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The Harvesting
The Ancients demand a sacrifice. And the time has come.
Every thirteen years, the town of Smithsville comes together for its most sacred religious ritual.
The Harvesting.
One woman from the town will be chosen. Sacrificed to appease The Ancients.
Michael, the son of the prophet, has spent his life upholding tradition. Guided by obedience to his father and the Gods, he is prepared to step into his role as the next prophet. But as The Harvesting approaches, Michael will question everything he believes in. This year, the woman he loves is one of the potential sacrifices.
Torn between love and loyalty, Michael must make a decision.
Will he carry out his duties?
Or will he confront his doubts for the one he loves?
Every thirteen years, the town of Smithsville comes together for its most sacred religious ritual.
The Harvesting.
One woman from the town will be chosen. Sacrificed to appease The Ancients.
Michael, the son of the prophet, has spent his life upholding tradition. Guided by obedience to his father and the Gods, he is prepared to step into his role as the next prophet. But as The Harvesting approaches, Michael will question everything he believes in. This year, the woman he loves is one of the potential sacrifices.
Torn between love and loyalty, Michael must make a decision.
Will he carry out his duties?
Or will he confront his doubts for the one he loves?
- GenresHorror
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 2, 2025
21 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
August 2, 2025
First, I’d like to thank Timothy King for providing me with an ARC of The Harvesting and allowing me to be a part of Tim’s Terror Team. Once again, he’s blown me away with how quickly he can capture my attention and draw me into another one of his terrifying tales.
”All hail the Ancients!”
The Harvesting is a coming-of-age horror story about growing up in a religious cult, falling in love, and the murderous tests of loyalty.
Michael’s entire life has been sealed from the outside world. Growing up inside of a small, bleak, isolated town— he only knows one way to live.
Appease the Ancients.
The commune he lives amongst harbors a dark history. One that continues to play out every thirteen years— a human sacrifice that brings fruitfulness and bounty to the community.
The Harvesting.
At age five, Michael witnessed his first harvesting ceremony— the brutal offering of his older sister, Mira. Slain and sacrificed at the hand of their own father, Prophet Ward, the loyalties were certain. The Ancients come before it all— even one’s own children.
Thirteen years later, Michael is now eighteen. He’s not only ready to be matched to a survived young woman from the community, but his father has also decided that it’s time for his son to lead the harvesting set to happen in a few days time.
But what happens when the young woman that you so desperately love is listed as a potential sacrifice?
This story is all about navigating the challenges of forced religious upbringing, the consideration that maybe love does conquer all, and questioning where one’s loyalty truly lies. King does an excellent job of tying together the big questions in life by using familial turmoil and cultish horror to keep the tale thoroughly entertaining and incredibly dark.
With a little gore and powerful themes, The Harvesting will keep you stuck to its pages. Just when you think you know the story’s direction— it hits with a sharp and unexpected twist, even leaving room for a possible sequel.
The Harvesting is a deserved ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star read for its solid prose, great pacing, attention to detail, and themes that make you question.
”All hail the Ancients!”
The Harvesting is a coming-of-age horror story about growing up in a religious cult, falling in love, and the murderous tests of loyalty.
Michael’s entire life has been sealed from the outside world. Growing up inside of a small, bleak, isolated town— he only knows one way to live.
Appease the Ancients.
The commune he lives amongst harbors a dark history. One that continues to play out every thirteen years— a human sacrifice that brings fruitfulness and bounty to the community.
The Harvesting.
At age five, Michael witnessed his first harvesting ceremony— the brutal offering of his older sister, Mira. Slain and sacrificed at the hand of their own father, Prophet Ward, the loyalties were certain. The Ancients come before it all— even one’s own children.
Thirteen years later, Michael is now eighteen. He’s not only ready to be matched to a survived young woman from the community, but his father has also decided that it’s time for his son to lead the harvesting set to happen in a few days time.
But what happens when the young woman that you so desperately love is listed as a potential sacrifice?
This story is all about navigating the challenges of forced religious upbringing, the consideration that maybe love does conquer all, and questioning where one’s loyalty truly lies. King does an excellent job of tying together the big questions in life by using familial turmoil and cultish horror to keep the tale thoroughly entertaining and incredibly dark.
With a little gore and powerful themes, The Harvesting will keep you stuck to its pages. Just when you think you know the story’s direction— it hits with a sharp and unexpected twist, even leaving room for a possible sequel.
The Harvesting is a deserved ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star read for its solid prose, great pacing, attention to detail, and themes that make you question.
September 28, 2025
Outstanding splatterpunk novel from Timothy King. He never disappoints. Like many fans I would savor a sequel to this one. The author creates an authentic and believable town that has existed for hundreds of years ostensibly by offering up a virgin sacrifice every thirteen years. The trappings of the town and the details of the elaborate preparations for "the harvesting" is incredibly well rendered and the reader is drawn in and riveted to both the pomp and circumstance and the harvesting which is growing ever closer. David the newly appointed Prophet is caught between his tradition and his love and passion for one of the 11 girls who will be chosen to be sacrificed. Well written, riveting, surprising, emotionally engaging, gut wrenching, and yet offers an Olive Branch of Hope.
Have been out of commission but will write BOOK REVIEWS when able to do so.
Have been out of commission but will write BOOK REVIEWS when able to do so.
September 27, 2025
anything that has ancient cult rituals in it always conquers my heart 🖤
every 13 years a sacrificial honor needs to be made
michael is the son of a prophet and is now a leader of the harvesting, he has to make a decision to either sacrifice the girl he loves or save her while going against their towns tradition.
go read the events leading up until that day to see what they endure
this is my first read by this author so it being only 160 pages was lovely.
for everyone who loves religious cult horror & a bit of guts, pick this one up🩸
”the ancients demand a sacrifice. and the time has come. every thirteen years, the town of smithsville comes together for its most sacred religious ritual.”
every 13 years a sacrificial honor needs to be made
michael is the son of a prophet and is now a leader of the harvesting, he has to make a decision to either sacrifice the girl he loves or save her while going against their towns tradition.
go read the events leading up until that day to see what they endure
this is my first read by this author so it being only 160 pages was lovely.
for everyone who loves religious cult horror & a bit of guts, pick this one up🩸
”the ancients demand a sacrifice. and the time has come. every thirteen years, the town of smithsville comes together for its most sacred religious ritual.”
September 29, 2025
I thought this was a fast-paced, gripping read. I loved how it dove into a cult-like community and its chilling sacrificial rituals, I couldn’t put it down once I started. Just when I thought I knew where the story was heading, it completely surprised me.
Every 13 years, a young woman is sacrificed to honor the Ancients during the Harvesting. If the Ancients are pleased, the community is blessed with good health and happiness for the next 13 years. Now, the prophet’s son, Michael, has been appointed as the new prophet and tasked with leading the next Harvesting ceremony. But the girl he loves is one of the eleven who may be chosen for the sacrifice. Will Michael find a way to change the ritual and save her before it’s too late?
Every 13 years, a young woman is sacrificed to honor the Ancients during the Harvesting. If the Ancients are pleased, the community is blessed with good health and happiness for the next 13 years. Now, the prophet’s son, Michael, has been appointed as the new prophet and tasked with leading the next Harvesting ceremony. But the girl he loves is one of the eleven who may be chosen for the sacrifice. Will Michael find a way to change the ritual and save her before it’s too late?
July 10, 2025
First of all, thank you for the ARC… I sat down with this book and didn’t get up until I finished it. There was just something that kept me drawn in and I had to know what was going to happen! The story line is fantastic, the writing is incredible, and I’m hoping for part two! 🫀🫀🫀🫀🫀
August 2, 2025
The Harvesting out NOW
HAPPY RELEASE DAY 👏🏼
I had the pleasure of receiving an arc for this & oh it did not hold back!! It jumped straight to it from the first page…just how I like it 😮💨🫢
Every 13 years a female gets chosen (sacrificed) for the harvesting, if the Ancients are happy they will bless the community with health, wealth & happiness.
Michael remembers the last harvesting, his sister was chosen & died in the most horrific way. His dad being the prophet makes the whole situation so much worse & now at 18 he’s been told he’s the next prophet and there’s going to be a new sacrifice to harvest…
But the sacrifice is the one he loves, can he change the whole ritual of the Ancients to save her…
Owhhh this was goooood 👏🏼 It was culty, gorey & a definite page turner! Once it kicked in I found myself speed reading to find out what’s going to happen! I love when a book gets you like that!
Out on the 2nd August so Makesure to grab it! Do check your triggers first! And thanks again Timothy for sending me this 🤎
HAPPY RELEASE DAY 👏🏼
I had the pleasure of receiving an arc for this & oh it did not hold back!! It jumped straight to it from the first page…just how I like it 😮💨🫢
Every 13 years a female gets chosen (sacrificed) for the harvesting, if the Ancients are happy they will bless the community with health, wealth & happiness.
Michael remembers the last harvesting, his sister was chosen & died in the most horrific way. His dad being the prophet makes the whole situation so much worse & now at 18 he’s been told he’s the next prophet and there’s going to be a new sacrifice to harvest…
But the sacrifice is the one he loves, can he change the whole ritual of the Ancients to save her…
Owhhh this was goooood 👏🏼 It was culty, gorey & a definite page turner! Once it kicked in I found myself speed reading to find out what’s going to happen! I love when a book gets you like that!
Out on the 2nd August so Makesure to grab it! Do check your triggers first! And thanks again Timothy for sending me this 🤎
October 7, 2025
'A tale of suspense rather than pure horror - maybe?'
The Harvesting is the story of a backwater religious cult living in isolation deep in the forest who live by the law of 'The Ancients'. To guarantee good health and prosperity they must satisfy these overseeing masters who live deep in the earth by offering one pure female for human sacrifice every 13 years. All is good, that is until young Michael, the new chosen 'Prophet', falls in love with the beautiful maiden Mary, and time-honoured traditions soon begin to unravel.
Although rather obvious from the outset this is a decent story of its kind, but one which left a few unanswered questions regarding the described events by the adventures end, and which to me, seemed to 'underplay' some of the named main characters. More gory action of downright evil wickedness would also have not gone amiss.
Apparently, to be continued...but perhaps, on this occasion, not by this unworthy disciple.
Rating: 3.3 stars
The Harvesting is the story of a backwater religious cult living in isolation deep in the forest who live by the law of 'The Ancients'. To guarantee good health and prosperity they must satisfy these overseeing masters who live deep in the earth by offering one pure female for human sacrifice every 13 years. All is good, that is until young Michael, the new chosen 'Prophet', falls in love with the beautiful maiden Mary, and time-honoured traditions soon begin to unravel.
Although rather obvious from the outset this is a decent story of its kind, but one which left a few unanswered questions regarding the described events by the adventures end, and which to me, seemed to 'underplay' some of the named main characters. More gory action of downright evil wickedness would also have not gone amiss.
Apparently, to be continued...but perhaps, on this occasion, not by this unworthy disciple.
Rating: 3.3 stars
October 4, 2025
3.5* rounded to 4
Read with the HGW group for October's group read.
In this splatterpunk cult horror novella, Timothy King weaves classic Lovecraftian dread into a story of fanaticism and sacrifice. While the narrative's trajectory can feel predictable, its strength lies in potent symbolism and stark contrasts. The most enduring image is that of young Mary's flower—a tender token of innocence presented against a backdrop of ritualistic violence and debauchery, which effectively anchors the human drama at the story's core. A worthwhile read with interesting ideas, though it doesn't quite reach the narrative power of King's other work.
Read with the HGW group for October's group read.
In this splatterpunk cult horror novella, Timothy King weaves classic Lovecraftian dread into a story of fanaticism and sacrifice. While the narrative's trajectory can feel predictable, its strength lies in potent symbolism and stark contrasts. The most enduring image is that of young Mary's flower—a tender token of innocence presented against a backdrop of ritualistic violence and debauchery, which effectively anchors the human drama at the story's core. A worthwhile read with interesting ideas, though it doesn't quite reach the narrative power of King's other work.
July 15, 2025
What happens when you question your faith or more importantly The Ancients?
Get ready for a wild and BLOODY journey into madness that makes you question loyalty and faith.
I really enjoyed this. Easily in my top 5 favorite horror books this year.
Get ready for a wild and BLOODY journey into madness that makes you question loyalty and faith.
I really enjoyed this. Easily in my top 5 favorite horror books this year.
July 12, 2025
There’s always a creepy and secluded town with messed up beliefs and in this one, they sacrifice a girl every 13 years to please the Ancients.
Michael lost his sister to this ritual and now that his dad, the town’s prophet, has passed the torch, Michael is responsible for this year’s Harvesting.
What’s supposed to be an honour has actually become a burden. And when the girl he loves ends up on the list of potential sacrifices, he starts questioning everything.
You might think you know where this story is going… but you’re wrong. It definitely caught me by surprise and did not disappoint.
So if you’re into cult like horror with a bit of gore, I highly recommend this one.
This review and more here:
Instagram | Tiktok | Youtube
Michael lost his sister to this ritual and now that his dad, the town’s prophet, has passed the torch, Michael is responsible for this year’s Harvesting.
What’s supposed to be an honour has actually become a burden. And when the girl he loves ends up on the list of potential sacrifices, he starts questioning everything.
You might think you know where this story is going… but you’re wrong. It definitely caught me by surprise and did not disappoint.
So if you’re into cult like horror with a bit of gore, I highly recommend this one.
This review and more here:
Instagram | Tiktok | Youtube
August 2, 2025
Could you imagine growing up in a cult where they offer women up as a sacrifice to a demon? What about if you start to doubt how much is actually true?
Michael is the son of the prophet, who lost his sister in the ritual for The Ancients the town carry out every 13 years. When the time comes for his father to pass the torch, the girl Michael loves is chosen as a sacrifice. He has to decide what he truly believes in and whether to carry on the tradition.
This was such a great read! The creepy cult vibes are immaculate. The scene is set so well, you spend so much time second guessing what’s actually true alongside Michael.
*I was kindly gifted an ARC by the author*
Michael is the son of the prophet, who lost his sister in the ritual for The Ancients the town carry out every 13 years. When the time comes for his father to pass the torch, the girl Michael loves is chosen as a sacrifice. He has to decide what he truly believes in and whether to carry on the tradition.
This was such a great read! The creepy cult vibes are immaculate. The scene is set so well, you spend so much time second guessing what’s actually true alongside Michael.
*I was kindly gifted an ARC by the author*
July 14, 2025
Timothy King's "The Harvesting" combines cult horror, folk horror, religious horror, and cosmic horror, to tell a rather sad and gruesome story of a love gone wrong, packaged as a coming-of-age tale of desire versus loyalty. There's lots of action and family drama, since the main character is the cult leader's son, who's destined to take over his father's role in this decades-long Smithsville tradition of the Harvesting ritual - where every thirteen years, a pure woman is violently sacrificed to the Ancient Ones, entities with religious significance, ominously living in deep caves underneath the small village of Smithsville.
"The Harvesting" is one of those books where you know something really bad is going to happen at some point, indeed very soon, yet you can't stop reading. It's not hard to see where the story's going, though it's certainly not easy to predict the aftermath and the ending. It's a very intense tale, with some graphic scenes, all of them integral to the plot.
If you like reading stories with ritualistic sacrifices, family drama, and the dilemmas of religious faith versus the pressures of young love, then this is the book for you. I recommend it highly for its clean prose, fast pacing, its very strong "The Lottery" vibes, the quite vivid descriptions of life in a religious cult, and the skilled and authentic portrayal of the moral dilemmas it touches upon!
"The Harvesting" is one of those books where you know something really bad is going to happen at some point, indeed very soon, yet you can't stop reading. It's not hard to see where the story's going, though it's certainly not easy to predict the aftermath and the ending. It's a very intense tale, with some graphic scenes, all of them integral to the plot.
If you like reading stories with ritualistic sacrifices, family drama, and the dilemmas of religious faith versus the pressures of young love, then this is the book for you. I recommend it highly for its clean prose, fast pacing, its very strong "The Lottery" vibes, the quite vivid descriptions of life in a religious cult, and the skilled and authentic portrayal of the moral dilemmas it touches upon!
July 10, 2025
The harvesting is a ritual that happens every 13 years, where one young woman is sacrified to appease the ancient ones.
Michael, the son of the prophet, is set to take over from his father. But one of the offerings for this year is the woman he loves. Will he choose love or loyalty?
This was a very short novella, coming in just under 100 pages, and I managed to read it in an hour. I couldn't put it down once I'd started. The harvesting reminded me a little of the reaping from Hunger Games, only in this book they don't fight to the death, they are just sacrificed in a pretty brutal way.
This was an absolutely amazing read, but I wish it had been longer. I was gutted when I got to the end. I really hope there will be a sequel or two lined up because I need to know what happens next.
Michael, the son of the prophet, is set to take over from his father. But one of the offerings for this year is the woman he loves. Will he choose love or loyalty?
This was a very short novella, coming in just under 100 pages, and I managed to read it in an hour. I couldn't put it down once I'd started. The harvesting reminded me a little of the reaping from Hunger Games, only in this book they don't fight to the death, they are just sacrificed in a pretty brutal way.
This was an absolutely amazing read, but I wish it had been longer. I was gutted when I got to the end. I really hope there will be a sequel or two lined up because I need to know what happens next.
November 7, 2025
I absolutely loved "Seven Rabbits" and so I went into this one with some pretty high expectations.... Timothy did not disappoint.
I am a sucker for a small town/ cult/religious horror and this was done really well. Every 13 years a young pure female is sacrificed to The Ancients to ensure the continuity of their crops. Michael, the son of the Prophet is responsible for this years sacrifice but can he really sacrifice the woman he loves?
Whether things go as planned or not, there will still be bloodshed. I didn't think this was quite as dark as Seven Rabbits but it was still actually pretty brutal!
I listened to the audiobook and I really enjoyed myself.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
I am a sucker for a small town/ cult/religious horror and this was done really well. Every 13 years a young pure female is sacrificed to The Ancients to ensure the continuity of their crops. Michael, the son of the Prophet is responsible for this years sacrifice but can he really sacrifice the woman he loves?
Whether things go as planned or not, there will still be bloodshed. I didn't think this was quite as dark as Seven Rabbits but it was still actually pretty brutal!
I listened to the audiobook and I really enjoyed myself.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 6, 2025
This book has an old The Village feel mixed with a bit of Jim Jones at its roots. Dark and brooding atmosphere leaves you wondering what will happen next down to the very end and hopefully a sequel as well. Not too long of a read, but will keep you coming back.
August 4, 2025
This was such an excellent read - I need the sequel like, yesterday.
I was hooked from the very first page. The tension, the mystery, the quiet dread creeping in around the edges… it all just worked.
I genuinely cared for the characters - their choices, their heartbreak, their desperate hope - and the world-building was so vivid, it felt like I was right there in Smithsville, trying to make sense of the twisted ritual myself.
If you love horror that gets under your skin and gives you something to emotionally latch onto, this one’s for you. Absolutely devoured it.
I was hooked from the very first page. The tension, the mystery, the quiet dread creeping in around the edges… it all just worked.
I genuinely cared for the characters - their choices, their heartbreak, their desperate hope - and the world-building was so vivid, it felt like I was right there in Smithsville, trying to make sense of the twisted ritual myself.
If you love horror that gets under your skin and gives you something to emotionally latch onto, this one’s for you. Absolutely devoured it.
Read
July 10, 2025The Harvesting by Timothy King, Michael is the son of the prophet in Smithville a group of people who follow the worship of the ancients in this means every 13 years offering up a young nubile sacrifice. this year Michael’s father wants him to be the efficient of the harvesting but unfortunately Michael has nothing but traumatic memories of the last harvesting when he was a seven year old boy. His sister was picked and he had the sit and watch while his father gleefully ended his sister‘s life for the benefit of the village. Mary is the most beautiful girl in the village in the one Michael most hopes to be arranged to marry but when she vocalizes her doubts it only reinforces Michael’s already dubious thoughts about the ancestors and their traditions. unfortunately Michael’s hands are tied but he will try his best to think of something besides giving up his beloved as the year’s innocent offering. Can Michael get through all the rituals of the harvesting while at the same time saving his beloved from such a date or do the ancestors and Michael’s father have a more devious plot in mind. when I say I was glued to the pages of this book I am not exaggerating this was such a good read I do wish the question of why the names in the bucket were what they were would’ve been addressed but that is just a minor issue on what turned out to be an awesome awesome read! I haven’t even mentioned the wall ending yet which alludes to a book to something I would definitely be down to read and first with my hand up to get a copy. This is a really good horror story and although there’s gore in the beginning and not again until closer to the end it is still an entertaining book because sometimes horror of the mind is much better than one in pictures. I want to thank Mr. Timothy King for allowing me to be an early reader in exchange for an honest review and just know this is my absolute 100% honest opinion. #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #TimothyKing, #TheHarvesting,
July 18, 2025
The Harvesting by Timothy King
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I’m pretty sure this book raised my blood pressure a ton! The intensity is incredible in this horror novella.
A small town comes together every 13 years to have a sacrificial offering to the Ancients. This tradition is to sacrifice a “pure” female and to be chosen for this role is considered a great honor.
This ritual is called The Harvesting and is performed from the town Profit. Michael’s father Wade, is the current profit, but his father is teaching him so he can take over this role in the community.
Michael is in love with Mary, who is currently one of the 11 females who may be chosen for the Harvesting sacrifice. Michael doesn’t want to see her in the line up, as he wants to marry her. He promises Mary that he will protect her and she won’t be chosen as a sacrifice. This is supposed to be an honor and most people are excited, but Mary is not. This has Michael questioning this ritual for the Ancients. Is it the right thing to do?
This is a fast read and I couldn’t put it down. The excitement, drama, and action are non-stop.
The story has a creepy cult, psychological horror, and mental anguish. The ending was a surprise too!
I’m still in a bit of shock from this story! It’s definitely one that I won’t forget!
I love the way this author tells a story. He’s a must read for me!
Thank you to Timothy King for an arc of this amazing book!! It comes out August 2nd and this is a must read!!
🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I’m pretty sure this book raised my blood pressure a ton! The intensity is incredible in this horror novella.
A small town comes together every 13 years to have a sacrificial offering to the Ancients. This tradition is to sacrifice a “pure” female and to be chosen for this role is considered a great honor.
This ritual is called The Harvesting and is performed from the town Profit. Michael’s father Wade, is the current profit, but his father is teaching him so he can take over this role in the community.
Michael is in love with Mary, who is currently one of the 11 females who may be chosen for the Harvesting sacrifice. Michael doesn’t want to see her in the line up, as he wants to marry her. He promises Mary that he will protect her and she won’t be chosen as a sacrifice. This is supposed to be an honor and most people are excited, but Mary is not. This has Michael questioning this ritual for the Ancients. Is it the right thing to do?
This is a fast read and I couldn’t put it down. The excitement, drama, and action are non-stop.
The story has a creepy cult, psychological horror, and mental anguish. The ending was a surprise too!
I’m still in a bit of shock from this story! It’s definitely one that I won’t forget!
I love the way this author tells a story. He’s a must read for me!
Thank you to Timothy King for an arc of this amazing book!! It comes out August 2nd and this is a must read!!
🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸
August 2, 2025
In this story we follow Michael, Michael lives in the small town of Smithsville and is the son of the Prophet.
The Town is deeply religious and live by traditions that go back hundreds of years.
Every 13 years the Ancients demand a human Sacrifice and the Young girls of the town accept this as the ultimate honour.
This ritual is known as ‘The Harvesting'
As a child Michael lost his sister to the Harvesting, 13 years have past, and his father, the prophet has named Michael a new prophet and will be carrying out this years Harvesting ritual.
When Michaels love Interest is named as one of the Potential Sacrifices his world is turned
Upside down and he begins to question everything he has known for his entire life.
Will he be able to carry out what the ancients, his father and the whole Community expects of him? Or is he willing to let everyone down for love?
This was a great read. It really had that 70's cult horror/Small town vibe and i'm here for it!
I really enjoy Timothy's writing style and this one did not disappoint. He has a really clever way of building creeping dread in a small amount of pages, it's like reading a Novel length slow burn within a novella
The Harvesting was intense, eerie and full of mystery and I really hope we get a sequel!
If you enjoy cult or religious horror with the Wicker Man/Rosemary's baby vibes, you are going to love this one!
The Town is deeply religious and live by traditions that go back hundreds of years.
Every 13 years the Ancients demand a human Sacrifice and the Young girls of the town accept this as the ultimate honour.
This ritual is known as ‘The Harvesting'
As a child Michael lost his sister to the Harvesting, 13 years have past, and his father, the prophet has named Michael a new prophet and will be carrying out this years Harvesting ritual.
When Michaels love Interest is named as one of the Potential Sacrifices his world is turned
Upside down and he begins to question everything he has known for his entire life.
Will he be able to carry out what the ancients, his father and the whole Community expects of him? Or is he willing to let everyone down for love?
This was a great read. It really had that 70's cult horror/Small town vibe and i'm here for it!
I really enjoy Timothy's writing style and this one did not disappoint. He has a really clever way of building creeping dread in a small amount of pages, it's like reading a Novel length slow burn within a novella
The Harvesting was intense, eerie and full of mystery and I really hope we get a sequel!
If you enjoy cult or religious horror with the Wicker Man/Rosemary's baby vibes, you are going to love this one!
July 13, 2025
‼️RELEASES AUGUST 2ND 2025‼️
5/5 🍒
Micheal lives on a compound with his family and other families with the same beliefs. One of those is that there are ancient beings who demand a female sacrifice every 13 years. This ceremony is called The Harvesting.
It’s time for another sacrifice and there will be 11 girls to choose from. The choice is predetermined by the ancient ones. Unfortunately one of the 11 girls is the love of his life.
Also there is a difference this year, The Prophet which is Micheal’s dad, has made it clear that it’s now Micheal’s turn to step up and carry out this year’s sacrifice.
Things begin to change in Micheal’s brain as he starts to see that things aren’t right with what’s happening. He wants to marry the girl he loves and save her from being chosen. He doesn’t want to sacrifice anyone. Will he get to marry the love of his life? Or will the ceremony go on?
5/5 🍒
Micheal lives on a compound with his family and other families with the same beliefs. One of those is that there are ancient beings who demand a female sacrifice every 13 years. This ceremony is called The Harvesting.
It’s time for another sacrifice and there will be 11 girls to choose from. The choice is predetermined by the ancient ones. Unfortunately one of the 11 girls is the love of his life.
Also there is a difference this year, The Prophet which is Micheal’s dad, has made it clear that it’s now Micheal’s turn to step up and carry out this year’s sacrifice.
Things begin to change in Micheal’s brain as he starts to see that things aren’t right with what’s happening. He wants to marry the girl he loves and save her from being chosen. He doesn’t want to sacrifice anyone. Will he get to marry the love of his life? Or will the ceremony go on?
August 3, 2025
Every 13 years a woman needs to be sacrificed. Having watched his sister be sacrificed, Michael is struggling. He’s having his doubts about being the main man for the next sacrifice as someone he loves is a potential sacrifice.
This is an incredible story. Packed woth emotions and I felt extremely sorry for Michael with the cards he was dealt. Watching the turmoil with Michael was devastating. From the get go we are thrown in the deep end with feeling for Michael as he deals with the fact his sister was the sacrifice. Then the author doesn’t stop there. He keeps probing with the emotion, never lacking in the gore and decent plot. Seven rabbits was a beast of a book but I think this one has topped it! Books like this I find are more impactful that shock horror as they evoke so many emotions. This is available to read now! May have to treat myself to a paperback copy 🥹
This is an incredible story. Packed woth emotions and I felt extremely sorry for Michael with the cards he was dealt. Watching the turmoil with Michael was devastating. From the get go we are thrown in the deep end with feeling for Michael as he deals with the fact his sister was the sacrifice. Then the author doesn’t stop there. He keeps probing with the emotion, never lacking in the gore and decent plot. Seven rabbits was a beast of a book but I think this one has topped it! Books like this I find are more impactful that shock horror as they evoke so many emotions. This is available to read now! May have to treat myself to a paperback copy 🥹
July 13, 2025
King has done it again. Left me speechless and wanting more! Michael lives in a small community where every thirteen years, a sacrifice is required to appease their gods. This year, Michael is 18 and taking over leading the ceremony from his father, the Prophet Ward. But what does Michael really believe? How can he look forward to a future with Mary, when the harvesting hangs over their head?
Well written, tense, atmospheric horror at its best. Highly recommend anything Timothy writes, but this is definitely a favorite of mine!
Well written, tense, atmospheric horror at its best. Highly recommend anything Timothy writes, but this is definitely a favorite of mine!
July 15, 2025
Just finished my ARC - what a great read!
I really enjoyed the plot, the characters, and especially the way the community was built up. There’s a subtle romance thread that adds an extra layer of urgency, and the atmosphere at times felt almost suffocating and claustrophobic - in a way that really heightened the tension and immersion. It’s not necessarily a happy ending, but it is a satisfying one and it definitely leaves the door open for a possible sequel! 👀
I really enjoyed the plot, the characters, and especially the way the community was built up. There’s a subtle romance thread that adds an extra layer of urgency, and the atmosphere at times felt almost suffocating and claustrophobic - in a way that really heightened the tension and immersion. It’s not necessarily a happy ending, but it is a satisfying one and it definitely leaves the door open for a possible sequel! 👀
July 10, 2025
Every 13 years, a sacrifice needs to be made.
In this dark and gloomy story, we follow a cult that sacrifices their own, and it's totally ok with them because it should be an honor to be chosen.
My heart ached while raising my heart rate at the same time because some characters I felt sympathy for while others not so much.
Timothy King does it again!
In this dark and gloomy story, we follow a cult that sacrifices their own, and it's totally ok with them because it should be an honor to be chosen.
My heart ached while raising my heart rate at the same time because some characters I felt sympathy for while others not so much.
Timothy King does it again!
August 3, 2025
I am a big fan of Timothy King’s writing! Intense ‘go against ever you’ve ever known’ Cult novella; unexpected and edge of your seat action. Possible sequel?! If so..I am totally here for it!!
September 3, 2025
4.5 I absolutely did not want to put this down once I started.
July 7, 2025
The Ancients demand a sacrifice every thirteen years. Michael, the son of The Prophet, has a role to play. His doubt and inner turmoil is unveiled as the time for sacrifice draws closer.
A coming of age, cult-horror novella that counts down the days to the sacrifice. There is so much to unpack in this world, and I’m ready for more!
July 26, 2025
Sat down and read this in one sitting — Timothy King never disappoints!! I’m a sucker for cult horror and this one scratched that itch for me. Bloody, ancient, and chilling — this story had it all
July 17, 2025
A brilliant mix of cult, religious and cosmic horror that left me craving more and hoping for a part 2 ASAP.
The story begins with Michael, a young man of 18 who is the son of the town's prophet, the religious leader of the town. At this stage, the harvesting, a ritual to appease the ancients that happens every 13 years is just days away and Michael's crush, Mary is one of eleven potential sacrifices. Michael's sister was chosen as the sacrifice the last time around and understandably, Michael is nervous that Mary will be picked and unlike the other girls in the pool to be picked. Mary, unlike the other potential sacrifices does not want to be picked and Michael's love for her makes him question everything even more.
The family drama, the religious beliefs of the town and Michael's father and the budding romance between Michael and Mary are a tantalizing mix for a horror story and Timothy executes and manipulates the elements expertly.
You know things are going to go pear shaped as the story goes on but it heads in a very different direction than I expected and ends in a way that suggests there might be a part 2 in the works which I very much hope is the case.
It's a short, easy read with excellent writing and pacing that is well worth your time.
The story begins with Michael, a young man of 18 who is the son of the town's prophet, the religious leader of the town. At this stage, the harvesting, a ritual to appease the ancients that happens every 13 years is just days away and Michael's crush, Mary is one of eleven potential sacrifices. Michael's sister was chosen as the sacrifice the last time around and understandably, Michael is nervous that Mary will be picked and unlike the other girls in the pool to be picked. Mary, unlike the other potential sacrifices does not want to be picked and Michael's love for her makes him question everything even more.
The family drama, the religious beliefs of the town and Michael's father and the budding romance between Michael and Mary are a tantalizing mix for a horror story and Timothy executes and manipulates the elements expertly.
You know things are going to go pear shaped as the story goes on but it heads in a very different direction than I expected and ends in a way that suggests there might be a part 2 in the works which I very much hope is the case.
It's a short, easy read with excellent writing and pacing that is well worth your time.
August 10, 2025
Cult horror is not usually my cup of tea, but this one I enjoyed a lot, it seemed different than the usual stuff.
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