Feral

by Bryan W. Alaspa

For Garland, the move to California is just what his family needs to finally find comfort and success. After years of failed businesses, this may be their last chance. However, making the journey across the dangerous Sierra Nevadas is potentially deadly business in the 1800s. The journey is long and arduous.

This time, though, Garland's friend Silas says he met a man who has found an easier and safer way to make the journey. Little does he know that his son is having ominous dreams about their trip and that something lurks deep within the woods. The long trek becomes harder and more difficult, taking longer than promised. Soon, the entire train of wagons, horses, and people is trapped in the mountains.

Then, the snow comes and buries them. As a small party sets off for rescue, no one knows that the thing within the woods that has been calling to the children is ready. Beneath the snow, as the travellers fight off starvation, a true nightmare starts—an ancient nightmare with sharp teeth that affects the children. Now, the screaming starts, and the true horror begins.

Genres: Horror

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2024

About the author

I was born in the fine year of 1971 in Park Ridge, IL. I am a life long Chicago resident and I love the city. I spent a few years in St. Louis, as well. I knew I wanted to write from the time I sat down at my mom's electric typewriter in the 3rd grade. Now I do write. I write freelance and articles for online news sources. I write horror, thrillers and detective novels. I also write non-fiction in true crime and history genres. I publish my fiction myself as an indie publisher and write and have found an audience for my work among ebook fans. I publish for Kindle, Nook and other tablets and devices at Smashwords.com. My non-fiction is usually published in print, but that may soon change as ebooks become more and more of the norm.

Reviews

[TriggerWarningTales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chilling and frightening!

Set back in time, Garland, his family, and a group of others set out across the country for California. The trip was not at all what they expected. With evil lurking in the woods, Garland must fight for his family.

The characters are easily likeable, with my favorite being a man named Josef. The descriptions of the spirits in the woods will give you nightmares. I really enjoyed reading this book. At one point I got a little confused due to the writing style, but caught back on quickly. I would definitely recommend this book!

[Mickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was creepy, atmospheric, and had me wanting to yeet my toddler every time he came near me. (PSA, don't read it in the dark when you have kids - You're welcome).
I enjoyed this one so much, but my only issue was that I felt there was a little too much about the journey to and from the mountains, and not enough about the kids and what happened at camp. However, that's just me being fussy. Overall, it was a great read.

[Paige Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You are all mine now. You belong to me. You will eat flesh and you will become strong. You will grow and change and eventually, you will be part of nature like me. I have always been here, from the time the first plants grew out of the soil. I destroy the flesh to ensure nature continues to grow. You will be part of me. Now, go. You know what you must do. This one more step will allow you to become one with me.”


Garland wants to do everything he can to set his family up for success and to settle into a long healthy life. His friend Silas informs him of rumors of gold and vast land in California that will make their dreams come true. The Oregon Trail is a long treacherous journey but there is a new trail that is a much shorter trek. A very risky quest. Garland’s wife is not sold on this idea and has a bad feeling about this. Nonetheless, the family of four persists with the journey ahead of them along with many other groups of families. This is all taking place in the 1800’s mind you. So you can imagine all of the possible associated risks they’re taking with limited resources.

Winter strikes and buries their wagons and horses and snow leaving the groups of families trapped. Something sinister is in the woods and it’s targeting the children.

This story was creepy as hell and I really enjoyed the back stories of certain characters giving us more insight to what led them to where they’re at currently.

Also, can we talk about this cover??? Totally depicts everything you’re about to read.

Thank you to Unveiling Nightmares and Bryan for this ARC! Feral will be available on May 29, 2024.

[Jeremy Eads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creepy, atmospheric, and grabs your attention right from the start. Bryan Alaspa has penned another winner. You like monsters in the woods? Children in danger? Burly snowstorms? Alaspa piles on tension after tension until a most satisfactory reveal. If you're warped, like me, give Feral a chance. From the cover to the end it's pure horror goodness which will leave you thinking about it long after you've put the book down. Five big stars.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent supernatural horror story!!

This book is a well-written, easy read any true fan of horror would enjoy. Will be reading more from this author!