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Seen
When Caroline takes in her sister’s baby after a sudden tragedy, she thinks the hardest part will be learning how to care for a child while navigating her own grief. But soon people around her begin to die under strange and unexplainable circumstances.
As the body count grows, Caroline is forced to confront a chilling possibility: that protecting her family may mean facing an unthinkable choice.
Seen is a haunting story of family, loss, and the choices we never imagine we’ll face.
As the body count grows, Caroline is forced to confront a chilling possibility: that protecting her family may mean facing an unthinkable choice.
Seen is a haunting story of family, loss, and the choices we never imagine we’ll face.
Unknown Binding
Published October 3, 2025
11 people are currently reading
1700 people want to read
About the author
James Yates
4 books32 followersJames Yates is a proud member of the Horror Writers Association. He writes horror fiction that blends the brutal, the supernatural, and the psychological. Focusing on working-class British settings and character-driven stories, his debut novel The Cleanse explores the monstrous in both man and myth. A lifelong devotee of horror in all its forms – from slasher to folk to the quietly unhinged – he draws from a background that understands just how grey the edges of humanity can be.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
September 25, 2025
This was a fun and fast-paced horror story. Right from the start, we’re thrown into a brutal death, paranormal chaos, and exorcist-style body contortions during a woman’s childbirth. She dies, leaving our main character to care for the child, and that’s when the real terror begins.
Strange events escalate quickly, people start dying, and while the “cursed child” trope has been done before, what makes this one stand out is the pacing. At around 50–80 pages, it moves fast without feeling rushed or unrealistic. The characters are also well-written, with just enough backstory to make their decisions and thought processes feel grounded.
Creepy, efficient, and entertaining. I really enjoyed it.
Strange events escalate quickly, people start dying, and while the “cursed child” trope has been done before, what makes this one stand out is the pacing. At around 50–80 pages, it moves fast without feeling rushed or unrealistic. The characters are also well-written, with just enough backstory to make their decisions and thought processes feel grounded.
Creepy, efficient, and entertaining. I really enjoyed it.
October 4, 2025
You had me at demon baby James
Okay this was such a gripping little novella. 81 pages managed to get across tragedy, horror, comedy and brutality. From the prologue it had my FULL attention, all the way to the twisted end.
Extra points for portraying quintessentially British reactions to demon baby antics ‘fuckshitcunt’
This is my honest review and I’d like to thank NetGalley, Victory Editing and James Yates for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Okay this was such a gripping little novella. 81 pages managed to get across tragedy, horror, comedy and brutality. From the prologue it had my FULL attention, all the way to the twisted end.
Extra points for portraying quintessentially British reactions to demon baby antics ‘fuckshitcunt’
This is my honest review and I’d like to thank NetGalley, Victory Editing and James Yates for the opportunity to read this ARC.
September 13, 2025
Caz is left looking after her newborn niece after her sister dies during childbirth. Death seems to follow them as the people around them start dropping like flies.
I really enjoyed the concept of this book! I think it could have easily been turned into a full length book with more details and focus on the deaths that took place.
Unfortunately, for me, I felt like the story focused too much on Caz and the fact that she didn't want to be a parent. Not to mention how annoyed she was at her partner for being a kind, caring and supportive person. It just took me out of the horror. With that said, I found the horror really intriguing, I just wish that the book was longer so that there could have been more depth to the deaths and stronger focus on the suspense and fear that the characters felt.
Essentially, I just wish that it would have been longer!
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed the concept of this book! I think it could have easily been turned into a full length book with more details and focus on the deaths that took place.
Unfortunately, for me, I felt like the story focused too much on Caz and the fact that she didn't want to be a parent. Not to mention how annoyed she was at her partner for being a kind, caring and supportive person. It just took me out of the horror. With that said, I found the horror really intriguing, I just wish that the book was longer so that there could have been more depth to the deaths and stronger focus on the suspense and fear that the characters felt.
Essentially, I just wish that it would have been longer!
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 27, 2025
Seen – A Horror Novella
By: James Yates
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5 rounded up)
Release Date: October 3, 2025
Length: 83 pages
Content Warnings: Infant death, disturbing imagery, violent deaths
I first came across this book through a review in one of the groups I’m part of. At first, I didn’t realize it was an ARC call, but when it popped up again as a “last chance” opportunity, I jumped so fast I nearly twisted an ankle... anyway, I received an advance copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sometimes horror doesn’t need hundreds of pages to get under your skin; sometimes it only takes five.
James Yates delivers Seen, a lean, eerie novella centered around a baby that no one wants to look at for too long. From the very first chapter, there’s a lingering unease that wraps around the reader. The grief of Julie-Ann’s death hits with weight, and her sister Catherine (Caz) stepping in to care for the baby sets the stage for a creeping, sinister mystery.
Dogs avoid the child, kids are terrified of her, and strange deaths start piling up. Is it possession? A curse? Something worse? Yates doesn’t over-explain, instead letting the terror seep through the edges, balancing grief and horror with occult menace. While the story sometimes leans toward exaggeration and could have benefitted from more time to build its suspense, the short form still manages to strike with sharp, unsettling imagery.
Personally, I found the horror concept fascinating, especially the disturbing detail of the child’s lazy eye, which feels symbolic as much as physical. I only wish the novella had been longer, giving more space for the deaths to breathe and for the terror to fully escalate. As it stands, though, Yates proves he can terrify in just a handful of pages. If he ever expands this concept into a full novel, it could be unforgettable.
🎯 Recommended for:
• Readers looking for a quick but chilling horror fix
• Fans of occult or demonic-tinged stories
• Anyone who enjoys novellas with sharp, unsettling imagery
• Horror fans who appreciate atmosphere and concept over gore
🚫 Not for:
• Readers who want in-depth character arcs or slow-burn development
• Those sensitive to infant-related horror
• Anyone looking for extreme splatterpunk or graphic violence
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✅ REAL – A short, unsettling ride that proves sometimes less is more.
— Angel R. Sánchez
Author. Reader. Creator of The Real Review.
By: James Yates
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5 rounded up)
Release Date: October 3, 2025
Length: 83 pages
Content Warnings: Infant death, disturbing imagery, violent deaths
I first came across this book through a review in one of the groups I’m part of. At first, I didn’t realize it was an ARC call, but when it popped up again as a “last chance” opportunity, I jumped so fast I nearly twisted an ankle... anyway, I received an advance copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sometimes horror doesn’t need hundreds of pages to get under your skin; sometimes it only takes five.
James Yates delivers Seen, a lean, eerie novella centered around a baby that no one wants to look at for too long. From the very first chapter, there’s a lingering unease that wraps around the reader. The grief of Julie-Ann’s death hits with weight, and her sister Catherine (Caz) stepping in to care for the baby sets the stage for a creeping, sinister mystery.
Dogs avoid the child, kids are terrified of her, and strange deaths start piling up. Is it possession? A curse? Something worse? Yates doesn’t over-explain, instead letting the terror seep through the edges, balancing grief and horror with occult menace. While the story sometimes leans toward exaggeration and could have benefitted from more time to build its suspense, the short form still manages to strike with sharp, unsettling imagery.
Personally, I found the horror concept fascinating, especially the disturbing detail of the child’s lazy eye, which feels symbolic as much as physical. I only wish the novella had been longer, giving more space for the deaths to breathe and for the terror to fully escalate. As it stands, though, Yates proves he can terrify in just a handful of pages. If he ever expands this concept into a full novel, it could be unforgettable.
🎯 Recommended for:
• Readers looking for a quick but chilling horror fix
• Fans of occult or demonic-tinged stories
• Anyone who enjoys novellas with sharp, unsettling imagery
• Horror fans who appreciate atmosphere and concept over gore
🚫 Not for:
• Readers who want in-depth character arcs or slow-burn development
• Those sensitive to infant-related horror
• Anyone looking for extreme splatterpunk or graphic violence
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✅ REAL – A short, unsettling ride that proves sometimes less is more.
— Angel R. Sánchez
Author. Reader. Creator of The Real Review.
October 27, 2025
Seen is an 82-page horror novella in the “demonic baby” genre. When Caroline’s sister dies in bizarre circumstances during childbirth, Caroline adopts the baby, but within weeks it becomes clear that she has made a terrible mistake.
This is a perfectly horrible little book, paced beautifully without anything overdone. I read it in two sittings and thoroughly enjoyed it. I read a lot of horror, though I’m often disappointed: much of it isn’t creepy at all and sometimes strays into silliness. Seen, however, worked for me. It has an underpinning of folklore and what might be termed ancient understanding, which I particularly like. It reminded me a little of Andrew Hurley’s writing, but pared right back.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. The opinions above are entirely my own.
This is a perfectly horrible little book, paced beautifully without anything overdone. I read it in two sittings and thoroughly enjoyed it. I read a lot of horror, though I’m often disappointed: much of it isn’t creepy at all and sometimes strays into silliness. Seen, however, worked for me. It has an underpinning of folklore and what might be termed ancient understanding, which I particularly like. It reminded me a little of Andrew Hurley’s writing, but pared right back.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. The opinions above are entirely my own.
September 25, 2025
Seen by James Yates wastes no time pulling readers into its chilling atmosphere. Like many novellas, it skips the slow burn and plunges straight into the heart of the story. The novel opens with the tragic death of Julie-Ann during childbirth - a harrowing scene that sets the tone for the horrors to come. Left to care for the newborn, Caroline (Caz) and her partner Geoff quickly realize that something is terribly wrong.
As unease spreads, those around the baby begin acting strangely, and soon, the bodies start to pile up. Caz, desperate for answers and driven to the brink, spirals deeper into a mystery laced with folklore and dread. The pacing is relentless, keeping you engaged from the very first page.
Gripping, eerie, and impossible to put down, Seen is the kind of novella that lingers in your mind long after you finish. My only complaint? I wish it were longer - I wasn’t quite ready to leave this story behind.
Special thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing, & James Yates for providing me with an eARC copy to review before release!
As unease spreads, those around the baby begin acting strangely, and soon, the bodies start to pile up. Caz, desperate for answers and driven to the brink, spirals deeper into a mystery laced with folklore and dread. The pacing is relentless, keeping you engaged from the very first page.
Gripping, eerie, and impossible to put down, Seen is the kind of novella that lingers in your mind long after you finish. My only complaint? I wish it were longer - I wasn’t quite ready to leave this story behind.
Special thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing, & James Yates for providing me with an eARC copy to review before release!
September 26, 2025
This is the kind of story where I could see myself watching in a movie and then being super irritated by the ending. While I liked the premise behind the story I could not help but feel like it was completely rushed. While novellas are generally more fast paced than novels, it really felt like there was something missing from this story.
I received a copy of this boon from Netgalley in response to an honest review.
I received a copy of this boon from Netgalley in response to an honest review.
September 22, 2025
SEEN BY JAMES YATES.
A HORROR NOVELLA.
Release date set for the 3rd of October 2025.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
I thought this novella was really great.
There's a few tropes that can be very triggering for people but I throughly enjoyed this crazy story.
Looking forward to reading more books by this author
A HORROR NOVELLA.
Release date set for the 3rd of October 2025.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
I thought this novella was really great.
There's a few tropes that can be very triggering for people but I throughly enjoyed this crazy story.
Looking forward to reading more books by this author
September 11, 2025
I recently received an ARC of Seen by James Yate courtesy of NetGalley. This horror novella drew me in from the very first page, weaving an unsettling tale with an atmosphere that lingers long after the story ends.
However, I found the portrayal of the female protagonist difficult to connect with. At times, her characterization felt unnecessarily insufferable, which gave the narrative an undercurrent that came across as slightly misogynistic.
While this aspect lessened my overall enjoyment, the novella’s core horror elements remain effective as dark, memorable, and thought-provoking. Let's just say.. I’m very grateful I got through my pregnancy BEFORE reading this book.
However, I found the portrayal of the female protagonist difficult to connect with. At times, her characterization felt unnecessarily insufferable, which gave the narrative an undercurrent that came across as slightly misogynistic.
While this aspect lessened my overall enjoyment, the novella’s core horror elements remain effective as dark, memorable, and thought-provoking. Let's just say.. I’m very grateful I got through my pregnancy BEFORE reading this book.
September 4, 2025
"Seen" is a short horror novella, taking on the demon baby horror trope, and turning it into a morally complex case of good parenting against evil. And by "good parenting," I mean literally two adults doing the best they can when they find themselves with a baby girl on their hands right out of the blue; a baby whose unnatural origins are very hard to believe, and whose spontaneous actions slowly reveal a sinister nature threatening everyone around her. But she also has a name, she's Asleigh; its not her fault she's acting weird - or is it? Well, the young adoptive mother has to make a choice, and it has to happen fast, before more people get fatally hurt because of the baby. This is a tough call, and the story doesn't pull back from the cruelest of options. So be aware of triggers.
The story is supernatural through and through, so though there are several moments of rationalization attempts and general disbelief of the baby's evil nature, thankfully this doesn't last long. Once it's clear what the couple is called upon to do, the tale goes very fast, with the minimum of emotion.
I recommend the book to experienced readers of the evil baby trope, since readers less familiar with it may find the ending rather shocking. And it certainly is, but readers with more experience with the trope may find the resolution more meaningful, if not necessary.
The story is supernatural through and through, so though there are several moments of rationalization attempts and general disbelief of the baby's evil nature, thankfully this doesn't last long. Once it's clear what the couple is called upon to do, the tale goes very fast, with the minimum of emotion.
I recommend the book to experienced readers of the evil baby trope, since readers less familiar with it may find the ending rather shocking. And it certainly is, but readers with more experience with the trope may find the resolution more meaningful, if not necessary.
October 4, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up!
This short horror novel had me hooked from the beginning. We are introduced to Caroline/Caz, who is present in the room as her sister is giving birth. Things go awry, to say the least, and Caz ends up caring for her now-deceased sister's child.
From there, strange things start happening, and quite a few people who come in contact with Caz's foster baby meet with an untimely, and often gruesome, demise.
This story moved so fast, and it was well told enough where I could picture the whole thing in my mind. I liked Caz's first person perspective. I could see how her voice might be perceived as annoying. I actually disliked how dismissive and put-off she was by her partner Geoff's kindness and understanding, but that made her feel more human to me. In the end, it was obvious that that's just how her relationship with him is.
I loved the concept of the demon baby and the idea of yeah, how would you deal with a demon baby coming to live with you? What could you do?
I really liked this story overall, and I absolutely wish it had been longer so we could get more details about the characters, and especially the origins of the baby's father.
I got this on NetGalley as an ARC from Victory Editing. Woohoo!
This short horror novel had me hooked from the beginning. We are introduced to Caroline/Caz, who is present in the room as her sister is giving birth. Things go awry, to say the least, and Caz ends up caring for her now-deceased sister's child.
From there, strange things start happening, and quite a few people who come in contact with Caz's foster baby meet with an untimely, and often gruesome, demise.
This story moved so fast, and it was well told enough where I could picture the whole thing in my mind. I liked Caz's first person perspective. I could see how her voice might be perceived as annoying. I actually disliked how dismissive and put-off she was by her partner Geoff's kindness and understanding, but that made her feel more human to me. In the end, it was obvious that that's just how her relationship with him is.
I loved the concept of the demon baby and the idea of yeah, how would you deal with a demon baby coming to live with you? What could you do?
I really liked this story overall, and I absolutely wish it had been longer so we could get more details about the characters, and especially the origins of the baby's father.
I got this on NetGalley as an ARC from Victory Editing. Woohoo!
September 9, 2025
This is a short story, but incredibly effective and chilling. We follow Caroline, who takes in her sister’s newborn after a tragic and disturbing delivery. From the first moments, the baby seems wrong. Animals panic, children scream, and even adults who meet her react with terror, often with fatal consequences. As Caroline investigates, she uncovers the terrifying truth about her sister, the demon Ashrael, and the price of protecting a child that never should have been born.
The story is brief but feels complete, with tension that builds relentlessly toward a shocking yet inevitable ending. The imagery is unsettling, from the drifting eye of the infant to the inexplicable deaths and the dreadful pull of the sea. The resolution is haunting and heartbreaking, leaving an impression long after the final line.
A compact but powerful horror tale that is perfectly paced and deeply disturbing.
The story is brief but feels complete, with tension that builds relentlessly toward a shocking yet inevitable ending. The imagery is unsettling, from the drifting eye of the infant to the inexplicable deaths and the dreadful pull of the sea. The resolution is haunting and heartbreaking, leaving an impression long after the final line.
A compact but powerful horror tale that is perfectly paced and deeply disturbing.
September 28, 2025
Received the ARC copy of this book thanks to the author! Regardless, my review will be unbiased.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun read. I can see why a lot of people didn’t like Caroline because she does seem a bit cold and selfish but a lot of people forget she’s still young, and she went though a lot of trauma growing up. In fact, it’s what made me appreciate the book a bit more, she was realistic. Yates captured the real thoughts and emotions some people have but are too afraid to voice.
I went through a ton of emotions while reading this book. There were very dark and disturbing scenes but they felt necessary to the story.
If you want to have a fun quick fast paced read, this is definitely it. My only gripe with it is I lost track of the setting in one or two scenes but that could just be because I’m used to longer, world building books.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun read. I can see why a lot of people didn’t like Caroline because she does seem a bit cold and selfish but a lot of people forget she’s still young, and she went though a lot of trauma growing up. In fact, it’s what made me appreciate the book a bit more, she was realistic. Yates captured the real thoughts and emotions some people have but are too afraid to voice.
I went through a ton of emotions while reading this book. There were very dark and disturbing scenes but they felt necessary to the story.
If you want to have a fun quick fast paced read, this is definitely it. My only gripe with it is I lost track of the setting in one or two scenes but that could just be because I’m used to longer, world building books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2025
This shit is crazy... Of course the story is holding my attention but its crazy. Have you ever heard of a mom breaking her neck while in labor??
Or a baby NEVER crying only getting 'a little grizzly' when hungry??
I need an elaboration on 'grizzly' 😂🤣😆 I'm sitting here thinking, 'what??'
very interesting plot.... i enjoyed it. this story could been longer and more elaborated on with even weirder shit happening as you get further into the story. it was a bit scary i guess, definitely gory.
i would highly suggest going in blind.... it's more fun.
here's a new vocabulary word if you haven't heard of it.... 'rictus' meaning a fixed grimace or grin. a few crazies that you may think of that have this.... Twisty the Clown from American Horror Story, Pennywise from IT or our beloved Joker...
i came across this word in the book and of course I had to look it up...
"Her face wasn’t normal. Contorted, that smile stretched too wide across her tiny cheeks, forming a hideous rictus. Crimson tears leaked from the corners of her eyes...."
🚨🔦ANY BOOKS AFTER THIS IM GONNA NEED A BUNCH OF THESE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🔦🚨 feel free to leave suggestions with no extensive 🍫🌟chocolate star scenes or descriptions and no sword crossing ⚔️. Below 300 pgs is ideal.. I prefer poly romance or erotica & I have no triggers... TIA 🤣
Or a baby NEVER crying only getting 'a little grizzly' when hungry??
I need an elaboration on 'grizzly' 😂🤣😆 I'm sitting here thinking, 'what??'
very interesting plot.... i enjoyed it. this story could been longer and more elaborated on with even weirder shit happening as you get further into the story. it was a bit scary i guess, definitely gory.
i would highly suggest going in blind.... it's more fun.
here's a new vocabulary word if you haven't heard of it.... 'rictus' meaning a fixed grimace or grin. a few crazies that you may think of that have this.... Twisty the Clown from American Horror Story, Pennywise from IT or our beloved Joker...
i came across this word in the book and of course I had to look it up...
"Her face wasn’t normal. Contorted, that smile stretched too wide across her tiny cheeks, forming a hideous rictus. Crimson tears leaked from the corners of her eyes...."
🚨🔦ANY BOOKS AFTER THIS IM GONNA NEED A BUNCH OF THESE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🔦🚨 feel free to leave suggestions with no extensive 🍫🌟chocolate star scenes or descriptions and no sword crossing ⚔️. Below 300 pgs is ideal.. I prefer poly romance or erotica & I have no triggers... TIA 🤣
September 22, 2025
I absolutely hated the MC. For a twenty-two year old she did little more than whine and complain about everything from her sister to her husband, even before the horror elements came into play. Throughout the entire story, she's selfish, self centered, and overly judgemental, like she's so perfect and everyone else is beneath her; including the baby that's left in her care. I honestly found myself wishing the fate that had befallen all those others had happened to her. If this was Mr. Yates goal, he did amazingly. If I was supposed to like the MC, then yikes!
The story it's self is a great short horror. There's an array of emotions going on and enough of the good spooky stuff to keep you reading. I think I'll look into the other books this author has out.
The story it's self is a great short horror. There's an array of emotions going on and enough of the good spooky stuff to keep you reading. I think I'll look into the other books this author has out.
September 23, 2025
When Caroline watches her sister did in childbirth her life is forever altered. Not only because she had to witness something so horrific, but also because she and her husband now have custody of her sisters baby. Caroline wasn't sure if she even wanted kids before this. Small but odd behaviors start to concern Caroline. Why hasn't the baby cried yet? What is wrong with it's eye? How did it scare a little boy?
Her husband is her sound of reasoning and does his best to keep her at ease. But then people start dying. People that she and the baby had just seen. She takes a dive down the rabbit hole of research and finds someone who says he can help her. But the solution is the unthinkable. Can she handle this? Or is she just crazy?
I love a good little horror novella! Seen is another take on the "Rosemary's baby" story. It packs a creepy and disturbing punch for only 81 pages. And the ending? Perfectly done. It made me wish there was more.
Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC, I am voluntarily leaving an honest review. "Seen" publishes on Oct 3.
Her husband is her sound of reasoning and does his best to keep her at ease. But then people start dying. People that she and the baby had just seen. She takes a dive down the rabbit hole of research and finds someone who says he can help her. But the solution is the unthinkable. Can she handle this? Or is she just crazy?
I love a good little horror novella! Seen is another take on the "Rosemary's baby" story. It packs a creepy and disturbing punch for only 81 pages. And the ending? Perfectly done. It made me wish there was more.
Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC, I am voluntarily leaving an honest review. "Seen" publishes on Oct 3.
October 29, 2025
This was literally the PERFECT novella to get in the spirit of spooky season! And with Halloween in a few days, it feels very appropriate. I really, really enjoyed this little book. I think it was kinda funny that the baby's name was Ashleigh after what the Jules went through with the baby's father.
This was so full of action for being so short, and I loved every minute of this crazy ride.
My favorite part was how Geoff finally realized what had to be done, and actually helped his wife do what needed to be done in the end, no matter how much he tried to convince her otherwise throughout the book. He turned out to be the hero and I was here for it.
This was so full of action for being so short, and I loved every minute of this crazy ride.
My favorite part was how Geoff finally realized what had to be done, and actually helped his wife do what needed to be done in the end, no matter how much he tried to convince her otherwise throughout the book. He turned out to be the hero and I was here for it.
September 4, 2025
Seen by James Yates is a fast paced horror novella that grips you from the beginning and doesn’t let go.
When Jules dies in a very weird way, during childbirth, Caroline is left to care for Jules’s baby. Even though this baby is her niece, Caroline is finding it hard to fully love.. the baby. Especially when people starts noticing the baby’s lazy eye.
Will Caroline ever love this baby? Will she ever give the baby a proper name? And why/how did Jules die in a weird way?
Definitely worth the read!
*A fave read of 2025
When Jules dies in a very weird way, during childbirth, Caroline is left to care for Jules’s baby. Even though this baby is her niece, Caroline is finding it hard to fully love.. the baby. Especially when people starts noticing the baby’s lazy eye.
Will Caroline ever love this baby? Will she ever give the baby a proper name? And why/how did Jules die in a weird way?
Definitely worth the read!
*A fave read of 2025
September 12, 2025
Seen by James Yates is a short horror novel with a solid concept: an eerie baby with a mysterious lazy eye and a series of unsettling events surrounding her. From the opening chapter, there’s a heavy sense of dread that builds nicely in the first few chapters, and the grief surrounding Julie-Ann’s death was handled with emotional weight.
The story follows Catherine (Caz), who takes custody of her sister’s baby after she dies tragically. Something’s clearly not right with the baby. Dogs avoid her, children are terrified of her, and people begin dying in strange ways. It all points to something sinister, maybe even demonic. Caz’s descent into this eerie mystery is compelling, maybe a little bit much at times.
While the pacing was quick and the story easy to fly through, I found the horror a bit cheesy at times. The plot had potential, but there wasn't enough variety in how the horror unfolded. Most of the scares felt repetitive. I also would have liked more depth from the supporting characters. They felt a bit surface level, and there were missed opportunities to connect with people who could have added more emotional or psychological weight to the story. That said, I appreciated the slow unraveling of the lore. By the final few chapters, I was more engaged and curious to see how it would end.
Overall, Seen is a quick and entertaining horror read with a creepy core concept. If you're looking for a light, spooky story to breeze through in an afternoon, this is worth picking up.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
The story follows Catherine (Caz), who takes custody of her sister’s baby after she dies tragically. Something’s clearly not right with the baby. Dogs avoid her, children are terrified of her, and people begin dying in strange ways. It all points to something sinister, maybe even demonic. Caz’s descent into this eerie mystery is compelling, maybe a little bit much at times.
While the pacing was quick and the story easy to fly through, I found the horror a bit cheesy at times. The plot had potential, but there wasn't enough variety in how the horror unfolded. Most of the scares felt repetitive. I also would have liked more depth from the supporting characters. They felt a bit surface level, and there were missed opportunities to connect with people who could have added more emotional or psychological weight to the story. That said, I appreciated the slow unraveling of the lore. By the final few chapters, I was more engaged and curious to see how it would end.
Overall, Seen is a quick and entertaining horror read with a creepy core concept. If you're looking for a light, spooky story to breeze through in an afternoon, this is worth picking up.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
September 28, 2025
After witnessing her sister dying horrifically during childbirth, Caz becomes the reluctant adoptive mother of The Baby. Sweet, silent and sinister, a side-eyed glance is all it takes to seal your fate.
A punchy novella of the occult, with some bone-poppingly vivid scenes reminiscent of Blatty and Levin. The MC displays a level of detachment similar to that of the mother in Shriver’s We Need To Talk About Kevin which has a disturbing effect. The stoicism was perhaps reached too quickly - or maybe I just didn’t want it to end !
Check Trigger Warnings for this one.
A punchy novella of the occult, with some bone-poppingly vivid scenes reminiscent of Blatty and Levin. The MC displays a level of detachment similar to that of the mother in Shriver’s We Need To Talk About Kevin which has a disturbing effect. The stoicism was perhaps reached too quickly - or maybe I just didn’t want it to end !
Check Trigger Warnings for this one.
November 17, 2025
Full disclosure, I received a free digital copy of the story as a Goodreads Giveaway. This is an uncompensated review.
This is one thoroughly f’d up story. Absolute pregnancy nightmare fuel.
Novellas are movie length stories, and this one would make a slam dunk horror film. It feels graphic and visceral.
There’s the demonic horror, but there’s also a more subtle horror, about the transformation from a damaged child to an adult woman who just might have the capacity to kill, or to love, something completely evil but also helpless
This is one thoroughly f’d up story. Absolute pregnancy nightmare fuel.
Novellas are movie length stories, and this one would make a slam dunk horror film. It feels graphic and visceral.
There’s the demonic horror, but there’s also a more subtle horror, about the transformation from a damaged child to an adult woman who just might have the capacity to kill, or to love, something completely evil but also helpless
October 4, 2025
Caz is left to raise her sisters baby after she dies is childbirth. While dealing with the pain of losing her sister and becoming a parent , stranger things begin to happen. Horrifying , tragic things. What could be causing all of these brutal events? Is it the baby ?
Thank you Net Galley for another great read !
Thank you Net Galley for another great read !
October 27, 2025
When her sister is killed in childbirth, Caroline and her husband are left to care for the baby. When strange deaths begin occurring around her, Caroline realizes that there is something wrong with the child. This was a solid horror novella. While short, it was perfectly paced and gripping,chilling, and disturbing. I wanted more (in a good way). I want to pick up another horror novella from this author asap.
I rated it 4.25 rounded down to 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the e-arc!
I rated it 4.25 rounded down to 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the e-arc!
September 22, 2025
I recieved this as an Arc. This was a quick, easy read. It's eerie and the ending had me guessing.. What happens in the book is horrifying and it was easy to relate to the struggles Caroline and Geoff.
November 16, 2025
Quick read. There is no easing in to this one. Unlike a typical roller coaster you start this ride with the death drop and then crawl, clicking your way to the top at the very end of the ride. Caroline and Geoff seem like a great couple who may be able to get past the horror. I am hoping Master Yates will find a way for us to meet Chez again in a new and exciting way.
September 25, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The horror is there and there are points that are wonderfully creepy, but their are more moments throughout that aren’t in the realm of possibility, which continues to take me out of the setting of the story. I feel if the book was longer and more fleshed out, it would’ve worked better and those instances if impossibilities could’ve been worked through/explained.
The horror is there and there are points that are wonderfully creepy, but their are more moments throughout that aren’t in the realm of possibility, which continues to take me out of the setting of the story. I feel if the book was longer and more fleshed out, it would’ve worked better and those instances if impossibilities could’ve been worked through/explained.
October 22, 2025
Seen - James Yates
A short 67 page Horror Novella - Yet another book about bloody eyes and I didn’t even put 2 and 2 together with that title. Ha! 🤷♀️
This book was fast paced, It all happened so fast, but it was a fun read even if the parts about the eye had me cringing. lol 👀 so much happens in so little time and it was perfectly executed!
Now I need to find more of James Yates titles and see if they are as good as this.
A short 67 page Horror Novella - Yet another book about bloody eyes and I didn’t even put 2 and 2 together with that title. Ha! 🤷♀️
This book was fast paced, It all happened so fast, but it was a fun read even if the parts about the eye had me cringing. lol 👀 so much happens in so little time and it was perfectly executed!
Now I need to find more of James Yates titles and see if they are as good as this.
September 15, 2025
What a terrifying and gripping novella. 4.5 stars. This book packs a massive punch in its small page count. The author has a fresh voice one that reads as both modern and very true to life. I love this story so much. I honestly could have used another 100 pages of it, it was that good. The only reason I'm saying 4.5 stars is that though the ending does resolve the story, it almost ends it too abruptly and without maybe taking advantage of telling more about the tangents the story drew on but left dangling. To me, it is one of the most fun reads I've had in a long time, but then it was like the author had a deadline to finish the book and quickly rushed it the morning it was due. It lets the rest of the story down when it could have elevated the entire work. Just my opinion. I think some people might like the ending because it leaves some things unsaid and lets your mind wander.
September 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this!! It was a very intriguing story, I was hooked the whole way through. It wasn't terribly gory but it did have a few elements of gore etc. But it was very well written and I thought the premise of the book was one I, personally, haven't read before.
***ARC REVIEW***
***ARC REVIEW***
September 19, 2025
Caroline 's life has changed drastically. Now she is caring for her sister's baby. But something strange is happening. Caroline is not sure what is happening. Frightening fast read.
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