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A Strange Belief: Weird Stories
Eight strange tales, some dark, some delightful. Unique and curious, these stories will frighten and amaze you.
Shudder at the ancient horror waiting in an old well. Marvel at a man with a very unusual and delicious disorder. Confuse dreams with reality at your peril. Admire the seeker of gold pursued by flames. Fear the slippery creatures which slither through the night. Muse upon the unknowable inner life of inanimate objects. Descend into paranoia as you listen to the wearer of the tinfoil hat. Join a cult which began from mysterious footprints in the sand…
Are you ready to encounter some strange beliefs? Then dive into this story collection and immerse yourself in the weird world of N S Ford, author of After the Burning, They Lie Here and We Watch You.
Shudder at the ancient horror waiting in an old well. Marvel at a man with a very unusual and delicious disorder. Confuse dreams with reality at your peril. Admire the seeker of gold pursued by flames. Fear the slippery creatures which slither through the night. Muse upon the unknowable inner life of inanimate objects. Descend into paranoia as you listen to the wearer of the tinfoil hat. Join a cult which began from mysterious footprints in the sand…
Are you ready to encounter some strange beliefs? Then dive into this story collection and immerse yourself in the weird world of N S Ford, author of After the Burning, They Lie Here and We Watch You.
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
52 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2023
28 people want to read
About the author
N.S. Ford
8 books30 followersN S Ford is a book fanatic, blogger and cat lover who lives in the UK. She is the author of two cross-genre psychological thrillers, 'We Watch You' and 'They Lie Here,' plus three collections of short stories, 'After the Burning', 'A Strange Belief' and 'Hall of Hauntings'.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 30, 2023
I received this book from the author in exchange of an honest review.
I am part of a book bloggers group chat on Twitter and the author (also a blogger) was asking around if people wanted to read her weird short story collection, given that it is almost Halloween when she asked and I was still looking for more weird/spooky books I couldn’t say no. So here I am. On the 12 of October I was definitely in the mood for something weird/strange, especially after reading all those Archie comics which were quite odd at times.
Definitely would recommend reading the introduction! This is from a girl who generally doesn’t do introductions or author notes, but this time was curious and is now happy she read it~
I wrote a short bit about each of the 8 stories + gave them a rating, let’s get to it.
A Strange Belief: Star rating, 3.5 stars: A guy is convinced that there is something called mind beetles. Beetles that feed of your brain energy. Yup. This was a fun story and I especially loved that the guy was talking to us, the reader, or well in his world we are at his bar drinking a beer (hoping it is a nice one) and listening to his story. At times his energy reminded me of what we in Dutch would call a wappie, and so my eyes were rolling a bit, but in the end I did find myself invested. It sounds quite creepy to have such things on your back. I guess it is a blessing that almost no one sees them. Imagine that! The ending, or should I say the last sentence, that made it perfect.
The Dweller in the Deep: Star rating, 4 stars: This one was very short, but oh I loved it so much. Mysterious wells in gardens, yep, I learned my lesson years ago (and not just thanks to Ringu), but these kids haven’t yet. I think after all this though? They will stay away. Far away. I loved that it wasn’t just a monster or a ghost lurking in the well, but an Eldritch being. That was just ace. It was a delightful spooky story.
You May Open Your Question Papers and Begin: Star rating, 3.5 stars: Oh snap! Dreams or more to say nightmares! It was a bit confusing when we went from x age to y age, but it also fitted with the weirdness of it all. Poor girl, I cannot imagine having to dream about an exam, especially a math one, all the time. The ending, ha, I didn’t see that one coming.
The Sad and Surprising History of the Axcrofte Apple: Star rating, 3.5 stars: Haha, this most certainly was a weird story. About a very special mutation. People with apples growing in them. Yup. Say hi to the Axcrofte apple. In this story we learn all about the mutation, about the lives of the first person with it, and how it went on. And then there is that ending, which I partially saw coming, yet not the note at the end.
Superior Brew: Star rating, 4 stars: OH MY GOSH. OK, this was a lot of fun to read which a very surprising ending. I love that it was from the POV of a teapot and read all about their feelings on the fact that NO ONE DRINKS tea at their house. It is all about coffee. Yup. The age old discussion of coffee or tea? Which is better. Well, you can guess what the teapot thinks about it. I did feel sorry for it. Maybe I should give my old tea pot a cuddle. These days I mostly use a thermos for my tea so it stays warm all day instead of just a short while.
Tentacles and Concrete: Star rating, 3.5 stars So instead of mind beetles we now have a person who believes that inanimate objects like pylons or lights posts are alive and that there are tentacles and oh yes they move. Yup. Yup. YUP. Fun times right? The ending was unexpected but also A-plus.
Follow Us to the Ends of the Earth: Star rating, 4.5 stars OH OH, this was just the best! What happens when a woman who lost her husband finds a trail of footsteps on a cliff? I really enjoyed this story and what happened when Trudie followed those footsteps and where she came to be! I loved what happens next, I guess that is the only solution, haha. I do wonder if they ever will find their way home or if they will forever be stuck in this new age. I loved the ending, and well, I guess I am curious, so yes, I may just follow.
Leap of Faith: Star rating, 3.5 stars: Oh a videogame story! I liked this one, especially since I am fan of games myself, though I have to say that I didn’t expect the story to end that way! I loved reading how the person never gave up until they reached the goal.
All in all, BOY, I am so happy I got this collection. This was fantastic and I hope that N.S. Ford write many more of these collections. I am a fan! I would recommend this one to all.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I am part of a book bloggers group chat on Twitter and the author (also a blogger) was asking around if people wanted to read her weird short story collection, given that it is almost Halloween when she asked and I was still looking for more weird/spooky books I couldn’t say no. So here I am. On the 12 of October I was definitely in the mood for something weird/strange, especially after reading all those Archie comics which were quite odd at times.
Definitely would recommend reading the introduction! This is from a girl who generally doesn’t do introductions or author notes, but this time was curious and is now happy she read it~
I wrote a short bit about each of the 8 stories + gave them a rating, let’s get to it.
A Strange Belief: Star rating, 3.5 stars: A guy is convinced that there is something called mind beetles. Beetles that feed of your brain energy. Yup. This was a fun story and I especially loved that the guy was talking to us, the reader, or well in his world we are at his bar drinking a beer (hoping it is a nice one) and listening to his story. At times his energy reminded me of what we in Dutch would call a wappie, and so my eyes were rolling a bit, but in the end I did find myself invested. It sounds quite creepy to have such things on your back. I guess it is a blessing that almost no one sees them. Imagine that! The ending, or should I say the last sentence, that made it perfect.
The Dweller in the Deep: Star rating, 4 stars: This one was very short, but oh I loved it so much. Mysterious wells in gardens, yep, I learned my lesson years ago (and not just thanks to Ringu), but these kids haven’t yet. I think after all this though? They will stay away. Far away. I loved that it wasn’t just a monster or a ghost lurking in the well, but an Eldritch being. That was just ace. It was a delightful spooky story.
You May Open Your Question Papers and Begin: Star rating, 3.5 stars: Oh snap! Dreams or more to say nightmares! It was a bit confusing when we went from x age to y age, but it also fitted with the weirdness of it all. Poor girl, I cannot imagine having to dream about an exam, especially a math one, all the time. The ending, ha, I didn’t see that one coming.
The Sad and Surprising History of the Axcrofte Apple: Star rating, 3.5 stars: Haha, this most certainly was a weird story. About a very special mutation. People with apples growing in them. Yup. Say hi to the Axcrofte apple. In this story we learn all about the mutation, about the lives of the first person with it, and how it went on. And then there is that ending, which I partially saw coming, yet not the note at the end.
Superior Brew: Star rating, 4 stars: OH MY GOSH. OK, this was a lot of fun to read which a very surprising ending. I love that it was from the POV of a teapot and read all about their feelings on the fact that NO ONE DRINKS tea at their house. It is all about coffee. Yup. The age old discussion of coffee or tea? Which is better. Well, you can guess what the teapot thinks about it. I did feel sorry for it. Maybe I should give my old tea pot a cuddle. These days I mostly use a thermos for my tea so it stays warm all day instead of just a short while.
Tentacles and Concrete: Star rating, 3.5 stars So instead of mind beetles we now have a person who believes that inanimate objects like pylons or lights posts are alive and that there are tentacles and oh yes they move. Yup. Yup. YUP. Fun times right? The ending was unexpected but also A-plus.
Follow Us to the Ends of the Earth: Star rating, 4.5 stars OH OH, this was just the best! What happens when a woman who lost her husband finds a trail of footsteps on a cliff? I really enjoyed this story and what happened when Trudie followed those footsteps and where she came to be! I loved what happens next, I guess that is the only solution, haha. I do wonder if they ever will find their way home or if they will forever be stuck in this new age. I loved the ending, and well, I guess I am curious, so yes, I may just follow.
Leap of Faith: Star rating, 3.5 stars: Oh a videogame story! I liked this one, especially since I am fan of games myself, though I have to say that I didn’t expect the story to end that way! I loved reading how the person never gave up until they reached the goal.
All in all, BOY, I am so happy I got this collection. This was fantastic and I hope that N.S. Ford write many more of these collections. I am a fan! I would recommend this one to all.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
October 5, 2023
I couldn't resist reading this on publication day. After the Burning was so memorable and exciting that I knew this book would be the same. Some of these stories made my skin crawl, despite the light humor of the tales and the oddness of it all. The beetles alone were enough to make me feel queasy! I enjoyed all of the stories, but in particular, I liked the unique tales of the Axcrofte Apple and the walking tentacle lampposts. NS Ford's style is reminiscent of Sayaka Murata; eerie and surreal but straight to the point and strangely believable in the sense that these stories swallow you whole and make you feel a part of them. An incredible indie talent, I look forward to more!
November 29, 2023
Unpredictable and Refreshing
So, I’m not usually one for short stories or anthologies, but NS Ford’s “A Strange Belief” pulled me into its orbit.
I won a copy of NS Ford’s “A Strange Belief” in a giveaway organized by the author. It was a delightful twist to my reading routine. Some of these stories made my skin crawl, even though they had a light and odd sense of humor. The experience was truly captivating.
The book is a convergence of weird, thrilling, unexpected unexpected stories that will leave you with a sense of exhilaration. NS Ford skillfully intertwined eerie elements with humor, elevating the storytelling to an enthralling level.
What sets this collection apart is the sheer originality of each plot. Most of the stories are so unpredictable that I had no idea where they were going. NS Ford crafts this balance between creepy and witty, making it an engaging reading experience. It’s like wandering through a maze where every turn reveals something you didn’t see coming.
Now, onto favorites. “Superior Brew” took the cake for me, mainly because of its unexpected ending. No spoilers here, but let’s just say, I felt a twinge of sympathy for a certain teapot. And then there’s “Follow Us to the Ends of the Earth” — also high on my list. Picking favorites? Turns out, I suck at it too. Also, I wouldn’t be able to pick my favorite book if my life depended on it.
Overall, “A Strange Belief” is a fantastic ride through intriguing short stories. Each one is a different flavor, and the promise of a twist at the end adds that extra spice. NS Ford has this way of turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. So, if you’re up for an unpredictable journey into uncharted storytelling territories, this anthology might just be your cup of tea. Cheers to NS Ford for shaking up my reading routine!
So, I’m not usually one for short stories or anthologies, but NS Ford’s “A Strange Belief” pulled me into its orbit.
I won a copy of NS Ford’s “A Strange Belief” in a giveaway organized by the author. It was a delightful twist to my reading routine. Some of these stories made my skin crawl, even though they had a light and odd sense of humor. The experience was truly captivating.
The book is a convergence of weird, thrilling, unexpected unexpected stories that will leave you with a sense of exhilaration. NS Ford skillfully intertwined eerie elements with humor, elevating the storytelling to an enthralling level.
What sets this collection apart is the sheer originality of each plot. Most of the stories are so unpredictable that I had no idea where they were going. NS Ford crafts this balance between creepy and witty, making it an engaging reading experience. It’s like wandering through a maze where every turn reveals something you didn’t see coming.
Now, onto favorites. “Superior Brew” took the cake for me, mainly because of its unexpected ending. No spoilers here, but let’s just say, I felt a twinge of sympathy for a certain teapot. And then there’s “Follow Us to the Ends of the Earth” — also high on my list. Picking favorites? Turns out, I suck at it too. Also, I wouldn’t be able to pick my favorite book if my life depended on it.
Overall, “A Strange Belief” is a fantastic ride through intriguing short stories. Each one is a different flavor, and the promise of a twist at the end adds that extra spice. NS Ford has this way of turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. So, if you’re up for an unpredictable journey into uncharted storytelling territories, this anthology might just be your cup of tea. Cheers to NS Ford for shaking up my reading routine!
October 7, 2023
What a fabulous and fun collection of short stories this is. from the bizarre to the weird it has a bit of everything. The stories have a sense of humour at times, or at least made me chuckle at times with a quick twist at the end of them. They are a mix of futuristic or fantasy styles with a bit of a science fiction edge to them. I think Weird Stories really sums up what you will find in this short collection.
For me this collection is something that I find similar to flash fiction, they are quick and precise and they are all short. Ideal for dipping into, but if you are like me, as soon as you have read one you will straight onto the next one.
I do like this author's books and also her previous short story collection. Imaginative writing and at times she does make you stop and think about things. Fun, intriguing and one I would definitely recommend.
For me this collection is something that I find similar to flash fiction, they are quick and precise and they are all short. Ideal for dipping into, but if you are like me, as soon as you have read one you will straight onto the next one.
I do like this author's books and also her previous short story collection. Imaginative writing and at times she does make you stop and think about things. Fun, intriguing and one I would definitely recommend.
October 16, 2023
I really enjoyed this collection of weird stories. It's a very quick read as overall the whole book itself is fairly short. I deffo recommend if you like all things weird!
My favourites (which just happen to be the first three)
- A Strange Belief
Particularly liked the writing style for this. Very unusual and met the weird vibes well.
- The Dweller in the Deep
Very eerie! This could be a whole novel.
- You May Open Your Question Papers and Begin
This was my favourite. It was absolutely brilliant. Who hasn't had aniexty dreams like this over and over again? Sometime in the same bloody night. One part of this caught me off guard and make me legit laugh out loud.
I also liked the one about the apples because the ending was kind of funny in a morbid and ironic way.
Overall a great collection!
My favourites (which just happen to be the first three)
- A Strange Belief
Particularly liked the writing style for this. Very unusual and met the weird vibes well.
- The Dweller in the Deep
Very eerie! This could be a whole novel.
- You May Open Your Question Papers and Begin
This was my favourite. It was absolutely brilliant. Who hasn't had aniexty dreams like this over and over again? Sometime in the same bloody night. One part of this caught me off guard and make me legit laugh out loud.
I also liked the one about the apples because the ending was kind of funny in a morbid and ironic way.
Overall a great collection!
January 20, 2024
Simply weird and wonderful
I really enjoyed this wonderfully weird short story collection. A very eclectic mix of shorts to delight and have your mind thinking "What the ..."
The story that stood out for me was 'Superior Brew' the tragic tale of a china teapot abandoned on the top shelf in the kitchen. Never used and having to always watch as the new shiny coffee machine works its magic.
Thank you to the author for making this a special promo read as part of the 'Indie Author Winter Wonderland. Well worth checking out Happy Reading Book Lovers 🌹📚📖
I really enjoyed this wonderfully weird short story collection. A very eclectic mix of shorts to delight and have your mind thinking "What the ..."
The story that stood out for me was 'Superior Brew' the tragic tale of a china teapot abandoned on the top shelf in the kitchen. Never used and having to always watch as the new shiny coffee machine works its magic.
Thank you to the author for making this a special promo read as part of the 'Indie Author Winter Wonderland. Well worth checking out Happy Reading Book Lovers 🌹📚📖
October 12, 2023
I received an E-ARC with a request for my honest review.
This collection of short stories is very different to collections I am used to reading in this genre.
Mostly they are usually just dark, creepy, and gory. This collection still has elements of dark and creepy, but I did find a bit of humour throughout too and they cover a range of subjects.
The stories featured are:
A Strange Belief
The Dweller in the Deep
You May Open Your Question Papers and Begin
The Sad and Surprising History of the Axcrofte Apple
Superior Brew
Tentacles and Concrete
Follow Us to the Ends of the Earth
Leap of Faith
My favourite story was You May Open Your Question Papers and Begin as it made me laugh out loud as well as being a creepy but kind of relatable story.
Superior Brew was another which made me laugh, as the subject matter is very unusual for a short story.
I loved reading the whole collection though and as each story is quite short, it doesn’t take too long to read. I can find some collections like this can drag out too much, but this one is a perfect length.
Overall, a different collection of dark, creepy but humorous short stories.
This collection of short stories is very different to collections I am used to reading in this genre.
Mostly they are usually just dark, creepy, and gory. This collection still has elements of dark and creepy, but I did find a bit of humour throughout too and they cover a range of subjects.
The stories featured are:
A Strange Belief
The Dweller in the Deep
You May Open Your Question Papers and Begin
The Sad and Surprising History of the Axcrofte Apple
Superior Brew
Tentacles and Concrete
Follow Us to the Ends of the Earth
Leap of Faith
My favourite story was You May Open Your Question Papers and Begin as it made me laugh out loud as well as being a creepy but kind of relatable story.
Superior Brew was another which made me laugh, as the subject matter is very unusual for a short story.
I loved reading the whole collection though and as each story is quite short, it doesn’t take too long to read. I can find some collections like this can drag out too much, but this one is a perfect length.
Overall, a different collection of dark, creepy but humorous short stories.
October 6, 2023
Bizarre, weird, original, fun!
What a fantastic collection of intriguing short stories! Each story is different and original, with a twist at the end. This book left me wanting more!
What a fantastic collection of intriguing short stories! Each story is different and original, with a twist at the end. This book left me wanting more!
October 30, 2023
What a unique and interesting collection of tales! Some were funny, and some were downright creepy. This is the first collection I've read by this author, but I don't think it will be the last. If you like short story collections about the strange and mysterious, be sure to check this one out!
November 7, 2024
🫖🪲🎮
this was a fun little x-files-esque book. unique creative concepts with a fun voice. it’s pretty superficial (maybe you like that!), definitely entertaining.
this was a fun little x-files-esque book. unique creative concepts with a fun voice. it’s pretty superficial (maybe you like that!), definitely entertaining.
January 21, 2025
Another great collection by this author, although I preferred the theme of after the burning. I particularly liked "You may open your question papers and begin".
October 27, 2023
Finely delivered set of strange tales - pacy, varied and highly enjoyable. Great for those who enjoy quick reads too!
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews