What do you think?
Rate this book
The Eris Ridge Trail
You won't find the Eris Ridge Trail on any map. You won't find the people who go missing on it, either.
The Eris Ridge Trail has no beginning. No end. It runs forever, connecting realities across space and time.
Four travelers find themselves lost on the Trail...
A novice reporter who learns that some shortcuts are anything but.
A grieving author who's reunited with his dead dog in the tunnels beneath a haunted hotel.
A young man who tries a new ride-share app that abandons him in the space between Nebraska and Colorado.
A seasoned hiker and his aging dog who discover the remains of a six-legged rodent near the sign for a trail they've never heard of.
Disoriented by an ever-changing landscape and hunted by otherworldly predators, can they work together long enough to find their way home, or will they fall prey to the cosmic beast that guards the Trail?
The Eris Ridge Trail has no beginning. No end. It runs forever, connecting realities across space and time.
Four travelers find themselves lost on the Trail...
A novice reporter who learns that some shortcuts are anything but.
A grieving author who's reunited with his dead dog in the tunnels beneath a haunted hotel.
A young man who tries a new ride-share app that abandons him in the space between Nebraska and Colorado.
A seasoned hiker and his aging dog who discover the remains of a six-legged rodent near the sign for a trail they've never heard of.
Disoriented by an ever-changing landscape and hunted by otherworldly predators, can they work together long enough to find their way home, or will they fall prey to the cosmic beast that guards the Trail?
154 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2025
9 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Larry Hinkle
32 books22 followersLarry Hinkle is the least famous writer you’ve never heard of. A copywriter living with his wife and two doggos in Rockville, Maryland, when he's not writing stories that scare people into peeing their pants, he writes ads that scare people into buying adult diapers so they’re not caught peeing their pants.
"The Eris Ridge Trail," his new cosmic horror road trip novella (with dogs!) was released in March 2025, while his debut collection, “The Space Between,” came out in February 2024.
His work has also appeared in "October Screams: A Halloween Anthology," "The Rack: Stories Inspired by Vintage Horror Paperbacks," and The NoSleep Podcast, among others.
He's an active member of the HWA (his short stories made the preliminary Stoker ballot in 2020 and 2022); a graduate of Fright Club and Crystal Lake’s Author’s Journey program; an HWA mentee; and a survivor of the Borderlands Writers Bootcamp.
"The Eris Ridge Trail," his new cosmic horror road trip novella (with dogs!) was released in March 2025, while his debut collection, “The Space Between,” came out in February 2024.
His work has also appeared in "October Screams: A Halloween Anthology," "The Rack: Stories Inspired by Vintage Horror Paperbacks," and The NoSleep Podcast, among others.
He's an active member of the HWA (his short stories made the preliminary Stoker ballot in 2020 and 2022); a graduate of Fright Club and Crystal Lake’s Author’s Journey program; an HWA mentee; and a survivor of the Borderlands Writers Bootcamp.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 13, 2025
Get ready for a terrifying journey of weird and wild fiction in “The Eris Ridge Trail”.
You’ll follow a few different folks on their epic adventure between realities and worlds; weaving, twisting and intersecting and critical points. They didn’t choose the Trail, but they’re stuck on it. Each second will test them and strengthen them, if they can survive it.
I’d previously read Hinkle’s collection “The Space Between” (another great book to pick up), so it was fantastic to see some returning characters- especially Sammie and Koko ❤️ I felt they had more to say when I finished their original tales, and I’m glad the author agreed and brought them back for this novel. While this new story is standalone, it’s a great idea to check out “TSB” to get more depth and context of events leading up to Eris Ridge.
The ending just felt like a perfect wrap up for most of the characters’ arcs and I really, really enjoyed the time I spent on the “Trail” with them. Despite all the monsters and horrors…
“Where you headed, Erik?”
“Surprise me.”
You’ll follow a few different folks on their epic adventure between realities and worlds; weaving, twisting and intersecting and critical points. They didn’t choose the Trail, but they’re stuck on it. Each second will test them and strengthen them, if they can survive it.
I’d previously read Hinkle’s collection “The Space Between” (another great book to pick up), so it was fantastic to see some returning characters- especially Sammie and Koko ❤️ I felt they had more to say when I finished their original tales, and I’m glad the author agreed and brought them back for this novel. While this new story is standalone, it’s a great idea to check out “TSB” to get more depth and context of events leading up to Eris Ridge.
The ending just felt like a perfect wrap up for most of the characters’ arcs and I really, really enjoyed the time I spent on the “Trail” with them. Despite all the monsters and horrors…
“Where you headed, Erik?”
“Surprise me.”
February 6, 2025
This novella is a genre bending story about a place which shouldn't exist and a group of people (and two dogs) who shouldn't be there.
The place in question shifts and changes. From oceans to deserts to plains to mountain ranges - and everything in between - this place changes at the blink of an eye.
The characters all come from different places but they also come from different TIMES, which adds to the atmosphere narrative. Once they meet, it's going to be a race to survive and try to find their way back to the "real" world.
The horrific creatures they encounter are hellbent on ripping them to pieces. Humanoid like creatures which run on all fours with mouths full of razor sharp teeth, a beast which towers above like a skyscraper threatening them at every turn, and the ever changing landscapes which disorients and pushes them to their limits.
The reader is thrust into this nightmare world alongside the characters in a breathless, weird, terrifying world that twists itself into the unimaginable.
Fast paced and action packed...and DOGS...I highly recommend it. I received a copy of this book through Booksirens. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
The place in question shifts and changes. From oceans to deserts to plains to mountain ranges - and everything in between - this place changes at the blink of an eye.
The characters all come from different places but they also come from different TIMES, which adds to the atmosphere narrative. Once they meet, it's going to be a race to survive and try to find their way back to the "real" world.
The horrific creatures they encounter are hellbent on ripping them to pieces. Humanoid like creatures which run on all fours with mouths full of razor sharp teeth, a beast which towers above like a skyscraper threatening them at every turn, and the ever changing landscapes which disorients and pushes them to their limits.
The reader is thrust into this nightmare world alongside the characters in a breathless, weird, terrifying world that twists itself into the unimaginable.
Fast paced and action packed...and DOGS...I highly recommend it. I received a copy of this book through Booksirens. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
February 25, 2025
This was a quick read about an area that, when people enter it, find themselves coming out in another time and space, complete with a giant, vicious, dinosaur-type creature and where the setting is influenced by electronic devices, such as cell phones. The new dimension especially affects dogs, the two in this story being Sammie and Koko. They were my favorite characters in this story. I found the character Craig to be somewhat unnecessary, as he was just a jerk. I also found myself wondering why Bob, who was well aware that sometimes people disappeared in the area or appeared in his corn maze, would tell Shelley to taker this particular route home. This story left me with more questions than answers. I would like to thank Four Winds Bar Publishing, Larry Hinkle and BookSirens, who allowed me to read this advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 27, 2025
The Eris Ridge Trail is a freight train of multiverse cosmic horror that follows a group of characters and two very intelligent doggos as they navigate the ever changing landscape around them after they each stumble into the title trail.
This is a novella (around 150 pages) and Hinkle really does not take his foot off the gas for this one. I enjoyed the banter between the characters and I actually could have used a bit more time with them if the book was longer. As it is though, this is a quick read and at times disorienting, but intentionally so, as you experience the disorientation along with the characters.
If you enjoy cosmic horror or books that have SK references (there are several in here for the die-hard King and Hill fan), check this novella out.
Thank you to the publicist for providing me with an eARC.
This is a novella (around 150 pages) and Hinkle really does not take his foot off the gas for this one. I enjoyed the banter between the characters and I actually could have used a bit more time with them if the book was longer. As it is though, this is a quick read and at times disorienting, but intentionally so, as you experience the disorientation along with the characters.
If you enjoy cosmic horror or books that have SK references (there are several in here for the die-hard King and Hill fan), check this novella out.
Thank you to the publicist for providing me with an eARC.
March 15, 2025
This book is what happens when cosmic horror and adventure take a wrong turn—literally. The Eris Ridge Trail is a place where space, time, and reality collide, trapping strangers (along with two very good dogs) in a world that defies logic.
The concept? Loved it. There’s a certain Twilight Zone feel to the story—one moment you think you’ve got a grip on what’s happening, the next, well… you’re wrong lol. The unsettling ambiance, the suspense, and the strange animals intrigued me.
The characters were well-developed, and while I enjoyed following them, I must admit that Koko stole the show for me. This dog was not just a pet—Koko was a full-fledged, intelligent character, and honestly, I’d follow this doggy into any horror story.
Koko reminds me of my aging girl, Fiona <3.
The concept? Loved it. There’s a certain Twilight Zone feel to the story—one moment you think you’ve got a grip on what’s happening, the next, well… you’re wrong lol. The unsettling ambiance, the suspense, and the strange animals intrigued me.
The characters were well-developed, and while I enjoyed following them, I must admit that Koko stole the show for me. This dog was not just a pet—Koko was a full-fledged, intelligent character, and honestly, I’d follow this doggy into any horror story.
Koko reminds me of my aging girl, Fiona <3.
March 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! A novella that clocks in under 200 pages and packs in a lot. And while it *could* be confusing, it's actually not? I had a hard time for a minute keeping track of all the characters but once I got into the flow of that , I had a great time. Some of my favorite things about this story would be spoilers to reveal but I would happily chat with you about this one! Also a 10/10 for dog lovers. If you want a cosmic whopper with alternate timelines, this is one I would suggest.
July 2, 2025
The Eris Ridge Trail is cosmic horror at its finest—a relentless, disorienting descent into the unknown that grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go. I’ve just begun exploring cosmic horror, and this was a fantastic, eerie continuation. The story follows a group of strangers—and two incredibly smart dogs, Koko and Sammie—who wander onto a trail that shouldn’t exist. What starts as a shortcut turns into a nightmare as reality bends, the land shifts beneath their feet, and monstrous shapes loom at the edges of sight. The sun rises and sets wherever it pleases. The air itself feels wrong.
One of my favorite elements was the shifting points of view. Seeing the terror, confusion, and small flickers of hope through each character’s eyes added a haunting intimacy to the story. The banter between them felt human, like desperate people clinging to sanity in an environment that wants to break them. I honestly could have stayed in their world longer—but the novella’s breakneck pace leaves no time to catch your breath.
Hinkle delivers multiverse horror that feels like a freight train barreling through a fog of dread. The King and Hill nods are a fun treat for fans, but this book stands on its own as a chilling cosmic tale. And that cover? Absolutely killer—perfectly matching the dark, shifting horrors inside.
One of my favorite elements was the shifting points of view. Seeing the terror, confusion, and small flickers of hope through each character’s eyes added a haunting intimacy to the story. The banter between them felt human, like desperate people clinging to sanity in an environment that wants to break them. I honestly could have stayed in their world longer—but the novella’s breakneck pace leaves no time to catch your breath.
Hinkle delivers multiverse horror that feels like a freight train barreling through a fog of dread. The King and Hill nods are a fun treat for fans, but this book stands on its own as a chilling cosmic tale. And that cover? Absolutely killer—perfectly matching the dark, shifting horrors inside.
August 25, 2025
‼️‼️SLIGHT SPOILERS ‼️‼️
4.25
Read in less than 12 hours! I was hooked from the beginning! I’ve never read a story like this before. Such an interesting plot, setting, and characters.
I’d love to explore more about the setting. The electronics, ever changing landscapes, and monsters! I’d also want to read more about the characters. Especially after they were all split up at the end.
Love that dogs were involved! Huge shock factor in the middle of the book that had me closing the book with my jaw open. (Iykyk)
A quick and eventful read!
4.25
Read in less than 12 hours! I was hooked from the beginning! I’ve never read a story like this before. Such an interesting plot, setting, and characters.
I’d love to explore more about the setting. The electronics, ever changing landscapes, and monsters! I’d also want to read more about the characters. Especially after they were all split up at the end.
Love that dogs were involved! Huge shock factor in the middle of the book that had me closing the book with my jaw open. (Iykyk)
A quick and eventful read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2025
I received a HWA read request in my inbox for this little cosmic horror piece, and I chose to check it out for the oddest of reasons: the author's name happens to be a name I recognize from my high school days. We weren’t necessarily friends—or enemies, for that matter. Or even in the same graduating class. And as I write this, I’m not convinced that @thatscarylarry is even the Larry I had a passing knowledge of. It’s plausible though. And that’s kinda weird.
Much like the novella in question, The Eris Ridge Trail, by Larry Hinkle, is kinda weird in a cosmic/weird tales kind of way. It’s an imaginative story of a random group of people (and their dogs, in some cases) who individually get lost in different locations across the country, while on the same named trail. They find each other in this weird new world that seems to be otherwise desolate, and that randomly shifts through time, sometimes at photo shutter speeds.
Each character among this ragtag group is also in a state of being lost within the trajectory of their lives, and because of it, they gravitate to becoming a much needed family. They learn to depend on each other in a world full of constantly shifting unknowns.
It's a cleverly written piece and a quick read at just under 200 pages. The characters are relatable and likable enough and, of course, the dogs are adorable saints and saviors to some degree. That having been said, I didn’t feel like there was much of a character arc for any of them—no real epiphany for them to come to. The horror aspect was mostly situational, and not really the result of anything derived from deep character flaws. Mistakes are made throughout their combined attempts to return home, but I felt like the reason why this was happening to these characters in particular was left unanswered.
The horror aspect of the story as a whole was atmospheric, with a couple of gory parts that were relatively brief. Overall, this is a pleasant novella length story from a promising newish voice. A solid three + stars without quite tipping the scale to a four for me.
Much like the novella in question, The Eris Ridge Trail, by Larry Hinkle, is kinda weird in a cosmic/weird tales kind of way. It’s an imaginative story of a random group of people (and their dogs, in some cases) who individually get lost in different locations across the country, while on the same named trail. They find each other in this weird new world that seems to be otherwise desolate, and that randomly shifts through time, sometimes at photo shutter speeds.
Each character among this ragtag group is also in a state of being lost within the trajectory of their lives, and because of it, they gravitate to becoming a much needed family. They learn to depend on each other in a world full of constantly shifting unknowns.
It's a cleverly written piece and a quick read at just under 200 pages. The characters are relatable and likable enough and, of course, the dogs are adorable saints and saviors to some degree. That having been said, I didn’t feel like there was much of a character arc for any of them—no real epiphany for them to come to. The horror aspect was mostly situational, and not really the result of anything derived from deep character flaws. Mistakes are made throughout their combined attempts to return home, but I felt like the reason why this was happening to these characters in particular was left unanswered.
The horror aspect of the story as a whole was atmospheric, with a couple of gory parts that were relatively brief. Overall, this is a pleasant novella length story from a promising newish voice. A solid three + stars without quite tipping the scale to a four for me.
February 27, 2025
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. This story was very unique. I can't say that I've read anything quite like this one before. Overall, I enjoyed this story but felt like it was lacking a few things in my opinion. My main concern was the amount of characters. For as short of a story as this was, it could have been better fleshed out and the characters given more depth to improve the quality of the story as a whole. It didn't flow as seamlessly as I would have preferred which made it difficult to follow at times as I found myself going back to reread certain parts quite a bit. Eventually, the characters all intertwine at a certain point and then things start to take off more smoothly from here.
The Eris Ridge Trail follows four travelers who wind up lost on this mysterious trail. Before they all meet up at this trail their prior locations are all very far from one another, yet they all find themselves at the same trail. It seems to be a portal of some sort. Oh and they're all from different time periods too. Strange. There's also a beastly creature in the midst of all of this lurking in the shadows.
If you enjoy Cosmic Horror then you need to add this one to your TBR. The Eris Ridge Trail releases on March 4th, 2025.
The Eris Ridge Trail follows four travelers who wind up lost on this mysterious trail. Before they all meet up at this trail their prior locations are all very far from one another, yet they all find themselves at the same trail. It seems to be a portal of some sort. Oh and they're all from different time periods too. Strange. There's also a beastly creature in the midst of all of this lurking in the shadows.
If you enjoy Cosmic Horror then you need to add this one to your TBR. The Eris Ridge Trail releases on March 4th, 2025.
March 2, 2025
Thank you to @hook_of_a_book_reads for reaching out to me to ask if I'd like to read an advanced copy of Larry Hinkle's latest Cosmic Horror Novella - The Eris Ridge Trail; releasing 4th March!
This was a fast paced sci-fi horror with really interesting concepts. There were some wonderfully heartfelt moments within too, and a thread of found family. The novella centres around a group of 4 individuals that find themselves mysteriously elsewhere on an earth that isn't their own. From two moons, to the sun rising and setting in exactly the same position; strange occurrences happen and scenes are ever changing as they do their best to survive and make sense of the world around them, whilst trying to get home. All whilst being hunted by a mysterious monster, seemingly linked to electrical currents.
Reflecting on this now, I'm wondering whether this story was bourne of some of the conspiracy stories spread when 5G was being introduced.
I could easily see this as a movie and found myself wanting more. Being a novella things moved quickly and at times I found the pacing and character development a little off. I'd love to read this as a full novel which allows the characters and the story to fully develop!
This was a fast paced sci-fi horror with really interesting concepts. There were some wonderfully heartfelt moments within too, and a thread of found family. The novella centres around a group of 4 individuals that find themselves mysteriously elsewhere on an earth that isn't their own. From two moons, to the sun rising and setting in exactly the same position; strange occurrences happen and scenes are ever changing as they do their best to survive and make sense of the world around them, whilst trying to get home. All whilst being hunted by a mysterious monster, seemingly linked to electrical currents.
Reflecting on this now, I'm wondering whether this story was bourne of some of the conspiracy stories spread when 5G was being introduced.
I could easily see this as a movie and found myself wanting more. Being a novella things moved quickly and at times I found the pacing and character development a little off. I'd love to read this as a full novel which allows the characters and the story to fully develop!
February 22, 2025
These novellas have been hitting so hard lately. I normally prefer my door stopper books I can sink my teeth into, but lately these shorter books have been grabbing me. Hinkle is a totally new to me author. I grabbed this one solely based on the blurbs (CMC and Fracassi?! Top tier!) and I was fairly confident I’d enjoy it, and I absolutely did.
There’s some serious Dark Matter vibes interwoven but the decisions are much less intentional in Hinkle’s narrative. We follow four strangers and their two pups after they’ve all ended up on this preternatural Eris Ridge Trail. There’s time dilation, flickering realities and a Loveraftian-esque monster. Hinkle also sprinkles a bunch of Stephen King nods in there (DT at that and not just the usual Misery/It) and even a Joe Hill mention. So that made my CR heart super happy.
This is definitely a book I could’ve kept reading. At times I did feel the character relationship development felt a bit rapid, but really on the Trail everything moves quickly so maybe it influences its inhabitants in that way as well. Overall it was a great read. Multiverse horror has always been my vibe and this is definitely an author to keep an eye on. Solid read.
There’s some serious Dark Matter vibes interwoven but the decisions are much less intentional in Hinkle’s narrative. We follow four strangers and their two pups after they’ve all ended up on this preternatural Eris Ridge Trail. There’s time dilation, flickering realities and a Loveraftian-esque monster. Hinkle also sprinkles a bunch of Stephen King nods in there (DT at that and not just the usual Misery/It) and even a Joe Hill mention. So that made my CR heart super happy.
This is definitely a book I could’ve kept reading. At times I did feel the character relationship development felt a bit rapid, but really on the Trail everything moves quickly so maybe it influences its inhabitants in that way as well. Overall it was a great read. Multiverse horror has always been my vibe and this is definitely an author to keep an eye on. Solid read.
March 26, 2025
Thank you to Erin Al-Mehairi for sending an eARC of The Eris Ridge Trail!
This book had me “what the heck-ing?!” the entire time I was reading it 😱😅. + somehow it managed to have everything I could possibly want — found family, dog companions, scary creatures & some other things that may be leaning too much towards spoiler territory.
Cosmic horror isn’t something I typically pick up however, I am so glad that I read this fast-paced novella. When you start to adjust to the wildness of The Eris Ridge Trail, something new gets thrown at you, throwing both you & the cast of characters into a loop.
I adored the found family aspect, especially as the characters start off a bit ✨sketchy✨ with each other (rightfully so —) leading to bickering & all that fun stuff before any relationships develop.
My favorite part of The Eris Ridge Trail though would be the creature descriptions. Very creepy, very fun, very good 👏. Love myself a really good out-of-this-world monster.
The Eris Ridge Trail is definitely worth the read, especially for fans of the cosmic horror subgenre!
This book had me “what the heck-ing?!” the entire time I was reading it 😱😅. + somehow it managed to have everything I could possibly want — found family, dog companions, scary creatures & some other things that may be leaning too much towards spoiler territory.
Cosmic horror isn’t something I typically pick up however, I am so glad that I read this fast-paced novella. When you start to adjust to the wildness of The Eris Ridge Trail, something new gets thrown at you, throwing both you & the cast of characters into a loop.
I adored the found family aspect, especially as the characters start off a bit ✨sketchy✨ with each other (rightfully so —) leading to bickering & all that fun stuff before any relationships develop.
My favorite part of The Eris Ridge Trail though would be the creature descriptions. Very creepy, very fun, very good 👏. Love myself a really good out-of-this-world monster.
The Eris Ridge Trail is definitely worth the read, especially for fans of the cosmic horror subgenre!
February 10, 2025
I had great fun reading this! It starts with very strong urban legend vibes, but it develops into a somewhat cheerful and rather hopeful tale of four people and a couple of female dogs, trying to find their way through a series of alternative realities - all the while hunted by a giant robot kaiju and groups of eyeless yet otherwise human-like nightmarish creatures. Doors open to alien places, doors close and disappear, major landscape shifts keep happening ("scene-quakes") - the creep factor is very high on the Eris Ridge Trail; and the surprises keep coming, when the cast starts comparing notes among each other. The author has a good grasp of the feeling of getting lost, even in the midst of familiarity, and conveys an amazing tale of camaraderie and supernatural mystery, full of suspense and wonderful, panoramic visuals. The ending felt like a promise that we'll revisit the trail; I for one have plenty of small questions still, and I'd love to see them answered!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 17, 2025
The Ultimate Portal Fantasy
I absolutely loved this incredible novella! From the captivating plot and unforgettable characters to the adorable dogs and immersive setting, every aspect pulled me in.
This tale is a thrilling adventure of people slipping between realities, often chased by an overwhelming horror. As they navigate these different worlds, they form a makeshift family, united in their quest to find their way home.
In short, this was an exhilarating read! Sure, there are a few loose threads left dangling, but I'm holding out hope that the author will return to this mesmerizing world and tie everything together. Until then, I’ll be eagerly awaiting more from Eris Ridge Trail!
I absolutely loved this incredible novella! From the captivating plot and unforgettable characters to the adorable dogs and immersive setting, every aspect pulled me in.
This tale is a thrilling adventure of people slipping between realities, often chased by an overwhelming horror. As they navigate these different worlds, they form a makeshift family, united in their quest to find their way home.
In short, this was an exhilarating read! Sure, there are a few loose threads left dangling, but I'm holding out hope that the author will return to this mesmerizing world and tie everything together. Until then, I’ll be eagerly awaiting more from Eris Ridge Trail!
February 8, 2025
The author has a way of taking you on wild rollercoaster ride with lots of twist and turns, creating an alternative reality full of monsters that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
If you get on the Eris Ridge Trail it will lead all to places you don't want to go, where everyone needs to keep their eyes and ears open.
For a group of individuals that had the misfortune of finding this place, they are now stuck her looking for a way out.
In this book the author has created some believable characters that you find yourself engrossed in and rooting for to the end. Enter Eris Ridge Trail if you dare, but don't say I didn't warn you if you find yourself trapped.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you get on the Eris Ridge Trail it will lead all to places you don't want to go, where everyone needs to keep their eyes and ears open.
For a group of individuals that had the misfortune of finding this place, they are now stuck her looking for a way out.
In this book the author has created some believable characters that you find yourself engrossed in and rooting for to the end. Enter Eris Ridge Trail if you dare, but don't say I didn't warn you if you find yourself trapped.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 6, 2025
A fast paced, mind twisting novella a-kin to a Twilight Zone episode. The story was a little jarring at first as it jumps around a lot in the first few chapters & there a one or two moments when I felt the author managed to confuse himself and forget something had already been mentioned prior.
Despite these minor points the story fleshes out really well in the end & comes to a satisfactory conclusion. However there was much more mentioned within that perhaps could have been expanded upon or explained making this much closer to a five star read.
Overall I really enjoyed the premise and I was fully onboard after the first chapter knowing this was going to be my kind of story. One that deserves further expansion of the ‘Far Beyond’ and its mysteries.
Thank you to BookSirens for the digital ARC copy. This review is entirely my own opinion & review of ‘The Eris Ridge Trial’ by Larry Hinkle.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Despite these minor points the story fleshes out really well in the end & comes to a satisfactory conclusion. However there was much more mentioned within that perhaps could have been expanded upon or explained making this much closer to a five star read.
Overall I really enjoyed the premise and I was fully onboard after the first chapter knowing this was going to be my kind of story. One that deserves further expansion of the ‘Far Beyond’ and its mysteries.
Thank you to BookSirens for the digital ARC copy. This review is entirely my own opinion & review of ‘The Eris Ridge Trial’ by Larry Hinkle.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 1, 2025
This novella packed quite the punch! There were a lot of elements, which meant that it took me longer to get into. But, it kept things interesting so the benefits outweighed the drawbacks.
I had difficulty telling the male characters apart. They just didn’t feel distinct enough for me. But, I loved the dogs 🥹🤍.
I also really enjoyed the ending. It was a sweet way to conclude an action-packed tale. [3.5 stars rounded up to 4].
Thank you so much to @hook_of_a_books_reads for the opportunity to read this e-ARC!
Read if you like:
✨ Alternate realities
✨ Canine characters
✨ Unexpected friendships
I had difficulty telling the male characters apart. They just didn’t feel distinct enough for me. But, I loved the dogs 🥹🤍.
I also really enjoyed the ending. It was a sweet way to conclude an action-packed tale. [3.5 stars rounded up to 4].
Thank you so much to @hook_of_a_books_reads for the opportunity to read this e-ARC!
Read if you like:
✨ Alternate realities
✨ Canine characters
✨ Unexpected friendships
April 6, 2025
Although this doesn’t typically fall under my umbrella of preferred genres, I really did enjoy this one! We jump through space and time as we learn the dangers of the Eris Trail, and for such a short book, we learn even more about the people and animals within. The pace was solid, the characters involved were engaging enough to be concerned with, and the dog relationships with their human were soooo sweet. I loved that for something so small, I felt like so much was delivered! The dialogue where the different time jumps and the attention to detail of how “unique” each period of time was was so nostalgic and finely done.
February 20, 2025
Friend Group Trope Across Distant Dimensions.
I really enjoyed my time on the Eris Ridge Trail. The novel had an excellent hook. I really didn't know what to expect this being my first Larry Hinkle book, but despite not being entirely familiar with what was going on at first the story kept me engaged. The characters were fun. Their adventures were meaningful. The setting and plot of the novel was very original. If you like adventure stories with a hint of the supernatural, you'll love this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed my time on the Eris Ridge Trail. The novel had an excellent hook. I really didn't know what to expect this being my first Larry Hinkle book, but despite not being entirely familiar with what was going on at first the story kept me engaged. The characters were fun. Their adventures were meaningful. The setting and plot of the novel was very original. If you like adventure stories with a hint of the supernatural, you'll love this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 3, 2025
The prefect spooky novella to curl up in bed with!! I absolutely devoured this novella, it sets you off to an eerie start that just continues to set the mood throughout this novella! I absolutely loved the premise and would love to see more of these characters stories and experiences!
If you enjoy a good horror with cosmic chaos this novella will be for you! It will absolutely drag you in kicking and screaming and throw you out just the same!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you enjoy a good horror with cosmic chaos this novella will be for you! It will absolutely drag you in kicking and screaming and throw you out just the same!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 30, 2025
Holy Moly!! I burned through this novella, picking it up whenever I could. I’ve never read anything like it! Larry Hinkle has crafted an original story that picks you up on the first page and never lets you find firm footing again until the very last page. I won’t even try to describe it- you need to read it. You do. Oh yeah, and if you love dogs, you REALLY need to read it.
Can’t wait to see what this author has up his sleeve next!
Can’t wait to see what this author has up his sleeve next!
February 28, 2025
This was fun. Kind of like an adventure novel in a world that has just a little bit of horror, a lot of weirdness, and some really awesome dogs.
I appreciated how much it focused on the cool environments and eeriness.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I appreciated how much it focused on the cool environments and eeriness.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It was very well written, paced well and I enjoyed the characters.
The concept was really interesting and I find myself torn between wishing it had been longer but happy for the way it ended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
The concept was really interesting and I find myself torn between wishing it had been longer but happy for the way it ended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
April 14, 2025
I had no idea what to expect going into this and this exceeded any imagined expectations I had for it. this quick read was packed with twisty landscapes, terrifying monsters and loveable characters. a genuine must read.
May 20, 2025
I got this book at the Gaithersburg book festival this year. Meeting the author I could see the enthusiasm he showed with this book, so I had to get it. Man I am so happy I did I couldn’t put it down!
April 29, 2025
A really fun read with some GREAT literary dogs.
May 8, 2025
Loved this one!! great novella, and a really great read. Dogs rule, and the spaces between can be crazy!
March 3, 2025
We've all been there. Someone tells you about a short cut down a road you haven't taken before, or perhaps you're out for a walk and spot a new trail. Maybe your Uber follows a route you aren't familiar with. You don't quite know where you're going to come out, or even if it's taking you to where you want to be. But what if that detour took you to a whole different place entirely? A place you don't to recognise, that shouldn't be able to exist on that journey, perhaps a different dimension entirely. A group of strangers, and two dogs, find themselves in just this situation—and they aren't alone there. Welcome to the Eris Ridge Trail.
I read Larry Hinkle's debut short story collection, The Space Between, last year and had a great time with it. Like all collections, some of the stories in there connected with me more than others—amongst them were the likes of Lost At Last, the title story, and my favourite, The Tunnel At The End Of The Light. I've gone back to read that one a couple of times since, and diving back into individual stories in a collection is something I very rarely do. I went into The Eris Ridge Trail fairly blind, and I was thrilled when I realised it followed on from, and used characters from, those stories that had stuck in my memory (two of the stories featured an Erik, so one has been renamed Craig here—it's hard to complain at such a fine choice from the author). It instantly made me excited to dip back into those worlds, converging into one here. It's especially great to spend more time with Koko and Sammie—the author is an obvious dog lover, and that's evident with these canine characters.
While you'll get more out of this book if you've also read that collection, it certainly isn't necessary to follow the story. All of the characters are given introductions, and their history on the trail explained enough to stop any newbies to Hinkle's work being lost. We get into the action quickly, and any fans of cosmic horror will find lots to love here. A landscape that shifts before your eyes, a sun that may rise or set in any location, six legged squirrel-esque critters roaming around, and giant looming monstrosities on the horizon—there are a lot of mysteries on the Eris Ridge Trail, and it's a delight watching them unfold.
If there's a criticism I have, it's that the novella length occasionally struggles to do the ideas on display full justice. A good sized cast of characters, and a vibrant imagination on the part of the author when it comes to the environment of the trail itself, means the page count gets eaten up fast. I found the story here satisfying and very rarely felt it was going by at too fast a pace, but I did end up wanting more. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, though—there is nothing stopping Hinkle from dipping back into this world with new stories—and I'd much rather that than feeling like the book was too long.
Overall, this is a very strong debut novella, and it's no surprise that some excellent authors have blurbed it with such effusive praise. Larry is now 2 for 2 with me, and I can't wait to see what he conjures up next.
I read Larry Hinkle's debut short story collection, The Space Between, last year and had a great time with it. Like all collections, some of the stories in there connected with me more than others—amongst them were the likes of Lost At Last, the title story, and my favourite, The Tunnel At The End Of The Light. I've gone back to read that one a couple of times since, and diving back into individual stories in a collection is something I very rarely do. I went into The Eris Ridge Trail fairly blind, and I was thrilled when I realised it followed on from, and used characters from, those stories that had stuck in my memory (two of the stories featured an Erik, so one has been renamed Craig here—it's hard to complain at such a fine choice from the author). It instantly made me excited to dip back into those worlds, converging into one here. It's especially great to spend more time with Koko and Sammie—the author is an obvious dog lover, and that's evident with these canine characters.
While you'll get more out of this book if you've also read that collection, it certainly isn't necessary to follow the story. All of the characters are given introductions, and their history on the trail explained enough to stop any newbies to Hinkle's work being lost. We get into the action quickly, and any fans of cosmic horror will find lots to love here. A landscape that shifts before your eyes, a sun that may rise or set in any location, six legged squirrel-esque critters roaming around, and giant looming monstrosities on the horizon—there are a lot of mysteries on the Eris Ridge Trail, and it's a delight watching them unfold.
If there's a criticism I have, it's that the novella length occasionally struggles to do the ideas on display full justice. A good sized cast of characters, and a vibrant imagination on the part of the author when it comes to the environment of the trail itself, means the page count gets eaten up fast. I found the story here satisfying and very rarely felt it was going by at too fast a pace, but I did end up wanting more. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, though—there is nothing stopping Hinkle from dipping back into this world with new stories—and I'd much rather that than feeling like the book was too long.
Overall, this is a very strong debut novella, and it's no surprise that some excellent authors have blurbed it with such effusive praise. Larry is now 2 for 2 with me, and I can't wait to see what he conjures up next.
May 15, 2025
The trail in The Eris Ridge Trail is not a friendly one for thru-hikers! Instead of the serenity of nature, the four unfortunates who wind up on the trail find themselves in a confusing alternate dimension with frequent landscape shifts. The story has a lot of setting changes, and little explanation for the hazards encountered by the characters. Readers who want entertainment and aren’t concerned with having everything explained to them will enjoy this one.
The book wastes no time getting down to business, as Wayne, Shelley, Craig, and Erik each get a quick chapter that tosses them right into the other dimension. This is also the only part of the book that feels like it could have used a bit more fleshing out to lead into the main story. Two of the characters simply give a quick recounting of their arrival to their companions later in the book., while the other two protagonists get a very quick narration chapter that puts them in the story. It would have been nice to make all the lead-in to the main plot part of the third person narrative, as it sounded very intriguing. There’s a car ride with a very odd individual, and a tunnel crawl through the basement of the Stanley Hotel (yes, THAT Stanley Hotel) but little detail is given. It might have helped build up some anticipation for the main story, which only Shelley’s opening chapter did.
That minor quibble aside, the rest of the story takes off at a run, as the four of them (and two lovable dogs) find that their new home almost is like a dream. One minute they can be in a desert, take five steps and PRESTO!, they’re in a desert. A bit further, and SHAZAAM!, it’s a prairie. It could be confusing, but the author writes well enough that the transitions don’t seem jarring or random, they flow with the story and are believable for the reality the characters are stuck in.
Although this is an adventure story, the real core of the story is the character interactions. Craig, Shelley, Erik, and Wayne are four strangers tossed into a world that makes no sense, but they have to survive and maybe find a way out. That requires teamwork and trust, which develops over the course of the story, and is done very well. The author clearly has a flair for writing characters, and he does an excellent job having them overcome their foibles and gelling together into a cohesive unit. They need to be, as their new reality throws all sorts of fun stuff at them: weird skittering sort-of humans, six-legged freak squirrels called Squixells, and DINOSAURS! (can’t go wrong with those!) It’s all well imagined and written in a style that keeps the pages turning quickly. Sure, there is little to no explanation given for why or how these things happen, but who cares? Much like the classic novel Picnic at Hanging Rock, The Eris Ridge Trail works better leaving explanations to the reader’s imagination. Final mention: the ending is excellent. It doesn’t resolve things, but does wrap the story up perfectly.
Take a hike along the unique Eris Ridge Trail, it’s a brain-tweaking journey. (just watch out for those Squixells, what a cool name!)
The book wastes no time getting down to business, as Wayne, Shelley, Craig, and Erik each get a quick chapter that tosses them right into the other dimension. This is also the only part of the book that feels like it could have used a bit more fleshing out to lead into the main story. Two of the characters simply give a quick recounting of their arrival to their companions later in the book., while the other two protagonists get a very quick narration chapter that puts them in the story. It would have been nice to make all the lead-in to the main plot part of the third person narrative, as it sounded very intriguing. There’s a car ride with a very odd individual, and a tunnel crawl through the basement of the Stanley Hotel (yes, THAT Stanley Hotel) but little detail is given. It might have helped build up some anticipation for the main story, which only Shelley’s opening chapter did.
That minor quibble aside, the rest of the story takes off at a run, as the four of them (and two lovable dogs) find that their new home almost is like a dream. One minute they can be in a desert, take five steps and PRESTO!, they’re in a desert. A bit further, and SHAZAAM!, it’s a prairie. It could be confusing, but the author writes well enough that the transitions don’t seem jarring or random, they flow with the story and are believable for the reality the characters are stuck in.
Although this is an adventure story, the real core of the story is the character interactions. Craig, Shelley, Erik, and Wayne are four strangers tossed into a world that makes no sense, but they have to survive and maybe find a way out. That requires teamwork and trust, which develops over the course of the story, and is done very well. The author clearly has a flair for writing characters, and he does an excellent job having them overcome their foibles and gelling together into a cohesive unit. They need to be, as their new reality throws all sorts of fun stuff at them: weird skittering sort-of humans, six-legged freak squirrels called Squixells, and DINOSAURS! (can’t go wrong with those!) It’s all well imagined and written in a style that keeps the pages turning quickly. Sure, there is little to no explanation given for why or how these things happen, but who cares? Much like the classic novel Picnic at Hanging Rock, The Eris Ridge Trail works better leaving explanations to the reader’s imagination. Final mention: the ending is excellent. It doesn’t resolve things, but does wrap the story up perfectly.
Take a hike along the unique Eris Ridge Trail, it’s a brain-tweaking journey. (just watch out for those Squixells, what a cool name!)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews