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From Dark Places: A Collection
A tour through a strange wax museum ends in chaos!
A game of hide-and-seek goes wrong when an intruder joins in!
A man makes the claim that every house on the planet is haunted!
Two elderly people keep vigilant watch over a sinister lake!
These stories and more all come ... FROM DARK PLACES.
Ranging from bloody violence to quiet chills, FROM DARK PLACES is a collection of ten frightening stories (two of which have never been published before!) by Judith Sonnet, the Splatterpunk Award nominated author of Every Night in the Bone Orchard, as well as The Home, Summer Never Ends, and City of the Killing Dead!
Praise for Judith Sonnet
“There are writers, but even rarer, there are storytellers. Judith Sonnet is a storyteller and of the very best follow her down the path, unlatch the gate, and disappear inside the dark world she’s cultivated. Once she takes you by the hand, you’ll never look back.” Rebecca Rowland, author of White Trash and Recycled Nightmares.
“Judith Sonnet is so much more than an extreme horror writer. She knows how to write compelling, complex characters, and she knows what scares us.” Lucas Mangum, author of Saint Sadist.
“Trust me, Judith Sonnet's The Home might just be the best horror novel you read this year. Great characters, stellar concept, creative villains, perfect pacing and an ending I promise you won't see coming. A masterclass in horror.” Duncan Ralston, author of Woom.
“Welcome to my new favorite subgenre of Judith Sonnet.” Gage Greenwood, author of Bunker Dogs.
"In a flooded market where extreme is being done to death, it’s satisfying to be genuinely terrified again. Terror! Horror! Agony! does just that." Phrique, author of Gig of the Damned.
“The Clown Hunt was my introduction to Judith’s work and I was immediately hooked by her ability to write graphic visceral violence while telling a compelling story with diverse characters and sociopolitical depth.” Wrath James White, author of The Resurrectionist.
“You know that sick twisted mix of shock and excitement that broke out across your face when you watched your favorite 80's slasher for the first time? That's how you'll look the entire time while reading Summer Never Ends God’s Mistake.” Paul Avery Tindol, author of This House Will Never Be Warm.
A game of hide-and-seek goes wrong when an intruder joins in!
A man makes the claim that every house on the planet is haunted!
Two elderly people keep vigilant watch over a sinister lake!
These stories and more all come ... FROM DARK PLACES.
Ranging from bloody violence to quiet chills, FROM DARK PLACES is a collection of ten frightening stories (two of which have never been published before!) by Judith Sonnet, the Splatterpunk Award nominated author of Every Night in the Bone Orchard, as well as The Home, Summer Never Ends, and City of the Killing Dead!
Praise for Judith Sonnet
“There are writers, but even rarer, there are storytellers. Judith Sonnet is a storyteller and of the very best follow her down the path, unlatch the gate, and disappear inside the dark world she’s cultivated. Once she takes you by the hand, you’ll never look back.” Rebecca Rowland, author of White Trash and Recycled Nightmares.
“Judith Sonnet is so much more than an extreme horror writer. She knows how to write compelling, complex characters, and she knows what scares us.” Lucas Mangum, author of Saint Sadist.
“Trust me, Judith Sonnet's The Home might just be the best horror novel you read this year. Great characters, stellar concept, creative villains, perfect pacing and an ending I promise you won't see coming. A masterclass in horror.” Duncan Ralston, author of Woom.
“Welcome to my new favorite subgenre of Judith Sonnet.” Gage Greenwood, author of Bunker Dogs.
"In a flooded market where extreme is being done to death, it’s satisfying to be genuinely terrified again. Terror! Horror! Agony! does just that." Phrique, author of Gig of the Damned.
“The Clown Hunt was my introduction to Judith’s work and I was immediately hooked by her ability to write graphic visceral violence while telling a compelling story with diverse characters and sociopolitical depth.” Wrath James White, author of The Resurrectionist.
“You know that sick twisted mix of shock and excitement that broke out across your face when you watched your favorite 80's slasher for the first time? That's how you'll look the entire time while reading Summer Never Ends God’s Mistake.” Paul Avery Tindol, author of This House Will Never Be Warm.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2025
1 person is currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Judith Sonnet
89 books1,335 followersUsed to write extreme horror but now I write WEIRD horror and I'm having a blast with it! Check out OUR SARNATH on November 22nd!
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 13, 2025
First off, major shoutout to Judith Sonnet for dropping an ARC in my lap. I write this honest review by my own volition.
Once I really started going down the dark, spiraled, sickening path that is independently published horror, it was impossible not to run into Judith Sonnet. As Gage Greenwood once said, she is her own subgenre of horror, and that just can't be understated.
I did my time going through her bibliography, but as is my nature, I started looking into other authors and other stories and straying, adding her new books to by TBR, but not getting around to them (yet).
However, I do know that Sonnet likes short stories like I do. I know she has a bunch that I couldn't keep track of. So when she compiled a few of them into this book, added a couple of new ones, and offered ARC opportunities, I jumped at this.
These stories, which I will break down individually, are simply fantastic. The blend of creativity, homage, voice, and progression are (to no one's shock) incredibly well done. I highly enjoy when I can see inspiration within a story, and it was so great to see those elements I loved from Tales from the Darkside and Twilight Zone still being used in more modern horror. Let alone the love letter that is "Ask and You Shall" that she co-wrote with Jonathan Tripp.
Onto the stories.
Spore Attic- My first journey into Sonnet's books was "Magick" which is phenomenal and you should read it. "Spore Attic gave me those same vibes of isolation and trickery and just everything going wrong.
Who Fights the Devil When Our Limbs are Broke- Invasion of the Body Snatchers crossed with cult-like behavior (in my mind). This one was set up and knocked down hard. Purely entertaining all around.
I'm Your Papa- As much as I did enjoy and love both the concept and the reveal (and even with Judith saying in the afterword that she and her editor cut some fat out) I still found this one to overstay its welcome a bit. I was into it in the beginning, and definitely enjoyed the end, but some part of me was ready to just get to the next one.
I Have a Following- This one oozes either subconscious or conscious inspiration from a wide variety of 'climax at the end' stories that old horror/scifi anthology shows that I grew up watching religiously. Needless to say that it was my absolute favorite of the bunch, and if Judtih added it to every collection she ever puts out, I'd be on board.
I Hold Vigil- A bit of a grief ghost story with a well-triggered catalyst and an ending that will stick with most readers who are paying attention.
Father and Son- Well expositioned. Well executed. There's no hiding the reveal in this one, but the story itself holds up and is entertaining nonetheless.
Abomination in Wax- This one touched the soul of my mystery/police procedural self. It all came together so well and stands out in this collection is the most positive way.
Sardines- Although she's moving to more quiet avenues of horror, this is one of those stories that shows you WHY Judith Sonnet is one of the best extreme horror authors around. Definitely made the connection with her SNE series and loved this take.
From Dark Places- I'm not sure why, but this took me to the mid 2010s when I was searching for creepy shit on youtube. Loved it.
Ask and You Shall- Written with Jonathan Tripp and a love letter to Tales from the Darkside. The mix of comedy and horror and a fun 'captured moment' between two old friends and the ghosts of their work that they created.
Overall, I think Judith knocked this one out of the park. I know that the majority of these stories have been printed before, but this was my first go at them. If you're like me, pick them up and read them for the first time and just enjoy. If you've read them before, then remind yourself why they were so good in the first place.
Once I really started going down the dark, spiraled, sickening path that is independently published horror, it was impossible not to run into Judith Sonnet. As Gage Greenwood once said, she is her own subgenre of horror, and that just can't be understated.
I did my time going through her bibliography, but as is my nature, I started looking into other authors and other stories and straying, adding her new books to by TBR, but not getting around to them (yet).
However, I do know that Sonnet likes short stories like I do. I know she has a bunch that I couldn't keep track of. So when she compiled a few of them into this book, added a couple of new ones, and offered ARC opportunities, I jumped at this.
These stories, which I will break down individually, are simply fantastic. The blend of creativity, homage, voice, and progression are (to no one's shock) incredibly well done. I highly enjoy when I can see inspiration within a story, and it was so great to see those elements I loved from Tales from the Darkside and Twilight Zone still being used in more modern horror. Let alone the love letter that is "Ask and You Shall" that she co-wrote with Jonathan Tripp.
Onto the stories.
Spore Attic- My first journey into Sonnet's books was "Magick" which is phenomenal and you should read it. "Spore Attic gave me those same vibes of isolation and trickery and just everything going wrong.
Who Fights the Devil When Our Limbs are Broke- Invasion of the Body Snatchers crossed with cult-like behavior (in my mind). This one was set up and knocked down hard. Purely entertaining all around.
I'm Your Papa- As much as I did enjoy and love both the concept and the reveal (and even with Judith saying in the afterword that she and her editor cut some fat out) I still found this one to overstay its welcome a bit. I was into it in the beginning, and definitely enjoyed the end, but some part of me was ready to just get to the next one.
I Have a Following- This one oozes either subconscious or conscious inspiration from a wide variety of 'climax at the end' stories that old horror/scifi anthology shows that I grew up watching religiously. Needless to say that it was my absolute favorite of the bunch, and if Judtih added it to every collection she ever puts out, I'd be on board.
I Hold Vigil- A bit of a grief ghost story with a well-triggered catalyst and an ending that will stick with most readers who are paying attention.
Father and Son- Well expositioned. Well executed. There's no hiding the reveal in this one, but the story itself holds up and is entertaining nonetheless.
Abomination in Wax- This one touched the soul of my mystery/police procedural self. It all came together so well and stands out in this collection is the most positive way.
Sardines- Although she's moving to more quiet avenues of horror, this is one of those stories that shows you WHY Judith Sonnet is one of the best extreme horror authors around. Definitely made the connection with her SNE series and loved this take.
From Dark Places- I'm not sure why, but this took me to the mid 2010s when I was searching for creepy shit on youtube. Loved it.
Ask and You Shall- Written with Jonathan Tripp and a love letter to Tales from the Darkside. The mix of comedy and horror and a fun 'captured moment' between two old friends and the ghosts of their work that they created.
Overall, I think Judith knocked this one out of the park. I know that the majority of these stories have been printed before, but this was my first go at them. If you're like me, pick them up and read them for the first time and just enjoy. If you've read them before, then remind yourself why they were so good in the first place.
August 20, 2025
From Dark Places by Judith Sonnet
With Home being one of my favorite reads so far this year, I was totally stoked to dive into this one, a new anthology from one of my new favorite authors.
This book is certainly going to make you feel things; revulsion, surprise, fear, anger, disbelief, triumph, satisfaction, just a plethora of feelings all over the place.
All I can say is buckle-up bucko, you are in for a helluva ride.
First up: Spore Attic
You know when a story starts with a quote from Lovecraft, you’re in for a ride. This one did not disappoint. This story is full of eerie tension, building nicely to its inevitable conclusion. As happens with a lot of the stories in this anthology, this one takes a turn, but in this case, will make you say “what the actual (expletive)”. Absolutely loved this one.
Next Up: I’m Your Papa
The babysitter dealing with an unexpected visitor. Things go sideways fast.
This settles into a bit of a deranged psychological cat in mouse, before this one too just goes off the rails, in a delightfully insane way.
This one is not for the faint of heart, harkening back to Sonnet’s more insane work.
A new take on a well-worn trope, some sort of night of the living whatevers. This story has more twists and turns than the dolphins at SeaWorld.
I Have A Following
A new kind of online streamer making unique content. Possibly documenting a new disease.
This one takes a delectable turn. Such a fun read. Each story gets better and better.
This one went fast, but was a ton of fun.
I Hold Vigil
This one wastes no time getting into the thick of it. A couple, old, stalwart, resolute. Some teens, young and dumb. Betrayal. Death. A short, quick and to the point story, but oh so good.
Father and Son
“MY NAME IS PAIN” Well this one starts off with a bang for sure. The Sonnet pulls it back for a slow-burn build. Once the real action starts, this one is….. rough. Her prose puts you right into the mix of things where you will feel like a helpless bystander, unable to help. Then…. The a glorious comeuppance. I may have actually cheered out loud.
Abomination In Wax
This one has a nice, back in the past, setting where I kept expecting Jack the Ripper or some such villain to jump out. There’s just something about the language and imagery evoked. This is a nice change of pace from the other stories so far. This one is a most creative take the whodunit. Loved it.
Sardines (In the Dark)
This one delves into questioning beliefs and faith. A youth group retreat with one non believer in the bunch. An innocent kids game. A horrific surprise guest with an appetite. Most brutally gruesome story so far. This one delves into weaponizing religion, which pops up in a few stories. This hit homes for me, having lived through experiencing that, and seeing what it is doing to society today.
From Dark Places
And finally, the titular tale in this macabre and crazy anthology.
An old friend, deep in addiction, and possibly on the edge of sanity.
This one definitely hit me in the feels and is beautiful and sad.
Ask and You Shall
-by Judith Sonnet and Jonathan Tripp
Two old friends, one at whit’s end, one just trying to help. A haunting that may be more than it seems.
This reads like a descent into madness, or possibly dementia. Very interesting and thought provoking.
Questioning creation and being a creator. How someone’s work lives on without them. This was a deep and beautiful read. It certainly gets existential, makes you think about the nature of existence, and what it even means to be.
With Home being one of my favorite reads so far this year, I was totally stoked to dive into this one, a new anthology from one of my new favorite authors.
This book is certainly going to make you feel things; revulsion, surprise, fear, anger, disbelief, triumph, satisfaction, just a plethora of feelings all over the place.
All I can say is buckle-up bucko, you are in for a helluva ride.
First up: Spore Attic
You know when a story starts with a quote from Lovecraft, you’re in for a ride. This one did not disappoint. This story is full of eerie tension, building nicely to its inevitable conclusion. As happens with a lot of the stories in this anthology, this one takes a turn, but in this case, will make you say “what the actual (expletive)”. Absolutely loved this one.
Next Up: I’m Your Papa
The babysitter dealing with an unexpected visitor. Things go sideways fast.
This settles into a bit of a deranged psychological cat in mouse, before this one too just goes off the rails, in a delightfully insane way.
This one is not for the faint of heart, harkening back to Sonnet’s more insane work.
A new take on a well-worn trope, some sort of night of the living whatevers. This story has more twists and turns than the dolphins at SeaWorld.
I Have A Following
A new kind of online streamer making unique content. Possibly documenting a new disease.
This one takes a delectable turn. Such a fun read. Each story gets better and better.
This one went fast, but was a ton of fun.
I Hold Vigil
This one wastes no time getting into the thick of it. A couple, old, stalwart, resolute. Some teens, young and dumb. Betrayal. Death. A short, quick and to the point story, but oh so good.
Father and Son
“MY NAME IS PAIN” Well this one starts off with a bang for sure. The Sonnet pulls it back for a slow-burn build. Once the real action starts, this one is….. rough. Her prose puts you right into the mix of things where you will feel like a helpless bystander, unable to help. Then…. The a glorious comeuppance. I may have actually cheered out loud.
Abomination In Wax
This one has a nice, back in the past, setting where I kept expecting Jack the Ripper or some such villain to jump out. There’s just something about the language and imagery evoked. This is a nice change of pace from the other stories so far. This one is a most creative take the whodunit. Loved it.
Sardines (In the Dark)
This one delves into questioning beliefs and faith. A youth group retreat with one non believer in the bunch. An innocent kids game. A horrific surprise guest with an appetite. Most brutally gruesome story so far. This one delves into weaponizing religion, which pops up in a few stories. This hit homes for me, having lived through experiencing that, and seeing what it is doing to society today.
From Dark Places
And finally, the titular tale in this macabre and crazy anthology.
An old friend, deep in addiction, and possibly on the edge of sanity.
This one definitely hit me in the feels and is beautiful and sad.
Ask and You Shall
-by Judith Sonnet and Jonathan Tripp
Two old friends, one at whit’s end, one just trying to help. A haunting that may be more than it seems.
This reads like a descent into madness, or possibly dementia. Very interesting and thought provoking.
Questioning creation and being a creator. How someone’s work lives on without them. This was a deep and beautiful read. It certainly gets existential, makes you think about the nature of existence, and what it even means to be.
July 20, 2025
Really great collection of stories that shows you how Judith's ability to write horror really brings out the best of her abilities and she never disappoints. Looking forward to more of what she can deliver in the horror Genre.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews