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The Curse of Balar
Not all is well in Balar.
Beasts stalk the woods, the dead rise from their graves, and not all is as it seems. Everyone carries a secret — a secret that can either be a blessing or a curse. Welcome to Balar, a secluded town in the Carpathian Mountains. With the turn of the Twentieth Century looming, the townsfolk cling onto old traditions and superstitions while the world around them steadily marches into a new age. But all is not well in this backwater, for paranormal killers stalk the streets, strange creatures wonder the woods, and a mysterious resident has moved into the ruined castle on the hill.
Now, strangers arrive in town in search of lost treasure, destiny, and blood. Will they find what they seek or will they — like many before them — succumb to the Curse of Balar.
Thirteen stories of supernatural horror await the bravest readers in this, the first of a series of stories exploring the many secrets of the cursed town of Balar.
Beasts stalk the woods, the dead rise from their graves, and not all is as it seems. Everyone carries a secret — a secret that can either be a blessing or a curse. Welcome to Balar, a secluded town in the Carpathian Mountains. With the turn of the Twentieth Century looming, the townsfolk cling onto old traditions and superstitions while the world around them steadily marches into a new age. But all is not well in this backwater, for paranormal killers stalk the streets, strange creatures wonder the woods, and a mysterious resident has moved into the ruined castle on the hill.
Now, strangers arrive in town in search of lost treasure, destiny, and blood. Will they find what they seek or will they — like many before them — succumb to the Curse of Balar.
Thirteen stories of supernatural horror await the bravest readers in this, the first of a series of stories exploring the many secrets of the cursed town of Balar.
- GenresHorror
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2023
9 people are currently reading
1187 people want to read
About the author
Marcel M. du Plessis
8 books66 followersMarcel M du Plessis is an author of literary fiction, horror, fantasy, and satire. He has worked as an editor, teacher, and content creator. He adores all things classical (music and movies) and all things nerdy (something with a controller or something with a set of dice). Good stories mean everything to him and he hopes to entertain and surprise you.
He is the author of The Silent Symphony, The Curse of Balar, and The Bright Report, with many more to come...
He is the author of The Silent Symphony, The Curse of Balar, and The Bright Report, with many more to come...
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 18, 2023
I want to write an honest review because I think this author has so much potential but could use a little help to evolve his style.
The Curse of Balar was a fun read during this 2023 fall season. But, I'm walking away unsatisfied, much like a character from this short story collection.
I think that might be the greatest sticking point for me - that this was supposed to be a collection of short stories taking place in the same cursed town. Unfortunately, very few of the stories felt like they came to a conclusion. I know the author's intent is to turn this into a series of collections ending with a novel so it makes sense he'd want to keep the mystery alive. But the jumble of characters where some returned and others were just forgotten was confusing at best.
Additionally, I understand that there were supposed to be some "clues" to the mystery in the work. But I struggled to connect these dots.
With another round of editing where each story is given a proper conclusion, and reframing of the book (for example, have a main character who collects stories about a town but gets emersed in their own haunting) will make this much more compelling to your average reader.
3 stars for creativity but 2 are removed because I think reframing and editing are required.
The Curse of Balar was a fun read during this 2023 fall season. But, I'm walking away unsatisfied, much like a character from this short story collection.
I think that might be the greatest sticking point for me - that this was supposed to be a collection of short stories taking place in the same cursed town. Unfortunately, very few of the stories felt like they came to a conclusion. I know the author's intent is to turn this into a series of collections ending with a novel so it makes sense he'd want to keep the mystery alive. But the jumble of characters where some returned and others were just forgotten was confusing at best.
Additionally, I understand that there were supposed to be some "clues" to the mystery in the work. But I struggled to connect these dots.
With another round of editing where each story is given a proper conclusion, and reframing of the book (for example, have a main character who collects stories about a town but gets emersed in their own haunting) will make this much more compelling to your average reader.
3 stars for creativity but 2 are removed because I think reframing and editing are required.
June 11, 2025
If you are a fan of classic horror, then this set of thirteen supernatural stories should be on your TBR! It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book like this that felt like the true horror classics that I grew up loving. Set in the Carpathian mountains, we follow the stories of strangers arriving at Balar for various reasons and the mysteries, and blood, that awaits them. I was sucked in with the world building and all the detail provided, whether I was in the dark woods surrounded by mysterious creatures or right in the middle of this cursed town. The characters were intriguing and I look forward to seeing what happens next in book two!
June 3, 2025
Always love a good book that starts out burying a body. The world building in this is phenomenal. So much detail is given that I could sketch the town of Balar with ease. My favorite story was Midnight. Lenore was such a great character, and I love that the story following Midnight continued with the doctor and his experience in Balar. These stories give nods to the horror classics like Poe and Wilde, which I love, but for me it just started to drag a bit by the halfway mark.
June 1, 2025
The Curse of Balar is a gothic supernatural horror mystery set in the late 1800s containing classic scares with a modern twist.
This was such a great refreshing read. I loved how there were strong influences from other classic horror stories. I had to read it twice because I was distracted and I felt like I didn’t give it the time it needed the first time, and I’m so happy I did because I had missed so much. There are also a lot of characters introduced and to keep track of, so reading a second time really helped to connect and remember them all better. The story takes place in the cursed town of Balar, located within the Carpathian Mountains, where everyone has a secret. The author does an amazing job immersing you within the world and creating such a thought-provoking mystery. Each story and character narrative are separate but they are all interconnected and tied together throughout. I thought the plot was so unique and well done. I love how thought provoking it was and had little easter eggs throughout that I totally missed the first time, for example the scratching or meowing of a cat (or did their guilty conscience make it up in their head?). It has you asking yourself questions on your own decisions and consequences of those decisions and if it was the right choice.
I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to continue the series.
This was such a great refreshing read. I loved how there were strong influences from other classic horror stories. I had to read it twice because I was distracted and I felt like I didn’t give it the time it needed the first time, and I’m so happy I did because I had missed so much. There are also a lot of characters introduced and to keep track of, so reading a second time really helped to connect and remember them all better. The story takes place in the cursed town of Balar, located within the Carpathian Mountains, where everyone has a secret. The author does an amazing job immersing you within the world and creating such a thought-provoking mystery. Each story and character narrative are separate but they are all interconnected and tied together throughout. I thought the plot was so unique and well done. I love how thought provoking it was and had little easter eggs throughout that I totally missed the first time, for example the scratching or meowing of a cat (or did their guilty conscience make it up in their head?). It has you asking yourself questions on your own decisions and consequences of those decisions and if it was the right choice.
I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to continue the series.
October 22, 2023
This is the first I have read by this author, and I will definitely be keeping tabs on him. There were strong influences from classical horror greats in this collection of gothic horror fantasy stories. There were particular ones that stood out for me, which were "The Last Song" and "The Portrait".
Admittedly, there were quite a few characters to keep track of, and I also felt that the title of the book left me expectant of a revelation of what the Curse of Balar is, but seeing as this is a part of a series, I imagine it will still be revealed. I think a re-read is in order in case I missed some finer details.
Looking forward to the next installment.
Admittedly, there were quite a few characters to keep track of, and I also felt that the title of the book left me expectant of a revelation of what the Curse of Balar is, but seeing as this is a part of a series, I imagine it will still be revealed. I think a re-read is in order in case I missed some finer details.
Looking forward to the next installment.
March 14, 2024
"The Curse of Balar" by Marcel M du Plessis is a chilling and immersive collection of thirteen short stories that delve into the dark and sinister secrets of the secluded town of Balar, nestled in the foreboding Carpathian Mountains. With its blend of supernatural horror, Gothic atmosphere, and richly drawn characters, this book is sure to enthrall fans of the genre and leave them eagerly anticipating future installments.
One of the most striking aspects of this collection is its vivid and atmospheric setting. Du Plessis paints a haunting portrait of Balar, a town steeped in old traditions and superstitions, where the passage of time seems to have little effect on the eerie sense of foreboding that hangs heavy in the air. From the crumbling ruins of the castle on the hill to the shadowy depths of the surrounding woods, the author creates a palpable sense of dread and unease that permeates each story, drawing readers deeper into the dark heart of the town.
What truly sets "The Curse of Balar" apart is its interconnectedness, with each story offering a tantalizing glimpse into the town's twisted history and the sinister forces that lurk beneath the surface. While each tale stands alone as a self-contained narrative, there are subtle threads and recurring motifs that tie the stories together, creating a cohesive and immersive reading experience. Fans of the genre will delight in unraveling the mysteries of Balar alongside the characters, as they uncover the town's dark past and grapple with the supernatural horrors that threaten to consume them.
Furthermore, du Plessis showcases a remarkable talent for crafting compelling and multi-dimensional characters, from the enigmatic residents of Balar to the hapless strangers who stumble upon the town's secrets. Each protagonist is uniquely flawed and vulnerable, making them relatable and sympathetic even as they confront unimaginable horrors. Whether it's a desperate treasure hunter searching for lost riches or a weary traveler seeking refuge from the storm, readers will find themselves drawn into the characters' struggles and rooting for their survival against all odds.
In addition to its captivating storytelling and richly detailed world-building, "The Curse of Balar" also delivers plenty of spine-tingling scares and heart-pounding thrills. Du Plessis masterfully ratchets up the tension with each story, building to chilling climaxes that are sure to leave readers on the edge of their seats. From encounters with paranormal killers to terrifying confrontations with otherworldly creatures, the book offers a relentless barrage of supernatural horrors that will keep readers turning pages late into the night.
To further entice readers into the dark and mysterious world of Balar, du Plessis concludes the collection with a haunting poem titled "The Whisper Man." This enigmatic and evocative piece sets the stage for the next installment, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the continuation of the town's twisted saga.
"The Curse of Balar" is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and horror fiction, offering a spine-tingling journey into the depths of terror and the unknown. With its evocative setting, interconnected stories, unforgettable characters, and tantalizing teaser for what lies ahead, Marcel M du Plessis's collection is a haunting and immersive exploration of the cursed town of Balar that is not to be missed.
One of the most striking aspects of this collection is its vivid and atmospheric setting. Du Plessis paints a haunting portrait of Balar, a town steeped in old traditions and superstitions, where the passage of time seems to have little effect on the eerie sense of foreboding that hangs heavy in the air. From the crumbling ruins of the castle on the hill to the shadowy depths of the surrounding woods, the author creates a palpable sense of dread and unease that permeates each story, drawing readers deeper into the dark heart of the town.
What truly sets "The Curse of Balar" apart is its interconnectedness, with each story offering a tantalizing glimpse into the town's twisted history and the sinister forces that lurk beneath the surface. While each tale stands alone as a self-contained narrative, there are subtle threads and recurring motifs that tie the stories together, creating a cohesive and immersive reading experience. Fans of the genre will delight in unraveling the mysteries of Balar alongside the characters, as they uncover the town's dark past and grapple with the supernatural horrors that threaten to consume them.
Furthermore, du Plessis showcases a remarkable talent for crafting compelling and multi-dimensional characters, from the enigmatic residents of Balar to the hapless strangers who stumble upon the town's secrets. Each protagonist is uniquely flawed and vulnerable, making them relatable and sympathetic even as they confront unimaginable horrors. Whether it's a desperate treasure hunter searching for lost riches or a weary traveler seeking refuge from the storm, readers will find themselves drawn into the characters' struggles and rooting for their survival against all odds.
In addition to its captivating storytelling and richly detailed world-building, "The Curse of Balar" also delivers plenty of spine-tingling scares and heart-pounding thrills. Du Plessis masterfully ratchets up the tension with each story, building to chilling climaxes that are sure to leave readers on the edge of their seats. From encounters with paranormal killers to terrifying confrontations with otherworldly creatures, the book offers a relentless barrage of supernatural horrors that will keep readers turning pages late into the night.
To further entice readers into the dark and mysterious world of Balar, du Plessis concludes the collection with a haunting poem titled "The Whisper Man." This enigmatic and evocative piece sets the stage for the next installment, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the continuation of the town's twisted saga.
"The Curse of Balar" is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and horror fiction, offering a spine-tingling journey into the depths of terror and the unknown. With its evocative setting, interconnected stories, unforgettable characters, and tantalizing teaser for what lies ahead, Marcel M du Plessis's collection is a haunting and immersive exploration of the cursed town of Balar that is not to be missed.
April 17, 2024
The Curse of Balar by Marcel M. du Plessis is a notable addition to the horror genre. It presents a series of interconnected stories that delve into the supernatural and the human psyche. The book commences with "The Sharpest Shadows," a tale laced with tragedy and retribution. The murder of a young woman leads to a chilling sequence of vengeful events. This story sets the tone for the book, blending the eerie and the grotesque with a poignant examination of guilt.
In another gripping narrative, "The Beast of Scaffold Hill," du Plessis crafts a vivid depiction of the decaying town of Balar, a setting that becomes a character in its own right. The story's protagonists, Cutter and Scratch, are grave robbers whose grisly profession leads them into a spiral of supernatural encounters. The tension escalates as Cutter, haunted by memories of his abusive father, confronts both the literal and metaphorical ghosts of his past. du Plessis excels in creating an atmosphere that is both foreboding and immersive. The book's setting, with its dark woods, ominous church, and ruined castle, plays a crucial role in heightening the sense of dread. The stories, while rooted in the supernatural, offer a profound exploration of themes like the consequences of one's actions, guilt, and supernatural justice. Through characters like Cutter, du Plessis explores the complex interplay of past trauma and present horrors. While the book's supernatural elements are compelling, it is the human element – the exploration of characters' moral dilemmas and their struggles with guilt and punishment – that resonates most deeply.
The Curse of Balar is a spine-tingling horror recommendation that is sure to send shivers down your spine. This captivating tale not only scares but also delves into the depths of the human psyche, exploring the darker aspects of the human condition. With its thought-provoking narrative and expertly crafted plot, this collection of short stories is a must-read for any fan of horror.
In another gripping narrative, "The Beast of Scaffold Hill," du Plessis crafts a vivid depiction of the decaying town of Balar, a setting that becomes a character in its own right. The story's protagonists, Cutter and Scratch, are grave robbers whose grisly profession leads them into a spiral of supernatural encounters. The tension escalates as Cutter, haunted by memories of his abusive father, confronts both the literal and metaphorical ghosts of his past. du Plessis excels in creating an atmosphere that is both foreboding and immersive. The book's setting, with its dark woods, ominous church, and ruined castle, plays a crucial role in heightening the sense of dread. The stories, while rooted in the supernatural, offer a profound exploration of themes like the consequences of one's actions, guilt, and supernatural justice. Through characters like Cutter, du Plessis explores the complex interplay of past trauma and present horrors. While the book's supernatural elements are compelling, it is the human element – the exploration of characters' moral dilemmas and their struggles with guilt and punishment – that resonates most deeply.
The Curse of Balar is a spine-tingling horror recommendation that is sure to send shivers down your spine. This captivating tale not only scares but also delves into the depths of the human psyche, exploring the darker aspects of the human condition. With its thought-provoking narrative and expertly crafted plot, this collection of short stories is a must-read for any fan of horror.
January 9, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Balar. I love an anecdotal plotline told through a series of (seemingly) unconnected stories that all come together. The characters are lively, and not always alive.
My favourite is Iris, who treads through the stories, bringing them together. Each story is just a taste, a morsel with more yet to come and I am excited to see where these stories conclude.
I am also very interested in the Eastern European mythos that is used to describe some of the creatures.
My favourite is Iris, who treads through the stories, bringing them together. Each story is just a taste, a morsel with more yet to come and I am excited to see where these stories conclude.
I am also very interested in the Eastern European mythos that is used to describe some of the creatures.
March 30, 2025
The Curse of Balar is a brilliant work of writing and a magnificent adventure!
Reading the collection of stories of the goings-on in Balar, I got invested in the different characters, adventures, and the mysteries that lie in Balar that delivers its own justice to the different characters.
The writing is fantastic and is very immersive and I found myself picturing the streets and atmosphere of the stories and the characters involved.
I was intrigued about the mysteries of Balar as I read each page!
Looking forward to reading the second part of the series! The mystery of Balar continues!
Reading the collection of stories of the goings-on in Balar, I got invested in the different characters, adventures, and the mysteries that lie in Balar that delivers its own justice to the different characters.
The writing is fantastic and is very immersive and I found myself picturing the streets and atmosphere of the stories and the characters involved.
I was intrigued about the mysteries of Balar as I read each page!
Looking forward to reading the second part of the series! The mystery of Balar continues!
May 1, 2024
This was a good read. It started strong and really enjoyed the dark, Gothic vibe. However, I have to admit I lost a bit of interest around the middle. I'm not sure why that was, but it felt things started to lag and I had to push through a few chapters until it picked up again. Overall though, a solid, creepy read!
Thank you Voracious Readers and Marcel Plessis for my copy! I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you Voracious Readers and Marcel Plessis for my copy! I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 10, 2024
Conflicted
Enjoyed the structure of the book whereby short stories linked together to make up the whole book. Intriguing tales but should have been edited better. Quite a few spelling mistakes and incorrect word usage spoilt it a bit for me.
Enjoyed the structure of the book whereby short stories linked together to make up the whole book. Intriguing tales but should have been edited better. Quite a few spelling mistakes and incorrect word usage spoilt it a bit for me.
August 12, 2025
A Literary Delight with a Twist of Darkness!
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if you took the darkest parts of your imagination, tossed in a pinch of gruesome humor, and sprinkled it with characters who could give a moral philosopher a nervous breakdown, then The Curse of Balar is the book you’ve been waiting for.
First off, let’s talk about the world-building. Balar isn’t just a town—it’s a personality all on its own. Picture a place so grim that even the crows seem to gossip about it. From the haunted hills to the eerily silent cathedral that chimes only at midnight, every corner of Balar whispers a tale of tragedy, betrayal, and mystery. It’s a town that wears its secrets like a cloak—and trust me, you’ll want to unravel them all.
Now, the plot. It’s a web of intrigue so tightly woven that even the most seasoned detective would be out of breath trying to keep up. There’s something ominous behind every corner, and no character is as simple as they first appear. It’s a delightful puzzle, with twists so sharp, they’ll have you questioning your own sanity by the time the final pieces fall into place. Who’s playing who? And why does everyone in Balar look like they’ve been possessed by the ghosts of bad decisions?
And then, there are the characters. Oh, the characters! From the morally grey antiheroes to the eccentric villains who seem to be auditioning for a role in a horror movie, each character is written with depth that gives them life (and occasionally, death). You’ll find yourself rooting for the least likely people, and just when you think you’ve figured them out, they’ll pull a stunt that makes you question your life choices. I mean, who wouldn’t love a thief who’s afraid of a cat?
The plot also weaves in deep themes of betrayal, redemption, and—let’s face it—questionable life choices. It’s like watching a bad soap opera where everyone’s a little too charming to be trusted. And don’t even get me started on the ending... it’s the kind of twist that makes you want to re-read the whole thing just to catch the clues you missed (or were too busy being terrified to notice). I had many ALL CAPS QUESTIONS for the poor author XD
If you love a good dark fantasy, where the world is as bleak as the characters are complex, then you’ll devour The Curse of Balar. It’s a page-turner that mixes grimness with humor, a splash of romance, and enough intrigue to keep you awake at night wondering what’s coming next. A must-read for anyone who enjoys their fantasy served with a side of twisted moral dilemmas! I can't wait to get to book 2, I have sooooo many questions.
Also - I'll never admit it but.... this had me hardcore looking over my shoulder for days lol XD
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if you took the darkest parts of your imagination, tossed in a pinch of gruesome humor, and sprinkled it with characters who could give a moral philosopher a nervous breakdown, then The Curse of Balar is the book you’ve been waiting for.
First off, let’s talk about the world-building. Balar isn’t just a town—it’s a personality all on its own. Picture a place so grim that even the crows seem to gossip about it. From the haunted hills to the eerily silent cathedral that chimes only at midnight, every corner of Balar whispers a tale of tragedy, betrayal, and mystery. It’s a town that wears its secrets like a cloak—and trust me, you’ll want to unravel them all.
Now, the plot. It’s a web of intrigue so tightly woven that even the most seasoned detective would be out of breath trying to keep up. There’s something ominous behind every corner, and no character is as simple as they first appear. It’s a delightful puzzle, with twists so sharp, they’ll have you questioning your own sanity by the time the final pieces fall into place. Who’s playing who? And why does everyone in Balar look like they’ve been possessed by the ghosts of bad decisions?
And then, there are the characters. Oh, the characters! From the morally grey antiheroes to the eccentric villains who seem to be auditioning for a role in a horror movie, each character is written with depth that gives them life (and occasionally, death). You’ll find yourself rooting for the least likely people, and just when you think you’ve figured them out, they’ll pull a stunt that makes you question your life choices. I mean, who wouldn’t love a thief who’s afraid of a cat?
The plot also weaves in deep themes of betrayal, redemption, and—let’s face it—questionable life choices. It’s like watching a bad soap opera where everyone’s a little too charming to be trusted. And don’t even get me started on the ending... it’s the kind of twist that makes you want to re-read the whole thing just to catch the clues you missed (or were too busy being terrified to notice). I had many ALL CAPS QUESTIONS for the poor author XD
If you love a good dark fantasy, where the world is as bleak as the characters are complex, then you’ll devour The Curse of Balar. It’s a page-turner that mixes grimness with humor, a splash of romance, and enough intrigue to keep you awake at night wondering what’s coming next. A must-read for anyone who enjoys their fantasy served with a side of twisted moral dilemmas! I can't wait to get to book 2, I have sooooo many questions.
Also - I'll never admit it but.... this had me hardcore looking over my shoulder for days lol XD
October 28, 2025
In the tradition of Sherwood Anderson’s Winesburg, Ohio, du Plessis has created a series of intertwining vignettes occurring in one town. One very dark, disturbing town in the Carpathian Mountains. These tales contain many elements of the classic horror genre with definite nods to Stoker, Wilde, Poe, and even King. That’s the set up. As ambitious as this sounds, du Plessis knocks it out of the park.
It took me a minute to understand where we were going with this. Each individual chapter was entertaining, but I kept waiting for du Plessis to “bring it home.” This was a complete misunderstanding of what was going on. This book should be read as a look inside a cursed town and its effect on its inhabitants. It is atmospheric, mysterious, and compelling. Horror without gore, the best kind.
My one complaint is that the book is in desperate need of editing to eliminate a plethora of misspelling, grammatical errors, and awkward syntax. These distract from what is otherwise a fresh and exciting addition to the genre. In the afterword the author says there are more books planned, including a novel. I look forward to reading them.
A sincere thank you to Mr. du Plessis for my free copy; a true gem I might never have discovered otherwise. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This is a second review, as I re-read this in preparation to read the second book in this series. I find that both the work and my review held up well over the past year or so. This is truly a delightful and fresh take on one of my favorite genres and having just completed book 2 I definitely recommend reading (or re-reading) this beforehand.
It took me a minute to understand where we were going with this. Each individual chapter was entertaining, but I kept waiting for du Plessis to “bring it home.” This was a complete misunderstanding of what was going on. This book should be read as a look inside a cursed town and its effect on its inhabitants. It is atmospheric, mysterious, and compelling. Horror without gore, the best kind.
My one complaint is that the book is in desperate need of editing to eliminate a plethora of misspelling, grammatical errors, and awkward syntax. These distract from what is otherwise a fresh and exciting addition to the genre. In the afterword the author says there are more books planned, including a novel. I look forward to reading them.
A sincere thank you to Mr. du Plessis for my free copy; a true gem I might never have discovered otherwise. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This is a second review, as I re-read this in preparation to read the second book in this series. I find that both the work and my review held up well over the past year or so. This is truly a delightful and fresh take on one of my favorite genres and having just completed book 2 I definitely recommend reading (or re-reading) this beforehand.
January 8, 2024
Having read the afterwards, I understand the author intends this to be the first in a trilogy of short stories, to culminate in a novel, I will try to write my review with this in mind.
The short stories are intriguing and captivating with subtle nods to classics like dracula and the idea of a "hunter" like van helsing. The stories are adequately creepy without an over reliance on gore or the idea of trying to "shock" you to scare you. That being said, there is an extreme lack of satisfaction, which I know often occurs in a series, however, in a series of short stories it seems even less fulfilling. The stories are good, however, I feel the author gives no justice to his idea of what the purpose of this potential anthology is. There isn't an adequately established "core" to set up a good foundation for what the authors intentions are and why I, as a reader, would want to further explore these intentions. I enjoyed this book, I truly did, but I wish a firm purpose for this being a series was more firmly established.
The short stories are intriguing and captivating with subtle nods to classics like dracula and the idea of a "hunter" like van helsing. The stories are adequately creepy without an over reliance on gore or the idea of trying to "shock" you to scare you. That being said, there is an extreme lack of satisfaction, which I know often occurs in a series, however, in a series of short stories it seems even less fulfilling. The stories are good, however, I feel the author gives no justice to his idea of what the purpose of this potential anthology is. There isn't an adequately established "core" to set up a good foundation for what the authors intentions are and why I, as a reader, would want to further explore these intentions. I enjoyed this book, I truly did, but I wish a firm purpose for this being a series was more firmly established.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews