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The Cabin of Nowhere: Dandelion
Beware…The Cabin of Nowhere…
On their third anniversary, young couple June and Carson take a weekend camping trip in the secluded Ohio woods to celebrate their love. But when a freak storm moves in, destroying everything in its path, their peaceful getaway quickly turns into a desperate struggle for survival.
As they search for shelter from the high winds and constant lightning strikes, they stumble upon an abandoned cabin. It is while they’re exploring this cabin that the two of them uncover an old library of leatherbound books—all of them without credited authors, all of them with titles written in red.
Although hesitant at first, June and Carson decide to pass the time by reading one of these strange books. They settle on “Dandelion,” a seemingly innocent coming-of-age tale that grows more and more sinister the further into the story they get.
Soon, the whispers from these pages echo through the cabin and into reality, and June and Carson realize that these fictional horrors may be creeping into their own lives.
On their third anniversary, young couple June and Carson take a weekend camping trip in the secluded Ohio woods to celebrate their love. But when a freak storm moves in, destroying everything in its path, their peaceful getaway quickly turns into a desperate struggle for survival.
As they search for shelter from the high winds and constant lightning strikes, they stumble upon an abandoned cabin. It is while they’re exploring this cabin that the two of them uncover an old library of leatherbound books—all of them without credited authors, all of them with titles written in red.
Although hesitant at first, June and Carson decide to pass the time by reading one of these strange books. They settle on “Dandelion,” a seemingly innocent coming-of-age tale that grows more and more sinister the further into the story they get.
Soon, the whispers from these pages echo through the cabin and into reality, and June and Carson realize that these fictional horrors may be creeping into their own lives.
- GenresHorror
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2024
About the author
Flint Maxwell
59 books307 followersFlint Maxwell was born and raised in Northeast Ohio and still lives there today with his beautiful wife and daughter, and their four furry best friends.
He primarily writes horror fiction, but has been known to dabble in many different genres.
He primarily writes horror fiction, but has been known to dabble in many different genres.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 13, 2026
BLURB:
A camping trip in the Ohio wilderness turns into a nightmare when a violent storm forces a young couple, June and Carson, into an abandoned cabin. Inside, they discover a hidden library of strange books that pull them into a disturbing story called Dandelion—and what they read begins to affect their own reality.
REVIEW:
When I saw Joe Hempel narrating this one, it immediately grabbed my attention. I hadn’t read Flint Maxwell before, and this book is honestly a great starting point for his work as it showcases his fast-paced, layered style of horror that he seems to be known for. It’s a short novel (just over 200 pages) and the first in a two-book series, and I was impressed by how much it packs in—an isolated, locked-room main narrative with a story-within-a-story structure, where both stories are immersive and unsettling. As I was reading, I got a strong sense that the horror inside the book the characters were reading was somehow bleeding into their reality—a bit spine-tingling in the best way. And there’s a unique combo of tropes—relentless storm, isolated cabin in the woods, locked-room horror, escalating threat, cosmic/supernatural horror, and more!
The main narrative is told in third-person following June and her boyfriend Carson, who are celebrating their anniversary on a camping trip. Right from the first chapter, you know that something’s going to go wrong. After a violent (supernatural-like) storm rolls in, damaging their car and literally blowing their belongings away, they have no other option but to take shelter in an abandoned cabin in the woods—talk about a creepy setup! You immediately see their contrasting outlooks and personalities—June is unsettled by the cabin and reluctant to stay, while Carson is calm, curious, and wants to explore. After hearing strange noises coming from the basement, they find a library of strange books—one of them titled Dandelion. Once they start reading it, the “story within a story” structure begins, making the book much more layered and difficult to put down. The story in Dandelion blends coming-of-age themes with late 90s/early 2000s nostalgia, bullying, and cosmic horror involving a group of teen boys. It frequently cuts back to June and Carson reacting to what they’re reading, and also experiencing increasingly unsettling events that could possibly be related to the horror they’re reading—you have to decide!
With straightforward writing, short chapters, and constant forward momentum, you can realistically fly through this in a single sitting. The climax of the Dandelion story is quite intense, and you’ll literally be feeling creeping dread and may even become emotional or reactive in the final scenes. As for June and Carson’s story, it ends in a more unsettling, anticlimactic cliffhanger, and you get the sense that the horror is just beginning for them—you’ll want to pick up the next book right away! If you’re an audio lover (and a big fan of Joe Hempel like me), the audiobook for book 2 is coming in June!
A camping trip in the Ohio wilderness turns into a nightmare when a violent storm forces a young couple, June and Carson, into an abandoned cabin. Inside, they discover a hidden library of strange books that pull them into a disturbing story called Dandelion—and what they read begins to affect their own reality.
REVIEW:
When I saw Joe Hempel narrating this one, it immediately grabbed my attention. I hadn’t read Flint Maxwell before, and this book is honestly a great starting point for his work as it showcases his fast-paced, layered style of horror that he seems to be known for. It’s a short novel (just over 200 pages) and the first in a two-book series, and I was impressed by how much it packs in—an isolated, locked-room main narrative with a story-within-a-story structure, where both stories are immersive and unsettling. As I was reading, I got a strong sense that the horror inside the book the characters were reading was somehow bleeding into their reality—a bit spine-tingling in the best way. And there’s a unique combo of tropes—relentless storm, isolated cabin in the woods, locked-room horror, escalating threat, cosmic/supernatural horror, and more!
The main narrative is told in third-person following June and her boyfriend Carson, who are celebrating their anniversary on a camping trip. Right from the first chapter, you know that something’s going to go wrong. After a violent (supernatural-like) storm rolls in, damaging their car and literally blowing their belongings away, they have no other option but to take shelter in an abandoned cabin in the woods—talk about a creepy setup! You immediately see their contrasting outlooks and personalities—June is unsettled by the cabin and reluctant to stay, while Carson is calm, curious, and wants to explore. After hearing strange noises coming from the basement, they find a library of strange books—one of them titled Dandelion. Once they start reading it, the “story within a story” structure begins, making the book much more layered and difficult to put down. The story in Dandelion blends coming-of-age themes with late 90s/early 2000s nostalgia, bullying, and cosmic horror involving a group of teen boys. It frequently cuts back to June and Carson reacting to what they’re reading, and also experiencing increasingly unsettling events that could possibly be related to the horror they’re reading—you have to decide!
With straightforward writing, short chapters, and constant forward momentum, you can realistically fly through this in a single sitting. The climax of the Dandelion story is quite intense, and you’ll literally be feeling creeping dread and may even become emotional or reactive in the final scenes. As for June and Carson’s story, it ends in a more unsettling, anticlimactic cliffhanger, and you get the sense that the horror is just beginning for them—you’ll want to pick up the next book right away! If you’re an audio lover (and a big fan of Joe Hempel like me), the audiobook for book 2 is coming in June!
August 8, 2024
Short story made longer
This was a good read but I do think the story within the story was really all that was necessary. The author took a unique approach on the writing of this book but I think the “surrounding” plot was not well-developed and ultimately was a weak aspect of the read. Essentially one is left with two stories which are not developed to their potential.
This was a good read but I do think the story within the story was really all that was necessary. The author took a unique approach on the writing of this book but I think the “surrounding” plot was not well-developed and ultimately was a weak aspect of the read. Essentially one is left with two stories which are not developed to their potential.
May 24, 2025
Very cool scary book! This is definitely an anxiety inducing read! You always want the best for the characters even though you expect the worst!
I loved that it was short enough to finish in one day, so I can start the next one!
I loved that it was short enough to finish in one day, so I can start the next one!
November 16, 2024
Just okay. The story was interesting enough to finish the book, but not so much so that I would read another one by this author.
May 25, 2026
***** AUDIOBOOK REVIEW *****
The Cabin of Nowhere: Dandelion by Flint Maxwell had a really interesting idea, but unfortunately, the execution didn’t fully work for me. I actually liked the concept of a story unfolding inside another story because it kept me guessing and created an unsettling atmosphere where nothing felt completely certain. It definitely had the potential to be something creepy and unique.
The biggest issue for me was that I wanted more from the outside storyline involving June and Carson. Their situation felt like it should have carried more weight, but instead, it seemed underdeveloped compared to what I was hoping for. I kept waiting for bigger answers or stronger connections between the different layers of the plot, especially regarding what might happen next with them, but by the end, I was left feeling unsatisfied.
Overall, this wasn’t a terrible listen, but it ended up being more disappointing than memorable for me. The premise had a lot going for it, but I wanted stronger development, more payoff, and especially more closure surrounding June and Carson.
Joe Hempel was honestly the highlight of the audiobook for me. He delivered a strong performance and kept me engaged even when the story itself started losing me. I’ve always enjoyed his narrations, and this one was no exception. His pacing and delivery helped maintain the eerie tone and made it easier to stick with the book, even when I felt the plot wasn’t fully delivering.
The Cabin of Nowhere: Dandelion by Flint Maxwell had a really interesting idea, but unfortunately, the execution didn’t fully work for me. I actually liked the concept of a story unfolding inside another story because it kept me guessing and created an unsettling atmosphere where nothing felt completely certain. It definitely had the potential to be something creepy and unique.
The biggest issue for me was that I wanted more from the outside storyline involving June and Carson. Their situation felt like it should have carried more weight, but instead, it seemed underdeveloped compared to what I was hoping for. I kept waiting for bigger answers or stronger connections between the different layers of the plot, especially regarding what might happen next with them, but by the end, I was left feeling unsatisfied.
Overall, this wasn’t a terrible listen, but it ended up being more disappointing than memorable for me. The premise had a lot going for it, but I wanted stronger development, more payoff, and especially more closure surrounding June and Carson.
Joe Hempel was honestly the highlight of the audiobook for me. He delivered a strong performance and kept me engaged even when the story itself started losing me. I’ve always enjoyed his narrations, and this one was no exception. His pacing and delivery helped maintain the eerie tone and made it easier to stick with the book, even when I felt the plot wasn’t fully delivering.
September 22, 2024
I wasn’t sure what to expect when stumbling across "The Cabin of Nowhere: Dandelion" on KU. But I’m a sucker for interesting titles and this didn’t disappoint.
It’s a story within a story and Maxwell easily rachets up the tension and dread. Since Dandelion is short, it feels like a roller coaster that rockets straight to the top. The mini breaks in between were a nice breather, but I was so wrapped up in the inner narrative and its characters that it was a bummer when it ended so abruptly.
At the end, Maxwell reminisces on his early found love of Goosebumps, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Tales from the Crypt and the Twilight Zone. All foundational influences in my own love of horror. Dandelion certainly feels like a love letter to the horror anthology genre.
It’s no surprise then that the Goosebumps theme song, and the iconic phrase at the end, “Viewer beware. You’re in a scare,” comes to mind while writing this. I think it’s time to take a trip down memory lane and watch a few old episodes. Happy Haunting!
It’s a story within a story and Maxwell easily rachets up the tension and dread. Since Dandelion is short, it feels like a roller coaster that rockets straight to the top. The mini breaks in between were a nice breather, but I was so wrapped up in the inner narrative and its characters that it was a bummer when it ended so abruptly.
At the end, Maxwell reminisces on his early found love of Goosebumps, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Tales from the Crypt and the Twilight Zone. All foundational influences in my own love of horror. Dandelion certainly feels like a love letter to the horror anthology genre.
It’s no surprise then that the Goosebumps theme song, and the iconic phrase at the end, “Viewer beware. You’re in a scare,” comes to mind while writing this. I think it’s time to take a trip down memory lane and watch a few old episodes. Happy Haunting!
September 24, 2024
Spooky ⭐⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Oh, how I love a good horror story without any gory, bloody and not necessarily needed parts. It was just the right length too, since I'd just finished a long novel but wasnt quite ready to go to sleep, even though it's 3am. I love when an author allows readers to join in on the writing, not literally, and wakes up our imagination consciously or unconsciously. This one does that at the end and oh man, mine went into overdrive. I usually prefer to read crime thrillers or psychological thrillers but then I'll run across one like this, and it reminds me why I love this genre the best whether it's a book or a movie. This one I won't soon forget and I highly recommend it to everyone who is lucky as myself to find this little jewel. Hope there's more to come.
Oh, how I love a good horror story without any gory, bloody and not necessarily needed parts. It was just the right length too, since I'd just finished a long novel but wasnt quite ready to go to sleep, even though it's 3am. I love when an author allows readers to join in on the writing, not literally, and wakes up our imagination consciously or unconsciously. This one does that at the end and oh man, mine went into overdrive. I usually prefer to read crime thrillers or psychological thrillers but then I'll run across one like this, and it reminds me why I love this genre the best whether it's a book or a movie. This one I won't soon forget and I highly recommend it to everyone who is lucky as myself to find this little jewel. Hope there's more to come.
January 6, 2025
Quick read that held my interest.
When I finished this story, I waffled between 4 and 5 stars. I really enjoyed it but just couldn't bring myself to rating it 5 stars. There were no points where the story dragged. The story was about a story within a story. The resolution of each story was well done. I didn't see either one coming. Well, not exactly. I kind of saw the ending facing Carson and June but with a slightly different twist. All in all, a good read and I would definitely read more by this author. One more thing! There was a reference to a book I had just finished reading the same day I began this one. Cute.
When I finished this story, I waffled between 4 and 5 stars. I really enjoyed it but just couldn't bring myself to rating it 5 stars. There were no points where the story dragged. The story was about a story within a story. The resolution of each story was well done. I didn't see either one coming. Well, not exactly. I kind of saw the ending facing Carson and June but with a slightly different twist. All in all, a good read and I would definitely read more by this author. One more thing! There was a reference to a book I had just finished reading the same day I began this one. Cute.
February 6, 2025
I was really hoping this was going to be like Cabin in the Woods, where the book they chose to read off of the bookcase determined their fate. But it was a story within a story, and although the concept was pretty cool, I just wanted more from the Carson and June line…although I get the horror of using my imagination, but it just felt kinda flat.
And the Dandelion story felt unsatisfying. I had no problem connecting with the characters, but it kinda just felt unresolved. I loved the idea of the creature and its story, but I felt like once all was revealed the end came quicker than I wanted.
And the Dandelion story felt unsatisfying. I had no problem connecting with the characters, but it kinda just felt unresolved. I loved the idea of the creature and its story, but I felt like once all was revealed the end came quicker than I wanted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2024
A story within a story. One about a couple that is camping and encounter a devastating storm, forcing them to seek shelter, and the other a kind of coming of age story about a group of youngsters dealing with bullies and much more. I favour the story with the three boys because I was rooting for them. It had plenty of atmosphere and we got to know the character quite well. It was an inventive and engaging story, quick and easy to read.
September 12, 2024
This book is very unique, I havent read anything quite like it . I loved the characters especially the boyfriend who is obsessed with books, because I found myself to be a female verson of him . I loved the uniqueness of what the dandellion represented . The whole book was written well and i liked how the ending ended. Im not sure if any of your other books tie in with these characters but I would love to read them if there was .
June 11, 2025
Hooked! Very good story!
Loved this book and got hooked very early on! Characters all very good and liked the story within a story! 😊
Horror (both book and movie/anthology like Creepshow, Goosebumps and so on) is my favorite genre too.
Who knew a "innocent" dandelion had such a secret?! What's even better is I read The Cabin of Nowhere: Dandelion on a rainy, windy evening, ramped up the atmosphere and my imagination though a thunderstorm would have been yet better! 😁
Loved this book and got hooked very early on! Characters all very good and liked the story within a story! 😊
Horror (both book and movie/anthology like Creepshow, Goosebumps and so on) is my favorite genre too.
Who knew a "innocent" dandelion had such a secret?! What's even better is I read The Cabin of Nowhere: Dandelion on a rainy, windy evening, ramped up the atmosphere and my imagination though a thunderstorm would have been yet better! 😁
September 16, 2025
my feelings are kind of mixed on this one. on one hand, i thought the story itself was interesting and i enjoyed the horror aspect of it (despite not really finding it that scary). on the other hand, while maxwell’s writing was super easy to read and get through, the dialogue felt awkward and off, but that could’ve just been me. overall, this was a fun read for official spooky season (because it’s all year long for me), but not quite what i was expecting.
3 stars
3 stars
August 2, 2024
A clever, thrilling and captivating story full of tension and suspense! Great multi-faceted, realistic characters. Very interesting plots. Vivid descriptions. Kept me intrigued from the first page to the last.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
November 5, 2024
A story, in a story, i love the idea, it makes everything less clear, and you never know what to expect and when you find out at the start of the book, and your like me, you suspect everyone and everything .
This was a fun, spooky quick little read, absolutely recommend to anyone that likes books that are like horror mindfuckery .
This was a fun, spooky quick little read, absolutely recommend to anyone that likes books that are like horror mindfuckery .
December 21, 2025
The Cabin of Nowhere pulls you in right away with its eerie setup—an abandoned cabin in the middle of an unending storm. The “book within a book” angle adds a clever, unsettling layer that keeps the tension high. It’s atmospheric, fast-moving, and hard to put down. As soon as I finished, I immediately ordered the second one. A gripping start to the series.
September 4, 2024
Brain melt!
Mix the scariest rollercoaster ride with a spiral staircase 10 miles long, and then add Space Mountain. This story will feed your need to be scared and twisted all in one.
Mix the scariest rollercoaster ride with a spiral staircase 10 miles long, and then add Space Mountain. This story will feed your need to be scared and twisted all in one.
September 24, 2024
I loved the uniqueness of a story in a story I devoured this in one sitting and was heading for a 5 star read for me until the ending left me short and asking questions .. 🤷♀️ but it was written so well and will be checking the authors other books 🙂
November 13, 2024
This was a fun read. It was basically a book within a book which was creative having them read the story written before they came to the cabin. There is not a clear villain or really explanation for what goes on, but it was a fun easy read.
January 24, 2025
Unlike Carson I did not see the story ending the way it did. I love the concept of this story on both ends and I found it genuinely heart wrenching. I just cannot put into words how the ending made me feel and the silent tears that fell slightly concerned my husband.
January 24, 2025
Strangely Entertaining
Quick read and the thought of a story unfolding while two others are reading it from a book they just happened to find in the cabin from nowhere ? Genius! Definitely glad I gave this book a try😁
Quick read and the thought of a story unfolding while two others are reading it from a book they just happened to find in the cabin from nowhere ? Genius! Definitely glad I gave this book a try😁
June 22, 2025
yet another page turner
Flint just has a way of sucking the reader in and pulling them through the pages, falling for the characters, relating to being in high school and avoiding the always present bully, and then ripping the floor out from underneath.
Flint just has a way of sucking the reader in and pulling them through the pages, falling for the characters, relating to being in high school and avoiding the always present bully, and then ripping the floor out from underneath.
July 17, 2024
Overall a well written story, with some pleasingly creepy moments. I would definitely recommend it if you are a fan of Flint Maxwell.
August 6, 2024
It's one of the more exciting & surprise endings I've read in a while. This book did not disappoint
February 9, 2025
Honestly.. what the f did I just read..?
April 6, 2025
Enjoyed It
The author kept my attention throughout. The bullies are reminiscent of the ones seen in teen 80s movies. I enjoyed reading this and anticipate reading part two.
The author kept my attention throughout. The bullies are reminiscent of the ones seen in teen 80s movies. I enjoyed reading this and anticipate reading part two.
June 21, 2025
His intro
I read this because I enjoyed his intro. Good story. Weird story. I love the type of ending! Good imagination this guy has
I read this because I enjoyed his intro. Good story. Weird story. I love the type of ending! Good imagination this guy has
September 10, 2025
Enjoyed this. Reminded me of the book The Tommyknockers.
April 9, 2026
It was well written & Interesting story but I wanted more of June & Carson!
December 31, 2024
4.5
Creepy story written in a totally unique way. Liked the characters and the twisted plots., not so much the ending, but it a horror story after all.
Creepy story written in a totally unique way. Liked the characters and the twisted plots., not so much the ending, but it a horror story after all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews