ENCOUNTERS with cryptids

by Andrew Cull, Trevor Henderson (Editor), R L Meza

Trevor Henderson and Andrew Cull present fifteen stories of ENCOUNTERS...with cryptids. Featuring monstrous tales from RL Meza, Caleb Bethea, Jessica Lévai, Jeremy Cavaterra, Jenny Strath, TT Madden, and many more.

Genres: Horror, Anthologies

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2026

Reviews

[lee_readsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an anthology of folklore and cryptid encounters I’ve been eagerly anticipating. I loved Found: An Anthology of Found Footage Horror Stories, so I had a feeling this one would be another banger and it absolutely delivered.
Not only is the cover incredible, but all the stories exceeded my expectations. I was especially creeped out by the opening stories from Andrew and Trevor. They set the tone perfectly for a spooky book.
The anthology features a wide range of indie authors, many of whom were new to me, and I’ll definitely be looking into more of their work.
Things I’ve learned from reading this book: drop bears are real, never trust a witch, don’t go jumping over slime-coated crevices, definitely don’t swim in murky lakes, avoid hiking in the mountains, and I might avoid playing in the snow too.
Some of my favourite stories include Take Me To The River, What The Water Brings, Jumping The Green, Scrapiron Jack, and Must Work For Scale.
Overall, this was a really fun and creepy anthology and one I’d definitely recommend to fans of cryptids and creature horror.

[Jessie-Punkersfictionreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite type of short story collections are ones that center around a theme. Encounters did just that! I had such a fun time reading this collection. I loved so many of these stories. I did wish a few were a bit longer and more fleshed out. But over all I would still highly recommend this collection to any cryptid lover. I was also introduced to so many new authors to check out. I will always pick up anything that has Andrew Cull involved!
4/5 Stars

Thank you Andrew Cull for sending me an arc copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Books For Decaying Millennials · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital arc from one of the contributing authors, to read and review. All views and opinions are my own.
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Cryptozoology, a field that some consider an embarrassment, or pseudoscience. Many others view it as a realm of serious research that struggles with legitimacy due to its abuse by scam artists, and less than scrupulous folk in Mainstream Media, who see it as a way to create a buzz, and make a quick buck. Personally I count myself among the proud group of folk that recognize Crytptozoology a field that stands on the fringe, out of necessity, sacrificing some academic legitimacy and safety, while being present to ask uncomfortable questions, and watch and listen. It’s all in the name, “The Study of Hidden Animals”. To study something hidden requires you search, with open eyes, and an open mind. You must also be prepared to encounter things with which you have no frame of reference, that challenge your fragile understanding of what is real.
I doff my hat to editors and contributing authors. When a book like this is populated by creative minds who themselves for the topic, you find your mind hitting some stumbling blocks. To reiterate again, this collection is a work of fiction. Even so, the opening story, and its format so easily triggered my suspension of disbelief, that I had to pause and remind myself that everything included therein was fiction. Perhaps an unintended gotcha moment from the editors. A wink and a nod to those of us that accept the existence of things un-categorized, moving beyond the safe space of accepted reality.
Even for us, it’s ok to sit back and enjoy tales of things that aren’t, creatures born purely of the imagination. It’s clear that the contributing authors had fun with their stories. Popular culture has glomed onto certain archetypes, figureheads of Cryptozoology, if you will. Sasquatch, Nessie and Mothman, seem to be the power trio of the moment. Some of these get their due in this anthology, but for the majority of the stories, readers are treated to reminders of how far that Realm of High Strangeness extends. I think that everyone who reads Encounters with Cryptids will come away with a story or two that will be their favorites. Anthologies by design, invite readers stumble upon a story an author that hooks them. Encounters with Cryptids does that as well, but you’ll find yourself attached to a creature or two. I know I have some favorites. Anyone who writes a story about Drop Bears has my support. But I leave that to my fellow readers to search on their own, read these stories in this book, see what nameless horrors and strange beasts come home with you, after reading.

[Kathryn Grace Loves Horror · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come.

[Danielle (Danni) Vinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another excellent anthology from Andrew Cull. This time around he partnered with the brilliant artist, Trevor Henderson. I loved the opening story by Andrew and Trevor. I really wish that there had been some of Henderson's creepy artwork throughout the book. Of the 16 stories therein, only 2 didn't work for me. The 5 stories I chose as my favourites are all so different, and just so damn good.

~Angels by Clovis Metz
(just wow...angels) 🌟
~The Girl Who Counted Horns
by Fendy S. Tulodo ⭐️
~Things We Cannot Completely See
by TT Madden ⭐️
~The Reek From Pelton Creek
by RL Meza ⭐️
~The Beast Of Old Blodgett Road
by Margo Pecha ⭐️

Thank you for the digital copy, Andrew

[Horror DNA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was amazed by the number of authors I had not heard of, or knew little about, and this is a major strength of the book, shining a light on many new genre voices. Too many horror anthologies feature the same rotating collection of big genre ‘names’ and it is fantastic that ENCOUNTERS with Cryptids throws that rulebook out of the window with a fine roster of predominately indie authors, illustrating that quality need not be sacrificed.

You can read Tony's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.

[Mrs. Needle · Rating 4 out of 5]

17 stories of chilling encounters with the preternatural! If you like reading creepy horror anthologies, this one’s for you.

I loved it. My favorite stories were: ‘Take Me To the River’ The Girl Who Counted Horns’ ‘Scrapiron Jack’ and ‘When the Snow Comes!’

Each story has a different writing style and narrative composure. Some of them are mind bending, while others are written almost like a crime casing brief. I particularly enjoyed these, just as I like when that true crime feel hits supernatural elements that the protagonist has to cope with. All in all, I really enjoyed the overall variation.

4 ⭐️ as I wished some were just a little longer or fleshed out. I would get just a taste to want more, but the story would typically end cleanly. It did a lot to make me think as I was reading it. Despite this, I would still absolutely recommend this book.