The Old Ways: Anthology of Ritual and Lore Volume 1

by Holley Cornetto (Editor), S.O. Green (Editor), Bradley Don Richter

Ancient gods and terrible rituals await within these pages, as we explore the dark corners of forest and field alike.
Delve into this Folk Horror anthology series and discover why the kids have to smoke ‘scarecrow,’ how the village of Kinlet brings in the May, and why you should avoid the parade in East Marion.

These are the stories that come back to terrorize us on solstice and equinox, and by the light of the full moon. The stories they don’t want us to tell. These are stories of the Old Ways.
Stories of Folk.

Volume 1 in the series - Each book can be read as a standalone book of spine chilling tales.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Anthologies

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 25, 2023

Reviews

[👑 💀 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this one up a few weeks back and was holding onto it for an upcoming hike. I’m glad I waited, because the the babbling brook and roaring wind made for the perfect ambience while reading this book from my travel hammock. While I admittedly DNFd almost half the stories—some were in my opinion either too cliche/derivative or didn’t quite generate the dread and atmosphere I hoped for from a folk horror anthology—the others made my purchase worthwhile.

If I had to choose a favorite, that would be Hand That Feeds, but I would just as much recommend these other fantastic stories: Maggoty Wood, The Treasure Map Inside Your Face is Covered With Bees, Old Man Vreen, They’ll Find You and They’ll Kill You, and East Marion.

One additional note—I did hope to see a little more diversity in locations, cultures, and characters, but perhaps we’ll get some of that in Volume Two. Either way, it was an overall positive experience, and I’ll likely read the next installation.

[Coy Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holley Cornetto did an incredible job pulling together a diverse mix, both in perspective and style, of folk horror. Ritual, lore, and deep terror live in The Old Ways! I enjoyed both volumes tremendously.

[J.W. Donley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun collection of folk horror stories. For those looking for rural horror a'la Midsommar and The Wicker Man, this is the book for you.

[Horror DNA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Folk horror has made a comeback in recent years. This subgenre of horror focuses on old folklore, often represented by old cults and dark secrets hidden throughout the woods. The notion there are older things than the comfortable faiths of the cities, where the trappings of civilization will not save you leads to all sorts of brilliant stories. Holley Cornetto has edited dual volumes to show us The Old Ways remain strong.

You can read Zachary Rosenberg's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.

[Doreen Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nightmarish Rituals

In some remote villages you have to make sacrifices for a better harvest. What happens if you visit such a village by chance? Will you end up as a sacrifice? These stories sent chills up my spine. Entertaining though terrifying.

[Sarah Kaczynski · Rating 3 out of 5]

started interesting …

But theses stories are all so similar that you feel like you’re reading the same plot over and over again. Honestly the first third is great. Stop there and return. Save yourself some time

[James Slaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

About half the stories were well written, 4 to 4.5 stars. The other half were decent, but not great, with too much in the way of characterizing for very short stories… I could see them being better with less there or in longer stories.

[Jesse Stclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost all the stories in the collection end the same way so there could be a little more diversity in that regard, tho it was a fun ride through the stories.

[Cynthia Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recommended for fans of creepy short fiction.

[Scott Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like a good folk horror story and these were not a bad bunch of tales

Looking forward to volume 2