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One Grimm Night
Experience a premium, fully illustrated horror story, with unique artwork for every chapter heading, cover pages for each part, and illustrations woven throughout every page.
You’ve heard the fairy tales.
Every horrifying legend, every whisper spoken of the haunted forest and those foolish enough to wander within. But the legends lied. The stories were never separate.
Every nightmare, every scream… it all happened on a single night.
In a dark forest, trapped by a raging thunderstorm, six strangers seek shelter together in an old cabin. A girl in red, running from a monster. An old recluse, hiding from his past. A stranger who came from the forest itself. A blind prince trapped in darkness. A scarred woman with a bloodstained dress. And the kind old lady who takes them in, offering safety from the storm. Little do they know, their nightmare has only just begun.
With nowhere left to run and no way to escape, long-buried secrets rise to the surface, hidden monsters reveal themselves, and as the true horror begins, those left alive must face the horrifying question…
Can they survive One Grimm Night?
“This was a fever dream in the best possible way. Dark, grim, and unsettling from the opening pages to the final line.”
— Reading & Whatnot
“If you’ve read and loved the dark retellings of classic fairy tales T. Kingfisher has been delighting fans with the last couple of years, this would be one you’d enjoy as well — just add a slashery vibe to it, too.”
— The Nerdy Narrative
“What happens if you take some of the most chilling fairy tales ever written and put the characters in a creepy cabin alone in the forest? One Grimm Night happens, that’s what. Chad has written yet another thrill ride that leaves you no choice but to hang on tight for the experience. Plus, there are a few subtle nods to the writings of Poe, and even to And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie.”
— Charles McGarry, author of The Nomad’s Crucible
“The Hateful Eight meets Grimm’s fairy tales in a cabin full of secrets. One Grimm Night feels like Quentin Tarantino stumbled into a snow-choked fairytale and decided to bring all the tension, monologues, and mysterious strangers with him. It blends the eerie isolation of The Hateful Eight with the twisted moral undercurrents of the Brothers Grimm — except this time, the woods are darker, the rain heavier, and Red has trauma and trust issues.”
— Goodreads reviewer Space Coyote
You’ve heard the fairy tales.
Every horrifying legend, every whisper spoken of the haunted forest and those foolish enough to wander within. But the legends lied. The stories were never separate.
Every nightmare, every scream… it all happened on a single night.
In a dark forest, trapped by a raging thunderstorm, six strangers seek shelter together in an old cabin. A girl in red, running from a monster. An old recluse, hiding from his past. A stranger who came from the forest itself. A blind prince trapped in darkness. A scarred woman with a bloodstained dress. And the kind old lady who takes them in, offering safety from the storm. Little do they know, their nightmare has only just begun.
With nowhere left to run and no way to escape, long-buried secrets rise to the surface, hidden monsters reveal themselves, and as the true horror begins, those left alive must face the horrifying question…
Can they survive One Grimm Night?
“This was a fever dream in the best possible way. Dark, grim, and unsettling from the opening pages to the final line.”
— Reading & Whatnot
“If you’ve read and loved the dark retellings of classic fairy tales T. Kingfisher has been delighting fans with the last couple of years, this would be one you’d enjoy as well — just add a slashery vibe to it, too.”
— The Nerdy Narrative
“What happens if you take some of the most chilling fairy tales ever written and put the characters in a creepy cabin alone in the forest? One Grimm Night happens, that’s what. Chad has written yet another thrill ride that leaves you no choice but to hang on tight for the experience. Plus, there are a few subtle nods to the writings of Poe, and even to And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie.”
— Charles McGarry, author of The Nomad’s Crucible
“The Hateful Eight meets Grimm’s fairy tales in a cabin full of secrets. One Grimm Night feels like Quentin Tarantino stumbled into a snow-choked fairytale and decided to bring all the tension, monologues, and mysterious strangers with him. It blends the eerie isolation of The Hateful Eight with the twisted moral undercurrents of the Brothers Grimm — except this time, the woods are darker, the rain heavier, and Red has trauma and trust issues.”
— Goodreads reviewer Space Coyote
- GenresHorror
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2025
About the author
Chad Nicholas
6 books46 followersChad Nicholas is an author who enjoys writing mysteries and thrillers. He also has a love for writing horror novels, despite the fact that he has to watch horror movies in the daytime, like a coward, or else he gets nightmares.
Speaking of Nightmares…
Speaking of Nightmares…
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 8, 2025
*Trigger warning burning alive*
This was a fever dream in the best possible way. Dark, grim, and unsettling from the opening pages to the final line. Chad drags you deep into a rain soaked and disorienting forest where every shadow seems alive and every kindness feels like it hides a terrible secret. I loved this book, not just for its haunting fairy tale echoes, but for the way it keeps twisting your expectations until you’re not sure WHO, OR WHAT, you can trust. The story begins with Red (a clear nod to Little Red Riding Hood), frantic and bleeding running from something monstrous through the ever changing, endless, storm choked forest. She sees a distant light in the darkness, runs toward it and finds a cabin. From there, things only get darker. The cabin may offer shelter from the storm, but it soon becomes clear it could be as dangerous as the forest itself.
Chad blends familiar fairy tales and twists them into something far more sinister. What makes One Grim Night so chilling is the constant sense of foreboding. At times, the book reads like an eerie spider’s web, the storm and forest conspiring together to draw people in and trap them. The writing is richly atmospheric. You can feel the cold rain soaking into your bones, you can hear the cabin creak under invisible weight and feel eyes watching from unseen trees. Every interaction feels loaded, and each conversation is another strand in a web that could tighten around you at any moment. Just when you think you understand the threat, whether it’s Ruth’s unnervingly calm hospitality, the stranger’s evasiveness, or the forest’s hollowness the almost vibrates it all shifts again. Cold warnings not to trust anyone, and hints tucked in plain sight. Before you realize it, you’re as trapped as the characters, reading on with growing dread because you have to know the truth. If you love fairy tales turned into nightmares, creeping tension that never lets you go, and stories where the forest itself feels alive with hunger and pain, this book delivers! It’s dark, it’s grim, and it’s the kind of thing that stays with you just like that one awkward moment from high school you still cringe about. You’ll keep turning pages even as your skin crawls. I highly recommend it to anyone who needs a book that pulls them in, holds them fast, and doesn’t let them breathe until the storm finally breaks… if it ever does.
I received an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fever dream in the best possible way. Dark, grim, and unsettling from the opening pages to the final line. Chad drags you deep into a rain soaked and disorienting forest where every shadow seems alive and every kindness feels like it hides a terrible secret. I loved this book, not just for its haunting fairy tale echoes, but for the way it keeps twisting your expectations until you’re not sure WHO, OR WHAT, you can trust. The story begins with Red (a clear nod to Little Red Riding Hood), frantic and bleeding running from something monstrous through the ever changing, endless, storm choked forest. She sees a distant light in the darkness, runs toward it and finds a cabin. From there, things only get darker. The cabin may offer shelter from the storm, but it soon becomes clear it could be as dangerous as the forest itself.
Chad blends familiar fairy tales and twists them into something far more sinister. What makes One Grim Night so chilling is the constant sense of foreboding. At times, the book reads like an eerie spider’s web, the storm and forest conspiring together to draw people in and trap them. The writing is richly atmospheric. You can feel the cold rain soaking into your bones, you can hear the cabin creak under invisible weight and feel eyes watching from unseen trees. Every interaction feels loaded, and each conversation is another strand in a web that could tighten around you at any moment. Just when you think you understand the threat, whether it’s Ruth’s unnervingly calm hospitality, the stranger’s evasiveness, or the forest’s hollowness the almost vibrates it all shifts again. Cold warnings not to trust anyone, and hints tucked in plain sight. Before you realize it, you’re as trapped as the characters, reading on with growing dread because you have to know the truth. If you love fairy tales turned into nightmares, creeping tension that never lets you go, and stories where the forest itself feels alive with hunger and pain, this book delivers! It’s dark, it’s grim, and it’s the kind of thing that stays with you just like that one awkward moment from high school you still cringe about. You’ll keep turning pages even as your skin crawls. I highly recommend it to anyone who needs a book that pulls them in, holds them fast, and doesn’t let them breathe until the storm finally breaks… if it ever does.
I received an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2025
I don't even know where to begin! Do I start with the atmospheric, easy-to-visualize writing or the modern-day spin to the classic fairy tale characters we've all grown up with?
If you're a reader like me who is able to picture scenes in your mind as you read, then I think you would really enjoy the author's writing approach to this one. It was originally written as a screenplay for a class project that he later adapted to what it is now and Chad did a great job keeping the descriptions so they stand out in stark contrast when you're reading.
I loved the unique way in which the author crafted several fairy tales into this one narrative and while keeping each one familiar and easily identifiable, but he also applied a modern day interpretation to how each of these characters came to their turning points in which we all have met them. I really loved that. I admit - it took me a few chapters before I caught on, but when I did, I was like...oh man, this is brilliant! It's always fun to see how an author can twist a story to give it their own spin. It was dark. It was suspenseful. It's a locked door suspense thriller where murder waits in every shadow and every crack - I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how this one came together and the resolution at the end.
Okay, I've sung a lot of praises, but I do have one little thing that....well, I'm not sure how to describe it - it's not that I didn't like it, but I felt like I was rereading the whole thing? Getting a recap I didn't need? I can't go into detail because it would definitely be a spoiler, but there was one little section I kind of felt wasn't needed or could've been cut down. There you go, there's my one nitpick.
In closing, my opinion is that if you've read and loved the dark retellings of classic fairy tales T. Kingfisher has been delighting fans with the last couple years, this would be one you'd enjoy as well - just add a slashery vibe to it too. (If you've read any Chad Nicholas in the past, you're probably like me and you've come to expect it to get slashy at some point, lol)
I accepted an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for review consideration based on past enjoyment of his other works. All opinions discussed are my own and are subjective to myself as a reader.
If you're a reader like me who is able to picture scenes in your mind as you read, then I think you would really enjoy the author's writing approach to this one. It was originally written as a screenplay for a class project that he later adapted to what it is now and Chad did a great job keeping the descriptions so they stand out in stark contrast when you're reading.
I loved the unique way in which the author crafted several fairy tales into this one narrative and while keeping each one familiar and easily identifiable, but he also applied a modern day interpretation to how each of these characters came to their turning points in which we all have met them. I really loved that. I admit - it took me a few chapters before I caught on, but when I did, I was like...oh man, this is brilliant! It's always fun to see how an author can twist a story to give it their own spin. It was dark. It was suspenseful. It's a locked door suspense thriller where murder waits in every shadow and every crack - I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how this one came together and the resolution at the end.
Okay, I've sung a lot of praises, but I do have one little thing that....well, I'm not sure how to describe it - it's not that I didn't like it, but I felt like I was rereading the whole thing? Getting a recap I didn't need? I can't go into detail because it would definitely be a spoiler, but there was one little section I kind of felt wasn't needed or could've been cut down. There you go, there's my one nitpick.
In closing, my opinion is that if you've read and loved the dark retellings of classic fairy tales T. Kingfisher has been delighting fans with the last couple years, this would be one you'd enjoy as well - just add a slashery vibe to it too. (If you've read any Chad Nicholas in the past, you're probably like me and you've come to expect it to get slashy at some point, lol)
I accepted an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for review consideration based on past enjoyment of his other works. All opinions discussed are my own and are subjective to myself as a reader.
October 10, 2025
What happens if you take some of the most chilling fairy tales ever written, and put the characters in a creepy cabin alone in the forest? One Grimm Night happens, that's what. Chad has written yet another thrill ride that leaves you no choice but to hang on tight for the experience. This is a one room, closed door, supernatural thriller that reimagines several different Grimm fairy tales, twists them up. and throws in a few fun easter eggs for knowing readers.
This book is really gripping! It had my full attention, and would not let go, even after I had finished it. That is a good thing. The pacing is incredible, and the atmosphere is filled with presence and character. You will recognize the characters, but don't assume you know their stories. Everything about this book is filled with yummy tension, including the character interactions, and incorporates Chad's signature mastery of the plot twist. Plus, there are a few subtle nods to the writings of Poe, and even to And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. At least, those were things I thought of. You should go and read this book and see what you find!
The book releases on October 21st, 2025, and I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, but I will be buying this for my shelf on release day. It was the perfect book for my spooky season, and I would give it six stars if I could.
This book is really gripping! It had my full attention, and would not let go, even after I had finished it. That is a good thing. The pacing is incredible, and the atmosphere is filled with presence and character. You will recognize the characters, but don't assume you know their stories. Everything about this book is filled with yummy tension, including the character interactions, and incorporates Chad's signature mastery of the plot twist. Plus, there are a few subtle nods to the writings of Poe, and even to And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. At least, those were things I thought of. You should go and read this book and see what you find!
The book releases on October 21st, 2025, and I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, but I will be buying this for my shelf on release day. It was the perfect book for my spooky season, and I would give it six stars if I could.
October 25, 2025
This story turns childhood fairy tales into a scary night. The characters , plot and atmosphere held me glued to my seat. I could feel the dampness from the storm, the relief and then fear as each person finds the cabin. It is not for the faint of heart. I received an advance copy of this book via Book Sirens and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
October 22, 2025
It’s very atmospheric and it was playing like a movie in my head. I really enjoyed the writing style.
The way the chapters end made me want to keep reading and a book hasn’t done that in months lol.
One particular scene reminded me of a treehouse of horror episode.
If you love Grimm fairy tales and love haunted forests then this book is right up your alley! It’s an ideal read for the spooky season.
Thank you so much to the author for my arc.
The way the chapters end made me want to keep reading and a book hasn’t done that in months lol.
One particular scene reminded me of a treehouse of horror episode.
If you love Grimm fairy tales and love haunted forests then this book is right up your alley! It’s an ideal read for the spooky season.
Thank you so much to the author for my arc.
October 16, 2025
A cabin in the forest gathers a group of strangers whose tales may be familiar, yet they harbor their own dangerous or horrific secrets as they strive to survive the turmoil of a stormy night in One Grimm Night by Chad Nicholas.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
In a dark forest, there’s a cabin well off any path that belongs to a seemingly kind older woman that serves as a refuge on a stormy night for the older woman’s grumpy, reclusive friend who frequently mumbles in his sleep, a lost, blind prince, a girl in red fleeing from the monster chasing her, an emaciated stranger on the brink of death, a scarred woman in a dress with bloodstains seeking her missing prince, and two young siblings. With the storm raging on and the growing group of strangers waiting out the bad weather in close quarters, they try to be friendly with one another while holding their respective dark secrets close; however, as evening progresses, it becomes evident that some things don’t quite add up from people’s stories and within the cabin, some more monstrous, haunting, or horrific than others, making it difficult to place trust in any of them as they all do their best to survive what’s found in the night.
Taking a handful of familiar fairy tale characters out of the respective tales they’re known for and placing them within one new, dark story, a quickly developing and tense closed-door scenario forces each of them to confront the secrets that they keep in this descriptive, atmospheric supernatural reimagining. While taking time, backtracking occasionally, to expand each character’s motivation, traits, and background situation, often making it a bit more gruesome and updating the expression of the themes into more contemporary terms, the heart of the Grimm fairy tales remains, where they are not for an audience of children but are frequently cautionary tales involving children and ways their innocence suffers, often at the hands of adults. The artwork that leads each part and chapter provides stark visuals, fitting for the Grimm tales the characters come from and the grim situation they find themselves in, which sets the scene about to unfold and quickly positions where each player is in or around the cabin. Offering the prince’s journal pages at the end for readers to document their own notes about the clues or oddities provided or observed throughout the text, given the untrustworthy nature of all the characters as they lie or omit certain truths, invites a different kind of interactive reading experience.
Overall, I’d give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
In a dark forest, there’s a cabin well off any path that belongs to a seemingly kind older woman that serves as a refuge on a stormy night for the older woman’s grumpy, reclusive friend who frequently mumbles in his sleep, a lost, blind prince, a girl in red fleeing from the monster chasing her, an emaciated stranger on the brink of death, a scarred woman in a dress with bloodstains seeking her missing prince, and two young siblings. With the storm raging on and the growing group of strangers waiting out the bad weather in close quarters, they try to be friendly with one another while holding their respective dark secrets close; however, as evening progresses, it becomes evident that some things don’t quite add up from people’s stories and within the cabin, some more monstrous, haunting, or horrific than others, making it difficult to place trust in any of them as they all do their best to survive what’s found in the night.
Taking a handful of familiar fairy tale characters out of the respective tales they’re known for and placing them within one new, dark story, a quickly developing and tense closed-door scenario forces each of them to confront the secrets that they keep in this descriptive, atmospheric supernatural reimagining. While taking time, backtracking occasionally, to expand each character’s motivation, traits, and background situation, often making it a bit more gruesome and updating the expression of the themes into more contemporary terms, the heart of the Grimm fairy tales remains, where they are not for an audience of children but are frequently cautionary tales involving children and ways their innocence suffers, often at the hands of adults. The artwork that leads each part and chapter provides stark visuals, fitting for the Grimm tales the characters come from and the grim situation they find themselves in, which sets the scene about to unfold and quickly positions where each player is in or around the cabin. Offering the prince’s journal pages at the end for readers to document their own notes about the clues or oddities provided or observed throughout the text, given the untrustworthy nature of all the characters as they lie or omit certain truths, invites a different kind of interactive reading experience.
Overall, I’d give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — “The Hateful Eight Meets Grimm’s Fairy Tales in a Cabin Full of Secrets”
One Grimm Night feels like Quentin Tarantino stumbled into a snow-choked fairytale and decided to bring all the tension, monologues, and mysterious strangers with him. It blends the eerie isolation of The Hateful Eight with the twisted moral undercurrents of the Brothers Grimm, except this time, the woods are darker, the rain heavier, and Red has trauma and trust issues.
The prose hits a sweet spot: descriptive enough to paint the creeping dread without wandering into filler territory. It’s cinematic and moody, but not self-indulgent. The pacing keeps you hooked, each chapter peels back another unsettling layer, like the world’s spookiest onion. I especially liked how the tone shifts from horror to folklore to psychological thriller without losing its grip on the reader.
It’s dark, yes, but never gratuitous. The violence feels mythic rather than gory, and the dialogue carries that slightly heightened, fairytale-meets-frontier cadence. YA readers would eat this up, grim (pun fully intended) enough to thrill them, but cleanly written and tightly focused.
Also, major points for dedicating it to the author’s dog, Buddy, the true unsung hero of the horror genre. If this tale had a moral, it’d be “Don’t go into the woods…unless you have a dog that would’ve warned you better.”
A stormy, stylish, and surprisingly heartfelt read. Perfect for nights when the wind howls and you want your stories to do the same.
One Grimm Night feels like Quentin Tarantino stumbled into a snow-choked fairytale and decided to bring all the tension, monologues, and mysterious strangers with him. It blends the eerie isolation of The Hateful Eight with the twisted moral undercurrents of the Brothers Grimm, except this time, the woods are darker, the rain heavier, and Red has trauma and trust issues.
The prose hits a sweet spot: descriptive enough to paint the creeping dread without wandering into filler territory. It’s cinematic and moody, but not self-indulgent. The pacing keeps you hooked, each chapter peels back another unsettling layer, like the world’s spookiest onion. I especially liked how the tone shifts from horror to folklore to psychological thriller without losing its grip on the reader.
It’s dark, yes, but never gratuitous. The violence feels mythic rather than gory, and the dialogue carries that slightly heightened, fairytale-meets-frontier cadence. YA readers would eat this up, grim (pun fully intended) enough to thrill them, but cleanly written and tightly focused.
Also, major points for dedicating it to the author’s dog, Buddy, the true unsung hero of the horror genre. If this tale had a moral, it’d be “Don’t go into the woods…unless you have a dog that would’ve warned you better.”
A stormy, stylish, and surprisingly heartfelt read. Perfect for nights when the wind howls and you want your stories to do the same.
December 2, 2025
What a fun little read this was. I’m a sucker for a good cover so shout out to Miblart as that’s what got me to read this one. This has some fairly dark content so I definitely wouldn’t consider it cozy horror but the characters are *so* endearing. One Grimm Night initially follows Red (yep, on her way to her grandmother’s house) as she is pummeled by a never ending thunderstorm in the forest. She stumbles into a cabin with two odd occupants and then it’s similar to Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight using characters from Grimm’s Fairy Tales. There is palpable tension from the first page and it’s evident the characters aren’t quite as they seem.
I really liked the characterization. They had more dimension than what you normally would expect from fairy tale characters. The dialogue was strange but felt true. It’s not difficult to see which direction the story heads, but the journey to get there is a very enjoyable one. I also loved the concept sketches Nicholas includes in the back. Super cool to see his process. If dark and dreary fairytales are a fun time for you I’d definitely give this one a read.
I really liked the characterization. They had more dimension than what you normally would expect from fairy tale characters. The dialogue was strange but felt true. It’s not difficult to see which direction the story heads, but the journey to get there is a very enjoyable one. I also loved the concept sketches Nicholas includes in the back. Super cool to see his process. If dark and dreary fairytales are a fun time for you I’d definitely give this one a read.
December 11, 2025
There were many stories from the Grimm Fairy Tales wrapped into a short book.
It was easily followed (maybe too easy) but scrambled to catch my attention. Scenes jumped and the ending was too easily guessed.
I am struggling to help this book. Maybe not jam so many ideas into one book. Perhaps give a proper ending. Maybe make me care about the characters. For they were just flat characters
It was easily followed (maybe too easy) but scrambled to catch my attention. Scenes jumped and the ending was too easily guessed.
I am struggling to help this book. Maybe not jam so many ideas into one book. Perhaps give a proper ending. Maybe make me care about the characters. For they were just flat characters
July 7, 2026
2 & 1/2 stars.
September 28, 2025
Such a dark twisty and Grimm story. I really enjoyed reading this story and trying to figure out the different characters along the way. I was pleasantly surprised with a certain twist. Loved the art work throughout as well definitely helped add to the story
October 20, 2025
Thank you to the author for the copy for review.
Six strangers seek refuge in a cabin in the woods during a storm. All have their own stories and secrets to be revealed in this world of fairy tales.
This is a great fairy tale retelling that mashes up several Grimm fairy tales and makes them even darker and more sinister. It is very cleverly plotted to give the reader many thrilling twists and reveals. This is a real strength in all of Chad Nicholas' books. It is wickedly entertaining watching all these dark tales collide on one night. I recommend this book to fans of horror and dark fantasy. I also recommend Chad Nicholas' other books Nightmare, Shade, and The Animal. They are all must reads in my opinion.
Six strangers seek refuge in a cabin in the woods during a storm. All have their own stories and secrets to be revealed in this world of fairy tales.
This is a great fairy tale retelling that mashes up several Grimm fairy tales and makes them even darker and more sinister. It is very cleverly plotted to give the reader many thrilling twists and reveals. This is a real strength in all of Chad Nicholas' books. It is wickedly entertaining watching all these dark tales collide on one night. I recommend this book to fans of horror and dark fantasy. I also recommend Chad Nicholas' other books Nightmare, Shade, and The Animal. They are all must reads in my opinion.
October 13, 2025
this is one of those story's you don't know who's telling the truth, who's lying, and its absolutely rich with the world building.
November 11, 2025
I had the pleasure of meeting Chad at a book signing at Barnes & Noble in Firewheel Center (Garland, TX) and was lucky enough to snag an advanced copy of One Grimm Night before its release on 10/21. I’m so glad I did!
I devoured this book. It hooked me from the very first page and kept me engaged through the end. I loved the dark, eerie spin on classic fairytales: unsettling, spooky, and full of surprises. I even audibly gasped a few times because the twists just kept coming!
Highly recommend this one, I can’t wait to read more of Chad’s work!
I devoured this book. It hooked me from the very first page and kept me engaged through the end. I loved the dark, eerie spin on classic fairytales: unsettling, spooky, and full of surprises. I even audibly gasped a few times because the twists just kept coming!
Highly recommend this one, I can’t wait to read more of Chad’s work!
November 11, 2025
"But I do believe something is wrong with this forest. It twists and winds in a way that is unnatural, almost as if it were alive." - Ruth
An isolated cabin in the woods holds the last flicker of hope within the dark woods. A raging storm that wraps a dark blanket around the entire area so that you cannot see your own hand in front of your face. Six strangers all running from something find their way to the cabin with a kind, old woman inside eager to offer help.
But little do any of them know that they may be walking away from their happily ever after's. We all know the different fairy tales whether Disney, fluffy version or the dark, brother Grimm's traditional tales. Only what if all the stories are a little connected and occur on one night? Will any of them figure out the clues and escape in time? Or will this be their final night. . .
"Why would you come into these woods?"
Being a millennial, I grew up with the Disney classics, and I still enjoy them to this day. But I've found I love the Grimm versions a bit more as an adult. It's interesting going from fluffy, romanticized fairy tales to dark ones full of horror and grittiness. I'm embracing my horror era a bit more and some of the monsters I come up with are fun to draw. I saw the title of this book and read the premise, and it hooked me! Loved the writing of this read and the twisting and weaving of words to bring everything together!
Getting to see some of the characters I grew up with was nostalgic. I loved that Nicholas kept to the individual, respective tales but presented twists to help keep things interesting and engaging. Fleshing out backstories a bit more and presenting depths as to why they're running. I very much enjoyed Red and her story and growth, but I was focused on The Stranger. Probably because out of all of them he had the most mystery surrounding him and a secret I utterly fangirled out over!
I would never want to experience this in real life but in fiction I can't get enough of this trope! Being in an isolated destination with a group of strangers and something goes wrong. With strangers the tensions are already high, and no one knows whether to believe the other's tale. With a whodunit and mystery thrown in all bets are off and trust is very hard. I loved watching how the hidden warnings or signs were presented but it came off as acts of violence or malice. Everyone getting a little piece of the puzzle but with the misdirection and deceptions going on confusion is the constant. Acknowledging the truths are hard.
What would you do to survive? If the morally correct options were no longer accessible. Love reads that challenge ones understanding of the world and how to keep living. Grimm fairy tales are dark and gritty this read is no exception. I cannot list all the triggers I found because it'd ruin some of the twists and key moments. But go in with an understanding that this is a horror read with blood, deaths, gore, and rough backstories. Intense moments and feeling of genuine fear and helplessness. I also really loved the psychology in this read and flickers of madness!
"The only response is that of a raven crying out in the distance, for of all the creatures in this forest, it’s the only one who knows the true nature of every beast. . ."
Loved the forward for this story and the author's notes at the end. Along with Nicholas' concept sketches before his illustrator fleshed it all out! We do have a fun chapter, header sequence! How a simple sketch starts growing and becoming more complex as the story progresses. Loved all the artwork within the story! There is a conclusion to this read and there are some HEAs but not the dreamy, whimsical kind. Mystery is solved and I got some of the twists and others I didn't. Very much loved the ending and how it played out! Will definitely be checking out "The Animal" by Nicholas.
Honestly, cannot wait for another scary, horror read from this author! Do enjoy the book and don't forget to give the author some stars!
shutupandbookup.com
An isolated cabin in the woods holds the last flicker of hope within the dark woods. A raging storm that wraps a dark blanket around the entire area so that you cannot see your own hand in front of your face. Six strangers all running from something find their way to the cabin with a kind, old woman inside eager to offer help.
But little do any of them know that they may be walking away from their happily ever after's. We all know the different fairy tales whether Disney, fluffy version or the dark, brother Grimm's traditional tales. Only what if all the stories are a little connected and occur on one night? Will any of them figure out the clues and escape in time? Or will this be their final night. . .
"Why would you come into these woods?"
Being a millennial, I grew up with the Disney classics, and I still enjoy them to this day. But I've found I love the Grimm versions a bit more as an adult. It's interesting going from fluffy, romanticized fairy tales to dark ones full of horror and grittiness. I'm embracing my horror era a bit more and some of the monsters I come up with are fun to draw. I saw the title of this book and read the premise, and it hooked me! Loved the writing of this read and the twisting and weaving of words to bring everything together!
Getting to see some of the characters I grew up with was nostalgic. I loved that Nicholas kept to the individual, respective tales but presented twists to help keep things interesting and engaging. Fleshing out backstories a bit more and presenting depths as to why they're running. I very much enjoyed Red and her story and growth, but I was focused on The Stranger. Probably because out of all of them he had the most mystery surrounding him and a secret I utterly fangirled out over!
I would never want to experience this in real life but in fiction I can't get enough of this trope! Being in an isolated destination with a group of strangers and something goes wrong. With strangers the tensions are already high, and no one knows whether to believe the other's tale. With a whodunit and mystery thrown in all bets are off and trust is very hard. I loved watching how the hidden warnings or signs were presented but it came off as acts of violence or malice. Everyone getting a little piece of the puzzle but with the misdirection and deceptions going on confusion is the constant. Acknowledging the truths are hard.
What would you do to survive? If the morally correct options were no longer accessible. Love reads that challenge ones understanding of the world and how to keep living. Grimm fairy tales are dark and gritty this read is no exception. I cannot list all the triggers I found because it'd ruin some of the twists and key moments. But go in with an understanding that this is a horror read with blood, deaths, gore, and rough backstories. Intense moments and feeling of genuine fear and helplessness. I also really loved the psychology in this read and flickers of madness!
"The only response is that of a raven crying out in the distance, for of all the creatures in this forest, it’s the only one who knows the true nature of every beast. . ."
Loved the forward for this story and the author's notes at the end. Along with Nicholas' concept sketches before his illustrator fleshed it all out! We do have a fun chapter, header sequence! How a simple sketch starts growing and becoming more complex as the story progresses. Loved all the artwork within the story! There is a conclusion to this read and there are some HEAs but not the dreamy, whimsical kind. Mystery is solved and I got some of the twists and others I didn't. Very much loved the ending and how it played out! Will definitely be checking out "The Animal" by Nicholas.
Honestly, cannot wait for another scary, horror read from this author! Do enjoy the book and don't forget to give the author some stars!
shutupandbookup.com
February 1, 2026
I received this book for an honest review. Thank you, Chad Nicholas, for sending me the hardcover of your fourth book. I have to say I have loved watching you grow as a writer through all of your stories, and I want to thank you for letting me read all of them. I am giving this book a solid four stars.
I love fairy-tale retellings. I have read so many over the years. It is always exciting to see how a new author will retell something that is so familiar to me.
We start off following Red through a forest running from a monster lurking in the shadows until she comes upon what she hopes is her grandmother's cabin in the woods. An old woman does answer her distressing call for help. Unfortunately, it is not her grandmother, nor is it the big bad wolf in disguise that we often heard in our childhood. Ruth is her name, and she is welcoming and kind, at least that is what Red thinks.
There is a raging storm outside the cabin, and Red is so tired and so scared, she takes comfort by the fire and Ruth's gentle hands as the old woman helps clean her up and bandage her leg.
The story continues with Red learning more about the old woman and the woman learning more about Red. More characters fill the scene. Chad calls this kind of story a "locked-door murder mystery", not sure if that is a spoiler, but I did have it on my bingo board last year, and I didn't know what that meant. So it's nice to have read it this year and will know what it is for next time. Oh, I guess another story like this would be the movie clue. A who-dunnit mystery. I'm slow to recognize things sometimes.
A word that I hated from this book was "asunder." My 20-year-old says that often when he is telling me stories, and I even read it in the last book, I finished before this one, SawKill Girls. Which is mind-boggling because I didn't think this word was popular, but apparently, I hear it often enough to make me cringe.
Thanks again, Chad! Loved the ending!
I love fairy-tale retellings. I have read so many over the years. It is always exciting to see how a new author will retell something that is so familiar to me.
We start off following Red through a forest running from a monster lurking in the shadows until she comes upon what she hopes is her grandmother's cabin in the woods. An old woman does answer her distressing call for help. Unfortunately, it is not her grandmother, nor is it the big bad wolf in disguise that we often heard in our childhood. Ruth is her name, and she is welcoming and kind, at least that is what Red thinks.
There is a raging storm outside the cabin, and Red is so tired and so scared, she takes comfort by the fire and Ruth's gentle hands as the old woman helps clean her up and bandage her leg.
The story continues with Red learning more about the old woman and the woman learning more about Red. More characters fill the scene. Chad calls this kind of story a "locked-door murder mystery", not sure if that is a spoiler, but I did have it on my bingo board last year, and I didn't know what that meant. So it's nice to have read it this year and will know what it is for next time. Oh, I guess another story like this would be the movie clue. A who-dunnit mystery. I'm slow to recognize things sometimes.
A word that I hated from this book was "asunder." My 20-year-old says that often when he is telling me stories, and I even read it in the last book, I finished before this one, SawKill Girls. Which is mind-boggling because I didn't think this word was popular, but apparently, I hear it often enough to make me cringe.
Thanks again, Chad! Loved the ending!
January 2, 2026
A cottage in the woods sets the scene for a mash-up of fairytales in this creepy, isolated modern fairytale.
As someone who grew up loving fairytales including the Brothers Grimm, this book was one I was so excited to read. The cross-over of fairytales was a fresh take with some surprising familiar characters offering fresh new takes on their classic tales.
I do love that every chapter has a little image of the cottage, showing where each of the characters are as the story unfolds. It was a charming little easter-egg, and reminded me a little of the Brothers Grimm fairy stories with their header/footer style drawings of each tales’ characters.
However, I do feel the story asks you to suspend a bizarre amount of disbelief, even for a fairytale. The most egregious example is a because of magic.
Familiar in style and satisfying in plot, this book is a love letter to the Grimm fairytales I grew up with. 4/5 - I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As someone who grew up loving fairytales including the Brothers Grimm, this book was one I was so excited to read. The cross-over of fairytales was a fresh take with some surprising familiar characters offering fresh new takes on their classic tales.
I do love that every chapter has a little image of the cottage, showing where each of the characters are as the story unfolds. It was a charming little easter-egg, and reminded me a little of the Brothers Grimm fairy stories with their header/footer style drawings of each tales’ characters.
However, I do feel the story asks you to suspend a bizarre amount of disbelief, even for a fairytale. The most egregious example is a because of magic.
Familiar in style and satisfying in plot, this book is a love letter to the Grimm fairytales I grew up with. 4/5 - I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 28, 2025
In the middle of a haunted forest, a group of strangers is stranded together in a small cabin. Everyone present holds deadly secrets, and even the cabin itself contains secrets. As people discover the truth, bodies begin to pile up.
The interior of the book includes artwork, adding to the atmosphere of the story. First, Red stumbles upon the cabin after being chased through the woods by a shadow, then a stranger, then a woman without hair. The old woman in the cabin takes them all in, and her cantankerous friend is grumpy and full of spite, making the unexpected guests uncomfortable. We find out a little bit about the three strangers and the two cabin residents, and the true horror begins at the halfway point. The feast, the history of the characters twined together, and then the finale itself are all cinematic set pieces that truly draw out how horrifying it is for the characters to be in the forest in the middle of the storm.
I zoomed through the book, drawn in by the mystery following the characters and how they were all related to each other. It pulled from several Grimm fairy tales and mixed them together into a new story of survival, curses, and personal horror. Definitely a great story to read in the run-up to Halloween.
The interior of the book includes artwork, adding to the atmosphere of the story. First, Red stumbles upon the cabin after being chased through the woods by a shadow, then a stranger, then a woman without hair. The old woman in the cabin takes them all in, and her cantankerous friend is grumpy and full of spite, making the unexpected guests uncomfortable. We find out a little bit about the three strangers and the two cabin residents, and the true horror begins at the halfway point. The feast, the history of the characters twined together, and then the finale itself are all cinematic set pieces that truly draw out how horrifying it is for the characters to be in the forest in the middle of the storm.
I zoomed through the book, drawn in by the mystery following the characters and how they were all related to each other. It pulled from several Grimm fairy tales and mixed them together into a new story of survival, curses, and personal horror. Definitely a great story to read in the run-up to Halloween.
January 17, 2026
One Grimm Night
One Grimm Night is a modern fairy tale horror story and at first I was pulled in by the cover and the premise. I did expect a dark story but what I got was so much more!
Chad Nicholas took some of the best known classic fairy tale characters and let them come together in a spooky cabin in the dark woods. A storm is raging outside. A raven tries to send a message.
Yet the characters are too occupied with the secrets they carry and which turn out to be their ultimate downfall...
We have an oddly kind elderly woman, a very grumpy old man, a girl in a red hood, a quiet stranger, a young woman with manic eyes and... a few extras in the basement.
What starts as a story of strangers finding shelter during a raging storm ends in horrifying tragedy, a duel of classic myths and hope for freedom.
I adore this eerie dark fairy tale and it's chapter headers that are part of it in a special way. Nicholas' writing style resembles the old folktales and he manages to create such a wonderful grim(m) atmosphere that this book was a joy to read and I wish to read it again in the darkest days of spooky season.
I adore this modern spin on fairytales and hope to see more from this author!
One Grimm Night is a modern fairy tale horror story and at first I was pulled in by the cover and the premise. I did expect a dark story but what I got was so much more!
Chad Nicholas took some of the best known classic fairy tale characters and let them come together in a spooky cabin in the dark woods. A storm is raging outside. A raven tries to send a message.
Yet the characters are too occupied with the secrets they carry and which turn out to be their ultimate downfall...
We have an oddly kind elderly woman, a very grumpy old man, a girl in a red hood, a quiet stranger, a young woman with manic eyes and... a few extras in the basement.
What starts as a story of strangers finding shelter during a raging storm ends in horrifying tragedy, a duel of classic myths and hope for freedom.
I adore this eerie dark fairy tale and it's chapter headers that are part of it in a special way. Nicholas' writing style resembles the old folktales and he manages to create such a wonderful grim(m) atmosphere that this book was a joy to read and I wish to read it again in the darkest days of spooky season.
I adore this modern spin on fairytales and hope to see more from this author!
November 25, 2025
One Grimm Night combined many of the familiar tales we all love into one dark and mysterious buffet for the eyes.
The creative twists kept me turning those pages while the artwork brought the story to life.
It is evident that hard work and dedication went into this story, beyond what we typically see.
Red and The Stranger were my favorite characters, harboring genuinely kind hearts, and reluctant bravery.
The cabin and surrounding forest were more than just a backdrop, they became main characters themselves. Brilliantly sinister. Strangely inviting. A dangerous combo, if you ask me.
I’m thrilled I was able to read this story and I look forward to whatever Chad cooks up next.
The creative twists kept me turning those pages while the artwork brought the story to life.
It is evident that hard work and dedication went into this story, beyond what we typically see.
Red and The Stranger were my favorite characters, harboring genuinely kind hearts, and reluctant bravery.
The cabin and surrounding forest were more than just a backdrop, they became main characters themselves. Brilliantly sinister. Strangely inviting. A dangerous combo, if you ask me.
I’m thrilled I was able to read this story and I look forward to whatever Chad cooks up next.
January 18, 2026
No question about it, this book gets 5 big stars.
Grimm's fairy tales like you've never read before. One night, six people in a cabin on a stormy night in the forest. Little by little the characters' identities are revealed. Little by little the secrets and traumas of the characters are revealed.
I want to go on and on about the story, but I'd spoil it. You can feel the tension building as the storm rages on. You can feel the weight of the characters' pasts. You can almost taste the fear.
The illustrations at the start of each chapter added a whole other level to the eerieness of the story. The author made a great choice to have them in the book.
Grimm's fairy tales like you've never read before. One night, six people in a cabin on a stormy night in the forest. Little by little the characters' identities are revealed. Little by little the secrets and traumas of the characters are revealed.
I want to go on and on about the story, but I'd spoil it. You can feel the tension building as the storm rages on. You can feel the weight of the characters' pasts. You can almost taste the fear.
The illustrations at the start of each chapter added a whole other level to the eerieness of the story. The author made a great choice to have them in the book.
October 29, 2025
this was a fantastic concept and enjoyed that it was a unique fairy tale and has a unique take on the genre. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and have them survive the night. I thought Chad Nicholas wrote this well and had that tense atmosphere that I was hoping for. I enjoyed getting to read this and enjoyed how good the characters were written. I'm excited to read more from Chad Nicholas and hoping for more fairy tale type stories like this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 22, 2025
Grim fairytales are meant to frighten children. This fairytale frightens adults. From the bone chilling atmosphere to the creepy cabin in the woods, One Grimm Night will keep you up all night. I couldn’t put the book down until the twisted story ended.
The pace of the book is incredible, the illustrations are a great plus. The stories behind our beloved fairytale characters are a great twist. If you have shelves of books, make sure this is one is on them.
Thank you Chad, for sending me an advanced copy. I really enjoyed the story. Keep doing what you do!!
The pace of the book is incredible, the illustrations are a great plus. The stories behind our beloved fairytale characters are a great twist. If you have shelves of books, make sure this is one is on them.
Thank you Chad, for sending me an advanced copy. I really enjoyed the story. Keep doing what you do!!
November 2, 2025
If fairy tales were real
The identification of the characters took a minute an I am still not sure who the old man was, but I liked it. The dinner told it all, when the stranger wouldn't eat the lamb everything fell into place. Thanks for the fresh look on old stories I enjoyed as a child.
The identification of the characters took a minute an I am still not sure who the old man was, but I liked it. The dinner told it all, when the stranger wouldn't eat the lamb everything fell into place. Thanks for the fresh look on old stories I enjoyed as a child.
November 25, 2025
Creepy Fairy Tales
Childhood fairy tales revisited. A very different fairy tale combining some of the classic tales into one story. Creepy in a way that reminded me of the old black and white horror movies with Lon Chaney and Boris Karloff. Loved it
Childhood fairy tales revisited. A very different fairy tale combining some of the classic tales into one story. Creepy in a way that reminded me of the old black and white horror movies with Lon Chaney and Boris Karloff. Loved it
January 19, 2026
This was such a fun Grimm retelling. I found myself guessing who the characters were before they were revealed. And on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what would happen next.
I loved the illustrations at the beginning of each chapter. It was a sneakpeek at what was to come. Highly recommend.
I loved the illustrations at the beginning of each chapter. It was a sneakpeek at what was to come. Highly recommend.
November 3, 2025
Fairy Tale turns bloody
A horror of a story with twisted fairy Tale. It holds your interest to read if they come out alive. This story is worth reading in one night.
A horror of a story with twisted fairy Tale. It holds your interest to read if they come out alive. This story is worth reading in one night.
November 20, 2025
One Grimm Night is a fairy tale retelling that brings back the darker elements of the Grimm brothers.
It has been a few days but I still can’t quite wrap my head around how beautiful the reading experience was. Chad Nicholas has a way with words… the scenery is so visual. I’m usually not someone who sees exactly what’s being described, but he was able to make me feel the pressure of the storm and the eeriness of the cabin. The writing is poetic in a sense. Not literary, don’t get me wrong, but it flows rather rhythmically. He sets the scene and lets you experience it, so there is no mistaking that something bad is about to happen.
And the plot itself? I loved it! I loved the Grimm fairytales (the nicer versions, lol) as a kid and seeing them come to life in such a unique way is incredible. He took various Grimm characters to tell his story. It works! They all kept their original character traits but Chad still managed to add his unique style to it.
Lastly, the art in the book!!! It fits the story and the vibe perfectly.
TL;DR: Read this book ;)
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author without any requirements for a review. All opinions are my own.
It has been a few days but I still can’t quite wrap my head around how beautiful the reading experience was. Chad Nicholas has a way with words… the scenery is so visual. I’m usually not someone who sees exactly what’s being described, but he was able to make me feel the pressure of the storm and the eeriness of the cabin. The writing is poetic in a sense. Not literary, don’t get me wrong, but it flows rather rhythmically. He sets the scene and lets you experience it, so there is no mistaking that something bad is about to happen.
And the plot itself? I loved it! I loved the Grimm fairytales (the nicer versions, lol) as a kid and seeing them come to life in such a unique way is incredible. He took various Grimm characters to tell his story. It works! They all kept their original character traits but Chad still managed to add his unique style to it.
Lastly, the art in the book!!! It fits the story and the vibe perfectly.
TL;DR: Read this book ;)
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author without any requirements for a review. All opinions are my own.
January 21, 2026
What a great twist on fairytales. I love the crossover of different stories and how it's all drenched in horror. This is the first book I've read by Chad and I definitely will be checking out others.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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