I loved this. I found Travis Weaver through Creep Cast. The historical horror in these stories is detailed and unsettling. I don't think a single story failed to hook me. That's tough to do. I highly recommend this for those that like short yet engaging horror.
I only hope we get to read more of his prose in the style of historical horror in the future.
Wow! What a ride! I'm usually a very harsh critic, but I can't really find anything I didn't like about this book (save one small critic of one story). I loved the characters and how thought out they were. I loved the stories and their progressions. I loved the settings. I loved the monsters! And the writing? Out of this world beautiful and rich. It's eerie and macabre. But, also just so lovely and descriptive. It almost fells romanticized in a way? Which is such a fun juxtaposition to the actual themes lol This book truly feels like old scary campfire stories. The type whispered by the adults when they think the kids are asleep, and grandpa has had some whiskey.
The only story that didn't quite hit for me was the last one. Everything about it was so cool, I just wanted a bit more. A little more of the 'why', and a little more of the after. Which is a testament to the writing that that is basically my only criticism! :)
Given the fact that it's a collection of stories it's easy to enjoy the book even if you don't like one of the stories flavor of monster. There's an underlying tone as well of that idea that sometimes the scariest thing in the story is the humans not the creature in the dark. Travis is a fantastic writer and I am a sucker for "found journal" styled writing. Overall this was right down my alley so there's not really anything to complain about.
I can not emphasize how amazing this collection of short stories was. Travis is an absolute magician with words, conjuring unique and fantastical bite-sized-horrors, all oozing atmosphere. It’s the kind of work that makes you believe some people are just born to write. I had to read parts aloud just to slow down and savor. Considering checking this book out? Do it, don’t hesitate. No one can write horror quite like Travis can and I am patiently waiting for his next release.
This was a perfect book. Normally with anthologies or similar-type groups of stories, there tend to be a weaker few. Not with this collection - every one was a banger. I loved the opening and closing stories, but everything in between was excellent.
Very well written, many creative stories, great flow. Really enjoyed reading this. The first, last, and unknown soldier stories were particularly good in my opinion! Hope to see him release for books in the future! If you like spooky stories, mysteries, and the old west, you'll enjoy this book!
This collection of short stories leaves you at a unsettled edge of the seat. The historical entries and eerie leftover after the story ends leaves you wondering. There were a few that made me more uneasy than others. The way Travis writes is immersive and leaves the reader with overarching themes that speak on morality.