The Thirteenth Bell: Stories From The Channel

by R.D. THORNE

Genres: Horror

123 pages, Paperback

Published November 21, 2025

About the author

R.D. Thorne writes young adult horror fantasy that weaves dark folklore with character-driven storytelling. With a focus on atmosphere, mystery, and high-stakes supernatural tension, Thorne’s work invites readers into worlds where danger waits just beyond the veil. The Thirteenth Bell marks the beginning of the Stories From The Channel series.

Reviews

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Thirteenth Bell: Stories From the Channel by R. D. Thorne, Ada Thorne has been marked by the bell. Lowmere, Ada’s birthplace and home, has been plagued by death since the town’s conception. The only survivor of the village’s curse, Ada, now has to live on the edge of Lowmere. The townsfolk don’t trust her because she survived the curse, and she is left wondering why she is the only one to live after being summoned by the haunting ring of the bell. Now marked with a symbol of the bell on her arm, she must save Lowmere from its fate or die trying.

She’s joined by Kito, a hyena tasked to protect her. This only furthers the villagers’ suspicions about her. As more and more victims are taken by the bell’s call, Ada tries to understand the reason behind this curse and why she lived while all others perished. Through courage, wisdom, and understanding, Ada tries to solve the mystery and restore peace to Lowmere.

R. D. Thorne does a wonderful job cultivating an eerie atmosphere. The villagers, setting, and curse all played a vital part in creating an in-depth world filled with hope despite the tragedies that befell the land. As Ada moves through the world, we learn more about Lowmere and her place in it; her characterization moves smoothly as each chapter ends. As the reader finishes each chapter, we learn a little bit more about Ada and her internal life. We see her grow and mature throughout the book in a satisfying way.

The writing itself also fits well with the genre. The pace at which we learned information felt intentional, and the narrative moved in a logical direction. Some chapter endings conflicted with their following chapters’ beginnings, but overall, the reading experience was incredibly enjoyable. I particularly liked Kito’s presence in the book. I would have loved to read more about his lore in the grand scheme of the world.

Stories From the Channel is intended as a series in the universe created by R. D. Thorne, and I look forward to more installments. The Thirteenth Bell: Stories From the Channel is a quick read, but a memorable one. Designed for teens, but enjoyable for adults as well, for those looking for a spooky tale to read while curled up in bed, this is a solid choice.

[Sam Yaworski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a quick read and this one was amazing!

Ada is a strong willed character who is very likeable. I felt sorry for her in the beginning of the story, but as the story progressed I was very hopeful. I loved her hyena companion as well. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Overall a great tale with excellent plot structure. If you are looking for a short, but compelling Tale then this is a must read.

[Sweetmusicwoman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you BookSirens for the opportunity to read this book. It was unique and wrapped up really well too. I really enjoyed this story. I definitely want to read more from the author one day.

[Chevy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book started off ok but quickly fell flat. Ada was saved from the thirteenth bell but how? Her parents? Where’d all the founding members go? They all just died off and noone knows the history of this bargain? And there are buildings in this small town that have been left abandoned and untouched? I get that there was a bargain struck but where did this random founding families magic come from? Where did this hyena come from and how random! Also random Malrik had helpers in the cemetery? Who and how?

Ok I can get behind a bad deal with a spirit. I can get behind ignorant people not accepting Ada not being taken and being marked then shunned and distrusted. I can see how all these actions happening to her turning her into a meek hermet.

I can’t get behind her talking to an ouija board, finding some rando trinkets and then venture into another dimension to do what…she doesn’t even know and doesn’t really even do anything.
We just get a change of heart and everyone is fine with that including the towns people.

I knew I just needed to finish the book and move on when the author started having a monologue effect a repeating things like describing the hyenas glowing eye. Truly the only good part was the ouija board.