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Myths Reborn: Modern Tales of Cryptids & Dark Folklore
October Nights Press Myths Reborn!
Can a skinwalker become the savior of two terrified young girls? How might the tale of Sasquatch be different when told from his perspective? Could a vampire exist undetected in your city or a Tatzelwurm make its way into the very walls of your home? Within the pages of this anthology, encounter cryptids and folk characters portrayed in novel and frightening ways. Nineteen talented authors breathed new life into traditional tales to create a new collection of reenvisioned, recontextualized myths.Rikki Goodwin - Stephen Mark Rainey - H.V. Patterson - Dana M. Evans - J.T. Grant - Jo Kaplan - Chris Travis -
Kelly A. Hearty - Alan Fisher - Katie Frendreis - Devin James Leonard - Kevin Bauer - J. Rocky Colavito -
Ryan C. Bradley - DJ Schwin - Aggie Novak - Michael Paige - Bryson Richard - Robert Borski
Can a skinwalker become the savior of two terrified young girls? How might the tale of Sasquatch be different when told from his perspective? Could a vampire exist undetected in your city or a Tatzelwurm make its way into the very walls of your home? Within the pages of this anthology, encounter cryptids and folk characters portrayed in novel and frightening ways. Nineteen talented authors breathed new life into traditional tales to create a new collection of reenvisioned, recontextualized myths.Rikki Goodwin - Stephen Mark Rainey - H.V. Patterson - Dana M. Evans - J.T. Grant - Jo Kaplan - Chris Travis -
Kelly A. Hearty - Alan Fisher - Katie Frendreis - Devin James Leonard - Kevin Bauer - J. Rocky Colavito -
Ryan C. Bradley - DJ Schwin - Aggie Novak - Michael Paige - Bryson Richard - Robert Borski
276 pages, Hardcover
Published January 23, 2026
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January 29, 2026
I picked this book up out of a love for cryptozoology and general horror anthologies (not to mention its striking cover art), and it delivered a wide-ranging and thoughtfully assembled collection. As with any multi-author anthology, quality varies from story to story, but what stands out most is how cohesive the book feels despite its many voices.
Across the collection, common themes emerge naturally: grief, loss, isolation, regret, and survival. Many of the stories use cryptids and folklore less as simple monsters and more as reflections of very human fears, which gives the anthology a strong emotional through-line and helps the stories flow well into one another.
Several entries stand out. “Not My Sister” by Rikki Goodwin is a strong opener that sets a grounded, quietly unsettling tone. “I, Faunus” by Katie Frendreis and “The Last Sasquatch” by DJ Schwin offer really effective and unique perspectives that explore loneliness and loss that will pull at your heart. “The Game Trail” by Devin James Leonard and “Melon Heads” by Kevin Bauer are particularly effective in their focus on the psychological and physical aftermath of an encounter. Speaking of that last one, one of the anthology’s real pleasures is its introduction to lesser-known cryptids; several stories sent me down research rabbit holes afterward.
Enjoyment will depend on whether a reader prefers emotional horror, reinterpretations of folklore, or more traditional creature features. Still, that range is part of this book's appeal and strength.
Overall, Myths Reborn succeeds as a collection because it offers variety without losing focus. It’s a solid recommendation for fans of cryptids, folklore, and horror that’s as interested in people as it is in monsters.
Across the collection, common themes emerge naturally: grief, loss, isolation, regret, and survival. Many of the stories use cryptids and folklore less as simple monsters and more as reflections of very human fears, which gives the anthology a strong emotional through-line and helps the stories flow well into one another.
Several entries stand out. “Not My Sister” by Rikki Goodwin is a strong opener that sets a grounded, quietly unsettling tone. “I, Faunus” by Katie Frendreis and “The Last Sasquatch” by DJ Schwin offer really effective and unique perspectives that explore loneliness and loss that will pull at your heart. “The Game Trail” by Devin James Leonard and “Melon Heads” by Kevin Bauer are particularly effective in their focus on the psychological and physical aftermath of an encounter. Speaking of that last one, one of the anthology’s real pleasures is its introduction to lesser-known cryptids; several stories sent me down research rabbit holes afterward.
Enjoyment will depend on whether a reader prefers emotional horror, reinterpretations of folklore, or more traditional creature features. Still, that range is part of this book's appeal and strength.
Overall, Myths Reborn succeeds as a collection because it offers variety without losing focus. It’s a solid recommendation for fans of cryptids, folklore, and horror that’s as interested in people as it is in monsters.
Displaying 1 of 1 review