What a fantastic horror collection - just what I needed! I love Grady Hendrix, and this did not disappoint. Great variety of themes and plots and exploration of what makes your skin crawl... A delight for any horror lover!

Anthologies of short stories have never been my favourite but I truly loved this one. Each story was unique, enjoyable and frightening. Grady Hendrix's foreword was the perfect opening to a great collection that encompasses the wonders of the horror community.

I loved this Horror Anthology and I found some new authors that I want to pick up ASAP. Though there were a few that I really didn't care for but that was cause they weren't my taste. I will probably read this again around spooky season. Thank Negalley and HOWL Society Press for letting read and review this book. I will be telling my friends they need to go out and buy themselves a copy.

This was a fun introduction to sixteen emerging horror writers. There were some stories that really kept me on the edge of my seat and a some that were just good but overall I enjoyed all of them. The one that really stood out, and still makes me cringe, was It Gets In Your Eyes.

Overall, I think this anthology has something for every reader.

Book Reflection
THANK YOU @netgalley and publishers for this advanced e-reader copy!
Listen- what do I love? Horror. What else do I love? Short stories. What ELSE DO I LOVE? A group of author's getting together to independently publish their writings from their self-created horror loving society.

"Howls From Hell" is the brainchild of the HOWL (Horror Obsessed Writing and Literature) Society, a club for horror writers, readers, and fans which is free and can be found on Discord and am I about to join it? YES.

I loved @shanehawks "Anoka", so when I saw this anthology starting to be promoted, I knew I had to have it. The anthology itself was a bit gorier (overall) than I anticipated, but whoo-boy is it a good time. Here's the publisher's synopsis for a wee taste of what to expect: ""Spacefaring researchers disturb an ancient horror. An enchanted object curses a grieving widow. A haunted reel torments a film student. A murder trial hinges on a chilling testimony.
In Howls From Hell, sixteen emerging horror writers pave the way for the future of the genre." And that's just A TASTE. Do yourself a favor and grab this anthology if you're a fan of the horror genre because you will enjoy yourself immensely while ALSO supporting upcoming authors. Happy Reading!

#horror #gore #monsters #horroranthology #bookreview #bookreflection #HowlSociety #HowlSocietyPress #ShaneHawk GradyHendrix

Howls from Hell Anthology

Forward by Grady Hendrix is everything! Our little horror community is family. We may argue a little bit here and there but we always come together with care. I love it!

A casual encounter by Quinn Fern - This story is one you can sink your teeth into without even feeling bad about it. Super fun and loved the added internet chat room names … hilarious!

The Pigeon Lied by J.W. Donley - It’s hard living as one of the head demon’s sons. Nothing you do is ever good enough but maybe if he can get a crown from one of the demon faction things will all be better. Oh what trouble will he get himself into. This story would be great as a graphic novel and kinda reminded me of the movie Little Nicky in a way.

Manufactured god by P.L. McMillian - Oh scary deep discoveries in old Egypt tombs. Claustrophobia is the first thing that comes to mind but the unknown could be even scarier when it has super sharp teeth.

Red Punch Buddy by B.O.B. Jenkin - punch buggy no punch back… lol that’s the saying right? What happens if you punch the actual buggy? This story has lines that made me chuckle.

She’s taken away by Shane Hawk - a psychiatrist interview which left me wanting more to this story. I need more!!!!

Suspended in Light by Alex Wolfgang - Found film horror is one we don’t see enough of. This story was very intriguing and kept me hooked and guessing the whole time.

Gooseberry Bramble by Solomon Forse - A trial and warning from elders of the long lost children. Very interesting how this story was set up and left me speeding through till the end.

Clement & Sons by Joe Radkins - An old grandfather clock and a women’s pasts come together for a painful story of loss.

Possess and Serve by Christopher O’Halloran - ok this story might be my favorite! While it’s kind of predictable, it definitely scores points for its unique concept and for making me enjoy a police based story. Police officers possessing those in need and sticky situations. This one is much more thriller and loads of action and fun.

Duplicitous Wings by Amanda Nevada Demel - Ugh this one is emotional and I loved it!! Demons are so unpredictable.

It Gets in Your Eyes by Joseph Andrew Thomas - There is something so annoying when you get something in your eye. This story was unnerving just thinking of how this character was feeling. This story was nicely constructed.

Red and The Beast by Thea Maeve - I really enjoyed this turning two classic fairy tales on their heads and intermingling them. I also really loved the ending and wouldn’t be mad for more.

The Intruder by Justin Faull - ok this story was really weird at first but I grew to understand it by the end.

Sprout by M. David Clarkson - ooooo body horror! Definitely a fun and interesting story that could gain a full novel and backstory about this ancient mystery woman.

Junco Creek by S.E. Denton - Don't you know a cabin in the woods never leads to a happy ending. Lol I really enjoyed this one.

A fistful of murder by Lindsay Ragsdale - How about some killer money for the ending story!!!


Review of “Howls from Hell” 16 short story collection out May 18th!!!

Howls from Hell is a collection of stories from a group of authors who are connected in a discord group to help each other. I love that when I read this collection of stories I could tell that they had helped each other in some way. The stories flowed and fit well together even though the stories ranged from a demon king’s son trying to gain a crown of power to money that will set you in a path of rage. Now, I did have a few that just stood out from the rest. My first favorite was “Possess and Serve by Christopher O’Halloran”. I don’t normally read cop/police related stories but this one was so unique and interesting I just couldn’t stop reading when cops can possess you in dangerous situations. Ugh!!! So good!!! My second favorite story was “The Pigeon Lied by J.W. Donley”. This story kind of reminded me of the movie “Little Nicky”, so more of a funny horror. My last favorite was “Duplicitous Wings by Amanda Nevada Demel”. This one was intense and kinda made me tear up a little. Those were my favorites but there wasn’t a bad story in this collection. There are a great variety of stories in subject and in length. You can check out my goodreads for a description and title for each story. Thank you to Nightworms and Howls Society for sending this copy in exchange for an honest review!!!

Howls from Hell is full of captivating, scary stories which will draw you in, lock you in and have you eagerly turning the page for more horror. You will be finding these authors socials and following them, eagerly wanting more.

Composed of sixteen short stories from new writers who lend their talents to crafting the creepy, the insane and then downright awesome. There are stories about people hidden in plain view that will eat you; pigeons who really shouldn't talk, sci-fi like ancient monsters from Egypt and a film student who watches the wrong film and is haunted. All are very unique, There was only one story that I DNF and it was because it involved an animal and that triggers me, so it had to be skipped but I still believe that there is a story in here that will appeal to everyone.

One thing about anthologies that makes me hesitant to pick them up is if I end up skipping the whole book because there is a few stories that just don't resonate with me. Well, 1 out of 16 is pretty good.

It is so hard to list the favorites for me because there is eagerly more than 5 and the review would just go on too long but there is something in here for everyone. I give this four stars, I would buy the book and recommend it to people just exploring horror as well as seasoned horror readers.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Howl society and Net Galley.

Overall, there were some real gems in here. Ones that were so creepy and disgusting that you get chills. But then there were the ones that really didn't do it for me.

What I wish this didnt do: include that r*pe scene, have weirdly unnecessary sexism in order to explain female attraction, fat shaming.

What I wish it did more of: Creatures messing with the humans because of their stupidity.

This is a fun anthology with some stories that are great and some that are just good, but there are no klunkers here. I enjoyed all of them, but there are some that stand out more than others. My favorites are "Red and the Beast" by Thea Maeve (I am a sucker for re-imagined fairy tales), and "Manufactured God" (because I'm also a sucker for a good monster story). Overall, it's a solid collection from some talented writers.

I loved this collection.

This is an anthology by the HOWL Society (Horror-Obsessed Writing and Literature Society)
HOWL Society is a Horror community located on Discord.

Every story is unique, with a great range of story types, and writing styles, with everything from a sci-fi story, creature feature, a darker grown-up spin on an old fairy tale, to a fun and brutal story about an evil pigeon and the demon underground and their obsession with hats (I know how it sounds, but it actually worked really well)

Like most anthologies, I loved some stories more than others; I especially loved
THE PIGEON LIED byJ.W. Donley,
MANUFACTURED GOD by P.L. McMillan,
SHE'S TAKEN AWAY by Shane Hawk, (who also wrote Anoka which we have seen a bit on here lately.)
POSSESS and SERVE by Christopher O'Halloran,
RED AND THE BEAST by Thea Maeve,
SPROUT by M. David Clarkson,
A FISTFUL OF MURDER by Lindsey Ragsdale

There is also a foreword by Grady Hendrix, which talks about the horror community and how it is like a family, which reminds me a lot of this the Books of Horror Facebook group that I am a part of because the lack of drama and bitching, and sense of community and supporting I get.

*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.*

A five-person excavation team explores an underground structure only to discover a monstrous abomination. A female lures her victims to uncertain and deadly consequences. A set of 16mm film reels are discovered from an anonymous donor leading to contorted cryptic messages found within. A truly twisted fairytale unfolds as Red and Beauty venture into gloomy forests and dark castles to confront dubious inanimate objects and villainous beasts.

Howls From Hell is a collection of spine-tingling stories ranging from tales of futuristic horrors to body possessions to downright bizarre occurrences of the freakish kind—an anthology readers of horror will want to get their hands on as quickly as possible. It’s a collection that includes works by Shane Hawk, Alex Wolfgang, and S.E. Denton—authors gathered to exhibit their creativity by means of cosmic visitors, haunted tomes, and fantastical existences.

The ever-talented Grady Hendrix kicks off the adventure with his tantalizing forward. His take on childhood experiences and the horror community in general are sure to tug at the heart strings. The common thread of this passion for the scary, outsiders banning together and the pleasure of meeting others like yourself is all about horror being family.

Highlights from this anthology include:

Manufactured God by P. L. McMillan. An exceptional sci-fi/creature feature horror story. A mammoth kaiju vibe blends claustrophobic surroundings with a regrettable deadly curiosity. The author not only applies a tense explorative backdrop, but also discloses a discovery that was not to be awakened by mankind.

Duplicitous Wings by Amanda Nevada DeMel. Utilizing the dark arts of alchemy, an entity of a separate plane of existence is conjured and unleashed into present day provoking unforgettable vengeance upon its unsuspecting victims. Amanda Nevada DeMel cleverly applies an uneasy feeling of not being in control of one’s own destiny causing an apprehensive nightmare for the reader to experience.

Possess and Serve by Christopher O’Halloran. This piece of fiction is about trust, morality, manipulation and deceit. With the capability of possessing another’s body comes responsibility and an oath to serve and protect. Written with a sleuth atmosphere, a terrifying protagonist, and an arrangement of twisted plot points, this one will keep you guessing till the end.

Sprout by M. David Clarkson. The greatest opening line from any story I have ever read goes to Sprout. ‘Nuff said.

Howl Society (Horror-Obsessed Writing And Literature Society) A horror book club designed for writers and readers of the genre makes sure you get your blood curdling bang for your buck with this gathering of authors. Enjoy! I did.

(originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com visit me at Mystery & Suspense)

I was looking forward to reading this, as I love horror and particularly love discovering new horror authors. Unfortunately I only made it 1/3 through before realising this book just isn’t for me. Too much focus on gore, monsters and ‘shock’ endings’; just my taste but I prefer a more subtle, psychological, literary horror.

There's nothing I love more than a good ol' horror anthology! (except for, of course, a good ol' horror feature!)

A collection of 16 stories ranging from the macabre to the downright terrifying. Personal favourites are the Red Riding Hood and Beauty and the Beast crossover and the Altered Carbon meets Black Mirror cop story. I look forward to more releases from HOWL Society!

Many thanks to HOWL Society for the ARC! Loved this book!

This was a really good collection with a beautifully written foreword by Grady Hendrix. It is perhaps the best foreword I have ever read. The stories were fresh and varied. Overall very nice collection

This book contains 16 horror short stories which, honestly, are either hit or miss. They are all different kinds of horror, and some might interest you more than others, and some might horrify you as well. Also, I recommend looking up trigger warnings before delving into the book.

Overall, this was an overall average book for me. I liked some a lot, and some not so much, but it all averaged out. The writing style and technique are different for all authors so it's kind of refreshing.

First, I'll start with my favorites and why. The Pigeon Lied was ridiculous which is exactly the way I like horror that involves monsters. Nobody really believes demons in funny hats are after them, so they kind of have to be silly. Psychological horror is scary because you can't see or understand what's after you. A demon pigeon in a hat is hoot. That's fine with me.

Possess and Serve was original. My only problem with it was the way the female protagonist mocked the other female police officers. Women have to stick together! It's not like the male officers treated her so well.

It Gets in Your Eyes was creepy. Red and the Beast was a different twist on Beauty and the Beast.

I have a little bit of a complaintm but it's a complaint I have with a lot of contemporary books. Everybody rolls their eyes to show emotion rather than describing or speaking about emotion. In one story another character comments on the protagonists constant eyerolling, so at least the author is aware. But, half of the stories have characters rolling their eyes. I see this in so many current stories and books. I roll my eyes at so much eyerolling. That and smirking and hissing. I don't know if authors think they have to have eyerolling, smirking and hissing because everybody is doing it or if they don't realize everybody is packing books with the same facial expressions, but I wish editors or agents would suggest something more original than eyerolling to their authors.

Like most anthologies, there are some great and some flat, some scary and some not so much. There will be something for any horror reader in Howls from Hell.

Howls From Hell is a horror anthology from a group of talented writers. There are ancient Egyptian monsters. There are old-fashioned movies that must be watched. A haunted house. Evil money. A talking pigeon.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this selection of stories. I did have my favourites, but I don't feel as though any were filler. It's all killer here.

I particularly enjoyed Possess and Serve by Christopher O'Halloran. I would definitely read a novel based in the world of that story (agents take literal control of other humans' bodies in times of crisis).

Special mention to Joseph Andre Thomas, for It Gets in Your Eyes. That story freaked me out.

Kudos as well to Joe Radkins and P.L. McMillan for contributing great stories as well as fantastic horror artwork.

It's difficult to highlight individual stories and authors in this collection. They have all clearly worked incredibly hard, and it pays off. I want a Howls From Hell Part 2, please!

Thanks to the writers, Howl Society Press, and NetGalley for this copy.

A great mix of horror stories!

Here are a few highlights for me!

Casual encounter
Great opening to the collection! A quick brutal glimpse into what’s in store for you

She’s Taken Away
Very reminiscent of the way Carrie had been written at points, you feel like your listening into a recording you should not have access too.

Gooseberries
You get the feeling of being in the country and childhood defiance, and a feeling of what that defiance can bring. Also the ****spoiler**** description of biting into the berry was wonderfully disturbing.

Duplicitous Wings was a great story of revenge and evil conjuring, well written and terrifying

It gets in your Eye: within the first two paragraphs I was squirming, granted I have an eye fear but poor Marnie’s situation is something straight from my own nightmares

Red and the Beast was like a dark Disney or Mercedes Lackey story with true love in an unlikely place

Sprout was a nice turn on the idea of an ancient dryad / nymph morphed with a bit of horror

Junco Creek had a great take on the camping trip fears that we all had alone in the woods

I really enjoyed this anthology and may have found some great new authors to read!

As with all anthologies, some stories are hit or miss. I liked all the stories in this collection, but I really enjoyed "A Casual Encounter", "Manufactured God", "She's Taken Away", and "Suspended In Light." Beautiful cover, and truly an awesome collection of stories from new and emerging horror writers.

A story for every fan of horror.

After 16 stories I can say I've had my fill. Some interesting and exciting with real elements of dread and horror while others made me blow a big raspberry at the end because it failed to interest me.

I found it fantastic though as each story is so different with the whole book hitting every range of horror from sci-fi, monster mash, Lovecraft, fairytale, cosmic, classic to the downright macabre.

Duplicitous wings, Red Beast, and A Casual Encounter are my top three as they really stood out with the storytelling, entertaining characters, and some good monsters. Only for them to break my heart by ending too soon causing me to beg for more. Luckily there was a new story on the next page to cheer me up.

Honestly recommend it for anyone as this hits all the spots and even the couple stories I may have not enjoyed I'm sure others will.