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A Path Through the Forest
What can a father do who’s lost his daughter to ageless evil? Where is hope in a world where drinking and death are interchangeable? Who survives plagued blood, when the immune are hunted? What can be learned when raised by a serial killer? A Path Through the Forest is a collection of short stories that takes readers from heartache to triumph, twisting a route through the fragility of human need and darkness to the hope of sacrifice. Dark, surprising, strangely uplifting, this book slices out characters and moments that last long after the pages have turned.
- GenresHorror
185 pages, Paperback
Published January 16, 2023
11 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 9, 2023
Such an extremely well written collection of short stories!! I enjoyed every story and know I will be reading all the work by Alisha Galvan. The stories were both disturbing and entertaining. You will not be disappointed with this author’s work!!
May 3, 2023
If you like horror and you like short stories then run, don’t walk. Even if you’re new to horror…this would be a good one to ease your way in. Covers a lot of horror sub genres. Emergency Services was one of my fave stories. Definitely recommend giving it a go!
May 17, 2023
This is a great compilation of spooky short stories. I enjoyed every story in this book and I loved how it covered such a wide variety of horror sub genres. There is definitely a story in this book for every horror lover. I loved the writing style of these stories and I can’t wait to check out more works by this author.
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May 24, 2023Alisha Galvan’s collection of short horror and speculative pieces, A Path Through the Forest, offers lyrical introspection. There’s a beautiful, painful, poetic exploration of depression in this book that alone would be worth the price, but all of the stories engage and invite thought. Alisha Galvan writes articulate, intelligent stories well. This 187 page book was published January, 2023.
May 15, 2023
I absolutley loved this! All the stories were equally disturbing and creepy, I really enjoy this authors writing style and want to read more by them for sure, a quick read for when you want a shot of spooky
May 20, 2025
I simply cannot understand why this book has such a low overall rating. I don't have a clue who Alisha Galvan is, but holy crap, I need to read more.
The stories in here are all dark, and very often quite bleak. There's also times where it feels like something referenced in one story aludes to one of the others, though that could just be my brain stitching them together.
Overall, aside from the odd spelling error (and the two egregious uses of "should of" instead of "should've" or "should have" in the "Soulmates" story that I'm willing to let slide due to the sheer brilliance of these stories), this is a shockingly good collection of shorts. Honestly, normally in a single-author collection—even the best of them—I'll find a couple of stories that don't do a damn thing for me.
Not here.
Every one of these stories carries a gut punch. These are stories I'm angry that I didn't write. They're very, very good.
Again, I have no idea who Alisha Galvan is, and I honestly don't even remember how this collection even caught my eye, but I'm so glad it did...because Galvan?
Yeah, she's one to watch.
The stories in here are all dark, and very often quite bleak. There's also times where it feels like something referenced in one story aludes to one of the others, though that could just be my brain stitching them together.
Overall, aside from the odd spelling error (and the two egregious uses of "should of" instead of "should've" or "should have" in the "Soulmates" story that I'm willing to let slide due to the sheer brilliance of these stories), this is a shockingly good collection of shorts. Honestly, normally in a single-author collection—even the best of them—I'll find a couple of stories that don't do a damn thing for me.
Not here.
Every one of these stories carries a gut punch. These are stories I'm angry that I didn't write. They're very, very good.
Again, I have no idea who Alisha Galvan is, and I honestly don't even remember how this collection even caught my eye, but I'm so glad it did...because Galvan?
Yeah, she's one to watch.
June 29, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this collection. I loved the authors way of writing. They had a way of really getting into hour head and being both horrific, and maybe inducing a few evil giggles.
July 9, 2023
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫 (4.5 but rounded up to a 5)
📚 Book Review 📚 “A Path Through the Forest” by Alisha Galvan
📖 Genre: horror short story collection
✨ TW: violence, unaliving, suicidal ideation, death of children, abuse of all forms, mentions of animal violence, etc.
This was such a wonderful read for me and lived up to the hype. In here is a vast collection of short fiction ranging from horror to dark thriller to dark humor, etc. the writing is elegant and often poignant. Alisha has a way of using words and vocabulary in a truly beautiful way. The stories all feel vastly different from each other, which is impressive. Like a different writer had their hand behind each narrative.
This is really about the human condition. It focuses a lot on trauma and the things that shape us and change us and propel us. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the very worse. But, despite the darkness, Alisha manages to flicker glimmers of hope. Even in the darkest of entries, there is a sense here that there are lessons to be learned in life. That redemption is possible. That even in our worst moments, there can still be things to fight for, even if that’s preserving the only shred of humanity you have left. And knowing that the author infused some of her own personal trauma behind these narratives adds flavor to the entire affair.
Not every story clicked with me fully, but I don’t believe there was a bad one here. Some of my personal favorites:
“Soulmates” - really loved the concept of this and wish it were longer.
“The Demons are Our Angels” - a more familiar concept, but I just really enjoyed it.
“All the Reasons in the World” - really powerful story. It read like a prose poem. Very dark. Also cathartic.
“Alice” - I actually think this is one of those where the ending kind of contextualized the entire story for me and I found it to be rather beautiful in a bittersweet way.
“Lessons of My Brother” - more of a literary story. Very poignant. Liked this one a lot.
Overall, this was a (fun?) collection of dark, short literature. Recommended, but mind your triggers.
📚 Book Review 📚 “A Path Through the Forest” by Alisha Galvan
📖 Genre: horror short story collection
✨ TW: violence, unaliving, suicidal ideation, death of children, abuse of all forms, mentions of animal violence, etc.
This was such a wonderful read for me and lived up to the hype. In here is a vast collection of short fiction ranging from horror to dark thriller to dark humor, etc. the writing is elegant and often poignant. Alisha has a way of using words and vocabulary in a truly beautiful way. The stories all feel vastly different from each other, which is impressive. Like a different writer had their hand behind each narrative.
This is really about the human condition. It focuses a lot on trauma and the things that shape us and change us and propel us. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the very worse. But, despite the darkness, Alisha manages to flicker glimmers of hope. Even in the darkest of entries, there is a sense here that there are lessons to be learned in life. That redemption is possible. That even in our worst moments, there can still be things to fight for, even if that’s preserving the only shred of humanity you have left. And knowing that the author infused some of her own personal trauma behind these narratives adds flavor to the entire affair.
Not every story clicked with me fully, but I don’t believe there was a bad one here. Some of my personal favorites:
“Soulmates” - really loved the concept of this and wish it were longer.
“The Demons are Our Angels” - a more familiar concept, but I just really enjoyed it.
“All the Reasons in the World” - really powerful story. It read like a prose poem. Very dark. Also cathartic.
“Alice” - I actually think this is one of those where the ending kind of contextualized the entire story for me and I found it to be rather beautiful in a bittersweet way.
“Lessons of My Brother” - more of a literary story. Very poignant. Liked this one a lot.
Overall, this was a (fun?) collection of dark, short literature. Recommended, but mind your triggers.
May 22, 2023
This was a good group of stories. I wasn't scared during reading it, but I'm haunted. At least one of them made me take a time-out from the book after finishing that specific one. Was it them from the future, their past parent in some time flux, or just madness presenting itself in the form of evil? It's answered in a mother's apology, but was it really? Another reminding us all to buckle up no matter how mad we are. Some beings desperation to be away from others expectations and control find no rest, just like the reader if you're up too late, alone with the stories. My only wish was there was some strong tie in between each of the MC in the book. I have highlighted a couple tales that really stuck with me. There are many, and each individual but truly makes you think. And for many, that's scary in and of itself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2023
I went into this book not realizing it was a series of short stories. It was a very pleasant surprise.
The stories were so good that after a few pages I completely forgot I was reading a short story. The end came up and I was jolted out of the story having completely forgotten I was even reading. I couldn't believe how immersive the stories were. There were quite a few where I was genuinely disappointed there wasn't more. I would absolutely read full length novels if they were available. It a true act of talent to have you emotionally invested within a few pages.
I enjoyed this book overall. I recommend! The stories were well done and I enjoyed them for what they were. This is very much a "me" problem, But I do wish a few had been a tad longer and it was hard to be removed from reading every little bit. I did have to take a few breaks to go back to reading to refocus.
The stories were so good that after a few pages I completely forgot I was reading a short story. The end came up and I was jolted out of the story having completely forgotten I was even reading. I couldn't believe how immersive the stories were. There were quite a few where I was genuinely disappointed there wasn't more. I would absolutely read full length novels if they were available. It a true act of talent to have you emotionally invested within a few pages.
I enjoyed this book overall. I recommend! The stories were well done and I enjoyed them for what they were. This is very much a "me" problem, But I do wish a few had been a tad longer and it was hard to be removed from reading every little bit. I did have to take a few breaks to go back to reading to refocus.
April 16, 2023
This collection of stories impressed me! Granted, as with every collection of short stories I read, there are some I resonate with more than others and it was the same with A Path Through the Forest. That being said, even though I didn’t resonate with some doesn’t mean they weren’t written well. In fact, Galvan’s writing style is articulate, creative, and engaging.
One of my favorite things about this collection of stories is that it explores a variety of horror sub-genres, so it never felt monotonous. I appreciate horror that can both shock and disturb me, while also pull at my heartstrings. Galvan was able to bring those emotions out of me in multiple stories. I’m looking forward to reading more of her work!
One of my favorite things about this collection of stories is that it explores a variety of horror sub-genres, so it never felt monotonous. I appreciate horror that can both shock and disturb me, while also pull at my heartstrings. Galvan was able to bring those emotions out of me in multiple stories. I’m looking forward to reading more of her work!
September 12, 2023
A wife’s question, a father’s mission, a lover’s journey, a hideout of sorts, the survivor, the outbreak, a mother’s decision, the recession, the hunter, a rescuer’s choice, a crossroads, letters to the sister, the grave robbers, the ghost whisperer, a daughter’s gift, a ripper at work, a commuter’s decision, the living dead, dying for a drink, a brother’s lessons.
These are beautifully crafted horror jewels.
The characters here all take the left hand path, step through fractures of the mind, make decisions and face the consequences. The writing is wonderfully dark and the tales haunting, compelling, poignant, heartbreaking and hopeful. A truly macabre journey through the forest!
These are beautifully crafted horror jewels.
The characters here all take the left hand path, step through fractures of the mind, make decisions and face the consequences. The writing is wonderfully dark and the tales haunting, compelling, poignant, heartbreaking and hopeful. A truly macabre journey through the forest!
November 16, 2023
This is a collection of horror stories. These stories aren't necessarily gorey or "conventional" horror but are more thought provoking. They often play off of tragedies and the aftermath.
I really enjoyed these stories. It reminded me of classic horror novels where the most horrifying things are found in what's left unsaid. Some of the stories were really sad.
Some of my favorites are: "I Miss You, and Other Words", "To Be the Walking Wounded", "The Demons are Our Angels", and "Lessons if My Brother".
Check this one out if you are looking for a good anthology to read while sipping something warm.
I really enjoyed these stories. It reminded me of classic horror novels where the most horrifying things are found in what's left unsaid. Some of the stories were really sad.
Some of my favorites are: "I Miss You, and Other Words", "To Be the Walking Wounded", "The Demons are Our Angels", and "Lessons if My Brother".
Check this one out if you are looking for a good anthology to read while sipping something warm.
June 7, 2023
I really liked this book! It is a horror short story collection and enjoyed almost all of them! I’ve been drifting away from horror and I love reading horror and this book definitely got me back into it! These stories definitely leave you wanting more! I don’t wanna give away to much because they are short stories and don’t wanna have any spoilers. But I can say if you wanna try out horror this is the book for you! Definitely a good starting book! There is one story though that I would love to see turned into a full novel! And that is “A Good Deed”
May 19, 2023
whew
This book reminded me of why I don’t read or watch horror. This is a collection of well written short horror/thriller stories. Full warning, you will be left hanging for most if not all of these stories. As I read, I sometimes wondered if one of these stories wasn’t a confession displayed in plain sight. Mental health has become a great issue in our country and it is something that needs to be addressed by all of us. In the end she suggests if you are struggling with mental health to please seek help, but doesn’t put any references. That being said, this book is well worth the read if you enjoy horror/ thriller.
Hotline:
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988
This book reminded me of why I don’t read or watch horror. This is a collection of well written short horror/thriller stories. Full warning, you will be left hanging for most if not all of these stories. As I read, I sometimes wondered if one of these stories wasn’t a confession displayed in plain sight. Mental health has become a great issue in our country and it is something that needs to be addressed by all of us. In the end she suggests if you are struggling with mental health to please seek help, but doesn’t put any references. That being said, this book is well worth the read if you enjoy horror/ thriller.
Hotline:
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988
July 14, 2023
A Collection Of True Horrors
A Path Through the Forest gathers the bleak, traumatized realities of the world and peppers on touches of the supernatural throughout. A post apocalyptic love story. The tragic bond of two brothers raised in anger. A surgeon who knows everything has a price. The rage of a child against their mother's aggressor. All of these and more.
A Path Through the Forest gathers the bleak, traumatized realities of the world and peppers on touches of the supernatural throughout. A post apocalyptic love story. The tragic bond of two brothers raised in anger. A surgeon who knows everything has a price. The rage of a child against their mother's aggressor. All of these and more.
April 20, 2025
It's the 1st Alisha Galvan book I've read. And I can say now that I liked it. And the stories felt like little journeys. Something to get lost in for sure. I miss you,and other words had me laughing! Emergency Services had Clive Barker feels for sure. A Better Tomorrow and Blood loss are definitely some good horror!
April 20, 2023
This was a wonderful collection of short horror stories. I really enjoyed them. Each new story was completely different than the last. I was very impressed with this book and I can't wait to see more by this author.
May 12, 2023
This is a collection of short stories that leave you wanting more. Each could be the basis for a whole novel. It includes stories from almost every horror genre. Whatever your favorite is, there is probably a story.
May 19, 2023
I don’t usually like short stories…my mind feels cluttered when I read them and it’s hard for me to focus on the plot. That being said…this was book was amazing! Each story grabbed my interest pretty quickly and also had enough closure for me to be satisfied.
May 29, 2023
I don’t usually read horror, so I’m new the the genre. But I really enjoyed this collection of short horror stories. I’d say its perfect for any beginner horror reader. My favorite story was “The Demons are Our Angels” it gave me chills!
October 17, 2024
This was an incredible collection of short stories, every one was unique but spoken from the same voice. Reading this put me in a place that books don’t always take me. My favorite story was The Walking Wounded and I even made two of my coworkers read it. Really a beautiful book.
May 14, 2023
mind blowing
Amazing short stories that will keep you hooked throughout . I can’t wait to read more works from this author.
Amazing short stories that will keep you hooked throughout . I can’t wait to read more works from this author.
October 9, 2023
Great short story collection
July 25, 2024
Wow...
I think I need to recover a bit after this gorgeous shortstory collection!
I think I need to recover a bit after this gorgeous shortstory collection!
August 28, 2024
I loved reading this because each story was thrilling and at times heart breaking.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews