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Phantom Phenomena: Tales of the World's Most Terrifying and Supernatural Events
Get the spooky thrills you crave with these terrifying stories of the unexplained, collected from ordinary people around the world.
Unexplained Encounters is the number one podcast on the popular horror podcast network Eeriecast created by spooky storyteller extraordinaire Darkness Prevails. The podcast features allegedly real accounts of the unexplained, from ghost stories to mysterious creatures to supernatural encounters and beyond.
In Phantom Phenomena, take a deeper, more detailed dive into specific encounters with stories that include:
A werewolf stalking an isolated farm in central Sweden (“The Werewolf of the Pig Farm”)
One man saved from a gruesome traffic accident by a ghostly savior (“The Ghost on I-4”)
Opening the door to a trick-or-treater playing a harmless trick…or is it? (“Never Open Your Door for the Late Trick-or-Treater”)
A narrow escape from a terrifying cryptid prowling the Scottish Highlands (“Hiding from a Highland Monster”)
Four friends encountering a town seemingly caught in between this world and the next (“Shirley, Wisconsin”)
A drifter's experience happening upon an old, abandoned gas station (“The Old Gas Station”)
One man's childhood memory of a home, a mirror, and a haunting (“Superstition or Reality?”)
And many more!
Each eerie story is accompanied by spine-tingling illustrated art that goes beyond ordinary, expected depictions of ghosts, monsters, and night terrors. Discover the supernatural lurking all around you as you read these tales of horror…if you dare.
Unexplained Encounters is the number one podcast on the popular horror podcast network Eeriecast created by spooky storyteller extraordinaire Darkness Prevails. The podcast features allegedly real accounts of the unexplained, from ghost stories to mysterious creatures to supernatural encounters and beyond.
In Phantom Phenomena, take a deeper, more detailed dive into specific encounters with stories that include:
A werewolf stalking an isolated farm in central Sweden (“The Werewolf of the Pig Farm”)
One man saved from a gruesome traffic accident by a ghostly savior (“The Ghost on I-4”)
Opening the door to a trick-or-treater playing a harmless trick…or is it? (“Never Open Your Door for the Late Trick-or-Treater”)
A narrow escape from a terrifying cryptid prowling the Scottish Highlands (“Hiding from a Highland Monster”)
Four friends encountering a town seemingly caught in between this world and the next (“Shirley, Wisconsin”)
A drifter's experience happening upon an old, abandoned gas station (“The Old Gas Station”)
One man's childhood memory of a home, a mirror, and a haunting (“Superstition or Reality?”)
And many more!
Each eerie story is accompanied by spine-tingling illustrated art that goes beyond ordinary, expected depictions of ghosts, monsters, and night terrors. Discover the supernatural lurking all around you as you read these tales of horror…if you dare.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 15, 2024
50 people are currently reading
4101 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 9, 2024
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group!
Overall: ⭐️⭐️
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes, etc: Supernatural, Urban Legends, Personal Accounts
POV: Multiple, 1st Person
Brief Summary: A collection of alleged firsthand accounts of encounters with ghosts, creatures, and other supernatural entities.
The Praise: The stories were really eerie and interesting. I enjoyed the Field Notes and felt they did a good job of quickly setting the tone for each story.
The Critique: I’m 99% sure all of the art in this book is AI. While the last page says “All images in this book have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the artists concerned,” this simply cannot be completely true considering AI sources from millions of different artists to create a composite image to fit the prompt. So while the idea or concept of the image might have been recreated with artist permission, the art itself certainly wasn’t. Also, it seems kind of strange to me to claim you had artist consent to recreate a concept like “blurry figure in a forest.”
Final Thoughts: The stories were creepy and interesting. I just can’t in good conscience give a book full of AI art a good rating. I’d gladly change my rating if I could confirm the art was created by humans.
March 28, 2025
This was a mostly fun book to read filled with spooky tales about supernatural occurrences people have had. Some of the stories were way better than others and some were just nonsense which was really disappointing and made me have to give a lower rating.
Another reviewer is guessing that all the art is AI, and I am wondering if the writing is as well because sometimes it is rather bizarrely written. For instance, in Hiding from a Highland Monster, the person is out at night when they spot a strange creature. They hightail it up a tree and lie down on a limb while the creature is sniffing around at the bottom of the tree. Then the person realizes that there are ants crawling all over their feet because they inadvertently picked a tree limb to hide on that had ants living under the bark. The bizarre writing comes in when after the creature leaves and the person is going to climb down, they say they “swiftly withdrew my feet from the ants”. How do you withdraw your feet from ants? This isn’t a cartoon where you have ants crawling all over you and you pull your feet away and the ants continue crawling around an empty foot shape until they realize there’s nothing under them and they fall to the ground. You can’t just pull your feet away from ants; they’ll just keep crawling on you. So what the writer meant by this is quite puzzling.
There are a few stories that are clearly made up, especially His Guardian Angel. There are so many things wrong with this story.
1) How often do people go around putting their heads on other people’s shoulders that Russell has developed some sort of complex about it?
2) If Alice is in the hospital, hooked up to all sorts of machines, she is not wearing a bracelet. They would have removed that, probably at the accident scene before she got to the hospital.
3) I also don’t buy that a dying person is that aware and talkative. Plus why isn’t her family sitting with her if she’s dying? They’re just all out in the hallway.
4) It makes no sense not to say you’ve found the bracelet during the search and rescue mission. It would give rescuers a sense of what direction Russell went in instead of wasting their time searching all over. I can understand you’re afraid they will keep it, but seriously, withholding something like that could be crucial.
5) Gabs finding Russell in the forest makes absolutely no sense. She supposedly is led to where he is by Alice. He’s fallen into a hole and hurt his ankle so bad he can’t even stand on it, but then somehow Gabs is able to pull him out of the hole. They then walk back to camp. Bullshit. If all Gabs has to do to reach Russell is reach in the hole, he’s clearly close to ground level and hasn’t fallen that far. Therefore, I don’t believe that he would not have heard S&R calling and they him. Because it’s also not believable that S&R wouldn’t have been searching in that area because clearly it is close to camp because Gabs and Russell are able to make it back there easily. Russell says he can’t stand on his ankle, right? So in order for Gabs to be supporting him all the way back to camp, it can’t be that far because otherwise they would have to stop very frequently so she can rest. But then it doesn’t even make sense that they could’ve found camp considering they were off trail and it was dark out.
So yeah, this story did not happen. I feel this is problematic because when you have stories like this that are clearly made up, it casts doubt on the plausible and true ones.
But other than a few issues with some of the stories, I would recommend this book to those looking for some creepy tales.
Another reviewer is guessing that all the art is AI, and I am wondering if the writing is as well because sometimes it is rather bizarrely written. For instance, in Hiding from a Highland Monster, the person is out at night when they spot a strange creature. They hightail it up a tree and lie down on a limb while the creature is sniffing around at the bottom of the tree. Then the person realizes that there are ants crawling all over their feet because they inadvertently picked a tree limb to hide on that had ants living under the bark. The bizarre writing comes in when after the creature leaves and the person is going to climb down, they say they “swiftly withdrew my feet from the ants”. How do you withdraw your feet from ants? This isn’t a cartoon where you have ants crawling all over you and you pull your feet away and the ants continue crawling around an empty foot shape until they realize there’s nothing under them and they fall to the ground. You can’t just pull your feet away from ants; they’ll just keep crawling on you. So what the writer meant by this is quite puzzling.
There are a few stories that are clearly made up, especially His Guardian Angel. There are so many things wrong with this story.
1) How often do people go around putting their heads on other people’s shoulders that Russell has developed some sort of complex about it?
2) If Alice is in the hospital, hooked up to all sorts of machines, she is not wearing a bracelet. They would have removed that, probably at the accident scene before she got to the hospital.
3) I also don’t buy that a dying person is that aware and talkative. Plus why isn’t her family sitting with her if she’s dying? They’re just all out in the hallway.
4) It makes no sense not to say you’ve found the bracelet during the search and rescue mission. It would give rescuers a sense of what direction Russell went in instead of wasting their time searching all over. I can understand you’re afraid they will keep it, but seriously, withholding something like that could be crucial.
5) Gabs finding Russell in the forest makes absolutely no sense. She supposedly is led to where he is by Alice. He’s fallen into a hole and hurt his ankle so bad he can’t even stand on it, but then somehow Gabs is able to pull him out of the hole. They then walk back to camp. Bullshit. If all Gabs has to do to reach Russell is reach in the hole, he’s clearly close to ground level and hasn’t fallen that far. Therefore, I don’t believe that he would not have heard S&R calling and they him. Because it’s also not believable that S&R wouldn’t have been searching in that area because clearly it is close to camp because Gabs and Russell are able to make it back there easily. Russell says he can’t stand on his ankle, right? So in order for Gabs to be supporting him all the way back to camp, it can’t be that far because otherwise they would have to stop very frequently so she can rest. But then it doesn’t even make sense that they could’ve found camp considering they were off trail and it was dark out.
So yeah, this story did not happen. I feel this is problematic because when you have stories like this that are clearly made up, it casts doubt on the plausible and true ones.
But other than a few issues with some of the stories, I would recommend this book to those looking for some creepy tales.
December 21, 2025
it was ok for what it was.
October 6, 2024
Book Review: Phantom Phenomena: Tales of the World's Most Terrifying and Supernatural Events by Darkness Prevails
Rating: 5 Stars
Oh man, let me just say: Phantom Phenomena is everything I hoped it would be and more! If you're looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and give you all the spooky vibes for October, this is it. Darkness Prevails has really outdone their self with this collection of hair-raising tales that dive deep into some seriously creepy encounters shared by everyday folks from around the globe.
The book takes inspiration from the hit podcast Unexplained Encounters, which has been a go-to for horror enthusiasts. Each story offers a unique glimpse into the supernatural—think werewolves lurking in isolated Swedish farms and ghostly saviors appearing just in time to prevent disaster. I mean, who doesn’t love a good ghost story? There’s even a trick-or-treater that may not be as innocent as they seem, and tales of cryptids prowling the Scottish Highlands. Seriously, this book has it all!
What I really appreciated were the field notes that precede each story. They set the mood perfectly and give that extra layer of spine-chilling context before you plunge into the eeriness. Plus, those fact boxes scattered throughout? Gold! They add historical tidbits about the creepy creatures and haunting tales that make you feel like you’re in on some secret knowledge.
And can we talk about the illustrations? They are downright terrifying in the best way possible. The art elevates these already awesome stories to another level, making this book a feast for the eyes as well as a thrill for the soul. It's definitely going to be a conversation starter on my coffee table this spooky season!
In short, Phantom Phenomena is a must-read for anyone who loves all things paranormal. Whether you're getting into the Halloween spirit or just love a good scare, this book will not disappoint. It would also make an excellent gift for any ghost-loving friend. So grab your copy, turn off all the lights, and prepare to get spooked—if you dare! 🎃👻
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 5 Stars
Oh man, let me just say: Phantom Phenomena is everything I hoped it would be and more! If you're looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and give you all the spooky vibes for October, this is it. Darkness Prevails has really outdone their self with this collection of hair-raising tales that dive deep into some seriously creepy encounters shared by everyday folks from around the globe.
The book takes inspiration from the hit podcast Unexplained Encounters, which has been a go-to for horror enthusiasts. Each story offers a unique glimpse into the supernatural—think werewolves lurking in isolated Swedish farms and ghostly saviors appearing just in time to prevent disaster. I mean, who doesn’t love a good ghost story? There’s even a trick-or-treater that may not be as innocent as they seem, and tales of cryptids prowling the Scottish Highlands. Seriously, this book has it all!
What I really appreciated were the field notes that precede each story. They set the mood perfectly and give that extra layer of spine-chilling context before you plunge into the eeriness. Plus, those fact boxes scattered throughout? Gold! They add historical tidbits about the creepy creatures and haunting tales that make you feel like you’re in on some secret knowledge.
And can we talk about the illustrations? They are downright terrifying in the best way possible. The art elevates these already awesome stories to another level, making this book a feast for the eyes as well as a thrill for the soul. It's definitely going to be a conversation starter on my coffee table this spooky season!
In short, Phantom Phenomena is a must-read for anyone who loves all things paranormal. Whether you're getting into the Halloween spirit or just love a good scare, this book will not disappoint. It would also make an excellent gift for any ghost-loving friend. So grab your copy, turn off all the lights, and prepare to get spooked—if you dare! 🎃👻
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
December 21, 2024
A decent collection of Fortean field notes from the twilight zone. We start with a couple of anecdotes from the American state park staff – you know, people used to being outside and seeing all that the wild world can show them, yet up against a zombified Bigfoot, and an earth-shaking werewolf – with friends. With the pattern established, we can relax, accepting the full-page illustrations are fine scene-setters, and/or wastes of space, depending on opinion, and the stories are four to seven pages long and perfectly engaging quick reads. Oh, and we also get little box-outs to extemporise about what is known – or folklore – about what might have been sighted.
Chapter Two is further outdoorsy things – a weird British critter attacking a humble dog, a Bigfoot that morphs into a coyote, and a Native American with again an outdoors life staggered by what he's seeing and smelling. In fact a lot of this is outdoors – werewolves outside RVs, flayed pets outside mobile homes, shape-shifters outside. Someone had a child with deep black eyes outside wanting to come in, but they were clearly Fortean-literate beforehand, and knew about what to expect, so that doesn't count as much as an occurrence for a complete newbie to this world.
All told, this is a pretty enjoyable selection. The stories are just about varied enough, even if straight ghosts and hauntings are replaced by a lot more werewolves than you might expect. And some do break the barrier between the routine world and the uncanny in startling ways – a trucker encountering his mother on the road, in the way he does here, is really creepy – matched by a Filipino child subjected to what comes out of the mirror in a locked room. All the stories are kind of edited, but still feel like the work of different contributors. It all amounts to strong testimony, and those who collect this kind of thing will relish the individual stories here. They certainly carried more frissons of fear than the usual gallery of ghouls.
And all that without mentioning the author's name in the manner of Joey Tribbiani's experience of nominative determinism.
Chapter Two is further outdoorsy things – a weird British critter attacking a humble dog, a Bigfoot that morphs into a coyote, and a Native American with again an outdoors life staggered by what he's seeing and smelling. In fact a lot of this is outdoors – werewolves outside RVs, flayed pets outside mobile homes, shape-shifters outside. Someone had a child with deep black eyes outside wanting to come in, but they were clearly Fortean-literate beforehand, and knew about what to expect, so that doesn't count as much as an occurrence for a complete newbie to this world.
All told, this is a pretty enjoyable selection. The stories are just about varied enough, even if straight ghosts and hauntings are replaced by a lot more werewolves than you might expect. And some do break the barrier between the routine world and the uncanny in startling ways – a trucker encountering his mother on the road, in the way he does here, is really creepy – matched by a Filipino child subjected to what comes out of the mirror in a locked room. All the stories are kind of edited, but still feel like the work of different contributors. It all amounts to strong testimony, and those who collect this kind of thing will relish the individual stories here. They certainly carried more frissons of fear than the usual gallery of ghouls.
And all that without mentioning the author's name in the manner of Joey Tribbiani's experience of nominative determinism.
February 13, 2025
Sadly, I was not a fan. The amount of seemingly third person accounts told in the first person as a book just didn't work for me. As a podcast? Yes, I can see it working and being enjoyable. But as a book it came across as rather dull, repetitive, and hard to believe. And, as that X-Files poster says - I want to believe.
The upside is I'm going to check out the podcast series to see whether my belief that it's a better form of media for this information is correct.
The upside is I'm going to check out the podcast series to see whether my belief that it's a better form of media for this information is correct.
December 14, 2025
i actually have the book in person. This book is the most interesting book i have ever read, I enjoy the book so much i cant stop reading it! i am in love with this book it has the most spine chilling stories but it keeps me occupied through out the day, i am hoping to get my hands on some more of these books!
November 27, 2024
What an amazing book!
I have been a huge fan of Darkness prevails since 2016 and he quickly became my favorite horror narrator, and this book was amazing and I loved all of its stories and illustrations! I just hope we get a sequel to it soon enough and thanks a lot Darkness!
I have been a huge fan of Darkness prevails since 2016 and he quickly became my favorite horror narrator, and this book was amazing and I loved all of its stories and illustrations! I just hope we get a sequel to it soon enough and thanks a lot Darkness!
November 28, 2024
This was a spooky read! It definitely had your pulse going and you turning extra lights on after you read. I enjoyed the collection of stories and would recommend it to others who enjoy a bit of a scare.
September 20, 2025
This was fun! I have loved horror since I was little, and this book really makes horror seem like something that could be just around the corner. The writing was a little inconsistent, but the pictures were fun, too, and there was a big variety of stories.
April 11, 2025
3⭐️ There are 40 weird stories gathering by different narrators in the world.
April 27, 2025
Great bunch of stories. “Cynthia” freaked me out. Quite a few stories scared me and I’m not easily scared. But for some reason I like to walk at 10pm next to woods 🤦♀️
May 13, 2025
Such fun, short stories that are eerie and fun!
August 2, 2025
Great book. Very interesting to read about different creepy things happening all around us, all the time.
August 26, 2025
Wide collections of stories from individuals who experienced the strange experiences. The story about Cynthia is very terrifying and unsettling.
3 stars
3 stars
September 19, 2025
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The additional little knowledge they add I. Addition to the stories was a plus for me.
October 14, 2025
This was a solid read. some of the stories were very creepy.
October 24, 2025
Probably the scariest thing about this book was the AI-generated art.
December 3, 2025
Not only does ot use AI artwork, the book could have used a good editor.
July 20, 2025
This was my introduction to Darkness Prevails, an anonymous YouTube personality who shares stories involving paranormal phenomena. Phantom Phenomena was fun but inconsistent, which was notable since these are all Darkness' retellings of stories. To give you an idea of what I mean, two stories emphasized that they happened before smartphones were ubiquitous, reminding the reader that the person in the story couldn't call for help. Another story references a Tamagotchi, but doesn't note what this is for younger readers. My main beef with this book is the References page at the end, which lists websites but not specific pages or articles. As an instructor of composition, I can confidently say that this is NOT a complete list of sources. I'd be interested in listening to the YouTube channel while doing chores or yardwork, but I'm not sure the books are for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews