What do you think?
Rate this book
WEAVER'S WEB: A Psychological Horror Novella
Weaver’s Web
A Nordic Gothic Psychological Horror Novella
Dr. Ellie Bennett spent her life uncovering the past. Now she’s losing her present.
Once a renowned archaeologist, Ellie is in the early grip of Alzheimer’s, her memories slipping beyond reach. When she discovers a forgotten Viking burial site on the remote coast of Newfoundland, she believes it may be her final chance to leave something meaningful behind.
Instead, she uncovers something that was never meant to be found.
Skuggr Valdr—the Shadow Ruler. An ancient entity whispered in Norse sagas. A presence that does not hunt the body… but the mind.
As Ellie’s memory fractures, her team begins to unravel. Hallucinations bleed into waking life. Violence emerges without explanation. And somewhere between memory and oblivion lies Skuggarheimr—a liminal realm where the forgotten drift, and the Shadow Ruler feeds.
Ellie’s daughter Sarah watches helplessly as her mother slips away. But Ellie’s illness may be the key to stopping what has awakened. Because Skuggr Valdr does not fear strength.
It fears only those already lost.
To stop it, Ellie must descend into the ruins of her own mind… and risk never returning.
Before the last memory fades.
Before the Shadow Ruler crosses fully into the world of the living.
And before no mind is safe.
Perfect for fans
• Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist
• The Taking of Deborah Logan
• The Ruins by Scott Smith
• Nordic Noir and folk horror
• Slow-burn psychological and mythological horror
A chilling Nordic horror novella about memory, identity, and the ancient things waiting in the dark.
About the Author
J.T. Patten is known for his hard-edged thrillers, but Weaver’s Web marks another haunting chapter to his growing collection of horror novellas. Inspired by his Scandinavian roots and his mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s, this novella fuses cinematic pacing with deep emotional resonance. If you like horror that lingers, Weaver’s Web will stick in your memory—even when everything else begins to fade.
A Nordic Gothic Psychological Horror Novella
Dr. Ellie Bennett spent her life uncovering the past. Now she’s losing her present.
Once a renowned archaeologist, Ellie is in the early grip of Alzheimer’s, her memories slipping beyond reach. When she discovers a forgotten Viking burial site on the remote coast of Newfoundland, she believes it may be her final chance to leave something meaningful behind.
Instead, she uncovers something that was never meant to be found.
Skuggr Valdr—the Shadow Ruler. An ancient entity whispered in Norse sagas. A presence that does not hunt the body… but the mind.
As Ellie’s memory fractures, her team begins to unravel. Hallucinations bleed into waking life. Violence emerges without explanation. And somewhere between memory and oblivion lies Skuggarheimr—a liminal realm where the forgotten drift, and the Shadow Ruler feeds.
Ellie’s daughter Sarah watches helplessly as her mother slips away. But Ellie’s illness may be the key to stopping what has awakened. Because Skuggr Valdr does not fear strength.
It fears only those already lost.
To stop it, Ellie must descend into the ruins of her own mind… and risk never returning.
Before the last memory fades.
Before the Shadow Ruler crosses fully into the world of the living.
And before no mind is safe.
Perfect for fans
• Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist
• The Taking of Deborah Logan
• The Ruins by Scott Smith
• Nordic Noir and folk horror
• Slow-burn psychological and mythological horror
A chilling Nordic horror novella about memory, identity, and the ancient things waiting in the dark.
About the Author
J.T. Patten is known for his hard-edged thrillers, but Weaver’s Web marks another haunting chapter to his growing collection of horror novellas. Inspired by his Scandinavian roots and his mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s, this novella fuses cinematic pacing with deep emotional resonance. If you like horror that lingers, Weaver’s Web will stick in your memory—even when everything else begins to fade.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2025
18 people want to read
About the author
J.T. Patten
19 books179 followers"J.T. Patten" has worked with the intelligence and special operations community in support of national defense and policy. He has a degree in Foreign Language, a Masters in Strategic Intelligence, graduate studies in Counter Terrorism from the University of St. Andrews, and numerous expertise certifications in forensics, fraud, and financial crime investigations. Patten shares these unique experiences with readers to give them a taste of "the black."
His novel is written in a multi-layered non-linear plot style that provides a compelling inside view of larger than life covert activities in addition to the gripping turmoil that warriors suffer while battling foes and internal demons.
Disclaimer:
These novels do not constitute an official release of CIA information. All statements of fact, opinion, or analysis expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official positions or views of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) or any other U.S. Government agency. Nothing in the contents should be construed as asserting or implying U.S. Government authentication of information or CIA endorsement of the author’s views. This material has been reviewed for classification.
His novel is written in a multi-layered non-linear plot style that provides a compelling inside view of larger than life covert activities in addition to the gripping turmoil that warriors suffer while battling foes and internal demons.
Disclaimer:
These novels do not constitute an official release of CIA information. All statements of fact, opinion, or analysis expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official positions or views of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) or any other U.S. Government agency. Nothing in the contents should be construed as asserting or implying U.S. Government authentication of information or CIA endorsement of the author’s views. This material has been reviewed for classification.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 10, 2025
I really enjoyed the story. I feel as most people know someone who has suffered through Alzheimer’s that this book will resonate with many individuals. I loved the connection to old Norse mythology. What would have been helpful would’ve been to have a translated list of the Icelandic/ Norse words somewhere in the book. Kind of annoying to keep having to go to google translate. Other than that, loved it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
December 14, 2025
When your mind fractures, is it only the past visions that break through or something far more dangerous?
Dr. Ellie Bennett, a prominent archaeologist grappling with an early onset of Alzheimer's, struggles to keep grounded as she is engulfed further into the illness. Dr. Aardema, Ellie's Neurologist, conducts a few tests to check the progression of her illness. He then tells Ellie's daughter Sarah that Ellie can continue with her job as usual. In her new dig site, the past starts unravelling before the team's eyes. Ellie begins to think that this is the work of something far more ancient and powerful than she can comprehend.As the past vision gets more and more gruesome,who will Ellie turn to,when everyone seems to think that it's just dementia?
The pacing was great and had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Even though there were supernatural elements, this book remained a psychological thriller till the very end. I loved reading this book, and I would recommend this people who are interested in supernatural thrillers and psychological thrillers.
Dr. Ellie Bennett, a prominent archaeologist grappling with an early onset of Alzheimer's, struggles to keep grounded as she is engulfed further into the illness. Dr. Aardema, Ellie's Neurologist, conducts a few tests to check the progression of her illness. He then tells Ellie's daughter Sarah that Ellie can continue with her job as usual. In her new dig site, the past starts unravelling before the team's eyes. Ellie begins to think that this is the work of something far more ancient and powerful than she can comprehend.As the past vision gets more and more gruesome,who will Ellie turn to,when everyone seems to think that it's just dementia?
The pacing was great and had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Even though there were supernatural elements, this book remained a psychological thriller till the very end. I loved reading this book, and I would recommend this people who are interested in supernatural thrillers and psychological thrillers.
July 2, 2025
This book captivated my attention as soon as I started reading it! The author weaves science and Nordic mythology together in a fast paced story. Ellie is an archaeologist who has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. Her mind is starting to plunge into darkness but her doctor feels that it’s still ok for her to continue a dig on Newfoundland soil. Her expertise is studying Nordic mythology and history. During the dig, she and her team discover a structure that resembles a Viking longhouse but its dimensions and the artifacts discovered with it don’t quite fit what is known about the Vikings. Mysterious and horrific things start happening. Are these events all part of Ellie’s mental decline? You’ll have to read the book to find out. It’s poignant that the author’s Mom has Alzheimer’s and this book touches on how the disease can disrupt memories and alter that person’s reality. The ending left open the possibility of a sequel but is an outstanding read on its own.
I received an ARC and this is my personal opinion.
I received an ARC and this is my personal opinion.
August 23, 2025
I have really enjoyed this book, it has peaked my curiosity of Norse myths and legends and has left me wanting to know more (time to do some research). I also really enjoyed the value of memories within the story, our memories are powerful and it was nice to see them being represented as such. Having had a close family member with Alzheimer’s I also appreciated the way the story approached that topic in particular.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2025
Really enjoyed this book after reading a few sample chapters from BookSirens who i thank for the advanced reader copy. This isnt my normal go to read but the first few chapters really sold it for me, its a real mix between history , myths and medical science combined together which i think worked really well. Dr Ellie Bennett starts off with her medical appointment which is very sad for her but as we know alot of people will face this type of diagnosis. The reader is taken on a journey which i thought would be from Ellie's point of view but the book brings in Sarah her daughter who is fetched into this nightware which she really doesnt want to believe in.
You can tell that the author has written this from the heart and in many ways there are some emotional parts of this book that people will encounter. When you have read the book you will understand what perspective i am coming from.
The historical part i found fascinating as i really felt like you are part of the historic findings, the horror section was done really well and i felt like the book came to life. Even though this was a short read i still found it really it good and alot is packed into the pages. It encompasses the power of family , memories and how they can be overcome. Really well done and another author that i would happily return too.
You can tell that the author has written this from the heart and in many ways there are some emotional parts of this book that people will encounter. When you have read the book you will understand what perspective i am coming from.
The historical part i found fascinating as i really felt like you are part of the historic findings, the horror section was done really well and i felt like the book came to life. Even though this was a short read i still found it really it good and alot is packed into the pages. It encompasses the power of family , memories and how they can be overcome. Really well done and another author that i would happily return too.
Read
January 26, 2026The story opens quietly, almost deceptively so, with Dr. Ellie Bennett sitting in a doctor’s office confronting the reality of early-onset Alzheimer’s. Simple cognitive tests, a clock drawing, a sentence, three words, become the catalyst for everything that follows. From that moment, Patten expertly weaves loss of memory with loss of control, grounding the supernatural horror in something painfully human.
Ellie’s background as an archaeologist is introduced with precision and restraint. Her team feels organic, never falling into familiar genre stereotypes, and each relationship carries emotional weight without unnecessary exposition. Just as compelling is Ellie’s daughter, Sarah, whose perspective adds urgency and heart to the narrative. Sarah isn’t simply reacting to events—she’s actively trying to outrun them, chasing truth while watching her mother slip further away.
As the excavation of a Viking burial site unfolds, the horror escalates both figuratively and literally. Patten does something particularly impressive here: he never overexplains. The archaeology, the medical realities of Alzheimer’s, and the Norse mythology are seamlessly integrated, enhancing the story rather than interrupting it. The result is a narrative that feels immersive and inevitable, pulling the reader deeper with every chapter.
The antagonist, Skuggr Valdr, is chillingly effective. Ancient, patient, and deeply unsettling, this presence feels earned rather than imposed, feeding on memory and identity in a way that mirrors Ellie’s own deterioration. The horror is not just what stalks the characters, but what they are slowly losing
Ellie’s background as an archaeologist is introduced with precision and restraint. Her team feels organic, never falling into familiar genre stereotypes, and each relationship carries emotional weight without unnecessary exposition. Just as compelling is Ellie’s daughter, Sarah, whose perspective adds urgency and heart to the narrative. Sarah isn’t simply reacting to events—she’s actively trying to outrun them, chasing truth while watching her mother slip further away.
As the excavation of a Viking burial site unfolds, the horror escalates both figuratively and literally. Patten does something particularly impressive here: he never overexplains. The archaeology, the medical realities of Alzheimer’s, and the Norse mythology are seamlessly integrated, enhancing the story rather than interrupting it. The result is a narrative that feels immersive and inevitable, pulling the reader deeper with every chapter.
The antagonist, Skuggr Valdr, is chillingly effective. Ancient, patient, and deeply unsettling, this presence feels earned rather than imposed, feeding on memory and identity in a way that mirrors Ellie’s own deterioration. The horror is not just what stalks the characters, but what they are slowly losing
June 20, 2025
I always look forward to a horror book which brings fantastically creepy folklore to life from other cultures. The particular eldritch creature in this book is something I've never read before. This made the story more intriguing because there is no canon associated with it like you would have with vampires or werewolves for instance. It feels fresh and makes you want to keep reading to find all the terrors surrounding it.
Ellie is a middle aged archeologist who is suffering from an aggressive form of Alzheimers. Her memories are slipping away quickly despite the best efforts of her doctor. She's on a dig site in Newfoundland and her and the team find something impossible. They uncover a mass ritualistic gravesite. Bodies preserved in the bog, iron shackles in place, with their heads cut off and placed between their legs.
But they also find tablets carved with hieroglyphics, runes, and ancient languages from other cultures. This should not be possible as it goes against everything they know about Vikings.
They've unwittingly unleashed something ancient which feeds on memories, turning people to madness as their minds are erased. And it carries itself with Ellie and spreads to others like a virus. Ellie's daughter thinks her mother is hallucinating due to her condition but she and many others will soon find out the terrifying truth.
I really liked how this narrative flowed. This is a novella and the author did a great job of keeping the focus on the evil thing that was unleashed in a fast paced manner. Sometimes horror novels seem to get bogged down with detailed descriptions but this novella gives just enough information to place the reader in the world without interrupting the flow of the story. It doesn't overstay it's welcome.
And the thought of Alzheimers being manipulated by a Nordic piece of folklore really gives this book a sense of reality mixing with supernatural horror and it's easy to suspend your disbelief. It's frightening to think about and horrific as this thing wreaks havoc to the minds of those most vulnerable. Creepy factor turned all the way up!
If you're looking for something different, with an almost unheard of legend and something which you'll want to keep reading, I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC of this book through Reedsy. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Ellie is a middle aged archeologist who is suffering from an aggressive form of Alzheimers. Her memories are slipping away quickly despite the best efforts of her doctor. She's on a dig site in Newfoundland and her and the team find something impossible. They uncover a mass ritualistic gravesite. Bodies preserved in the bog, iron shackles in place, with their heads cut off and placed between their legs.
But they also find tablets carved with hieroglyphics, runes, and ancient languages from other cultures. This should not be possible as it goes against everything they know about Vikings.
They've unwittingly unleashed something ancient which feeds on memories, turning people to madness as their minds are erased. And it carries itself with Ellie and spreads to others like a virus. Ellie's daughter thinks her mother is hallucinating due to her condition but she and many others will soon find out the terrifying truth.
I really liked how this narrative flowed. This is a novella and the author did a great job of keeping the focus on the evil thing that was unleashed in a fast paced manner. Sometimes horror novels seem to get bogged down with detailed descriptions but this novella gives just enough information to place the reader in the world without interrupting the flow of the story. It doesn't overstay it's welcome.
And the thought of Alzheimers being manipulated by a Nordic piece of folklore really gives this book a sense of reality mixing with supernatural horror and it's easy to suspend your disbelief. It's frightening to think about and horrific as this thing wreaks havoc to the minds of those most vulnerable. Creepy factor turned all the way up!
If you're looking for something different, with an almost unheard of legend and something which you'll want to keep reading, I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC of this book through Reedsy. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
August 21, 2025
I have really enjoyed this book, it has peaked my curiosity of Norse myths and legends and has left me wanting to know more (time to do some research). I also really enjoyed the value of memories within the story, our memories are powerful and it was nice to see them being represented as such. Having had a close family member with Alzheimer’s I also appreciated the way the story approached that topic in particular.
April 9, 2026
One of the few Alzheimer's Dementia horror books that answers the question of where the mind goes when it is lost.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews