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The Cult of Choíche
The Cult of Choiche
Nothing ever happens in Hardy. Not that horror game obsessed Charlie Moran doesn't imagine it. The dead rising up, crawling at the ruins of Harding Castle.
No, nothing ever happens in Hardy.
Till the rivers floods.
Till it sweeps free anicent coffins laying in wait.
Till the dead rise and suddenly it's not a game anymore. Charlie's playing for keeps.
The Cult of Choiche is a novel about a lonely young boy and his struggle to accept himself as he his. Yet when the undead rise from their graves after almost a thousand years of imprisonment he is about to learn that the parts of himself that he keeps secret from his schoolmates, his teachers is exactly what he needs to defeat this evil. An evil led by Lucille Byrne, a eleventh century witch who along with her cult of followers discover the gift of immortality only it comes with a price. That price is a hunger for human flesh.
From Bethany Mitchell, book blogger
"The novel encompasses elements of historical, folklore, and religious horror as well as providing a new take on the zombie sub-genre. It’s contains characters that represent members of the LGBTQ community. It also features multiple characters from all walks of life that showcase the society of Ireland during 2002, when the book is set.
For me, this book felt nostalgic. It felt like that kind of book I read when I was younger and made me fall in love with the world of horror. Like your first ever Stephen King book. It was as if I was reading it a second time, despite the fact the book isn't even out yet! That's what makes it so unique and memorable to me."
Nothing ever happens in Hardy. Not that horror game obsessed Charlie Moran doesn't imagine it. The dead rising up, crawling at the ruins of Harding Castle.
No, nothing ever happens in Hardy.
Till the rivers floods.
Till it sweeps free anicent coffins laying in wait.
Till the dead rise and suddenly it's not a game anymore. Charlie's playing for keeps.
The Cult of Choiche is a novel about a lonely young boy and his struggle to accept himself as he his. Yet when the undead rise from their graves after almost a thousand years of imprisonment he is about to learn that the parts of himself that he keeps secret from his schoolmates, his teachers is exactly what he needs to defeat this evil. An evil led by Lucille Byrne, a eleventh century witch who along with her cult of followers discover the gift of immortality only it comes with a price. That price is a hunger for human flesh.
From Bethany Mitchell, book blogger
"The novel encompasses elements of historical, folklore, and religious horror as well as providing a new take on the zombie sub-genre. It’s contains characters that represent members of the LGBTQ community. It also features multiple characters from all walks of life that showcase the society of Ireland during 2002, when the book is set.
For me, this book felt nostalgic. It felt like that kind of book I read when I was younger and made me fall in love with the world of horror. Like your first ever Stephen King book. It was as if I was reading it a second time, despite the fact the book isn't even out yet! That's what makes it so unique and memorable to me."
- GenresHorror
270 pages, Paperback
Published October 18, 2024
3 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Stewart
12 books178 followersJamie Stewart is a horror author and editor. His books include PRICE MANOR: THE HOUSE THAT BLEEDS, I HEAR THE CLATTERING OF THE KEYS (AND OTHER FEVERS DREAMS) and MR. JONES. He has co-edited such anthologies as WELCOME TO THE FUNHOUSE for BLOOD RITES HORROR and THE SACRAMENT, which is coming this October from DARK LIT PRESS. His short stories can be found in various anthologies, podcasts and Youtube channels.
Jamie lives in Northern Ireland with his wife and dogs, Poppy and Henry. He can be found on Instagram @jamie.stewart.33 where he reviews and promotes books.
Jamie lives in Northern Ireland with his wife and dogs, Poppy and Henry. He can be found on Instagram @jamie.stewart.33 where he reviews and promotes books.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 8, 2024
Jamie Stewart has done the impossible and hooked me with a zombie novel. I would’ve always said zombie horror wasn’t my thing had I not picked up Cult of Choíche.
Stewart pulls inspiration from Resident Evil, Salem’s Lot, and even Lord of the Rings. The result? Something so unputdownable.
In a small Irish town, coffins come ashore, unleashing an ancient evil. Of all people, Charlie finds himself facing an immense responsibility bestowed upon him in the haste of the situation. Reminds me of Frodo receiving the ring in Lord of The Rings. He’s just a kid, sure, but with the help of his new friend, Nadine, his gun-wielding mother, the priest of the town, and his trusty golden retriever, he discovers a new sense of self, a purpose.
It’s graphic at times but never in a cheap way. In fact, readers will find themselves giddy with the shock and cleverness behind Stewart’s slaying of the undead.
The town itself felt like a character, which made the story all the more atmospheric. It’s grim, unsettling, and a hell of a lot of fun.
Not to mention, Stewart does such a good job of creating dynamic female characters that feel dread of things men don’t generally think about, like autonomy.
If you get the chance, check out a podcast or reel to hear the author’s voice before reading. I read hearing his Irish accent and it was SO perfect.
Stewart pulls inspiration from Resident Evil, Salem’s Lot, and even Lord of the Rings. The result? Something so unputdownable.
In a small Irish town, coffins come ashore, unleashing an ancient evil. Of all people, Charlie finds himself facing an immense responsibility bestowed upon him in the haste of the situation. Reminds me of Frodo receiving the ring in Lord of The Rings. He’s just a kid, sure, but with the help of his new friend, Nadine, his gun-wielding mother, the priest of the town, and his trusty golden retriever, he discovers a new sense of self, a purpose.
It’s graphic at times but never in a cheap way. In fact, readers will find themselves giddy with the shock and cleverness behind Stewart’s slaying of the undead.
The town itself felt like a character, which made the story all the more atmospheric. It’s grim, unsettling, and a hell of a lot of fun.
Not to mention, Stewart does such a good job of creating dynamic female characters that feel dread of things men don’t generally think about, like autonomy.
If you get the chance, check out a podcast or reel to hear the author’s voice before reading. I read hearing his Irish accent and it was SO perfect.
September 13, 2024
Disclaimer: I’m a friend of Jamie and I read an earlier version of this novel and offered feedback to him on it. Anyway, now that’s out of the way…
Jamie Stewart continues to grow as a writer with this tale of zombies attacking Northern Ireland. This frenetic, fast-paced scarefest is full of heart-thumping adventure, shocking kills and terrifying, wet thumping sounds.
If you’ve read Jamie’s previous work, you’ll know he is great a crafting characters you care about, building a strong sense of place, and delivering great scares. All of that is shown in abundance here, with an unrelenting story that grips you from the off and doesn’t let go.
There’s also a real passion behind this story, which has been lodged in Jamie’s head since he was a child as he explains in the intro. You can feel his joy at finally being able to realise it ooze out across the pages, and the result is a creative take on the tired zombie genre that had this zombie-ambivalent reader desperate to see what happened.
I hold Jamie’s writing - and friendship - in high regard and it’s so wonderful seeing him grow with each release. This is the best, most propulsive thing he’s done yet and horror fans anywhere will lap it up!
Out this October, thanks to Jamie for the advanced copy to review.
Jamie Stewart continues to grow as a writer with this tale of zombies attacking Northern Ireland. This frenetic, fast-paced scarefest is full of heart-thumping adventure, shocking kills and terrifying, wet thumping sounds.
If you’ve read Jamie’s previous work, you’ll know he is great a crafting characters you care about, building a strong sense of place, and delivering great scares. All of that is shown in abundance here, with an unrelenting story that grips you from the off and doesn’t let go.
There’s also a real passion behind this story, which has been lodged in Jamie’s head since he was a child as he explains in the intro. You can feel his joy at finally being able to realise it ooze out across the pages, and the result is a creative take on the tired zombie genre that had this zombie-ambivalent reader desperate to see what happened.
I hold Jamie’s writing - and friendship - in high regard and it’s so wonderful seeing him grow with each release. This is the best, most propulsive thing he’s done yet and horror fans anywhere will lap it up!
Out this October, thanks to Jamie for the advanced copy to review.
January 30, 2025
The Cult of Choiche was a fantastic read. Jamie writes in a beautiful way. You can visualize the small Irish town, the characters, and the horror so well with how he conveys the plot to the reader.
This is a zombie novel, and I personally don't like zombie novels much prefering zombie movies over reading about them. This, however, has a Gothic feel due to the town with ancient castles and the reason for the dead to rise. Our main villain was portrayed so hauntingly. It's not overly graphic in regards to the horror or gore and reminded me for some reason of writers like John Saul who while writing horror did it with such an engaging story that was just as good as the spooky elements. He was able to portray the tense feelings and anxiety without being graphic or gimmicky.
Jamie should not be an indie author. He should be more widely known. Definitely go check him out.
4.5 stars.
This is a zombie novel, and I personally don't like zombie novels much prefering zombie movies over reading about them. This, however, has a Gothic feel due to the town with ancient castles and the reason for the dead to rise. Our main villain was portrayed so hauntingly. It's not overly graphic in regards to the horror or gore and reminded me for some reason of writers like John Saul who while writing horror did it with such an engaging story that was just as good as the spooky elements. He was able to portray the tense feelings and anxiety without being graphic or gimmicky.
Jamie should not be an indie author. He should be more widely known. Definitely go check him out.
4.5 stars.
September 10, 2024
Thank you for the ARC copy of this book, Jamie! It is out on October 18th! Just in time for spooky season.
Jamie is the author of one of my all time favourite books: Montague's Carnival of Delights and Terror. So I was thinking how excited I was to read another book by him, but could it possibly compete to the book I love so much? Well I'll tell you this, I think it can!
This book was excellent. When I say, "I couldn't look away." I usually can still get up and make myself a cup of tea, but nope... No tea for me. Only reading. I genuinely couldn't look away!!! I was reading huge chunks in one go.
This book ticks off so many things for me!
- Grey, lonely small towns (set in Ireland!)
- Unique set of characters working together. I loved the different POVs (this is what grips you alot I think, the going back and fourth to each set of drama. I loved how it ranged from adults to children)
- Zombies / monsters / weird villainous supernatural creatures. A unique kind of monster is what I am trying to say I guess.
- An interesting backstory.
- Tense moments! Although I love the idea of a zombie battle at a castle, I found the drama at the pub insane!
- Mentions of games, videos, books, movies etc
- Genuinely freaky moment. I am haunted by the tapping at the window! It kinda made me want to cry and throw up in all the right "I'm reading a horror book" ways 😂
What I particularly loved was the creepy, eerie, somewhat gothic build up... the intense middle to the end, but also the appropriate amount of side detail. There was action, but there was character development. There was backstory and the build of relationships, but there was no details bogging you down or taking you away from the main action. Like yeah sure we've got some past trauma going on that creeps up in our mind here and there, but right now? Let's fight these zombies and try to survive. Jamie found the absolute perfect balance.
Unlike Montague's, I did find myself rooting for the heros! The villain was awesome and I wouldn't say no to reading if Jamie decided to do a whole book on them... But the main characters were just too awesome. I wanted them to win!
For me, this book felt nostalgic. It felt like that kind of book I read when I was younger and made me fall in love with the world of horror. Like your first ever Stephen King book. It was as if I was reading it a second time, despite the fact the book isn't even out yet! That's what makes it so unique and memorable to me. I highly recommend.
Jamie is the author of one of my all time favourite books: Montague's Carnival of Delights and Terror. So I was thinking how excited I was to read another book by him, but could it possibly compete to the book I love so much? Well I'll tell you this, I think it can!
This book was excellent. When I say, "I couldn't look away." I usually can still get up and make myself a cup of tea, but nope... No tea for me. Only reading. I genuinely couldn't look away!!! I was reading huge chunks in one go.
This book ticks off so many things for me!
- Grey, lonely small towns (set in Ireland!)
- Unique set of characters working together. I loved the different POVs (this is what grips you alot I think, the going back and fourth to each set of drama. I loved how it ranged from adults to children)
- Zombies / monsters / weird villainous supernatural creatures. A unique kind of monster is what I am trying to say I guess.
- An interesting backstory.
- Tense moments! Although I love the idea of a zombie battle at a castle, I found the drama at the pub insane!
- Mentions of games, videos, books, movies etc
- Genuinely freaky moment. I am haunted by the tapping at the window! It kinda made me want to cry and throw up in all the right "I'm reading a horror book" ways 😂
What I particularly loved was the creepy, eerie, somewhat gothic build up... the intense middle to the end, but also the appropriate amount of side detail. There was action, but there was character development. There was backstory and the build of relationships, but there was no details bogging you down or taking you away from the main action. Like yeah sure we've got some past trauma going on that creeps up in our mind here and there, but right now? Let's fight these zombies and try to survive. Jamie found the absolute perfect balance.
Unlike Montague's, I did find myself rooting for the heros! The villain was awesome and I wouldn't say no to reading if Jamie decided to do a whole book on them... But the main characters were just too awesome. I wanted them to win!
For me, this book felt nostalgic. It felt like that kind of book I read when I was younger and made me fall in love with the world of horror. Like your first ever Stephen King book. It was as if I was reading it a second time, despite the fact the book isn't even out yet! That's what makes it so unique and memorable to me. I highly recommend.
September 11, 2024
Rounded up from 4.5. I think if Stewart let chaos reign supreme for another 30-50 pages, this book would deliver a knockout punch! But either way, this is a fantastically written zombie novel that any horror fan, especially zombie fans, is bound to enjoy! If you haven’t checked out any of Stewart’s work yet, I highly recommend doing so, even if you start here.
I love when a good horror story can seamlessly stay character-driven while presenting dread and suspense throughout. Looking forward to more of Stewart’s work that’s for sure!
Thank you so much for the ARC copy as well!
I love when a good horror story can seamlessly stay character-driven while presenting dread and suspense throughout. Looking forward to more of Stewart’s work that’s for sure!
Thank you so much for the ARC copy as well!
September 10, 2025
“They had her. There was no escape. It was like drowning in rotten flesh. Flesh that was hungry and begging to feast.”
The Cult of Choíche was such a fun time for this zombie-loving reader. The impressive descriptions and inner dialogue were my favorite elements, along with multiple references to one of my favorite bands: The Red Hot Chili Peppers.
As a tried and true fan of Jamie Stewart’s work, I have to say his already splendid craft has reached new heights with this story. Highly recommend for those who enjoy zombie stories with a twist, gaming, and horror with heart.
Thank you, Jamie, for yet another grand reading experience. 🧟♀️
The Cult of Choíche was such a fun time for this zombie-loving reader. The impressive descriptions and inner dialogue were my favorite elements, along with multiple references to one of my favorite bands: The Red Hot Chili Peppers.
As a tried and true fan of Jamie Stewart’s work, I have to say his already splendid craft has reached new heights with this story. Highly recommend for those who enjoy zombie stories with a twist, gaming, and horror with heart.
Thank you, Jamie, for yet another grand reading experience. 🧟♀️
October 27, 2024
A fun, actioned packed zombie attack on a rural town in Ireland. Very descriptive, at times gory and a general enjoyable experience.
A suitable spooky season read. 3.5 stars but rounded up to 4 for Goodreads twisted rating system.
A suitable spooky season read. 3.5 stars but rounded up to 4 for Goodreads twisted rating system.
September 7, 2024
Peak zombie fiction.
I'm one of those horror fans who's pretty fatigued by zombie media. About the only thing I like is Resident Evil, because the zombies are only the tip of the iceberg.
I can now add The Cult of Choíche to the very short list of zombie media that excites me.
I was already a fan of Jamie's writing, but this book shows his growth over time. This is a character-focused narrative that successfully maintains good pacing whilst exploring the thoughts and motivations of its cast.
In terms of cast, we've got a diverse bunch from various backgrounds, and no guarantees that anyone will survive. Their complexities create realistic responses to the plot, and fuel how they interact with one another.
I appreciated how Jamie referenced zombie media without his work becoming a pastiche. It remained true to its own story; the influences were clear, but never to the detriment of the story.
Perhaps the only criticism I have is that I wanted MORE. More death, more destruction, more zombie chaos. Perhaps it was a symptom of the relatively small setting and a desire to keep the focus on the plot and characters, but a few more vignettes of zombies tearing apart townsfolk may have elevated this further...
But it's still a 5 star for me - I thoroughly enjoyed my reading experience and going on this journey with the characters.
I'm one of those horror fans who's pretty fatigued by zombie media. About the only thing I like is Resident Evil, because the zombies are only the tip of the iceberg.
I can now add The Cult of Choíche to the very short list of zombie media that excites me.
I was already a fan of Jamie's writing, but this book shows his growth over time. This is a character-focused narrative that successfully maintains good pacing whilst exploring the thoughts and motivations of its cast.
In terms of cast, we've got a diverse bunch from various backgrounds, and no guarantees that anyone will survive. Their complexities create realistic responses to the plot, and fuel how they interact with one another.
I appreciated how Jamie referenced zombie media without his work becoming a pastiche. It remained true to its own story; the influences were clear, but never to the detriment of the story.
Perhaps the only criticism I have is that I wanted MORE. More death, more destruction, more zombie chaos. Perhaps it was a symptom of the relatively small setting and a desire to keep the focus on the plot and characters, but a few more vignettes of zombies tearing apart townsfolk may have elevated this further...
But it's still a 5 star for me - I thoroughly enjoyed my reading experience and going on this journey with the characters.
November 2, 2024
This book was all things creepy and nostalgic for me. It also was the perfect zombie read as I have found myself on a bit of a zombie sub-genre kick since reading Breathers and the Vacation trilogy earlier this year even though previously I wouldn’t have thought I would have liked books about zombies. This was perfect. It wasn’t cliche, the zombies were for sure undead creatures who had a hunger to feed on human flesh but the unique back story of why and how that has come to be was refreshing. It has a gothic, witchy, occult sub plot that lends to this spine-chilling zombie tale. Add in the atmospheric irish small-town, a cast of well developed characters you will care about and root for, a crumbling seaside castle and many references to one of my favorite bands, Red Hot Chili Peppers and you have a 5-star recipe for one impressive work of undead fiction.
Thank you Jamie for the advanced reader copy.
Thank you Jamie for the advanced reader copy.
December 6, 2024
A rollicking fun horror novel! Jamie Stewart delivers a great roster of characters to populate this action-fueled zombie siege novel set in Northern Ireland, a setting that felt beautifully immersive from the very first page. Both eerie and nostalgic, I couldn’t put it down.
September 11, 2025
Zombies, gun-toting ministers, Resident Evil, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Jamie Stewart draws us into the quiet town of Hardy, a dead-end place with its back to the ocean, where nothing ever happens. Until one day, the river floods with coffins, and the dead, along with their ancient leader, rise up to claim the town and all its residents.
The story Jamie has written here, along with its cast of characters of zombie kick arsery was a fun ride, and although, for me, over exposition at times slowed the pace of the action in a few scenes, it wasn’t enough to detract from the zombie smashing good times to be had in this book.
In The Cult of Choiche, Jamie does a great job of sculpting the town of Hardy into a character of its very own, and my personal favourite in this book. It’s a dreary, ominous and atmospheric place my dark heart can’t help but want to visit, despite all the moaning walking dead. Its descriptions are vivid and transporting.
If you’re a fan of zombie fiction, then grab yourself a bite of the Cult of Choiche. The flesh of it tastes too good to resist.
The story Jamie has written here, along with its cast of characters of zombie kick arsery was a fun ride, and although, for me, over exposition at times slowed the pace of the action in a few scenes, it wasn’t enough to detract from the zombie smashing good times to be had in this book.
In The Cult of Choiche, Jamie does a great job of sculpting the town of Hardy into a character of its very own, and my personal favourite in this book. It’s a dreary, ominous and atmospheric place my dark heart can’t help but want to visit, despite all the moaning walking dead. Its descriptions are vivid and transporting.
If you’re a fan of zombie fiction, then grab yourself a bite of the Cult of Choiche. The flesh of it tastes too good to resist.
March 1, 2025
Hardy is boring according to Charlie Moran and horror obsessed as he is he dreams of Hardy Castle crawling with the undead. Then the floods come, coffins are swept open and the dead rise whilst an evil witch makes her play for immortality through human flesh.
Zombies and cults and witches, oh my!
Set in Ireland in the early 2000’s this is the story of a boy’s coming of age and explores his journey of discovery in the midst of an apocalyptic event. There are some incredible characters here that encompass Irish society in that time and the back and forth in the chapters as we hear their points of view is wonderful.
With folklore, historical, cultic and religious horror motifs and a gothic vibe this is such a fabulous tale of a boy finding out who he is and acceptance being the balm to claim back his town. The pop culture references were a delight and the main big bad is spectacularly malicious.
A story that feels fresh and original in the midst of popular tropes, how rare is that! Wonderful!
Zombies and cults and witches, oh my!
Set in Ireland in the early 2000’s this is the story of a boy’s coming of age and explores his journey of discovery in the midst of an apocalyptic event. There are some incredible characters here that encompass Irish society in that time and the back and forth in the chapters as we hear their points of view is wonderful.
With folklore, historical, cultic and religious horror motifs and a gothic vibe this is such a fabulous tale of a boy finding out who he is and acceptance being the balm to claim back his town. The pop culture references were a delight and the main big bad is spectacularly malicious.
A story that feels fresh and original in the midst of popular tropes, how rare is that! Wonderful!
September 7, 2024
I really recommend this book, no doubt Jamie's best work so far.
If your a fan of horror, particularly the zombie genre, and enjoy spotting the nods and tributes to everything from Resident Evil , Shaun of the Dead, Romero etc , this is perfect! But not just that, it's really well written, some things that other authors may make clumsy, Jamie really hits out the ball park. It's fun, fast, funny, touching and perfectly paced world creating at its best.
If your a fan of horror, particularly the zombie genre, and enjoy spotting the nods and tributes to everything from Resident Evil , Shaun of the Dead, Romero etc , this is perfect! But not just that, it's really well written, some things that other authors may make clumsy, Jamie really hits out the ball park. It's fun, fast, funny, touching and perfectly paced world creating at its best.
November 11, 2024
This is the second book I've read by Jamie. Once again, he did an excellent job. Whenever people say they don't like reading, I tell them they haven't found the right author. It doesn't matter what genre you prefer if the writing is tough to get through. You won't have that problem with Jamie. His writing is phenomenal. Descriptions and storytelling are both on point. Zombies aren't usually my thing, but since Jamie gave it a shot, so did I. He delivered once again. Can't wait to read more.
October 29, 2024
4.5 / 5
*Review Coming Soon*
*Review Coming Soon*
October 20, 2025
Disclaimer: I got an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review 😊.
Firstly, even just reading the preface got me excited, Stewart has a way of writing that completely sticks in your head, I still think about I Hear the Clattering of the Keys and it's been a few years.
This was a refreshing take on a tired genre. The characters are aware of horror, they know what zombies are, it was just so good not to have to eye roll through pages of the characters skirting around admitting zombies are a thing. It also means the action can be ramped up immediately.
And ramped up it was. The vivid imagery combined with lovable characters has you racing to find out what happens next. Unlike most multiple pov books, I wanted to know what everyone was up to and how they were faring in this fight for survival.
I really liked that the hows and the whys are explored, making the whole tale seem like something that could happen in any sleepy village with a castle.
Some scenes really tug on the heartstrings (the bar), and the references to pop culture are pulled straight from my own childhood; sans any zombie attacks (that I'm allowed to disclose, anyway).
An all round brilliant book that I thoroughly recommend. It is spooky season, after all.
Firstly, even just reading the preface got me excited, Stewart has a way of writing that completely sticks in your head, I still think about I Hear the Clattering of the Keys and it's been a few years.
This was a refreshing take on a tired genre. The characters are aware of horror, they know what zombies are, it was just so good not to have to eye roll through pages of the characters skirting around admitting zombies are a thing. It also means the action can be ramped up immediately.
And ramped up it was. The vivid imagery combined with lovable characters has you racing to find out what happens next. Unlike most multiple pov books, I wanted to know what everyone was up to and how they were faring in this fight for survival.
I really liked that the hows and the whys are explored, making the whole tale seem like something that could happen in any sleepy village with a castle.
Some scenes really tug on the heartstrings (the bar), and the references to pop culture are pulled straight from my own childhood; sans any zombie attacks (that I'm allowed to disclose, anyway).
An all round brilliant book that I thoroughly recommend. It is spooky season, after all.
May 1, 2025
Irish folklore zombies and cults? Color me intrigued! So, apparently there is this cemetery within a small Irish town that contains ancient coffins that are swept away by the river one day. As unfortunate as that was, the citizens couldn’t have imagined that the bodies would escape their final resting places and begin terrorizing the locals. The brutality was fun and easy to picture, and the characters were well developed. There was a bit of a lull around the midpoint, and the scenes with the reincarnated bodies talking to each other briefly took me out of the whole “zombie mentality.” But overall, the story flowed well, and the final battle with Lucille and her minions versus Sade, Charlie, and Nadine was exciting to read. This novel had a bit of fantasy, historical horror, and zombie mayhem all rolled into one, and the scenes with the zombies trying to get into the pub gave me a Shaun of the Dead vibe. Oh, and there was a dog named Winston who played a major role helping in the defeat of the zombies. I wanted to make sure he got a mention.
October 1, 2025
The Cult of Choíche is one of those wonderful horror novels that's both terrify and life-affirming at the same time.
Jamie Stewart takes us into the sleepy little Irish town of Hardy, where nothing interesting ever happens, until a flash-flood awakens something awful that should have stayed buried, and a misfit bunch of survirors have to fight for their lives against an ancient threat.
I'm never been a big zombie fan, but Jamie surprised me with this one. His monsters have a unique and rich backstory and are genuinely horrifying! You can't help but fall in love with his characters, especially Charlie, our protagonist, who speaks to the vulnerable child (and gamer) in all of us, and it's a joy to watch his growth through the novel. As a lifelong Resident Evil fan, Charlie has to face up to a Nemesis of his own.
You can tell when a book is written with love in every page. If you're a fan of zombies, horror, or just a plain good novels, give this one a look. You won't regret it!
Disclaimer: I received a free review copy of this book.
Jamie Stewart takes us into the sleepy little Irish town of Hardy, where nothing interesting ever happens, until a flash-flood awakens something awful that should have stayed buried, and a misfit bunch of survirors have to fight for their lives against an ancient threat.
I'm never been a big zombie fan, but Jamie surprised me with this one. His monsters have a unique and rich backstory and are genuinely horrifying! You can't help but fall in love with his characters, especially Charlie, our protagonist, who speaks to the vulnerable child (and gamer) in all of us, and it's a joy to watch his growth through the novel. As a lifelong Resident Evil fan, Charlie has to face up to a Nemesis of his own.
You can tell when a book is written with love in every page. If you're a fan of zombies, horror, or just a plain good novels, give this one a look. You won't regret it!
Disclaimer: I received a free review copy of this book.
October 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this zombie tale set in Northern Ireland during the Halloween season. Reading it while I was visiting Ireland during Halloween season probably helped the experience, but I don’t want to take away from the author’s skill. Stewart’s book is a short one, but he manages to introduce the reader to several well drawn characters, set up his stakes and create some great atmosphere, seemingly with great ease. As anyone who spends time on bookstagram will tell you, indie horror authors are a dime a dozen, and truthfully many such works are amateurish, but that’s not the case here. Stewart does not come off as an inexperienced writer (indeed he has been productive already at this point in his career), his prose is assured and he’s able to make you care about his creations in short order. Creating a zombie tale using his own cultural mythology and backdrop makes for a fun twist on what could otherwise be a stale genre, and most importantly he’s written a really fun book. Highly recommended!
October 6, 2025
“What was rising out of the darkness was a skull, and it seemed to be watching him.” - The Cult of Choíche by Jamie Stewart, 🧟.
That line still floats in my mind - rent free! Jamie Stewart’s The Cult of Choíche is a gripping and atmospheric entry in the zombie/horror genre — one that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Set in a small Irish town, it leans into eerie, gothic vibes and a slow‑burn dread that builds steadily until the dead rising from ancient coffins feel horrifyingly real. Stewart doesn’t rely purely on gore; his strength lies in characterization, place, and mood — the quiet before the storm, the lonely corners of Hardy, the weight of history in crumbling castles.
The novel balances visceral scenes with emotional stakes, and the characters feel real even as they face the unreal. If you love horror that lingers — you’ll enjoy this!
That line still floats in my mind - rent free! Jamie Stewart’s The Cult of Choíche is a gripping and atmospheric entry in the zombie/horror genre — one that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Set in a small Irish town, it leans into eerie, gothic vibes and a slow‑burn dread that builds steadily until the dead rising from ancient coffins feel horrifyingly real. Stewart doesn’t rely purely on gore; his strength lies in characterization, place, and mood — the quiet before the storm, the lonely corners of Hardy, the weight of history in crumbling castles.
The novel balances visceral scenes with emotional stakes, and the characters feel real even as they face the unreal. If you love horror that lingers — you’ll enjoy this!
October 19, 2024
The perfect read for the time of year! I’ve read a couple of Jamie Stewart’s books and I really appreciate his methodic and intentional style. His descriptions put me right there. I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland, and now, even with Zombie’s invading I want to go all the more!
I love that you can see glimpses of his heroes and inspirations in the pages!
Do yourself a favor this Halloween season, pick up this book and join the cult!
I love that you can see glimpses of his heroes and inspirations in the pages!
Do yourself a favor this Halloween season, pick up this book and join the cult!
September 17, 2025
I think one of the greatest things one can hope to find in horror is a fun one. That’s exactly what The Cult of Choiche is! Fans of Silent Hill, Evil Dead, Shaun of the Dead, and will get one hell of a kick out of it. Can’t recommend enough.
February 2, 2026
I generally don’t like zombie movies, but I really liked The Cult of Choiche. The writing was cinematic and has a richness, especially when describing the local landscape. I would definitely read more from the author.
January 2, 2025
The Cult of Choíche by Jamie Stewart is a thrilling mashup of zombie mayhem mixed with some dark fantasy. The story has extraordinary characters and gives us a new take on the undead uprising.
May 28, 2025
A fun zombie zombie read. Really loved this!
September 11, 2025
A different take on the undead and cults than what is usually seen! These oppressed beings chose power and everlasting life with an unexpected twist! The characters are amazing including the female heroine and the female villain! I also loved the references to music and video games from past times! The end peaked my curiosity, and I hope it was just a preview of more to come!
I highly recommend this to any zombie lovers! This book was like Resident Evil meets the Mummy!
I highly recommend this to any zombie lovers! This book was like Resident Evil meets the Mummy!
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