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SCRIBE
A veteran of the Civil War, Jeremiah chooses a plot of land in West Hamilton, Maine as the place to start a family and a homestead. After a mysterious predator attacks his livestock one winter night, he realizes that the nearby woods have been keeping a secret: something dark and deadly lurks within. But Jeremiah has secrets, too, and the newfound predator isn't the only thing hiding in the woods.
In this prequel to SMOLDER, Michael R. Goodwin reminds you that you are never truly alone in the woods.
In this prequel to SMOLDER, Michael R. Goodwin reminds you that you are never truly alone in the woods.
- GenresHorror
125 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2023
1 person is currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Michael R. Goodwin
26 books124 followersMichael R. Goodwin is the author of THE LIBERTY KEY, a novel of supernatural suspense, SMOLDER, a horror novella, and ROADSIDE FORGOTTEN, a collection of five short stories. His collection of short stories, HOW GOOD IT FEELS TO BURN, was released by Dark Pine Publishing, and he has released several standalone short stories.
His work has been featured in multiple anthologies such as "124 Beloved" by Regulus Press, "Lunatic Lullabies" by Pyke Publishing, "October Blood" by Hawke Haus, "Devil's Rejects" by Dark Pine Publishing, and "The Sacrament" by Dark Lit Press. Aside from writing, he enjoys reading, composing music, and photography.
He lives in Maine with his wife and four children.
His work has been featured in multiple anthologies such as "124 Beloved" by Regulus Press, "Lunatic Lullabies" by Pyke Publishing, "October Blood" by Hawke Haus, "Devil's Rejects" by Dark Pine Publishing, and "The Sacrament" by Dark Lit Press. Aside from writing, he enjoys reading, composing music, and photography.
He lives in Maine with his wife and four children.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 19, 2025
4.5 stars. Whatta fantastic horror tale! Michael R. Goodwin utilizes the same antagonist in more than one of his stories, however its versatility proves useful in that sense. Here, we follow Jeremiah, an army vet just trying to live his simple life with his family. It was really great to do such a deep dive into his character, specifically his complicated relationship with Susannah and Andrew (Both his son and former ‘friend’). You felt like you were taking this journey at his side as we were treated to wonderfully vivid and terrifying experience. And the writing itself was as smooth as a baby’s butt. Like really enjoyable and masterfully done. One critique that I had here was the lack of emotion from our lead throughout, specifically during very significant revelations and events. He was written so very well, but that lacked a bit, and just needed some additional layering to easily resolve. It was a short read, but Goodwin really packed a surprising amount into such a short runtime, leaving no stone unturned. A must-read for anyone who is as excited as Peter Topside to approach the best day of the year…Halloween.
September 1, 2023
Scribe is the prequel to Michael R. Goodwin's Smolder. It's every bit as suspenseful and even more heartbreaking. The entity in the forest (the Nothing) is older than the forest, older than time. So naturally it will be a major part of the prequel. We have more characters with deep dark secrets and strong emotions that attract the Nothing.
Again, love is a strong theme in this story, as well as honesty - being forthcoming with your loved ones and being true to yourself. Being a shorter novella, I can't going into the story much without giving away key elements. So I'll keep this review very short. In closing I would like to thank the author for the epub version of the book so that I could provide my honest thoughts and review. I found Scribe every bit as enjoyable to read as Smolder. I'm happy to give it five stars.
Again, love is a strong theme in this story, as well as honesty - being forthcoming with your loved ones and being true to yourself. Being a shorter novella, I can't going into the story much without giving away key elements. So I'll keep this review very short. In closing I would like to thank the author for the epub version of the book so that I could provide my honest thoughts and review. I found Scribe every bit as enjoyable to read as Smolder. I'm happy to give it five stars.
March 24, 2025
A terrifying nameless monster in the woods, a scribe with a history given to a little girl by a man living in the woods, a story set in the 1840s... all the ingredients for a horror fest. Absolutely enjoyed this one except for the passages on homoerotic moments with the main character Jeremiah. Those motifs really sucked and cost the incredibly compelling tale the fifth star. Otherwise a real thriller. Be aware when you're entering a forest next time. It could be your last. Really recommended!
July 10, 2023
Drop what you’re reading and pick up “Smolder” by Michael R. Goodwin! You’re going to want to read it before reading “Scribe”
“Scribe” is the prequel to “Smolder” and I was lucky enough to receive and advance copy.
The characters, the story, the 1800s setting, the horror, everything was so well written! I finished this book in about 3 hours and the entire time I myself felt lost in the woods being hunted down by The Nothing.
The main conflict that the main characters are facing within themselves is very different from the conflict the main characters are facing in the previous book, and while they have their own personal problems they all face the same threat and danger.
It’s a must read for any fan of the horror genre.
I’m hoping there’s more to this story because I am hooked and can’t enough!
“Scribe” is the prequel to “Smolder” and I was lucky enough to receive and advance copy.
The characters, the story, the 1800s setting, the horror, everything was so well written! I finished this book in about 3 hours and the entire time I myself felt lost in the woods being hunted down by The Nothing.
The main conflict that the main characters are facing within themselves is very different from the conflict the main characters are facing in the previous book, and while they have their own personal problems they all face the same threat and danger.
It’s a must read for any fan of the horror genre.
I’m hoping there’s more to this story because I am hooked and can’t enough!
July 11, 2023
Goodwin has done it again! This fantastically creepy story is a must read! Although I will be thinking twice before spending anytime in the woods.
October 5, 2023
Old ritual feels creepy, dark, and shadowed, teetering on the edge of folklore. This fast-paced story will unleash Goosebumps as a fight for survival and devastation ensues.
I was given the awesome opportunity to read this early. Scribe is the prequel to Michaels other book Smolder.
The year is 1863, when we meet the family of Jeremiah and Susannah and their two children, Andrew and Elizabeth. Living amongst the woods of West Hamilton Maine. If you remember Smolder ( which I highly recommend reading first), the woods are not a safe place to be!
I was given the awesome opportunity to read this early. Scribe is the prequel to Michaels other book Smolder.
The year is 1863, when we meet the family of Jeremiah and Susannah and their two children, Andrew and Elizabeth. Living amongst the woods of West Hamilton Maine. If you remember Smolder ( which I highly recommend reading first), the woods are not a safe place to be!
July 3, 2023
I recently read and enjoyed Goodwin’s super creepy “Smolder” and was super excited when I heard of “Scribe” being a prequel. I was stoked to get selected for an advanced copy.
This book was great! Firstly, I loved the setting of it being in 1863. Immediately, it was refreshing and a new take on the previous story, which felt like a perfect fit. The pacing of the book is excellent and really gets the foundation down quickly, no waste space. I like fast-paced writing and this hits the mark.
The characters are all well-introduced and easy to connect with quickly. I was truly interested in this family and where this story was heading. The main subject of the book, a magical scribe, creates a massively unsettling and intriguing atmosphere.
I didn’t plan on reading this in one day, as I like to break up even shorter works, such as this novella, into a few sittings. However, I was truly engaged and kept flying through the pages. The quick pace and anxious story kept me flying through each page until the end.
Overall, the story was very well-written, exciting and very creepy, especially in the details. I actually enjoyed this one even BETTER than “Smolder”, and the stories connect seamlessly. I would definitely recommend reading that one before the release of “Scribe”, but I think you can actually read them in any order and they are both great! I plan on rereading the former again now to get an even more fuller expense of this wonderful world in the woods!
This book was great! Firstly, I loved the setting of it being in 1863. Immediately, it was refreshing and a new take on the previous story, which felt like a perfect fit. The pacing of the book is excellent and really gets the foundation down quickly, no waste space. I like fast-paced writing and this hits the mark.
The characters are all well-introduced and easy to connect with quickly. I was truly interested in this family and where this story was heading. The main subject of the book, a magical scribe, creates a massively unsettling and intriguing atmosphere.
I didn’t plan on reading this in one day, as I like to break up even shorter works, such as this novella, into a few sittings. However, I was truly engaged and kept flying through the pages. The quick pace and anxious story kept me flying through each page until the end.
Overall, the story was very well-written, exciting and very creepy, especially in the details. I actually enjoyed this one even BETTER than “Smolder”, and the stories connect seamlessly. I would definitely recommend reading that one before the release of “Scribe”, but I think you can actually read them in any order and they are both great! I plan on rereading the former again now to get an even more fuller expense of this wonderful world in the woods!
August 22, 2023
Scribe is a prequel to Smolder, set way way back in 1863. It actually goes back even farther, in 1688, to give the actual origin of the evil that lives in the woods. But, in 1863, it’s awakened and ravishes a whole family. While the story itself is thrilling, it’s actually super helpful with answering questions left after reading Smolder.
I did find the story incredibly sad. There is so much loss, grief and regret. While the evil feeds on anger, it is not the main emotion in the story. I think this really shows the range in Michaels writing style. While the book is supposed to be horror, I felt it was more fiction. The story has layers, and depth, that outshine the blood and gore. But, maybe I’m reading too much into it. Lol
If you read Smolder, I suggest reading Scribe. But now I need a sequel to Smolder, lol. I feel like these stories can birth a seriously evil third book, and I think Michael can bring it next level. It will have all the emotions and scares we need!
August 4, 2023
“In the woods, the creatures within the dark ranks of trees were sleeping. Some were hibernating, waiting for the thaw that always arrives with spring. Others were simply resting, waiting for their time to hunt.”
It was a pleasant change to read a horror story not set in the present day. There was also another pull to why I wanted to read this. SCRIBE is set in 1863, a prequel (novella sized) to SMOLDER, a dark Stephen King-esque style monster horror.
I’m going to keep the details to a minimum to not spoil the essence. Goodwin has become quite a name in the indie horror and I can see why. He writes with eloquence and rich detail that can either chill you to the bone, or move you. See the quote above. If you’re a fan of horror (especially monster horror), I’d suggest you give his work a try. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
It was a pleasant change to read a horror story not set in the present day. There was also another pull to why I wanted to read this. SCRIBE is set in 1863, a prequel (novella sized) to SMOLDER, a dark Stephen King-esque style monster horror.
I’m going to keep the details to a minimum to not spoil the essence. Goodwin has become quite a name in the indie horror and I can see why. He writes with eloquence and rich detail that can either chill you to the bone, or move you. See the quote above. If you’re a fan of horror (especially monster horror), I’d suggest you give his work a try. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
June 26, 2025
This novel is an absolute masterpiece- one of my favorite reads this year!
.
I was completely invested from chapter one, and had a hard time putting this down to eat and sleep. There is so much depth to this story, and the historical elements help to bring it alive. This story is highly believable and heartbreaking at times- but is a must read recommendation from me! Add this to your TBR asap!
.
I was completely invested from chapter one, and had a hard time putting this down to eat and sleep. There is so much depth to this story, and the historical elements help to bring it alive. This story is highly believable and heartbreaking at times- but is a must read recommendation from me! Add this to your TBR asap!
September 15, 2023
ARC Review
Scribe by Michael R. Goodwin
125 Pages
Pub Date : September 26, 2023
I knew this was a prequel going in but I was not prepared, yet pleasantly surprised to open with a look back to 1688 and the Penobscot natives making a deal with an evil that's all too familiar if you've read Smolder but Goodwin. Then we jumped ahead to 1863, where we spent the rest of our time with Civil War vet Jeremiah, his wife Susannah, their two children, a mysterious stranger, and a secret he's been keeping for many years.
That's all I'm going to say about the plot on this one because, damn it moves fast. I was first introduced to Goodwin through one of his shorts in an anthology that I read. I quickly became a fan, and he has kept me hooked ever since. The depth of emotion that he is able to achieve in limited pages is masterful. The prose is beautifully heartbreaking and almost poetic. I get the feeling this may not be the last we experience in the world of the Nothing, and I will be here to experience it all.
Thank you to the author for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review. Which is super easy when a book hooks you the way this one did. Grab a copy on September 26, 2023. I'll be adding the paperback to my physical collection.
Scribe by Michael R. Goodwin
125 Pages
Pub Date : September 26, 2023
I knew this was a prequel going in but I was not prepared, yet pleasantly surprised to open with a look back to 1688 and the Penobscot natives making a deal with an evil that's all too familiar if you've read Smolder but Goodwin. Then we jumped ahead to 1863, where we spent the rest of our time with Civil War vet Jeremiah, his wife Susannah, their two children, a mysterious stranger, and a secret he's been keeping for many years.
That's all I'm going to say about the plot on this one because, damn it moves fast. I was first introduced to Goodwin through one of his shorts in an anthology that I read. I quickly became a fan, and he has kept me hooked ever since. The depth of emotion that he is able to achieve in limited pages is masterful. The prose is beautifully heartbreaking and almost poetic. I get the feeling this may not be the last we experience in the world of the Nothing, and I will be here to experience it all.
Thank you to the author for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review. Which is super easy when a book hooks you the way this one did. Grab a copy on September 26, 2023. I'll be adding the paperback to my physical collection.
August 4, 2023
WOW! I was utterly captivated by this novella from front to back. Having read SMOLDER last year and really enjoying it, I was extremely excited for the idea of a 2nd book in the series. When Goodwin put out a call for ARC readers I responded right away and was so lucky to receive an advanced readers copy!
For some reason I assumed it would be a sequel but this was a prequel. The history of The Nothing and the story of those that faced it before. First of all, the characters in SCRIBE were so exquisitely written. I felt so deeply for this small farm family as I read through the terror that they faced. I think this is the first time I prefer the 2nd book to the 1st in a series. Yet again, I’m in awe of Goodwin’s work. Excuse me while I fill my cart with all his work.
For some reason I assumed it would be a sequel but this was a prequel. The history of The Nothing and the story of those that faced it before. First of all, the characters in SCRIBE were so exquisitely written. I felt so deeply for this small farm family as I read through the terror that they faced. I think this is the first time I prefer the 2nd book to the 1st in a series. Yet again, I’m in awe of Goodwin’s work. Excuse me while I fill my cart with all his work.
August 1, 2023
It’s hard to find a prequel that’s just as good as the original. Let me tell you, this is an exception. Adding history to the mystery in Smolder, Scribe goes on to show us what is behind the Nothing. This story details the destruction that plagues beings too stubborn to trust what lies beyond beliefs.
The setting creates an atmosphere of dread in which you can’t help but look over your own shoulder. The characters are very well developed with layers to unfold as the story goes.
This book is a must read if you enjoyed: Smolder by Michael R. Goodwin, The House that Bleeds by Jamie Stewart, and the Outsider by Stephen King.
The setting creates an atmosphere of dread in which you can’t help but look over your own shoulder. The characters are very well developed with layers to unfold as the story goes.
This book is a must read if you enjoyed: Smolder by Michael R. Goodwin, The House that Bleeds by Jamie Stewart, and the Outsider by Stephen King.
July 13, 2023
I recently had the great pleasure of reading the ARC of @michaelrgoodwin SCRIBE, which is the prequel to his 2021 horror novella SMOLDER. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is Horror with Heart at its finest! While the scary bits are definitely chilling and eerie, for me the real terror is the price of keeping a secret. The sincere characters, the creepy period setting and the intense conflict all make for a great late night page turner.
I absolutely recommend reading SMOLDER, but if you hit up SCRIBE first, I think you’re good. They’re honestly both amazing so don’t miss ‘em.
This is Horror with Heart at its finest! While the scary bits are definitely chilling and eerie, for me the real terror is the price of keeping a secret. The sincere characters, the creepy period setting and the intense conflict all make for a great late night page turner.
I absolutely recommend reading SMOLDER, but if you hit up SCRIBE first, I think you’re good. They’re honestly both amazing so don’t miss ‘em.
August 14, 2023
3.5/5 stars.
This prequel to Smolder takes place in 1863 and follows Civil War veteran Jeremiah and his family who live in a cabin in the woods where a dark entity resides. One day his daughter meets a stranger near their home who gives her a sharpened bone that she can use to carve drawings of the people she wants to protect from the entity. When Jeremiah discovers the carved drawings in his barn, he scratches them off. Little does he know that there will be major consequences to what he’s done…
This is a short novella and I don’t want to spoil it but if you’re looking for a full-on creature feature, you won’t get that here as it’s mostly character driven and full of tragedy where nothing seems to go right for these characters. I enjoyed this story for the most part, but ultimately wanted more of an in-depth explanation on the creature itself. A full length novel would be great to see in the future as I enjoyed the complex characters, setting and atmosphere.
Overall, it’s a solid prequel. If you enjoy stories with lifelike characters and creepy stories set in the woods, you’ll enjoy this quick read.
This prequel to Smolder takes place in 1863 and follows Civil War veteran Jeremiah and his family who live in a cabin in the woods where a dark entity resides. One day his daughter meets a stranger near their home who gives her a sharpened bone that she can use to carve drawings of the people she wants to protect from the entity. When Jeremiah discovers the carved drawings in his barn, he scratches them off. Little does he know that there will be major consequences to what he’s done…
This is a short novella and I don’t want to spoil it but if you’re looking for a full-on creature feature, you won’t get that here as it’s mostly character driven and full of tragedy where nothing seems to go right for these characters. I enjoyed this story for the most part, but ultimately wanted more of an in-depth explanation on the creature itself. A full length novel would be great to see in the future as I enjoyed the complex characters, setting and atmosphere.
Overall, it’s a solid prequel. If you enjoy stories with lifelike characters and creepy stories set in the woods, you’ll enjoy this quick read.
November 23, 2023
The Nothing.
This story has a legend (The Nothing), love, loss, grief, lies, secrets, and death. Everything a good short story needs.
This story has a legend (The Nothing), love, loss, grief, lies, secrets, and death. Everything a good short story needs.
October 15, 2023
This prequel to Smolder is smoking! It sizzles with dread and atmosphere, and you’ll find yourself burning through the pages to find out what happens. Goodwin managed to pack a load of heart and lore next to just as much horror and fear. It feels like a tale of old - it’s grand, epic and haunting.
May 16, 2025
Really enjoyed Smolder, but this prequel just didn’t hit with the same horror I was hoping for.
July 6, 2024
5/5 - Forest with all the ominous creepy vibes as expected in a amazingly written horror novella.
Michael R Goodwin is one my favorite horror authors. His stories never miss. They are truly captivating and deliver on every single horror beat expected by the genres readership.
This book is the prequel to his book, Smolder. A lot of fans say read this book first because of the timeline placement and I’d agree as well, but also, this story is strong enough on its own and can be read after book one imo.
* Thank you for the generosity of the author for allowing me to read the ARC of Scribe. It was a great ride and I can’t wait to read more of your stories.
Michael R Goodwin is one my favorite horror authors. His stories never miss. They are truly captivating and deliver on every single horror beat expected by the genres readership.
This book is the prequel to his book, Smolder. A lot of fans say read this book first because of the timeline placement and I’d agree as well, but also, this story is strong enough on its own and can be read after book one imo.
* Thank you for the generosity of the author for allowing me to read the ARC of Scribe. It was a great ride and I can’t wait to read more of your stories.
November 4, 2023
This was an interesting book with a unique storyline. The beginning had me so sucked into the story as it was happening, but then I passed the halfway point by a bit, and it seemed like a completely different story. The pacing and storyline, while similar, changed a bit... which left me confused. It did pull together after some reading. I clearly should have read the book Smolder first, even if Scribe is the prequel. It was actually pretty creepy and atmospheric.
Thank you to Michael Goodwin for the opportunity to read this.
Thank you to Michael Goodwin for the opportunity to read this.
August 14, 2024
Slightly …. boring.
August 28, 2023
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆.
SCRIBE is a prequel to SMOLDER, and I chose to read this book first. The prequel opens in 1688 with the Penobscot tribe of Northern Maine. There is something in the woods, something that they only refer to as The Shadow, but it's taking their people and doesn't discriminate; women and children are slaughtered as well. An elder makes a deal with The Shadow for protection, and then we move 200 years later to meet Jeremiah, a veteran of the Civil War, who has chosen a plot of land in West Hamilton, Maine, as his homestead to share with his wife and two children.
After an absolutely terrifying encounter with a predator who attacks his livestock one cold winter night, he sees something that he can't believe is real. And when it decides to stay close to the homestead, Jeremiah knows he will face horrors even worse than what he faced in the war, especially after he discovers his daughter is in possession of a length of bone that she says was given to her to a strange man in the woods. She was instructed to use it as a scribe and carve pictures of anyone she wanted to keep safe. Jeremiah is rattled but writes her story off as nonsense, destroying the unsettling carvings. Six days later, tragedy struck.
This novella had an absolutely grand sense of atmosphere as the reader could easily find himself in the cold; in the absolute stillness of the woods at night where something primordial is hunting. With so many horror novels centered around the creepiness of the woods, this one stands out for how accurately the author captured that sense of dread and foreboding. I love anything to do with horror and folklore, and this one was an absolute winner. Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. SCRIBE will publish September 26, 2023.
SCRIBE is a prequel to SMOLDER, and I chose to read this book first. The prequel opens in 1688 with the Penobscot tribe of Northern Maine. There is something in the woods, something that they only refer to as The Shadow, but it's taking their people and doesn't discriminate; women and children are slaughtered as well. An elder makes a deal with The Shadow for protection, and then we move 200 years later to meet Jeremiah, a veteran of the Civil War, who has chosen a plot of land in West Hamilton, Maine, as his homestead to share with his wife and two children.
After an absolutely terrifying encounter with a predator who attacks his livestock one cold winter night, he sees something that he can't believe is real. And when it decides to stay close to the homestead, Jeremiah knows he will face horrors even worse than what he faced in the war, especially after he discovers his daughter is in possession of a length of bone that she says was given to her to a strange man in the woods. She was instructed to use it as a scribe and carve pictures of anyone she wanted to keep safe. Jeremiah is rattled but writes her story off as nonsense, destroying the unsettling carvings. Six days later, tragedy struck.
This novella had an absolutely grand sense of atmosphere as the reader could easily find himself in the cold; in the absolute stillness of the woods at night where something primordial is hunting. With so many horror novels centered around the creepiness of the woods, this one stands out for how accurately the author captured that sense of dread and foreboding. I love anything to do with horror and folklore, and this one was an absolute winner. Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. SCRIBE will publish September 26, 2023.
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