Timber Beast: Twisted Tales of Familiar Faces

by A.K. Hughey

An ancient curse. Hidden horrors. Once man’s axe will raze it all.Paul’s first job as camp boss in Saginaw Country is his chance to prove his worth and solidify his reputation as a Timber Beast. But the pine forests he’s tasked with harvesting conceal far more than trees.

Beneath the towering pines, a centuries-old curse stirs, waiting to devour anyone who dares intrude. Armed with his axe and saw, Paul must fight to protect his crew from the sinister forces lurking in the shadows.

In these woods, danger awaits with every swing.

Timber Beast is a bone-chilling retelling of the Paul Bunyan legend. This harrowing tale is part of the Twisted Tales of Familiar Faces collection, featuring classic beloved characters twisted into terrifying nightmares.

152 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2025

Reviews

[Karleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this. As a Canadian who has a bachelors in History (although set in Michigan, the MC is French Canadian), being able to know the background of where the MC came from, the job they are doing and just how harsh that environment is and the way they were treated really gave me a strong connection to the characters. Then to bring in a horror twist, this was chefs kiss.

[Sandi Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can read the book blurb, it's a twist on the Paul Bunyan tale. Is it horror, though? I guess you could say so. It's creepy and has subtle elements of the supernatural mixed in. I read the book in one afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed the ending. I could see reading this book while sitting around the campfire and spooking my oldest grandchild. Done right, it would make an eerie addition to our camping rituals and ghost stories. It's not overwhelming and older children would enjoy the “spook” too.

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul is given his first expedition to lead a team ino a forest to survey the land for lumber, but it is not as straight forward as it seems. Plagued by spirits and unusual events, Paul fails to keep everyone safe. With help from an unexpected source, he finds himself in a ritual, which leads to much more than expected. A good horror. I received an ARC copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not at all what I was expecting for a Paul Bunyan retelling. It was so interesting! Also, dark and weird, but such a cool read. The characters were awesome and the world building pretty spectacular. I really felt like I was in the town & the forest with these characters. And that forest was CREEPY.
It's a very satisfying read and I highly recommend it!

[Christine Fancher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A horror version of Paul Bunyon, this twisted tale of cursed land actually made my skin crawl!
Paul is a logger and takes a crew to scout the land and prepare the spots chosen by his boss for the upcoming season. While out there, Paul feels like they are being watched. There is a heavy, dark presence around them and time slips by whenever they enter the woods. Paul is attempting to make sure his crew is safe and calm while keeping them on track, but strange, unexplainable things are happening with no hope of it letting up.
If you like creepy, ghosty, curse vibes and retellings of stories check this out!
I liked the detail with it being placed in Michigan and mentioning multiple places in Michigan that help set the scene.
I really enjoyed the writing style and the fact that it creeped me out, which rarely happens for me.

[Stefanie Silvestri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a retelling of Paul Bunyan with a horror twist. He leads his crew on an expedition deep into the forest, during which they encounter some strange occurrences. The forest had an ominous feeling. The characters were great. I love this series and that each book is written by a different author.

[J.A. Barrios · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Paul Bunyan retelling was really cool! I loved the atmosphere, out in the Michigan wilderness where darkness lurks in the shadows. Paul's reputation is on the line as he leads a team on an expedition to build camps for the lumber company. This simple job becomes anything but that as they discover a curse in the forest.

Hughey does not hold back, coming in strong with a creature feature in the first chapter! I loved all the creatures within this story. There were so many! Some familiar and some not as commonly seen.
The history in this book feels very full and solid, a good sign of some great research! Hughey also has a fine way with imagery. My favorite was the scene when Paul dives into the stream to get salmon, but when he resurfaces....

This is an easy read with good creepy tones and a very good story. And if you enjoy a twist on a classic figure, I can't recommend this one enough!

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, is this different or is this different. It’s one of those that’s starts a slowly and the it becomes more and more apparent what’s happening. I liked it I have to say, don’t usually read horror but I enjoyed this one. Recommended read.

[Riann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this Paul Bunyan horror retelling. I really liked the characters and the overall menacing nature of the woods. I feel that too much time was spent on describing the role of the lumberjacks and their teams. I enjoyed the ending.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul is super at his job as Timber Beast but there’s more to the job than he expected. Danger and secrets everywhere. Will he survive this. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to read this fantastic book.

[Clive Willcocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great horror story from M4L publishing. As with the other stories in the set they are reasonably short, so quite a quick read. As with the others I really enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend it.

[Diana Fournier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun spin on Paul Bunyan. I was very surprised since I grew up and live in Michigan that parts of this book are in Michigan. How fun when they started naming places that I’ve been to. There was a good twist and loved the ending. Good read!

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 4 out of 5]

An expedition deep into the forest. Paul and his crew encounter some strange occurrences. Paul Bunyan in a new light. The tale starts slowly but picks up. Reading I felt I was with them.

[Marlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, nicely paced. I didn't want to put it down. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing horror take on the Paul Bunyan tale. Really entertaining and well done! Absolutely loved this story!

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A paul Bunyan retelling like no other.
A curse re awakened that is determined to take what it believes is due. Who will survive?

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am happy that I have chosen to go into these twisted tales blindly. It has be going in without any expectations. The strangeness of the creatures and an unlikely friendship between 2 men, made me enjoy this book all the more. Even when it was slow with the action, I was enjoying every minute of it.

[Amber Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving arc reading this series so much this book was such an unexpected journey it was slow but I didn’t mind it. A Paul Bunyon horror retelling? Hell yeah. I loved the characters a lot it might have been one of my favorite things actually