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Phobophobia: Face Your Fears
Fear has a mind of its own.
Phobophobia gathers tales that dive headfirst into the world of irrational fears—the ones we don’t talk about, the ones we laugh off, the ones that linger long after we’ve turned out the lights. From the absurd to the surreal, these stories explore what happens when anxiety becomes reality and logic offers no escape.
No fear is too strange, too small, or too surreal for the pages of this book.
Step inside. The things you didn’t know you were afraid of are waiting...
With stories by AJ Humphreys, Andrew Adams, Angel Ramon, David K. Slater, Derek Thomas, Dylan Wells, Jay Bower, Joseph Murnane, Jules Terry, Jyl Glenn, Lisa Breanne, Mari Pittelman, Matthew Lutton, Mel Kitching, Savannah R. Fischer, Stephanie Huddle, and Zaq Cass.
Phobophobia gathers tales that dive headfirst into the world of irrational fears—the ones we don’t talk about, the ones we laugh off, the ones that linger long after we’ve turned out the lights. From the absurd to the surreal, these stories explore what happens when anxiety becomes reality and logic offers no escape.
No fear is too strange, too small, or too surreal for the pages of this book.
Step inside. The things you didn’t know you were afraid of are waiting...
With stories by AJ Humphreys, Andrew Adams, Angel Ramon, David K. Slater, Derek Thomas, Dylan Wells, Jay Bower, Joseph Murnane, Jules Terry, Jyl Glenn, Lisa Breanne, Mari Pittelman, Matthew Lutton, Mel Kitching, Savannah R. Fischer, Stephanie Huddle, and Zaq Cass.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2025
12 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Jyl Glenn
20 books39 followersJyl Glenn is a horror writer, editor, formatter, narrator, and mentor. She collects creepy art, writes really depressing poetry, loves dogs, and has an affinity for pink dinosaurs. She is forever a New Yorker who happens to live in Tulsa now.
To connect with Jyl on social media, you can find her on Facebook or on Instagram as @_delightfully_unhinged_ or sign up for her newsletter at www.jylglennwrites.com
To connect with Jyl on social media, you can find her on Facebook or on Instagram as @_delightfully_unhinged_ or sign up for her newsletter at www.jylglennwrites.com
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 24, 2025
This was fun! I thought the concept was super interesting and each story was unique and creative
May 22, 2025
Phobophobia, the cover, grabbed my attention, and I don't suppose it hurts that I like purple.
But the idea, cinched it for me, the whole book is themed around phobias, and each story is about a different one, so common theme but very different.
I enjoy well written ones like that, they are sewn together in a way that makes them sing but not clash, and you don't get bored reading about the same thing, because they aren't the same, not at all.
All of these were dark and sinister, and honestly worrying for me a few times, but the threads of dark humor that laced these, really didn't let you sink too far into paranoia and make you loose yourself in these unhinged stories of phobia, most of which, I hadnt heard of ( and loved looking up after reading this, I'm weird like that )
I don't want to give too much away, but this was a book, I couldn't put down and you need to check it out, if it doesn't freak you out, it will at least make your skin crawl.
But the idea, cinched it for me, the whole book is themed around phobias, and each story is about a different one, so common theme but very different.
I enjoy well written ones like that, they are sewn together in a way that makes them sing but not clash, and you don't get bored reading about the same thing, because they aren't the same, not at all.
All of these were dark and sinister, and honestly worrying for me a few times, but the threads of dark humor that laced these, really didn't let you sink too far into paranoia and make you loose yourself in these unhinged stories of phobia, most of which, I hadnt heard of ( and loved looking up after reading this, I'm weird like that )
I don't want to give too much away, but this was a book, I couldn't put down and you need to check it out, if it doesn't freak you out, it will at least make your skin crawl.
June 25, 2025
Thank you to the editor for providing a review copy.
I love a good themed anthology, and this is one of the coolest themes I've come across. I knew what a handful of the phobias were beforehand, but I hadn't encountered the majority of them. Finding out what each phobia was in the stories was really fun for me. Overall, a really strong anthology. 4 stars
Eisoptrophobia by Mari Pittelman ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Globophobia by Mel Kitching ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Veloxrotaphonia by Joseph Murnane ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cacophobia by Matthew Lutton ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Ornithophobia by Jules Terry ⭐⭐⭐.5
Urophobia by Jay Bower ⭐⭐⭐.5
Apotemnophobia by Lisa Breanne ⭐⭐⭐
Mysophobia by Jyl Glenn ⭐⭐
Mottephobia Angel Ramon DNF
Omphalophobia by Derek Thomas ⭐⭐⭐
Ephebiphobia by Zaq Cass ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Ablutophobia by David K. Slater ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Onuxophobia by Stephanie Huddle ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Athazagoraphobia by Savannah R. Fisher ⭐⭐⭐⭐.75
Pithecophobia by Dylan Wells ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sciophobia by AJ Humphreys ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Trypophobia by Andrew Adams ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love a good themed anthology, and this is one of the coolest themes I've come across. I knew what a handful of the phobias were beforehand, but I hadn't encountered the majority of them. Finding out what each phobia was in the stories was really fun for me. Overall, a really strong anthology. 4 stars
Eisoptrophobia by Mari Pittelman ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Globophobia by Mel Kitching ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Veloxrotaphonia by Joseph Murnane ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cacophobia by Matthew Lutton ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Ornithophobia by Jules Terry ⭐⭐⭐.5
Urophobia by Jay Bower ⭐⭐⭐.5
Apotemnophobia by Lisa Breanne ⭐⭐⭐
Mysophobia by Jyl Glenn ⭐⭐
Mottephobia Angel Ramon DNF
Omphalophobia by Derek Thomas ⭐⭐⭐
Ephebiphobia by Zaq Cass ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Ablutophobia by David K. Slater ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Onuxophobia by Stephanie Huddle ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Athazagoraphobia by Savannah R. Fisher ⭐⭐⭐⭐.75
Pithecophobia by Dylan Wells ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sciophobia by AJ Humphreys ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Trypophobia by Andrew Adams ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 11, 2025
This was a really good read. Each story is based on a phobia yes but these are those obscure phobia that you don't hear about much. The creativity these authors use for each story was fantastic. I could quite happily read a second volume of these tales they were so entertaining. The one that got me the most, though, has to be Veloxrotaphobia by Joseph Murnane. How that story ended was great.
June 8, 2025
Those without a phobia may discover one after reading this collection. The feature that I found particularly intriguing was the emphasis on uncommon phobias and the manner in which each author constructs a captivating story around their selected phobia. A definite must read for fans of any of these authors.
June 3, 2025
Seventeen tales about phobias- but which phobias? Trying to guess just from the story title would probably be a waste of effort: "Veloxrotaphobia," "Ablutophobia," "Athazagoraphobia," "Pithecophobia" - perhaps if you know Greek or Latin you'll have a better chance, but even then, "Omphalophobia" - seriously? Fear of bellybuttons?! Well, yes: " Omphalophobia" by Derek Thomas is, indeed, about a guy who hears bellybuttons speaking to him (“Psst buddy. I’m over here”) and his doctor suggests... ear plugs LOL!
Most stories are not as darkly humorous as this, though, just dark and quite disturbing: "Athazagoraphobia" by Savannah R. Fischer, about the fear of being forgotten, takes petty domestic squabbles to a wholly different level, when the wife (and mother of two children) having the condition is also a horrible narcissist; weirdly enough, another narcissistic mom appears in Jyl Glenn's "Mysophobia" (the pathological fear of contamination and germs), this time tormenting her husband with her indifference to his condition - the end is violent, though extremely satisfying.
Other standouts for me were the opening story, "Eisoptrophobia" by Mari Pittelman, a beautiful supernatural story about the fear of mirrors; Joseph Murnane's "Veloxrotaphobia," a family revenge tale about the fear of roller coasters (yes, it exists!); my personal favorite, Matthew Lutton's "Cacophobia" (the fear of ugliness), a brilliant, twisty tale, summarizing which will surely spoil it (just read it, trust me); Jay Bower's "Urophobia," about the fear of urinating, a phobia I believe I had myself as a kid, perfectly captured by Bower's agonizing descriptions; and Lisa Breanne's "Apotemnophobia," about the fear of amputation - a suspenseful story of a family vacation that takes a dark turn right out of the blue. Two stories I liked but had some trouble with were Angel Ramon's "Mottephobia" (the fear of moths; I found the moth image a bit overused in this story) and David K. Slater's "Ablutophobia" (the fear of bathing; the story's connection to the theme was not clear to me, though I'd praise it highly for that disturbing grandma in the toilet scene!).
In sum, the anthology is well worth your while, it spans a huge range of settings, situations, and kinds of ending, and will certainly grip you with its gruesome exploration of less familiar phobias going horrifically wrong. Recommended!
Most stories are not as darkly humorous as this, though, just dark and quite disturbing: "Athazagoraphobia" by Savannah R. Fischer, about the fear of being forgotten, takes petty domestic squabbles to a wholly different level, when the wife (and mother of two children) having the condition is also a horrible narcissist; weirdly enough, another narcissistic mom appears in Jyl Glenn's "Mysophobia" (the pathological fear of contamination and germs), this time tormenting her husband with her indifference to his condition - the end is violent, though extremely satisfying.
Other standouts for me were the opening story, "Eisoptrophobia" by Mari Pittelman, a beautiful supernatural story about the fear of mirrors; Joseph Murnane's "Veloxrotaphobia," a family revenge tale about the fear of roller coasters (yes, it exists!); my personal favorite, Matthew Lutton's "Cacophobia" (the fear of ugliness), a brilliant, twisty tale, summarizing which will surely spoil it (just read it, trust me); Jay Bower's "Urophobia," about the fear of urinating, a phobia I believe I had myself as a kid, perfectly captured by Bower's agonizing descriptions; and Lisa Breanne's "Apotemnophobia," about the fear of amputation - a suspenseful story of a family vacation that takes a dark turn right out of the blue. Two stories I liked but had some trouble with were Angel Ramon's "Mottephobia" (the fear of moths; I found the moth image a bit overused in this story) and David K. Slater's "Ablutophobia" (the fear of bathing; the story's connection to the theme was not clear to me, though I'd praise it highly for that disturbing grandma in the toilet scene!).
In sum, the anthology is well worth your while, it spans a huge range of settings, situations, and kinds of ending, and will certainly grip you with its gruesome exploration of less familiar phobias going horrifically wrong. Recommended!
June 29, 2025
Fear has a mind of its own.
Phobophobia gathers tales that dive headfirst into the world of irrational fears—the ones we don’t talk about, the ones we laugh off, the ones that linger long after we’ve turned out the lights. From the absurd to the surreal, these stories explore what happens when anxiety becomes reality and logic offers no escape.
No fear is too strange, too small, or too surreal for the pages of this book.
Step inside. The things you didn’t know you were afraid of are waiting...
With stories by AJ Humphreys, Andrew Adams, Angel Ramon, David K. Slater, Derek Thomas, Dylan Wells, Jay Bower, Joseph Murnane, Jules Terry, Jyl Glenn, Lisa Breanne, Mari Pittelman, Matthew Lutton, Mel Kitching, Savannah R. Fischer, Stephanie Huddle, and Zaq Cass.
Kate's review: WHEW! What a stacked line up of authors, eh? If you read before going to sleep and enjoy having nightmares, this book is for you! it really has given me nightmares while reading through the stories. It's especially interesting learning about all the different phobias people can have, including some that you might not know about, but might now have after reading this book. :D
5 out of 5 stars. You can't go wrong with this anthology of shorts for creep factor and enjoyability.
Available format: Kindle and paperback.
Release date: June 30, which means it's out now in Australia and will be everywhere else shortly.
Phobophobia gathers tales that dive headfirst into the world of irrational fears—the ones we don’t talk about, the ones we laugh off, the ones that linger long after we’ve turned out the lights. From the absurd to the surreal, these stories explore what happens when anxiety becomes reality and logic offers no escape.
No fear is too strange, too small, or too surreal for the pages of this book.
Step inside. The things you didn’t know you were afraid of are waiting...
With stories by AJ Humphreys, Andrew Adams, Angel Ramon, David K. Slater, Derek Thomas, Dylan Wells, Jay Bower, Joseph Murnane, Jules Terry, Jyl Glenn, Lisa Breanne, Mari Pittelman, Matthew Lutton, Mel Kitching, Savannah R. Fischer, Stephanie Huddle, and Zaq Cass.
Kate's review: WHEW! What a stacked line up of authors, eh? If you read before going to sleep and enjoy having nightmares, this book is for you! it really has given me nightmares while reading through the stories. It's especially interesting learning about all the different phobias people can have, including some that you might not know about, but might now have after reading this book. :D
5 out of 5 stars. You can't go wrong with this anthology of shorts for creep factor and enjoyability.
Available format: Kindle and paperback.
Release date: June 30, which means it's out now in Australia and will be everywhere else shortly.
July 3, 2025
This anthology was so good, it gave me Bibliophobia.
June 30, 2025
Each story in Phobophobia: Face Your Fears features a bizarre phobia that escalates into something terrifying! Lots of familiar names in here, authors I always enjoy - Jay Bower, Savannah R. Fischer, Angel Ramon, Joseph Murnane and the list goes on. But I’ve also discovered some new-to-me authors who I’m looking forward to reading more of. Mari Pittleman is one of those authors, with her story Eisoptrophobia (fear of mirrors). Onuxophobia (fear of fingernails and toenails) by Stephanie Huddle and Pithecophobia (fear of apes and monkeys) by Dylan Wells were also stand-outs for me. Overall, this book is full of amazing stories sure to make you develop some new fears!
July 1, 2025
Interesting Concept, Good execution!
A bunch of short stories, all based on a different phobia, all interesting in their own way. Pretty short, usually, but enjoyable. TIP: There is a glossary in the book , use that to find out which phobia is of what.
A bunch of short stories, all based on a different phobia, all interesting in their own way. Pretty short, usually, but enjoyable. TIP: There is a glossary in the book , use that to find out which phobia is of what.
May 19, 2025
Phobophobia is an anthology with a common theme but wildly different stories. Many of the good and the great of the indie horror community assembled here to create something pretty special.
Each story focuses on a specific phobia, and some of them will not be ones you are familiar with, and I loved that. It is an extreme mix of phobias, from clusters of holes, moths, and birds, all the way to shadows, nail polish and monkeys.
The stories are all very skilfully done, with some jaw dropping moments, lots of humour and a lot of gore. There is not a bad story here. Every author has a specific style that really comes across, but they all flow together beautifully. This anthology is really well put together, and is definitely one to put at the top of your TBR
Each story focuses on a specific phobia, and some of them will not be ones you are familiar with, and I loved that. It is an extreme mix of phobias, from clusters of holes, moths, and birds, all the way to shadows, nail polish and monkeys.
The stories are all very skilfully done, with some jaw dropping moments, lots of humour and a lot of gore. There is not a bad story here. Every author has a specific style that really comes across, but they all flow together beautifully. This anthology is really well put together, and is definitely one to put at the top of your TBR
July 20, 2025
Phobophobia: Face Your Fears
🌟🌟🌟🌟 (Overall)
This was a super entertaining collection of short stories that had to do with the most random phobias. Some were authors I loved and others were new authors.
Eisoptrophobia -
(Mirrors)
🌟🌟🌟.75
This was a fun take on mirrors and dopplegangers. It went exactly where how anticipated but had some creepy descriptions.
Globophobia -
(Balloons)
DNF - writing style was not for me.
Veloxrotaphobia -
(Roller coasters)
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This one was so good and heartfelt and just wow! This is my first from this author so I will definitely be looking for more by him.
Cacophobia -
(Ugliness)
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I have always enjoyed Matt’s writing style and this was such a fun short story on the beauty standards of society for a person on the inside and outside.
Ornithophobia -
(Birds)
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was an interesting take on someone with a fear of birds. I Would be interested in a longer version.
Urophobia -
(Fear of urine)
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Sick and disgusting this one was. WTF in the best way! Jay seems to be known for this kind of writing!
Apotemnophobia -
(Body dysmorphia)
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This one was SO good!! I loved the take on this. This was disturbing and sick!!!
Mysoohobia
(Germs)
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was a super good story and went no where I expected! I am excited to read more from Jyl.
Mottephobia -
(Moths)
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
This was fun I would have loved the prompt for fear of moths. He really ran with it!
Omphalophobia -
(Belly buttons)
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This one is so out of left field gave me quite the chuckle.
Ephebiphobia
(Teenagers)
🌟🌟🌟.75
This one felt a bit like a twilight zone episode short and sweet but a bit ambiguous.
Ablutophobia
(Bathing/washing oneself)
🌟🌟🌟
I liked the writing style but the story didn’t really seem to go anywhere. Left me with more questions and the theme confused me.
Onuxophobia
(Fingernails and toenails)
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
YUP definitely reading another book by Stephanie Huddle! I loved the writing style and the storyline was so fricken good!
Athazagoraphobia
(Forgotten or ignored)
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Man I have never dispised someone as much as I did Lou! UGH. This one was short and sweet and I am definitely reading more by Savannah Fischer!
Pithecophobia
(Apes and monkeys)
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Well this one took a turn. The ending was a bit confusing but decent story.
Sciophobia
(Shadows)
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I love the way this one is written in letter form! What a fun story! Super interested in more from Humphreys!
Trypophobia
(Clusters of small holes or bumps)
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was fun and the ending gave me a demented chuckle!
June 28, 2025
Before even starting to read this anthology, I was sold on the idea of each story based on a phobia! Believe me when I say that not only I did not know most of these existed, but the dread they conveyed made me anxious even if I don’t suffer from these phobias, apart from one “Veloxrotaphobia”. I’ve never known this had a name!
These are all unique stories by skillful authors and I dare you not to be affected by any of these phobias one way or another! Although I loved them all for one thing or another, some stories hit me harder than others, and either ripped my heart apart, or unlocked new fears, or made me so angry, often scowling at the book (lol).
Although the idea of every story around a phobia is original, this anthology wouldn’t have been such a great experience without the skills of these amazing authors! This anthology is truly another level of reading experience, digging into the most irrational part of our brains and highlighting the horrific emotions when facing our worst fears.
For whatever reason you pick up this anthology, be prepared to discover phobias you never knew you had!
Thanks to the editors for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
These are all unique stories by skillful authors and I dare you not to be affected by any of these phobias one way or another! Although I loved them all for one thing or another, some stories hit me harder than others, and either ripped my heart apart, or unlocked new fears, or made me so angry, often scowling at the book (lol).
Although the idea of every story around a phobia is original, this anthology wouldn’t have been such a great experience without the skills of these amazing authors! This anthology is truly another level of reading experience, digging into the most irrational part of our brains and highlighting the horrific emotions when facing our worst fears.
For whatever reason you pick up this anthology, be prepared to discover phobias you never knew you had!
Thanks to the editors for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
August 16, 2025
What's this book about, you ask? It's about fears that no one talks about. Fears that you probably didn't even know existed. Fears that build from anxiety. Fears that you know don't make sense but can't shake.
I loved everything about this book. The title, the cover, and most of all the stories contained within. This anthology had stories about belly buttons, birds, mirrors, being forgotten, and many others told in a sometimes gory, sometimes funny, but all of them brilliantly done.
A few of my favorites were Veloxrotaphobia by Joseph Murnane, Apotemnophobia by Lisa Breanne,Mysophobia by Jyl Glenn, and Ablutophobia by David K. Slater. If you need some new fears unlocked then check out this anthology.
I loved everything about this book. The title, the cover, and most of all the stories contained within. This anthology had stories about belly buttons, birds, mirrors, being forgotten, and many others told in a sometimes gory, sometimes funny, but all of them brilliantly done.
A few of my favorites were Veloxrotaphobia by Joseph Murnane, Apotemnophobia by Lisa Breanne,Mysophobia by Jyl Glenn, and Ablutophobia by David K. Slater. If you need some new fears unlocked then check out this anthology.
June 30, 2025
Everyone has a fear of something. Spiders, heights, snakes and death are some of the most common ones.
Then you hear about some of the lesser talked about fears, the ones featured in an episode of Maury where one of his assistants follows you around the studio with balloons, mirrors, nail polish, and birds, audience basking in the screams you make while you run for your life.
But what about the seemingly irrational fears? The fear of peeing in a public urinal? The fear of bellybuttons? The fear of becoming forgotten? The fear of being ugly? The fear of taking a shower?
This collection takes those fears and expands on them in an amazing group of stories, each one focusing on the strange and not so common fears that people may face.
It features some of my favorite authors, some new to me authors, and some brand new authors. The stories are enthralling, thrilling, heart wrenching, jaw dropping, and more.
Then you hear about some of the lesser talked about fears, the ones featured in an episode of Maury where one of his assistants follows you around the studio with balloons, mirrors, nail polish, and birds, audience basking in the screams you make while you run for your life.
But what about the seemingly irrational fears? The fear of peeing in a public urinal? The fear of bellybuttons? The fear of becoming forgotten? The fear of being ugly? The fear of taking a shower?
This collection takes those fears and expands on them in an amazing group of stories, each one focusing on the strange and not so common fears that people may face.
It features some of my favorite authors, some new to me authors, and some brand new authors. The stories are enthralling, thrilling, heart wrenching, jaw dropping, and more.
June 7, 2025
If you think you're not afraid of anything, think again.
This anthology will for sure give you a variety of things to be afraid of, in a very entertaining way, and bringing forth a variety of phobias I didn't know they even existed. My favourite story: a strong tie between Onuxophobia by Stephanie Huddle and Apotemnophobia by Lisa Breanne. But all were entertaining stories and I had lots of fun, while learning about new phobias as well.
This anthology will for sure give you a variety of things to be afraid of, in a very entertaining way, and bringing forth a variety of phobias I didn't know they even existed. My favourite story: a strong tie between Onuxophobia by Stephanie Huddle and Apotemnophobia by Lisa Breanne. But all were entertaining stories and I had lots of fun, while learning about new phobias as well.
May 9, 2025
First off, thank you to Jylannah for giving us authors our proof copies.
Second, let's ignore my own story for this review.
Anyway, a great showing of phobia-based stories from a menagerie of talented authors. I know the old saying for anthologies goes, "There's something for everyone" but this is truly the case for this one.
Some of the stories have an underlying sense of humor, some tackle themes of trauma and coping. And more than their fair share have really well-thought out gore and moments where the phobia tries to creep in on the reader.
It is an honor to have a story amongst these wonderful authors, and I truly think readers will have a good time with this one.
Second, let's ignore my own story for this review.
Anyway, a great showing of phobia-based stories from a menagerie of talented authors. I know the old saying for anthologies goes, "There's something for everyone" but this is truly the case for this one.
Some of the stories have an underlying sense of humor, some tackle themes of trauma and coping. And more than their fair share have really well-thought out gore and moments where the phobia tries to creep in on the reader.
It is an honor to have a story amongst these wonderful authors, and I truly think readers will have a good time with this one.
June 21, 2025
This anthology tells tales of different phobias; some well-known, others more rare, from some of the greatest indie horror authors around. They're gory, shocking, horrific, and full of the sorts of tales that male your heart pound and your palms sweaty! As the title suggests, great thanks to all these authors for giving me more things to be fearful of!
May 19, 2025
great short stories of modern phobias but with a twilight zone kind of twist.
May 20, 2025
These stories take you into some phobias. The flapping of bird wings causes panic. A trip to the bathroom could be deadly. Moths are more sinister than they appear. What are you afraid of? Spine chilling tales.
May 15, 2025
Wow, this ranks up there as one of the best anthologies I've read. It's brilliant, terrifying, sometimes funny and often gruesome. If there is a phobia about reading about phobia's this book would just about give me it.
There are so many amazing stories in here that I can't really pick a favourite. All are written expertly and are executed to perfection. I had no idea there were so many obscure phobia's but the way these authors have taken them and crafted them into something that could give anyone nightmares is honestly a huge credit to them and it really shows the talent of the indie horror community.
There is everything from fear of mirrors, to balloons, to rollercoasters and even nail polish to mention just a few. Each story captures the fear of the people who suffer from them and what they go through as they experience their individual phobia's and lets just say they don't normally end well for the sufferer.
If you're after something different than the norm and have a hankering for an anthology then this one should be your go to.
There are so many amazing stories in here that I can't really pick a favourite. All are written expertly and are executed to perfection. I had no idea there were so many obscure phobia's but the way these authors have taken them and crafted them into something that could give anyone nightmares is honestly a huge credit to them and it really shows the talent of the indie horror community.
There is everything from fear of mirrors, to balloons, to rollercoasters and even nail polish to mention just a few. Each story captures the fear of the people who suffer from them and what they go through as they experience their individual phobia's and lets just say they don't normally end well for the sufferer.
If you're after something different than the norm and have a hankering for an anthology then this one should be your go to.
June 25, 2025
Hey there, book lovers! It’s your old pal, Ninetoes, coming to you from Ninetoes Loves Books Headquarters. Today, I have a review of Phobophobia: Face Your Fears. I have coffee in my system and my thinking cap on, so let’s get to it!
Everyone is afraid of something. No matter if it makes sense to the world at large, we are all afraid of SOMETHING! I got a notice of a new book, Phobophobia: Face Your Fears. Interesting title (it means fear of fear), and I decided to dig in to see how odd I am with my fear (I am not telling what it is, you’ll just have to guess.).
In these pages are seventeen tales of phobias, and let me tell you, there are some in here that are actual fear, and I sat back thinking, “Really? That?”, and to my surprise, each and every one is an actual phobia! Who knew you could be afraid of belly buttons? I have to admit that one caught me by surprise.
The pacing changes as the stories change, and that is not a bad thing. Each author faced their fear in interesting ways. Some of the phobias bordered on obsession and addiction in the way the character faced their fear. Some actually gave me a good creep out (I’m looking at you, Jules Terry…what you did with birds…JFC!) and some gave me something to think about.
For me, one of the biggest points this book made is that everyone is going through something. You will not see it. You will not understand it. Even you are going through something. Perhaps we can try to be a bit kinder to each other and to ourselves.
I give this one 4.5 bookmarks out of 5!
Happy Reading!
Everyone is afraid of something. No matter if it makes sense to the world at large, we are all afraid of SOMETHING! I got a notice of a new book, Phobophobia: Face Your Fears. Interesting title (it means fear of fear), and I decided to dig in to see how odd I am with my fear (I am not telling what it is, you’ll just have to guess.).
In these pages are seventeen tales of phobias, and let me tell you, there are some in here that are actual fear, and I sat back thinking, “Really? That?”, and to my surprise, each and every one is an actual phobia! Who knew you could be afraid of belly buttons? I have to admit that one caught me by surprise.
The pacing changes as the stories change, and that is not a bad thing. Each author faced their fear in interesting ways. Some of the phobias bordered on obsession and addiction in the way the character faced their fear. Some actually gave me a good creep out (I’m looking at you, Jules Terry…what you did with birds…JFC!) and some gave me something to think about.
For me, one of the biggest points this book made is that everyone is going through something. You will not see it. You will not understand it. Even you are going through something. Perhaps we can try to be a bit kinder to each other and to ourselves.
I give this one 4.5 bookmarks out of 5!
Happy Reading!
July 7, 2025
Phobophobia: Face Your Fears
Author(s): Various Authors
Publisher: Wicked Ouija Press
Publication date: June 30, 2025
Page count: 311
Trigger warnings: Phobias galore (take your pick), graphic horror, general existential dread
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull rating: 💀💀
What Did I Just Walk Into?
Look, I’m already a tangled ball of anxiety on a good day, so naturally I decided to crack open Phobophobia, a horror anthology dedicated to phobias—aka a carnival of my worst nightmares. Turns out, my very specific fear was not included, but hey, there’s always the sequel.
Here’s What Slapped:
This collection shoves you face-first into everything from mildly unsettling to full-on “leave the lights on and question your life choices” territory. Each short story tackles a different irrational (or... uncomfortably rational) fear. Some are delightfully bizarre, others hit close enough to home that I had to nervously check under the bed. The stories are usually quick bites—think anxiety tapas—perfect for when you want to freak yourself out in under ten minutes.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
Short horror hits, fear as entertainment, anthologies that double as new therapy bills, and the creeping joy of discovering phobias you didn’t even know you had.
Author(s): Various Authors
Publisher: Wicked Ouija Press
Publication date: June 30, 2025
Page count: 311
Trigger warnings: Phobias galore (take your pick), graphic horror, general existential dread
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull rating: 💀💀
What Did I Just Walk Into?
Look, I’m already a tangled ball of anxiety on a good day, so naturally I decided to crack open Phobophobia, a horror anthology dedicated to phobias—aka a carnival of my worst nightmares. Turns out, my very specific fear was not included, but hey, there’s always the sequel.
Here’s What Slapped:
This collection shoves you face-first into everything from mildly unsettling to full-on “leave the lights on and question your life choices” territory. Each short story tackles a different irrational (or... uncomfortably rational) fear. Some are delightfully bizarre, others hit close enough to home that I had to nervously check under the bed. The stories are usually quick bites—think anxiety tapas—perfect for when you want to freak yourself out in under ten minutes.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
Short horror hits, fear as entertainment, anthologies that double as new therapy bills, and the creeping joy of discovering phobias you didn’t even know you had.
June 21, 2025
This is a collection of short stories, all based on different phobias. Most of them are very well written, and despite being short, they really pull you in.
If you're lucky enough to not have any phobias, here is the chance to develop some.
After reading this, I will never ever walk past a balloon arrangement without feeling uncomfortable again. This specific story portrayed gaslighting and betrayal so well, if you've been there you know.
There is something in here for everyone, the stories range from slightly creepy to very creepy, to almost full on extreme horror. Another story that stood out is the one about nail polish phobia, might sound silly but the author conveyed the feelings of panic so well that it will forever remind me of this book every time I do my nails. Loved the one about mirror phobia as well, there was just so much more to that story than you would expect.
In conclusion, these are all very random stories, but they are so very well told you can feel them while reading.
If you're lucky enough to not have any phobias, here is the chance to develop some.
After reading this, I will never ever walk past a balloon arrangement without feeling uncomfortable again. This specific story portrayed gaslighting and betrayal so well, if you've been there you know.
There is something in here for everyone, the stories range from slightly creepy to very creepy, to almost full on extreme horror. Another story that stood out is the one about nail polish phobia, might sound silly but the author conveyed the feelings of panic so well that it will forever remind me of this book every time I do my nails. Loved the one about mirror phobia as well, there was just so much more to that story than you would expect.
In conclusion, these are all very random stories, but they are so very well told you can feel them while reading.
June 25, 2025
I loved the variety of the phobias in this book! From balloons, to nail polish, to belly buttons - it was a mix of wonderful stories! It felt like there was a great balance between some pretty dark and gory ones to some that mixed in a bit of humor to their horror. This has a taste of some of indie horror's greats, so a must read if you're interested in picking up a new to you author!
Thank you to Jyl Glenn for an ARC!
Thank you to Jyl Glenn for an ARC!
October 13, 2025
What a delightful surprise of unique, unusual stories with exceptional writing! I recommend this unnerving collection of phobia horror, a deeply psychological trek, highly!!
October 25, 2025
For full transparency, you need to know I have a story in this anthology, but my review excludes that story in every way.
Jyl Glenn and Svannah Fischer put together an extremely talented group of writers for Phobophobia: Face Your Fears. Each tale looks at a particular fear people have, so while the theme is there, the stories range from scary to emotional to anxious to weirdly funny. These are not your typical fears either, there is no claustrophobia, no fear of heights or spiders, these are freaking out-of-the-norm bizarre. Stephanie Huddle’s story of a women afraid of nail polish is completely unhinged and one of my favorites in the book. My personal favorite phobia though is the fear of teenagers. Those youngsters can be downright scary.
There are some great stories in this collection. Only Joseph Murnane could craft a tale about the fear of roller coasters and make it into something with depth, emotion and regret. Jay Bower shows us what it’s like to be afraid to use a public urinal too.
Take a Xanax if you need to, because the one common thing in every story is a crapload of anxiety.
In short, the anthology is chaos, just like Jyl likes it.
Jyl Glenn and Svannah Fischer put together an extremely talented group of writers for Phobophobia: Face Your Fears. Each tale looks at a particular fear people have, so while the theme is there, the stories range from scary to emotional to anxious to weirdly funny. These are not your typical fears either, there is no claustrophobia, no fear of heights or spiders, these are freaking out-of-the-norm bizarre. Stephanie Huddle’s story of a women afraid of nail polish is completely unhinged and one of my favorites in the book. My personal favorite phobia though is the fear of teenagers. Those youngsters can be downright scary.
There are some great stories in this collection. Only Joseph Murnane could craft a tale about the fear of roller coasters and make it into something with depth, emotion and regret. Jay Bower shows us what it’s like to be afraid to use a public urinal too.
Take a Xanax if you need to, because the one common thing in every story is a crapload of anxiety.
In short, the anthology is chaos, just like Jyl likes it.
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