Remnants

by E.H. Regan

Some things are not ours to have
But we take them anyway
My dear there is a consequence
A price you'll always pay

Horrifying tales of obsession, greed, desire and the deadly consequences faced when dabbling in such darkness - leaving those who indulge as mere remnants of the person they once were...

What will be left of you after reading?

Genres: Horror, Short Stories

82 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2024

About the author

Growing up in a haunted house in a forest which was an infamous spot for burning those accused of witchcraft, all things morbid, spooky and dark were in Emma’s destiny. She has always found comfort and beauty in things others may find terrifying and frequently seek solitude in graveyards. Embracing her creative streak, Emma has performed in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and loves to write in any capacity. She is an enormous horror movie geek, has an abnormal fascination with serial killers, reads like a women possessed and can be found sharing her bookish ramblings on Instagram @book_nooks_spooks’

Emma has works previously published under the name Emma Jamieson

Reviews

[Stitching Ghost · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of very short stories (7 stories in under 80 pages) with some poetry for good measure.

In it, Regan explores the topic of desire, be it the one for validation or the one for connection, and the price we pay for desires be they our own or that of others. Some of the stories flirt with the more extreme/graphic side of horror. There was one story which I think needed a little more space but other than that everything felt rather polished and intentional. I loved it.

4.5 rounded up.

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The unhinged messages I sent to the author whilst reading this!

A collection of short stories and poems that are a must read for anyone with an interest in the horror genre- something for everyone with provocative spine chillers as well as out and out gorefests.

This collection tested my gag reflex and my waterproof mascara- and it’s not often a horror collection will do that.

The way the author goes from something so beautiful it’s heartbreaking to something stomach churningly gruesome is an art form in itself.

Interspersed amongst the stories are heart wrenching poems which left me feeling everything.

There is a content warning on one story- I’m glad it was there and proceed with caution. The story is epic and fits with my main horror love- humans are the real monsters… but it’s a dark one- you have been warned.

My favourites were probably Remnants and Eye of the Beholder, though it is the vulnerability of the poetry that really made this collection something special 🖤

This collection is brilliant- releasing 25th July and available for preorder now!

Back to the unhinged messages…

“Ok so I’m 20% in and you’ve made me cry already…”

“38% and you’ve made me gag… quite the rollercoaster 😂”

“Just read [redacted] audibly gasped and whispered f*ck”

“just read [redacted]- had a genuine visceral reaction”

“I just read [redacted]… f*ck”

[M.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

When my friend @books_nooks_spooks told me she wrote a short story collection, I knew I had to get my hands on it. This beautiful human has always had a way with words and her stories are no different. This collection has a little bit of something for everyone, from just a little spooky to having your stomach churn - and I mean that in the best way! Some of these stories are completely unhinged and it was a true reminder for why I love horror so much.

I also loved the poetry excerpts in between stories. It both sums up the stories and allows readers to dive deeper into Emma’s heart and soul that she put into them. While these stories are dark, they are told with so much beauty and grace. It’s worth reading whether you’re a seasoned horror reader or would like to dip your toes into the genre.

My personal favorite stories were:
Reel movies ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You Melt My Heart ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Day I Died ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The other four stories were all 4 ⭐️’s

Be on the lookout for Emma’s debut short story collection. It’ll be out on July 25th, but you can preorder it now 🥰

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐⭐⭐️⭐️ 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬

𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭? ✅

[RoseDevoursBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few words to describe this collection- captivating, harrowing, uncomfortable, heartbreaking and downright gross! This debut collection is amazing and I devoured every last bit of it.

There’s seven short stories and beautifully written poetry to be found in this collection with a running theme of dark obsession and the lengths one would go to fulfill their dark desires. Regan has a big imagination when it comes to Horror and especially gore because some scenes were revolting in the best way possible!

While I thoroughly enjoyed each individual story, there are a few that were standouts for me:

𝗥𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘀 - When invasive thoughts of torturing someone manifests VHS films starring you living out those dark fantasies. This was so depraved and I loved it- a full length novel or novella would be amazing because I wanted more!

𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗥𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘄𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹 - gruesome fun! I love an original/handmade Halloween costume - read to find out what I mean.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗜 𝗗𝗶𝗲𝗱 - A super unsettling tale of revenge with a satisfying yet heartbreaking conclusion. My favorite of all!

If you’re looking for Horror short stories that evokes emotion, sends chills down your spine and features unhinged female characters, then make sure to preorder or grab a copy when it’s out later this month on 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟓𝐭𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒. This collection has cemented E.H. Regan’s place on my “authors to watch” list and I can’t wait to read more of her work in the future!

4.5/5 stars.

[Chiara Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been wanting to read this author for a very long time, so when she offered me an arc I felt I won the lottery!
And well, what I felt reading this book and the poems intertwined with the stories is something very deep and powerful, that I can safely say this collection is a winner!

Every story is like a portrait of an emotion or a feeling, so much so that at the end of each, I could find and grasp that emotion within myself so solidly!
The prose and poetry are beautiful and every word is so carefully chosen, you can feel the author's intention behind it. I need more of her poems!!

I met Emma through social media and I now consider her a friend. She is a beautiful and fascinating person and by reading this collection you can get a peek inside her interesting and deliciously dark mind!

If you want to feel empowered, angry, melancholy, powerless, kinky, morbid and embarrassed, then this is the read you need, a quick collection of short stories to be sipped slowly.

Thanks to the author for the copy and this is my honest opinion.

[Mickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of spooky tales from one of my favourite people in the bookish community. Each story was dark, spooky, and completely messed up, just as I expected them to be.
You know how usually when you read a collection of short stories, you usually end up with the feeling things weren't completely wrapped up? That they just needed to be a little longer? Or that one or two just weren't as good as the rest? Well, that wasn't the case here. Each one was the perfect length, leaving me feeling satisfied. And I loved every single story as much as the last.
If you want to find out what it's like inside a completely unhinged mind, definitely read this book, and make sure to support one of our own.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a friend of the author, and I think that this book reflects her and her style quite well in some regards, while managing to be much bloodier and graphic in tone than her sweet smile might let on LOL

I haven't been in much of a gory, splatterpunk mood lately but I do think Remnants is an interesting take on that genre being that it is very soft, feminine, and sensual, which are not terms I usually associate with the horror bros that tend to define this space. My favorite story was the last, "The Day I Died", a genuinely moving, beautifully written, heartbreaking tale that speaks to real human experiences. If you want some humor and sensuality packed in with your gore, then Remnants is a pretty good book to read.

[Amber Hathaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remnants by E. H. Regan is a killer collection of short stories perfect for fans of gore and extreme horror, with a touch of feminine rage.

If Regan's goal was to horrify her reader, she achieved this in spades. Her descriptions are visceral and disturbing. I had never really thought about what grated tongue would look like before, and I don't know if I'll ever get that comparison out of my head.

While her cunning killers and grotesque twists all provide a worthwhile read, one story really stood out to me. The Day I Died is brutal and harrowing because the horror is all too real. Major content warning here: this one does include graphic descriptions of sexual assault. But Regan handles this difficult topic with finesse. She lays bare the brutal reality that far too many people have had to face. It's such an emotionally impactful story, and the ending had my eyes misting. Even if you're not generally a fan of reading about people getting sliced and diced, I would say the collection is worth picking up for this story alone.

If you're looking for a collection of stories to shock and disturb you, Remnants may be just what you need.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

An overall short collection of horror Stories! A mix of everything and absolutely haunting in many different ways.

A couple of stand out stories for me were:

- "Reel Movies": a fun and unique tale that I didn't want to end!

- "Like a Rhinestone Cowgirl": absolutely brutal! I literally cringed. The ending was somewhat comical but still had me wide eyed in terror!

Also a mention of "The Day I Died"
(this one has a trigger warning before going in and I recommend you read it!)
A painfully haunting story that sadly rings true to many people. The author did a fantastic job of handling this highly sensitive topic and creating an ending that many people probably wish they had in this situation.

The last story was deffo a horror of life tale, but the others were rather fun and entertaining. They're quirky and in some cases, kinda funny!

It's a horror collection so prepared to be horrified. Can't wait to read more work by this author!

[Luc Dantes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remnants is a collection of horror short stories, ranging from haunted love to extreme annihilation. I loved each story immensely; they are unique, most of them grotesque, but each one has a layer of complexity to it. Horror stories that are not just horrific for shock value but also have an actual tale to tell are why I am such a huge fan of the genre. Remnants does not disappoint.

If you are into tropes such as body horror, disturbing imagery, and/or enjoy the art of madness, then I highly recommend this book to you!

[Jesy Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick, entertaining read! I don't usually enjoy short stories but this one was really good and kept me interested!

[Lylith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remnants left me shattered. On a superficial level, these are nine stories of horror that are imaginative and chilling. But, if you look a little deeper, you will see that every sentence is crafted with such sensuality that you can feel raw emotion bleeding from the pages. Regan certainly has a talent for this invocation, and her stories and poems are not just works of fiction but are also rooted in elements of truth. The emotional impact of these stories is so powerful that it will keep you engaged from start to finish. Regan has entwined real-life experience throughout—there is a part of her on every page—and this adds some ferocious magic to her words.

There isn’t a story I didn’t love, as they all moved me in some way, but The Day I Died broke me. This story comes with a trigger warning for good reason, but I felt the subject of SA was handled with respect and care, and I could identify with the emotions this elicited in ‘Bunny’. Other standouts for me were You Melt My Heart, which was wonderfully sensuous and erotic, and Eye Of The Beholder, which had a twist that left me chuckling a little too hard to myself. 

So, what was left of me after reading? Well, to be honest—comfort. Yes, some of these stories made me revisit some ugly truths from my own life, but it’s empowering to know that, as a woman, I am not alone in my feminine rage.

Overall, this was a fabulous debut from Regan. This is not just her story but also mine, and she tells it so well. I am deeply appreciative of her for allowing me to be a part of it, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented woman of horror. 

[Hayley Anderton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great horror collection! The stories felt original and mixed true terror with intense emotion. It’s not a long book but I felt that it explored a wide range of feelings, which is a reason that I love women exploring horror - there’s nothing two dimensional about the stories here, however short. I look forward to seeing what the author does next!

[Toni L · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantasticly wicked collection of short horror stories, each with an emotional edge and written with beautiful linguistic considerations.

[Chelsea (gofetchabook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please look up the trigger warnings before you read this book. It is a collection of short horror stories and some of them are quite graphic. The last story has its own special TW before the chapter, which I thought was extremely considerate of the author.

Is it odd to say that a collection of short graphic and gory horror stories was beautifully written? Because that is how I felt about the eloquent way these stories were presented. Each one of them showed a dark side of human nature that wasn't quite what I would call relatable, at least not on the surface level with what was happening, but there was something about them that made the book impossible to put down.

The last story, although traumatic to read, was my favorite. I thought it was interesting that the main character was a book blogger (as the author is herself) and there were some aspects of the bookstagram community in there.

Overall, I enjoyed this one and thought that the writing was fantastic, but it definitely won't be for everyone. I don't necessarily recommend it unless you are a fan of horror and are okay reading something that contains graphic violence and SA. Just proceed with a caution and be conscious of what you are reading.

[readingsianola · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐄.𝐇 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐧
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫
𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
𝐌𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟓 ⭐️
First of all thank you so much to the lovely @books_nooks_spooks for reaching out to see if I wanted to read her book. Immediately said yes!!

This is what I needed!! A short story collection with a mixture of female rage (give me all the female rage) subjective horror and gory horror.

Each story was fast paced and captivating, Emma’s writing sucks you in and makes you feel like you’re there watching these events take place.

I have a couple favourite stories that included, Reel Movies (I’ll never look at a cheese grater the same way again), You Melt My Heart, Like A Rhinestone Cowgirl (Halloween Costume options for this year?!) and The Day I Died. I appreciated the TW for the last story of The Day I Died, (very heartbreaking yet satisfying!).

Obviously I don’t want to say too much about the stories as I think you should 100% read them!

Don’t forget releases July 25th 2024!

Thank you so much Emma for sending me an Arc, I will definitely be keeping an eye out for your other work 🖤🖤!

[Em Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sometimes the things we own slice into our souls, causing energy to seep out, to bleed into that belonging, to make it a bizarre little memory box”.

I’m not quite sure where to start cause holy shit!

The first story completely lulled me into a false sense of security, and I’m not ashamed to say that it made me cry.

Regan’s writing is so breathtaking, quite literally in most of these; I could picture the scenes so vividly in my head, even when I didn’t want too.
And the poems between each tale felt like such a beautiful addition, it’s clear a lot of love and emotion went into this.

I think the stand out stories for me were Remnants, Eye of the Beholder and Mèirleach Sìthiche (although my desire to abscond to a cabin in the Scottish highlands to write has seemingly disappeared 😂), but I can honestly say that there wasn’t a single one I didn’t enjoy. What a book to end the year on.

Now, if anyone needs me before the new year I will be heavily avoiding suspicious video rental stores! 🫣

[Andrew Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC of this book of
short stories by E.H. Regan and you should check it out too!

Having already read some of her short stories before, I was excited to dig into Remnants, which also mixes short poetry between the stories. The poems added a nice variety to cleanse the palette.

My favorite story was the first, the self-titled Remnants, about a girl who is able to pull memories from objects by touching them, although the last story, The Day I died, felt personally driven and raw and caught my attention as a close second.

There are also horror films gone wrong, a social media influencer who makes interesting content choices 😅, a house made of men, and more.

Check out Remnants if you like short story collections, dark poetry, horror with themes of romance, writing that is tinged with poetic prose throughout.

[A.D. Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before now, I had only read Regan’s work from her short stories in various anthologies(a couple of which I proudly share the pages with), and was eager for more.

That time is finally here, and what a collection it is.
Emma’s work is often incredibly dark and visceral, skirting the lines of extreme horror, but will also deliver beautiful prose along the way. She isn’t afraid to tackle topics that many might shy away from and so at times will take the reader to uncomfortable places and you will have no choice but to acknowledge that it’s not the blood and guts that chill you the most.

Each of the contained stories carries a similar tone - bar perhaps the titular ‘Remnants’ - but are varied enough to provide a rollercoaster of thrills, horror, titillation, and absolute disgust.
It’s an excellent read, one I would thoroughly recommend you pick up.

[Anna Reads Horror · Rating 4 out of 5]

SHORT STORY COLLECTION/NOVELLA
VIBES: EMOTIONAL/EXTREME
 
My Thoughts: This collection is stunning and deeply heartbreaking in places. The first story, “Remnants,” is a powerful introduction that doesn’t hold back, setting the tone for this eerie and disturbing collection. I appreciate horror that explores everyday scenarios, and this collection delivers on that front. I highly recommend it if you enjoy unsettling short stories. While a couple of stories didn’t resonate with me as much, the majority were exceptional and you could tell how much heart and soul was put into this collection.
 
Faves of the collection: Remnants, Reel Movies, You Melt my Heart, The Day I Died.

[Steph Patterson (spookyspatters) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew I would enjoy this book. From the first sentence, it feels like you are shoved onto a darkening path, stumbling around trying to make sense of your surroundings. The stories are jarring and unsettling. Punctuated by macabre poetry.

This creepy anthology will sink its teeth into you and reach far into your brain. Haunt your dreams and turn them into bloody nightmares. Make sure you have a strong stomach going in. Mind the trigger warning on the last story.

My favorite tales are:
🔪 Remnants
🔪 Reel Movies
🔪 Mèirleach Sìthiche

This book is available now! Thank you to the author and @hayley_a_writes (@indie_visible_services)for an advanced copy of this spooky collection. It’s a quick read but will stay with you long after.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommended for horror lovers that don’t mind gore 🔪🩸

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect set of short stories to read curled up on the couch during a stormy day. Each story managed to horrify me in new ways. When brutality was included it felt very purposeful rather than the overused gore that's present in many horror stories. I was able to finish this book in just over an hour, so if you're looking for a shorter read this set of stories may be just what you're looking for.

[Sue and her books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remnants by E.H. Regan is an intense and powerful collection of seven short stories packed into 78 pages. Each story takes you on a wild journey into the darkest corners of human nature.

Thought-provoking, raw, moving and beautiful at times, harsh and funny - Regan's writing is both soothing and mesmerising, 'holding your hand' and guiding you through the most challenging moments. At the end of each tale, a beautiful poem awaits you, helping you cleanse your mind and prepare you for the next story.

I found the book impossible to put down and I definitely wanted more of the same. My favorite stories were "Remnants," "Reel Movies," and "The Eye of the Beholder".

[Jonas Maes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of horror short stories was absolutely amazing! Each story brought something unique and either devastating, disturbing or disgusting. But each story was amazingly written!

A must read for horror fans!

[Monica Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a Debut!

These stories pack a punch! My favorite one is the last story, which I think is the best one. They also vary in topic.

[Bookish Delights · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had fun with this one! Love these bite-size stories for super busy weeks.

[Brooklyn Attic Books]

A fun book of poetry and stories. My favorite was probably Reel Movies. Would have loved for that story to be explored further.

[Kathy Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great collection of short stories!

[Deborah Anne Mcfadyen-Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid selection of spooky tales. Regan sets the mood perfectly in each story and leaves us wanting more!

'Reel Movies' is easily my favourite in the collection. It definitely has the potential to be fleshed out (pardon the pun) into a longer piece.

Overall, 'Remnants' is a delightfully creepy assortment of short stories from a talented indie author.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watch your words, for they mean everything...

Remnants by E. H. Regan is a collection of stories and poems that slipped inside the darkest corners of my heart and left it bleeding into the pages. I only hope my words can do this book justice.

I fully expected gloriously unhinged female rage and horrors, and that is most certainly what I got. And more. It's like if Sylvia Plath and Edgar Allan Poe listened to alt-rock and made a baby in an enchanted forest.

I was not prepared for all the feelings. Remnants resurrected feelings I have not felt in years. This is what a horror collection should be. The juxtaposition of the extreme with the beautiful, these poems between these stories: genius.

My favorite stories were on the milder side of horror: Remnants was my absolute favorite. But even being viscerally disgusted with the extreme bits, I have nothing but praise for every single story. Clever and immersive, each piece is a treasure.

If you call yourself a horror fan, you must pick this up.

Thank you, Emma, for the advance copy, and for making my 90s, angsty, vengeful, forest witch heart happy.