What do you think?
Rate this book
Baba Yaga
From C S Jones comes Baba Yaga, a new novelette just in time for Halloween.
Deep within the darkest recesses of an old Slavic forest, a band of German deserters are on the run. Disillusioned and scared witless, they have fled the Eastern Front, their goal to return to their families and start anew.
Unfortunately for them, the tales of the local witch, the Baba Yaga are more than just backwoods superstition used to scare children. She is elemental, an evil so ancient, to cross paths will bring about a terrible price. Soon, their goal will not be about escape, but about survival, and the Baba Yaga is watching every step.
Deep within the darkest recesses of an old Slavic forest, a band of German deserters are on the run. Disillusioned and scared witless, they have fled the Eastern Front, their goal to return to their families and start anew.
Unfortunately for them, the tales of the local witch, the Baba Yaga are more than just backwoods superstition used to scare children. She is elemental, an evil so ancient, to cross paths will bring about a terrible price. Soon, their goal will not be about escape, but about survival, and the Baba Yaga is watching every step.
- GenresHorror
56 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2024
6 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 27, 2024
With an incredible cover by Christy Aldridge, and an eerie folkloric plot by C.S. Jones, this is not a book to miss out on.
“The morning after every camp, we would find a cluster of tiny bones scattered around our dying fire.”
Short, but effectively and brutally terrifying, readers follow a band of Nazis as they try to navigate a forest on the Eastern Front. As something starts picking them off in dark woods, they take refuge in a dilapidated cabin that offers little protection.
“That'll be the cat. It likes to get into all the nooks and crannies. It’s after the rats, you see, but it likes to play with them first, corner them. Don't worry, she'll show herself soon enough, once she's had her fun.”
I highly enjoyed this new horror tale from an author who keeps creating awesome scary stories. Make sure to check out Jones’ other works if you haven’t already.
“The morning after every camp, we would find a cluster of tiny bones scattered around our dying fire.”
Short, but effectively and brutally terrifying, readers follow a band of Nazis as they try to navigate a forest on the Eastern Front. As something starts picking them off in dark woods, they take refuge in a dilapidated cabin that offers little protection.
“That'll be the cat. It likes to get into all the nooks and crannies. It’s after the rats, you see, but it likes to play with them first, corner them. Don't worry, she'll show herself soon enough, once she's had her fun.”
I highly enjoyed this new horror tale from an author who keeps creating awesome scary stories. Make sure to check out Jones’ other works if you haven’t already.
October 7, 2024
I have read everything by C.S. Jones and so far, I have been OBSESSED with everything. He has a way of writing that just makes me want to continue reading no matter what the story is about. His stories being absolutely spectacular is a bonus! Baba Yaga was a quick read and everything I knew it would be.
August 28, 2024
I love the atmosphere and tension in the story from the get go. To be honest I am curious how I would react if a bunch of German Soldiers dragging a little old lady came to my door. The host however seems to be very calm and collected, which is the polar opposite of what I would be. Which gives me a leave of concern, there is a level of uneasiness I can't explain.
Especially with the gestapo type character Schwartz. Chris is able to convey a level of respect for him turning from the Nazis like he did. A stern man with a calming demeanour but internally he is struggling to come to terms with the changes in a country he once loved. Then to lose his comrades one by one, those who joined him in deserting. You can tell his emotions are conflicted but one thing is certain. He knows the woman they are holding prisoner is somehow responsible. That level of certainty would be his downfall as things go batshit crazy. The redemption he so desperately seeks soon disappears forever.
Chris takes the story and folds it in with the traditional folk tales of Baba Yaga breathing new life into it.
A deeply disturbing tale of escaping the shackles of war and pursuing freedom. In the very deepest sense, gore and scenes that will make your skin crawl. From the sheer gross demise of each character to the grotesque form of Baba Yaga herself.
Also if you have entomophobia, this book will really mess you up. As the story progresses, the true reality of what awaits Schwartz, Kruger and Wilhelm.
Unable to escape the horrors of war and the sins he has committed, he faces a new nightmare. One that would be enough to send a sane man mad, the story was all encompassing and dragged me through the hatch into Baba Yaga’s walking lair of death.
Especially with the gestapo type character Schwartz. Chris is able to convey a level of respect for him turning from the Nazis like he did. A stern man with a calming demeanour but internally he is struggling to come to terms with the changes in a country he once loved. Then to lose his comrades one by one, those who joined him in deserting. You can tell his emotions are conflicted but one thing is certain. He knows the woman they are holding prisoner is somehow responsible. That level of certainty would be his downfall as things go batshit crazy. The redemption he so desperately seeks soon disappears forever.
Chris takes the story and folds it in with the traditional folk tales of Baba Yaga breathing new life into it.
A deeply disturbing tale of escaping the shackles of war and pursuing freedom. In the very deepest sense, gore and scenes that will make your skin crawl. From the sheer gross demise of each character to the grotesque form of Baba Yaga herself.
Also if you have entomophobia, this book will really mess you up. As the story progresses, the true reality of what awaits Schwartz, Kruger and Wilhelm.
Unable to escape the horrors of war and the sins he has committed, he faces a new nightmare. One that would be enough to send a sane man mad, the story was all encompassing and dragged me through the hatch into Baba Yaga’s walking lair of death.
September 15, 2024
Alright, Chris, we gotta talk. THE BUGS??? The shade of green I'm sure I turned at that horse fly scene, and it just kept going from there. Imagine giant anime tears, and you'll just about have my reaction. GROSS
Despite this one being just shy of 60 pages, Baba Yaga really packs a punch! I don't explore Slavic folklore much, so I enjoyed this glimpse into it. It's always interesting to see how different cultures interpret the boogeyman and how their beliefs and mannerisms influence the "darkness" of the story.
I'm such a fan of Chris' work! He has a depth to his writing and a way of making me get involved with the story that's unreal. He actually made me sympathetic to a character I never imagined I'd feel sympathy towards. Two characters, really. It surprised me, but it's to Chris' credit and how good he is that he could take such an unlikeable character model and make me actually want something good to happen.
I can't wait to see what the next one will be! Big thank you for letting me take an early looksie!
Despite this one being just shy of 60 pages, Baba Yaga really packs a punch! I don't explore Slavic folklore much, so I enjoyed this glimpse into it. It's always interesting to see how different cultures interpret the boogeyman and how their beliefs and mannerisms influence the "darkness" of the story.
I'm such a fan of Chris' work! He has a depth to his writing and a way of making me get involved with the story that's unreal. He actually made me sympathetic to a character I never imagined I'd feel sympathy towards. Two characters, really. It surprised me, but it's to Chris' credit and how good he is that he could take such an unlikeable character model and make me actually want something good to happen.
I can't wait to see what the next one will be! Big thank you for letting me take an early looksie!
November 5, 2025
This is a cold WWII short story. You can feel the wind blowing through you as you read about the deserter nazis on the western front.
Freezing cold and vulnerable they come across a small cabin and take refuge.
The captain takes charge… until it all starts to take a nasty, messed up turn.
A very short read, but a powerful character driven tale, a tale that is as much about dynamics as it is paranormal.
It’s quick, and it’s powerful… and you need to read it.
Another well deserved 4 STAR read from Chris.
Freezing cold and vulnerable they come across a small cabin and take refuge.
The captain takes charge… until it all starts to take a nasty, messed up turn.
A very short read, but a powerful character driven tale, a tale that is as much about dynamics as it is paranormal.
It’s quick, and it’s powerful… and you need to read it.
Another well deserved 4 STAR read from Chris.
September 13, 2024
Baba Yaga by C.S. Jones
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is an amazing short & dark horror story, where German soldiers are on the run in an old forest. An ancient evil, Baba Yada, is in this forest waiting for them! The men find out that she’s not just a superstition!
This is a fast read and very well written! The intensity kept me flipping pages until the end.
Thank you to C.S. Jones for an arc copy of this fantastic novelette!
*This book comes out October 13th*
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is an amazing short & dark horror story, where German soldiers are on the run in an old forest. An ancient evil, Baba Yada, is in this forest waiting for them! The men find out that she’s not just a superstition!
This is a fast read and very well written! The intensity kept me flipping pages until the end.
Thank you to C.S. Jones for an arc copy of this fantastic novelette!
*This book comes out October 13th*
September 17, 2024
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- Chris Jones is absolutely masterful at painting a picture with his words. I felt like I was right there in the snowy woods, in the dank cabin, and in the presence of this very wicked witch- Baba Yaga. This was one of the best witch stories I have ever read - and I’m also a big fan of horror set during WW2. I cannot wait to read what he comes up with next!
September 17, 2025
Really enjoyed this. The story is well-written, engaging, and holds your attention well as the mystery begins to unfold. Detailed descriptions of the horrors are well done and creepy.
Definitely worth your time.
Definitely worth your time.
June 24, 2025
4.5 stars
I’m a sucker for a good Baba Yaga story. Highly recommend. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
I’m a sucker for a good Baba Yaga story. Highly recommend. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
September 7, 2024
Jones has written one hell of a story, incredibly suspenseful, told with great skill and expert knowledge of its historical themes and original premise. The mere idea of a Baba Yaga tale taking place in a WWII setting, merits praise for creativity and chutzpah; and the actual execution is amazing and will keep everyone's interest till the explosive ending.
"Baba Yaga" is a grim tale that builds up slowly, quietly and calmly, through dialogue and gradual revelations (and some vomiting lol); though that's just the surface - the real events keep escalating underneath (sometimes literally!), till the supernatural elements are given full play, raising the body count in gory and gruesome ways.
Centrally figuring is a witch (or two) against Nazi soldiers - Slavic folklore against German might. Don't expect a real contest, however; it's a matter of the Nazis' survival once they realize they've fallen in the web of an ancient power. The ending is bleak but hugely satisfying!
A tale highly recommended!
"Baba Yaga" is a grim tale that builds up slowly, quietly and calmly, through dialogue and gradual revelations (and some vomiting lol); though that's just the surface - the real events keep escalating underneath (sometimes literally!), till the supernatural elements are given full play, raising the body count in gory and gruesome ways.
Centrally figuring is a witch (or two) against Nazi soldiers - Slavic folklore against German might. Don't expect a real contest, however; it's a matter of the Nazis' survival once they realize they've fallen in the web of an ancient power. The ending is bleak but hugely satisfying!
A tale highly recommended!
October 20, 2024
“I’d, truly, never witnessed such a horrendous visage in all my life.”
– Captain Schwartz, Nazi Regime, Eastern Front.
The most incredible part of this statement, was that the horrors he referenced, are not from his primary duty as a soldier for Hitler; they were from something far more sinister…
This book is a darkly twisted tableau of realism and folklore; diving into the evils of both. Our dear author deftly meshed the real-life horrors of servicemen in World War II and the insidious entrails of Slovic folklore that ruled the land with an iron fist far stronger than the dictator from Germany ever could.
My favorite part of this one was the nuanced characters. Characters that on the surface, you know, instinctually, you should hate and/or fear (depending upon the character); yet you start to see other sides of them, and you feel almost torn, fighting your original instinct.
And, for me, I must think that was the point of this whole story. That one cannot identify at first glance where evil lurks, and if it is, truly evil from its core, or it evolved from circumstances beyond the character’s control. Maybe nature versus nurture at a visceral level?
Maybe I am overthinking, but I was absolutely enthralled by this story; I loved that it made me, as I said, perhaps overthink; and it led down a deep rabbit hole into reading about Slovic folklore.
“This was nature at its most cruel, most beautiful, most practical.” - from the mind of Captain Schwartz, Nazi Regine, Eastern Front
And that, my friends, is where I will leave you, with that internal musing from our Captain…
I cannot recommend strongly enough that you pick this one up and try to wrap your minds around what could make a man like that, think that, about something even more powerful than the hate with which he was dispatched to carry out by his leader in Nazi Germany.
– Captain Schwartz, Nazi Regime, Eastern Front.
The most incredible part of this statement, was that the horrors he referenced, are not from his primary duty as a soldier for Hitler; they were from something far more sinister…
This book is a darkly twisted tableau of realism and folklore; diving into the evils of both. Our dear author deftly meshed the real-life horrors of servicemen in World War II and the insidious entrails of Slovic folklore that ruled the land with an iron fist far stronger than the dictator from Germany ever could.
My favorite part of this one was the nuanced characters. Characters that on the surface, you know, instinctually, you should hate and/or fear (depending upon the character); yet you start to see other sides of them, and you feel almost torn, fighting your original instinct.
And, for me, I must think that was the point of this whole story. That one cannot identify at first glance where evil lurks, and if it is, truly evil from its core, or it evolved from circumstances beyond the character’s control. Maybe nature versus nurture at a visceral level?
Maybe I am overthinking, but I was absolutely enthralled by this story; I loved that it made me, as I said, perhaps overthink; and it led down a deep rabbit hole into reading about Slovic folklore.
“This was nature at its most cruel, most beautiful, most practical.” - from the mind of Captain Schwartz, Nazi Regine, Eastern Front
And that, my friends, is where I will leave you, with that internal musing from our Captain…
I cannot recommend strongly enough that you pick this one up and try to wrap your minds around what could make a man like that, think that, about something even more powerful than the hate with which he was dispatched to carry out by his leader in Nazi Germany.
February 4, 2026
Baba Yaga by C. S. Jones is the kind of story that crawls under your skin and stays there.
Set deep in a shadow-soaked Slavic forest, this novelette follows a group of German deserters fleeing the horrors of the Eastern Front, only to stumble into something far older, darker, and far more merciless than war itself. What begins as an escape story quickly transforms into a brutal fight for survival as myth collides with grim reality.
Jones’s prose is lean and atmospheric, dripping with dread. The forest feels alive, watching. The fear feels earned. And the Baba Yaga herself? Not a caricature, not a fairy-tale villain-but something elemental and ancient, a force that does not need to announce her presence to be terrifying.
Despite its shorter length, this story packs an emotional and psychological punch. The tension never lets up, and the ending lingers like a whispered warning you can’t quite forget.
Perfect for fans of folklore-driven horror, historical darkness, and stories that prove monsters don’t need jump scares to be unforgettable. If you’re looking for a Halloween read or just something beautifully unsettling, this one is absolutely worth your time.
Set deep in a shadow-soaked Slavic forest, this novelette follows a group of German deserters fleeing the horrors of the Eastern Front, only to stumble into something far older, darker, and far more merciless than war itself. What begins as an escape story quickly transforms into a brutal fight for survival as myth collides with grim reality.
Jones’s prose is lean and atmospheric, dripping with dread. The forest feels alive, watching. The fear feels earned. And the Baba Yaga herself? Not a caricature, not a fairy-tale villain-but something elemental and ancient, a force that does not need to announce her presence to be terrifying.
Despite its shorter length, this story packs an emotional and psychological punch. The tension never lets up, and the ending lingers like a whispered warning you can’t quite forget.
Perfect for fans of folklore-driven horror, historical darkness, and stories that prove monsters don’t need jump scares to be unforgettable. If you’re looking for a Halloween read or just something beautifully unsettling, this one is absolutely worth your time.
September 5, 2024
This is unlike the previous two books I’ve read by C.S. Jones. The other two provided humor alongside the horror, and I adored them. This one didn’t give me any laughs at all, but I adore it just as much.
An atmospheric tale of deserters from the German Army, making their way through a snowy forest with a prisoner they are certain is very dangerous. They come across a house and force their way inside. What happens there kept me at the edge of my seat.
There is a great sense of dread in these pages, and plenty to churn your stomach as well. It’s a quick read that is surprisingly fleshed out for only 50 pages.
An atmospheric tale of deserters from the German Army, making their way through a snowy forest with a prisoner they are certain is very dangerous. They come across a house and force their way inside. What happens there kept me at the edge of my seat.
There is a great sense of dread in these pages, and plenty to churn your stomach as well. It’s a quick read that is surprisingly fleshed out for only 50 pages.
April 13, 2025
A few retreating German soldiers from the Eastern front meet an uncanny witch (Baba Yaga) in some mysterious Slavic forest. What is so terrifying about this myth? How is her interaction with those soldiers? This is a very nasty novella with gory details and a very dark atmosphere. Will any of the soldiers survive? What about Captain's Schwartz decision? Really enjoyed this book adding to the legendary Baba Yaga. Definitely nothing for the faint hearted but excellent modern horror. Highly recommended!
October 29, 2024
Nazi deserters face off against an ancient witch in an old Slavic forest. The unexpected fragility of this group of German soldiers, combined with the dark, malevolent force that is Baba Yaga, creates an extraordinary horror story, just in time for Halloween! It slowly creeps into your mind, painting a vivid and gory nightmare that makes the experience particularly terrifying. I missed the humor from the author's previous books, but I understood it wouldn't quite fit the tone here.
August 10, 2025
What a beautifully written short read from C.S. Jones. The way his words flow into the page are mesmerizing. I think his style of prose in this day and she of horror is hard to find.
The story unfolded fast enough to keep up with my thought process. I knew what was happening before the characters, but the magic was the unveiling of the characters' discovery.
If want an introduction to C.S Jones and some folkloric horror, step inside Baba Yaga. It's beautifully horrific.
The story unfolded fast enough to keep up with my thought process. I knew what was happening before the characters, but the magic was the unveiling of the characters' discovery.
If want an introduction to C.S Jones and some folkloric horror, step inside Baba Yaga. It's beautifully horrific.
September 16, 2024
This new novellete from C.S Jones is an absolute treat on the run up to Halloween!
Jones has written this story so well and I just loved the atmosphere and suspense when reading it.
The story takes you on the journey of two German soldiers who have taken someone hostage who they believe to be the Baba Yaga. Little do they know they have still to meet her on their travels....
Jones has written this story so well and I just loved the atmosphere and suspense when reading it.
The story takes you on the journey of two German soldiers who have taken someone hostage who they believe to be the Baba Yaga. Little do they know they have still to meet her on their travels....
October 16, 2024
Wickedly nasty!
I loved this little book. Nasty and gruesome from the very start. I could not put it down and tore through it in one sitting! If you’re looking for a story where a small force of Nazis meet their match in a haunted wood - you’re definitely in the right place. Highly recommend!
I loved this little book. Nasty and gruesome from the very start. I could not put it down and tore through it in one sitting! If you’re looking for a story where a small force of Nazis meet their match in a haunted wood - you’re definitely in the right place. Highly recommend!
October 17, 2024
Sometimes I get it in my head that I’m not interested in certain topics because they feel overplayed. Hence why I go into most books completely blind. I thought I was over WWII based horror, but this quick read had me hooked. I’m definitely going to check out C S Jones’s other books and will keep an eye out for the novel Do Not Unlock.
April 19, 2025
Although short, this little novella packs a massive punch. It gets into your mind and is quite terrifying in parts. Chris creates the horror atmosphere and tension right from the very start, and it just hides in every nook and cranny, greatly unfolding through every page with the grotesque folklore of Baba Yaga. Are the stories true, and where exactly does this superstitious charachter roam? The German soldiers are definitely in for an eye opener. Would you trust a little old lady? Open the pages and find out! What a read! 5 🌟
October 17, 2024
Baba Yaga is my first C.S. Jones book but it won't be the last. He masterfully blends the world war two story of a group of renegade Nazi's and the folkloric tale of a particularly sadistic witch. Some of the gruesome details still make me feel queasy. Well done!
December 12, 2024
This book went dark!
Darker than his first 2 and wow did it blow my mind!
C S Jones WILL NOT disappoint! His writing style is dark with humour and it hits everytime!
Highly recommend any of his books!
Darker than his first 2 and wow did it blow my mind!
C S Jones WILL NOT disappoint! His writing style is dark with humour and it hits everytime!
Highly recommend any of his books!
November 30, 2025
So, I‘m still processing what I‘ve just read. Bunch of Nazi soldiers get lost in the russian forest, being also hunted by Baba Yaga (slavic kind of an evil witch).
In only 45 pages there was: blood, nazis, blood, shit, more blood, giant horsefly, more insects, faceless soldiers… More blood?
It was disturbing and unsettling, but it was a hell of a ride!
In only 45 pages there was: blood, nazis, blood, shit, more blood, giant horsefly, more insects, faceless soldiers… More blood?
It was disturbing and unsettling, but it was a hell of a ride!
October 1, 2024
I will read anything and everything by this author because he NEVER disappoints.
This read was short, brutal and phenomenal!
This read was short, brutal and phenomenal!
October 16, 2024
A fantastic short story, perfect for spooky season.
February 19, 2025
riveting
I flew through this book. My heart racing with the Captains. A great quick read
Would recommend to anyone looking for a quick read
I flew through this book. My heart racing with the Captains. A great quick read
Would recommend to anyone looking for a quick read
March 4, 2025
Great book. Great author
August 12, 2025
Some forests have wolves, this one has Baba Yaga and she is huuungry!
WWII horror meets Slavic nightmare.
Absolutely devoured this.
WWII horror meets Slavic nightmare.
Absolutely devoured this.
September 11, 2025
Perfect blend of Nazis and folk horror.
November 18, 2024
All I will say is…wow! This story packs a punch…and a lot of bugs! Combining a World War II setting with Slavic folklore, this story is a must-read.
A sympathetic Nazi is a very difficult character to write, let alone in 50 pages or less, but Chris Jones has managed exactly that, and his storytelling is as impeccable as ever.
C S Jones is fast becoming an auto-read author for me, and is just getting stronger all the time.
Combining witches, folk horror and nazis, Baba Yaga is a short read that you won’t be able to put down
A sympathetic Nazi is a very difficult character to write, let alone in 50 pages or less, but Chris Jones has managed exactly that, and his storytelling is as impeccable as ever.
C S Jones is fast becoming an auto-read author for me, and is just getting stronger all the time.
Combining witches, folk horror and nazis, Baba Yaga is a short read that you won’t be able to put down
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews