Can Demons Dream Of…

by Tiare M.B.C., Cynthia Raya, Kevyn Mendoza (illustrator)

"Can Demons Dream Of…” is a thrilling anthology of 11 short horror stories that emerge from the author's most haunting nightmares. Each tale reveals a spine-tingling narrative that transcends the boundaries of the imaginable. The book navigates diverse nightmare scenes, weaving a canvas of terror that will leave readers questioning the thin veil between reality and the macabre. As the characters grapple with unspeakable horrors, prepare to be immersed in a world where the shadows whisper, and the demons dream sinister dreams that linger long after the final page is turned.

Genres: Horror

138 pages, Paperback

Published February 17, 2024

Reviews

[Stitching Ghost]

I wanted more of this one. I liked how bleak, heart wrenching and senseless a lot of it was. Some of the stories were interconnected which I also really liked.

[Kate Victoria RescueandReading]

Don’t be fooled by the cheerful yellow octopus on the front of this book… these stories are quite twisted and dark.

Between the fantastic illustrations within, and the nature of these bizarrely horrifying stories this was a captivating read!

“Moving Day” destroyed me, I was so shocked at the ending.

“Cute Little Farm” and “Again” were my favourites- they gave me twilight zone/goosebumps vibes!

I’ll be honest, the only story I wasn’t a fan of was “Crossed a Line”. I didn’t understand what was going on with any of the characters/settings; it almost felt like I was dropped into the middle of a different book.

Overall, I’d love to see more creations and tales from this author! The demons, monsters, and scary scenarios were fantastic!

[Rachel]

These are some terrifying and atmospheric stories. The illustrations made this book even better. I also really like that the stories take place in the same universe. I'm eager to read to read more by this author.

[Shelby]

Some of the stories ended a little flat, but that’s to be expected when it’s suppose to be based off of dreams. I would have LOVED to read more about the demon possessing for father instead of the multiple day jump to the end. I would also love to know more about the smiling people! They could have such a wicked story.

Overall I gave 3 stars because it felt like the incredible beginnings of stories, but left me wanting the middle and ending. I look forward to seeing any of this stories expanded if the author decides to do that!!

[Erin]

I was first drawn in by the cute yellow octopus on the cover. Can Demons Dream Of... was a fun collection of short horror stories inspired by some the author's dreams. That being said, this is definitely a more atmospheric horror collection. This was a medium paced collection with demon possessions, haunted houses, doppelgängers, and lost in the woods type of themes. I absolutely loved all of the illustrations and how they brought the stories to life. I would recommend this book for fans of Catriona Ward, Jeffrey Ford, Monica Odeja, or Ania Ahlborn.

[Aaron Beardsell]

It has potential. I feel like with a little more polish, these could be some great stories. Often I found the settings to be flat, with limited imagery. Some stories felt like they were missing connective tissue, leaving me feeling a bit lost or confused by some stories in a way that didn't feel deliberate.

Overall, I enjoyed it! I liked the originality of the stories.

[Louise Storey]

A fun collection of short stories. Loved the illustrations throughout. I would happily read an extended version of any of these stories

[Angelique Diaz]

First and foremost, love the cover! loved how each story had illustrations, it really added a creepier layer.
The stories were quick and intriguing, my favorites were “Again”, “And Again” and “Moving Day”.
I really liked that some stories were connected, I do wish that the stories were a little bit longer since I honestly just wanted to know more! They are that good!

[Cindy Ingrid Lima]

It was alright. I don't usually read horror. (Although a little bit traumatizing), my favorite story was the first one. The last one was really cute. I feel like some stories could have been a little bit more twisted.

I do have a complaint, tho. Couldn't the pages be numbered???

[Robin]

This collection of short stories was fantastic. Each story within held its own, and it was fascinating to explore the dreams of the author. My personal favorite was Again, and And Again. If this is the debut then I can't wait to see what the author puts out next.

[J]

Short stories based on nightmares coupled with some very sketch-like illustrations to help set the tone make this one a fun little adventure. Fun if you like demons, monsters, murderous cults, and lots of dismemberment. Overall, it's very dark and full of detailed physical violence and harm.

The quality never dips to below midling and the bulk of the 11 stories within, all roll forward with a system of drop you into a scenario and it runs to a sudden and often violent conclusion. The punchy sharp endings really give this that sort of horrifying tales to tell just before turning in on a camping trip feeling. And some of the stories are absolutely gut-wrenching.

None of the stories are too long and some of them are quite quick. Felt like a good measure of pacing to pick it up and read one in a few moments while taking a break from life, then set it down and go about my business.

Overall a good time if you like extremely dark and twisted material. Some are pretty forgettable, but there are some moments bound to stick with you for a while.

[Gilbert Esbjörn Bergqvist Johansson]

I loved every story, especially the ones with bad endings and where she got revenge for her sister.
The last one was the perfect ending story for this collection!
Recommend!

[celestialpixels_]

I picked up "Can Demons Dream Of…" by Tiare M.B.C. as my first spooky read of the season, and it delivered exactly the kind of eerie, late-night chills I was hoping for to set the Halloween vibe.

This collection of 11 short horror stories is rooted in nightmares, blurring the line between the subconscious and reality. Each tale feels like a fragment of dream-logic horror, unsettling in the way only our deepest fears can be.

What I loved most was how the book leans on atmosphere rather than gore. The fear comes from what’s implied and unseen - the shadows your imagination fills in - making it read like an adult "Goosebumps" or a darker "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark". Strange, nostalgic, and unsettling, it taps into those childhood fears while layering in the tension of a psychological thriller.

Though every story stands on its own, the collection carries a unified, surreal energy. Some tales end abruptly, dissolving like a nightmare you wake from too soon, leaving you unsteady, but perfectly in step with the theme. Adding to the effect are the illustrations, created by both the author and additional artists, which give the book a stitched, tactile quality as though the nightmares have been pulled straight from the subconscious, and woven onto the page.

This indie gem is a quick but potent read. It doesn’t overstay its welcome; it gets in, chills you, and lingers just long enough to make you shiver.

[DA]

Great collection!

Don't let the cutesy cover fool you, the stories in this collection are chilling tales of demons, monsters and ghosts. The illustrations really made the stories pop.

My favorites are:

Help Us Grandma is the shortest story but it was chilling to watch the children try to get rid of the ghosts while their parents had no idea.

Cute Little Farm was the goriest (but not over the top gory) story.

Moving Day is a heartbreaking ghost story.

The Way I See was also heartbreaking with the main character witnessing a demon take over his father.

A wonderful collection that needs more love!

[Dray]

This book was a fun read. Eleven short stories that take you on wild, nightmarish rides. There is something for everyone in this book and I recommend everyone give it a read. I had my favorites and others that were still good but needed more. All in all it was a solid anthology with some super fun stories.

[K.B. King]

Can Demons Dream Of by Tiare M.B.C is a collection of eleven horror stories, each wickedly illustrated with an art style that reminds me of Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark. In each story readers get an interesting, dreamlike plot with memorable use of fairly classic scares—demons, possession, and being blinded after having your face slammed into a cake.

Some stories were a little harder to follow, but honestly the real crime is that each story isn’t longer. Tiare M.B.C’s mind clearly works in some interesting ways, and I wanted to see more of it.

Weird, gory and at a quick read at 99 pages, completely worth it.

3.5/5