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Feral
Wanting to escape the city for a quieter life to start a family, Danielle and Malik buy a fixer-upper in a small town. Despite being warned about the feral dogs in the neighborhood, the couple takes in a stray begging for shelter one night.The dog is friendly and immediately takes to Danielle. All seems to be falling into place, except something is off about their new dog...
- GenresHorrorContemporary
163 pages, Paperback
Published January 12, 2024
24 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 5, 2024
I really enjoyed this one until near the end where I found the writing came across as rushed and unpolished but overall it was still a pretty enjoyable read though.
3.5 rounded up.
3.5 rounded up.
January 14, 2024
I read this one in one sitting.
It starts with Danielle and Malik moving into a 2 story farmhouse bought sight unseen by Malik who just wanted land of his own, dreaming of starting a small farm. They quickly befriend their neighbors Charlene and Jack, who warn them about the feral dogs in the area.
They didn't ignore the warning, but didn't understand the severity of the problem until they witnessed the size and ferocity of the feral pack for themselves. They seem to roam their yard nightly, waking Danielle up with their howling and leaving "gifts" behind.
Meanwhile, the upstairs of the home is in need of extensive repairs, and sooner rather than later. Malik spends much time working on it, and pondering the weird design choices that left behind whole rooms and much spare space in the walls. Walls Danielle swears she hears strange sounds behind.
Then during a snowstorm, they let a stray dog in their home. A dog that makes itself right at home, immediately acts like a guardian to Danielle, and is also very interested in SOMETHING behind the walls.....
This one is a "cozy" horror with a slow build up of suspense until the end. Not a lot of blood, and no gore but TW: Some description of animal injury/death throughout.
While I had a lot of ideas about what was going on with the house and the dog, the end wasn't exactly what I have figured it would be.
A 5* read that had me immediately checking out some of the authors other work.
It starts with Danielle and Malik moving into a 2 story farmhouse bought sight unseen by Malik who just wanted land of his own, dreaming of starting a small farm. They quickly befriend their neighbors Charlene and Jack, who warn them about the feral dogs in the area.
They didn't ignore the warning, but didn't understand the severity of the problem until they witnessed the size and ferocity of the feral pack for themselves. They seem to roam their yard nightly, waking Danielle up with their howling and leaving "gifts" behind.
Meanwhile, the upstairs of the home is in need of extensive repairs, and sooner rather than later. Malik spends much time working on it, and pondering the weird design choices that left behind whole rooms and much spare space in the walls. Walls Danielle swears she hears strange sounds behind.
Then during a snowstorm, they let a stray dog in their home. A dog that makes itself right at home, immediately acts like a guardian to Danielle, and is also very interested in SOMETHING behind the walls.....
This one is a "cozy" horror with a slow build up of suspense until the end. Not a lot of blood, and no gore but TW: Some description of animal injury/death throughout.
While I had a lot of ideas about what was going on with the house and the dog, the end wasn't exactly what I have figured it would be.
A 5* read that had me immediately checking out some of the authors other work.
May 23, 2024
LET ME TELL YOU!!!!!!! It's short Novela but it's sooooooo dang good once I picked it up I couldn't put it down (I even read it at my job) There is a a huge hint in chapter 12 and it's not the typical hint either which is what I love it took me a second to put it together but thats what I liked.
Feral is about a couple who decide to try homesteading and there is a pack of feral dogs that also live in the area and this couple are protected by one so they decide to take this dog in. Then things start disappearing and Danielle starts hearing noises at night that sound strange. Her husband Malik is also remodeling the house they live in and they are finding hidden rooms and huge spaces between the walls. Things just start getting crazier and the dog they took in starts acting weird and being super protective over Danielle (Danny).
Like I said once I started it reading it I couldn't put it down. For you fast readers it's probably a couple of hours but for me it was a few days. You will end up falling in love with dog btw, I sure did and I want more of the dog! I loved it.
March 6, 2024
WHAT?!?
I thought I knew what this book was going to be about and wow, was I wrong. I absolutely loved that twist!!! But it definitely makes me never want to buy a fixer-upper with unknown floorplans. 😅
I thought I knew what this book was going to be about and wow, was I wrong. I absolutely loved that twist!!! But it definitely makes me never want to buy a fixer-upper with unknown floorplans. 😅
January 15, 2024
Danny and Malik move into a new home in the country. They bought the house unseen so didn’t know what they were letting themselves into. The house needs a lot of work. Small price to pay for an ideal life and a nice place to raise the kids. Danny and Malik soon befriend their new neighbours. They warn the stray dogs in the area.
After a series of odd events with the stray dogs they end up taking one of the dogs in. The dogs seem’s strangely at home in their house. However several strange things happen in the house, mainly at night. The feral dogs are getting braver and getting closer to the house. Bear, the dog they had taken in starts to get very unsettled. What is the connection between the house and the strays?
Overall a decent read. Did not take long to read. It is a short book. Very well written and the pace is spot on. I was close to predicting the ending but it didn’t quite pan out the way I thought it would. It is not a super gory horror which was nice. Would very much recommend the book.
After a series of odd events with the stray dogs they end up taking one of the dogs in. The dogs seem’s strangely at home in their house. However several strange things happen in the house, mainly at night. The feral dogs are getting braver and getting closer to the house. Bear, the dog they had taken in starts to get very unsettled. What is the connection between the house and the strays?
Overall a decent read. Did not take long to read. It is a short book. Very well written and the pace is spot on. I was close to predicting the ending but it didn’t quite pan out the way I thought it would. It is not a super gory horror which was nice. Would very much recommend the book.
March 2, 2024
A creepy house/winter wilderness horror novella that will have you questioning your own sanity.
A young, married couple buy an old house in a rural town surrounded by wilderness. Slowly the wilderness starts to close in on them, no matter how much they try to keep it out. At the same time something seems wrong with the old house they've purchased.
This book will give you wild dogs, suspiciously nice neighbours, a creepy old house with a 'void' room and a terrible winter storm that makes it impossible to leave. The pacing is great and the vibes are on point.
This book is best read during a winter storm while cuddling your dog. If you hear something in the walls, don't ignore it.
A young, married couple buy an old house in a rural town surrounded by wilderness. Slowly the wilderness starts to close in on them, no matter how much they try to keep it out. At the same time something seems wrong with the old house they've purchased.
This book will give you wild dogs, suspiciously nice neighbours, a creepy old house with a 'void' room and a terrible winter storm that makes it impossible to leave. The pacing is great and the vibes are on point.
This book is best read during a winter storm while cuddling your dog. If you hear something in the walls, don't ignore it.
December 2, 2024
4.5⭐️
This book caught me by surprise! I was looking for a horror novella on Kindle Unlimited and came across this one. At only 120 pages or so, this story packed a punch and left me with a new fear.
A couple moves to the countryside, excited to renovate their brand new farm house. However, they’ve been warned my multiple people about packs of feral dogs that roam the area.
A random good dog saves the couple when they come face to face with these ferals, so the couple takes this dog and makes it their own. Only then do weird things start happening around the house.
I promise, you’ll never be able to guess the ending.
This book caught me by surprise! I was looking for a horror novella on Kindle Unlimited and came across this one. At only 120 pages or so, this story packed a punch and left me with a new fear.
A couple moves to the countryside, excited to renovate their brand new farm house. However, they’ve been warned my multiple people about packs of feral dogs that roam the area.
A random good dog saves the couple when they come face to face with these ferals, so the couple takes this dog and makes it their own. Only then do weird things start happening around the house.
I promise, you’ll never be able to guess the ending.
February 3, 2024
Keep in mind this review is from a verified chicken 🐥
I haven’t read a horror in over a year and this book had me ON EDGE.
I was immersed and tense. The writing is superb. Descriptive enough to provide that creepy vibe, but not overly descriptive to the point that it takes me out of the story.
Also, couldn’t be me because I would never have stayed there for more than a night. 😫 I would have went home to my parents and not gone back. 😂
I was able to guess at what is happening and the ending, but that didn’t help me feel any less terrified.
I haven’t read a horror in over a year and this book had me ON EDGE.
I was immersed and tense. The writing is superb. Descriptive enough to provide that creepy vibe, but not overly descriptive to the point that it takes me out of the story.
Also, couldn’t be me because I would never have stayed there for more than a night. 😫 I would have went home to my parents and not gone back. 😂
I was able to guess at what is happening and the ending, but that didn’t help me feel any less terrified.
March 6, 2024
I wanted to read something by a new to me author, and thought this one sounded good. I always love a good story about the spooky things a family endures when moving into a new and sometimes abandoned house that needs to be renovated.
Although I didn’t find Feral to be spooky, it was very creepy. The way their new dog would act made me anxiously glance over at my recently rescued pup. By the end of the book my eyes doubled in size as I screamed GTFO!! Definitely check this one out!!
Although I didn’t find Feral to be spooky, it was very creepy. The way their new dog would act made me anxiously glance over at my recently rescued pup. By the end of the book my eyes doubled in size as I screamed GTFO!! Definitely check this one out!!
May 4, 2024
A Very Entertaining Story
It had me guessing all the way to the end and it’s unlikely you’ll see the denouement coming. Malik and his pregnant wife, Danny, move into an old farmhouse and are adopted by a dog that protected them from a pack of feral mongrels. The excitement and mystery builds from there.
Here’s an interesting drinking game though. Every time Malik kisses or hugs Danny, take a shot. You’ll be as drunk as a lord before the start of the third chapter.
It had me guessing all the way to the end and it’s unlikely you’ll see the denouement coming. Malik and his pregnant wife, Danny, move into an old farmhouse and are adopted by a dog that protected them from a pack of feral mongrels. The excitement and mystery builds from there.
Here’s an interesting drinking game though. Every time Malik kisses or hugs Danny, take a shot. You’ll be as drunk as a lord before the start of the third chapter.
January 23, 2024
Like Cujo in reverse! Such a well written book. Completely surprised with the way the author took the story. What I thought this was about, was completely different and so much better. Danny and Malik buy a farmhouse that needs quite a bit of work… add in the wild dogs, it’s an entertaining quick read!
March 1, 2024
So I will admit to starting this book with an idea firmly lodged in my head of what was going to happen. Solely based on the book blurb. But y'all.
Y'ALL.
This was nothing like what I was expecting, and in such a good way! I don't want to spoil anything, so all I will say is: whatever you think is happening, is not what's happening!
Super creepy read, loved it!
Y'ALL.
This was nothing like what I was expecting, and in such a good way! I don't want to spoil anything, so all I will say is: whatever you think is happening, is not what's happening!
Super creepy read, loved it!
February 22, 2024
Feral by MFK R went from a cozy mystery to creature and atomspheric horror. I thought I knew how the story was going and then it totally twisted in a different direction. I loved everything about this book, and highly recommend it!
February 28, 2024
This was amazing! For a short read, it definitely had all the stops of a great mystery and suspense horror book! There are some big twists to this animalistic tale that you won't see coming!
July 26, 2024
You know that feeling you get from watching a good classic 90s horror flick? That’s what I got from this. Just in time for spooky season it was a good fast paced short thriller novel.
March 23, 2025
This book doesn’t just build suspense—it choreographs a dance between fear and understanding, weaving love, tension, and mystery into a rhythm that lingers long after the final page. Every moment, whether quiet or chaotic, feels deliberate, making it impossible not to be drawn deeper into its world.
Positives
I liked the balanced mix of normal and scary explanations for strange things happening and unexplained nuance allowing the reader to come up with semi-plausible explanations, giving me plenty of fuel for my imagination, but keeping it open enough that I just wanted to read more to learn the truth, regardless of my predictions.
I enjoyed the established themes and the characters who were good. grounded, and orderly.
This is a powerful complement to the evil, shadow, and chaos of the setting, which allowed high contrast of visualizations between brighter and darker happenings.
I found it captivating that the depth of character description and development accurately matched my level of concern and that even applies to the non-human characters, helping me feel like the whole cast was cohesive and independently relevant.
I was enthralled by the ebb and flow of tension and relaxation which felt consistent in frequency and rate of overall growth, making the whole book hard to put down in the best kind of way.
I welcomed the little details that weren’t clues, foreshadowing, or red herrings, which allowed me to be still between moments of rising and falling tension.
I regularly felt the steady flow and pacing which capture longer sequences with two or three specific details followed by the introduction of the next sequence or unrelated event, depending on whether characters interacted or acted alone.
I love the love between couples, families, and neighbors and the settings they all move through which lead me to want to know them more and explore the depth and honesty of the feelings they have for eachother.
I discovered a new appreciation for a wider variety of timings for foreshadowing and payoffs, which included at least one perfectly timed one that helped masterfully tie together multiple threads of what otherwise could have just as easily have been loose ends.
Negatives
I was not impressed that it seemed like the primary source of stress for Danielle was general anxiety outside of the clearly stressful events, rather than her pointing out specifics of what she was actually fearing would happen, missing the chance to make impressive connections between expressed fear and directly connected sources.
I felt a staleness at times as the clues seemed like they were a similar size of breadcrumb, rather than having a variety of big, medium, and little clues which seemed to miss potential for a larger misdirection or bigger loose end that could have a larger payoff.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the book’s careful balance of tension, character depth, and emotional weight made it an experience I won’t soon forget.
Positives
I liked the balanced mix of normal and scary explanations for strange things happening and unexplained nuance allowing the reader to come up with semi-plausible explanations, giving me plenty of fuel for my imagination, but keeping it open enough that I just wanted to read more to learn the truth, regardless of my predictions.
I enjoyed the established themes and the characters who were good. grounded, and orderly.
This is a powerful complement to the evil, shadow, and chaos of the setting, which allowed high contrast of visualizations between brighter and darker happenings.
I found it captivating that the depth of character description and development accurately matched my level of concern and that even applies to the non-human characters, helping me feel like the whole cast was cohesive and independently relevant.
I was enthralled by the ebb and flow of tension and relaxation which felt consistent in frequency and rate of overall growth, making the whole book hard to put down in the best kind of way.
I welcomed the little details that weren’t clues, foreshadowing, or red herrings, which allowed me to be still between moments of rising and falling tension.
I regularly felt the steady flow and pacing which capture longer sequences with two or three specific details followed by the introduction of the next sequence or unrelated event, depending on whether characters interacted or acted alone.
I love the love between couples, families, and neighbors and the settings they all move through which lead me to want to know them more and explore the depth and honesty of the feelings they have for eachother.
I discovered a new appreciation for a wider variety of timings for foreshadowing and payoffs, which included at least one perfectly timed one that helped masterfully tie together multiple threads of what otherwise could have just as easily have been loose ends.
Negatives
I was not impressed that it seemed like the primary source of stress for Danielle was general anxiety outside of the clearly stressful events, rather than her pointing out specifics of what she was actually fearing would happen, missing the chance to make impressive connections between expressed fear and directly connected sources.
I felt a staleness at times as the clues seemed like they were a similar size of breadcrumb, rather than having a variety of big, medium, and little clues which seemed to miss potential for a larger misdirection or bigger loose end that could have a larger payoff.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the book’s careful balance of tension, character depth, and emotional weight made it an experience I won’t soon forget.
January 27, 2024
This psychological thriller will keep you guessing until the last page. I will admit I went into this story with one idea of how it was going to go and was blown away when it went in a different direction. This is the story of Dannielle and Malik who buy a fixer upper in a picturesque town. They are loving every minute of their new life until they learn about the feral dogs and the previous owners of their house. Questions mount when another dog comes out of the woods and protects them from the ferals. This undernourished dog immediately attaches themself to Dannielle.
I will not give spoilers, but holy cow. I loved the suspense, the mystery and psychological mind messing this story provided. I loved it so much that I wanted more. The ending will shock you and I contribute this to level of writing this author provided throughout the book.
This short read is well worth your time.
I will not give spoilers, but holy cow. I loved the suspense, the mystery and psychological mind messing this story provided. I loved it so much that I wanted more. The ending will shock you and I contribute this to level of writing this author provided throughout the book.
This short read is well worth your time.
July 3, 2024
Rating -4/5
Spice - 0/5
I came across this novella on my FYP and was immediately intrigued. I typically read romance, but this was a welcomed break.
Danielle and Malik have recently moved from the city(I believe Chicago) to a small town of mostly farms/ranches and homesteads on large properties. The large home is in need of lots of renovations, and the Malik does most of the work himself with the help of their neighbor Jack. Charlene and Jack warn them of the feral dogs that roam the area, who recently killed their pet dog, and several and Malik and Danielle's chickens. The dogs keep them up, howling all night, but the couple learns to ignore it. Six months later, a pregnant Danielle and Malik are corned by the dogs, but are rescued by another not from the pack. They decide to bring the dog in for the night, and things only get stranger from there.
The dog, Bear, becomes extremely protective over Danielle, at times not letting Malik near her. Bear, also stares and whines at the walls, which Danielle can hear continuous scratching from. Things around the house start going missing, and every night Danielle is woken at 3 am.
Spice - 0/5
I came across this novella on my FYP and was immediately intrigued. I typically read romance, but this was a welcomed break.
Danielle and Malik have recently moved from the city(I believe Chicago) to a small town of mostly farms/ranches and homesteads on large properties. The large home is in need of lots of renovations, and the Malik does most of the work himself with the help of their neighbor Jack. Charlene and Jack warn them of the feral dogs that roam the area, who recently killed their pet dog, and several and Malik and Danielle's chickens. The dogs keep them up, howling all night, but the couple learns to ignore it. Six months later, a pregnant Danielle and Malik are corned by the dogs, but are rescued by another not from the pack. They decide to bring the dog in for the night, and things only get stranger from there.
The dog, Bear, becomes extremely protective over Danielle, at times not letting Malik near her. Bear, also stares and whines at the walls, which Danielle can hear continuous scratching from. Things around the house start going missing, and every night Danielle is woken at 3 am.
January 27, 2024
MFK R’s ‘Feral’ was not a book that I was expecting to read just yet. Although with the full moon last night, and being about feral dogs and something amiss with the stray the couple allowed in. I found myself drawn to it and jumped it to the top of my ever growing pile of must read books. I couldn’t put it down, It was captivating and intriguing. The writing was seamless and will keep you on the edge of your seat and creeped out as the story unfolds. What I will tell you is; YOU WILL NOT SEE THIS ENDING COMING. I highly recommend reading MFK R. I personally can’t wait to read more by her.
February 6, 2024
It was an entertaining quick read. The build up was a little slow, but the descriptions and atmosphere were on point. For a moment, I was getting a little bored until the climax blindsided me. I thought it was just a normal scene and then I jumped with a: "Nope! It's happening!"
I could almost picture all that happened in my head, like in a horror movie. I would go as far to say even the odor descriptions make believe I was actually smelling the rancid stuff.
I could almost picture all that happened in my head, like in a horror movie. I would go as far to say even the odor descriptions make believe I was actually smelling the rancid stuff.
February 9, 2024
A quick read thriller that will keep you guessing about the next house you buy. This book has a slow build up. After getting acquainted with the characters and the surroundings and the feral dogs in the area you will be surprised what comes after you at the end. It is worth the read. The ending will shock you. I love when a short story can have the reader so invested that they are left with their mouth hanging open!
April 2, 2024
This is the type of book that I absolutely love! One that keeps you guessing until the very end.
Feral follows Danielle and Malik as they move into a new house. They experience horrors from feral dogs and the unknown of what is in their house. The ending took my completely by surprise and I cant wait to read more from this author.
Feral follows Danielle and Malik as they move into a new house. They experience horrors from feral dogs and the unknown of what is in their house. The ending took my completely by surprise and I cant wait to read more from this author.
June 12, 2024
A fun, fast read
Feral is a fun, fast paced, single sitting read. The feral dogs aren't v the expected threat. Ill leave it at that, anything more would be giving spoilers. If you have an hour or two to kill and enjoy unpredictable thrillers, Feral is right up your alley. 5 stars for this short read!
Feral is a fun, fast paced, single sitting read. The feral dogs aren't v the expected threat. Ill leave it at that, anything more would be giving spoilers. If you have an hour or two to kill and enjoy unpredictable thrillers, Feral is right up your alley. 5 stars for this short read!
August 30, 2024
This was a good little book. Definitely not that I thought it would be. I thought it was about werewolves! The feral dogs had absolutely no point or reason to be in the story though. What actually happened in this story is terrifying and one of my fears! I can't even imagine this happening! It's absolutely crazy!
February 17, 2024
I had no idea where this story was going. It kept me in a state of subtle suspense and unease. I thought in that respect it was written really brilliantly. I loved Poe/Bear. The dog was a big character in the story and I actually wanted to keep reading about this family.
August 18, 2025
Always readable and well written. I liked the characters but the pacing was oddly slow and the events repetitive until the last 15% of the book, where things escalate quickly and wildly. The last scene with the photograph was very effective.
February 5, 2024
This book went beyond my expectations, spookier than I thought it would be.
February 7, 2024
A really fun horror novella! A couple of things bugged me but nothing that detracted from enjoying it. Full review to come on Instagram.
February 24, 2025
Wow. The twist is just wow. That's all I can say.
Buckle up this is a wild ride.
Buckle up this is a wild ride.
July 26, 2025
not at all what I thought from reading the back
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews