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THEY
'THEY' is a short story by Vincent Hobbes. It was first published in 'The Endlands' (Jan. 2010)
A relaxing drive in the Rocky mountains becomes madness as two couples find themselves trapped in a blizzard.
A relaxing drive in the Rocky mountains becomes madness as two couples find themselves trapped in a blizzard.
15 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2011
131 people are currently reading
546 people want to read
About the author
Vincent Hobbes
19 books108 followersWebsite/Blog
http://www.VincentHobbes.com
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http://www.LegendsInTimeBook.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
November 8, 2021
It’s dark, it’s late at night, and there’s a snowstorm raging on the Colorado mountain road. Mike’s at the wheel of his Chevy Blazer, proceeding with great care, three passengers in his car, his brother and their wives.
Fear creeping up on everyone,they feel Mike may have taken a wrong turning, but Mike is one stubborn and arrogant guy, causing dissent, and with the extra pressure of a dwindling gas gauge, the others are starting to panic. That’s not the only thing they’ll have to worry about this night, but they don’t know it yet!
Really scary scenario that the author captures so well, and be very scared of who THEY are!
Fear creeping up on everyone,they feel Mike may have taken a wrong turning, but Mike is one stubborn and arrogant guy, causing dissent, and with the extra pressure of a dwindling gas gauge, the others are starting to panic. That’s not the only thing they’ll have to worry about this night, but they don’t know it yet!
Really scary scenario that the author captures so well, and be very scared of who THEY are!
October 17, 2019
Two couples (two brothers, Mike and Brian, and their wives Taylor and Kelly) get stuck in a snowstorm while driving in the Rocky Mountains. Mike, the driver, is obviously lost but instead of turning back he keeps on going. They eventually run low on gas and are stuck out on a lonely road. What was supposed to be a relaxing trip turns into a harrowing nightmare...
This was a very short and scary read (around 15 pages). I found myself quickly turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. It was fast-paced and easy to read. I liked Mike's wife Taylor, she had some guts and tried to think/keep calm in the horrific conditions. Brian's wife Kelly was in hysterics through most of the story.
A creepy, tense, suspense-filled read.
This was a very short and scary read (around 15 pages). I found myself quickly turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. It was fast-paced and easy to read. I liked Mike's wife Taylor, she had some guts and tried to think/keep calm in the horrific conditions. Brian's wife Kelly was in hysterics through most of the story.
A creepy, tense, suspense-filled read.
April 17, 2020
"They knew they faced the open arms of insanity outside the warmth of the truck."
They by Vincent Hobbes
Wow! This little story is popping with atmosphere and is like reading someone's worst nightmare. I adored it.
Four people in a car on the way to paradise when their truck breaks down,,in a snow storm. No gas, no warmth. Will they have to survive the elements for the night? Well they are four adults..maybe they can do it but what if they can get help from outside?
But what if what is out side is a thousand times worse than what is inside?
This is short. It is intense. And man, is it a wild ride. You will not be bored. That I will say. There is a bit of gore and I know I do not like that..generally..but the terror really is psychological and reads like a Stephen King short story. Wow.
Why no five? Because it's to short! This really should have been a Novella. There is so much in those
the pages we have. In fact, a continuation might be good as well. I simply was not ready for this little gem to be over.
A strong four stars. Thanks Sandra as I loved this one.
They by Vincent Hobbes
Wow! This little story is popping with atmosphere and is like reading someone's worst nightmare. I adored it.
Four people in a car on the way to paradise when their truck breaks down,,in a snow storm. No gas, no warmth. Will they have to survive the elements for the night? Well they are four adults..maybe they can do it but what if they can get help from outside?
But what if what is out side is a thousand times worse than what is inside?
This is short. It is intense. And man, is it a wild ride. You will not be bored. That I will say. There is a bit of gore and I know I do not like that..generally..but the terror really is psychological and reads like a Stephen King short story. Wow.
Why no five? Because it's to short! This really should have been a Novella. There is so much in those
the pages we have. In fact, a continuation might be good as well. I simply was not ready for this little gem to be over.
A strong four stars. Thanks Sandra as I loved this one.
October 11, 2021
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Horror
Two brothers and their wives are going on a road trip. They get stuck in the middle of a snowstorm (This is a trope that I always enjoy reading about). When they run low on gas on an isolated road, panic starts to rise. But when the big brother sees what seems to be a light in the far distance, he thinks it could be a gas station. Their hope rises again. What happens next is something like one would see in a nightmare!
This short story was quite entertaining. Of course, you have to keep your expectations in check when you are reading a short story. You cannot expect it to have the details of a novel. I read this one at night in full darkness so it gave me all the creepy feeling I was looking for. Lol. Don’t ask about them! I don’t know who THEY were! All I know is that THEY were the terror itself. Solid read.
Genre: Horror
Two brothers and their wives are going on a road trip. They get stuck in the middle of a snowstorm (This is a trope that I always enjoy reading about). When they run low on gas on an isolated road, panic starts to rise. But when the big brother sees what seems to be a light in the far distance, he thinks it could be a gas station. Their hope rises again. What happens next is something like one would see in a nightmare!
This short story was quite entertaining. Of course, you have to keep your expectations in check when you are reading a short story. You cannot expect it to have the details of a novel. I read this one at night in full darkness so it gave me all the creepy feeling I was looking for. Lol. Don’t ask about them! I don’t know who THEY were! All I know is that THEY were the terror itself. Solid read.
January 15, 2023
This had an intriguing (pre-smartphone) premise for a creepy little story.
Two couples get lost on a nightly drive in the Rocky Mountains while a blizzard hits and they ultimately run out of gas. The two men wander out into the night in search of a gas station. Huge mistake.
Unfortunately this is one of those stories that seems to be building up to something that never quite arrives. I mean, things do go wrong, all right, but it feels more like a scene out of a larger work than an actual short story with a proper ending.
Too bad. There was some potential here.
2.25 stars.
Two couples get lost on a nightly drive in the Rocky Mountains while a blizzard hits and they ultimately run out of gas. The two men wander out into the night in search of a gas station. Huge mistake.
Unfortunately this is one of those stories that seems to be building up to something that never quite arrives. I mean, things do go wrong, all right, but it feels more like a scene out of a larger work than an actual short story with a proper ending.
Too bad. There was some potential here.
2.25 stars.
June 19, 2012
This is a short story that actually had me interested in what was going to happen next. Two married couples end up on a one way road and no sense of direction. As much as the women in the back seat want the driver to turn around, he is hopeful and figures that they will run into the next town’s gas station. Not only are they driving at night, but they are also driving in a blizzard. The two combined are my worst nightmare. The tension grows as the gas tank empties and there is no gas station in sight. When the car finally dies, the driver says he spots a gas station, but no one believes him. The two men leave their wives behind to see if they can reach it on foot, but only one returns. THEY have the other man. Read to find out what else happens.
I was going to give this short story three stars, but last night I had a nightmare because of it so it gets four starts. It was written in a way that makes you feel like you were actually in the car with them, waiting for their husbands to return. I was so scared. I would recommend if you are looking for a good and very short read.
I was going to give this short story three stars, but last night I had a nightmare because of it so it gets four starts. It was written in a way that makes you feel like you were actually in the car with them, waiting for their husbands to return. I was so scared. I would recommend if you are looking for a good and very short read.
November 13, 2012
In my opinion, there are two criteria that must be met in a short story to make it a GOOD short story. 1) You need enough description to understand the main plot points, and 2) there needs to be a definitive ending. Unfortunately, THEY had neither of these. You can call the creatures/things/whatnots "they" - but without description you'll still have no idea what type of "they" the author is trying to convey. And a few ...... after the last word of the story does not an ending make. Which, in all honesty, is a true shame, because Vincent Hobbes is a good writer. That fact will make me look up more of his work, but I truly ended up disappointed with this short tale.
June 28, 2016
The storm ravaged the four as they traveled the dark, curvy roads of the Rocky Mountains. It was night—late. The storm reached for them, entangling the two couples on the crystal white road. The snow fell briskly, swirling across the road in a maddening fury, threatening to overtake them. Mike steered his orange, late-model Chevy Blazer cautiously on the ice-coated mountain road. orange, late-model Chevy Blazer cautiously on the ice-coated mountain road. The truck drifted and Mike tugged at the wheel, maintaining its place on the slippery path. His attention ahead, Mike was also trying to collect himself as he drove into the unknown—an unsettling fear awakening within him.
Maybe I made a mistake.
I don't mind creepy stories but this one didn't do anything for me and the characters I had no sympathy for.
The setting had potential but could have been much better.
The ending was anti-climatic and abrupt as well.
Maybe I made a mistake.
I don't mind creepy stories but this one didn't do anything for me and the characters I had no sympathy for.
The setting had potential but could have been much better.
The ending was anti-climatic and abrupt as well.
October 18, 2019
Suspenseful short story
May 9, 2015
Who are they?
Who cares! A great short read! In just a few pages, you feel like you're shivering that blizzard, wondering if your fate is the same as that of a popsicle. Makes you feel like you're in the story!
Who cares! A great short read! In just a few pages, you feel like you're shivering that blizzard, wondering if your fate is the same as that of a popsicle. Makes you feel like you're in the story!
November 26, 2019
This story is an extremely short read.
But it accomplished so much within the 15 pages. It allowed us to get to know the characters, learn a little about the world, and left us with just enough to want to know more. For such a short story it made me really want to go deeper, in the world, it's lore, these characters, their lives. The characters were fleshed out enough in such a short time and yet the felt real, and relatable. I loved the suspense, the mystery, the scares. I just want more more more.
But it accomplished so much within the 15 pages. It allowed us to get to know the characters, learn a little about the world, and left us with just enough to want to know more. For such a short story it made me really want to go deeper, in the world, it's lore, these characters, their lives. The characters were fleshed out enough in such a short time and yet the felt real, and relatable. I loved the suspense, the mystery, the scares. I just want more more more.
October 23, 2011
THEY by Vincent Hobbes
(Review by Saewod Tice)
THEY is a short story about two married couples traveling through a blizzard. Soon, but not soon enough, they find themselves running out of gas. It’s freezing, the middle of nowhere and the group is stalled on the side of the ice and snow covered road. There is no other choice but for the men to venture for help. The men promise to be back in an hour. Almost two hours later the women fear the worst and the pounding on the window alarms them until they see a familiar face. But when only one of the husbands returns he has only one word of advice…GO!
In traditional horror fashion Vincent Hobbes sets you right up with a tense situation. Inner turmoil is building, but become the least of the group’s problems. THEY is a fast paced thrill. You feel the fear course through your veins with the unknown chasing after you.
For a thrilling, fear induced adrenalin rush pick this short horror up for a quick read.
GMTA (Great Minds Thinking Aloud) Rating: 4/5 Ravens
Recommended reading age: 18+
(Review by Saewod Tice)
THEY is a short story about two married couples traveling through a blizzard. Soon, but not soon enough, they find themselves running out of gas. It’s freezing, the middle of nowhere and the group is stalled on the side of the ice and snow covered road. There is no other choice but for the men to venture for help. The men promise to be back in an hour. Almost two hours later the women fear the worst and the pounding on the window alarms them until they see a familiar face. But when only one of the husbands returns he has only one word of advice…GO!
In traditional horror fashion Vincent Hobbes sets you right up with a tense situation. Inner turmoil is building, but become the least of the group’s problems. THEY is a fast paced thrill. You feel the fear course through your veins with the unknown chasing after you.
For a thrilling, fear induced adrenalin rush pick this short horror up for a quick read.
GMTA (Great Minds Thinking Aloud) Rating: 4/5 Ravens
Recommended reading age: 18+
November 26, 2019
This story is about two couples who decide to go on a road trip when suddenly they get stuck in a blizzard. I have seen this plot concept done time and time again but this was a unique story. It was very short so I feel like it missed a lot for us to connect with the characters. I'm confused at who THEY were which I suppose makes it even more creepy and suspenseful. I just wish there was more to it.
November 18, 2019
2.5 STARS
Since THEY don't really factor in until the last couple of pages, the sense of dread isn't really that strong. Until then it's just some people running out of gas in a blizzard.
Since THEY don't really factor in until the last couple of pages, the sense of dread isn't really that strong. Until then it's just some people running out of gas in a blizzard.
October 27, 2021
A very short read. Two couples run out of fuel in a blizzard. The men head to a gas station for help but don't return. The ladies try to find them but they find something horrid instead.
October 22, 2019
I love reading scary stories in October!
August 27, 2012
THEY is a good story. That is the first thing I will say, so don't get hung up on stars here. It was fast and is a great way to spend a lunch break. There is a very pervasive feeling of doom almost from the onset and Vincent Hobbes does a splendid job of creating mood.
This is one of those stories that leaves everything to the imagination of the reader. You are forced to take a black and white image and fill in all the colors here and that is wonderful. You can get as deep into this tale as you like and scare yourself silly, or you can just read it as an outline and pass the time with it.
My complaints are that the story could use some polish and detailing to smooth out a few errors. Also, the minimalist approach is done well, but this seemed at times like an outline for something more in depth. There are times when Mr. Hobbes gives the reader some detail and that works, but it plays against the author in the sense that it is done in uneven doses. There is particular attention payed to one very gruesome and intense scene, but then the rest of the story makes that scene a touch awkward.
This is my first selection from Vincent Hobbes, and now I will seek out something full-length to see if his fine talent gives the payoff that I anticipate from having read this sample.
This is one of those stories that leaves everything to the imagination of the reader. You are forced to take a black and white image and fill in all the colors here and that is wonderful. You can get as deep into this tale as you like and scare yourself silly, or you can just read it as an outline and pass the time with it.
My complaints are that the story could use some polish and detailing to smooth out a few errors. Also, the minimalist approach is done well, but this seemed at times like an outline for something more in depth. There are times when Mr. Hobbes gives the reader some detail and that works, but it plays against the author in the sense that it is done in uneven doses. There is particular attention payed to one very gruesome and intense scene, but then the rest of the story makes that scene a touch awkward.
This is my first selection from Vincent Hobbes, and now I will seek out something full-length to see if his fine talent gives the payoff that I anticipate from having read this sample.
November 21, 2011
Why is it that some men won't admit they are lost or have made a wrong turn? Pigheadedness? Pride? Overconfidence? Stupidity?
When you are lost, isolated, driving on fumes on a mountain road in the middle of a winter storm, you are asking for trouble. The characters of this story definitely found it. Er... rather THEY found them.
This was a suspense-filled horror thriller, a free short from Amazon. It isn't one I'd read again and again, but it was pretty freaky in a "Tales From the Crypt" kind of way and if you are into intense. THEY certainly were intense, even without knowing exactly what THEY were or where THEY came from.
Let's just say that I wouldn't want to meet up with them without a truckload of automatic weapons, a supply of rocket launchers, and Ellen Ripley at my back. Then again, I would have turned around and went back down the mountain before my tank ran out of gas. But then, who would want to read that story.
When you are lost, isolated, driving on fumes on a mountain road in the middle of a winter storm, you are asking for trouble. The characters of this story definitely found it. Er... rather THEY found them.
This was a suspense-filled horror thriller, a free short from Amazon. It isn't one I'd read again and again, but it was pretty freaky in a "Tales From the Crypt" kind of way and if you are into intense. THEY certainly were intense, even without knowing exactly what THEY were or where THEY came from.
Let's just say that I wouldn't want to meet up with them without a truckload of automatic weapons, a supply of rocket launchers, and Ellen Ripley at my back. Then again, I would have turned around and went back down the mountain before my tank ran out of gas. But then, who would want to read that story.
January 31, 2013
I gave THEY two stars instead of one because I've read a couple of Hobbes's other short stories, and I know he can write... unfortunately this story did not quite live up to his potential. The characters were one dimensional, and I believe that with a little more detail, the story would have come to life a bit better.
The major complaint I have is that the word "they" is used in italics over and over again, as if Hobbes is telling the story to a bunch of spooked kids at a 4-H club campfire, emphasizing the word with ghoulish delight each time to illicit scares. It might work in that venue, but not so much in this format.
As I stated, I do like some of Vincent Hobbes's stories, but this one left me feeling disappointed. I know he can do better.
The major complaint I have is that the word "they" is used in italics over and over again, as if Hobbes is telling the story to a bunch of spooked kids at a 4-H club campfire, emphasizing the word with ghoulish delight each time to illicit scares. It might work in that venue, but not so much in this format.
As I stated, I do like some of Vincent Hobbes's stories, but this one left me feeling disappointed. I know he can do better.
April 20, 2012
Totally enjoyed reading this. I'm a sucker for a good horror story and THEY fit the bill. What I really appreciated was Mr. Hobbes efforts to take his time to get you to know the characters before things go wrong. When it did, it heightened the drama knowing that these poor characters were going to get put through the mill. Truth be told, this is one of the few times where I wish a short story was longer!
THEY is one of the stories included in The Endlands Anthology which I reviewed last year. But since I recently revisited this story, I thought I'd share my thoughts on it. Anyway, I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what other scares Mr. Hobbes will come up with next.
THEY is one of the stories included in The Endlands Anthology which I reviewed last year. But since I recently revisited this story, I thought I'd share my thoughts on it. Anyway, I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what other scares Mr. Hobbes will come up with next.
December 9, 2011
Two couples driving in a blizzard, men up front and women in the back. Women think they are lost and try to tell the driver to turn around and well, he decides to press forward. The other male, his younger brother, in the car thinks they are lost too but the driver has control. It was like a power struggle in the sibling department. Run out of gas? Come on! It's late at night, during a blizzard, in the curvy Rocky Mountains and you don't have any extra gas? Cell phone? I realize that Kelly was a city girl but that is no excuse for the other individuals. I enjoyed the excitement and drama when Brian returned.
July 18, 2012
I love a good, short story with a lot of punch. This one definitely had some kick to it, the characters were realistic, and it was good to learn about them before... well, I don't give spoilers, so you have to read the story to find out just what happens.
While it is painfully obvious what happens in the end, I was a bit disappointed that "They" were not described in detail. Granted, that leaves the reader imagination wide open to make up any horrific image possible, but I would have preferred to know what the characters were seeing.
I really enjoy the way Mr. Hobbes writes, and the stories he tells, so because of that I rated this a 4.
While it is painfully obvious what happens in the end, I was a bit disappointed that "They" were not described in detail. Granted, that leaves the reader imagination wide open to make up any horrific image possible, but I would have preferred to know what the characters were seeing.
I really enjoy the way Mr. Hobbes writes, and the stories he tells, so because of that I rated this a 4.
June 15, 2012
Short ebook. Good story. I could totally picture this as part of a suspense or horror film. Stuck in a blizzard.. NOT FUN!! when THEY find you... you better RUN for your life; and even then,you might not be safe. We never find out who THEY are, or what THEY look like, but I would NEVER want to cross them, you won't either after you read this short ebook. It reminded me of the movie wrong turn, and to never go out in a raging blizzard. (Not that I can anyway, since I live in FL, lol, but still).
August 7, 2012
Though a short story, Hobbes is still able to provide a shivering tale of mystery and fear by playing upon travelers’ vivid imaginations when facing the unknown. The detailed narrative provides gut wrenching and chest tightening waves of panic with absolutely no hope in sight. The most interesting aspect of THEY, is the way Hobbes presents realistic characters and situations, yet allows the reader to fill in the blanks with their own vision of terror.
Read my full review at Bloody Good Horror: http://www.bloodygoodhorror.com/bgh/b...
Read my full review at Bloody Good Horror: http://www.bloodygoodhorror.com/bgh/b...
May 4, 2012
This is my kinda HORROR! They snarl, They howl and rip you to pieces.
Vincent does a short story that you would probably catch on Tales From the Crypt. The skeleton dude at the end applauding because the ending is definitely a likable one.
Take the 20 minutes and read this. "THEY" want you too.
Vincent does a short story that you would probably catch on Tales From the Crypt. The skeleton dude at the end applauding because the ending is definitely a likable one.
Take the 20 minutes and read this. "THEY" want you too.
October 30, 2013
I've had this book on my "to-read" list for quite some time. I didn't realize it was so short otherwise I would have read it long ago. It's a great story about four people who get stranded during a blizzard. They grow hopeful when one of the passengers of the car sees what may be a gas station further down the road. But hope quickly fades....
December 13, 2011
This seemed like it would have been a good book but it's way too short. I wish the author would write a sequel. I don't think I would have started this one if I knew how it was going to end. A lot left unanswered. The only reason I gave it 3 stars is because it did keep my interest.
March 21, 2012
There isn't much story here. Little or no suspense, decent characterization, but no real concept or story. He is a good writer, however; I enjoyed two other stories by Mr. Hobbes---"To Read or Not to Read" and "The Hour of the Time" and recommend both of those, which are available free on Kindle.
June 16, 2012
Free short story on Kindle. I didn't like any of the characters. It's just plain stupid to be driving in the middle of the night in a snow storm and low on gas. This was not my kind of story, but others might like it. It was creepy and well written. I just thought the characters were stupid.
November 5, 2013
This was a really great short story! I'm not a big fan of short stories. I love lots of details and time to picture the story in my head. However this story read so true it was easy to really imagine being in a car and running into trouble.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews