Epiphany and More

by Alex Darkfell, Francesca Tyer

Epiphany and More gathers 13 new short stories by Alex Darkfell. Folklore-rooted, modern twists and raw emotional undercurrent including Cornish, Norse and Japanese myth re-imagined...

"Epiphany" - She was sold by her mother, mocked by servants and when betrayal came, she burned the world down."Dance of the Raven" - A hiker meets the trickster."Touchwood" - Inheritance, a locked attic and a hungry succubus."Of Ivy and Teeth" - Two schoolgirls step into a forest clearing in search of the Green Bride, how many will walk out?And more!

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2025

About the author

Alex Darkfell writes myth-inspired fiction that blends psychological horror, folklore, and fantasy, always with a strong human element at its heart. He lives in Wiltshire, England, just ten minutes from Stonehenge, with his partner, two young children, and their labradoodle, Sonic. A former data scientist, Alex is now a full-time writer and artist. His debut anthology Midnight and Other Short Stories was released in 2024, with his follow-up collection Epiphany and More coming in autumn 2025.

For updates, blog and signed books, visit: darkfellwrites.com

Reviews

[Elliot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Epiphany and More, a collection of short stories that span a bunch of different genres. Some are just a couple of pages, while others are much longer, but no matter the length or style, each one felt strong and totally worth diving into. I found myself flying through them because I just wanted more.

My personal favorite was a shorter sci-fi story called “Containment.” It hooked me right away, and honestly, I’d happily read a whole book based on just that one section!

If you haven’t read anything by Alex Darkfell yet, I can’t recommend it enough. He has such a great way of pulling you in and telling compelling stories across so many different themes. Definitely keep an eye out for this one when it releases, you won’t regret it.

[Stasia Roze · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a wonderful collection of short stories! I absolutely loved the authors note at the start of each story. I found this really added a bit of whimsy to the lore of how these stories came to be.

What I particularly enjoyed with Darkfells style of writing was the open-ended stories. I found that this forced the reader to really pay attention to the story and learn what the message could be and what the character(s) could be trying to tell us.

Darkfells scene setting & tension building are amazing. It leaves a chill across your spine as you read the twisted tales and far out fantasies.

This is a very smart collection of stories. They all fit very well together and flow cohesively.

[Emma Minazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get this as an ARC and wow! Another great book! I love this anthology, full of very different stories, some are a page or two, some a bit longer.

I cannot decide which is my favourite but I liked the Hel letter - Enjoy your stay! The story called "Containment" was also a good one, a sci-fi aspect, reminded me of a mixture of Alien and DUNE, with cryo-pods, sweat suits and a new world to explore.

A good mixture of stories, there's one story about mermaids, another about a letter from a prisoner in 1680, very poignant and I liked the namesake chapter, longer than the rest but she needs her own story to be told!

I love the illustrations in this also! Very life-like! If you get a chance, also check out Alex's other anthology: Midnight, another enjoyable read with some illustrations.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I won a free copy in a Goodreads Giveaway!!**

So, in what is partly my fault, I was hoping for this collection to be scarier than it was. I guess, reading the blurb, it focused more on the spooky stories when summarizing, though it does mention the stories are based on a variety of folklore, not that they're scary. Aside from that disappointment, I'm also not a very big fan of science fiction, so a couple of these stories really weren't for me. Then there were the extremely short stories that I just couldn't dive into since, well, there was so little to dive into.

Overall, my favorite stories were "Of Ivy and Teeth" and "Epiphany", each disturbing and creepy in different ways.

[Rosies.Reading.Paradise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic collection of short stories across a range of genres including horror, folklore and sci-fi each with a supernatural element to the story. Each story is well written and compelling and left me thinking about them afterwards. They are thought provoking.

If you're looking for short stories of various genres to read, this is the book for you.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex has knocked it out of the park with this one. I thoroughly enjoyed every single story that he had to offer in this collection with some leaving me disappointed that there wasn't more! I'm truly impressed by his wide variety of genres and subgenres that he can write flawlessly across and left me enthralled by every story.

I would love to see any one of these stories blossom into a full length novel, or any future novel that he may make. I can't wait to go back and read his prior short story collection, as this one was just phenomenal!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

True 4 ⭐️read! I’ll be adding Darkfells earlier collection to my never ending TBR 😆 and keeping an eye out for him in the future! I highly recommend this to anyone interested in fantasy/sci fi/horror/fables or just great writing. Content is adult- sex, violence or mature themes.

As with any collection some areas were stronger than others. Favorites include Of Ivy & Teeth, Touchwood, Dance of the Raven & Epiphany but three I’d like to call out more specifically below.

The Quieting Tree & Containment both captured my imagination & I wish they were longer. There was enough meat in Containment, it easily could have filled another 100pgs. These stories showcase perfectly Darkfells ability to create a complex world quickly while furthering the story’s action. He trusts we are intelligent enough to pick up the details without exposition dumps.

I find flash fiction a difficult form to nail. Often it feels incomplete or inconsequential to me. The Perfect Smile is one of the better pieces I’ve read. In three paragraphs there was a character I found interesting, a journey and themes that resonated strongly with me. I truly felt the different emotions that colored the artists grief & it rang true to my own experiences of loss. I also didn’t wish there was more. Its brevity made what Darkfell was saying more powerful.

I did wish there was one longer authors note at the beginning instead of them at the top of each story. I liked getting to connect with the author & hear his natural voice, I liked hearing about the local folklore that had inspired certain stories but I felt like the notes chopped up the momentum of the collection. They kept jerking me out when I wanted to immerse myself fully in the experience.

[thebookishsorceress · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so honoured to be an ARC reader for Alex Darkfell! When I first read Midnight and Other Short Stories, I completely fell under his spell. There’s something about his writing that just feels ancient and familiar, like hearing an old story whispered through the trees. His author notes before each tale always make it feel even more personal and grounded, and this book was no different… honestly, it might be even better.

This one has thirteen stories, and what stood out most to me was the theme of loneliness - how it passes through generations, shifts shape, and sometimes becomes a creature all its own. There’s something haunting and beautiful about how he captures that ache to belong, even when it costs us parts of who we are.

The folklore and myth woven through each story were chef’s kiss. I especially loved how he portrays death not as something evil or terrifying, but as neutral, necessary, even gentle in a strange way. It’s such a refreshing perspective.

This whole collection touched something deep in me. Each story carried a little spark of magic, grief, and connection. And as always, his notes at the start of each story made it feel like he was sitting across from you, sharing tales by candlelight.

Thank you Alex for letting me read your book! Cannot wait to meet you in person and have that coffee!

[Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review ★★★★☆ @alex_darkfellwrites I NEED MORE OF EPIPHANY'S STORY!!! She deserves a book all of her own. She had gripped! She was relatable, compelling, and nuanced. My heart was with her from the beginning.

This story had feelings of The Whistling and a little bit of Queen B. And who doesn't love seeing a poorly treated woman who rises up the ranks and seeks revenge on those who did her wrong. I'm so here for the vengeful and slightly and very understandably unhinged women. She left me wanting to know more about her life and who she is.

I enjoyed the sci-fi stories, but again, I needed more Alex 😂 I very much enjoyed Of Ivy and Teeth too, I was so invested. All the characters in this selection of stories were so well written. I very much enjoyed the folklore stories, and I loved the heart you have for Cornwall. You can tell how important this beautiful place is to you.

4 stars because I need more of Epiphany and her story. I very much loved this selection for short stories. Some left me wanting more, which i say as the highest complement ✨️

I look forward to your next adventure ✨️

[W.M. Parslow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free ARC copy of 'Epiphany and More' and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Alex Darkfell has a clear love of folklore and stories, it shines through his own words, and I love that. There are some very creepy pieces within these pages. The title story, which is also by far the longest, is one of the best in the collection. I also enjoyed 'Dance of the Raven' and the opener 'Of Ivy and Teeth'. They appealed to my love of nature as well as the inherent spookiness of 'the woods'.

One thing I would love to see in Alex's work as more is released is more of the longer-form stories. Some of the entries here felt almost too short. Some of the quicker pieces worked really well, for example 'The Quieting Tree', but others, such as 'Welcome to Hel' felt as though there was more that could be done, more enjoyment that could be teased, from them.

Overall, a recommended collection of short stories to read at night with the lights down and the wind blowing through the branches outside...

[Gabriela Susek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel very lucky to have received the ARC copy of Epiphany and More. It feels very special to be able to dive into so many different worlds and to get to know the Author better.

There variety of stories and their length keeps you engaged and it can be easily read in a couple of sittings.

Something that I would have liked to see more of would be subtext (how the characters communicate with each other).
I felt at times as if the characters are saying what the narrator could have done.
I also wanted a little more variety of how places and surroundings were described/ what was described.

Like the author mentiones in the book, you can see big influences of Dune, the Expanse. It also made me think of Passengers.

Overall, if you want your dark folklore, fantasy fix with a splash of sci-fi then you are in the right spot.

These are just my personal opinions & an honest review. :)

[Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Epiphany and More' is a great collection of short fiction, ideal for spooky season. Darkfell has written a collection of stories that touch in different genres, but all have a continual thread of horror linked to the human affliction that ties them all together, whether rooted more in fantasy, fairy tale or science fiction.

You'll read stories of forest spirits, occult rituals and dark entities, but also of loneliness, inadequacy, finding a home and more.

Each tale comes with an author's note at the beginning that gives lovely insight into Darkfell's thoughts and inspirations behind the stories.

This is truly an eclectic read, some stories being only a page long, but still capturing the essence of what Darkfell wants to portray.

Of the tales 'Epiphany' was a favourite as well as the spooky 'Dance of the Raven' and Succubus story 'Touchwood'.

[Amy Harrison-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start?! I am obsessed with this book. It's beautifully laid out, and the stories are incredible.

It's a series of short stories based on mythology and folklore with a fresh take. The author adds notes at the front of each story to give a little more setting or understanding where his creative spark came from.

There are stories 1 page long and others much more long form. There really is something for everyone.

These beautiful folk horror stories combine gothic themes with human fragility and a thread of loneliness ties most of the stories together.

Cannot recommend this book enough.

[Chapters and Screens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Epiphany and More by Alex Darkfell, is a brilliant collection of short stories, spanning a variety of genres; gothic horror, fokelore and sci-fi.
Each plot is very well crafted and you go on a journey no matter how long or short the story is.
I liked the authors notes before each story, it sets the scene and settles the reader before diving into the tale at hand.
‘Exhibit 613’ even though its a few pages long its a particularly poignant tale of morality, purpose and your place in history.
Whether Alex continues to write anthologies or longer pieces I will be first in line to read them.
Thank you for the ARC opportunity.

[Kayleigh-Ånn Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindly given an ARC copy of this book by the author.
I did enjoy this book, and all the tales within. I’ve given it 3 stars because of the format - I don’t think the brevity of the stories work in their favour. Particularly Epiphany, which is such a brilliant concept but lacking the character development and cut scenes that would make it into a great book in its own right.
The other short stories in the lead up are punchy and often fast paced, but again most could do with being at least double the length if only for atmospheric setting.
That being said; great stories, original and refreshing ideas, and I look forward to more by this author.

[Franki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

I'm always a fan of a GOOD short story collection, and this collection was a nice, quick read for me between a couple of longer books, and it was exactly what I needed! The first story sets the collection up nicely and is easily the most memorable (even if I can't remember what it's called off the top of my head!) until you get to the final, titular story - both of them are particularly excellent with a good spooky twist to them.

The stories themselves are a nice mix of spooky, weird, and a few a bit lighter (and a few that are less than a page!), and although I couldn't really tell you the underlying theme of the whole collection, it did all gel together nicely. A fair few made me think that I'd love to read a full-length novel or novella to really get my teeth into.

Overall excellent, and a good choice if you're feeling a bit bored with full-length novels.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed these stories. The author notes at start of each story was a great touch & twist. An intro to mayhem at times.
I can’t mention each story, I’d like to but it would be too much so my choices (hard to pick) are
Welcome to Hel absolutely divine welcome letter. Loved this.
Dance of the Raven. Captivating & menacing.
Epiphany. A tale of want and needs and what it leads to.

All the stories are great. These 3 stuck out to me.
Enjoy

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book of short stories. This was a Goodreads giveaway winner.

[Elizabeth Thacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent spooky collection of reimagined folklore. Highly recommended