Cain

by Michael R. Goodwin

EVERY STORY HAS A BEGINNING...

After suffering a terrible accident, a boy on the brink of death cries out for the gods to save him. A witch rescues him instead, salvation that comes with a cost. And so the RED FOREST SAGA begins.

The lush green of the woodlands are now a deep crimson, and something deadly resides within. So much is unknown, except for DO NOT TREAD WHERE THE LEAVES ARE RED .

Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2024

About the author

Michael R. Goodwin is the author of THE LIBERTY KEY, a novel of supernatural suspense, SMOLDER, a horror novella, and ROADSIDE FORGOTTEN, a collection of five short stories. His collection of short stories, HOW GOOD IT FEELS TO BURN, was released by Dark Pine Publishing, and he has released several standalone short stories.

His work has been featured in multiple anthologies such as "124 Beloved" by Regulus Press, "Lunatic Lullabies" by Pyke Publishing, "October Blood" by Hawke Haus, "Devil's Rejects" by Dark Pine Publishing, and "The Sacrament" by Dark Lit Press. Aside from writing, he enjoys reading, composing music, and photography.

He lives in Maine with his wife and four children.

Reviews

[Peter Topside · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this more. Had a great premise, some quietly creepy moments, and the writing, as with any Michael R. Goodwin story, was smooth as silk. But, unfortunately, the pacing was a bit quick and the story yearned for more substance, but the brevity of everything was its worst enemy. The story could have been so much longer, keeping my attention throughout, and building a much more significant outing. Still not a bad read, by any means, but just too short to count for much.

[Matt M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cain is a short folk horror story set in Goodwin’s village by the red forest. Goodwin writes folk horror stories so well, and his descriptions of the River Crane and the surrounding forest makes you feel like you are there. I recommend it!

Thank you to the author for providing me with an advanced eBook.

[Kiera ☠ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with the world in which this story takes place so when he told me a new short story was coming out I immediately jumped on the chance to read it. We are getting more back story of this world here. How did the red forest come about? When did the witches gain the control they have. Again, I am continuously impressed by Goodwin. All I can really say as critique is I need more!

His writing style reads so easily and it's very atmospheric. I genuinely feel like I'm there, reading the pages transports you to this incredible world of such rich lore. If you enjoyed The Ritual, The Ritual II, & Sparrows then you need to give this a read. I really can't sing Michael enough praise. If you've yet to check out his work, let this be your motivation!

[Willie Heredia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodwin never disappoints! Easily one of my current favorite authors. I love diving into the bleak worlds he creates in his stories. I won’t go into much details because just like every Goodwin story, it’s best to go in as blind as possible!
I recommend this one to horror fans and non-horror fans alike!

[JC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another captivating and terrifying chapter to the village stories. This is an absolute must read by Michael R Goodwin.

[(the.darkandmoody.reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 - Cain is such a great origin story to the Red Forest horror short story series. The supernatural lore is intense and tragic, wrapped in Michael R Goodwin’s perfect horror storytelling voice.

[Kirsty Carson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightfully delicious tale with a Grimm’s Fairytale-esque style and moral! Atmospheric and tense, Goodwin knows how to weave a tale that is both intriguing and terrifying in its simplicity. Even with such a short story he manages to create interesting characters and an entrancing setting coupled with a unique style that makes his work so enjoyable to read.

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is how the Red Forest from The Ritual and related stories came to be.

A young boy's choice condems his village to continually suffer at the hands of witches who claim the nearby forest of their own.

As the lead character tells his story, the regret of his choice haunts him.

This is more personal horror, as the narrator details how his choice causes his fellow villagers (and even his own family) to suffer.

It makes the events of the stories set after this that even more sad

[Cyndi McIntire · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a short horror story;
Fishing
Witch
Curse
Death
Guilt
Redemption

[Elaine Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Do not tread where the leaves are red.”

I will simply EAT UP anything about this world Michael R Goodwin creates.
Would absolutely love a combined novel of the red forest saga. 🍁

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't tread where the leaves are red! Cain, an old fisherman, has to pay some debts. When he was a kid a witch rescued him when falling down a cliff. Everything has its price and it has to be paid now. Another grim folk horror tale about the mysterious village and River Crane. Really recommended!

[Shaylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I'm so glad this little universe got expanded! I really enjoyed the ritual but just needed more. I'm so excited to run through these!😁