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Shivers
Feel the chill...
Heather Beck presents Shivers, an anthology of curses and secrets.
Night Of The Vampire
Strange rituals, strict curfews, people who live in constant fear...there’s something wrong in Kristine’s new town of Darscadia; something that only comes out at night to drink human blood.
Long Live The Bonsai
When twins, Caddy and Cody find a bonsai tree in an old attic, they discover that it holds the secret to eternal youth.
The Wildest West
A school trip turns into a nightmare when the class arrives in a ghost town that was once home to three very evil cowboys.
Curses Never Die
Beneath the waters of Hawaii lies a rare and beautiful diamond, but when amateur divers, Erin and Dustin, discover the treasure, they learn the hard way that it’s cursed.
Heather Beck presents Shivers, an anthology of curses and secrets.
Night Of The Vampire
Strange rituals, strict curfews, people who live in constant fear...there’s something wrong in Kristine’s new town of Darscadia; something that only comes out at night to drink human blood.
Long Live The Bonsai
When twins, Caddy and Cody find a bonsai tree in an old attic, they discover that it holds the secret to eternal youth.
The Wildest West
A school trip turns into a nightmare when the class arrives in a ghost town that was once home to three very evil cowboys.
Curses Never Die
Beneath the waters of Hawaii lies a rare and beautiful diamond, but when amateur divers, Erin and Dustin, discover the treasure, they learn the hard way that it’s cursed.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2014
63 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Heather Beck
59 books128 followersHeather Beck is a Canadian Author and Screenwriter who began writing professionally at the age of sixteen. Since then she has written eleven well-reviewed books, including the bestselling series, The Horror Diaries, which has sold in six continents.
Heather received an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree from university where she specialized in English and studied an array of disciplines. Currently, she is working on the Frostbitten series and has two anthologies slated for publication. As a screenwriter, Heather has multiple television shows and movies in development. Her short films include: Young Eyes, The Rarity, Too Sensible For Love, Circular, and the forthcoming Witch’s Brew.
Besides writing, Heather’s greatest passion is the outdoors. She is an award-winning fisherwoman and a regular hiker. Her hobbies include swimming, playing badminton and volunteering with non-profit organizations.
Heather received an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree from university where she specialized in English and studied an array of disciplines. Currently, she is working on the Frostbitten series and has two anthologies slated for publication. As a screenwriter, Heather has multiple television shows and movies in development. Her short films include: Young Eyes, The Rarity, Too Sensible For Love, Circular, and the forthcoming Witch’s Brew.
Besides writing, Heather’s greatest passion is the outdoors. She is an award-winning fisherwoman and a regular hiker. Her hobbies include swimming, playing badminton and volunteering with non-profit organizations.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 16, 2018
Night Of The Vampire
I liked the humor in this one, which makes it refreshingly different. ***
Long Live The Bonsai
Wow, what an incredible story: funny, sad and a little creepy. I loved it! *****
The Wildest West
Honestly, I did not care much for this story, it just wasn't my cup of tea. *
Curses Never Die
This had a very strong sense of a teenager adventure story, which for whatever reason reminded me of a more mature version of the Magical Tree House books... **
I enjoyed listening to this collection, especially the Bonsai story which really stands out.
I liked the humor in this one, which makes it refreshingly different. ***
Long Live The Bonsai
Wow, what an incredible story: funny, sad and a little creepy. I loved it! *****
The Wildest West
Honestly, I did not care much for this story, it just wasn't my cup of tea. *
Curses Never Die
This had a very strong sense of a teenager adventure story, which for whatever reason reminded me of a more mature version of the Magical Tree House books... **
I enjoyed listening to this collection, especially the Bonsai story which really stands out.
November 22, 2020
I really enjoyed this collection of short stories. I think my favorite was Night of the Vampires where a teenage girl saves herself and the town from one of the vampires. But I loved all the stories - The Wildest West (with a tricky ending), Long Live the Bonsai (reminded me of a Twilight Zone Episode - Kick the Can), and Curses Never Die (don't be greedy young children).
October 4, 2018
Remember that how I feel about a book isn't going to be how you feel about it. I am as entitled to my opinion of this book (I didn't like it) as you are to yours if it is one of your favourites. I am not trying to stop other people from reading this book, I am just stating how I felt about it. Feel free to go and read it if you think you'll enjoy it, but sadly, this wasn't for me.
⭐️⭐️
2 stars
The stories seemed way too cheesy for MG stories, and the dialogue was, at times, eyeroll worthy. I'm sorry I feel like I'm being really harsh because everyone else seemed to love it but I just... couldn't force myself to like it. There is one story in particular that really rubbed me the wrong way and frustrated me:
NIGHT OF THE VAMPIRE
This short story grated on me. I love everything about vampires, and I know nearly everything there is to know about them. This story seemed to make a mockery of vampire stories in this - especially when he tied them up and drove the car away. Vampires have the power of manipulation; it would have made more sense for him to manipulate the dad to drive the car and get the mum and Kristine to just sit there by forcing them to. And, when she asked for like why there were vampires it just seemed like a cheesy teen novel - ESPECIALLY the ending! Also if you stab a vampire with a cross - unless it's a wooden stake to the heat that is also a cross or a crucifix (crucifix's are when the cross has Jesus on it) - it doesnt really do much, especially in the vampires throat. If you only have a cross at hand, you press them into the vampire's forehead in the space between their eyes so that it burns the cross shape into their skin.
Overall, not really impressed. 2/5 stars.
⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️
2 stars
The stories seemed way too cheesy for MG stories, and the dialogue was, at times, eyeroll worthy. I'm sorry I feel like I'm being really harsh because everyone else seemed to love it but I just... couldn't force myself to like it. There is one story in particular that really rubbed me the wrong way and frustrated me:
NIGHT OF THE VAMPIRE
This short story grated on me. I love everything about vampires, and I know nearly everything there is to know about them. This story seemed to make a mockery of vampire stories in this - especially when he tied them up and drove the car away. Vampires have the power of manipulation; it would have made more sense for him to manipulate the dad to drive the car and get the mum and Kristine to just sit there by forcing them to. And, when she asked for like why there were vampires it just seemed like a cheesy teen novel - ESPECIALLY the ending! Also if you stab a vampire with a cross - unless it's a wooden stake to the heat that is also a cross or a crucifix (crucifix's are when the cross has Jesus on it) - it doesnt really do much, especially in the vampires throat. If you only have a cross at hand, you press them into the vampire's forehead in the space between their eyes so that it burns the cross shape into their skin.
Overall, not really impressed. 2/5 stars.
⭐️⭐️
March 17, 2018
This small but extremely captivating set of short stories is a good one to read on a rainy day. It starts out with a tale about a young girl and her family moving to a town that has vampires terrifying the people there. It ends with a story about a cursed diamond that is discovered by a sister and brother; they end up being trapped inside the diamond.
My favorite one though was about a older gentleman who becomes young again thanks to his former neighbor's taking care of the plant.
I gave it four stars because while it is a good read, it is rather short, and did not quite keep my attention long enough. It became a little confusing at parts because there was not much to separate one story from the other.
Other than that, it is a nice short stories book that will give you goosebumps.
My favorite one though was about a older gentleman who becomes young again thanks to his former neighbor's taking care of the plant.
I gave it four stars because while it is a good read, it is rather short, and did not quite keep my attention long enough. It became a little confusing at parts because there was not much to separate one story from the other.
Other than that, it is a nice short stories book that will give you goosebumps.
April 15, 2018
Review: SHIVERS by Heather Beck
SHIVERS is a short story collection with a rather wide imaginative range. Not only is horror included, but also some speculative sci fi, including a creative exposition on time travel which I truly enjoyed, and some marine horror (always a go with me). There's also a wildly imaginative view of --well, I don't know how to explicate!--involving an intelligent, compassionate pair of twins, an aging neighbor, and a bonsai. SHIVERS begins with a bang with a story about a town I never want to visit!
SHIVERS is a short story collection with a rather wide imaginative range. Not only is horror included, but also some speculative sci fi, including a creative exposition on time travel which I truly enjoyed, and some marine horror (always a go with me). There's also a wildly imaginative view of --well, I don't know how to explicate!--involving an intelligent, compassionate pair of twins, an aging neighbor, and a bonsai. SHIVERS begins with a bang with a story about a town I never want to visit!
April 9, 2018
I like the cover artwork, it’s simplistic and the glowing eyes are eerie. Very short stories, so fast paced. I’d say the worst story was the third one. The best story for me was the second. The first felt too human and the last they got what they deserved. The bonsai one was sweet, giving an old man a second chance.
February 19, 2018
Night of The Vampire (5-30)
Darscadia. It was Kristine Locke (daughter/student) 1st. day at Darscadia HS.
The assembly began. Mr. Russell welcomed all the students back.
Mrs. Locke (wife/mother) & Kristine were going shopping but the stores close early.
At bedtime a vampire appeared at her bedroom window.
Mr. Locke (husband/father) did not believe her.
Uncle Val & Aunt Winnie had invited the Locke’s over to their house.
1 day the vampire kidnapped Kristine.
Long Live the Bonsai (31-42)
Cody Phillips (twin son/brother), & Caddy (twin daughter/sister), tossing the football had almost hit
Mr. Herb Tennessee (father, elderly neighbor).
Sophia Tennessee (daughter) screamed at both of them.
The 2 f them offered to clean out the attic.
Herb was being put in a rest home.
Shivers (43-57)
Caddy Phillips & Cody Phillips were discussing Mr. Tennessee escape from the retirement center.
Sophia knew he did also.
What was Mrs. Phillips going to tell her 2 children?
Herb, Mrs. Winston bridge partner,
The Wildest West (58-79)
Shewasin, Kansas bus terminal. Gail “Giz” Zander Barnwell was searching for gate #13.
The blue/white bus read Wild Texas Tours.
Johnny (Modern Cowboy Association founder) is the tour guide.
Ryan & Giz became acquainted.
Lars, Tanny, & Mulberry were putting on a Wild West skit.
Ryan & Giz & Johnny were going to be put in the Weaver Town Sheriff Office & County Jail.
Weaver Town Saloon, The Mercantile, Angel, Melissa Angel’s BFF,
Curses Never Die (80-100)
Hawaii. Dustin Sanderson (16, brother, underwater explorer diver) was taken Erin (14, sister, diver) down to explore the wonders of the ocean with him.
He had found a shipwreck.
He had vanished through the open door leaving her outside.
2nd. dive. The treasure chest was all a glow red,
3rd. dive.
Why did the 2 of them go see Dr. Otis?
Mrs. Phillips (wife/mother) Mr. Phillips (husband/father), Somerville town, cursed Diamond of Hui Hou, Mrs.Sanderson,
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. 5 fairly well written MG/YA Horror short stories (book). They were all very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great MG/YA Horror movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. Even for a teen they weren’t that scary. They were just OK for me so I will only rate them at 3/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Treasure Cove Books; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)
Darscadia. It was Kristine Locke (daughter/student) 1st. day at Darscadia HS.
The assembly began. Mr. Russell welcomed all the students back.
Mrs. Locke (wife/mother) & Kristine were going shopping but the stores close early.
At bedtime a vampire appeared at her bedroom window.
Mr. Locke (husband/father) did not believe her.
Uncle Val & Aunt Winnie had invited the Locke’s over to their house.
1 day the vampire kidnapped Kristine.
Long Live the Bonsai (31-42)
Cody Phillips (twin son/brother), & Caddy (twin daughter/sister), tossing the football had almost hit
Mr. Herb Tennessee (father, elderly neighbor).
Sophia Tennessee (daughter) screamed at both of them.
The 2 f them offered to clean out the attic.
Herb was being put in a rest home.
Shivers (43-57)
Caddy Phillips & Cody Phillips were discussing Mr. Tennessee escape from the retirement center.
Sophia knew he did also.
What was Mrs. Phillips going to tell her 2 children?
Herb, Mrs. Winston bridge partner,
The Wildest West (58-79)
Shewasin, Kansas bus terminal. Gail “Giz” Zander Barnwell was searching for gate #13.
The blue/white bus read Wild Texas Tours.
Johnny (Modern Cowboy Association founder) is the tour guide.
Ryan & Giz became acquainted.
Lars, Tanny, & Mulberry were putting on a Wild West skit.
Ryan & Giz & Johnny were going to be put in the Weaver Town Sheriff Office & County Jail.
Weaver Town Saloon, The Mercantile, Angel, Melissa Angel’s BFF,
Curses Never Die (80-100)
Hawaii. Dustin Sanderson (16, brother, underwater explorer diver) was taken Erin (14, sister, diver) down to explore the wonders of the ocean with him.
He had found a shipwreck.
He had vanished through the open door leaving her outside.
2nd. dive. The treasure chest was all a glow red,
3rd. dive.
Why did the 2 of them go see Dr. Otis?
Mrs. Phillips (wife/mother) Mr. Phillips (husband/father), Somerville town, cursed Diamond of Hui Hou, Mrs.Sanderson,
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. 5 fairly well written MG/YA Horror short stories (book). They were all very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great MG/YA Horror movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. Even for a teen they weren’t that scary. They were just OK for me so I will only rate them at 3/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Treasure Cove Books; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)
April 14, 2018
Okay, finally getting to this review!
Shivers was surprisingly good and enjoyable to read. It's filled with a couple of short stories, about 4 altogether. Night of the Vampire, Long Live the Bonsai, The Wildest West, and Curses Never Die are the four stories provided to you.
Night of the Vampire, is the first story and a pretty interesting one. Kristine, the MC, is in a new town names Darscadia. While in this town she is informed of their really weird rules, rituals, and curfews. A TOWN WITH A CURFEW WASN'T A RED FLAG TO HER PARENTS?!?! Maybe they didn't know.. but meh, I doubt that. Either way, this town has vampires in it. Unsurprisingly, Kristine because a buffy the vampire slayer and at the end of the story her and her family are asked to stay there so that Kristine can murder all of the vampires. Interesting right? Predictable, of course. However, I ate the story up.
Long Live the Bonsai was a creepy story. It's basically about these siblings who are asked to take care of this plant from their neighbor. This guy is like super old and has health issues or something like that. Anyways, Caddy and Cody take the plan and start to take care of it. Little by little their neighbor starts acting weird and younger. Now I'm not saying that old people can't act young.. it's the weird part guys. He was acting stranger and stranger. THEN when he showed up looking younger.. I was freaking out. I would probably freak out if I ever saw that. FYI, creepy book.
The other two stories were good.. just not as good as the first two. The Wildest West is about a school trip gone wrong and Curses Never Die is sort of a take on Pirate of the Caribbean - BUT IN HAWAII. Not saying that they were beyond terrible or boring because they weren't. They were intriguing and enjoyable to read.. but they didn't creep me out of entertain me as much as the first two.
Overall, it was an okay book. Enjoyable and a page turner. It's a really quick and easy read too. I wish there were more stories to read but I will accept whatever I can get.
Shivers was surprisingly good and enjoyable to read. It's filled with a couple of short stories, about 4 altogether. Night of the Vampire, Long Live the Bonsai, The Wildest West, and Curses Never Die are the four stories provided to you.
Night of the Vampire, is the first story and a pretty interesting one. Kristine, the MC, is in a new town names Darscadia. While in this town she is informed of their really weird rules, rituals, and curfews. A TOWN WITH A CURFEW WASN'T A RED FLAG TO HER PARENTS?!?! Maybe they didn't know.. but meh, I doubt that. Either way, this town has vampires in it. Unsurprisingly, Kristine because a buffy the vampire slayer and at the end of the story her and her family are asked to stay there so that Kristine can murder all of the vampires. Interesting right? Predictable, of course. However, I ate the story up.
Long Live the Bonsai was a creepy story. It's basically about these siblings who are asked to take care of this plant from their neighbor. This guy is like super old and has health issues or something like that. Anyways, Caddy and Cody take the plan and start to take care of it. Little by little their neighbor starts acting weird and younger. Now I'm not saying that old people can't act young.. it's the weird part guys. He was acting stranger and stranger. THEN when he showed up looking younger.. I was freaking out. I would probably freak out if I ever saw that. FYI, creepy book.
The other two stories were good.. just not as good as the first two. The Wildest West is about a school trip gone wrong and Curses Never Die is sort of a take on Pirate of the Caribbean - BUT IN HAWAII. Not saying that they were beyond terrible or boring because they weren't. They were intriguing and enjoyable to read.. but they didn't creep me out of entertain me as much as the first two.
Overall, it was an okay book. Enjoyable and a page turner. It's a really quick and easy read too. I wish there were more stories to read but I will accept whatever I can get.
April 10, 2018
•audiobook• 4.75
Shivers was my introduction to this Indie author I’ll be keeping an eye -erm, ear -on the lookout for.
Kristine’s new town is not very welcoming. They have a lot of rules, and they’re very forward and abrupt to confront even a newbie when rules are broken. Not knowing is not an excuse.
Mr Tennessee is the creepy neighbor. Just kidding. Mostly. He’s the odd, elderly neighbor even adults can be skeptical about - most parents.
And to include a wild west ghost story. Then a Hawaii curse?! This was an ingenious mix of variety and I LOVED it.
Lunch break - sized stories, they are all easy to enjoy to help push you through the work (or school) day. If you have 3 1/2 hours to spare, treat yourself to this!
I’m ready to download another audible by Heather Beck and am disappointed J Austin Moran didn’t narrate others by her. But he does have another creepy stories I’ll look into!
Shivers was my introduction to this Indie author I’ll be keeping an eye -erm, ear -on the lookout for.
Kristine’s new town is not very welcoming. They have a lot of rules, and they’re very forward and abrupt to confront even a newbie when rules are broken. Not knowing is not an excuse.
Mr Tennessee is the creepy neighbor. Just kidding. Mostly. He’s the odd, elderly neighbor even adults can be skeptical about - most parents.
And to include a wild west ghost story. Then a Hawaii curse?! This was an ingenious mix of variety and I LOVED it.
Lunch break - sized stories, they are all easy to enjoy to help push you through the work (or school) day. If you have 3 1/2 hours to spare, treat yourself to this!
I’m ready to download another audible by Heather Beck and am disappointed J Austin Moran didn’t narrate others by her. But he does have another creepy stories I’ll look into!
May 23, 2018
I listened to this audiobook with my 7 year old son. The book has a very similar feel to it as the Goosebumps series but with a bit more variety.
My son absolutely loved the first story, Night Of The Vampire, and I found it enjoyable since it brought in new ideas.
Long Live The Bonsai was my absolute fav! There was so much about this one that I enjoyed but I suspect younger readers will miss some of the things that really drew me in. My son was less interested- perhaps he was too young to enjoy the story.
The Wildest West- didn't do a ton for either of us- he found it somewhat confusing and I honestly just found it dull and predictable.
Curses Never Die- a home run for my son. He loved it. I was indifferent. It had enough action and mystery to really keep his attention and came in a close second behind the vampire story for him.
This is a nice collection of short stories that can be enjoyed be a wide variety of ages. I feel the ideal age range for this is 8-12.
My son absolutely loved the first story, Night Of The Vampire, and I found it enjoyable since it brought in new ideas.
Long Live The Bonsai was my absolute fav! There was so much about this one that I enjoyed but I suspect younger readers will miss some of the things that really drew me in. My son was less interested- perhaps he was too young to enjoy the story.
The Wildest West- didn't do a ton for either of us- he found it somewhat confusing and I honestly just found it dull and predictable.
Curses Never Die- a home run for my son. He loved it. I was indifferent. It had enough action and mystery to really keep his attention and came in a close second behind the vampire story for him.
This is a nice collection of short stories that can be enjoyed be a wide variety of ages. I feel the ideal age range for this is 8-12.
July 16, 2018
Shivers is an interesting compilation of short stories by Heather Beck. This book consists of 4 short stories that have a very "Outer Limits" or "Twilight Zone" kind of feel to me. Overall each of these stories were well written. The pace of each is pretty good covering a good ground in each.
Obviously since these are short stories there isn't a whole lot of character development and each is more about the actual plot, which in each I found was pretty well though through. My favorite was probably Long Live the Bonsai which was the the most unique I found. The others follow a more common topic I felt and are more generic but are still well written and entertaining.
In my opinion these weren't really horror stories but fit more into the paranormal genre. All in all I found these to be entertaining reads definitely worth to be picked up, especially if you enjoy shows like the outer limits.
I have received this book from the author for an honest review. (LoP, Lovers of Paranormal)
Obviously since these are short stories there isn't a whole lot of character development and each is more about the actual plot, which in each I found was pretty well though through. My favorite was probably Long Live the Bonsai which was the the most unique I found. The others follow a more common topic I felt and are more generic but are still well written and entertaining.
In my opinion these weren't really horror stories but fit more into the paranormal genre. All in all I found these to be entertaining reads definitely worth to be picked up, especially if you enjoy shows like the outer limits.
I have received this book from the author for an honest review. (LoP, Lovers of Paranormal)
July 3, 2018
A great selection of stories that will delight you, creep you out, ask what the....?. Really liked it, narration was awesome too. I love anything scary & creepy and this was a great addition. Easy to listen to, and all sorts of stories. Great to listen to anytime, doesn't have to be all at once. I'd definitely recommend it! :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 30, 2019
Just ok.
Plethora of stories. They felt disjointed and didn’t all flow seamlessly. Points for trying but definitely not an exciting read.
Plethora of stories. They felt disjointed and didn’t all flow seamlessly. Points for trying but definitely not an exciting read.
January 9, 2020
A Fun Read
A fun read, a collection of horror stories that keep you creeped out from the very first story. Please read this at night.
A fun read, a collection of horror stories that keep you creeped out from the very first story. Please read this at night.
December 5, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this short story. It was interesting, scary at times, well written and held me attention. I definitley would recommend reading Shivers.
April 26, 2018
Although fascinating stories, I felt that they should have been listed in another genre. Even for Middle grade I believe that the stories were not horror stories.
The stories are well written and the characters are relatable for 8-12 year olds. They are quick reads. Sometimes almost too short, but for the audience they are written for they may be the perfect length.
The stories are well written and the characters are relatable for 8-12 year olds. They are quick reads. Sometimes almost too short, but for the audience they are written for they may be the perfect length.
June 25, 2016
I enjoyed the first two stories much more than the second two, but they were all what I wanted, quick, small, little flashes of horror without complicated plots.
April 11, 2018
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review (Shut Up and Read group).
So, it's really hard for me to review this, because every one of the 4 tales was different. Out of the 4, Night of the Vampire is the one I liked most. And The Wildest West the one I liked the least.
I can't deny that I expected it to be better, but all in all it was entertaining. Especially nice when you want to read something light and quick. The tales didn't make ME shiver, but the characters sure did shiver. And it didn't end well for most of them.
So, it's really hard for me to review this, because every one of the 4 tales was different. Out of the 4, Night of the Vampire is the one I liked most. And The Wildest West the one I liked the least.
I can't deny that I expected it to be better, but all in all it was entertaining. Especially nice when you want to read something light and quick. The tales didn't make ME shiver, but the characters sure did shiver. And it didn't end well for most of them.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews