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The Fold
It all started with a missing boy and a mysterious house that disappeared. On Halloween night thirty years later, David is persuaded by his wife Emma, along with a close group of family and friends, to track down the house that faded from existence.
In doing so, they unknowingly pass through a tear in time and into a living nightmare. Home to predatory shades that hunt in packs, and a horrifying beast known as Abandon, the Fold threatens to tear David and his haunted family apart.
When staying awake won’t end the nightmare, what hope is there of survival?
In doing so, they unknowingly pass through a tear in time and into a living nightmare. Home to predatory shades that hunt in packs, and a horrifying beast known as Abandon, the Fold threatens to tear David and his haunted family apart.
When staying awake won’t end the nightmare, what hope is there of survival?
328 pages, Paperback
Published April 26, 2025
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
C.W. Evans
1 book8 followersC.W. Evans’ literary journey started with writing horror fan fiction as an early teen, which opened up a world of twisted possibilities. He now survives on a healthy diet of paperbacks, comic books and horror films, and lives in South Wales with his wife Teena and boisterous cat Rocky.
You can connect with C.W. Evans via Facebook, Instagram & Threads @c.w_evans, or through email at: cwevansauthor@gmail.com.
You can connect with C.W. Evans via Facebook, Instagram & Threads @c.w_evans, or through email at: cwevansauthor@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 27, 2025
This book was a whirlwind of horror!
Starting out with a group of people sharing scary, campfire stories, this becomes the most horrific campfire story you can experience. David, a man who leads a simple life, is convinced by his wife Emma to investigate the odd disappearance of a young boy and a mysterious house on Halloween night. What they end up of finding is not what they were expecting. Being thrown into an alternate dimension, The Fold, David and his family must survive against the most terrifying of nightmares.
This was such an adventure! I loved how The Fold was a projection of loss and suffering, as if it were a character in itself. There was so much description of the horrors of this alternate world, that I felt like I was experiencing the dread that the characters were facing. There was gore, there was suffering, there were cold-blooded eliminations and unforgiving justice. I was shocked by the fate of some characters. And the ending isn’t something I’d wish upon my worst enemies. The environmental horror was reminiscent of The Ruins by Scott Smith which was spectacular!
I recommend this for those who love cosmic horror, environmental horror, and classic creature features.
This is coming to you April 26, 2025 (so in the next couple days). Make sure to keep your eye out for it. Thank you CW Evans for the eArc!
4⭐️
Starting out with a group of people sharing scary, campfire stories, this becomes the most horrific campfire story you can experience. David, a man who leads a simple life, is convinced by his wife Emma to investigate the odd disappearance of a young boy and a mysterious house on Halloween night. What they end up of finding is not what they were expecting. Being thrown into an alternate dimension, The Fold, David and his family must survive against the most terrifying of nightmares.
This was such an adventure! I loved how The Fold was a projection of loss and suffering, as if it were a character in itself. There was so much description of the horrors of this alternate world, that I felt like I was experiencing the dread that the characters were facing. There was gore, there was suffering, there were cold-blooded eliminations and unforgiving justice. I was shocked by the fate of some characters. And the ending isn’t something I’d wish upon my worst enemies. The environmental horror was reminiscent of The Ruins by Scott Smith which was spectacular!
I recommend this for those who love cosmic horror, environmental horror, and classic creature features.
This is coming to you April 26, 2025 (so in the next couple days). Make sure to keep your eye out for it. Thank you CW Evans for the eArc!
4⭐️
July 20, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Gripping, straight to the point, and packed with great character development. The Fold blends sci-fi and horror, delivering tension and gore in just the right doses. The main villain could easily become the next Leatherface. With enough scares scattered throughout, it’ll keep any horror nerd happy.
March 25, 2025
Having read some of Craig’s previous works, I was keen to see what he could do within the horror genre.
The Fold is a really interesting premise and packed with suspense and thrills (with a bit of gore thrown in for good measure!)
I don’t want to give anything away, but I did not see the ending coming! (And I still don’t know if it’s a happy ending or not…)
Can’t wait to read more from Craig Evans in the future.
The Fold is a really interesting premise and packed with suspense and thrills (with a bit of gore thrown in for good measure!)
I don’t want to give anything away, but I did not see the ending coming! (And I still don’t know if it’s a happy ending or not…)
Can’t wait to read more from Craig Evans in the future.
March 24, 2025
Starting around a spooky campfire, 5 family members come together for Mum to recount an awful spooky weird memory from her past. A memory that chills everyone to the bone. Leaving some of the group with more questions than answers.
What happens next is something out of a horror movie that you would watch in the 80’s or 90’s.
Think alternate dystopian reality meets Cabin In The Woods meets Split/Glass (if it was with a young boy instead of McAvoy).
Who, if anyone, will get out alive?
The pacing of the book was fantastic. It gained speed and momentum, ending in a crescendo. The author’s ability to make the Fold into a character in its own right is something I appreciated, it was rather akin to how the master Stephen King works.
David, the MMC really does love the people around him. His relationship with Emma is beautiful and I loved his adoration of her.
I’m undecided if it’s a happily ever after…
One thing is for sure, demons don’t just hide under your bed or in a closet. Your spines will tingle and boundaries of existence will be questioned when reading this.
My favourite quote from the book:
‘Darkness not just in the absence of light, but the absence of joy.’
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to eagerly await more books from him in future.
What happens next is something out of a horror movie that you would watch in the 80’s or 90’s.
Think alternate dystopian reality meets Cabin In The Woods meets Split/Glass (if it was with a young boy instead of McAvoy).
Who, if anyone, will get out alive?
The pacing of the book was fantastic. It gained speed and momentum, ending in a crescendo. The author’s ability to make the Fold into a character in its own right is something I appreciated, it was rather akin to how the master Stephen King works.
David, the MMC really does love the people around him. His relationship with Emma is beautiful and I loved his adoration of her.
I’m undecided if it’s a happily ever after…
One thing is for sure, demons don’t just hide under your bed or in a closet. Your spines will tingle and boundaries of existence will be questioned when reading this.
My favourite quote from the book:
‘Darkness not just in the absence of light, but the absence of joy.’
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to eagerly await more books from him in future.
July 7, 2025
Let me start this with review with; woah! No debate, no hesitation, 5 stars - it is deserving of much more.
If this is the masterpiece Evans has produced as a debut novel, he is well worth the watching; the book is phenomenal. Out of this world, some may even say out of The Fold.
The atmosphere, the characters - the ones you really like, the ones you really don’t like - the horror, and I would be remiss not mention Abandon, that big bastard!
I don’t say this lightly, or often, if at all, however, this book is wholly deserving of a film adaptation and I for one will be first in the queue for tickets!
Cannot wait for more of Evans work and to see where he takes us next.
If this is the masterpiece Evans has produced as a debut novel, he is well worth the watching; the book is phenomenal. Out of this world, some may even say out of The Fold.
The atmosphere, the characters - the ones you really like, the ones you really don’t like - the horror, and I would be remiss not mention Abandon, that big bastard!
I don’t say this lightly, or often, if at all, however, this book is wholly deserving of a film adaptation and I for one will be first in the queue for tickets!
Cannot wait for more of Evans work and to see where he takes us next.
March 31, 2025
I'm trying my best to keep this spoiler-free, so forgive me if parts are vague.
What. A. Ride!
What starts off as a campfire story between family members quickly begins to unravel into a modern-day urban legend.... and like most urban legends, the characters would have been so much better off if they had just left it alone; but where's the fun in that, right?
It's so refreshing to have a story that centres around characters that feel like real people. They feel like people you know. People you care about. They make choices that reflect the all too fallible condition of human nature, and their curiosity lands them right into the thick of the story and into a creepy, isolated setting that feels like a character in itself.
As the situations they find themselves in get more and more confusing, and the consequences of their choices get more and more dire, again and again you are drawn back to just how REAL they feel; which in turn forces the questions to raise in your mind - what would I do? How would I handle this?
And you just can't answer. Because no matter how much you relate to these people, you can never comprehend the strangeness of their situation.
The fluctuating pacing is like whiplash. Keeping the reader disoriented and confused, and total in keeping with the mindset of the characters.
All of this feels so deliberate, and it's executed so effectively. Because whilst you might understand these people and their motivations, you can never even begin to understand the Fold.
What. A. Ride!
What starts off as a campfire story between family members quickly begins to unravel into a modern-day urban legend.... and like most urban legends, the characters would have been so much better off if they had just left it alone; but where's the fun in that, right?
It's so refreshing to have a story that centres around characters that feel like real people. They feel like people you know. People you care about. They make choices that reflect the all too fallible condition of human nature, and their curiosity lands them right into the thick of the story and into a creepy, isolated setting that feels like a character in itself.
As the situations they find themselves in get more and more confusing, and the consequences of their choices get more and more dire, again and again you are drawn back to just how REAL they feel; which in turn forces the questions to raise in your mind - what would I do? How would I handle this?
And you just can't answer. Because no matter how much you relate to these people, you can never comprehend the strangeness of their situation.
The fluctuating pacing is like whiplash. Keeping the reader disoriented and confused, and total in keeping with the mindset of the characters.
All of this feels so deliberate, and it's executed so effectively. Because whilst you might understand these people and their motivations, you can never even begin to understand the Fold.
April 24, 2025
This one really surprised me. It’s thoughtful and a little strange, but it all stays grounded. Evans has a writing style that makes the world feel like it’s already there, and you’re just stepping into it and trying to figure things out alongside the characters.
The pacing is slow in a way that works. It gives everything room to settle in, and the weirdness creeps up naturally. This one’s dripping with atmosphere, and I loved how much the setting added to the overall feel of the story.
For a debut horror novel, this felt really solid. The world-building was smooth, the writing felt confident, and I liked how it all came together. Big thanks to the author for the gifted copy. I’m definitely curious to see what he does next.
The pacing is slow in a way that works. It gives everything room to settle in, and the weirdness creeps up naturally. This one’s dripping with atmosphere, and I loved how much the setting added to the overall feel of the story.
For a debut horror novel, this felt really solid. The world-building was smooth, the writing felt confident, and I liked how it all came together. Big thanks to the author for the gifted copy. I’m definitely curious to see what he does next.
April 20, 2025
Ok, look alive, book buds. The Fold is one upcoming release you will not want to miss.
A fast-paced cosmic horror about a group of friends who go to investigate the thirty-year-old disappearance of a little boy and the strange case of a house that appeared then disappeared. Their curiosity will take them on a journey to a place that is the setting for nightmares, and ruled by a monster to rival the Boogeyman.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's really a helluva debut! The Fold is action-packed and has a lot of heart. It deals with love, loss, and resilience, and looks at how emotions can shape your world....in a more fantastical way, but I think it applies to real world emotions too. And I think the reader will feel the emotions right along with the characters (I did).
And as such a big fan of monsters, it would be remiss of me to not specially mention the ones in here. The monsters in this story are awesome; the ways they're described and how they come to be are so cool and incredibly interesting. The...main monster... had the weirdest impact on me, emotionally. I felt sad for his situation, but angry at his actions. Hopefully that's cryptic enough to give any of the story away but also inviting enough for you to read this awesome story.
A fast-paced cosmic horror about a group of friends who go to investigate the thirty-year-old disappearance of a little boy and the strange case of a house that appeared then disappeared. Their curiosity will take them on a journey to a place that is the setting for nightmares, and ruled by a monster to rival the Boogeyman.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's really a helluva debut! The Fold is action-packed and has a lot of heart. It deals with love, loss, and resilience, and looks at how emotions can shape your world....in a more fantastical way, but I think it applies to real world emotions too. And I think the reader will feel the emotions right along with the characters (I did).
And as such a big fan of monsters, it would be remiss of me to not specially mention the ones in here. The monsters in this story are awesome; the ways they're described and how they come to be are so cool and incredibly interesting. The...main monster... had the weirdest impact on me, emotionally. I felt sad for his situation, but angry at his actions. Hopefully that's cryptic enough to give any of the story away but also inviting enough for you to read this awesome story.
April 4, 2025
The Fold by C.W. Evans grips you from the start—imagine sitting around a crackling campfire as a chilling tale unfolds, only to realize the nightmare is far from over. A mother’s eerie recollection of her past sets the tone, pulling her family into a terrifying web where reality bends and the impossible becomes disturbingly real.
The atmosphere is thick with dread as the story hurtles toward a conclusion that leaves you questioning what’s real. This book is a masterclass in tension and atmosphere, blending heart-pounding suspense with emotional depth.
David, the main character, is driven by love—his bond with Emma adds an emotional core that keeps you invested. But don’t expect an easy resolution. Happiness here is as uncertain as the boundaries between worlds. What lurks beyond the Fold is darker than your worst fears.
I’m giving this book a solid 4 stars for being incredibly rich and very well written. It’s a gripping, mind-bending thriller that horror fans will devour. Huge thanks to C.W. Evans for the eARC—I can’t wait to see what nightmares come next!
The atmosphere is thick with dread as the story hurtles toward a conclusion that leaves you questioning what’s real. This book is a masterclass in tension and atmosphere, blending heart-pounding suspense with emotional depth.
David, the main character, is driven by love—his bond with Emma adds an emotional core that keeps you invested. But don’t expect an easy resolution. Happiness here is as uncertain as the boundaries between worlds. What lurks beyond the Fold is darker than your worst fears.
I’m giving this book a solid 4 stars for being incredibly rich and very well written. It’s a gripping, mind-bending thriller that horror fans will devour. Huge thanks to C.W. Evans for the eARC—I can’t wait to see what nightmares come next!
April 25, 2025
The fold is a rollercoaster of a book from start to finish! Thrashing you back and forth from genuinely heartfelt moments to absolute terror and brutality, all wrapped up in an exhilarating mystery that corkscrews deeper and deeper into a world of fear and darkness.
This book is so well written, and I particularly love how descriptive it is while also giving your mind the freedom to visualise and imagine the world in which it is set. It really makes the book come alive. It’s a story where the characters are so well developed that you really do feel like you know them, as well as their thoughts and feelings, giving the whole story a real sense of trepidation and consequence.
Horror books and movies are my jam, and this book is a belter! Without spoiling anything, one character in particular has all the makings of an iconic horror figure, and there are parts where I feel there are clever little nods to some of the best horror stories written.
Don’t let this book slip through your to read net, it’s an absolute blast!
This book is so well written, and I particularly love how descriptive it is while also giving your mind the freedom to visualise and imagine the world in which it is set. It really makes the book come alive. It’s a story where the characters are so well developed that you really do feel like you know them, as well as their thoughts and feelings, giving the whole story a real sense of trepidation and consequence.
Horror books and movies are my jam, and this book is a belter! Without spoiling anything, one character in particular has all the makings of an iconic horror figure, and there are parts where I feel there are clever little nods to some of the best horror stories written.
Don’t let this book slip through your to read net, it’s an absolute blast!
May 20, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was totally shocked that this was truly a debut. It’s so well written and it really delivers in making the reader feel tense and on edge.
It all starts around a scary story David’s mum tells the family. About a holiday she went on where a boy went missing and a yellow house just disappeared into thin air. It left David very uneasy and his wife Emma enthralled. Naturally she wanted to investigate. On their own Nancy Drew assignment David and his brother and their partners travel back to see if they can find out what happened.
Well, they end up slipping through a fold in time and into a world where predatory shades hunt in packs. This family are in for a ride from hell and the chances of any of them making it out alive are very slim.
This book had it all, it was creepy, atmospheric and I loved the journey from start to finish. It was such a great idea and I love supporting indie authors, this is a book you want to pick up guys.
It all starts around a scary story David’s mum tells the family. About a holiday she went on where a boy went missing and a yellow house just disappeared into thin air. It left David very uneasy and his wife Emma enthralled. Naturally she wanted to investigate. On their own Nancy Drew assignment David and his brother and their partners travel back to see if they can find out what happened.
Well, they end up slipping through a fold in time and into a world where predatory shades hunt in packs. This family are in for a ride from hell and the chances of any of them making it out alive are very slim.
This book had it all, it was creepy, atmospheric and I loved the journey from start to finish. It was such a great idea and I love supporting indie authors, this is a book you want to pick up guys.
April 24, 2025
🏚⚠️👥Bucke up👥⚠️🏚
...We are going for a ride!
That was intense in the best sense!
This is a brutal survivalistic, liminal space, creature feature, sci-fi horror & thriller, and oh boy on that horror part!
What started off innocently as a campfire spooky story turned awry when David and his family let curiosity win and try investigate what happened to that missing boy all those years ago and the mystery of the disappearing yellow house. It's blunt, brutal, heart-wrenching, and so damn good!
Between the great character building, the dreadful atmosphere, and the storytelling, this makes for an epic ride that I know most of yall would enjoy!
Don't sleep on your indie authors because this is an awesome horror MUST read for 2025.
A huge thank you to C.W. Evans, for trusting me with his ARC, to read and give an honest review, can't wait for what you come up with next!
...We are going for a ride!
That was intense in the best sense!
This is a brutal survivalistic, liminal space, creature feature, sci-fi horror & thriller, and oh boy on that horror part!
What started off innocently as a campfire spooky story turned awry when David and his family let curiosity win and try investigate what happened to that missing boy all those years ago and the mystery of the disappearing yellow house. It's blunt, brutal, heart-wrenching, and so damn good!
Between the great character building, the dreadful atmosphere, and the storytelling, this makes for an epic ride that I know most of yall would enjoy!
Don't sleep on your indie authors because this is an awesome horror MUST read for 2025.
A huge thank you to C.W. Evans, for trusting me with his ARC, to read and give an honest review, can't wait for what you come up with next!
July 6, 2025
This debut novel is well written, with great character building and great descriptions of a dark alternate reality known as The Fold.
It all starts with David’s mom telling a scary story around a campfire. About a trip she took thirty years ago where a boy went missing and a yellow house just vanished.
A story that David and his wife Emma can’t get out of their heads. So they travel to Sunny Haven with David’s brother Ian, his girlfriend Rachel, and their friend Sean, to try and solve the mystery. Something they’ll soon regret..
The Fold is intense, creepy, gory and brutal, with tense and eerie atmosphere and horrific nightmarish monsters. The characters are great and you can feel the emotions these people are experiencing. And it has an ending I did not expect.
Grab yourself a copy of this one, if you haven’t already!
It all starts with David’s mom telling a scary story around a campfire. About a trip she took thirty years ago where a boy went missing and a yellow house just vanished.
A story that David and his wife Emma can’t get out of their heads. So they travel to Sunny Haven with David’s brother Ian, his girlfriend Rachel, and their friend Sean, to try and solve the mystery. Something they’ll soon regret..
The Fold is intense, creepy, gory and brutal, with tense and eerie atmosphere and horrific nightmarish monsters. The characters are great and you can feel the emotions these people are experiencing. And it has an ending I did not expect.
Grab yourself a copy of this one, if you haven’t already!
April 2, 2025
C.W. Evans’ The Fold is a masterfully crafted horror novel that blends psychological tension, cosmic horror, and deeply emotional storytelling.
What begins as a simple ghost story around a campfire unravels into a mind-bending exploration of loss, trauma, and the terrifying nature of the unknown. The novel’s eerie atmosphere is expertly built, drawing readers into the mystery of the Fold—a reality-warping phenomenon that defies logic and sanity. Evans’ writing is immersive, with vivid, unsettling imagery that lingers long after the final page.
With its unique premise, unsettling world-building, and gut-wrenching moments of loss, The Fold is a must-read for fans of intelligent, character-driven horror.
What begins as a simple ghost story around a campfire unravels into a mind-bending exploration of loss, trauma, and the terrifying nature of the unknown. The novel’s eerie atmosphere is expertly built, drawing readers into the mystery of the Fold—a reality-warping phenomenon that defies logic and sanity. Evans’ writing is immersive, with vivid, unsettling imagery that lingers long after the final page.
With its unique premise, unsettling world-building, and gut-wrenching moments of loss, The Fold is a must-read for fans of intelligent, character-driven horror.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2025
I was given the ARC of The Fold to review for CW Evans.
The book explores a strange world known only as The Fold.
30 years ago a lost boy and a disappearing house. Years Later this curiosity leads our group of friends to unravel this strange mystery. At a cost.
This story poses the question; what could happen to a child lost in a strange void. Alone, without love or guidance or hope. Evans has beautiful illustrative language, he builds a world rich in description. The text is a feast of alliteration and simile. The relationships between the characters, particularly the love between David and Emma is strong and beautiful. I felt how much he loved her.
In all, a good first dip into horror writing with some interesting concepts to explore.
The book explores a strange world known only as The Fold.
30 years ago a lost boy and a disappearing house. Years Later this curiosity leads our group of friends to unravel this strange mystery. At a cost.
This story poses the question; what could happen to a child lost in a strange void. Alone, without love or guidance or hope. Evans has beautiful illustrative language, he builds a world rich in description. The text is a feast of alliteration and simile. The relationships between the characters, particularly the love between David and Emma is strong and beautiful. I felt how much he loved her.
In all, a good first dip into horror writing with some interesting concepts to explore.
April 22, 2025
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC - this was a great read.
The pace was absolutely relentless, you feel like you can’t catch your breath, just like our main characters. Vivid imagery and I really liked how The Fold manifested; this dimension of cosmic horror and illusions. Purgatory vibes ⚫️
The characters were great too, they felt very real, and I appreciated that they were fallible and had (for the most part) realistic reactions to the horrors they encountered!
Recommended if you’re after:
▪️ Survival horror
▫️ Cosmic horror
▪️ Characters you want to see succeed
▫️ Scary “wtf kind of dimension is this?!” moments
▪️ A wild ride, and a fun read
The pace was absolutely relentless, you feel like you can’t catch your breath, just like our main characters. Vivid imagery and I really liked how The Fold manifested; this dimension of cosmic horror and illusions. Purgatory vibes ⚫️
The characters were great too, they felt very real, and I appreciated that they were fallible and had (for the most part) realistic reactions to the horrors they encountered!
Recommended if you’re after:
▪️ Survival horror
▫️ Cosmic horror
▪️ Characters you want to see succeed
▫️ Scary “wtf kind of dimension is this?!” moments
▪️ A wild ride, and a fun read
April 9, 2025
From a family tale around a campfire to the very depths of hell, this book takes its protagonist - and the reader - on a roller coaster ride of terror.
Craig’s compelling narrative will have you hooked from the start right up until the twist at the end (which I didn’t see coming, by the way!).
I don’t want to give anything about the plot away, as The Fold (the book) deserves to be discovered and explored in the same way the Fold (the phenomenon) is by the characters.
But, if you’re looking for a chilling supernatural survival tale, then you won’t read anything better this year.
Craig’s compelling narrative will have you hooked from the start right up until the twist at the end (which I didn’t see coming, by the way!).
I don’t want to give anything about the plot away, as The Fold (the book) deserves to be discovered and explored in the same way the Fold (the phenomenon) is by the characters.
But, if you’re looking for a chilling supernatural survival tale, then you won’t read anything better this year.
April 3, 2025
Love this book! Such a gripping dark tale of pure madness. The fold itself is an intense upside down world created by a mad man, but a creative mad man who blends the perfect balance of heart, adventure and terror.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews