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Everything But The Skin
Something is devouring the kids of Shallowroot, and young Sophia may very well be next.
Evil has come to the town of Shallowroot, and it’s picking off the children, one by one. To make matters worse, Sophia has some kind of connection with whatever is behind it, and it seems to be coming after anyone who is close to her.
How long will it be before it finally comes for her?
Radar DeBoard delivers one of his most chilling tales to date in this short but haunting tale! From the author of DROWING IN THE DRINK and HOW AM I NOT THE MONSTER, comes a brand-new extreme horror novella, with strong female leads, a horrifying villain, and the most heinous crimes imaginable! EVERYTHING BUT THE SKIN will have you looking over your shoulder and staying out of the forest for many years to come!
Evil has come to the town of Shallowroot, and it’s picking off the children, one by one. To make matters worse, Sophia has some kind of connection with whatever is behind it, and it seems to be coming after anyone who is close to her.
How long will it be before it finally comes for her?
Radar DeBoard delivers one of his most chilling tales to date in this short but haunting tale! From the author of DROWING IN THE DRINK and HOW AM I NOT THE MONSTER, comes a brand-new extreme horror novella, with strong female leads, a horrifying villain, and the most heinous crimes imaginable! EVERYTHING BUT THE SKIN will have you looking over your shoulder and staying out of the forest for many years to come!
- GenresHorror
136 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2026
1 person is currently reading
31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 2, 2026
It’s been an honor ARC reading for Radar. It’s been so fun watching him continue to grow as an author and in Everything But The Skin, he took us down probably his darkest road yet when it’s come to his writing and creativity. There’s a lot going on with this story. I felt just about every emotion with this one and then some. I felt so much empathy towards Sophia’s character and felt so connected with her throughout the story. Be warned this is extreme horror so if that isn’t your forte, consider this your warning.
The town of Shallowroot is as close to Hell as I’d ever want to get. Just saying. 😬🫣
The town of Shallowroot is as close to Hell as I’d ever want to get. Just saying. 😬🫣
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Radar, as always, for the opportunity to be an arc readers for you.
While this hasn't been my favourite book from this author, Radar is still and always will be one of the authors I think is extremely talented, respectful, intuitive and diverse.
He has taken a very unique concept of witchcraft with this book and combined it with the fear and whispers of children and adults in a small community.
While this hasn't been my favourite book from this author, Radar is still and always will be one of the authors I think is extremely talented, respectful, intuitive and diverse.
He has taken a very unique concept of witchcraft with this book and combined it with the fear and whispers of children and adults in a small community.
February 1, 2026
I do enjoy a good witch story! A page turner from beginning to end. It's not fast paced, but not a slow burn either.
Finding out why the book is titled Everything But The Skin was a bit of a shocker and really nothing like I've read before. There's also a birth scene that will stick with me for quite some time.
If you like witches and revenge stories, this will be right up your alley.
Finding out why the book is titled Everything But The Skin was a bit of a shocker and really nothing like I've read before. There's also a birth scene that will stick with me for quite some time.
If you like witches and revenge stories, this will be right up your alley.
January 5, 2026
3.5 rounded down
Thank you Uncomfortably Dark Horror for the ARC!
Sophia is an outcast at the orphanage and most of the nuns don’t like or trust her either. She feels that her life isn’t fair and that she’s cursed. Fellow classmates are going missing and weirdly enough, Sophia can sense these crimes within herself through her nightmares. Perhaps she’s the only one who can do something to stop this mysterious murderer who showcases the skins of its victims behind.
Supernatural. Witchcraft. Revenge.
Something is hungry. And it wants children’s flesh specifically to feed upon to become stronger.
Everything happening in present day is related to one event that happened a few decades ago. An innocent woman was accused as being a witch and being the sole cause for the dying crops and livestock. Amazing what a rumor, desperation and fear can do.
I enjoyed the connection that Sophia had to all the events unfolding around her. I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending, it seemed too abrupt and I wanted a little more direction in that aspect. But I read this book in almost one sitting, it held my attention very well and I was engrossed in the story. Witches and witchcraft isn’t my favorite trope but I still very much enjoyed this story and I think others might enjoy it even more. Happy reading!
Thank you Uncomfortably Dark Horror for the ARC!
Sophia is an outcast at the orphanage and most of the nuns don’t like or trust her either. She feels that her life isn’t fair and that she’s cursed. Fellow classmates are going missing and weirdly enough, Sophia can sense these crimes within herself through her nightmares. Perhaps she’s the only one who can do something to stop this mysterious murderer who showcases the skins of its victims behind.
Supernatural. Witchcraft. Revenge.
Something is hungry. And it wants children’s flesh specifically to feed upon to become stronger.
Everything happening in present day is related to one event that happened a few decades ago. An innocent woman was accused as being a witch and being the sole cause for the dying crops and livestock. Amazing what a rumor, desperation and fear can do.
I enjoyed the connection that Sophia had to all the events unfolding around her. I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending, it seemed too abrupt and I wanted a little more direction in that aspect. But I read this book in almost one sitting, it held my attention very well and I was engrossed in the story. Witches and witchcraft isn’t my favorite trope but I still very much enjoyed this story and I think others might enjoy it even more. Happy reading!
December 9, 2025
DeBoard excels at creating novellas that go from 0 to 100. In Everything But the Skin, a horrendous crime decades prior begins of cycle of mayhem and cannibalism, with a young girl caught in the crossfires. A lean and terrifying tale.
January 6, 2026
Everything But The Skin
By: Radar DeBoard (Author), Candace Nola (Editor)
Publisher: Uncomfortably Dark Horror
Published Date: January 5, 2026
ASIN: B0G4FHQN1D
Triggers: child harm/death, missing children, cannibalism, flaying/skin removal, extreme gore, body horror, orphanage trauma, religious abuse/neglect (nuns), bullying/social exile, witchcraft accusations, violence, revenge themes, nightmares/visions
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull Dread Rating: 💀💀💀💀
What Did I Just Walk Into?
Welcome to Shallowroot, where the kids are disappearing, the forest is giving “absolutely not,” and poor Sophia is stuck holding the cursed receipt for a connection she did not ask for. Add an outcast orphanage kid labeled a freak, a hungry something that wants flesh like it’s a protein goal, and a town with the historical memory of a goldfish when it comes to who they punish first, and you’ve got a novella that sprints straight into your nervous system.
Here’s What Slapped:
Fresh take on a familiar setup. Small town, missing kids, witchcraft whispers, folk horror roots. Sounds classic. Reads like a trapdoor opening under your feet.
Sophia is the beating heart. The empathy factor is high, and her connection to the horror feels earned, not gimmicky.
Pacing is tight. It moves fast without feeling hollow. You keep thinking “one more chapter” and suddenly it’s 1:30 a.m.
Generational nastiness done right. Past wrongs, present consequences, and the ugly math of rumor and fear.
It’s brutal, but not empty. The gore is vivid (understatement), but there’s actual story, character work, and emotional punch behind it.
What Could’ve Been Better:
The ending lands like a door slam. Effective, yes. But I wanted a tiny bit more direction after the final hit, even just a breath to process the wreckage.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
Folk horror with teeth
“Accused witch” vengeance stories
Coming-of-age horror that’s mean about it
Orphanage trauma narratives with supernatural dread
Twists that make you stare at the wall for a minute
Sum up:
This one is dark, sharp, and genuinely haunting, the kind of novella that makes a tired trope feel new again by raising the emotional stakes and then getting absolutely feral with the horror. Sophia is the kind of character you root for with your whole chest, even as the story keeps tightening the noose around her, and when the truth finally surfaces, it hits hard and fast. Read it if you want folk horror that bites back and does not apologize.
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
By: Radar DeBoard (Author), Candace Nola (Editor)
Publisher: Uncomfortably Dark Horror
Published Date: January 5, 2026
ASIN: B0G4FHQN1D
Triggers: child harm/death, missing children, cannibalism, flaying/skin removal, extreme gore, body horror, orphanage trauma, religious abuse/neglect (nuns), bullying/social exile, witchcraft accusations, violence, revenge themes, nightmares/visions
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull Dread Rating: 💀💀💀💀
What Did I Just Walk Into?
Welcome to Shallowroot, where the kids are disappearing, the forest is giving “absolutely not,” and poor Sophia is stuck holding the cursed receipt for a connection she did not ask for. Add an outcast orphanage kid labeled a freak, a hungry something that wants flesh like it’s a protein goal, and a town with the historical memory of a goldfish when it comes to who they punish first, and you’ve got a novella that sprints straight into your nervous system.
Here’s What Slapped:
Fresh take on a familiar setup. Small town, missing kids, witchcraft whispers, folk horror roots. Sounds classic. Reads like a trapdoor opening under your feet.
Sophia is the beating heart. The empathy factor is high, and her connection to the horror feels earned, not gimmicky.
Pacing is tight. It moves fast without feeling hollow. You keep thinking “one more chapter” and suddenly it’s 1:30 a.m.
Generational nastiness done right. Past wrongs, present consequences, and the ugly math of rumor and fear.
It’s brutal, but not empty. The gore is vivid (understatement), but there’s actual story, character work, and emotional punch behind it.
What Could’ve Been Better:
The ending lands like a door slam. Effective, yes. But I wanted a tiny bit more direction after the final hit, even just a breath to process the wreckage.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
Folk horror with teeth
“Accused witch” vengeance stories
Coming-of-age horror that’s mean about it
Orphanage trauma narratives with supernatural dread
Twists that make you stare at the wall for a minute
Sum up:
This one is dark, sharp, and genuinely haunting, the kind of novella that makes a tired trope feel new again by raising the emotional stakes and then getting absolutely feral with the horror. Sophia is the kind of character you root for with your whole chest, even as the story keeps tightening the noose around her, and when the truth finally surfaces, it hits hard and fast. Read it if you want folk horror that bites back and does not apologize.
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
Review of advance copy received from Author
Radar DeBoard delivers us to evil with this terrifying tale of a town plagued by an ominous, dark force and a girl who takes it upon herself to try and stop it.
In this genre, many times we see the same tropes repeated. However, Everything but the Skin is not your typical supernatural horror story.
Be warned- this is also not for the average reader. If the thought of a human getting flayed and unwrapped like a human snickers bar is too much for you, then perhaps proceed with caution- because it doesn’t stop there.
Although brutal and incredibly vivid in detail when it comes to the gore, DeBoard isn’t just writing for shock value. He delivers an excellently crafted story, weaving through different generations of trauma through complex characters.
We have here not only a brilliant coming of age story, but a story of social exile, institutional failure, silence/complicity, trauma as a shared language, and the brutal impacts of rage and grief.
The pace at which we move through the story is steady, not too fast or too slow. From the first chapter, we are left with questions. We are instantly locked in, stuck turning those pages until there very end.
I started the book around 10pm and didn’t put it down until 1:30am- and that’s mainly because my body wouldn’t let me keep my eyes open any longer.
If you’re looking for a book that will hook you- this is the one. You’ll find yourself saying, “just one more chapter…” until you realize you said that same thing about 8 chapters ago.
And the ending? Whew. I wish I could yap about what a doozy that was. You’ll just have to read and find out.
Radar DeBoard is definitely an author to keep an eye on. After reading his last book, “The Violet Glow of the Daytens”, I knew I would be reading more from him. Definitely put this man on your TBR, you will not be disappointed!
In this genre, many times we see the same tropes repeated. However, Everything but the Skin is not your typical supernatural horror story.
Be warned- this is also not for the average reader. If the thought of a human getting flayed and unwrapped like a human snickers bar is too much for you, then perhaps proceed with caution- because it doesn’t stop there.
Although brutal and incredibly vivid in detail when it comes to the gore, DeBoard isn’t just writing for shock value. He delivers an excellently crafted story, weaving through different generations of trauma through complex characters.
We have here not only a brilliant coming of age story, but a story of social exile, institutional failure, silence/complicity, trauma as a shared language, and the brutal impacts of rage and grief.
The pace at which we move through the story is steady, not too fast or too slow. From the first chapter, we are left with questions. We are instantly locked in, stuck turning those pages until there very end.
I started the book around 10pm and didn’t put it down until 1:30am- and that’s mainly because my body wouldn’t let me keep my eyes open any longer.
If you’re looking for a book that will hook you- this is the one. You’ll find yourself saying, “just one more chapter…” until you realize you said that same thing about 8 chapters ago.
And the ending? Whew. I wish I could yap about what a doozy that was. You’ll just have to read and find out.
Radar DeBoard is definitely an author to keep an eye on. After reading his last book, “The Violet Glow of the Daytens”, I knew I would be reading more from him. Definitely put this man on your TBR, you will not be disappointed!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
How was my first Radar experience, I hear you asking. Well, I will put it simply for you. Stunning. Brava. Encore.
Everything But the Skin is the first work I’ve read from Radar and it did not disappoint. A fresh take on a trope that has (in my opinion) grown a bit stagnant. Radar managed to not only pique my interest but keep me guessing until the very last sentence. To that I say well done!
This story takes place in a small town called Shallowroot. Dissapearances plague the town and at its center is a small girl labeled as a freak. She wishes for nothing more than to just live her life but how can she when she’s forced to live through these events. Unfortunately for our MC the dissapearances are just the start of her nightmare.
A perfectly paced story with amazing character development and mystery. You do not want to miss this.
Everything But the Skin is the first work I’ve read from Radar and it did not disappoint. A fresh take on a trope that has (in my opinion) grown a bit stagnant. Radar managed to not only pique my interest but keep me guessing until the very last sentence. To that I say well done!
This story takes place in a small town called Shallowroot. Dissapearances plague the town and at its center is a small girl labeled as a freak. She wishes for nothing more than to just live her life but how can she when she’s forced to live through these events. Unfortunately for our MC the dissapearances are just the start of her nightmare.
A perfectly paced story with amazing character development and mystery. You do not want to miss this.
January 13, 2026
An intense, gorey, heart breaking story that leaves you hooked right until the very end.
I really enjoyed how the story was split into different POVs. It added depth to the narrative and allowed us to delve into the past to help us understand why these events took place. Sophia's POV was tragic, my heart was constantly breaking for her.
The concept of the story was different and refreshing. You simply didn't know what was going to happen next and it all lead to an emotional and devastating ending that I will be thinking about for a long time.
At only 136 pages it's impossible not to fly through the story. Overall this was a thoroughly enjoyable read and I can't wait to see what Radar has in store for us next!
I really enjoyed how the story was split into different POVs. It added depth to the narrative and allowed us to delve into the past to help us understand why these events took place. Sophia's POV was tragic, my heart was constantly breaking for her.
The concept of the story was different and refreshing. You simply didn't know what was going to happen next and it all lead to an emotional and devastating ending that I will be thinking about for a long time.
At only 136 pages it's impossible not to fly through the story. Overall this was a thoroughly enjoyable read and I can't wait to see what Radar has in store for us next!
December 29, 2025
Pages: 136
What happens when the balance of power is swayed? When the balance of power is weighed in human flesh.
This story brings folk horror together with touches of teen angst. The horror builds so beautifully. Snapshots through nightmares.
The relationship between Sophia and Mr Travers is touching. He’s tender but doesn’t want anyone else finding out about Sophia’s woes.
I haven’t read a book with the cani trope with this sort of kill before. It’s clever and inventive. The story is told with multiple POV that keeps the story engaging. The twist towards the end… mind blown! This was such a great read and easily finished in a day 🖤🩵
What happens when the balance of power is swayed? When the balance of power is weighed in human flesh.
This story brings folk horror together with touches of teen angst. The horror builds so beautifully. Snapshots through nightmares.
The relationship between Sophia and Mr Travers is touching. He’s tender but doesn’t want anyone else finding out about Sophia’s woes.
I haven’t read a book with the cani trope with this sort of kill before. It’s clever and inventive. The story is told with multiple POV that keeps the story engaging. The twist towards the end… mind blown! This was such a great read and easily finished in a day 🖤🩵
January 7, 2026
This is my first Radar DeBoard read, but it won't be my last! it's on the milder end of extreme horror, and was an interesting story from start to finish. I really appreciated how the story bounces between our FMC, Sophia, and the evil entity and its companion who are hunting children at an orphanage.
December 18, 2025
How I wish I could hug Sophia…
Sophia grew up without parents, in a town where kids are being targeted and killed, especially those close to her.
Somehow, she feels a strange connection with whoever or whatever is behind these gruesome crimes and now she's older and determined to find out why.
In just over 100 pages, this book delivers graphic scenes, heartfelt moments, a thirst for revenge, and the story of a kid growing up, learning to fend for herself.
My favorite part? The shifting POVs that make the story even more intriguing, even though the ending is incredibly hard to swallow.
If you love gory, emotional reads that you can devour in one sitting, this is definitely one to check out!
This review and more here:
Instagram | Tiktok | Youtube
Sophia grew up without parents, in a town where kids are being targeted and killed, especially those close to her.
Somehow, she feels a strange connection with whoever or whatever is behind these gruesome crimes and now she's older and determined to find out why.
In just over 100 pages, this book delivers graphic scenes, heartfelt moments, a thirst for revenge, and the story of a kid growing up, learning to fend for herself.
My favorite part? The shifting POVs that make the story even more intriguing, even though the ending is incredibly hard to swallow.
If you love gory, emotional reads that you can devour in one sitting, this is definitely one to check out!
This review and more here:
Instagram | Tiktok | Youtube
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Everything but the Skin is a page turning tale that sucks you into the pained mind of a troubled young woman and a community of religious guilt. Radar DeBoard doesn't hold back when it comes to making you feel pain. I want to read, and suffer, within his stories again and again.
December 3, 2025
Dark, emotional, and heartbreaking. This fast, brutal tale of small town cruelty and relentless haunting forces is centered on Sophia, whose story stays with you long after.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Although I expected it gorier and far more sinister in tone, "Everything But The Skin" ultimately does deliver a gripping coming-of-age narrative coupled with a tale of deadly revenge and unredeemeable evil.
Interspersed with mysterious snippets of a persistent two voice argument, it begins with an orphanage on fire, and two girls narrowly escaping with their lives. One of them takes center stage, the story being told through her eyes, the focus on the cruelties she faces as an orphan and the bullying she suffers branded as a witch. Soon another story intrudes and events from the past unfold in parallel to the girl's story. It takes a while till the two tales meet, but when they do, secrets are revealed and quite a lot starts making sense about who the girl is and why she seems to possess insights and experience visions about missing children in her town. The fragmentary argument that's been accompanying the story also finds its surprising place amidst all this - and it's only fitting that it's the key to every little detail haunting the book from page one!
This is a complex horror story, with great characters, raw emotion, occasionally brutal but heartfelt and genuinely fun throughout. I recommend it to readers who enjoy fast-paced, intricately plotted stories, exploring girlhood, friendship and the cost of secret origins.
Interspersed with mysterious snippets of a persistent two voice argument, it begins with an orphanage on fire, and two girls narrowly escaping with their lives. One of them takes center stage, the story being told through her eyes, the focus on the cruelties she faces as an orphan and the bullying she suffers branded as a witch. Soon another story intrudes and events from the past unfold in parallel to the girl's story. It takes a while till the two tales meet, but when they do, secrets are revealed and quite a lot starts making sense about who the girl is and why she seems to possess insights and experience visions about missing children in her town. The fragmentary argument that's been accompanying the story also finds its surprising place amidst all this - and it's only fitting that it's the key to every little detail haunting the book from page one!
This is a complex horror story, with great characters, raw emotion, occasionally brutal but heartfelt and genuinely fun throughout. I recommend it to readers who enjoy fast-paced, intricately plotted stories, exploring girlhood, friendship and the cost of secret origins.
January 21, 2026
I really enjoyed this coming of age horror. You can’t help but feel sorry for the main character, and that sucks you right into the story with the hope that her bullies will pay a price for their nastiness. The brutality and gore was just enough to bring some dread and a curiosity to see what it was that was the cause of the deaths.
An extra note, I think Radar DeBoard gets better, with every book he writes.
An extra note, I think Radar DeBoard gets better, with every book he writes.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews