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Storm Lake
Thirteen-year-old Rachel and her little brother, Jeff, are looking forward to a weekend of canoeing and spending time with their friends up at the family cottage on Storm Lake. But something terrifying has birthed itself from the trees, and the kids find themselves trapped in an isolated marina fighting for their lives.
- GenresHorror
ebook
First published December 16, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 25, 2015
Storm Lake is a well written short story about the emergence of a new apex predator that wakes up and devours everything and everyone in its path. We witness this carnage through the eyes of a family vacationing at their summer cabin. There are far too few promising female voices in horror. Val Tobin is one of them to watch. She writes Storm Lake with convincing terror and with characters whom I felt for. I would like to see what else she has in store for her unexpecting readers. I give this atrempt a very solid 4 stars. (My rating would've been closer to 4.5 stars but she broke my one cardinal rule.) If you are a fan of survival
Pick up your own copy here.
Pick up your own copy here.
January 7, 2026
This was a fun little intro (I'm assuming) into the follow-up novel. It doesn't give away too much, which is perfect, because it does leave you wanting more.
Well written, creepy, and even better...It's relatively local to me, which always makes the horror fun. They're escaping to Peterborough??? These things are an hour away from me?
...cool.
And I mean, good lord, with a name like "Tobin"... I kind of HAD to read this, didn't I?
_______________
So, you're reading this review, you probably like horror, right?
You want horror? I got you.
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Well written, creepy, and even better...It's relatively local to me, which always makes the horror fun. They're escaping to Peterborough??? These things are an hour away from me?
...cool.
And I mean, good lord, with a name like "Tobin"... I kind of HAD to read this, didn't I?
_______________
So, you're reading this review, you probably like horror, right?
You want horror? I got you.
Check out my stuff here
October 12, 2015
This a well told enjoyable, pacey little story about something lurking… I always like something lurking. Nice even tension that builds right from the off, simple, descriptive, clear narrative and I have to say entertaining from start to finish. I was tempted to drop a star for what is a way is a compliment so I decided against it and gave 5 full stars instead. The reason is I felt I would have enjoyed more than I got and this book would be better for being longer. That being said that is hardly a criticism more a compliment.it is a relatively well trodden path, that is to say, monsters in the lake , but originally handled and I will definitely go back to this author for a second helping. Pick this up, it is a quick and enjoyable read.
September 15, 2015
I have never been a fan of horror stories in any format, so why then did I try this short story? I recently read a novel by the author and was impressed by her writing, so if I was going to read something like this – it had to be from her.
The tale begins at a leisurely pace, introducing a mother and two children driving out to their remote lakeside retreat in Ontario. Once they arrive at the marina near their hideaway, things start to pick up a pace. There are unexplained disappearances according to other folk they meet on arrival. The family dog finds something unusual in the bushes ... and there are shadows moving through the trees. It’s time to read between the fingers.
Suspense is layered from that point onwards and the pace picks up and increases right to the end. The characterisation and imagery are done well, and so too is how the story reaches its conclusion. There are those who will say that it ends suddenly, or could have been taken a stage further. I would disagree, because the author has left enough information and scope to allow readers to come to their own conclusions. In this story – that is a good thing.
If you like this story, you should check out the author’s longer works.
The tale begins at a leisurely pace, introducing a mother and two children driving out to their remote lakeside retreat in Ontario. Once they arrive at the marina near their hideaway, things start to pick up a pace. There are unexplained disappearances according to other folk they meet on arrival. The family dog finds something unusual in the bushes ... and there are shadows moving through the trees. It’s time to read between the fingers.
Suspense is layered from that point onwards and the pace picks up and increases right to the end. The characterisation and imagery are done well, and so too is how the story reaches its conclusion. There are those who will say that it ends suddenly, or could have been taken a stage further. I would disagree, because the author has left enough information and scope to allow readers to come to their own conclusions. In this story – that is a good thing.
If you like this story, you should check out the author’s longer works.
August 25, 2015
This intriguing short story is a good ‘taster’ for what Val Tobin offers in her other books, and definitely caught my interest. The characters are well-drawn – especially the two children – and it brings to life realistically the kind of ‘what-if’ scenario a vivid imagination can paint on a dark and stormy night. Lurking in the shadows of the summer getaway are unknown, unexplained monsters, and the suspense is all in discovering just how far they will go and what it will take for the children to escape them. To say more about the storyline would spoil the enjoyment of the reader. I read this in just two sittings, and felt gripped right to the end. My only adverse criticism for this well-written, well-crafted story is that it seemed to me to end very abruptly. I would have liked some answers, or at the very least a more drawn out process of questioning about the origin of the monsters, and perhaps a better sense of resolution. An excellent read, nonetheless!
December 10, 2016
This chilling short story moves along and doesn't miss a beat. I particularly liked the impeccable timing of it - after the opening, where a happy, carefree family is shown going on their lakeside holiday, the sinister element is introduced at the perfect moment, and this sense of timing worked throughout the story. It's an element often overlooked in fiction, but timing has a great deal to do with how well a story works, particularly a short story, and Tobin has it down to a T.
Also of note were the admirable restraint shown in the depiction of the monsters and of the terrible violence, a restraint that allows the horror of the story to shine through in all its chilling fullness. Based on this short story, I'd say Tobin is a seasoned writer who knows her craft, and I'll certainly be reading more of her work.
Also of note were the admirable restraint shown in the depiction of the monsters and of the terrible violence, a restraint that allows the horror of the story to shine through in all its chilling fullness. Based on this short story, I'd say Tobin is a seasoned writer who knows her craft, and I'll certainly be reading more of her work.
February 26, 2017
I loved this, the world is well thought out and the characters are real and relatable. There's no shortage of suspense and tension in the well paced mysterious tale. I was actually a little sad to reach the end because I wanted more.
June 27, 2015
Nice eerie story to read while the power is out! :) We had a tornado this week and so I caught up on some reading, and boy am I glad I chose this one. The story opens with a family on it's way to visit a cabin by a lake--the typical "Mom, he has stinky feet" of sibling interactions connects the reader with the characters right away. I could here the "are we there yet" type of annoyances all families face in this situation. Upon arriving at their destination, the family is informed a young child went missing while under the supervision of both her parents. Soon other strange occurrences begin, and of course, bad cell phone reception in a wooded area causes issues.
This is a fast paced, suspenseful story that draws you in. I did not notice the "over use of British terms" one reviewer complained about. In no way did it distract from the reading for me, so perhaps that was just one reader's experience. The only thing I could say that I would have liked was for this story to be a bit longer. Such a well written piece could easily become an 80k novel, or perhaps a serial? Will definitely be checking out more from this intriguing author.
This is a fast paced, suspenseful story that draws you in. I did not notice the "over use of British terms" one reviewer complained about. In no way did it distract from the reading for me, so perhaps that was just one reader's experience. The only thing I could say that I would have liked was for this story to be a bit longer. Such a well written piece could easily become an 80k novel, or perhaps a serial? Will definitely be checking out more from this intriguing author.
January 10, 2016
I don't read horror and did not realize that was what I was getting when I picked up this short story while it was free on Kindle.
That being said the story totally sucked me in the whole way. I curled further and further into a ball while reading it as each of the children's protectors failed. I was scared, terrified, and ready to put a metal room on my house by the end of the forty-one pages.
Then the writer in me started analyzing how the story was built. Classic start of normality so you care about the character and the introduction of the sinister without it being sinister - then danger is hinted at, then observed, then shown, then brutally thrust into the characters lives. A moment of slow to capture your breath and reestablish caring for these characters (far deeper than you should for a short story), then it gets worse and worse. They do everything right, but this is a horror story. Each time you think the stakes can't get any higher, they do.
If you want to figure out how to write a good horror story, this would be a wonderful one to study. Well done, Ms. Tobin. Very well done.
That being said the story totally sucked me in the whole way. I curled further and further into a ball while reading it as each of the children's protectors failed. I was scared, terrified, and ready to put a metal room on my house by the end of the forty-one pages.
Then the writer in me started analyzing how the story was built. Classic start of normality so you care about the character and the introduction of the sinister without it being sinister - then danger is hinted at, then observed, then shown, then brutally thrust into the characters lives. A moment of slow to capture your breath and reestablish caring for these characters (far deeper than you should for a short story), then it gets worse and worse. They do everything right, but this is a horror story. Each time you think the stakes can't get any higher, they do.
If you want to figure out how to write a good horror story, this would be a wonderful one to study. Well done, Ms. Tobin. Very well done.
October 5, 2015
This was a suspenceful short story to clean my pallet between longer reads. I wanted to experience Val Tobin's writing style, so I read this story first and will now read her other books very soon.
I liked the set up of Storm Lake. With the disappearance of so many animals at the resort town, the reader had a clue they needed to buckle up and expect the worst.
Plus, if people are uncomfortable and squeamish about morbid details, Val does a fine job relaying the terror but still lets you sleep at night, so I didn't mind the gore. Her descriptions are forthright, not a respecter of persons, yet filled with the promise of escape. I don't want to give too much more of the story away so I'll stop there.
Though, the characters and the circumstances were believable and could easily lead to other sequels or even a longer series, or a prequel story of origin would be helpful. Once the story built up the momentum, I could not put it down. I'd like to see how the author's imagination takes this story further because it certainly held my interest.
I liked the set up of Storm Lake. With the disappearance of so many animals at the resort town, the reader had a clue they needed to buckle up and expect the worst.
Plus, if people are uncomfortable and squeamish about morbid details, Val does a fine job relaying the terror but still lets you sleep at night, so I didn't mind the gore. Her descriptions are forthright, not a respecter of persons, yet filled with the promise of escape. I don't want to give too much more of the story away so I'll stop there.
Though, the characters and the circumstances were believable and could easily lead to other sequels or even a longer series, or a prequel story of origin would be helpful. Once the story built up the momentum, I could not put it down. I'd like to see how the author's imagination takes this story further because it certainly held my interest.
November 15, 2015
This is a short novella, however, Val Tobin manages to take you along for the ride from the very first page, enough to make me want to finish the story. There is a cliff-hanger at then end, but it would lend itself nicely to a sequel, or equally not.
I won't go into much detail about the characters or plot, as typical of this genre, some are destined to die grizzly deaths and there are things creeping around in the dark, but there was enough information about the 'core' family and their dog that you didn't want certain things to happen!
I don't usually like this genre, I struggle with the 'family member who gets mutilated in front of you, but never mind, let's carry on' type of thing, but I can appreciate a well-written story, so if you like dark, scary, horror books, this well-written, fast-paced book is definitely for you.
May 24, 2016
This book proves yet again what a skilled writer Val Tobin is. As a parent I was instantly drawn into the story, laughing at the interaction between the brother and sister. It reminded me of many road trips stuck in the back of the car with my own little brother. The weekend promises to be an idyllic getaway but mysterious events soon change it from a welcome break, to a fight for survival. The story starts off quite calmly but as soon as the plot switches to horror, the pace picks up and speeds towards the unexpected ending. Even though this is a short story, it feels like a full novel condensed into a few pages. I found the ending quite refreshing and it left just enough for the reader to think about. I could easily see this as the first book of a series as there is a lot of scope to develop the plot further.
February 20, 2018
Well written and gripping from start to finish. I got a Stephen King, The Mist vibe from this one and loved it. A small vacation town meets monsters only ever before seen in nightmares where two small kids must find a way to survive.
September 5, 2016
Interesting
This is a nice quick read that keeps you interested. Kind of wish it was a longer book though, would be a great novel
This is a nice quick read that keeps you interested. Kind of wish it was a longer book though, would be a great novel
June 15, 2017
WOW !!!
What a bizarre book, would recommend if you like horror. I couldn't put down. I would have liked the book to be longer. Would recommend.
What a bizarre book, would recommend if you like horror. I couldn't put down. I would have liked the book to be longer. Would recommend.
October 28, 2017
Swan Lake
This was a very good story to read in the middle of the night on Halloween. I recommend reading it.
This was a very good story to read in the middle of the night on Halloween. I recommend reading it.
October 2, 2021
A little gruesome but good enough to get the next book out of curiosity.
August 4, 2019
Great Start to a Series...
Storm Lake is a great start to a series. The story sucks you in from the very beginning. It had a Poltergeist style intro that gives the reader a false sense of normality: typical family, the proverbial car ride with the kids arguing about stinky feet and are we there yet. The author does a great job of developing characters we can relate to; they might even remind you of your own childhood. The kids are typical siblings — squabbling over silly annoyances at one moment, then demonstrating fierce loyalty, camaraderie, and devotion when it matters. As the family approaches their final destination to begin their much-anticipated annual vacation, they learn trouble is on the horizon. I’m not going to spoil the surprise but the instant they stop at the local marina, the entire family realizes this vacation will be different. Suddenly, the pace begins to intensify. The tension builds bit-by-bit as the reader wonders what is lurking in the woods and who, or what, will be the next casualty.
Storm Lake was a quick read that kept me interested to the very end. The characters are likeable and intriguing, the storyline is well-written and fast paced, and the suspense sucks you in and keeps you wanting more.
This story does end on a cliff-hanger, leaving you wondering what will happen next and how the story will proceed. I assume this was done intentionally. Normally, I’m opposed to this technique, but as a prequel to a series — in this instance — it works well. I look forward to finding out what happens in the next story and how these children slay their monsters. If you enjoy a good suspenseful horror story, you should definitely give this one a try.
Melanie P Smith
Storm Lake is a great start to a series. The story sucks you in from the very beginning. It had a Poltergeist style intro that gives the reader a false sense of normality: typical family, the proverbial car ride with the kids arguing about stinky feet and are we there yet. The author does a great job of developing characters we can relate to; they might even remind you of your own childhood. The kids are typical siblings — squabbling over silly annoyances at one moment, then demonstrating fierce loyalty, camaraderie, and devotion when it matters. As the family approaches their final destination to begin their much-anticipated annual vacation, they learn trouble is on the horizon. I’m not going to spoil the surprise but the instant they stop at the local marina, the entire family realizes this vacation will be different. Suddenly, the pace begins to intensify. The tension builds bit-by-bit as the reader wonders what is lurking in the woods and who, or what, will be the next casualty.
Storm Lake was a quick read that kept me interested to the very end. The characters are likeable and intriguing, the storyline is well-written and fast paced, and the suspense sucks you in and keeps you wanting more.
This story does end on a cliff-hanger, leaving you wondering what will happen next and how the story will proceed. I assume this was done intentionally. Normally, I’m opposed to this technique, but as a prequel to a series — in this instance — it works well. I look forward to finding out what happens in the next story and how these children slay their monsters. If you enjoy a good suspenseful horror story, you should definitely give this one a try.
Melanie P Smith
September 15, 2019
As gruesome a little horror tale as you could ever hope for – loved it!
An intriguing little horror tale that starts off with a simple family car journey on the way to a holiday marina, one that any parent with young and teenage children will be able to identify with amid all the usual sibling squabbles, and ‘are we there yet’ type questions. The sheer normality of the situation and innocence of the children initially lulls the reader into a sense of ease, almost on a par with some Enid Blyton type adventure (if you weren’t already aware this is a horror story) - and that’s where the sense of ease stops. Upon arrival at their destination, they’re greeted by the sight of police cars and the grim news about someone having disappeared. The family, or rather the older of the two children, is further alarmed by a few throwaway comments about things not being right, and there being fewer animals about in the otherwise wildlife-filled area.
Several dead and mutilated bodies and other equally horrific scenes later that wouldn’t be out of place in zombie fest, what follows is a desperate flight for survival.
The abrupt and inconclusive ending, far from being frustrating or a disappointment, is one that leaves the reader the opportunity to let their imagination run wild, especially knowing there is will soon be a full novel-length sequel to this, and one that I’ll definitely be reading – a well-deserved five blood dripping stars for this one.
An intriguing little horror tale that starts off with a simple family car journey on the way to a holiday marina, one that any parent with young and teenage children will be able to identify with amid all the usual sibling squabbles, and ‘are we there yet’ type questions. The sheer normality of the situation and innocence of the children initially lulls the reader into a sense of ease, almost on a par with some Enid Blyton type adventure (if you weren’t already aware this is a horror story) - and that’s where the sense of ease stops. Upon arrival at their destination, they’re greeted by the sight of police cars and the grim news about someone having disappeared. The family, or rather the older of the two children, is further alarmed by a few throwaway comments about things not being right, and there being fewer animals about in the otherwise wildlife-filled area.
Several dead and mutilated bodies and other equally horrific scenes later that wouldn’t be out of place in zombie fest, what follows is a desperate flight for survival.
The abrupt and inconclusive ending, far from being frustrating or a disappointment, is one that leaves the reader the opportunity to let their imagination run wild, especially knowing there is will soon be a full novel-length sequel to this, and one that I’ll definitely be reading – a well-deserved five blood dripping stars for this one.
July 3, 2024
❤️😲EXCELLENT!!!
In the small family's vehicle, young Rachel, 13, was complaining about her little brother Jeff, 7, who had just taken off his shoes and socks.
The mother sighed and focused on the road, her mind preoccupied...
××××××××××
An incredible, extraordinary and frightening adventure, read too quickly, with totally endearing characters.
This prequel made me want to read the sequel in the novel.
Absolutely worth discovering!
In the small family's vehicle, young Rachel, 13, was complaining about her little brother Jeff, 7, who had just taken off his shoes and socks.
The mother sighed and focused on the road, her mind preoccupied...
××××××××××
An incredible, extraordinary and frightening adventure, read too quickly, with totally endearing characters.
This prequel made me want to read the sequel in the novel.
Absolutely worth discovering!
March 10, 2017
Was not expecting sci fi. Did not enjoy this book at all. Description was not accurate at all.
This was nonsense and gory. I downloaded it looking for a mystery. Very disappointed!
Had there been an option for zero stars, I would have used it.
This was nonsense and gory. I downloaded it looking for a mystery. Very disappointed!
Had there been an option for zero stars, I would have used it.
July 30, 2017
Not for me
It was hard to follow and too far fetched. The ending was disappointing. Not the type of book that I enjoyed reading.
It was hard to follow and too far fetched. The ending was disappointing. Not the type of book that I enjoyed reading.
May 31, 2020
Creepy, gory short story that keeps you on the edge of your seats. The fear builds with each passing moment. A great start to the story that makes me want to find out what happens next.
July 12, 2020
Great short story. Wish it was longer.
April 4, 2017
Quick, exciting read
This starts off with a whimper, then goes into major action mode. Family on vacation, arrive at destination. Missing child & dog. Someone remarks, you do not see animals around here anymore, or words to that effect. Read this, to find out why.
This starts off with a whimper, then goes into major action mode. Family on vacation, arrive at destination. Missing child & dog. Someone remarks, you do not see animals around here anymore, or words to that effect. Read this, to find out why.
April 25, 2017
Open ended
Story should have a ending! It was good but should have went further! I will not read another book by her!!!!
Story should have a ending! It was good but should have went further! I will not read another book by her!!!!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews