre! It was a page-turner until the very end!
January 13, 2025
The author was gracious enough to provide me with a digital ARC of this forthcoming title, free of charge. All views and opinions are my own, provided free of charge.
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If the vastly complex meatball that is our brain is like a maze, what happens when you lose your way? What happens if you make the choice to forget how to navigate that maze?
Reap, Sow , the forthcoming novella from S.H. Cooper, is a nightmare tour down once such mental maze. Cooper pens a tale that manages to induce both a sense of claustrophobia AND Vertigo. It's one woman's struggle, grappling with the fear of the loss of self, and the terror of facing hard truths. Be prepared for some twists, some turns. Be ready for the floor to drop out underneath you.
Does your past die if you attempt to shut it out?
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If the vastly complex meatball that is our brain is like a maze, what happens when you lose your way? What happens if you make the choice to forget how to navigate that maze?
Reap, Sow , the forthcoming novella from S.H. Cooper, is a nightmare tour down once such mental maze. Cooper pens a tale that manages to induce both a sense of claustrophobia AND Vertigo. It's one woman's struggle, grappling with the fear of the loss of self, and the terror of facing hard truths. Be prepared for some twists, some turns. Be ready for the floor to drop out underneath you.
Does your past die if you attempt to shut it out?
March 3, 2025
"Reap, Sow," puts you in the mind of the lead character as she is having what amounts to a repeated nightmare, or at least a fevered dream. I love how the story slowly builds, giving you clues of what is happening until the very satisfying conclusion. It's a quick read, but it's a fully evolved story.
*I got an ARC of this.
*I got an ARC of this.
December 25, 2024
Wow!
This was a very interesting and unique book to read! The gothic horror aspect is absolutely splendidly told, the characters are raw and realistic and the plot is perfectly paced with lots of suspense and twists.
Very much recommend!
This was a very interesting and unique book to read! The gothic horror aspect is absolutely splendidly told, the characters are raw and realistic and the plot is perfectly paced with lots of suspense and twists.
Very much recommend!
December 28, 2024
Very good build. Well-written and engaging. Good length, with the author not attempting to make a good story longer than necessary. Plenty of gritty detail, but not so much that storyline bogs down in description.
All in all, a good gothic horror story. Would recommend to fans of the genre.
All in all, a good gothic horror story. Would recommend to fans of the genre.
January 12, 2025
Navigating the labyrinth of memory, a woman confronts her traumatic past. I don't want to say more, as this story takes so many unexpected directions. Cooper unravels a horrifying mystery in this southern gothic tale.
January 30, 2025
Wow, this story took me on a rollercoaster! I had my suspicions of what was going on, and while I was correct, in a way, never would I have guessed the horror that was to come trailing after it before it punched me hard in the face! What an amazing, horrifying and utterly devastating tale!
June 23, 2025
This story grabbed me and didn't let go. The vibe is weird and creepy and perfect for me. As the story unfolded...I was pulled into a horror that is one of my greatest fears.
A great little novella to read in one sitting.
A great little novella to read in one sitting.
March 25, 2025
Reap,Sow by S.H.Cooper is a Southern Gothic Novelette that will blow your mind. Filled with twists, turns and surprises, it has all the depth and detail of a full size novel in only 66 pages. Absolutely a 5 Star Read!
S.H.Cooper pulls the reader in from the start painting the perfect picture of Lucianne Boyle. Known to her family as Luci and called Lucky by Stark Lee, the man she loves.
Lucianne is lost. She’s trapped in a world of knotted wood floors, evergreen and too many doors. Stuck in time she wants to leave, to get back but she doesn’t know how.
Confined to a place where there’s nothing but fear, nightmare memories and tremendous losses, Luci brings the reader with her on her journey proving that actions have consequences and you Reap what you Sow!
If you’re looking for a quick, unsettling Southern Gothic experience then Reap, Sow is definitely for you! This is now my favorite S.H.Cooper story. Again,5 Stars!
Thank you to Book Sirens and S.H. Cooper for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Reap,Sow.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
S.H.Cooper pulls the reader in from the start painting the perfect picture of Lucianne Boyle. Known to her family as Luci and called Lucky by Stark Lee, the man she loves.
Lucianne is lost. She’s trapped in a world of knotted wood floors, evergreen and too many doors. Stuck in time she wants to leave, to get back but she doesn’t know how.
Confined to a place where there’s nothing but fear, nightmare memories and tremendous losses, Luci brings the reader with her on her journey proving that actions have consequences and you Reap what you Sow!
If you’re looking for a quick, unsettling Southern Gothic experience then Reap, Sow is definitely for you! This is now my favorite S.H.Cooper story. Again,5 Stars!
Thank you to Book Sirens and S.H. Cooper for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Reap,Sow.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 14, 2025
Wow. Heartbreaking and hard. I don’t know how S.H. Cooper was able to dive into this topic with such depth, but this story feels accurate, at least how I would imagine getting a first hand account… it feels so real and true. And yet, it is still hard for me to imagine how to construct such a story without first hand knowledge. Seriously, kudos. I think this one is my favorite of Cooper’s thus far.
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