Edgar: When Poe's Nightmares Began

by David Allen Voyles

What if Edgar Allan Poe’s scariest stories were inspired by actual supernatural events that took place when he was a boy?

During the summer of 1826, fifteen-year-old Edgar Allan Poe hears a disturbing, low laugh while sketching and writing in a Richmond cemetery. He follows the raspy voice into a crypt where he sees a crouching figure, a cadaverous ghoul who transforms before Edgar’s eyes into a boy who looks just like him.

When the boy vanishes leaving only the echoes of his laughter, Edgar is forced to question his sanity.

Edgar first confides solely in his best friend Robert Stannard. As his evil twin continues to reappear throughout the summer wreaking supernatural chaos with each encounter, Edgar meets the beautiful and fiery-spirited Elmira Royster. Together with these two friends and a one-eyed black cat that harbors an incredible secret, Edgar navigates a series of uncanny events as frightening as any of the tales the adult Poe would later write.

But which Edgar would remain to become the author we know so well?

Genres: Horror

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2024

About the author

Some of the tales in David Allen Voyles' collections of original horror stories, The Thirteenth Day of Christmas and Tales from the Hearse were those he told while conducting tours for his ghost tour company, Dark Ride Tours in Asheville, NC. Best-selling author and Bram Stoker award winner Paul Kane said of Voyles’ writing, “Maybe it's because Voyles is an accomplished oral storyteller that you can "hear" the words as you read, but man, can this guy create an atmosphere!”

Having taught literature for thirty years, Voyles is no stranger to weird tales and horror fiction in general. In addition to publishing his stories in print, he is also the creator of the horror podcast, Dark Corners, where he narrates many of his original horror short stories, as well as the novellas Witch-Works and Wraiths of the Appalachian.

David Allen Voyles is a member of the Horror Writers Association.

Reviews

[Char · Rating 4 out of 5]

EDGAR is a book that speculates what might have happened to Poe in his younger years and what might have spurred his story ideas later in life.

Sketching in his neighborhood cemetery, young Edgar encounters a being, one that looks just like him, but somehow evil. This doppelganger begins to haunt Edgar and his two closest friends. What does this spectre want and why is it appearing to Edgar? You'll have to read this to find out!

At the rear of the book the author writes about Poe's stories and how they've influenced this work. I am a huge fan of Poe's writing, but I haven't read any of his work recently. I was afraid that my poor memory might affect my reading of this book, but it did not. I recognized most of the tales, but not all, but that didn't affect my enjoyment of this short novel in any way. In fact, I was happy to see some of the characters again, most especially the black cat with one eye.

I think EDGAR was a fun, mostly plausible way to provide insight regarding Poe's work, and what may have inspired his many works of poetry and dark fiction. From what I can tell, this book seems well researched and I enjoyed learning what Poe's life may have been like while he was growing up, (aside from the supernatural stuff.) His relationship with his adoptive parents was something I never knew about. Poe's real parents died when he was only two. He and his stepfather did not get along at all, and they often argued. I have to wonder how such a volatile relationship affected Poe's writing later in life. I guess David Allen Voyles wondered about that too.

This was a fun, short, novel and I enjoyed it. In spite of such dark subject matter, I also found some humor here, (most especially regarding the cat), and I think that helped lighten things up a little. I thought the writing was skillful and vivid, especially during some of Poe's frightening experiences with the supernatural. Some of these were very scary, indeed. Those scenes were where the story lived, for me. They ended up making feel like I did when I read Poe's work for the very first time. Excited, afraid and unable to stop reading!

I recommend this to any fan of Poe's work and to anyone who has ever wondered what Poe's motivations for the stories might have been. In fact, I highly recommend it to everyone!

*ARC from author.

[Alyson Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a unique read! Written in the time frame of Edgar Allen Poe as a young boy, we follow him, his two friends and his forever friend Morella the cat as his youthful adventures give him the nightmare fuel that we know as Edgar Allen Poes work today.

This book so well captures the Poe style that fans love without re hashing the originals as the author tweaks the stories to allow his own style to come through .

This is a very unique, amazing book that i am so glad to have read.
I received an advance review copy for free from booksirens.com, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever wondered about Poe's inspiration, whether there's been some sort of personal experience involved, you need wonder no more: here is the story that might as well be true for its perfect providing of all the answers. 'Edgar' by David Allen Voyles promises to share a spooky tale of Poe's life as a child, and, boy, does he deliver. The book is hugely entertaining, though the horror is a bit cozy and of the young adult type; but all is fair when you're after a tale of nasty good fun and an over-the-top read to creep yourself out! to be honest, the author's note hempled me a lot to grasp the hidden connections between the chapters and the real facts about young Edgar's life; I'm no expert and I was curious how it all tied up in reality. The cat is ficitonal, unfortunately, though I'd love to see her again at some point. In any case, I recommend the book for its gothic atmosphere, the author's expertise, and his natural way to tell a story.

[Chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything regarding Edgar Allen Poe is always going to be weird and macabre and this story is no different. It's the perfect read for spooky season! I love the mix between paranormal and reality. Wondering how Edgar got his inspiration and this author delving into it but putting his own spin on it. I really enjoyed this book. I think it helped me out of my reading slump too.

[Jacqui Castle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A treat for fans of the macabre. A haunting, exhilarating exploration into the mind and influence of a master. Like a black cat, Edgar endears itself to you with wit and whimsy.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed the work of Edgar Allan Poe and was excited to read about the actual supernatural element in those stories. It had that historical horror element that I was hoping for and was enjoying the thriller concept. David Allen Voyles has a great writing style and all the characters felt like it was the right historical period. I hope to read more as this was so well done.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[L.P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of Edgar by David Allan Voyles and oh BOY am I glad I did.

What a ride! As a lover of Edgar Allan Poe I was absolutely captivated by Voyle's portrayal of young Edgar and the twisty weaving tale of how he came to be the Poe we all know today. The story is spooky in all the right ways and draws on that classic horror feeling of Poe at every twist and turn. The addition of a witty one-eyed black cat was the icing on the cake that made me devour this book in a matter of days.

The authors notes at the end of the book provide is a beautiful wrap up to this incredible tale. If you love things that go bump in the night - Run don't walk to secure your copy of this book. Voyles has made a loyal fan of me!

[Jeffrey Kuehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edgar by David Allen Voyles
Received as an ARC.
Fiction of Edgar Allen Poe as a mid teen actually experiencing either the events of or gaining inspiration for his stories or its it just a dream within a dream? He is aided by a stray black cat who can speak only to him. Is he going mad or are these visions the stories we all adore?
Being a rabid fan of Poe since my youth around age 8 it was fun seeing blatant connections and hunting for Easter eggs. I know I missed many.

[Mary Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the most unique books that I have read. Yes, it's gothic, dark, phantom filled, and scary, but that's what you would expect from Edgar Allan Poe.

The author's note at the end of the book is so helpful both in laying out facts about Edgar's life, as well as making the connections between what he has written and which works of Poe acted as inspiration for the chapters. Young Edgar did not have an easy life in reality, so the arts as his escape rings true. His dark dreams and adventures with his friends Robert and Elmira give structure to what became Poe's greatest works. The use of a cat that guides and speaks directly to Edgar's mind is genius! Morella stole the show for me with her cat wit, along with the comfort she provided for Edgar. You will not be disappointed if your a fan of Poe, or if your just coming aboard, as long as you like the this genre, you will be happy you chose this book.

I did receive an ARC of this book and am so glad I did!

[Sandra Daigle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A shivery and inventive homage to Poe’s twisted genius.

Edgar: When Poe’s Nightmares Began is a masterful fusion of historical fiction and gothic horror, reinterpreting the life of Edgar Allan Poe during his most formative years in a way that reads as frighteningly plausible and genuinely unique. David Allen Voyles broadsides with a brilliantly orchestrated tale that necessarily intertwines supernatural elements, spine-tingling doppelgängers, and teasing references to Poe’s most celebrated stories. The idea that frightening real-life experiences from his youth inspired Poe’s scary stories is not just clever, but well realized.

The atmosphere in the novel is deeply absorbing, conjuring the ominous vibe of 1800s Richmond while also engaging with the questions of identity, fear, and creativity. The cat in question, Morella, and Edgar's strange double seem to open up layers of psychological horror that riff off of Poe’s original work in the best ways.

A multi-genre, multi-historical mammoth by household standards, and whether you’re a Poe-lifer or simply enjoy some gothic mystery with reams of rich, lyrical prose, Edgar makes for a hauntingly mindful read.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is enormous fun. If you are a Poe superfan, you will get immense pleasure from the way Voyles tells the tale of a young Edgar Allan Poe as he teams up with his childhood sweetheart Elmira Royster as he tries to uncover the mystery of a creature who appears to be his double. Constant readers will recognize that as an allusion to William Wilson, Poe's own story of a doubles, but the allusions don't stop there. The famous Poe stories are used to great effect as well as stories you may not have read, including 'Some Words with a Mummy'

Voyles builds out a fictional childhood for the famous poet, and although a good deal is based in historical fact the author invents scenarios that FEEL historical, as if they may have happened to Poe as a young man. Frankly, this reader didn't care what was fiction and what was not ( and I know a lot about Poe) The novel is enjoyable no matter your level of knowledge.

[Bernie Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The David Allen Voyles book of Edgar is a fine tribute to the work of Edgar Allan Poe. One of the major early authors of the horror genre in the Anglosphere. True to the style of Poe himself, he gives us an integral story with imagined horror happenings. These are set in Poe's early life as a young boy. Surmising that such happenings, could have been the inspiration for Poe's classic horror stories. These new happenings successively and seamlessly weave together to make a fine story. Even worthy of the master Poe.

Each episode to varying degrees, reliant on your own fears, will chill your innermost being. If you enjoy good classic scares and are ready to face our common fears, then this is the book for you!

Thank you BookSirens for the beautifully horrendous reading that this ARC gave me.

[Jewel Carrie Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, fictional story of the inspiration behind Poe's works. Love the Black Cat companion!

[John J Questore · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, as always, I need to thank BookSirens, and David Allen Voyles for the opportunity to read, and review an ARC of EDGAR.

When I was about 8 or 9 (about 50 years ago), I received a book that had a few of Edgar Allen Poe’s more famous stories – The Tell-Tale Heart, The Raven, The Pit and the Pendulum, etc. I was immediately enthralled, and had to find more. Since then, I have read just about everything Poe put to paper; and many books about his life.

So, when David said he was writing a fictional account of Edgar’s early life, and asked if I would like to read it, I couldn’t say “yes” fast enough. Boy, am I glad I did!

Let me first point out that David certainly did his homework before attempting this Herculean attempt – I mean, honestly, who would even dare such a feat? If done poorly, it would take away all credibility as a writer. If done correctly, it could be one for the ages; and thankfully, David did it right.

As he says in the introduction, the first thing he did was to reread all of Poe’s short stories – to make sure he got things right – and left little “Easter Eggs” throughout (along with some glaring references).

David tells the tale of a young Edgar in 1826 Richmond, living with (and working for) John and Frances (Jane in the book) Allen. While David does take some liberties with Edgar’s relationships – especially with Robert Standard and Elmira Royster – it’s these liberties that make EDGAR such a great read. It shows Poe as a relatively regular kid: hanging out with friends, trying to find his place in the world, and living his life; that is until something extremely unusual throws the proverbial monkey wrench into things – in the form of a cat by the name of Morella (does that name sound “familiar”? [pun intended]).

What follows is a truly fantastic tale of Edgar’s escapades; each one revolving around a story (or stories) that an older Edgar will eventually write. For example (with no spoilers), at one point, Edgar has to deliver news of Jane’s death to her brother Julius. It is here, in Julius’ house, that we get hints of The Tell-Tale Heart. But not all of Edgar’s adventures are so blatantly obvious, and a casual Poe reader will probably find themselves heading to the internet to do some research (or, to their own volume of The Collected Works of Poe); and this isn’t a bad thing. It shows, as I had mentioned, that David did his homework.

EDGAR is truly a love letter to Poe from David – and I’d love to see more like this. As one reads it, they get a sense of just how much David loves Poe, as many of us do, and the painstaking detail David takes in detailing Poe’s “possible” life as a youth is impressive. What’s great about this story is that even if you’ve only just heard of Poe, or only know of his biggest stories, this is still enjoyable. It’s the subtle, and sometimes candid, references to Poe’s other works, that makes this a treasure trove for the Poe aficionado – meaning there’s something for everyone. And, should you have spent your life under a rock and never heard of, or read any of Poe – first, WHY NOT, and second, that’s OK, you don’t have to in order to enjoy the story. But as I wrote earlier, you may just find yourself heading to the internet to do some research, along with a trip to your local bookstore to add Poe to your bookshelf.

[Martha Colaresi · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was a kid, I didn't just read books--I joined them. I'd pick a character to "become," and read their lines out loud. I was Dorothy. I was Alice. I was Dr. Watson decades before Lucy Liu. You guessed it -- "From childhood's hour I have not been/As others were."

So you'd think that, in seventh grade, I'd jump into Edgar Allan Poe's stories like a duck into water. Nope.

Me join his tales of terror? As what? The neighbor of a crazed murderer and/or horrific animal abuser? A guest at a bloody superspreader? A partygoer searching for fine wine and finding a revenge-mad mason? A visitor to weird twins at a creepy mansion fronted by a stinky tarn? No, thank you! Not even the mysteries. I didn't know enough French yet to accompany Auguste Dupin to crime scenes. Even if I did, you wouldn't have caught me dead (especially not feet first up the chimney) at the gory one. Non, merci!

If I was too scared or grossed out by Mr. Poe's work to grasp its greatness, I suspect there are seventh graders in this day and age who feel the same, but would never admit it to teachers and peers. A painless transition is in order.

Enter "Edgar: When Poe's Nightmares Began."

I was delighted to see that this compelling book is marketed for ages 12 and up. If I had read it before delving into the tales of terror, I would have become an instant lifelong Poe fan, instead of wasting years until young adulthood for that to happen. I would have jumped into the story as Elmira because -- yes --I would have been in love with young Edgar! I would have gladly followed him and Robert and Morella through plot lines of stories that, thanks to this book, would have enraptured me right off the bat and taken the edge off any fear. Si jeunesse savait, si vieillesse pouvait!

Mr. Voyles has my deepest gratitude for his sensitive, respectful, and PG-rated portrayal of a favorite author whose life has been too often sensationalized in R-rated fan fiction. "Edgar: When Poe's Nightmares Began" is FUN fiction at its best.

So much fun that, even though I'm old enough to be Elmira's grandmother, I became a character.

Morella.

[Laura Dicker · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a devoted admirer of Edgar Allan Poe, it is always a delight to encounter works that echo the gothic elegance and profound psychological depth that characterize Poe’s literary legacy. David Allen Voyles' "Edgar" is a masterful homage to this tradition, weaving a narrative that is both hauntingly evocative and intellectually stimulating.

Voyles captures the dark, atmospheric qualities that Poe enthusiasts hold dear. The protagonist, Edgar, is a character of exquisite complexity—an embodiment of the brooding, introspective spirit that Poe so famously portrayed. Voyles’ depiction of Edgar’s descent into a world of shadow and mystery is reminiscent of Poe’s own exploration of the human psyche’s darker corners.

The descriptions are lush and evocative, conjuring scenes that are as vivid and eerie as any found in Poe’s tales. The settings are steeped in a gothic ambiance that will delight anyone familiar with the melancholic grandeur of Poe’s work. Each scene unfolds with a sense of inevitability and dread, capturing the essence of what makes gothic literature so compelling.

One of the most striking aspects of "Edgar" is how it delves into themes of madness, obsession, and the supernatural hallmarks of Poe’s work. The novel’s exploration of Edgar’s inner turmoil and the spectral forces that surround him is both poignant and chilling, evoking the same sense of existential dread that permeates Poe’s most famous works.

Moreover, "Edgar" is a testament to the enduring appeal of gothic fiction. It bridges the gap between classic and contemporary, offering a fresh take on the genre while honoring the traditions established by Poe while interweaving nods of Poe’s own stories throughout the novel. The novel’s ability to evoke the same sense of mystery and melancholy that characterizes Poe’s tales makes it a must-read for anyone who treasures the gothic literary tradition.

[Jane Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Edgar by David Allen Voyles, and I honestly feel like I discovered a hidden treasure in the horror genre. I first came across this book through a post shared in one of the horror groups I’m part of, and I’m so glad I decided to give it a chance because this story completely pulled me in from the very first pages.

What fascinated me most was the eerie and imaginative way the author blends young Edgar Allan Poe’s life with supernatural horror. The atmosphere throughout the novel is haunting, mysterious, and deeply immersive. There were moments where I genuinely felt chills while reading late into the night. In fact, this book kept me awake until 2:00 AM because I simply couldn’t stop turning the pages.

One of the standout moments for me was the terrifying sequence beneath Montresor’s apothecary, where Edgar descends into the impossible tunnels and encounters the horrifying version of himself walling him inside a cell brick by brick. That entire scene was intensely claustrophobic, surreal, and unforgettable. The way the whispers, the heartbeat echoes, and the shadowy double were described created such a vivid sense of dread that I could practically feel Edgar’s fear myself. It was one of those rare horror scenes that truly lingers in your mind long after you stop reading.

I also loved Morella, the mysterious one-eyed black cat. She added such a strange gothic charm to the story and made the whole experience feel even more magical and unsettling at the same time.

The writing style perfectly captures the gothic atmosphere associated with Poe while still feeling fresh and original. This wasn’t just a horror novel for me, it felt like stepping into a dark dream inspired by Poe’s imagination and nightmares.

If you’re a fan of gothic horror, psychological suspense, eerie mysteries, or Edgar Allan Poe himself, this book is absolutely worth reading. It’s a precious gem that deserves far more attention.

[Andrew Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just in time for spooky season comes David Allen Voyles’s new novel Edgar, which poses the question: what if Edgar Allen Poe’s stories were based on real life events he experienced himself as a teenager?

Voyles is a master of macabre storytelling as the creator of the Dark Corners podcast, former long-time Asheville ghost tour operator, and author of books such as Wraiths of the Appalachians and Tales from the Hearse. With Edgar, Voyles takes his horror storytelling to the next level, layering in aspects of Edgar Allen Poe’s stories into a real-life narrative, complete with biographical aspects from Poe’s life. The language is modern but bears a sympathetic ear to Poe’s prose, and Voyles goes beyond a retelling of Poe tales by shaping new stories with some of the elements Poe fans will recognize and adore.

What our real-life Poe experiences is creepy and chilling. We learn about friends he had at the time, the relationship he had with his parents, and along the way of course there is a black cat and a raven. But there’s also a dark doppelganger that stalks our young Edgar, providing a peek into Edgar’s psyche and all the things that haunt him. They’ll haunt you too.

What is particularly impressive is that even if it’s been a while since you read Edgar Allen Poe, you’ll immediately connect with these chilling tales and become completely invested in them. Edgar has a strong narrative voice and will keep you turning the page, even if you’re afraid to learn what will happen next. This book is not to be missed and will make this Halloween a fun one.

[✟⛥☠︎︎~ Kelli ~☠︎︎⛥✟ · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐦‍⬛🪦 Wow what a book!! 🐦‍⬛🪦

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

5 Stars for a Masterful Gothic Tale and Insight into Poe's Early Life 🎴

I absolutely loved this book! This book was a truly unique read! 🖤🖤🖤

The masterful blend of gothic atmosphere and historical detail was captivating from the first page!
The way the author weaves in dark, eerie elements reminiscent of Edgar Allan Poe's own style made it a perfect homage to his work. 🖤
I was especially fascinated by the exploration of Poe's early life, which gave me a deeper understanding of the man behind the famous stories. The writing is immersive, with vivid descriptions that pull you into the haunting settings.

The protagonist, young Poe himself, is depicted with complexity, showing the struggles and dark curiosities that shaped the famous writer. 🐦‍⬛
Alongside Poe, a rich cast of characters adds depth and intrigue, with each one playing a part in the mystery and suspense that unfolds, following them around a gothic world on their spooky adventures.

Morella the cat seems to be Poe’s familiar embarking on his path with him to uncover the hidden secrets and mysteries hidden within his world. 🐈‍⬛

A must-read for fans of gothic literature and Poe alike! If you’re a fan of gothic tales and literary history, this book is a gem! 🐦‍⬛🎴🐦‍⬛

Thoroughly enjoyed this book and added more of Voyels books to my WL

Thank you so much for an amazing gothic read 🐦‍⬛🪦🐈‍⬛

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maya Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I enjoyed most about this book was how effortlessly it pulled me into Edgar's world. From the first few chapters, there was this constant feeling that something wasn't quite right, and that sense of unease only grew stronger as the story unfolded.

The supernatural elements were intriguing, but what really kept me turning pages was Edgar himself. Watching him struggle to understand the strange events around him made the story feel personal and emotionally engaging. I found myself rooting for him while also questioning what was real alongside him.

The atmosphere is one of the book's greatest strengths. The setting feels vivid, mysterious, and perfectly suited to the story being told. There were moments that felt genuinely haunting, not because they were overly frightening, but because they lingered in my mind long after I had finished the chapter.

What makes this novel stand out is that it doesn't rely solely on horror. It's also a story about identity, fear, friendship, and the experiences that shape a person. By the end, I felt like I had read more than just a supernatural tale; I had witnessed the beginning of something much larger.

An imaginative, atmospheric, and thoroughly absorbing read that I would happily recommend to fans of gothic fiction and psychological horror.

[Hege-Kristin Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Allen Voyles’ "Edgar: When Poe's Nightmares Began" offers a clever and chilling glimpse into the teenage years of the legendary Edgar Allan Poe. The book follows young Edgar and his friends as they navigate their everyday lives, with plenty of spooky horror moments. Something sinister is lurking around Edgar, pulling him into a world where reality and nightmares intertwine. I truly enjoyed reading about scary houses, graveyards and the living dead. And i loved Poes cat Morella (she made such a great character).

What’s really cool about this book is how it incorporates elements from Poe's classic stories, reimagined through his youthful experiences. It’s a playful nod to Poe's works and gives a unique introduction to his themes of madness and horror.

This book is perfect for teens, young adults, and anyone looking to dive into Poe’s world—whether you’re a newcomer or a fan. Voyles’ writing is engaging and kept me hooked from start to finish. It was a clever and eerie read that I really enjoyed. Perfect for Halloween or a thrilling year-round read.

Thank you to the author, publisher and BookSirens for sending me an advance review copy for free.

[Elizabeth Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edgar is one of those rare novels that feels less like it was written and more like it was uncovered—pulled from the shadowed corners of literary history where myth and memory blur together.

David Allen Voyles crafts a haunting and deeply immersive portrait of a young Edgar Allan Poe, not as the distant literary icon we study, but as a living, searching, unsettled soul. The novel moves with a quiet intensity, weaving together psychological depth, gothic atmosphere, and an almost dreamlike sense of inevitability.

What struck me most was the authenticity of voice. There is a clear reverence for Poe’s legacy here, but never imitation. Instead, Voyles builds something original, something that feels spiritually aligned with Poe’s world while still entirely his own. The exploration of identity, darkness, and creative awakening is handled with care and intelligence.

The setting lingers. The tone lingers. And perhaps most of all, the questions the book raises linger.

This is not just a story about Poe, it feels like a story for those who have ever been drawn to the strange, the melancholic, and the beautifully unsettling.

A quietly powerful and memorable work.

[Sandra S.Santiago · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captured something a lot of horror novels miss: the feeling that fear can slowly become part of a person rather than just something chasing them.

What started as an intriguing supernatural mystery gradually turned into something much more psychological and emotionally layered. I loved how the story constantly walks the line between reality and imagination without ever losing its sense of direction. The uncertainty surrounding Edgar’s experiences made the entire novel feel unsettling in the best possible way.

The atmosphere deserves huge credit too. There’s a quiet heaviness hanging over the story from beginning to end, almost like the world itself is holding its breath. Even simple scenes carry this strange tension underneath them, which kept me fully immersed the entire time.

And honestly, the biggest compliment I can give this book is that it made me think about Edgar Allan Poe differently afterward. Instead of feeling like a fictionalized version of his life, it felt like an emotional interpretation of the darkness that may have shaped the writer he eventually became.

Elegant, eerie, and unexpectedly thoughtful.

[Randy Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most fascinating reads in a long time. This historical-horror fiction darts back and forth between reality and imagination on every page. Beginning with the books premise that Edgar Allen Poe, a real author, had a history with the supernatural as a teenager that explains the origin of Poe's later writings. The main characters, Edgar, Robert, Elmira, Morella and the raven are memorable and believable and the supporting cast of family members, store owners, circus performers and fortune tellers add plenty of opportunity for ghoulish surprises. Then there's Dark Edgar. I found the author's narrative style easy to read and entertaining despite the many twists and turns of the plot as my mind continued to sort out the truth among the steady stream of horror. Voyles offers one additional kindness to the reader by providing optional Authors Notes that tie specific passages from Poe's writings to specific story lines in this imaginary prequel. In the beginning of the book, I used the Notes frequently, but in the end, I just enjoyed the read.

[Krista Aveline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books are entertaining while you’re reading them. This one actually changed the mood of my entire evening.

I finished a few chapters late at night and immediately understood that this was not the kind of story you casually read before bed. There’s a lingering eeriness to it that follows you around afterward, not because of jump scares or graphic horror, but because of the tone. The book constantly feels like it’s hiding something just out of sight.

What I admired most was the restraint. The author knows exactly when to hold back and let your imagination do the work. In my opinion, that’s what makes horror memorable.

And strangely enough, beneath all the darkness, there’s also a sadness running through the story. Edgar’s fear isn’t only about what’s haunting him, it’s about what he may eventually become. That idea gave the book a depth I wasn’t expecting at all.

This didn’t read like fan fiction inspired by Poe. It read like a gothic tragedy that earned its own identity.

[Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

What stayed with me most after finishing this book is how alive everything felt.

Not alive in an energetic way, alive in the unsettling sense, like the world itself was quietly watching. Even small moments carried tension. Conversations felt loaded. Empty places never really felt empty.

I also loved that the story trusted subtlety. Some horror novels constantly try to convince you they’re scary, but this one doesn’t need to. It builds discomfort naturally, scene by scene, until you suddenly realize you’ve been holding your breath for half a chapter.

The relationship between Edgar and his double was fascinating to me because it never felt one-dimensional. It wasn’t just “good versus evil.” It felt more intimate than that, almost like watching someone confront a version of themselves they desperately don’t want to recognize.

There’s a maturity in the writing that really impressed me. The horror is there, but the psychological undercurrent is what gives the story its staying power.

[Mitchell C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly expected this to lean heavily on Poe references and nostalgia, but what surprised me is how confidently it stands on its own. You don’t need to be a Poe expert to get pulled into this story.

There’s a strange emotional loneliness running through the entire book that I really connected with. Edgar feels isolated long before the supernatural elements fully take over, and that makes everything that happens to him feel more believable somehow. The horror works because the emotional foundation underneath it feels real.

One thing I appreciated is that the book doesn’t treat darkness as something “cool” or theatrical. It feels invasive. Exhausting. Confusing. There were moments where I genuinely felt frustrated for Edgar because nobody around him fully understood what he was experiencing.

Also, the setting was perfect. The cemeteries, the quiet streets, the heavy summer atmosphere—it all felt vivid without becoming overly descriptive.

This felt less like reading a horror novel and more like uncovering a memory someone tried very hard to bury.

[William Rosser · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something strangely hypnotic about this book.

Even during quieter chapters, I never felt disconnected because the atmosphere constantly carries this low, unsettling tension underneath everything. It’s the kind of story where even normal conversations feel important, like something dangerous is quietly circling in the background.

What really worked for me was how layered the horror felt. On the surface, it’s supernatural and eerie, but underneath that there’s a deeper fear tied to identity, memory, and the possibility of becoming something you don’t fully understand.

I also think the book does an excellent job of balancing darkness with emotion. The relationships never feel like filler; they actually give the story warmth, which makes the disturbing moments feel sharper by contrast.

And honestly, the concept itself is brilliant. Turning Poe’s early life into a haunting psychological gothic story could have easily felt gimmicky, but instead it feels surprisingly sincere and immersive.

Definitely one of those books that leaves a mood behind after you finish it.

[Thomas McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has the kind of atmosphere that slowly settles into you without you realizing it.

At first, I thought I was simply reading an interesting supernatural reimagining of Poe’s early life, but somewhere along the way the story became much more immersive than I expected. The uneasiness builds so naturally that by the middle of the book, even the quiet scenes started to feel tense.

What stood out to me most was how personal the horror feels. Edgar isn’t just dealing with strange events; he’s struggling with the terrifying possibility that the darkness surrounding him may somehow belong to him too. That emotional layer gave the story far more depth than I was expecting from a gothic horror novel.

I also appreciated how vivid the imagery felt without becoming overly dramatic. The cemeteries, the shadows, the strange encounters, they all felt cinematic in a very restrained way.

This is the kind of story that doesn’t scream for your attention. It quietly pulls you deeper chapter by chapter until you suddenly realize you’re completely consumed by it.

[Sophia Ennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how patient this book is.

It doesn’t rush to scare you or overwhelm you with constant twists. Instead, it slowly creates this eerie emotional pressure that keeps tightening around Edgar as the story unfolds. That gradual tension made everything feel more believable and honestly much more effective.

One of my favorite things was how the supernatural elements were written with just enough ambiguity to keep me questioning things. There were moments where I genuinely couldn’t decide whether Edgar was being haunted, manipulated, or confronting some hidden part of himself. That uncertainty made the story incredibly engaging.

The writing style also fits the mood perfectly. It feels polished but never distant, atmospheric but still emotionally grounded.

By the final chapters, the story stopped feeling like a fictional “what if” and started feeling like a tragic explanation for how someone like Poe could become fascinated with darkness in the first place.

Really memorable read.