What do you think?
Rate this book
Her Heart Beats for Ancient Beasts
Ancient beings, merciless monsters, unearthly creatures, and other beasts roam these pages.
A short story collection.
A short story collection.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2024
18 people are currently reading
8001 people want to read
About the author
Calvin Demmer
84 books497 followersCalvin Demmer is a South African author of horror, dark fantasy, science fiction, and crime. His books include the flash fiction collection The Sea Was a Fair Master and the short story collections Dark Celebrations, Her Heart Beats for Ancient Beasts, Through the Ravenous Night We Ride, Duel the Darkness for Nightmare Rule, and The Town That Feared Dusk. When not writing, he is intrigued by that which goes bump in the night and the sciences of our universe.
You can find him online at calvindemmer.com or sign up for his newsletter to stay up to date with his latest projects.
You can find him online at calvindemmer.com or sign up for his newsletter to stay up to date with his latest projects.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 7, 2024
Loved everything about this book! The stories are amazing and freaking weird! Which is a good thing. I give all the stories 5 stars because I can’t pick a favorite and I won’t. Pick your own and tell me about it! Enjoy!
August 19, 2024
One of my favourite books of 2024! I can be quite picky with horror books, but none of these short stories disappointed. Really unique and I'd likely read it again... just not before bedtime. 🤭
June 4, 2024
Calvin Demmer knocked it out of the park again! Fun fast paced reads with enough spook to give you chills. Absolutely brilliant.
March 26, 2024
A collection of short stories, each with a deliciously spooky twist. Each story felt like an episode from the Twilight Zone. Very fun!
May 26, 2025
Loved all the stories.
April 2, 2024
Another homerun from Demmer. I recently finished his other new collection Through the Ravenous Night We Ride, and both are superb, but I'm giving the edge to this one. There's no bad stories in either collection, but this one had a few more I might call middling. Maybe that's a bit too harsh. The lows here were a bit lower but the highs were freaking soaring. There's a lot of African culture, tribes, and geography in this one, and that really makes it pretty unique. This collection has everything from time travel tales, monsters, other worlds/realms, deals with bad guys, and questionable highways (plus more!). So, I'd highly recommend this collection (and ANY of Demmer's other collections) to any horror fans looking for some interesting, unique, and imaginative stories
September 15, 2024
“Her Heart Beats for Ancient Beasts” is a captivating collection of short stories that plunges readers into a world where ancient beings and monstrous creatures lurk in the shadows. Calvin Demmer’s storytelling is both vivid and chilling, making each tale a unique journey into the macabre.
The book excels in creating an atmosphere of suspense and dread, with each story offering a fresh perspective on horror. Demmer’s ability to build tension in a few pages is commendable, and his characters are well-developed, making their encounters with the supernatural all the more gripping.
One of the standout aspects of this collection is its variety. From modern-day fables to tales set in eerie, timeless locations, the stories are diverse and imaginative. This variety keeps the reader engaged, never knowing what kind of ancient beast or dark twist awaits in the next story.
However, some readers might find the brevity of the stories a bit unsatisfying, as just when you’re fully immersed, the tale concludes. But this is also a testament to Demmer’s skill in leaving readers wanting more.
Overall, “Her Heart Beats for Ancient Beasts” is a must-read for fans of horror and dark fantasy. It’s a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, with its haunting tales lingering in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.
The book excels in creating an atmosphere of suspense and dread, with each story offering a fresh perspective on horror. Demmer’s ability to build tension in a few pages is commendable, and his characters are well-developed, making their encounters with the supernatural all the more gripping.
One of the standout aspects of this collection is its variety. From modern-day fables to tales set in eerie, timeless locations, the stories are diverse and imaginative. This variety keeps the reader engaged, never knowing what kind of ancient beast or dark twist awaits in the next story.
However, some readers might find the brevity of the stories a bit unsatisfying, as just when you’re fully immersed, the tale concludes. But this is also a testament to Demmer’s skill in leaving readers wanting more.
Overall, “Her Heart Beats for Ancient Beasts” is a must-read for fans of horror and dark fantasy. It’s a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, with its haunting tales lingering in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.
March 15, 2024
“Her Heart Beats for Ancient Beasts” is a collection of stories that each drew me in right away. It takes talent to make a short story both grip you from the start and also leave you hooked at the end, wondering about the story long after you’ve moved to the next. I’ve always loved this author’s work, but this collection felt like he’s grown and expanded even more as a writer. Each story is unique in setting, tone, voice, and subject.
My favorite? It’s hard to pick. I’m a sucker for good sci-fi, and “Shapes in the Water” was a great blend of horror and sci-fi. I also enjoyed the imagery and ancient mythical feel of “Forbidden Fruit,” and I’m always happy to root for the bad guy getting what he deserves. I was really impressed with the skill shown in “The Throne of Space and Time” – and that one definitely left me with chills.
Really, there’s at least one thing I absolutely loved about each of these ten stories. I highly recommend picking up this collection if you like quick, unique reads that you’ll be thinking about for a while.
My favorite? It’s hard to pick. I’m a sucker for good sci-fi, and “Shapes in the Water” was a great blend of horror and sci-fi. I also enjoyed the imagery and ancient mythical feel of “Forbidden Fruit,” and I’m always happy to root for the bad guy getting what he deserves. I was really impressed with the skill shown in “The Throne of Space and Time” – and that one definitely left me with chills.
Really, there’s at least one thing I absolutely loved about each of these ten stories. I highly recommend picking up this collection if you like quick, unique reads that you’ll be thinking about for a while.
November 9, 2024
Although I’m not normally a fan of short story collections, this one drew me in and relentlessly held my attention to the last page. I appreciate the Egyptian references featured in some of the stories, the creepy beasts found throughout, and the impeccable story telling that flowed with ease. Fantastic collection, highly recommend!
March 11, 2024
This book was perfect. The stories were just right, they weren't all about bad things, it really was a refreshing read. 5 stars!
March 18, 2024
Fun collection!
This was a little gem to have downloaded on my kindle. Short stories that could be read in 5-10 minutes. I truly enjoyed them all!
This was a little gem to have downloaded on my kindle. Short stories that could be read in 5-10 minutes. I truly enjoyed them all!
March 4, 2024
If Demmer fans have been wondering where and what the author has been up to lately well wonder no longer! The Master of Flash Fiction can add another title, Master of the Short Story!
Within this collection are 10 horrifying stories and of course every one will have their own favorites! A few of mine are-Highway Hunger-there is one highway out there that you don’t want to drive down especially if there are dead or dying things lying along the side of the highway! Another Warrior in Paradise-becoming the next meal for a beast is not my idea of paradise! Forbidden Fruit-if you wonder into the old realm out on the plains, do not eat the fruit from the tree!
This collection is a must reader for new and old fans of Mr. Demmer.
Within this collection are 10 horrifying stories and of course every one will have their own favorites! A few of mine are-Highway Hunger-there is one highway out there that you don’t want to drive down especially if there are dead or dying things lying along the side of the highway! Another Warrior in Paradise-becoming the next meal for a beast is not my idea of paradise! Forbidden Fruit-if you wonder into the old realm out on the plains, do not eat the fruit from the tree!
This collection is a must reader for new and old fans of Mr. Demmer.
January 29, 2024
When the author of this short story collection reached out, I was excited about reading his latest selection of short stories because I've enjoyed the other ones Calvin has released.
Here are my thoughts on each story...
HIGHWAY HUNGER: I really enjoyed this one. There's some great imagery and Dudley Ellington is a flawed but likeable main character.
NEVER SLEEP AGAIN: Reginald Barton is a retired cop facing a freaky case all over again. It's also my favourite story in this collection. LOVED how the creepy sense of dread is strong all the way through. Fantastic.
ANOTHER WARRIOR IN PARADISE: Senghor's story is all about blind faith and how sometimes it's best not to prove yourself.
HER HEART BEATS FOR ANCIENT BEASTS: Officer Rupert finds himself in the middle of a very strange situation that takes the reader into a bizarre mystery set in a vivid location. This is a great example of why I enjoy small-time horror so much.
THE RIVER RAN RED: Asani's story about rituals serves a purpose but doesn't hold many surprises. The descriptions were lovely, though.
KARMA: This is a clever cautionary tale about what we're doing to our precious planet told from Doctor Charles Carrington's POV after he crosses paths with a heavily injured woman. Some stunning imagery in this narrative.
SHAPES IN THE WATER: A story about two brothers, a wormhole, a strange place, and a very freaky ending. Really liked that ending!
THE THRONE OF SPACE AND TIME: The format in this one is a little different. The tale unravels via a very interesting letter written by a historian called Phillip Murdoch.
FORBIDDEN FRUIT: All I'm going to say about Todd and Dan is that sometimes, you get what's coming to you. Lots of lovely imagery in this one too.
THE DESTROYER: A story of Egyptian mythology proportions.
Well, there you have it. This turned out to be quite an interesting collection of eclectic short stories and each tackles some kind of moral or commentary about our world and the way people relate, treat or act around their surroundings.
Every story featured many interesting characters. Some that I really liked, others not so much. I enjoyed some more than others, but every single story is well written.
You should definitely check out this short story collection with an awesome cover. Seriously, love that cover!
Here are my thoughts on each story...
HIGHWAY HUNGER: I really enjoyed this one. There's some great imagery and Dudley Ellington is a flawed but likeable main character.
NEVER SLEEP AGAIN: Reginald Barton is a retired cop facing a freaky case all over again. It's also my favourite story in this collection. LOVED how the creepy sense of dread is strong all the way through. Fantastic.
ANOTHER WARRIOR IN PARADISE: Senghor's story is all about blind faith and how sometimes it's best not to prove yourself.
HER HEART BEATS FOR ANCIENT BEASTS: Officer Rupert finds himself in the middle of a very strange situation that takes the reader into a bizarre mystery set in a vivid location. This is a great example of why I enjoy small-time horror so much.
THE RIVER RAN RED: Asani's story about rituals serves a purpose but doesn't hold many surprises. The descriptions were lovely, though.
KARMA: This is a clever cautionary tale about what we're doing to our precious planet told from Doctor Charles Carrington's POV after he crosses paths with a heavily injured woman. Some stunning imagery in this narrative.
SHAPES IN THE WATER: A story about two brothers, a wormhole, a strange place, and a very freaky ending. Really liked that ending!
THE THRONE OF SPACE AND TIME: The format in this one is a little different. The tale unravels via a very interesting letter written by a historian called Phillip Murdoch.
FORBIDDEN FRUIT: All I'm going to say about Todd and Dan is that sometimes, you get what's coming to you. Lots of lovely imagery in this one too.
THE DESTROYER: A story of Egyptian mythology proportions.
Well, there you have it. This turned out to be quite an interesting collection of eclectic short stories and each tackles some kind of moral or commentary about our world and the way people relate, treat or act around their surroundings.
Every story featured many interesting characters. Some that I really liked, others not so much. I enjoyed some more than others, but every single story is well written.
You should definitely check out this short story collection with an awesome cover. Seriously, love that cover!
January 25, 2024
Huge thanks to Calvin for sending me a digital ARC for review! I’ve long been a massive fan of his work, since his phenomenal collection, ‘The Sea Was a Fair Master,’ (which should be a must read for all fans of horror!), so I’m always excited when we get a new release from the master of short-story writing.
This one is made up of some new work and some previously published work, but one thing I noticed throughout, was the settings/locations and themes all were very in tune with the title, but also from where Calvin is from – Africa. Well, he’s specifically from South Africa, but a lot of the stories had Egyptian themes, God themes and savannah locations.
What I liked: Compiled of ten stories, this one rips along and for some may even be a single-sitting read. I took my time with them, as every story Calvin writes is layered and will have a level of complexity that may not be apparent until some quiet contemplation occurs once done.
The collection opened with my three favorite short stories in the batch in a row.
First up was the wonderfully bleak, ‘Highway Hunger.’ This one is based around a highway worker who is tasked with cleaning up roadkill. The job is straight forward until one such case where something odd is found and it soon reveals itself to be a creature from local lore.
Next was ‘Never Sleep Again,’ which was the singular highlight of the entire collection for this reader. A retired detective is called back to help with a new case. This case has the exact same similarities to the case that drove him into retirement in the first place. It is creepy, unsettling, magnificent, and makes me never want to find any dirt on the floor around the bed or couch.
The third story was ‘Another Warrior in Paradise.’ This was such a cinematic story about a young member of a tribe who wants to ascend to Warrior status within his people. He has three trials to complete, and once he is successful, he learns that paradise has different meanings to different people.
From there we get some more fantastic stories and there wasn’t a single let down in the group. The title story is a creep-fest about something lurking. ‘The River Ran Red’ was a fast-paced story where the jungle is stifling and when the creature reveals itself, everything goes splat. ‘Karma’ was a really engaging cosmic story about a strange patient arriving in a hospital and the visions some see when they come into contact with her.
‘Shapes in the Water’ was classic Demmer. Two brothers leap into a wormhole in the hopes of finding their lost brother in whatever strange world he ended up in. We get some great creatures, a potential truth about a well known Loch animal and just a really fun story.
‘The Throne of Space and Time’ will make sci-fi and time travel lovers very happy. Told within a few letters left behind, we learn of what happens when you make a discovery and meet up with the guide to the underworld.
‘Forbidden Fruit’ is a story I’d read previously, but it was great revisiting it again. It follows two big game hunters who’ve hired a guide with a mythical nature about him. The guide warns them about not always trusting the land and soon they learn why.
And the collection finishes with the bleak ‘The Destroyer,’ another story showcasing why meeting a God, this time a trickster and a master of storms, is never a good idea.
Overall, from start to finish, Demmer showcases his ability to grab the reader quickly, pull us in deep and hold us under the surface until we stop kicking.
What I didn’t like: As with every collection, readers will connect with each story different and blah, blah, blah. You’ve heard we say this a bajillion times, but truth be told, Demmer’s writing is just so pure and crisp, you’ll swear you’ve been transported to wherever the story is based and you’ll feel the sweat on your skin and the smell the fear all around you.
Why you should buy this: Did you just read what I wrote? If not, Calvin Demmer is a ‘MUST READ’ short story writer. His work is masterful, dark and comes at you from every direction. Nothing is safe, nothing can be trusted and even when you think the story is based in a firm reality, he’ll open the cosmic portals and rain creatures of acid upon your face.
A blistering batch of stories that never lets up and showcases why I can’t rave about Demmer enough.
This one is made up of some new work and some previously published work, but one thing I noticed throughout, was the settings/locations and themes all were very in tune with the title, but also from where Calvin is from – Africa. Well, he’s specifically from South Africa, but a lot of the stories had Egyptian themes, God themes and savannah locations.
What I liked: Compiled of ten stories, this one rips along and for some may even be a single-sitting read. I took my time with them, as every story Calvin writes is layered and will have a level of complexity that may not be apparent until some quiet contemplation occurs once done.
The collection opened with my three favorite short stories in the batch in a row.
First up was the wonderfully bleak, ‘Highway Hunger.’ This one is based around a highway worker who is tasked with cleaning up roadkill. The job is straight forward until one such case where something odd is found and it soon reveals itself to be a creature from local lore.
Next was ‘Never Sleep Again,’ which was the singular highlight of the entire collection for this reader. A retired detective is called back to help with a new case. This case has the exact same similarities to the case that drove him into retirement in the first place. It is creepy, unsettling, magnificent, and makes me never want to find any dirt on the floor around the bed or couch.
The third story was ‘Another Warrior in Paradise.’ This was such a cinematic story about a young member of a tribe who wants to ascend to Warrior status within his people. He has three trials to complete, and once he is successful, he learns that paradise has different meanings to different people.
From there we get some more fantastic stories and there wasn’t a single let down in the group. The title story is a creep-fest about something lurking. ‘The River Ran Red’ was a fast-paced story where the jungle is stifling and when the creature reveals itself, everything goes splat. ‘Karma’ was a really engaging cosmic story about a strange patient arriving in a hospital and the visions some see when they come into contact with her.
‘Shapes in the Water’ was classic Demmer. Two brothers leap into a wormhole in the hopes of finding their lost brother in whatever strange world he ended up in. We get some great creatures, a potential truth about a well known Loch animal and just a really fun story.
‘The Throne of Space and Time’ will make sci-fi and time travel lovers very happy. Told within a few letters left behind, we learn of what happens when you make a discovery and meet up with the guide to the underworld.
‘Forbidden Fruit’ is a story I’d read previously, but it was great revisiting it again. It follows two big game hunters who’ve hired a guide with a mythical nature about him. The guide warns them about not always trusting the land and soon they learn why.
And the collection finishes with the bleak ‘The Destroyer,’ another story showcasing why meeting a God, this time a trickster and a master of storms, is never a good idea.
Overall, from start to finish, Demmer showcases his ability to grab the reader quickly, pull us in deep and hold us under the surface until we stop kicking.
What I didn’t like: As with every collection, readers will connect with each story different and blah, blah, blah. You’ve heard we say this a bajillion times, but truth be told, Demmer’s writing is just so pure and crisp, you’ll swear you’ve been transported to wherever the story is based and you’ll feel the sweat on your skin and the smell the fear all around you.
Why you should buy this: Did you just read what I wrote? If not, Calvin Demmer is a ‘MUST READ’ short story writer. His work is masterful, dark and comes at you from every direction. Nothing is safe, nothing can be trusted and even when you think the story is based in a firm reality, he’ll open the cosmic portals and rain creatures of acid upon your face.
A blistering batch of stories that never lets up and showcases why I can’t rave about Demmer enough.
May 22, 2024
Great little book.
Kewl short stories.
Kewl short stories.
March 22, 2024
This was an interesting collection of short stories. Some of the stories I loved and others were ok. All of them really pulled me in, which is such a hard thing to do when they’re only a few pages long.
The ones about Egypt were my favorites because I love ancient history. If you’re into monsters/beasts type horror, check this out!
The ones about Egypt were my favorites because I love ancient history. If you’re into monsters/beasts type horror, check this out!
March 11, 2024
I do love some Black Mirror type vibe short stories. Just enough to wrap you in, and endings that left you feeling some type of way. Fun read!
October 10, 2024
An excellent collection of unique and imaginative dark tales. Full review to follow on my channel.
August 30, 2024
I love a good compilation of spooky stories. These are very well written, and I look forward to reading more from this author!
April 4, 2024
so most of these were meh to me but there was one or two stand outs that I would have loved if they were longer.
December 3, 2024
Review to come.
June 3, 2024
Another great book of short stories from Calvin Demmer.
November 4, 2024
💚💀🩷Her heart beats for ancient beasts 🩷💀💚
I love a good anthology book, but usually it's a mix box of chocolates where there are a few you like, a few you're OK with and tolerate, and some you won't eat at all.
Not this.
Every single story was a treat of their own, with each of them playing out like an episode of The Twilight Zone. Some of these stories deserve books of their own, a novella at least. It had a bit of everything in it.This was an excellently curated short story collection, not one that I'll forget anytime soon.
You get 10 short stories, all of them a stand-alone story that leaves you yearning for more.
◇Highway Hunger - Two city workers that their job consists of picking up roadkill learn to mind their business when it comes to not-yet-dead animals on the side of the road.
◇Never sleep again - A detective seems to find a pattern in unsolved murders that leaves him sleeping with the lights on, fully tucked in.
◇Another warrior in paradise - Even when you win, you might still lose.
◇Her heart beats for ancient beasts - One officer finds that even if you think you caught the suspect, it might not be the one you were looking for.
◇The river ran red - Curiosity got the cat
◇Karma - A new patient is checked in after being found at a nearby waste site. There is more that meets the eye.
◇Shapes in the water - if you thought you knew how to swim up, you might need to learn how to swim sideways, too. And watch for 🦑
◇The thrones of space and time - Old man discovers magic mirror.
◇Forbidden fruit - if the locals tell you don't eat it, then listen.
◇The destroyer - Girl meets God, girl gets angry.
I absolutely loved every story, some more than others, but loved them all nonetheless. If you have read this one, please let me know. Which one was your favorite one?
I love a good anthology book, but usually it's a mix box of chocolates where there are a few you like, a few you're OK with and tolerate, and some you won't eat at all.
Not this.
Every single story was a treat of their own, with each of them playing out like an episode of The Twilight Zone. Some of these stories deserve books of their own, a novella at least. It had a bit of everything in it.This was an excellently curated short story collection, not one that I'll forget anytime soon.
You get 10 short stories, all of them a stand-alone story that leaves you yearning for more.
◇Highway Hunger - Two city workers that their job consists of picking up roadkill learn to mind their business when it comes to not-yet-dead animals on the side of the road.
◇Never sleep again - A detective seems to find a pattern in unsolved murders that leaves him sleeping with the lights on, fully tucked in.
◇Another warrior in paradise - Even when you win, you might still lose.
◇Her heart beats for ancient beasts - One officer finds that even if you think you caught the suspect, it might not be the one you were looking for.
◇The river ran red - Curiosity got the cat
◇Karma - A new patient is checked in after being found at a nearby waste site. There is more that meets the eye.
◇Shapes in the water - if you thought you knew how to swim up, you might need to learn how to swim sideways, too. And watch for 🦑
◇The thrones of space and time - Old man discovers magic mirror.
◇Forbidden fruit - if the locals tell you don't eat it, then listen.
◇The destroyer - Girl meets God, girl gets angry.
I absolutely loved every story, some more than others, but loved them all nonetheless. If you have read this one, please let me know. Which one was your favorite one?
August 5, 2024
Full 5 stars.
Rarely did I read a collection of short stories that I liked ALL stories. The talent of Calvin Demmer has proved himself once again as the best author in this genre.
The writing was seamless. The stories were impeccable. The reading was so joyful that I would name it "perfect". I have read so many collections of short and/or horror stories. I did not finish some of them. I did not like some that I have finished. I liked a few but rarely gave a five star. And I have never liked a whole collection and give a complete five star. This book is the first to win my mind and heart.
The diversity of the stories was incredible, showing the unlimited talent in the writing power of Calvin Demmer. Further, I have said it before and I repeat it now: Calvin Demmer is the excellent writer of short (not necessarily horror) stories and ALL authors I have known pale in comparison. I feel so fortunate to come across the author in other short story collections and now I can focus exclusively on his books.
I pray Calvin will continue to produce excellent works such as epic horror adventures, cosmic entities, lost tales that even monsters fear to remember, (short) stories that only Calvin Demmer can tell.
For the current book itself, there is no appropriate word to describe it except: "Just read it."
Best wishes to the author!
Rarely did I read a collection of short stories that I liked ALL stories. The talent of Calvin Demmer has proved himself once again as the best author in this genre.
The writing was seamless. The stories were impeccable. The reading was so joyful that I would name it "perfect". I have read so many collections of short and/or horror stories. I did not finish some of them. I did not like some that I have finished. I liked a few but rarely gave a five star. And I have never liked a whole collection and give a complete five star. This book is the first to win my mind and heart.
The diversity of the stories was incredible, showing the unlimited talent in the writing power of Calvin Demmer. Further, I have said it before and I repeat it now: Calvin Demmer is the excellent writer of short (not necessarily horror) stories and ALL authors I have known pale in comparison. I feel so fortunate to come across the author in other short story collections and now I can focus exclusively on his books.
I pray Calvin will continue to produce excellent works such as epic horror adventures, cosmic entities, lost tales that even monsters fear to remember, (short) stories that only Calvin Demmer can tell.
For the current book itself, there is no appropriate word to describe it except: "Just read it."
Best wishes to the author!
March 30, 2024
never quite finished
While I found it challenging to complete this book, I was determined to see it through as I prefer not to leave a book unfinished once I've started it.
The book features numerous short stories, but each one left me feeling like there was more to be explored. Although I appreciate short stories, I believe this book could have had a more cohesive narrative that tied everything together. Additionally, I was disappointed to encounter a story that I had already read in one of the author's previous books.
While I found it challenging to complete this book, I was determined to see it through as I prefer not to leave a book unfinished once I've started it.
The book features numerous short stories, but each one left me feeling like there was more to be explored. Although I appreciate short stories, I believe this book could have had a more cohesive narrative that tied everything together. Additionally, I was disappointed to encounter a story that I had already read in one of the author's previous books.
June 13, 2025
Calvin Demmer knocked it out of the park again! Fun fast paced reads with enough spook to give you chills. I enjoyed all ten stories but my favorites were “Shapes in the Water”- a great blend of horror and sci-fi. I also enjoyed the imagery and ancient mythical feel of “Forbidden Fruit,” and I’m always happy to root for the bad guy getting what he deserves. I was really impressed with the skill shown in “The Throne of Space and Time” – and that one definitely left me with chills.
An amazing collection and one I would highly recommend!
An amazing collection and one I would highly recommend!
July 13, 2025
I’m going to admit, I skipped through Highway Hunger b/c I’ve already read that before. If you liked Never Sleep Again, you’d like The Taste of Tiny Bones by Vincent Heselwood. I really do like the stories that play on childhood fears of something in the dark or something hiding under the bed. It’s very nostalgic. The rest of the stories were good, I somewhat enjoyed this book. It does talk a lot about “ancient beasts”. There’s a lot of folklore and tribes, deserts and old realms. It’s like an ancient horror. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 30, 2024
Hmm, it was really split in half, with a selection of quite good stories, and a selection of rather quite poor stories. My faves were 'Highway Hunger', 'Shapes in the Water', 'The Throne of Space and Time', 'Forbidden Fruit', and 'The Destroyer'. All these I'd rate 3/5 or 4/5. The others I found rather meh, unfortunately.
April 24, 2024
This was recommended to me via goodreads and it didn't disappoint! The three star rating is due to me not loving all of the stories! I did enjoy a fair amount of the stories and enjoyed how Demmer pulled from myths and legends to create them. The stories are all fairly short in length and it took me just over an hour to read the anthology. I would recommend to others!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews