Eye of Fear

by Lauren Algeo, Marisa Oldham, Angie Martin

There’s no turning back once you’ve entered the Eye of Fear.

Award-winning and best-selling authors from across the genre spectrum join forces in this edgy collection. These deliciously frightening and reflective tales of phobias will cause your heart to race and your body to perspire.

***ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS ANTHOLOGY WILL BE DONATED TO THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI)***

Experimental by Lauren Algeo: Four people, four boxes, one nightmare. There's no way out for Michael, Heidi, Sabina and Jace, and no escape from their own minds. Do they have the mental strength to withstand insanity?

The First Step by Marisa Oldham & Angie Martin: Following a terrifying ordeal, Adele has wrapped herself up in the comfort of her own home for the past four years. Can one man bring her the courage she needs to take the first step into a new world?

A Mind’s Undoing by Sloane Kady: Inside Kate lived a fear so profound even sanity couldn't reason with it and reality couldn't shake it from its foundation. When her greatest fear comes knocking, will she recognize it, or will it push her farther into a world of her mind's making?

Mark of Deceit by Glede Browne Kabongo: Ambitious career girl Natalie Grainger Fox is in for the fight of her life when she becomes the unwilling recipient of a computer flash drive that could bring about the collapse of her employer—a global powerhouse that may be guilty of financial fraud and cold-blooded murder.

Unreal by Shay Lynam: When a glitch in the system traps three teens inside a virtual reality, they must band together and face their worst fears in hopes of finding a way out.

Jezebel’s Embrace by Heather Osborne: With an abusive mother dominating every aspect of her life, Lilith has grown to fear intimacy and touch. When she finally manages to escape, the death of a kindly lady draws her back. Will Lilith learn to conquer her fear, or will it consume her, mind and soul?

Heaven’s Hell by Sandy Richards: Ernie had a devil of a time with life; nevertheless, salvation came calling surrounded by hellish circumstances.

Touch of the Untouchables by Jalpa Williby: Zak has only known one way of life: stay inside the wall. When a forbidden excursion goes wrong, he meets up with an enemy of unknown danger. In facing his worst fear, he is forced to question everything that has been his world and determine his own reality.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Anthologies

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2016

About the author

Lauren Algeo (1985 - ) was born in England and currently lives in Kent with her husband. She graduated from Greenwich University with a First-class honours degree in Graphic Design and works for a design agency in London Bridge.

Lauren is the best-selling author of The Hikers Trilogy – a horror/thriller series about one man's struggle to defeat a family of mind-controlling assassins, and the people he meets along the way. Hikers Part One: Power was published in 2013, followed by Part Two: Passion in 2014 and Part Three: Politics in 2015. There are also two accompanying novels to the Hikers Trilogy: Brewer's Journal (published in 2014) and Georgie's Story (2015). Lauren has two collections of short horror stories, Survive The Night (2014) and Fear The Night (2017), a standalone romance thriller, The Perfect Date (2013), and a story in charity anthology, Eye of Fear (2016).

Lauren is obsessed with books and films, particularly anything horror-related. Her favourite author is Stephen King and she loves watching TV shows like American Horror Story, Sense8 and Game of Thrones. She has an Alaskan Shepherd, called Opie, who she blogs about at opieandus.wordpress.com. She is also a trustee of The Chris Aked Foundation, a charity providing support and experiences to children whose families are dealing with cancer and other life affecting illnesses. All proceeds from Fear The Night go to the foundation, and you can follow them @akedarmy or www.facebook.com/akedarmy.

Join the 'Lauren Algeo Author' Facebook page for more information: www.facebook.com/HikersTrilogy or follow her on Twitter: @laurenalgeo (https://twitter.com/LaurenAlgeo)

Reviews

[Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

**** 4 Cranky Stars ****


This book is a collection of eight short stories, which explores the root of man’s fear. There was a time in my life when I used to watch suspense/horror films all the time and thoroughly enjoyed being scared out of my own skin. But I’ve always shied away from horror books because watching horror visualised by another person is completely different to reading it and letting your own mind create an image of what horrors it can produce. There is nothing more horrific than one’s own imagination at times.



When I picked up this book, I thought it was going to be about monsters or beings that strike fear. Man, was I wrong. It was worse than that! It’s more about personal fears, one’s own deep dark horrors. There is nothing worse than one’s own mind and man’s greatest enemy: man. Yep, we don’t fear animals, we don’t fear natural disasters, we don’t fear the unknown…we fear what other men can do to us or what we think they are capable of doing to us. It’s twisted and absolutely terrifying.



Experimental – this one is just wrong. I want to say s*ck but review sites might not allow the word. When I started reading it, I kept waiting for what was going to happen next. Waiting…waiting…then boom! Then…what? That’s just s*ck! I hated it but I loved it as well! It was the PERFECT start to the anthology.



The First Step – this one drew me in. I ached for Adele and hoped she would finally recover from the worst PTSD, which was brought about by an event straight out of a nightmare. I cheered her on when she finally took the first step to recovery and thanked the fates for that special someone who took her hand to guide her to the right path…then WHAM! A plot twist killed me! Man! I did not see that coming!



A Mind’s Undoing – this one broke my heart. As a wife and a mother…it-just-broke-me. Worryingly, I probably would have done the same thing.



Mark of Deceit – after the first three stories, this one threw me off. Didn’t exactly run the same wavelength as the previous ones, in my opinion AND it had a happy ending. More of a suspense/espionage short. Well-written but kinda veered off the theme a bit.



Unreal – this one took me back on track. The mystery of science mixing with human psyche always boggles my mind. How far would you go to get rid of your phobia? Would you subject yourself to this?



Jezebel’s Embrace – this one is similar to the second story in a way that it drew me in and made me wish for a better life for the main character. I was rooting for her to overcome her troubles until finally she found a better life for herself. Then like a sucker, a plot twist killed me again! Which one is real? One should think I’ve learned my lesson by now (smh).



Heaven’s Hell – this is a sad little story. Ernie was born with a golden heart. But she’s also a product of her upbringing and one can’t really blame her for the things she did in her later life. It was like watching a serial killer grow up and discovering why she turned out the way she did.



Touch of the Untouchables – now, this one is also out of context. But it was such a breath of fresh air from the nightmares brought on by the previous stories. It’s actually a love story and made me wish it was longer. I would have liked to see what would have happened next to Zak and Asha. Sounds like a good one.

[Sarah Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

**BETA READ**

This collection of stories about fears couldn't have been written more perfectly. Most of these authors I was already a fan of and now I am officially a fan of the others as well. Each story had their own twists and ways of displaying these fears in a real way. The characters were believable and easy to relate to. I couldn't help the over power feeling of wanting to climb in the book and protect these characters. These fears are real and people suffer from them every day. As a person with some of these fears I appreciate the way each author wrote their story with care and compassion. These stories are intense and very suspenseful. They will keep you on the edge of your seat needing to know what happens next. Some are beautifully heart breaking while others are fantastically frightening. I can't recommend it enough. An absolute must read.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chills...Chills...and more Chills is what I felt when reading this fantastic book. Each story was unique and I was surprised at each and every ending. The characters were very easy to relate to and their situations are very believable. The shock factor of each story had me saying, "No way!" More than once. These stories really have me thinking of those who suffer silently with the fear that's buried deeply within them. The fears that we don't notice on the outside. I highly recommend Eye of Fear. Five AMAZING Stars!!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do not read this book in bed. Do read this book in the middle of the afternoon in your securely locked house with the sounds of happy children and puppies playing nearby. Do not read this book if you ever want to sleep again. DO read this book. It will take you on a terrifying roller-coaster ride from the opening of the first story and leave you breathless and scared to ever turn your light out again when the ride is over. I loved this book!

[Gwen Sargeant · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book, I found myself sitting in the dark reflecting on each of these stories. I had closed my eyes, and taking each story, thinking back on how I would feel if I had their fear. Each writer made it so real and scary. It was beyond comprehension as to what or how anyone would react in their shoes as each one of us is different. Each fear is deep seeded in each one of them. My biggest fear is Tornados and Snakes. When I lived in the states, I would be petrified each and every time it would storm. No matter how little the storm was to how bad it would get. I found myself living in my bathroom each time it would storm. I saw a tornado when I was about 12 and went into a full blown panic. If it wasn't for babysitting for one of my customers home that got blown away, I might have been okay. But to know that I could have been there is horrifying. I can relate to their feelings and would never doubt the severity of them. I give each one of the writers a huge 5 ***** rating. They made it so real in my eyes. Well done Lauren Algeo, Marisa Oldham, Angie Martin, Sloane Kady, Glede Browne Kabongo, Shay Lynam, Heather Osborne, Sandy Richards and Jalpa Williby. I have the utmost respect for your writing and will definitely recommend this book to all my friends. Thank you for allowing me to review this book.

[Teresa Kander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of stories about fear is incredibly well-written. Most of the authors are new to me, but I will definitely be looking into their other work after this. Each story brought its own brand of fear to the table, and each one had my heart racing at some point.

Each of the authors with a story in this collection have some type of connection to a mental health disorder, so they understand that these fears are very real and very difficult to live with, and that understanding and compassion shines through in their writing, even as they are scaring the socks off of their readers.

The best way for me to describe how I felt while reading these stories is to compare it to the way I feel after watching a really excellent episode of Twilight Zone. In fact, I could picture several of these stories BEING episodes of that show. If you enjoy stories of that type, then this book is a must read!

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a genre I normally read, I don’t really like being scared, but these stories were really thrilling and kept drawing me in. Some endings were a bit predictable, but that didn’t make me want to read them any less. I couldn’t imagine these things happening to me much less someone with these actual fears. These stories may be short, but there is great character development in each one and it makes them easy to relate to. Make sure you turn on some extra lights, but definitely read this book.

[Colleen George · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Eye of Fear” is a great read and the short stories, each written by different talented authors, connect flawlessly. If you enjoy twists and turns, surprises you didn’t see coming and a thrilling read this is the book for you. Stephen King, John Sanford and Mary Higgins Clark fans will especially enjoy "Eye of Fear.” I warn you though, don’t plan on reading just one short story a night, it pulls you in and keeps you going to the last page. Absolute enjoyment is what you will find in these pages with the right mix of horror, mystery and suspense. I highly recommend this intriguing book!

[Books 2 Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

***********Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher ***********
While this is not my typical genre in books, I'm always up for the challenge even though I freely admit I'm a wuss at horror. What could go wrong in trying something new in a book? Nothing, right? Ummm.... Yeah NO! Eye of Fear delivers in a big way. Crippling fear, heart thumping anxiety, self recrimination, sociopathic psychosis, all the real good horror stuff that would just keep you running the other way, fill this anthology to the brim and is an gift written for the avid horror/suspense reader.

The stories in this anthology are gripping and just made me want me want to keep on looking over my shoulder and leave a night light on. From the first story to the last, the toe tapping that usually I would do when I'm nervous became a full leg bouncing as the intense suspense held me in place as I read story after story. Each author captured the imagination whether it was through dialogue or introspection or setting or the characters. Some characters had me just shaking my head saying Aaaaah! And wanting to throw my IPad far far away...hahaha! But what can I say, the brilliant writing just kept pulling me back.

The story that really captured my attention in the Anthology is the second story The First Step. I can't tell you why because it would be a spoiler but this one story hit my creep out button like a doorbell being pressed over and over. From the first scene, I was engaged and wanted to know what would happen next. Adele's anxiety permeated through ever intense scene. I felt the weird vibe from coming off Wyatt that something wasn't quite right. While, I figured out the story line along the way (yeah I loved figuring stuff out as a kid playing clue), the ending of the story is the shocker. All I can say is why????

All the books are short manageable reads and they all pack a good psychological punch. The storylines are sure to give you the right amount of psychological thrill. So, if horror or psychological suspense is your thing, this anthology hits the mark and is definitely a must buy.

[Deborah Gallatin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, mind bending compilation

From the 1st story to the final narrative, every single tale kept me completely engrossed. I especially loved two of the stories, the first being Unreal written by Shay Lynam. There was something that smacked of such pure unadulterated horror, it made me laugh with childish glee! The second story, which is last in the book, is Touch of the Untouchables written by Jalpa Williby. Up until reading this tale, I had never heard of this author. But after reading this story, I've gone on to find other works that were just as brilliantly written. This was perhaps one of the best short pieces of work I've read all year. Miss Williby is possibly that rare gem one finds when mining through the ore of numerous books & stories.

[Lauren Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Experimental by Lauren Algeo – Algeo lures her readers into a suspenseful short story that both captivates and draws wonder to all four of her characters. There is a variation of one question that is really prevalent throughout the entire read—why were they selected for imprisonment? What did they do to deserve this punishment? This author does a fantastic job with character development and has a well-written story that seems like it will continue into a potential full-length novel in the future. If you are a reader of psychological suspense, you may find this to your liking. While reading, you may find major similarities between this short story and the major motion picture, SAW.

The First Step by Marisa Oldham & Angie Martin – This short story is slightly predictable, but by no means lacking in suspense. After suffering over a major psychological and horrifying event that caused her extreme fear and anxiety, her trust in others has been completely shot. Four years of being locked away with locks, bolts and bars across every window, she has imprisoned herself within the safety of her home. Both authors create an intrepid and eerie story that is well-written, but may not be extended into a full-length novel at a later time. If you are a reader of psychological suspense, this may be perfect for you.

A Mind’s Undoing by Sloane Kady – Kady also has a predictable short story, yet it remains captivating and alarmingly psychological throughout. Kate’s fear is losing her family, but after the confirmation to her friend that she has stopped taking her medication—things fall into place quite quickly. This author does a fantastic job with character development and has a well-written story, but may not be extended into a full-length novel at a later time. If you are a reader of psychological fiction, you may find this to your liking.

Mark of Deceit by Glede Brown Kabongo – Kabongo has a wonderful way of inviting her readers into the world of suspense with her well-written stories and creativity. This author walks with her character, Natalie, through every possible avenue of danger after an unwelcome visitor provides documentation of fraud allegations and deceit that have been swept right under her nose for years. She is forced to look over her shoulder constantly and those that she cares about may be in imminent danger if others are watching her. Ultimately not knowing who Natalie can trust, this provides a great psychological read that will leave you wanting to read more.

Unreal by Shay Lynam – This short story is highly creative and psychologically riveting. Lynam delves right into the fire with her world of technological advances. This story encompasses psychological suspense and science fiction by creating equipment that can help you work through your worst fears. As this author takes her three characters through their worst nightmares, there is a bond formed between the three teenagers solely in spite of their fear. Lynam does a superb job with character development and has a well-written story that seems like it will continue into a potential full-length novel in the future.

Jezebel’s Embrace by Heather Osborne – Osborne takes her readers into the house of an abuser. This story is creative and well-written; however, there is a lapse in character development and pace, more than likely due to it being a short story instead of a full-length novel. After Lilith leaves her small southern town to attend college, with the help of a kind woman—she thinks that the fear is over. When the woman who helped her escape is found dead after a few years, she is drawn back to that town and the freedom that she once felt has been replaced with that same fear that had taken over her as a child. If you are a reader of psychological suspense, this may be perfect for you.

Heaven’s Hell by Sandy Richards – Richards’ short story is a bit predictable as well, but the psychological suspense is enticing and captivating all the same. Ernie has had a tough life, the life of an abused teenager. With her family being highly religious, she wouldn’t have suspected that the most evil and vile of them all would be so close to her. After suffering from the abuse for so long, her resolve was a simple one—revenge. Becoming a vigilante of sorts, is what she deemed herself. Ernie was the town’s protector against vile people like her abuser—except, the world doesn’t always work the way you want it to. One mistake, one mishap—and it could all come crashing down in one fearful and terrifying moment of vulnerability. Richards does a superb job with character development and has a well-written story that will leave the reader wanting more.

Touch of the Untouchables by Jalpa Williby – Williby has a wonderful story that lures the reader into this little suspenseful adventure. Zak’s brother is the daredevil and Zak—well, he is just the one who has to follow along and make sure that his brother doesn’t get himself in trouble. Against orders, they travel beyond the wall and into the forest where danger is sure to await. After a run in with a band of Untouchables, Zak is hurt and unable to help his brother get back home safely. Leaving Zak on his own to go find help from inside the wall, his brother darts away quickly—but what they don’t know is that there is always someone watching and waiting to pounce. Williby does a fantastic job with character development and has a well-written story, but may not be extended into a full-length novel at a later time. If you are a reader of psychological suspense with a little adventure, you may find this to your liking.

[Jenny Coyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this anthology of short stories. I don't know that I'd classify them all as horror as the inner jacket says. I feel they are more suspense related, but for the most part they kept my eyes glued to the page. My main issue is that several of the stories were so good that they left me wishing they were novellas or full novels in some cases. They all had firm conclusions. It's just that I want more!

[NayDoubleU · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. I think it was scary because a lot of these stories could actually happen. I do with they were a bit shorter so that's why it doesnt give a full 5

[christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very awesome!

This was a great book. Exactly how I like them, I just didn't want to put the book down. Excellent!!!

[Kimbrown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get comfy and turn on an extra light as you start this anthology of short stories about phobias, as you'll be hooked right from the start. A quick read but quite engrossing. You'll encounter common phobias with a twist, but also some that you may not be aware of or hadn't thought about. All are guaranteed to make you squirm and possibly talk back to your e-reader a bit. The authors do an excellent job with character and plot development, some more subtly, and others smack you in the face from the get-go with the squirm factor. All are very effective. My personal favorite was Heaven's Hell by author Sandy Richards. The twists and turns at nearly every page of this story will have you wanting to share it with anyone within reach. It's just too good to keep to yourself.

I was pleased to see the proceeds from this anthology going for a good cause. Very worthy.

I should note that the first story threw me a little. It is written by a British author, and the lingo and slang had me wondering if there was an editing issue or if I'd perhaps purchased the international version. At any rate, it's only the first story, and easy enough to get past if you're not up on British slang (which I'm not). I think placing that story in a different order would have lessened my confusion. A minor point.

[Heather Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did receive this short story novel as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Now I am not a fan of thrillers or horror books but this anthology totally kicked butt. It's nice to step away from your normal genre and read something different. All of these stories were well written, and I felt that each story had a great closure.

After reading this book, I found myself sitting in the dark reflecting on each of these stories. I had closed my eyes, and taking each story, thinking back on how I would feel if I had their fear. Each writer made it so real and scary. It was beyond comprehension as to what or how anyone would react in their shoes as each one of us is different. Each fear is deep seeded in each one of them.

Each story pulls you in to read the next and the next!

[DS_Promotions · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read The first Step - by Marisa Oldham and Angie Martin and I have to say I absolutely loved it!

Adelle was a typical teenager in love with her boyfriend and living life when a day at a carnival changed her life forever.
Trapped by crippling fear is left to live on her own when her sister and aunt can no longer help her.
Wyatt has patience and time and helps Adelle to recover and gain confidence once more, gaining the strength and confidence to go outside of her home - something she hasn't done in 4 years. But perception and trust can be be deceiving and not what it seems....
I loved this story and it had me turning the pages until there were no more, fantastic read that has a serious plot twist.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

**SPOILER FREE**


What an amazing set of stories! Each will have you on edge, and I mean on edge.. They will have you gripping your seat and trying to turn the page. You will find yourself having a hard time placing this one down. If you haven't yet, I would recommend that you get this book!


*Received for an honest review*

[JoAnne Pegg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mental illness comes in many forms and caused by many phobias.

I liked this book. It describes many forms of phobias that accompany mental illness. I was saddened by parts of the descriptions of mental illness. Awarded 5 stars because of how good these descriptions were though. I would recommend this book to people with interest in this type of book.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye of fear by Lauren Algeo

A fantastic collection of short thrilling/horror stories. Delve into horror, thrills and chills as phobias and fears are told in each Authors voice. Guaranteed to keep you up late into the night, these stories are sure to delight those who love great horror stories. I highly recommend Eye of Fear.

Authors included; Lauren Algeo , Marisa Oldham , Angie Martin, Sloane Kady, Glede Browne Kabongo, Shay Lynam, Heather Osborne, Sandy Richards& Jalpa Williby

[gene spainhour · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a book?

I'm not quite sure what this was. It had a story but then I finished it and then there was more not really understanding, I guess it was many books in one but that was not my understanding.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phobias

Well written stories about people facing and beating their phobias or losing themselves to them. I was unable to put this down and was finished in 2 hours, wishing it was longer!

[Disa Marnesdottr · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nope. Couldn’t finish.

[anjel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the book I won't go as far to say it's a phobia but I can relate to the fear of water. Good read.

[Cagatay]

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[Anna]

I was lucky enough to ARC read The First Step by Marisa Oldham and Angie Martin. It is the best thriller, short story I have read. The details are amazing and the twist to the story at the end, made it so great. I haven't had a chance to read the other stories in Eye of Fear yet, but I'm sure they are just as good!

[Tricia Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book