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A Dark Whimsy
Sometimes you should just stay out of the woods.
Lacking any other options after graduating college, Jeff reluctantly takes a job with his uncle’s logging business in the small town of Cayuga. He’s accompanied by his best friend Owen, the natural hero to Jeff’s inherent sidekick. Everything’s going fine until Jeff’s told to move his work crew into Sector G12.
Jeff doesn’t know anything about trees or the logging industry, but he can tell that something is very wrong with Sector G12. Strange circumstances and unnaturally bad luck thwart their efforts to move into the area, even as mysterious otherworldly strangers emerge from the woods and warn him to stay away. Perhaps most unnerving of all is the ragged, abnormally large black bunny with lime-green eyes watching him from the trees.
Before long, a woman nicknamed Coach rolls into town and claims she can solve Jeff’s problem, although her sanity is immediately called into question when she starts talking about fairies, elves, and pixies.
When Jeff’s unrequited crush Ivy gives credence to Coach’s story by claiming that elves in the woods are after her for nefarious purposes, he and Owen decide to accept Coach’s crazy plan for a quest into Sector G12. Their trek into the forest reveals unimaginable perils, as they discover that Sector G12 is home to all manner of creatures.
Jeff knew the logging industry was dangerous, but he assumed any blood or mayhem would be caused by an errant blade or falling tree, not by monsters in the woods. He was so very wrong.
Lacking any other options after graduating college, Jeff reluctantly takes a job with his uncle’s logging business in the small town of Cayuga. He’s accompanied by his best friend Owen, the natural hero to Jeff’s inherent sidekick. Everything’s going fine until Jeff’s told to move his work crew into Sector G12.
Jeff doesn’t know anything about trees or the logging industry, but he can tell that something is very wrong with Sector G12. Strange circumstances and unnaturally bad luck thwart their efforts to move into the area, even as mysterious otherworldly strangers emerge from the woods and warn him to stay away. Perhaps most unnerving of all is the ragged, abnormally large black bunny with lime-green eyes watching him from the trees.
Before long, a woman nicknamed Coach rolls into town and claims she can solve Jeff’s problem, although her sanity is immediately called into question when she starts talking about fairies, elves, and pixies.
When Jeff’s unrequited crush Ivy gives credence to Coach’s story by claiming that elves in the woods are after her for nefarious purposes, he and Owen decide to accept Coach’s crazy plan for a quest into Sector G12. Their trek into the forest reveals unimaginable perils, as they discover that Sector G12 is home to all manner of creatures.
Jeff knew the logging industry was dangerous, but he assumed any blood or mayhem would be caused by an errant blade or falling tree, not by monsters in the woods. He was so very wrong.
- GenresHorror
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2025
3 people are currently reading
4804 people want to read
About the author
D.S. LaLonde
5 books84 followersDS LaLonde is a pen name for Dave and Sara LaLonde, a married writing team who live in Northern Virginia with their child, cats, and dog. They completed graduate training in the biological sciences and have worked in biomedical research, veterinary diagnostics, and national security. DS enjoys reading, writing, and ruminating on the existence of cryptids.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 8, 2025
A DARK WHIMSY begins with what seems like a typical set up, that of a backwards logger town struggling to come to grips with new fangled ideas, and one expects it to play out in the vein of Friday the 13th. That is except for the tall stranger, who seems completely out of place ... and for good reason.
The dialogue in the beginning serves to perfectly distract the reader from what's coming, leading one's mind down a wholly different path. But, as the story progresses, one starts to have suspicions concerning the nature of the tall stranger and his friend, odd occurrences, and the seductive prowess of a young woman who flits around town, all of which is reluctantly noticed by the would-be protagonist. Then, like the shifting of otherworldly woods, one suddenly finds oneself in the midst of a dark farce, at times, reading like a Monty Python movie script.
Though more a dark fantasy than a strict horror, this story is an excellent blend of comical dialogue and horror elements, which seems to bear the moral "Don't judge a book by its cover" in regards to the characters. However, in this case, the cover evokes precisely the same mood as the story. This read won't be regretted.
The dialogue in the beginning serves to perfectly distract the reader from what's coming, leading one's mind down a wholly different path. But, as the story progresses, one starts to have suspicions concerning the nature of the tall stranger and his friend, odd occurrences, and the seductive prowess of a young woman who flits around town, all of which is reluctantly noticed by the would-be protagonist. Then, like the shifting of otherworldly woods, one suddenly finds oneself in the midst of a dark farce, at times, reading like a Monty Python movie script.
Though more a dark fantasy than a strict horror, this story is an excellent blend of comical dialogue and horror elements, which seems to bear the moral "Don't judge a book by its cover" in regards to the characters. However, in this case, the cover evokes precisely the same mood as the story. This read won't be regretted.
December 25, 2025
The author does a fantastic job of crafting a believable world and characters. The story blends the real world with the mystical realm of fairies and elves but feels somehow completely plausible, like it could be happening in the woods behind your home. You'll get the feeling that a different world exists beyond those familiar trees—a world of magic, lurking shadows and terrors. Definitely a five-star read!
January 22, 2026
When I began reading "A Dark Whimsy," I suspected that it might veer closer to the realm of magical realism than traditional dark fantasy. The tale starts off almost mundane, with some very "real world" scenarios centered around the life of an average "Jeff" working for a logging company, and only faint hints of anything supernatural.
As the story progresses, things take a turn toward the more fanciful and outlandish, which was somewhat of a concern for me as I'd been enjoying the more grounded initial tone. Thankfully, those over-the-top, "whimsical" elements ultimately didn't harm my enjoyment of the story, and managed to mesh nicely with the aforementioned "normalcy" that persisted throughout the experience. Consequently, the book's title seems all the more appropriate to me in retrospect.
The overall effect created a very unique tale that deftly walks a fine line between traditional speculative-fiction genres, which I always find compelling.
There were a few little, what I'd call, rough spots here and there but I didn't find them too distracting or plentiful. Ultimately, I'd say the effort as a whole was clever and well-executed enough that those minor "issues" would be easy for the vast majority of readers to overlook or ignore.
In short, I had a very good time with "A Dark Whimsy" and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to any fan of dark fantasy who enjoys an effective blend of the relatable and the fantastical.
As the story progresses, things take a turn toward the more fanciful and outlandish, which was somewhat of a concern for me as I'd been enjoying the more grounded initial tone. Thankfully, those over-the-top, "whimsical" elements ultimately didn't harm my enjoyment of the story, and managed to mesh nicely with the aforementioned "normalcy" that persisted throughout the experience. Consequently, the book's title seems all the more appropriate to me in retrospect.
The overall effect created a very unique tale that deftly walks a fine line between traditional speculative-fiction genres, which I always find compelling.
There were a few little, what I'd call, rough spots here and there but I didn't find them too distracting or plentiful. Ultimately, I'd say the effort as a whole was clever and well-executed enough that those minor "issues" would be easy for the vast majority of readers to overlook or ignore.
In short, I had a very good time with "A Dark Whimsy" and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to any fan of dark fantasy who enjoys an effective blend of the relatable and the fantastical.
November 24, 2025
The duo behind LaLonde have always been great writing fantasy with grounded characters, people who struggle with bills on top of whatever otherworldly nonsense intrudes on their life. This book starts whimsical, as a group of friends struggle to solve the mystery behind a seemingly cursed plot of woods in the pacific northwest. It's fun and whimsical. There are elves and a weird rabbit! Then it takes a very dark turn and man, I enjoyed the hell out of that turn. Still elves, but a lot more cannibalism and sadism. Favorite LaLonde book so far!
November 13, 2025
“Monsters strode these woods.”
This book is a chaotic adventure. I enjoyed the fantastical elements mixed with the everyday normalcy. With stories like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings so ingrained in our psyches, I can only imagine the time and energy it took for the authors to come up with new and exciting ways to explore elves, pixies, and other fantasy creatures/magical elements.
A Dark Whimsy is a fresh, completely bonkers take on the dark fantasy genre. I was delighted to find a version of one of my favorite monsters running amok in its pages. I loved the characters. Coach was frustratingly chipper (I’ve met extroverts like her…so overwhelming lol) but I admired her self-assuredness and creativity. Jeff, oh Jeff. I felt for him.
The only thing I found jarring was the constant head-hopping within chapters, which is a personal peeve of mine. Other than that the writing was vivid and descriptive.
I had so much fun with this book and highly recommend it to dark fantasy fans, especially those who like a horrific death or two thrown in for good measure. Think T. Kingfisher with more bite.
4.5 stars (rounded to 5)
This book is a chaotic adventure. I enjoyed the fantastical elements mixed with the everyday normalcy. With stories like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings so ingrained in our psyches, I can only imagine the time and energy it took for the authors to come up with new and exciting ways to explore elves, pixies, and other fantasy creatures/magical elements.
A Dark Whimsy is a fresh, completely bonkers take on the dark fantasy genre. I was delighted to find a version of one of my favorite monsters running amok in its pages. I loved the characters. Coach was frustratingly chipper (I’ve met extroverts like her…so overwhelming lol) but I admired her self-assuredness and creativity. Jeff, oh Jeff. I felt for him.
The only thing I found jarring was the constant head-hopping within chapters, which is a personal peeve of mine. Other than that the writing was vivid and descriptive.
I had so much fun with this book and highly recommend it to dark fantasy fans, especially those who like a horrific death or two thrown in for good measure. Think T. Kingfisher with more bite.
4.5 stars (rounded to 5)
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November 17, 2025*Huge thanks to the author for sending me a digital ARC of this one!*
First - a quick apology to D.S. When they emailed and asked about if I could read this one, I said I'd do my best but couldn't guarantee I'd finish it before release date and sadly, I just couldn't swing it. So, my apologies, but I did manage to almost get it read by release date, so at least it's close-ish!
I've previously read two books from the LaLonde's (I'm honestly not sure how to refer to them lol! D.S. I guess works best?) - 'A Bleak Remedy' and 'The Entangled Dragon.' Of the two, 'A Bleak Remedy' stood out more and when this was offered, I felt like this one would feel a bit like that one - though in the end it didn't. But that's not a bad thing. No, far from it.
'A Dark Whimsy' was a wonderfully enchanting book, filled with a lot of tension, emotions and heart. And it was a very different experience than what I expected.
What I liked: The story follows Jeff, and his best friend Owen, who've found themselves in a small town. Jeff's struggled to figure out what to do with his life, but his uncle owns a logging company and he gets a fairly cushy job there. Life's pretty solid, even if he consistently strikes out with love, women usually gravitating towards Owen. Though, Owen has no interest in love. They'd rather work, play video games and just hang out.
Things are rather idyllic. Until the logging company needs to go to a specific sector. That's when things take a turn and the small town has to deal with creatures, craziness and a darkness that threatens to infect everything.
For many years, one of my favorite shows on TV was 'Grimm.' Every episode had an atmosphere to it, as well as a mystery, action and a wonderful mythology throughout. I loved it so much, I even dragged my wife to the US, down to Portland so we could see a bunch of the filming locations. I say that, because this book read like a lost episode or even a lost season of 'Grimm.' D.S. deftly moved between action, mystery, supernatural and folklore, filling the chapters with a joy, even when the subject matter was dark.
We learn that there are creatures in that section, and when Jeff and crew are joined by Coach, things really ramp up and we learn what they are, why they might potentially be there and that sets the stage in motion for every reaction to the action that comes after it.
There's a lot to unpack in this one, and a lot of that unpacking is 100% spoiler-filled, so I can't go too far into it, other than saying we learn truths, things are revealed and all the while Jeff tries to make heads or tails of who to trust and what the heck is going on.
The ending and epilogue were fantastic. D.S. answers every question the readers will have - and there's a bunch of questions that cropped up - but none of the answers felt forced, which was great.
What I didn't like: At the beginning of the book, there's a little bit of frustration with how Jeff and Owen seemingly react to these strangers that show up in town. It took a bit of suspension of reality to accept how they reacted to them, but it's a minor thing. The bigger thing for me was that frequently there were moments that felt very silly, which threatened to derail the fun I was having. Saying that, I remembered thinking the same thing when I watched 'Grimm' before and just pushed past it, and focused on the sheer overall enjoyment I was having.
Why you should buy this: If you're looking for a blend of magic/fantasy and dark fiction, look no further. This one was a lot of fun, with some really great characters. The setting was spot on and made it so that as things unfolded, the forest became just as much of a character as most of the people within.
D.S. LaLonde delivered an engaging story that really had me captivated and I'm so glad to have read this one because it reminded me of just how much I love when a horror novel is sprinkled with the right amount of folklore/fantasy dust.
First - a quick apology to D.S. When they emailed and asked about if I could read this one, I said I'd do my best but couldn't guarantee I'd finish it before release date and sadly, I just couldn't swing it. So, my apologies, but I did manage to almost get it read by release date, so at least it's close-ish!
I've previously read two books from the LaLonde's (I'm honestly not sure how to refer to them lol! D.S. I guess works best?) - 'A Bleak Remedy' and 'The Entangled Dragon.' Of the two, 'A Bleak Remedy' stood out more and when this was offered, I felt like this one would feel a bit like that one - though in the end it didn't. But that's not a bad thing. No, far from it.
'A Dark Whimsy' was a wonderfully enchanting book, filled with a lot of tension, emotions and heart. And it was a very different experience than what I expected.
What I liked: The story follows Jeff, and his best friend Owen, who've found themselves in a small town. Jeff's struggled to figure out what to do with his life, but his uncle owns a logging company and he gets a fairly cushy job there. Life's pretty solid, even if he consistently strikes out with love, women usually gravitating towards Owen. Though, Owen has no interest in love. They'd rather work, play video games and just hang out.
Things are rather idyllic. Until the logging company needs to go to a specific sector. That's when things take a turn and the small town has to deal with creatures, craziness and a darkness that threatens to infect everything.
For many years, one of my favorite shows on TV was 'Grimm.' Every episode had an atmosphere to it, as well as a mystery, action and a wonderful mythology throughout. I loved it so much, I even dragged my wife to the US, down to Portland so we could see a bunch of the filming locations. I say that, because this book read like a lost episode or even a lost season of 'Grimm.' D.S. deftly moved between action, mystery, supernatural and folklore, filling the chapters with a joy, even when the subject matter was dark.
We learn that there are creatures in that section, and when Jeff and crew are joined by Coach, things really ramp up and we learn what they are, why they might potentially be there and that sets the stage in motion for every reaction to the action that comes after it.
There's a lot to unpack in this one, and a lot of that unpacking is 100% spoiler-filled, so I can't go too far into it, other than saying we learn truths, things are revealed and all the while Jeff tries to make heads or tails of who to trust and what the heck is going on.
The ending and epilogue were fantastic. D.S. answers every question the readers will have - and there's a bunch of questions that cropped up - but none of the answers felt forced, which was great.
What I didn't like: At the beginning of the book, there's a little bit of frustration with how Jeff and Owen seemingly react to these strangers that show up in town. It took a bit of suspension of reality to accept how they reacted to them, but it's a minor thing. The bigger thing for me was that frequently there were moments that felt very silly, which threatened to derail the fun I was having. Saying that, I remembered thinking the same thing when I watched 'Grimm' before and just pushed past it, and focused on the sheer overall enjoyment I was having.
Why you should buy this: If you're looking for a blend of magic/fantasy and dark fiction, look no further. This one was a lot of fun, with some really great characters. The setting was spot on and made it so that as things unfolded, the forest became just as much of a character as most of the people within.
D.S. LaLonde delivered an engaging story that really had me captivated and I'm so glad to have read this one because it reminded me of just how much I love when a horror novel is sprinkled with the right amount of folklore/fantasy dust.
February 14, 2026
This one is hard to categorise which is definitely the book's main strength. Leaning towards dark fantasy with horror elements, A Dark Whimsy is full of fun and snappy dialogue as a very normal world is built by this writing partnership. Then they throw in some murderous elves as if its the most normal occurance. Our main character is in on the joke as he constantly appears to be on the brink of asking, "can we just hold up and talk about this?" Instead, he gets swept along with the reader as we ride out this entertaining adventure with a memorable ending.
November 10, 2025
“Like an empty-headed fish, your average human was ignorant of the fact they were hunted by higher beings.” A great line that reveals the philosophy of horror at the heart of this novel.
In A Dark Whimsy, DS LaLonde gathers and shapes an entire mythology of the woods, bringing together dark, powerful, and magical beings of Germanic folklore. The story follows Jeff, a fresh-from-college young man without much direction in his life, who goes to work for his Uncle Chet in the logging industry. He’s a fish out of water in that line, but any human would be out of their element in Sector G12, a cryptic patch of woodland where magic flows always and blood flows when necessary. Here Jeff encounters elves that will do anything to keep humans from destroying their realm. And here Jeff and the friends he gathers around him begin a quest.
With a large cast of well-drawn characters and a conversational tone to the writing, this is a story that hooks you and keeps you hooked. Fantastical with nice touches of horror. And look out for Jellybiscuits.
Found myself absorbed in this one. Enjoyed it quite a bit!
In A Dark Whimsy, DS LaLonde gathers and shapes an entire mythology of the woods, bringing together dark, powerful, and magical beings of Germanic folklore. The story follows Jeff, a fresh-from-college young man without much direction in his life, who goes to work for his Uncle Chet in the logging industry. He’s a fish out of water in that line, but any human would be out of their element in Sector G12, a cryptic patch of woodland where magic flows always and blood flows when necessary. Here Jeff encounters elves that will do anything to keep humans from destroying their realm. And here Jeff and the friends he gathers around him begin a quest.
With a large cast of well-drawn characters and a conversational tone to the writing, this is a story that hooks you and keeps you hooked. Fantastical with nice touches of horror. And look out for Jellybiscuits.
Found myself absorbed in this one. Enjoyed it quite a bit!
November 5, 2025
A Dark Whimsy is an absolute blast! It combines horror, fantasy, some magic, and it's all done with a wickedly deadpan sense of humor.
There are elves in the woods of this small town and the logging operation is having a difficult time with a particular area. That's where Jeff comes in as a reluctant almost foreman who'd rather be playing video games with his best friend, Owen.
But now it's up to them with the help of an alcoholic barista, an older woman who knows all about fairy folk...or maybe she's just crazy, and a pixie who's sugar and spice attitude is definitely more spice than sugar, to figure out the secrets of these elves and the reason why they're claiming that patch of woods.
Oh, and then there's Jellybiscuits. You'll find out when you read!
This is one fun, entertaining, wild read that will appeal to fans of horror, fantasy, and even humor. I highly recommend it.
There are elves in the woods of this small town and the logging operation is having a difficult time with a particular area. That's where Jeff comes in as a reluctant almost foreman who'd rather be playing video games with his best friend, Owen.
But now it's up to them with the help of an alcoholic barista, an older woman who knows all about fairy folk...or maybe she's just crazy, and a pixie who's sugar and spice attitude is definitely more spice than sugar, to figure out the secrets of these elves and the reason why they're claiming that patch of woods.
Oh, and then there's Jellybiscuits. You'll find out when you read!
This is one fun, entertaining, wild read that will appeal to fans of horror, fantasy, and even humor. I highly recommend it.
December 12, 2025
From the very first page, A Dark Whimsy plunges you into a world where the mundane meets the mysterious in the most satisfying way; what makes this book so compelling is its perfect blend of down-to-earth characters and wild fantasy elements.
The pacing is superb and the world-building is lush — the woods themselves become almost a character, full of secrets that beg to be unraveled. The tone shifts effortlessly from whimsical to eerie and then to downright terrifying, all without losing a beat. Themes of friendship, courage, and stepping beyond your comfort zone are woven through the narrative with heart and humor.
Fans of dark fantasy, folklore-infused storytelling, and character-driven adventures will find themselves utterly immersed. It’s thoughtful yet thrilling, playful yet fierce — a rare combination that kept me turning pages late into the night. Highly recommend if you’re craving a story that’s as unpredictable as the woods themselves.
The pacing is superb and the world-building is lush — the woods themselves become almost a character, full of secrets that beg to be unraveled. The tone shifts effortlessly from whimsical to eerie and then to downright terrifying, all without losing a beat. Themes of friendship, courage, and stepping beyond your comfort zone are woven through the narrative with heart and humor.
Fans of dark fantasy, folklore-infused storytelling, and character-driven adventures will find themselves utterly immersed. It’s thoughtful yet thrilling, playful yet fierce — a rare combination that kept me turning pages late into the night. Highly recommend if you’re craving a story that’s as unpredictable as the woods themselves.
November 3, 2025
Brilliant!
I found this one endlessly entertaining. A DARK WHIMSY is a fascinating, spectacular genre mashup from an author who does not disappoint. Highly recommended to all fans of horror and dark fantasy!
I found this one endlessly entertaining. A DARK WHIMSY is a fascinating, spectacular genre mashup from an author who does not disappoint. Highly recommended to all fans of horror and dark fantasy!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews