Where Dark Things Rise

by Andrew K. Clark

Sixteen-year-old Mina is frustrated by Daddy’s drinking, her mom’s fanatical religious beliefs, and growing up poor in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Most of her teachers assume she won’t amount to much despite her 4.0 GPA, and the country club guys think she’s easy prey. But they don’t know Mina’s dark She can control a magical force of supernatural creatures known as the Shadow Faces. Mina doesn’t want powers. All she wants to do is escape the trailer park for a leafy college campus far away. But when her crush, Gabe, is stalked by a shapeshifting preacher/wolf, Mina learns to use her powers to protect him. Mina soon discovers the same preacher is trafficking teens for a mystical brothel and has kidnapped her best friend, Erin, after a failed attempt at conversion therapy. Can Mina use the Shadow Faces to save Erin and the other kids without losing her chance at a normal life?

Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Magical Realism

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2025

About the author

Andrew K. Clark is a writer from Asheville, NC where his people settled before The Revolutionary War. His poetry collection, Jesus in the Trailer was published by Main Street Rag Press and short-listed for the Able Muse Book Award.

His debut novel, Where Dark Things Grow, was published by Cowboy Jamboree Press September 10, 2024. A loose sequel, Where Dark Things Rise, is forthcoming from Quill & Crow Publishing House in September of 2025.

His work has appeared in The American Journal of Poetry, UCLA’s Out of Anonymity, Appalachian Review, Rappahannock Review, The Wrath Bearing Tree, and many other journals. He received his MFA from Converse College.

Reviews

[Chasing Silhouettes · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 🌟

"All her life, they’d wanted to keep her down. Know your place. Mina knew her place in the world. It was time to show everyone where she belonged." (Ch 10)

Folk Horror | Magical Realism | Supernatural Horror | Literary Fiction | Coming of Age | Teenage Romance

Set in the mid to late 80s. Loved reading mentions of nostalgic iconic elements from recent history!

The story was an engrossing mix of sinister real-world horrific acts and chilling supernatural fantasy horror set in a God-fearing backward small town.

"....This one will regret it one day. That she didn't learn to keep her buttons buttoned. Instead of showing the world everything she’s got, her sinful body, throwing meat before the wolves." (Ch 9)

Could appreciate the drop of familiarity and mirroring between the flashback memories of Papa Leo and LilyMa's relationship and the developing connection between Gabe and Mina.

Also, the dementia rep in Papa Leo was written so well. The thought processes, actions or inactions, the vicious cycle of remembering and forgetting. Disquieting, but presumingly geniune.

The relationships and characters were relatable and unassuming. There was the strong morally grey aspect, but yet it almost modeled a good vs evil vibe - but which way is up?

"It was as if she were at home here in the dark, in the woods, swallowed by shadow. Maybe it was the one place on earth she could find peace. The faces twisted around her, and she finally let go." (Ch 5)

The last quarter or so had my heart pounding in suspense and wanting to cry, all at the same time.

"Maybe life was just a series of tragedies, interspersed with moments of joy so high that it made you want to cry." (Ch 36)

ARC courtesy of Kate Rock Book Tours / Author Andrew K. Clark / Quill and Crow Publishing House

[Ashley Zwicker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC
Although I did have to step out of my comfort zone for this one I ended up being very intrigued by the stories within!
I’m not a religious person and to have parts of the story reflect my own faith and mixed with a lot of other aspects it created a genuine over all 4⭐️ read with lots of suspense and relationship growth between characters

Although this is my first by this author it may not be a last

[Kady M · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHERE DARK THINGS RISE is a gripping, suspenseful horror novel that took me a bit out of my comfort zone and I absolutely loved it! This is the second installment, the first being Where Dark Things Grow . Without reading the first book, I feel that this installment can definitely be read as a standalone but if read in order, may give the bigger picture and a bit more background. I do fully intend to go back and read from the beginning!

The story follows Mina, a 16-year-old girl who is doing everything possible to prepare to escape the life she is currently living, with an alcoholic father and a super religious mother in the Whispering Pines trailer park. She works hard and mostly stays out of trouble, but she harbors a dark secret; she has the power to summon and control the Shadow Faces . While they do offer her protection and the ability to seek revenge, carrying this secret is a burden and she would love for it to no longer be a part of her story. She needs nothing to hold her back from going away to college and getting away from this life. She is well on her way and then she collides with Gabe. Gabe has a traumatic past; he and his family were in a horrific car accident that took the lives of his parents. He is now living with his father's parent's, Papa Leo and Lilyfax. He carries guilt over his parent's death and though he doesn't yet realize it, he is the prey of the town reverend, a true wolf in sheep's clothing. His saving grace, will be Mina, who not only can use her powers to help Gabe, but also her best friend and the other teenagers that have fallen under the power of the reverend Ezra and his evil behavior.

Where Dark Things Rise is full of magical realism, horror and suspense that takes place in the 1980's in the Appalachian Mountains. The setting elevates the entire story. It gives off an eerie vibe and Clark's writing is so descriptive, you can see it all unfold in your mind. Even during certain scenes where characters are supposed to be having fun, you can just feel that something is off. Before you even read the words about something happening, you know it's coming. It gives you that tense, grit your teeth feeling that makes the reading even more enjoyable!

THE CHARACTERS: Mina is one you don't want to mess with. She may be seen as prey by some, but I assure you, she is the predator. She is strong & resilient and will not back down, even when faced with all of the evil. I don't see Gabe as strong. He strikes me as the teen boy who follows instead of leads and utilizes strength found through his friends. Alone, I don't believe he would make it. The Reverend Ezra. He is disgusting & the thought of him makes me cringe. He excels at lying, manipulating and shapeshifting. His behavior is all around immoral, but the role he plays in this story is vital.

Reading this was an experience and I would highly recommend it to others, even if it is not your typical go-to genre. Thank you to Andrew Clark, Quill & Crow Publishing and Kate Rock Book Tours for this gifted advanced reading copy. All opinions are my own.

[dianas_books_cars_coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

Apparently there is a 1st book but this book can totally be read on its own since that is what I did. However, I would like to read the 1st book since this one was so good!

Gabe's world is turned upside down when he loses his parents in a horrific car crash. He was in the car, and luckily he and his twin siblings survived. Gabe knows it wasn't an accident; it was the Red Wolf who intentionally caused the crash. He's sent to live with his grandparents, but that brings him closer to his crush, Mina. Mina lives in the trailer park, her dad's an alcoholic, and her mom is a religious fanatic. She tries to keep her head down and maintains a 4.0 so she can get out of town as soon as she graduates. But Mina has a dark side. She can control magical forces of supernatural creatures called Shadow Faces. As Gabe finds himself the target of the Red Wolf's attention, Mina will need to utilize her abilities to ensure his safety. It is revealed that the Red Wolf is, in fact, the shapeshifting preacher from the local church, who is not only delivering sermons but also actively seeking to influence and recruit followers to his bizarre beliefs. They discover that he has a mystical brothel high in the mountains and has been trafficking local teens. When their friend Erin goes missing they know they're the only ones that can save her. Can they do it before it's too late?

Told in four parts and multiple POVs, this book had everything I could want in a horror book! It had a great story that drew me in instantly. It was creepy, spooky, and eerie. It was dark, disturbing, atmospheric, and suspenseful. There were elements of supernatural horror, folk horror, and magical realism. I absolutely loved the 80s nostalgia, the setting, and the descriptive writing. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. But if you have triggers, please be sure to check them for this book before you pick it up.🩷

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Quill & Crow Publishing House for this incredible ARC.

Where Dark Things Rise is Appalachian folk horror at its absolute best gritty, relentless, and completely unputdownable. From the first page, Andrew K. Clark drops you into a world steeped in superstition, blood, and shadows, and never lets you out. The pacing is pitch-perfect nonstop action balanced with moments of quiet dread that make the bursts of horror even more powerful. Every chapter moves seamlessly, building tension in a way that feels organic but utterly haunting.

The Appalachian setting isn’t just a backdrop; it’s alive, breathing, and dangerous. You feel the weight of the mountains, the hush of the woods, and the whispers of old legends coming to life. Clark’s writing is sharp, cinematic, and immersive, pulling you deep into a place where ancient darkness walks alongside the living.

What really struck me is how layered the story is it’s not just about monsters in the woods, but about survival, legacy, and the hidden violence people carry with them. The characters are drawn with grit and realism, their choices messy and human, making their struggles all the more gripping.

This book has it all: folklore, brutal action, chilling atmosphere, and a voice that demands to be heard. Andrew K. Clark’s storytelling feels timeless yet fresh, weaving Appalachian roots into something utterly terrifying and unforgettable.

One of the best folk horror novels I’ve read in years raw, dark, and brilliantly executed.

[thebeespot72 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m Gen X, and I watched all those classic slasher movies when I was too young to—lack of supervision, latch-key kid, etc. They don’t make movies like that anymore. I also loved watching The X-Files many years later.

Author Andrew K. Clark has captured the feelings and atmosphere of the 80s horror movie period in Where Dark Things Rise with an X-Files vibe. As I was reading, the visual imagery, as the calm before the storm builds, pulled me further into the story. From the teens partying, sneaking around, “What was that noise moments ago?” And then there’s the shapeshifters. It’s definitely the type of thriller story perfect for spooky season.

Thank you to @theandrewkclark & @katerockliteraryservices for the gifted copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

TW:
Warnings are listed in the book and on the website. Details on both books are on my website: https://www.andrewkclark.com/

[♡Heather✩Brown♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

#ad much love for my copy and tour spot @katerockliteraryservices #partner

𝖂𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖊 𝕯𝖆𝖗𝖐 𝕿𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖌𝖘 𝕽𝖎𝖘𝖊
< @TheAndrewKClark >
ᴏᴄᴄᴜʟᴛ ʜᴏʀʀᴏʀ | ᴄᴏᴍɪɴɢ ᴏꜰ ᴀɢᴇ | ᴀᴘᴘᴀʟᴀᴄʜɪᴀ ʜᴏʀʀᴏʀ | ʀᴇʟɪɢɪᴏᴜꜱ ʜᴏʀʀᴏʀ
𝟤𝟫𝟣 ᴘᴀɢᴇꜱ

‼️𝕃𝕠𝕥𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕘𝕖𝕣𝕤‼️

Well slap my @$$ and call me Charlie, this is the third book in a row that has had elements of fantasy/magic that I completely enjoyed reading. What is happening here?

Where Dark Things Rise by Andrew K Clark is a compulsive and fast-paced horror that kicks off from the start and only amps up as the storyline progresses. The writing is alluring and like a spell cast over you, keeps you reading until there’s nothing more to read.

The book is divided into four parts, each darker, more disturbing, and more irresistible than the last. The shorter chapters are a bonus. Not only is this a fun book to read, it’s one of those that make you forget you’re even reading. You’re so wrapped up in the plot that nothing else matters.

We have Reverend Ezra, who just so happens to be running a cult, all the while hiding a sinister secret. Then there’s Mina, a schoolgirl, who possesses a rare magical power. Her classmate Gabe is reeling after witnessing a monster kill his parents in a brutal roadside attack - and now the reverend has set his sights on Gabe and his younger twin siblings.

I loved every aspect of this book. It’s the kind you devour in one or two sittings. Don’t sleep on this one - it’s dark, gripping, and absolutely fantastic.

[Christine Harrold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrew Clarke continues his dark Appalachian Cult horror perspective of good vs evil with the grandson of Leo, the MC from Clark’s 2024 debut, Where Dark Things Grow.

High schooler Gabe has been raised by Leo and Lily, after his parents were killed in a car crash when their car was ambushed by a red Shadow Wolf, an evil entity controlled by Grandpa Leo’s enemy, Reverend Ezra.

Reverend Ezra has a dark plan, and wiping out Leo and his entire family is part of it. But Gabe has a protector in his young crush, Mina, who has powers of her own.

Creepy religiosity, evil cult mentality, misogyny and poverty, despair and hope, family trauma and responsibility, Clark has created a horror novel with a strong sense of time and place and a deeply disturbing analysis of the evil that is done in the name of God.

[Jendia Gammon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew K. Clark’s WHERE DARK THINGS RISE further cements him as a master of Southern Appalachian folk horror. Steeped in mountain myth and shadows, Clark’s words sink their claws deep into your heart, bursting with vivid scenes on a dark and haunting landscape. Breathtaking allegory and pulse-pounding action keep you riveted to the end, and the eclectic, engaging cast of characters will have me thinking about this story for a long time.

Thank you to Quill & Crow Publishing House for the advance copy.

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Where Dark Things Rise by Andrew K. Clark

Andrew K. Clark’s Where Dark Things Rise is a haunting and masterfully crafted horror novel that expands upon the eerie world introduced in his debut, Where Dark Things Grow. Set two generations after the events of the first book, this sequel weaves together Appalachian folklore, psychological tension, and supernatural dread to create a narrative that is both a standalone tale and a meaningful continuation of the original story. Clark’s ability to blend the familiar with the unexpected makes this novel a compelling read for fans of atmospheric horror and those drawn to the darker corners of human experience.

Premise & Themes
The story takes place in the 1980s, a time of cultural and social change, but in the rural Appalachian setting, the past lingers, and the darkness that was hinted at in the first book now rises to the forefront. Clark explores themes of legacy, trauma, and the inescapable nature of the past, as new characters navigate the remnants of old horrors and confront the evil that still festers in the shadows. The novel is rich with nods to Appalachian mythology, adding depth and a sense of place that grounds the supernatural elements.

Strengths & Highlights
-Atmospheric Setting: Clark’s depiction of Appalachia is vivid and immersive, capturing the beauty and the darkness of the region. The setting feels like a character in its own right, influencing the plot and the characters’ experiences.
-Complex Characters: The protagonist and supporting cast are well-developed, with distinct voices and motivations that drive the narrative forward. Their struggles with personal demons and external horrors are deeply compelling.
-Sequel Worthiness: Despite being a sequel, Where Dark Things Rise is accessible to new readers. Clark provides enough context for those unfamiliar with the first book to understand and enjoy the story.
-Pacing and Tension: The novel is expertly paced, with a slow build-up of tension that culminates in a satisfying and unsettling climax. Clark’s control over the narrative ensures that the horror elements are both surprising and inevitable.

Areas for Improvement
Some readers might find that certain plot threads or character arcs feel slightly predictable, given the tropes of the horror genre. However, Clark’s execution and the specific context of the story mitigate this to a large extent.

Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
-Atmosphere & Setting: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – The Appalachian setting is richly detailed and atmospheric.
-Character Development: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Characters are complex and relatable, though a few secondary figures could be fleshed out more.
-Pacing & Tension: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – The narrative is well-paced,
-Originality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – While building on familiar horror elements, Clark brings a fresh perspective and depth to the narrative.
-Emotional Resonance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – The story is emotionally impactful, with a strong focus on character struggles and the horrors they face.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A gripping and atmospheric sequel that expands the world of Where Dark Things Grow while delivering a compelling standalone narrative.

Perfect For:
-Fans of atmospheric horror and supernatural thrillers.
-Readers who enjoyed the first book and are looking for more depth in the world and its mythology.
-Anyone interested in stories that blend folklore with modern horror elements.

Acknowledgments:
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrew K. Clark for providing an advance review copy of Where Dark Things Rise in exchange for an honest review.

Final Thought: Where Dark Things Rise is a masterful continuation of the dark and foreboding world Andrew K. Clark created in his debut novel. It’s a must-read for fans of horror and those who appreciate a well-crafted, atmospheric tale that lingers long after the final page is turned.

[Jess Reads Horror · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this!

Gabe is in the car with his family one minute, and the next, everything is wrong and his parents are dead in a crash caused by a red wolf. It’s not that simple though, not an open and shut case. The wolf is not just a wolf, but something looking to kill Gabe and his family. Whatever it is, Gabe and his friends are about to find out more though.

This was such a great read. Not too long and not too short. First off, I’m not a huge fan of YA, and while the main characters in this book are teenagers, it did not feel like a YA book at all. There’s a very heavy focus on religious themes, and one reason I found this book enjoyable is because of this. Not because I’m a mega religious person but because I can relate to some of the “fire and brimstone” talk, courtesy of my upbringing. It may trigger some people understandably but it really makes me feel less alone.

The plot developed very smoothly. It didn’t feel forced, flowed naturally and logically. There’s supernatural elements in this book, so as a reader, I of course have to accept this world as it is presented to me. Writing wise was pretty straightforward but beautiful. I flew through this book because it kept me interested and engaged. It was very heartwarming seeing the young characters band together, figure out the villain, and bonding with the reliable adults. Very evil villains here, trigger warnings needed!

I guess this can be interpreted as a cult storyline, but it’s definitely more than just that. This is my first book from this author, and I’m so glad I got to read it.

[Joanna DiCioccio · Rating 4 out of 5]

No spoilers ever!

Be sure to read the first in the series (Where Dark Things Grow) before starting this one to fully appreciate it!

Dare I say I enjoyed this second installment even more than the first? Because I absolutely did.

The author’s poetic background shines through, with immersive descriptions that sets a mood that’s both lush and unsettling in the best way.

As in the first book, “Where Dark Things Rise” explores the ever-present question of “which beast to feed.” Expect plenty of moral ambiguity and situations that invite introspection (and perhaps a bit of discomfort).

Religious fervor and cult dynamics are woven in, examining the power of belief and the danger of blind devotion.

The author revisits some original characters from the first book, along with some new faces. Picturing sweet Lilyfax as a doting grandma made me smile.

If you’re into horror, gothic fiction, dark fantasy, or just want a “mood read”, this one will definitely scratch that itch. It flirts with the edges of YA in tone but lands firmly in adult territory.

Highly recommended for fans of character-driven horror with a strong sense of place and a poetic, immersive style.

Also: major kudos for including a trigger warning index. As someone who’s been reading horror since my early teens, I don’t startle easily—but as a SA survivor, I recognize how valuable that kind of forethought can be for readers who need it.

[Jess Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Quill & Crow Publishing House for the advanced reader copy of this horror book.

This is my kind of horror. Even though there are monsters (shadow creatures) in this book, the real horror comes from the depravity of human beings. This book explores the effects of a deeply religious community on its adolescent population. There is a trigger warning list included in the back of the book, and I highly recommend checking it out if you are the type of person who has triggers.

Although this is technically a second book in a series, this can be read as a stand-alone. The first book focuses on the grandfather from this book, while this book focuses on the teenage grandson and his friends.

My only issue with this one is the ending. The author chose to tie everything up with a bow at the end. I felt like the last couple of chapters really took away from the horror aspects, and the story would have benefited from an ending closer to the climax with less resolution.

Overall, this is a good fall horror book with creepy, lost in the Appalachian woods vibes, and I would recommend it.

3.5⭐️

[Stacy40pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where Dark Things Rise by Andrew K Clark. Thanks to @katerocktours for the gifted copy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sixteen year old Mina just wants to escape her poor Appalachian town. The local country club guys may think she’s easy prey but they are mistaken, as she can control dark forces.

I loved Mina’s character. She had some serious challenges she was facing but at heart was a teenage girl so it was interesting to read about. Her chapters were definitely my favorite. I didn’t realize this was a sequel so can be read as a standalone. The religious parts were perfect because they showed the border that was crossed and how evil can be in the least recognized places.

“All her life, they’d wanted to keep her down. Know your place. Mina knew her place in the world. It was time to show everyone where she belonged.”

Where Dark Things Rise comes out 9/17.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book didn’t just get under my skin—it looked me in the eye, unflinching, and said, “Yeah. I see you.” Where Dark Things Rise isn’t just Southern Gothic done right—it’s teenage fury, Appalachian grit, and raw feminine power all tangled together in one girl who’s already carrying too damn much.
Mina? I would’ve fought beside her in a heartbeat. She's poor, angry, brilliant, and underestimated by just about everyone except the monsters lurking in the dark. I’ve lived that kind of small-town judgment where people only see the trailer you came from, not the fire burning inside you—and Andrew K. Clark gets that perfectly. Her mom’s religious extremism, her dad’s broken promises, the way people assume she’ll either break or disappear... it all felt real.
But the magic? The Shadow Faces? Gave me chills. It’s not the shiny, sparkly stuff. It’s messy, haunting, ancient magic—the kind that doesn’t come without a cost. Watching Mina tap into that, not because she wants power but because someone has to do something, was the kind of arc I crave. Especially when it meant going up against a shapeshifting, twisted preacher-wolf trafficking kids in the name of “purity.” That hit hard, raw, and close.
This book is for every girl who grew up in a town that tried to silence her, shame her, or shatter her spirit. Mina isn’t some chosen-one fantasy. She’s just a pissed-off, brilliant, battle-worn teen who’s tired of being underestimated—and she chooses to fight.
If you want dark magic, Appalachian terror, brutal truths, and a heroine who turns survival into power, Where Dark Things Rise is your next obsession. It didn’t just haunt me—it empowered me.

[booksy.tx.ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a different read for me, and what an amazing one it was. This immediately enraptures your imagination and attention and doesn’t let it go for a second. There’s a darkness within the shadows, both literally and metaphorically. The shadow monsters are the obvious darkness, but a person is always behind them. A person’s inner intentions aren’t always the ones they put forward.

There’s an extremely strong religious element in this story. Which isn’t something I usually care for, but it was done so well here. It was so important to the story and the mask the true evil was wearing. However, if you are a religious person who idolizes it, this probably isn’t the story for you.

Absolutely loved this book. I may even go back to read Where Dark Things Grow.


Come read with me on instagram @booksy.tx.ana

[Maria Vickers - MysteryLFL · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll preface this review by noting that I don’t usually like non-realistic fiction, and that I went into this book blind. I liked it more than I would have thought I would! Yes, it clearly has some supernatural in it, not entirely believable, but the story was so great it didn’t even matter to me. Super suspenseful, somehow both character and plot driven. Really, just a wonderfully written book. You get horror, thriller, fantasy, folk, small town, and a story full of heart all in one.

[Jacklyn B · Rating 4 out of 5]

We first meet Gabe (allll the way back in the station wagon - as an 80’s baby I am very familiar with this) and he experiences something that can’t be explained….

Fast forward a few years and we meet 16 year old Mina, all she wants to do is escape her southern Appalachian small town. Everyone around her underestimates her…from her teachers, to the country club guys, to her drunk father and religiously fanatical mother…but that’s a mistake. A BIG mistake….

I really enjoyed this book.The author does a fantastic job bringing the tone and tension in this book to life. I felt like I was back in the 80’s right along with Mina and Gabe and their friends. There are moments that are down right chilling and gritty and raw as Mina really comes into her own.

This book is part coming of age, part horror, and part good vs evil vs the gray area of life…and how things are rarely as clear cut as some would have us believe...

⚠️There are some dark topics in this book (they are handled with care!) but I would check the content warnings first.

✨ What To Expect:
🔪 1980’s Horror
🌾 Small Town
🌙 Coming of Age
🩸 Supernatural Creatures
👻 Paranormal Horror
⛪️ Cults & Religious Trauma
🖤 Appalachian Folklore
🥀 Southern Gothic Vibes

[Kimberly W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this one after loving Where Dark Things Grow because I’m always on the look out for adventure horror and coming of age stories. The fact that this is set in Appalachia is *chef’s kiss* and has that unique point of view including culture and represents a wider range of that population than we typically see in entertainment. I love that the heroes of the story are teens who are imperfect. The under dogs having magic and the ability to fight back, is my favorite thing. The characters are written so well that I quickly ‘bonded’ with them. The landscape is so well described that I could easily visualize it in all of its beauty and flaws. I was stressed but this was hard to put down. We could do with a lot more stories like this which leads me to my only real disappointment which is, this will likely only be a duology. And as a fan of many a 8+ book length tales, that’s upsetting. So I’ll be rereading Grow & Rise a lot.

[Rikki Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this was set in the 80’s without bonking me over the head repeatedly with kitschy nostalgia. It felt true and lived in. Also, creepy as hell with the skeeziest villains. It’s a tough line to toe to write about some very disgusting things without accidentally treading into voyeurism, but Clark pulls it off and gives us such a badass heroine to light the way.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Dark Things Rise is a story that operates on two levels. At first look, it’s a gripping supernatural tale of teens grappling with dark forces—both literal and metaphorical—while navigating the familiar turbulence of high school. For readers of a certain age, it strikes those resonant chords of adolescence: the push and pull of identity, the ache of not belonging, and the fierce desire to escape.

But dig deeper, and the novel becomes more than a genre piece. It’s a comment on community, survival, and the shifting terrain of morality. The powers Mina commands reflect the fractured parts of herself she must learn to live with, or maybe master. Through Mina, Erin, and Gabe, we question what we think of as light and dark — good and evil — in a world hell-bent on eliminating the gray areas. Choosing a “side” means saving or damning one’s soul, sure, but also means being forced into a socio-economic box; setting yourself up for sucess or failure, whatever that means to you. In Whispering Pines, social death might as well be the death of one’s soul. However, the sides themselves are illusions shaped by poverty, gender, class, and faith.

Adolescence is a kind of shapeshifting. We try on selves like costumes, as ways of fitting in or rebelling against society’s rules. Like Gabe and Mina — or Ezra and Leo — we choose which parts to keep into adulthood, and which to shed. Where Dark Things Rise offers the rare kind of story that sees teenagers not just as heroes in the making, but as whole, complex people already battling demons the adult world claims as its own.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[Dana Ridenour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Dark Things Rise is a dark, compelling, and beautifully written follow-up from Andrew K. Clark. Set in the haunting Appalachian landscape, the novel bravely tackles difficult themes like conversion therapy, religious abuse, and the heartbreaking reality of dementia. Clark handles each with honesty and emotional depth. The characters are complex and well-drawn, each showing meaningful growth, and the tone is gripping from start to finish. A powerful, thought-provoking read.

[D.C. Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read an ARC, and all I can say is WOW. I absolutely loved the poetic prose featured in Where Dark Things Grow, and I was equally impressed with this sequel, which explores new paths while remaining true to the tone and themes of the first book.

[P.M. Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appalachian horror has a worthy contributor to the genre. WHERE DARK THINGS RISE, the master work of author Andrew K. Clark, delivers a thoughtful commentary on rural poverty, belonging, and the demons that haunt all of us. Clark plays in the same sandbox as standouts in the Appalachian noir genre, such as Meagan Lucas and Andy Davidson, with depth and skill in immersing the reader in an engrossing tale that will keep any reader turning the page.

WHERE DARK THINGS GROW focuses on Gabe and Mina, two high schoolers who have experienced trauma in different ways. Gabe loses his parents in a car accident, and Mina experiences troubles in her family life.

Religion weaves through the story in all aspects of the teenagers' lives, from parents who are extremely devout, friends who are sent to a purity camp, and the Reverend Ezra of the Church of Hosana, who is not the faithful disciple the community believes him to be.

Mina is adamant that she won’t become a statistic of unwed mothers like the young women in her Whispering Pines trailer park on the outskirts of Asheville, North Carolina. The only problem on her way to breaking out of her circumstances and heading to college is that ever since she was little, she could summon supernatural shadows.

Gabe is unaware of Mina’s ability. All he knows is that a strange wolf may have caused the car accident that took his parents’ lives. As they grow closer, an animal attack on Halloween sets in motion a series of events leading to the disappearance of Mina’s best friend, Erin, at a religious purity retreat.

WHERE DARK THINGS GROW is set in the 1980s. Clark adds details that firmly place the reader in the era, from the music to the language of the teenage protagonists who carry the story. He also has a firm grasp of the Appalachian North Carolina landscape. This story feels lived in, and its tapestry of rural life, teenage angst, and transgressive religious themes gives horror readers something to say Hallelujah about.

This review is based on an ARC. All thoughts are my own.

[Damascus Mincemeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been said that those who do not remember history are condemned to repeat it. Whether that sage wisdom concerns the wider worldly scope of global events or the more intimate nature of our own personal life stories, it’s an inescapable truth that the past influences and informs the present and, by extension, the future. Crimes and misdeeds, in particular, cast long shadows across time; think of slavery in America, the Holocaust in Europe, or any murder case that comes to mind. The trauma of abuse, too, can linger with survivors long after the acts themselves are over. And while confronting old hurts can ultimately heal, the journey towards catharsis can be fraught with danger. Excavating the wounds of years gone by is akin to opening Pandora’s Box; once those metaphorical demons are loose, they are difficult, if not impossible, to put back.

North Carolina native Andrew K. Clark is one author unafraid to plumb those shadows of the past in his upcoming Quill & Crow Publishing House novel (due September 16th), the Appalachian-set Where Dark Things Rise, an electrifying sequel to his extraordinary 2024 debut, Where Dark Things Grow.

In 1985, fourteen-year-old Gabe is involved in a violent car crash that claims the lives of both his parents. Sent thereafter to live with his paternal grandparents, crusty retired-policeman Leo and free-spirited Lilyfax, Gabe is haunted by both the lingering guilt impressed upon him by his fanatic fundamentalist Christian mother and visions of the giant, spectral red wolf that he swears caused their fatal accident. Two years later he’s still barely adjusted to his new life, but finds a kindred soul in Mina, the cute, quick-witted redhead living in a nearby trailer park. Mina feels imprisoned by her lower-income life, and devotes herself to schoolwork hoping to escape to a faraway college after graduation. But she also harbors a secret: ever since childhood, Mina’s been able to literally control shadows, forming them into a menagerie of grotesque three-dimensional creatures. At first the power manifests when she’s angry or upset, but after an uncomfortable incident with local jock jerk Emerson Schmidt (a.k.a. Emerson Shit), she discovers the shadow entities can be harnessed freely by her will and resolves to use them right the wrongs she sees in her everyday life.

Unbeknownst to Gabe or Mina, however, a malevolent force has descended upon their cozy Appalachian hills. Reverend Ezra, an old boyhood chum of Leo’s who helped him and Lilyfax defeat a sinister cult during their youth, has taken up the mantle of their long-ago enemy. Envious of the power Leo once wielded over the wolf-like shadow wulver, Ezra has finally succeeded in his lifelong quest to attain his own otherworldy avatar. With an ever-expanding evangelical ministry providing the manpower to aid in his maniacal machinations, Ezra has instigated the ritual kidnapping of teenagers throughout the county in a bid to rebuild the evil Blue Man’s temple. When Mina’s friend Erin goes missing after being forced to attend one the Reverend’s annual outdoor Christian rehabilitation camp retreats, it sets up an epic confrontation as long-simmering rivalries reemerge. Can Leo overcome his one-time ally? Will Gabe and Mina rescue Erin, or will Mina’s temptation to use the shadows for vengeance mean she’ll be lost to the dark forever?

Though it can easily stand on its own, Where Dark Things Rise is a true sequel, continuing and deepening the storyline from Where Dark Things Grow. The skill and patience with which Clark sets his main stage is masterful; he possesses a natural storyteller’s gift, knowing what to reveal and when, and takes time to endear his main characters to the audience before throwing complications in their path. While many of the themes concerning family, friendship, loss, betrayal, forgiveness, and the misuse of power are carried over from its predecessor, Where Dark Things Rise also earnestly examines the cause-and-effect consequences between past and present, the struggle of class division, and, most prominently, the effects of religious trauma. Indeed, the novel’s most harrowing sequences are undoubtedly those chapters dealing with Erin’s time at the Christian youth revival. Starved, deprived of sleep, and abused mentally, emotionally, and physically, Erin’s non-stop suffering exposes the bitterest underside of religion in all its heinousness, the ugly ways in which some pervert genuine belief in order to persecute anyone who does not fit neatly into the confines of their narrow ideologies. It’s an evil more sadly real than any make-believe horror film monster, and Clark’s unflinching depiction of the teens’ abominable treatment serve as the book’s greatest horror.

Though Gabe is ostensibly the main character, the true lead of Where Dark Things Rise is Mina. Headstrong, resourceful, intelligent, and loyal to her friends, she’s the classic girl-next-door anyone could fall for, and her character arc is among the most fulfilling. When we initially meet her, Mina aims to rise above her undeserved white trash cliché reputation in the posh, designer-label obsessed ‘80’s. Her greatest fear is becoming trapped in the same dead-end life as her mother, and Mina becomes determined to escape that seemingly preordained trailer park fate, rejecting romantic attachments despite her growing feelings for Gabe out of concern such emotions could potentially derail her plans. But as Mina’s supremacy over the shadows increase, so does her inner strength and the self-assuredness that she can love, and be loved, without worry or restraint. As inheritor of the mysterious wulver Leo was connected to as a teen, she’s tempted, as he once was, to use the shadows for revenge. In that way a parallel also exists between Mina and Ezra; yet while Ezra became corrupted by his pursuit of unearthly power, Mina ultimately harnesses the darkness not to glorify herself, but to protect others.

While there are plenty of heavy, heady moments in Where Dark Things Rise, Clark infuses his novel with generous dollops of humor and plenty of welcomed wink-and-nod nostalgic throwbacks to the music, movies, cars, and questionable fashion choices of the Reagan era. References to Prince, Ratt, Bon Jovi, Jason Voorhees, and Back to the Future make Where Dark Things Rise more immediately accessible to readers than its Depression-set forebearer. Coupled with the book’s sharp dialogue, intense character interaction, supernatural mystique, and unbridled action, Clark fosters a gripping, page-turning reading experience that earns it the full 5 (Out of 5) on my Fang Scale. This is one novel that proves sequels can be every bit as good as the original. You’re two for two, Mr. Clark. Well done.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picking up many decades after the events in Where Dark Things Grow, we are back in the Appalachian Mountains dealing with the darkness that was once vanquished many decades ago. It was nice reuniting with Leo and LillyMa now in their 70's, still in love as they were when they were teens fighting the darkness and saving lives.

This book focuses on Mina who has the ability to control shadows and bend them to her will. She doesn't want this ability, but it comes in handy when the situation calls. When she learns that her crush Gabe is being stalked by a shapeshifting preacher who also trafficks women and young girls for his cult; Mina utilizes her powers to help save as many people as possible.

Everything has come full circle. In Where Dark Things Grow, Papa Leo had the ability to control the darkness and summons a wulver at will to do his bidding. At the time when he was a teen, he and LillyMa were on a mission to save women and young girls from a Blue Man who was believed to be a holy man, but he was actually an evil man trafficking young women in an attempt to control weak men. During their rescue mission they meet a young orphan name Ezra know as Lil Priest. In book 1 Ezra's thirst for knowledge was something everyone considered endearing but Leo and LillyMa had suspicions about his obsession with understanding Leo's ability to control darkness and the wulver.

Now we fast forward to see Ezra's curiosity got the better of him as he is now the evil hiding in sheep's clothing, committing the same atrocities that he once helped save women from when he was an orphaned teen.

Although this story was focused on Mina and her ability; it's important to note that everything came full circle and Papa Leo and LillyMa is just as important to this story as the FMC and MMC. Gabe is the grandson of Papa Leo and Ezra believes that he is the one prophesized to destroy him and he refuses to let that happen. A decades ago, alliance/friendship turned into something dark and sinister, and Mina, Gabe and her best friend Erin are caught in the middle.

It's amazing how evil men can use God's words as their reasoning for doing terrible things. The mere fact that this was a small church going community who used God's words to enact purity camps for youths, literally starving and shaming them into accepting God. A church community full of grown men who thought it was their god given right to r*pe young women and boys because it was their deepest desire. The fact that this was a small religious town who felt that women were subservient to men and that the men could do whatever they wanted because God deemed it so; proves that we are living in a corrupt, depraved and evil world.

To understand and appreciate the events in Where Dark Things Rise you need to start at the beginning and read Where Dark Things Grow. Reading Papa Leo and LillyMa's story in my opinion is necessary to understand Mina's gifts, Gabe's backstory and how Ezra came to be. Where Dark Things Rise literally came full circle 50+ years later as Papa Leo, LillyMa and Ezra were now in their 70's.

The temple was destroyed once and now with more trafficked women the temple is being rebuilt stronger than ever. Will Mina be able to use her control over the shadows to save the women and girls as well as put an end to the evil once and for all?

Thank you Katerockbooktour and author Andrew Clark for the gifted copy. Reading how everything came full circle was an edge of your seat experience.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew K. Clark’s When Dark Things Rise, a terrific new thriller and coming-of-age tale centered around the supernaturally gifted Mina, gets off to a walloping good start. One of the main characters, Gabe, is traveling down the road with his parents in an automobile when a massive wolf actually jumps through the windshield of the car, leaving him facing down the beast on the side of the road, next to the dead bodies of his parents. You see, supernatural horror in the teen world is always about a rude awakening, and much like Don Coscarelli’s Phantasm is a riff on Truffaut’s The 400 Blows, really, all coming-of-age stories are: they are a template for the horror of the spirit-breaking hazing that is adolescence, and this genre is perfect for the exploration of these trying times.

What’s more, this sequence also happens to establish the creepy and mysterious link between Gabe and the Wolf, which permeates the book. It is also one hell of a hook that kept me reading until the final page.

As I mentioned, the main character is the teenage Mina, from the wrong side of the tracks. She’s got a crush on Gabe, hoping, like any young and innocent American high schooler, that her new summer dress will impress on her first day back to school. As for her home life, her dad’s a boozer, and mom’s an unbridled, fundamentalist Jesus Freaker, addicted to listening to radio preachers on Sunday mornings. Suffice it to say that she wants more than life in a trailer park with these two stifling characters.

The creepiness continues at school when we hear that other students have spread a rumor about how Gabe, after the accident, sat holding his bloody mother’s hand like a scene from Carrie. The tribulations of Gabe, constantly being hunted by the wolf, are complicated by the exploits of Mina’s friend, Erin, who gets involved with one of the book’s key characters, the repugnant preacher, Ezra, who, with the help of some ghoul name “The Predicant,” runs a church that is little more than a front to lure in young women and force them to work as prostitutes. One even goes missing, and they soon attract the attention of the law.

Will Mina use her powers to fight the Red Wolf? Can she save her friend Erin from the clutches of the evil Ezra? And will using her powers mean that she’s forever made the choice not to live a normal life, but to exist on the edge of darkness, constantly negotiating with a dangerous supernatural world?

One can have plenty of fun reading this novel just for the plot, and yes, there is a face-off with the Red Wolf, and Mina will be there to fight for her friends. But the book does not come to a close with any facile resolution. This makes me suspect a second volume may be in the offing, and maybe even a series is coming, which would be very welcome, indeed.

Mina realizes what many of the other young protagonists in young adult fiction learn: life is made up of good and evil, and finding the courage to face one’s demons, and the light and darkness within our own selves, is precisely the work that makes us successful and realized human beings. Good coming-of-age novels always do this, and Where Dark Things Rise certainly does, adding some very nice fantasy and thrills along the way.

[Nicole Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Quill & Crow Publishing House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Andrew K. Clark’s “Where Dark Things Rise” is a chilling combination of Appalachian folk horror and a coming-of-age survival story. Set in the shadowed mountains of North Carolina during the 1980s, it follows teens Mina and Gabe as they battle both supernatural forces and the crushing weight of small-town judgment, poverty, and religious extremism. While the book centers around teenage characters, I would recommend this book to older YA readers and/or classify this as an adult book due to some of the more mature content explored in the story.

The story opens with Gabe’s life upended by a devastating car crash that kills his parents, seemingly caused by a red wolf. But the wolf is no ordinary predator; it’s tied to something darker, something hungry for destruction. Mina, meanwhile, is fierce, brilliant, and angry, trying to break free from the cycle of poverty and the expectations placed on her by family, church, and town. She has a secret: since childhood, she has been able to summon shadowy forces, a power that is as dangerous as it is necessary. When her best friend disappears from a purity retreat led by a corrupt preacher, Mina and Gabe are thrust into a fight for their lives, one that pits them against both human evil and ancient magic.

Clark’s writing captures the Appalachian landscape with vivid intensity; every shadow feels alive, steeped in myth and menace. The story is threaded with religious imagery, the fire-and-brimstone sermons of zealots, and the suffocating grip of a community where faith and fear are inseparable. Yet alongside its horrors, the book shines with moments of resilience: teens bonding together, unlikely mentors offering support, and Mina’s transformation from an underestimated girl to someone who refuses to be silenced.

What makes the story so powerful is the way it operates on multiple levels. On the surface, it’s a gripping supernatural tale of shapeshifters, shadow magic, and a preacher-wolf trafficking children in the name of purity. Beneath that, it’s a commentary on class, gender, faith, and the way adolescence itself is a kind of shapeshifting—choosing which parts of yourself to keep, which to cast away, and what it costs to fight for your own identity.

Dark, raw, and unflinching, “Where Dark Things Rise” is as much about survival as it is about horror. Fans of Appalachian noir and folk horror will find it both terrifying and empowering as it’s, overall, a story of teens who refuse to break in a world determined to crush them.

[Lee Stockdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strap In

Halfway through Andrew Clark’s Where Dark Things Rise I began to wonder who or what it was that would kill the evil that was mauling pickup trucks, snaking through the woods, hanging from trees and basically terrifying everybody in sight—terrifying no one more than me. Maybe Gabe will kill it. He’s the main character. Too obvious? Maybe Mina, possessor of good, power, beauty, and, eventually, nice jeans. Maybe music itself kills the unspeakable. Clark can do that, he has that kind of talent, have music stand naked in the middle of an open field goading evil to come out of its cowardly hole, confront it, kill it.

Clark so expertly describes the archetypal high school bully, good guy, rich girl, poor girl, poor girl’s younger bitchy sister, racist redneck, and supporting actors, I wondered if he himself wasn’t a sixteen year old who just happened to have Stephen King prodigy capabilities. In the hands of a less experienced writer these characters are ticking time bomb clichés.

Clark makes each cast member real, relatable, identifiable, likable, or not likable as required. Portrayals so drenched with verisimilitude I was no longer an observer of the madness, I was part of it; no longer watching these kids, but one of them. Waiting for the bus. Walking school halls. Smoking my first weed (in the hands of even the best writers, descriptions of being high usually vacillate between (a) unbelievably corny, and (b) pretty stupid; Clark’s descriptions are so authentic I wanted to reach through the page: Hey, I’ll have some of what she’s having).

What a morality play! With matter-of-fact writing so convincing I quickly, easily, and satisfyingly suspended all disbelief. If I can “believe” the dark images in the Book of Revelation, I can “believe” the dark images in Where Dark Things Rise. And if I’m going to believe such evil exists, I have to believe there’s an overpowering force of good to defeat, kill, and vanquish it.

As I continued reading, wondering about who might ultimately kill the evil in Dark Things—a climax I was champing at the bit for, hoping for, cheering for—I began to realize it didn’t matter who the hero might turn out to be, who it was that would get the blue ribbon, trophy, gold medal. I began to realize that, in the end, the scariest part is that it’s not going to be Gabe, Mina, Papa Leo, Lucas, or the dog who slays the beast. It’s going to have to be me, you, us. So put on the full armor of God. Strap in. It’s going to be a rocky ride.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Dark Things Rise tells the haunting story of Gabe, a teenager struggling with grief and religious trauma after a supernatural force kills his parents. Set in 1980s Appalachia, the novel follows Gabe as he tries to piece his life back together with his grandparents and navigate a town plagued by fanaticism, dark folklore, and real monsters. Along the way, he crosses paths with Mina, a girl trying to escape the weight of her own upbringing, and Reverend Ezra, a sinister preacher who seems tied to the evil hunting Gabe. The book weaves elements of Southern Gothic, horror, and coming-of-age drama into a dark, deeply emotional tale.

The writing is lush but never showy, filled with poetic moments that sneak up on you. Clark builds atmosphere so well it almost hums. Like creaky trailer park porches, whispers in the woods, gospel music swelling under the hum of something ancient and terrible. The dialogue feels natural, especially between the kids, and there's this aching honesty in how trauma, poverty, and faith twist together in the rural South. But where the novel really hits its stride is in the quiet moments like Gabe holding a cassette tape like it's sacred, or Mina sketching herself invisible in the mirror. Those scenes made me remember what it felt like to be young and stuck and full of strange hope.

Some of the villains, particularly Reverend Ezra, felt theatrical at times, like he belonged to myth more than flesh. I was more interested in the real horror: the abuse, the gaslighting, the warped religion passed down as salvation. Those were the moments that chilled me. The supernatural parts worked, but they shined brightest when grounded in human hurt. The Red Wolf was terrifying, but the scenes that really stuck with me involved trembling hands, loaded silences, and kids carrying too much.

Where Dark Things Rise is a bold, tender, and eerie ride. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes their horror layered with heartache or who grew up in a place where the Bible was both shield and weapon. If you liked Boy’s Life by Robert McCammon or The Fisherman by John Langan, you’ll feel at home here. This book broke my heart in places and then lit it on fire.