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Spirits & Ghouls Short Stories
A new collection of stories from submissions and classic literature offering the best and most incredible tales of spirits, ghosts and ghouls.
Spirits, ghosts and ghouls dance their macabre fortunes in the pages of this thrilling new book. From cemeteries and abandoned mansions, battered tenement buildings and ice-cold chambers to the desert wastelands of Arabia, this new collection gathers stories from open submissions and surrounds them with the ghastly emanations of H.P. Lovecraft, M.R. James, Mary Elizabeth Braddon, Amelia Edwards and the frightful tales of Le Fanu, Charlotte Riddell and Elizabeth Gaskell.
The Flame Tree Gothic & Fantasy, Classic Stories and Epic Tales collections bring together the entire range of myth, folklore and modern short fiction. Highlighting the roots of suspense, supernatural, science fiction and mystery stories, the books in Flame Tree Collections series are beautifully presented, perfect as a gift and offer a lifetime of reading pleasure.
Spirits, ghosts and ghouls dance their macabre fortunes in the pages of this thrilling new book. From cemeteries and abandoned mansions, battered tenement buildings and ice-cold chambers to the desert wastelands of Arabia, this new collection gathers stories from open submissions and surrounds them with the ghastly emanations of H.P. Lovecraft, M.R. James, Mary Elizabeth Braddon, Amelia Edwards and the frightful tales of Le Fanu, Charlotte Riddell and Elizabeth Gaskell.
The Flame Tree Gothic & Fantasy, Classic Stories and Epic Tales collections bring together the entire range of myth, folklore and modern short fiction. Highlighting the roots of suspense, supernatural, science fiction and mystery stories, the books in Flame Tree Collections series are beautifully presented, perfect as a gift and offer a lifetime of reading pleasure.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published July 11, 2023
7 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 7, 2024
Flame Tree, you cads!
Yeah, there were more than a few misses, but when they worked they really worked. There was a gaslight era story of friendship between a guy turned ghoul and a clairvoyant woman working with the local detective to track down an evil ghoul (that one really warmed my heart... no spoilers, though), a bargain between an aquatic/forest creature and downtrodden young wife turns into a mutual musical performance/dance ultimately ending in true love, and a local legend is checked out by lovestruck teenagers... but with twist ending (these two in particular deserve short films) that will leave you sad and a bit confused but in the best way. As always, here lies the creme de la creme:
*"The Widow Watcher of Wooten Creek"-Rebecca Brothers
*"They Come at Night"-Georgia Cook
*"Once Upon a Graveyard"-Gina Easton
*"In Bleak December"-Caye Gowyn
*"Nine rings of Silver and One of Bronze"-Rayne Hall
*"Two Trees"-Vanessa C. Hawkins
*"Atticat"-Jennifer Hudak
*"Apartment 3G"-Briana Ishii-Mcfaull
*"What Have You Brought Me?"-Dylan Kingsley
*"Shrieking Willow"-Amanda Cecelia Lang
*"Only Monsters"-Samuel Marzioli
*"The Jumper"-S.R. Masters
*"You Can Never Go Home Again"-Lena Ng
*"Oh Bury Me Not"-Erica Ruppert
*"Three Years"-Evelyn Teng
You know what (whoever you are)? As I was reading, I kept thinking "is this anthology going to be meh at best?". Joke's on me, just look at that list 😍!
Yeah, there were more than a few misses, but when they worked they really worked. There was a gaslight era story of friendship between a guy turned ghoul and a clairvoyant woman working with the local detective to track down an evil ghoul (that one really warmed my heart... no spoilers, though), a bargain between an aquatic/forest creature and downtrodden young wife turns into a mutual musical performance/dance ultimately ending in true love, and a local legend is checked out by lovestruck teenagers... but with twist ending (these two in particular deserve short films) that will leave you sad and a bit confused but in the best way. As always, here lies the creme de la creme:
*"The Widow Watcher of Wooten Creek"-Rebecca Brothers
*"They Come at Night"-Georgia Cook
*"Once Upon a Graveyard"-Gina Easton
*"In Bleak December"-Caye Gowyn
*"Nine rings of Silver and One of Bronze"-Rayne Hall
*"Two Trees"-Vanessa C. Hawkins
*"Atticat"-Jennifer Hudak
*"Apartment 3G"-Briana Ishii-Mcfaull
*"What Have You Brought Me?"-Dylan Kingsley
*"Shrieking Willow"-Amanda Cecelia Lang
*"Only Monsters"-Samuel Marzioli
*"The Jumper"-S.R. Masters
*"You Can Never Go Home Again"-Lena Ng
*"Oh Bury Me Not"-Erica Ruppert
*"Three Years"-Evelyn Teng
You know what (whoever you are)? As I was reading, I kept thinking "is this anthology going to be meh at best?". Joke's on me, just look at that list 😍!
March 20, 2024
This series from Flame Tree Publishing is the only one I would buy purely for aesthetic and how cool they look on my shelves. It's an added bonus that I read them as well; it's been hit or miss on the collection so far so I hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
This collection is solidly in the middle. Most of them were short so even though I wasn't in love with all of them, I appreciate the variety included. There were 36 stories, 16 of them new and 20 previously published (with the oldest published in 1856).
My favorite was "Shrieking Willow".
As always when reviewing multiple authors, I'll include a small opinion on each individual story below.
The Mother of Sands
It was very short and unexpected. The circumstances that brought them together were fairly tenuous but since the meat of the story happened after they were together I'll ignore it.
Good Lady Ducayne
I'm torn because I like the happy ending but it also took the steam out of the story because it was so out of character.
Bella being so naive meant that I knew what was happening long before she did but luckily she had friends to look out for her.
The Widow Watcher of Wooten Creek
It was haunting but in a good way. I liked the conversation the granny and granddaughter were able to have, almost like a changing of the guard.
Holding the Light
Thoroughly creepy. Everything happening in the dark left it all to the imagination and that's even scarier.
They Come at Night
Good story but on the short side. More suspense could've been built in between the time they found the campsite and the ending to give it even more edginess.
Once Upon a Graveyard
I would read more about this character and if the author decided to expand, this short story would be a good, concise introduction.
Sister Johanna's Story
It was fine, nothing that stirred me one way or another.
The Story of Salome
Although the ending threw me for a loop (in a good way), it didn't change my overall boredom with the story. It was written in 1867 and it showed in the style of taking many pages to sum up a very basic premise.
The Poor Clare
I skimmed. Written in 1856, it had the style of the times; using a million words when ten would do. If the story is interesting I'll wade through and find the nuggets but this one didn't grab me at the beginning and I didn't try.
The Devil of Avalon
The story was a good length with the right amount of arc. I'm not clear if the 'Historical Epilogue' is actually true information for the reader or if it's an added footnote to the story.
In Bleak December
I was expecting a ghost but not the person it turned out to be.
The Smoke Market
The kernel of the story was interesting but it felt longer than it needed to be.
Nine Rings of Silver and One of Bronze
This story was so full of regret it took my breath away. I'm not convinced it was actually the human but the leader thinks it is and the guilt will drive him mad.
Two Trees
Vivid depictions of scenes and emotions, this was a creepy story.
Atticat
That was soothing for a ghost story with no frights and everyone banding together as a community.
Apartment 3G
It started off strong but was too contrived making everything work in the end. I'm torn though because I appreciate knowing what happened to her girls but it did feel clunky.
A View from a Hill
Meh. I knew where it was going fairly quickly but the story didn't really explain itself so I'm not sure I would've gotten it just from the story itself if I didn't have experience with these kinds of tropes.
What Have You Brought Me?
There was a melancholy softness I wasn't expecting from what was at its core a creature luring a woman to death.
Shrieking Willow
Excellent!!! Spooky and disorienting with multiple "this is the end just kidding here's another twist" turns that would get my hopes up for a happy ending only to dash them again.
The Story of Sidi-Nouman
The story was fine but the method of telling it was boring. Recounting everything in a monologue after the fact removes any suspense or concern.
Squire Toby's Will
I skimmed it. Too long and too much dialogue, it was obviously an older story and I didn't want to invest in keeping everything straight.
The Shabah
It was fine but I think I would've liked it more if it had been a few days shorter. The author did a good job conveying a lot of backstory without a lot of words.
Pickman's Model
I agree art can be incredibly creepy, especially when the line appears to be blurred between imagination and real-life inspiration.
The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath
It was on the long end of a short story (50 pages) which was unfortunate because I didn't like it. Even skimming I didn't read it all in one sitting because I was falling asleep.
Only Monsters
The dread of inevitability made me sick to my stomach. I wish there had been more blanks filled in about what the creature was and how the "partnership" came to be.
The Jumper
The premise was really interesting. I don't think I would try the jumper on if I'd been in the lecture hall. What's the saying..."I'm not superstitious, I'm just a little stitious."
Afterlife on Mars
The isolation adds to the creepiness. I'm glad they didn't waste time and shared information with each other immediately.
You Can Never Go Home Again
Very short, this would be a good campfire story. I was more upset about the betrayal of the wife than anything that the husband experienced.
The History of Gherib and His Brother Agib
Too long, too religious. I don't understand why old stories are so frickin' wordy...wasn't it expensive to print?
Words for the Dead
There was a lot of emotion packed into a short story. I'm happy there seemed to be an optimistic ending.
Tangled Tales of Jumbies and Silk Cotton Trees
Riveting story with one last twist of an ending.
Walnut-Tree House
This was like a ghost story written for the Hallmark Channel. A benevolent ghost, a man who has no problem sharing his newly found riches, and cousins getting married.
Oh Bury Me Not
An unreliable narrator added to the uncertainty of the story. It had a good, unexpected pace.
Xarus's Mirror
That was a gripping story but I wish it had a different ending. I don't like that she was going out to be alone.
Three Years
Riveting and emotional.
Just as I can sometimes tell which stories are older based on the language, this is the first one that I knew was new because the pandemic and quarantining were key factors.
Ghost Festival in the Desert
Great story to finish out the collection. Revenge and a happy ending.
Find all my reviews at: https://readingatrandom.blogspot.com
This collection is solidly in the middle. Most of them were short so even though I wasn't in love with all of them, I appreciate the variety included. There were 36 stories, 16 of them new and 20 previously published (with the oldest published in 1856).
My favorite was "Shrieking Willow".
As always when reviewing multiple authors, I'll include a small opinion on each individual story below.
The Mother of Sands
It was very short and unexpected. The circumstances that brought them together were fairly tenuous but since the meat of the story happened after they were together I'll ignore it.
Good Lady Ducayne
I'm torn because I like the happy ending but it also took the steam out of the story because it was so out of character.
Bella being so naive meant that I knew what was happening long before she did but luckily she had friends to look out for her.
The Widow Watcher of Wooten Creek
It was haunting but in a good way. I liked the conversation the granny and granddaughter were able to have, almost like a changing of the guard.
Holding the Light
Thoroughly creepy. Everything happening in the dark left it all to the imagination and that's even scarier.
They Come at Night
Good story but on the short side. More suspense could've been built in between the time they found the campsite and the ending to give it even more edginess.
Once Upon a Graveyard
I would read more about this character and if the author decided to expand, this short story would be a good, concise introduction.
Sister Johanna's Story
It was fine, nothing that stirred me one way or another.
The Story of Salome
Although the ending threw me for a loop (in a good way), it didn't change my overall boredom with the story. It was written in 1867 and it showed in the style of taking many pages to sum up a very basic premise.
The Poor Clare
I skimmed. Written in 1856, it had the style of the times; using a million words when ten would do. If the story is interesting I'll wade through and find the nuggets but this one didn't grab me at the beginning and I didn't try.
The Devil of Avalon
The story was a good length with the right amount of arc. I'm not clear if the 'Historical Epilogue' is actually true information for the reader or if it's an added footnote to the story.
In Bleak December
I was expecting a ghost but not the person it turned out to be.
The Smoke Market
The kernel of the story was interesting but it felt longer than it needed to be.
Nine Rings of Silver and One of Bronze
This story was so full of regret it took my breath away. I'm not convinced it was actually the human but the leader thinks it is and the guilt will drive him mad.
Two Trees
Vivid depictions of scenes and emotions, this was a creepy story.
Atticat
That was soothing for a ghost story with no frights and everyone banding together as a community.
Apartment 3G
It started off strong but was too contrived making everything work in the end. I'm torn though because I appreciate knowing what happened to her girls but it did feel clunky.
A View from a Hill
Meh. I knew where it was going fairly quickly but the story didn't really explain itself so I'm not sure I would've gotten it just from the story itself if I didn't have experience with these kinds of tropes.
What Have You Brought Me?
There was a melancholy softness I wasn't expecting from what was at its core a creature luring a woman to death.
Shrieking Willow
Excellent!!! Spooky and disorienting with multiple "this is the end just kidding here's another twist" turns that would get my hopes up for a happy ending only to dash them again.
The Story of Sidi-Nouman
The story was fine but the method of telling it was boring. Recounting everything in a monologue after the fact removes any suspense or concern.
Squire Toby's Will
I skimmed it. Too long and too much dialogue, it was obviously an older story and I didn't want to invest in keeping everything straight.
The Shabah
It was fine but I think I would've liked it more if it had been a few days shorter. The author did a good job conveying a lot of backstory without a lot of words.
Pickman's Model
I agree art can be incredibly creepy, especially when the line appears to be blurred between imagination and real-life inspiration.
The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath
It was on the long end of a short story (50 pages) which was unfortunate because I didn't like it. Even skimming I didn't read it all in one sitting because I was falling asleep.
Only Monsters
The dread of inevitability made me sick to my stomach. I wish there had been more blanks filled in about what the creature was and how the "partnership" came to be.
The Jumper
The premise was really interesting. I don't think I would try the jumper on if I'd been in the lecture hall. What's the saying..."I'm not superstitious, I'm just a little stitious."
Afterlife on Mars
The isolation adds to the creepiness. I'm glad they didn't waste time and shared information with each other immediately.
You Can Never Go Home Again
Very short, this would be a good campfire story. I was more upset about the betrayal of the wife than anything that the husband experienced.
The History of Gherib and His Brother Agib
Too long, too religious. I don't understand why old stories are so frickin' wordy...wasn't it expensive to print?
Words for the Dead
There was a lot of emotion packed into a short story. I'm happy there seemed to be an optimistic ending.
Tangled Tales of Jumbies and Silk Cotton Trees
Riveting story with one last twist of an ending.
Walnut-Tree House
This was like a ghost story written for the Hallmark Channel. A benevolent ghost, a man who has no problem sharing his newly found riches, and cousins getting married.
Oh Bury Me Not
An unreliable narrator added to the uncertainty of the story. It had a good, unexpected pace.
Xarus's Mirror
That was a gripping story but I wish it had a different ending. I don't like that she was going out to be alone.
Three Years
Riveting and emotional.
Just as I can sometimes tell which stories are older based on the language, this is the first one that I knew was new because the pandemic and quarantining were key factors.
Ghost Festival in the Desert
Great story to finish out the collection. Revenge and a happy ending.
Find all my reviews at: https://readingatrandom.blogspot.com
April 22, 2024
Another fantastic addition to the gothic fantasy collection, this anthology is full of short stories blended perfectly with old classic writers and new modern writes as they tell their dark, gothic, macabre, gloomy, haunted, creepy, tragically heartbreakingly sad, thrilling, spine chilling, spooky, stories of terrifying ghosts And ghouls and their victims. This book was fantastic to read I absolutely adored reading this book, this book is perfect for curling up on a cold rainy winters night by the fire. The book cover captivated me in the story immediately and after a glancing at the book knew immediately I had to read it. I love the variety of stories and authors throughout the book giving you an experience with contemporary writers and classic stories. This gothic fantasy collection is ideal for any lovers of horror and gothic hauntings. Some of my favourite stories in this book are….
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