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Never Whistle at Night #2
Back for Blood: Never Whistle at Night Part II
Not yet published
Expected 18 Aug 26Win a free print copy of this book!
13 days and 02:35:09
25 copies available
U.S. only
The bestselling Indigenous dark fiction anthology returns with a new selection of even more daring and sinister stories. From monsters to mutilation, Never Whistle at Night is back for revenge.
They’re baaaaaaaaaack!
As any savvy horror fan the monster never truly dies. The team that brought you the bestselling dark fiction anthology Never Whistle at Night has risen, hungry, from the grave to summon more dark delicacies for your delectation. In these twenty-one brand-new, groundbreaking, gruesome stories—authored by both established and newly unearthed Indigenous talent and illustrated by renowned Cheyenne painter Brent Learned—the contributors are fully embracing both supernatural horrors and the everyday horror of living under colonialist rule.
Featuring stories of unspeakable yet satisfying terror, from twisted psychological tales to gore-filled monster hunts, this new selection of sinister stories will sate your darkest appetites and leave you slavering for more. Never Whistle at Night, Part Back for Blood is a further celebration of Indigenous survival and the enduring tradition of transforming adversity into art.
They’re baaaaaaaaaack!
As any savvy horror fan the monster never truly dies. The team that brought you the bestselling dark fiction anthology Never Whistle at Night has risen, hungry, from the grave to summon more dark delicacies for your delectation. In these twenty-one brand-new, groundbreaking, gruesome stories—authored by both established and newly unearthed Indigenous talent and illustrated by renowned Cheyenne painter Brent Learned—the contributors are fully embracing both supernatural horrors and the everyday horror of living under colonialist rule.
Featuring stories of unspeakable yet satisfying terror, from twisted psychological tales to gore-filled monster hunts, this new selection of sinister stories will sate your darkest appetites and leave you slavering for more. Never Whistle at Night, Part Back for Blood is a further celebration of Indigenous survival and the enduring tradition of transforming adversity into art.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 18, 2026
About the author
Shane Hawk
18 books516 followersShane Hawk is an Indigenous horror writer, editor, and screenwriter, and an enrolled member of the Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma. He is best known as the co-editor of the bestselling anthology series Never Whistle at Night, which is now in its second volume with more than twenty printings. His debut collection Anoka was released in 2020 and became part of a growing wave of Indigenous Horror reshaping the genre. Hawk has an original TV series and feature film in development. He lives in San Diego, California, with his wife and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Reading for review in the June 2026 issue of Library Journal
Three Words That Describe This Book: Indigenous Horror, Range of Scares, Unapologetic
Draft Review: Spending more than a year on the bestseller list, and sent into 20+ printings, the success of Never Whistle at Night cannot be exaggerated. That first volume leaned more heavily on atmosphere, cautiously testing the market’s appetite for Indigenous horror, but this time the editors are unafraid to lean on the horror with a full throttle because “Back for Blood,” is not just a title, it’s a promise. Some readers will come looking for new stories by Stephen Graham Jones, Tommy Orange, or Ramona Emerson, but half the stories came from an open call, and it is those new voices whose stories are among the most memorable here. Beginning with visceral body horror, moving through stories featuring werewolves, found footage, and Indigenous monsters (such as a tulpa and “That One”), to stories that contemplate the horrors of racism, addiction, and the murder of Indigenous women, leading to an unforgettable science fiction-horror hybrid, a tale that reverberates its terror across time, Hawk and Van Alst Jr lay bare their commitment to unapologetically represent the full range of Indigenous horror voices. The result is a captivating, chilling, and menacing anthology perfectly suited for readers of all genres.
Verdict: The rare sequel that is better than its original. Suggest to fans of any horror stories or anthologies featuring non-dominant culture authors such as Out There Screaming or Our Shadows Have Claws.
illustrated by renowned Cheyenne and Arapaho painter Brent Learned-- One before each story-- gives the reader of sense of what is to come.
The first Never Whistle at Night was a HUGE, surprise success. It spent two years on the indie bookstore bestseller lists and went into over 20 printings. So no surprise there would be a sequel. But would it be as good? And how would dit be different?
The answer to the first questions is an unequivocal yes and it is because of the answer to the second.
This anthology is different because the success of the first allowed MORE Indigenous author to se seen.
In the intro editors say how first volume asks you to sort in the darkness, this one asks you to listen to it breathe!
The other thing I love about this book is the order of the stories by the editors. The first story-- Miss Cherokee Princess 1996 by Jessica Doe is one of the best body horror stories I have read. It makes the movie The Substance look tame. It is a modern Frankenstein but for the beauty obsessed. And it is uncomfortably bloody, but also you cannot look away because well, who wouldn't want to upgrade their own parts through magic. This is a horror literally visceral and also will hit close to home for every reader.
And that is the START. It is all out horror in every way.
Along the way readers get horror of all sizes-- werewolves, Mothman, found footage, Indigenous monsters, killers, the horror of racism, the horror of addiction, the horror of being a woman, so much horror.
A few more favorites to me (but honestly, there is not a clunker here)
Civilized by A. J. Eversole-- complicated relationship of being half Indian but also contemplates racism and how white skin gets you a pass. Also murdered Indigenous women, and more... There is an unease and terror here that attacks everyone-- no matter their identity. I really liked that. The fear is easily internalized
Guest Account Alicia Elliott-- Introduced the "tupla" to me. Terrifying
Goat Eyes by Jake Arrowtop-- another monster-- Goatman. But it wasn't the master alone that made this a good story. Great protagonist.
We Don’t Talk About It by Alina Pete-- Protagonist works in the morgue. Her brother leaves rehab again. It is the horror of addiction but also an introduction to the evil creature "That One." This story is immersive and terrifying but also had humor. Protagonist attacks the white reader directly saying how much "people" get wrong about Indigenous monsters. And then gives us a terror that literally crawl inside her and us.
If I had to pick a favorite it is The Body Delivers Erica Tremblay. This is a SF horror that I don't want to spoil because WOW. It has a historical foundation but is set now. It is one of the best SF horror stories I have read full stop. And what it says about humanity and our scientific goals....chilling.
Bios for each author after the story so you can easily find more-- and you will want to.
Also, you know many people are going to be drawn to this book to read a new story by Stephen Graham Jones of Tommy Orange or Ramona Emerson-- all best selling authors. But the FIRST of these stories does not come until page 130. As a reader, you are already hooked by then. Stumbling upon SGJ next, is exciting but you are already invested.
Range of scares and range of places-- cities, suburbs, cabin in the woods, reservation, one with a historical horror twist
Hawk and Van Alst Jr are committed to not only representing the full range of Indigenous voices, not only are they refusing to accept the racism inherent in white readers collecting these stories like souvenirs, not only are the preserving stories of survivors, BUT they are also uplifting horror as serious literature. You can do all of this and they do. And that's why is is a superior anthology for all readers who love horror.
This is horror about being seen by other Indigenous. If white people see them and their stories great, but not the reason. But everyone will be scared by what they see. And unapologetic-- these are Indigenous told in their storytelling traditional ways. Does it follow a structure that the dominant Western culture storytelling does always-- no, not always. Do the endings sometimes feel like the story just ends? yes. Does that ruin my enjoyment of these stories as a white lady. Nope. Not one bit. Some of these I will never forget.
Readalikes-- of course the first book. But also, any horror that is by non white, Western/European voices, anything that showcases how Horror as an emotion and a genre not only transcends identity/culture/background but also illustrates how these horror stories are even more terrifying when the lens of those who have been marginalized (at best) and harmed (at worst) by the dominant culture.
Examples-- The World Horror anthologies by Valancourt, Out There Screaming, The Upcoming Something Followed Us Home, Our Shadows Have Claws, ed. Yamile Saied Méndez & Amparo Ortiz (YA), Black Cranes, Tales of Unquiet Women, Sinew and Silk (up for a stoker this year)
Three Words That Describe This Book: Indigenous Horror, Range of Scares, Unapologetic
Draft Review: Spending more than a year on the bestseller list, and sent into 20+ printings, the success of Never Whistle at Night cannot be exaggerated. That first volume leaned more heavily on atmosphere, cautiously testing the market’s appetite for Indigenous horror, but this time the editors are unafraid to lean on the horror with a full throttle because “Back for Blood,” is not just a title, it’s a promise. Some readers will come looking for new stories by Stephen Graham Jones, Tommy Orange, or Ramona Emerson, but half the stories came from an open call, and it is those new voices whose stories are among the most memorable here. Beginning with visceral body horror, moving through stories featuring werewolves, found footage, and Indigenous monsters (such as a tulpa and “That One”), to stories that contemplate the horrors of racism, addiction, and the murder of Indigenous women, leading to an unforgettable science fiction-horror hybrid, a tale that reverberates its terror across time, Hawk and Van Alst Jr lay bare their commitment to unapologetically represent the full range of Indigenous horror voices. The result is a captivating, chilling, and menacing anthology perfectly suited for readers of all genres.
Verdict: The rare sequel that is better than its original. Suggest to fans of any horror stories or anthologies featuring non-dominant culture authors such as Out There Screaming or Our Shadows Have Claws.
illustrated by renowned Cheyenne and Arapaho painter Brent Learned-- One before each story-- gives the reader of sense of what is to come.
The first Never Whistle at Night was a HUGE, surprise success. It spent two years on the indie bookstore bestseller lists and went into over 20 printings. So no surprise there would be a sequel. But would it be as good? And how would dit be different?
The answer to the first questions is an unequivocal yes and it is because of the answer to the second.
This anthology is different because the success of the first allowed MORE Indigenous author to se seen.
In the intro editors say how first volume asks you to sort in the darkness, this one asks you to listen to it breathe!
The other thing I love about this book is the order of the stories by the editors. The first story-- Miss Cherokee Princess 1996 by Jessica Doe is one of the best body horror stories I have read. It makes the movie The Substance look tame. It is a modern Frankenstein but for the beauty obsessed. And it is uncomfortably bloody, but also you cannot look away because well, who wouldn't want to upgrade their own parts through magic. This is a horror literally visceral and also will hit close to home for every reader.
And that is the START. It is all out horror in every way.
Along the way readers get horror of all sizes-- werewolves, Mothman, found footage, Indigenous monsters, killers, the horror of racism, the horror of addiction, the horror of being a woman, so much horror.
A few more favorites to me (but honestly, there is not a clunker here)
Civilized by A. J. Eversole-- complicated relationship of being half Indian but also contemplates racism and how white skin gets you a pass. Also murdered Indigenous women, and more... There is an unease and terror here that attacks everyone-- no matter their identity. I really liked that. The fear is easily internalized
Guest Account Alicia Elliott-- Introduced the "tupla" to me. Terrifying
Goat Eyes by Jake Arrowtop-- another monster-- Goatman. But it wasn't the master alone that made this a good story. Great protagonist.
We Don’t Talk About It by Alina Pete-- Protagonist works in the morgue. Her brother leaves rehab again. It is the horror of addiction but also an introduction to the evil creature "That One." This story is immersive and terrifying but also had humor. Protagonist attacks the white reader directly saying how much "people" get wrong about Indigenous monsters. And then gives us a terror that literally crawl inside her and us.
If I had to pick a favorite it is The Body Delivers Erica Tremblay. This is a SF horror that I don't want to spoil because WOW. It has a historical foundation but is set now. It is one of the best SF horror stories I have read full stop. And what it says about humanity and our scientific goals....chilling.
Bios for each author after the story so you can easily find more-- and you will want to.
Also, you know many people are going to be drawn to this book to read a new story by Stephen Graham Jones of Tommy Orange or Ramona Emerson-- all best selling authors. But the FIRST of these stories does not come until page 130. As a reader, you are already hooked by then. Stumbling upon SGJ next, is exciting but you are already invested.
Range of scares and range of places-- cities, suburbs, cabin in the woods, reservation, one with a historical horror twist
Hawk and Van Alst Jr are committed to not only representing the full range of Indigenous voices, not only are they refusing to accept the racism inherent in white readers collecting these stories like souvenirs, not only are the preserving stories of survivors, BUT they are also uplifting horror as serious literature. You can do all of this and they do. And that's why is is a superior anthology for all readers who love horror.
This is horror about being seen by other Indigenous. If white people see them and their stories great, but not the reason. But everyone will be scared by what they see. And unapologetic-- these are Indigenous told in their storytelling traditional ways. Does it follow a structure that the dominant Western culture storytelling does always-- no, not always. Do the endings sometimes feel like the story just ends? yes. Does that ruin my enjoyment of these stories as a white lady. Nope. Not one bit. Some of these I will never forget.
Readalikes-- of course the first book. But also, any horror that is by non white, Western/European voices, anything that showcases how Horror as an emotion and a genre not only transcends identity/culture/background but also illustrates how these horror stories are even more terrifying when the lens of those who have been marginalized (at best) and harmed (at worst) by the dominant culture.
Examples-- The World Horror anthologies by Valancourt, Out There Screaming, The Upcoming Something Followed Us Home, Our Shadows Have Claws, ed. Yamile Saied Méndez & Amparo Ortiz (YA), Black Cranes, Tales of Unquiet Women, Sinew and Silk (up for a stoker this year)
Want to Read
May 12, 2026Never Whistle at Night Part II: Back for Blood!!!
Heck yeahhh, that's how you title a follow-up anthology! I absolutely love it. Never Whistle at Night is one of my favorite Dark Fiction Anthologies ever, so I'm stoked we're getting more stories. Edited again by Shane Hawk. This is gonna be good. ARC received!!
Heck yeahhh, that's how you title a follow-up anthology! I absolutely love it. Never Whistle at Night is one of my favorite Dark Fiction Anthologies ever, so I'm stoked we're getting more stories. Edited again by Shane Hawk. This is gonna be good. ARC received!!
April 20, 2026
First off, huge thank you to @netgalley , @aaknopf , @pantheonbooks , and @ireadvintage for the ARC!
I LOVED The first Never Whistle at Night collection and was so pissed I hadn’t read it sooner! This time when I saw it on NetGalley I requested it so damn fast 🏃🏻♀️💨 This collection was even better than the first, which I didn’t even think was possible! Being able to find new indigenous horror makes my heart so happy 🥰 I really hope they decide to keep doing new volumes in the future!
Some of my favorite stories are:
🕸Miss. Cherokee Princess 1996
🕸Neon Moon
🕸We Don’t Talk About it
🕸Guest Account
🕸Party at the Alvarez Ranch
Be sure to check out Never Whistle at Night II: Back for Blood on August 18th, 2026!
I LOVED The first Never Whistle at Night collection and was so pissed I hadn’t read it sooner! This time when I saw it on NetGalley I requested it so damn fast 🏃🏻♀️💨 This collection was even better than the first, which I didn’t even think was possible! Being able to find new indigenous horror makes my heart so happy 🥰 I really hope they decide to keep doing new volumes in the future!
Some of my favorite stories are:
🕸Miss. Cherokee Princess 1996
🕸Neon Moon
🕸We Don’t Talk About it
🕸Guest Account
🕸Party at the Alvarez Ranch
Be sure to check out Never Whistle at Night II: Back for Blood on August 18th, 2026!
Want to Read
June 24, 2026Stephen Graham Jones, Tommy Orange, Alicia Elliott, Billy-Ray Belcourt . . . I'm in. Also lots of people who I haven't heard of or who are brand new. But I do still need to read the first one.
July 24, 2026
Back for Blood: Never Whistle at Night Part II arrives tasked with following one of the most celebrated horror anthologies of recent years, and it surpasses that challenge. Rather than trying to recapture the atmospheric dread of Never Whistle at Night Part I, this collection embraces horror in all its forms, delivering 21 stories that are bloodier and stranger, remaining deeply rooted in Indigenous storytelling. A compelling feature of this anthology is its incredible range. Readers will find everything from visceral body horror and the supernatural to psychological terror, found footage nightmares, and unsettling explorations of racism, addiction, grief, and colonial violence. The opening story, Jessica Doe's "Miss Cherokee Princess 1996", immediately sets the tone with an unforgettable piece that is as emotionally resonant as it is gruesome. The stories that follow rarely let up, constantly shifting styles while maintaining a high level of quality. Back for Blood strikes a balance between established names and emerging voices in Indigenous horror. Readers may initially be drawn to contributors like Stephen Graham Jones and Tommy Orange, but many of the most impactful stories come from newer or lesser known authors. Highly renowned Cheyenne and Arapaho painter Brent Learned's striking illustrations preceding each story further enhance the reading experience, offering eerie visual preludes without revealing too much. Most importantly, Back for Blood remains true to its purpose. These stories are not merely horror filtered through an Indigenous lens. They are fierce Indigenous stories that embrace traditional storytelling while confronting both supernatural legends and the very real, and still current, horrors of colonialism. The result is an anthology that is frightening, emotionally powerful, and wholly original. Whether you're a longtime horror reader or want to discover more culturally diverse stories, Back for Blood stands as one of this year's most essential anthologies. Thank you so much to Vintage Books for getting me a review copy and to NetGalley for an eARC. Don't miss this one y'all! Preorder wherever you buy your books as this drops soon on August 18th, 2026.
July 1, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Vintage Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have challenged myself to expand beyond what I normally read and seek out more diverse stories I may not normally gravitate towards. This includes Back for Blood, which is the second anthology of Indigenous Horror from both more well known and new authors.
I think that the strongest stories in this anthology are the ones that pull from the lived experience of Indigenous people, with some even exploring the way that intersecting identities can really shape those experiences. Some stories that did this exceptionally well were Civilized, Summer Vacation, We Don't Talk About It and Toothjar.
Some of my other favorites that really stood out were Guest Account and The Body Delivers .
I think, for me, some stories felt disjointed, too abstract, or just too short for me to feel anything for the characters or the story, which is what led me to 3.5 stars vs 4. I do think there was some good horror in here, especially by some of the newer authors. I appreciated learning more about Indigenous culture through the lens of horror and folklore. I would still absolutely recommend this anthology, more diverse horror is needed in literature.
I have challenged myself to expand beyond what I normally read and seek out more diverse stories I may not normally gravitate towards. This includes Back for Blood, which is the second anthology of Indigenous Horror from both more well known and new authors.
I think that the strongest stories in this anthology are the ones that pull from the lived experience of Indigenous people, with some even exploring the way that intersecting identities can really shape those experiences. Some stories that did this exceptionally well were Civilized, Summer Vacation, We Don't Talk About It and Toothjar.
Some of my other favorites that really stood out were Guest Account and The Body Delivers .
I think, for me, some stories felt disjointed, too abstract, or just too short for me to feel anything for the characters or the story, which is what led me to 3.5 stars vs 4. I do think there was some good horror in here, especially by some of the newer authors. I appreciated learning more about Indigenous culture through the lens of horror and folklore. I would still absolutely recommend this anthology, more diverse horror is needed in literature.
August 3, 2026
Never Whistle At Night returns with a vengeance in the second volume, Back For Blood. Stories from Indigenous authors collected again, with a fresh batch of terrifying tales.
An encounter with a mothman. A father watching as something else takes over the life that should be his. A girl who went into the hospital to get her vocal cords fixed, and emerged with something taken instead. These are just a few of the stories included in this volume, and they’re all chilling. My personal favorite is the first one, Miss Cherokee Princess 1996, where a girl tries to make herself look more Indigenous, only to make herself look uncanny in the end. (And my word, what an insufferable character to narrate a story!)
Miss Cherokee Princess 1996: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Animal Dumb: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Neon Moon: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Late Night Stroll Through A Moonlit Pasture: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Saskan: Breakup: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Civilized: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Footprints: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ivo R Ies: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rez Dogs: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Guest Account: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Party At The Alvarez Ranch: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Found Footage: ⭐️⭐️
Summer Vacation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Goat Eyes: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (SO UNSETTLING)
We Don’t Talk About It: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Corpse Room: ⭐️⭐️
Star Mound: ⭐️
Little Tree: ⭐️⭐️
Tooth Jar: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Body Delivers: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Making of Monsters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley and Vintage pub for the e-arc! Never Whistle at Night Part II: Back For Blood releases on August 18!
An encounter with a mothman. A father watching as something else takes over the life that should be his. A girl who went into the hospital to get her vocal cords fixed, and emerged with something taken instead. These are just a few of the stories included in this volume, and they’re all chilling. My personal favorite is the first one, Miss Cherokee Princess 1996, where a girl tries to make herself look more Indigenous, only to make herself look uncanny in the end. (And my word, what an insufferable character to narrate a story!)
Miss Cherokee Princess 1996: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Animal Dumb: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Neon Moon: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Late Night Stroll Through A Moonlit Pasture: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Saskan: Breakup: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Civilized: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Footprints: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ivo R Ies: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rez Dogs: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Guest Account: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Party At The Alvarez Ranch: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Found Footage: ⭐️⭐️
Summer Vacation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Goat Eyes: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (SO UNSETTLING)
We Don’t Talk About It: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Corpse Room: ⭐️⭐️
Star Mound: ⭐️
Little Tree: ⭐️⭐️
Tooth Jar: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Body Delivers: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Making of Monsters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley and Vintage pub for the e-arc! Never Whistle at Night Part II: Back For Blood releases on August 18!
July 15, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!!
I loved ‘Never Whistle at Night’ and when I saw there was a sequel I knew I had to have it in my hands. Indigenous horror is one of my favorite genres and I love discovering new Indigenous authors.
Some of these stories were hit or miss, but that can be said with all anthology collections. These were my favorites:
👄 Miss Cherokee Princess 1996 by Jessica Doe
🐄 Neon Moon by Theodore C Van Alst Jr.
🚶🏻Late Night Stroll Through A Midnight Pasture by Jim Terry
💔 Saskan: Breakup by Jessica Johns
🔪 Civilized by A.J Eversole
🖥️ Guest Account by Alicia Elliot
🎉 Party at The Alvarez Ranch by Mat RudeWalker
🔥 Summer Vacation by Billy-Ray Belcourt
🤐 We Don’t Talk about It by Alina Pete
I loved ‘Never Whistle at Night’ and when I saw there was a sequel I knew I had to have it in my hands. Indigenous horror is one of my favorite genres and I love discovering new Indigenous authors.
Some of these stories were hit or miss, but that can be said with all anthology collections. These were my favorites:
👄 Miss Cherokee Princess 1996 by Jessica Doe
🐄 Neon Moon by Theodore C Van Alst Jr.
🚶🏻Late Night Stroll Through A Midnight Pasture by Jim Terry
💔 Saskan: Breakup by Jessica Johns
🔪 Civilized by A.J Eversole
🖥️ Guest Account by Alicia Elliot
🎉 Party at The Alvarez Ranch by Mat RudeWalker
🔥 Summer Vacation by Billy-Ray Belcourt
🤐 We Don’t Talk about It by Alina Pete
August 3, 2026
Thank you to my besties Ted & Shane (and Vintage) for my free ARC of Back for Blood: Never Whistle at Night Part II edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr. — out August 18!
» READ IF YOU «
🐺 finished the first Never Whistle at Night and wanted more
🩸 love stories that show monsters and humans in the same horrific light
📖 want an anthology that’ll help you discover new authors
» SYNOPSIS «
Never Whistle at Night returns with twenty-one brand-new stories of Indigenous horror, from both the established names you love and newly discovered voices. This time, we’re leaning aaaall the way into horror—supernatural terrors sitting right alongside the everyday horrors of the human condition in a post-colonial world.
» REVIEW «
Whew. This one's more horror-forward than the first collection, and it shows in all the best ways. While I personally adore dark fiction and bleak literary vibes, there's more “go for the throat” with the horror stories in NWAN II—monsters, murder, gore, and terror. As with any anthology, it's a mixed bag, but the hit rate on this one is genuinely high for me, just like with the first edition.
SGJ’s "Rez Dogs" was (unsurprisingly) a standout for me; nobody writes closing lines like that freakin’ guy. Jessica Johns's "Saskan: Breakup" hit me hardest emotionally, turning heartbreak into something monstrous (a fave metaphor of mine). Jessica Doe's "Miss Cherokee Princess 1996" opens the collection with a sharp, unsettling vibe that will stick with me for ages. And Debra Magpie Earling's "The Corpse Room" is truly horrific and unsettling, with a closing visual that’s to die for…literally. Plus so many more!!
If you loved the first NWAN, this second installment packs even more of a “horror” punch that you’re sure to devour. Back for blood, indeed. Don’t miss it!
» RATING «
😙 I'm NOT Whistling 😵
» READ-A-LIKES «
• One Bad Night & Other Stories (anthology)
• Bad Cree by Jessica Johns
• Reservation Dogs (TV show)
• Never Whistle at Night (anthology)
» READ IF YOU «
🐺 finished the first Never Whistle at Night and wanted more
🩸 love stories that show monsters and humans in the same horrific light
📖 want an anthology that’ll help you discover new authors
» SYNOPSIS «
Never Whistle at Night returns with twenty-one brand-new stories of Indigenous horror, from both the established names you love and newly discovered voices. This time, we’re leaning aaaall the way into horror—supernatural terrors sitting right alongside the everyday horrors of the human condition in a post-colonial world.
» REVIEW «
Whew. This one's more horror-forward than the first collection, and it shows in all the best ways. While I personally adore dark fiction and bleak literary vibes, there's more “go for the throat” with the horror stories in NWAN II—monsters, murder, gore, and terror. As with any anthology, it's a mixed bag, but the hit rate on this one is genuinely high for me, just like with the first edition.
SGJ’s "Rez Dogs" was (unsurprisingly) a standout for me; nobody writes closing lines like that freakin’ guy. Jessica Johns's "Saskan: Breakup" hit me hardest emotionally, turning heartbreak into something monstrous (a fave metaphor of mine). Jessica Doe's "Miss Cherokee Princess 1996" opens the collection with a sharp, unsettling vibe that will stick with me for ages. And Debra Magpie Earling's "The Corpse Room" is truly horrific and unsettling, with a closing visual that’s to die for…literally. Plus so many more!!
If you loved the first NWAN, this second installment packs even more of a “horror” punch that you’re sure to devour. Back for blood, indeed. Don’t miss it!
» RATING «
😙 I'm NOT Whistling 😵
» READ-A-LIKES «
• One Bad Night & Other Stories (anthology)
• Bad Cree by Jessica Johns
• Reservation Dogs (TV show)
• Never Whistle at Night (anthology)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Average Overall Rating: ★ 3.75 / 5
I am a HUGE fan of the original anthology, so you can imagine my excitement at learning a sequel was in the works. I was flying through this book, and it made me want to reread the first anthology again or at least reread favorite stories.
✧ Miss Cherokee Princess 1996 by Jessica Doe ★ 4 / 5
✧ Animal Dumb by P. G. Verrone ★ 3.5 / 5
✧ Neon Moon by Theodore C. Van Aist Jr. ★ 3 / 5
✧ Late Night Stroll Through a Moonlit Pasture by Jim Terry ★ 2.75 / 5
✧ Saskan: Breakup by Jessica Johns ★ 4.25 / 5
✧ Civilized by A. J. Eversole ★ 5 / 5
✧ Footprints by Sonia Marie Barry ★ 4.75 / 5
✧ Ivories by Shane Hawk ★ 4.5 / 5
✧ Rez Dogs by Stephen Graham Jones ★ 4.5 / 5
✧ Guest Account by Alicia Elliott ★ 3.5 / 5
✧ Party at the Alvarez Ranch by Mat Rudewalker ★ 3 / 5
✧ Found Footage by Shaawan Francis Keahna ★ 2.5 / 5
✧ Summer Vacation by Billy-Ray Belcourt ★ 3.5 / 5
✧ Goat Eyes by Jake Arrowtop ★ 3.75 / 5
✧ We Don’t Talk About It by Alina Pete ★ 3.5 / 5
✧ The Corpse Room by Debra Magpie Earling ★ 4 / 5
✧ Star Mound by Joshua Whitehead ★ 2 / 5
✧ Little Tree by Tommy Orange ★ 3 / 5
✧ Toothjar by Ramona Emerson ★ 3.5 / 5
✧ The Body Delivers by Erica Tremblay ★ 4.5 / 5
✧ The Making of Monsters by Kimberly Blaeser ★ 3.75 / 5
They’re less stories in this installment, and that was a smart decision by the editors because it allowed these stories to live longer.
You can obviously see my favorites above based off of the ratings, but the ones that are still seared into my mind are The Body Delivers, Civilized, Footprints, and Ivories.
The Body Delivers was particularly horrifying in a sci-fi, horror type of way. It was the most shocking of the stories to the point where I was physically hanging my mouth open, unable to compute what I was reading. I had to double back multiple times to reread because my brain was just stunned.
All in all, if you’re a horror lover and you haven’t picked up the Never Whistle at Night anthologies—do yourself a favor and grab one of them this fall.
Thank you Vintage for sending me an ARC to review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I am a HUGE fan of the original anthology, so you can imagine my excitement at learning a sequel was in the works. I was flying through this book, and it made me want to reread the first anthology again or at least reread favorite stories.
✧ Miss Cherokee Princess 1996 by Jessica Doe ★ 4 / 5
✧ Animal Dumb by P. G. Verrone ★ 3.5 / 5
✧ Neon Moon by Theodore C. Van Aist Jr. ★ 3 / 5
✧ Late Night Stroll Through a Moonlit Pasture by Jim Terry ★ 2.75 / 5
✧ Saskan: Breakup by Jessica Johns ★ 4.25 / 5
✧ Civilized by A. J. Eversole ★ 5 / 5
✧ Footprints by Sonia Marie Barry ★ 4.75 / 5
✧ Ivories by Shane Hawk ★ 4.5 / 5
✧ Rez Dogs by Stephen Graham Jones ★ 4.5 / 5
✧ Guest Account by Alicia Elliott ★ 3.5 / 5
✧ Party at the Alvarez Ranch by Mat Rudewalker ★ 3 / 5
✧ Found Footage by Shaawan Francis Keahna ★ 2.5 / 5
✧ Summer Vacation by Billy-Ray Belcourt ★ 3.5 / 5
✧ Goat Eyes by Jake Arrowtop ★ 3.75 / 5
✧ We Don’t Talk About It by Alina Pete ★ 3.5 / 5
✧ The Corpse Room by Debra Magpie Earling ★ 4 / 5
✧ Star Mound by Joshua Whitehead ★ 2 / 5
✧ Little Tree by Tommy Orange ★ 3 / 5
✧ Toothjar by Ramona Emerson ★ 3.5 / 5
✧ The Body Delivers by Erica Tremblay ★ 4.5 / 5
✧ The Making of Monsters by Kimberly Blaeser ★ 3.75 / 5
They’re less stories in this installment, and that was a smart decision by the editors because it allowed these stories to live longer.
You can obviously see my favorites above based off of the ratings, but the ones that are still seared into my mind are The Body Delivers, Civilized, Footprints, and Ivories.
The Body Delivers was particularly horrifying in a sci-fi, horror type of way. It was the most shocking of the stories to the point where I was physically hanging my mouth open, unable to compute what I was reading. I had to double back multiple times to reread because my brain was just stunned.
All in all, if you’re a horror lover and you haven’t picked up the Never Whistle at Night anthologies—do yourself a favor and grab one of them this fall.
Thank you Vintage for sending me an ARC to review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 24, 2026
Thank you to edelweiss and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I think I enjoyed this collection more than the last. All of the stories were impactful and I always love learning about indigenous culture and how people’s lives differ.
My favorites in this collection were:
Animal Dumb by P.C. Verrone
Civilized by A.J. Eversole
Guest Account by Alicia Elliot
Summer Vacation by Billy-Ray Belcourt
We Don’t Talk About It by Alina Pete
The Corpse Room by Debra Magpie Earling
The Body Delivers by Erica Tremblay
So many of these stories had such deep messages. The forcible removal of indigenous people & the way that young women were forced to have hysterectomies & how indigenous people are treated even now by people. There’s a few stories that go over the idea of the white passing native and I found those interesting as well. This collection was solid and they always give me new authors to look up.
I think I enjoyed this collection more than the last. All of the stories were impactful and I always love learning about indigenous culture and how people’s lives differ.
My favorites in this collection were:
Animal Dumb by P.C. Verrone
Civilized by A.J. Eversole
Guest Account by Alicia Elliot
Summer Vacation by Billy-Ray Belcourt
We Don’t Talk About It by Alina Pete
The Corpse Room by Debra Magpie Earling
The Body Delivers by Erica Tremblay
So many of these stories had such deep messages. The forcible removal of indigenous people & the way that young women were forced to have hysterectomies & how indigenous people are treated even now by people. There’s a few stories that go over the idea of the white passing native and I found those interesting as well. This collection was solid and they always give me new authors to look up.
June 19, 2026
I enjoyed Never Whistle at Night Part 1, but I REALLY enjoyed Part 2. In the intro, they said they listened to their readers, reflected, and went darker. Wow, they did not disappoint. There were such a variety of stories that brought out all kinds of emotions. Each one was so unique. I never could have guessed what was going to come next. There were a number where I desperately wished for a full length novel. Here are my individual ratings for them all!
Miss Cherokee Princess 1996: 4/5
Animal Dumb: 4/5
Neon Moon: 4/5
Late Night Stroll Through
A Moonlit Pasture: 3/5
Saskan Breakup: 2/5
Civilized: 4/5
Footprints: 5/5
Ivories: 5/5
Rez Dogs: 5/5
Guest Account: 4/5
Party At the Alvarez Ranch: 3.5/5
Found Footage: 3.5/5
Summer Vacation: 4/5
Goat Eyes: 5/5
We Don't Talk About It: 5/5
The Corpse Room: 5/5
Star Mound 4/5
Little Tree 3/5
Toothjar 3.5/5
The Body Delivers: 4.5/5
The Making of Monster 4/5
Thank you Vintage and Netgalley for letting me read this one early <3
Miss Cherokee Princess 1996: 4/5
Animal Dumb: 4/5
Neon Moon: 4/5
Late Night Stroll Through
A Moonlit Pasture: 3/5
Saskan Breakup: 2/5
Civilized: 4/5
Footprints: 5/5
Ivories: 5/5
Rez Dogs: 5/5
Guest Account: 4/5
Party At the Alvarez Ranch: 3.5/5
Found Footage: 3.5/5
Summer Vacation: 4/5
Goat Eyes: 5/5
We Don't Talk About It: 5/5
The Corpse Room: 5/5
Star Mound 4/5
Little Tree 3/5
Toothjar 3.5/5
The Body Delivers: 4.5/5
The Making of Monster 4/5
Thank you Vintage and Netgalley for letting me read this one early <3
Want to Read
March 30, 2026Book 1 is SO SO GOOD! I can't wait to read this one!!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
August 6, 2026
The best review of this book is already in the title. Like the perfect horror sequel, this new anthology of indigenous horror edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore Van Alst Jr. never lets up.
The stories only intensify as the book goes on, with each tale clinging to me more than the last. It’s impossible to pick a favorite, but the rhythm of the last six stories will stay with me forever. There are no duds in this collection. I loved every story.
This anthology is perfect for anyone seeking out diverse horror written by indigenous greats. It’s also a great way to discover new authors and read powerful pieces from well-established authors such as my favorite, Stephen Graham Jones.
Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor via NetGalley for the absolute honor of this eARC. I hope for future installments of Never Whistle At Night!
The stories only intensify as the book goes on, with each tale clinging to me more than the last. It’s impossible to pick a favorite, but the rhythm of the last six stories will stay with me forever. There are no duds in this collection. I loved every story.
This anthology is perfect for anyone seeking out diverse horror written by indigenous greats. It’s also a great way to discover new authors and read powerful pieces from well-established authors such as my favorite, Stephen Graham Jones.
Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor via NetGalley for the absolute honor of this eARC. I hope for future installments of Never Whistle At Night!
Did Not Finish
June 16, 2026Didn't finish before my access on net galley expired 🥲 it was really really good but I can only do so much horror at a time and I kept getting distracted by other books. Looking forward to finishing it when I can get my hands on it again.
April 4, 2026
A refresh of a beautifully anti-colonialism and anti-capitalism horror anthology – yes please! Savored the stories and truly enjoy how all of the authors really create a spooky setting. Not only does this feature indigenous voices, but it creates an inclusive space in horror. An anthology that has been long awaited and is well worth the read. Each story sets a different mood for all your horror needs.
Some stories like “We Don’t Talk about It” and “Cherokee Princess” really nailed their vision. The metaphors that come alive through horror will always be my favorite aspect of reading this genre. I promise you this a bloody collection full of monsters, indigenous folklore, and metaphors that really make you think about the ways we interact with western ideals. All opinions are my own, thank you Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and anchor publishing for this advanced digital copy.
For tarot readings, recommendations, and reviews – visit my blog brujerialibrary.wordpress.com
Some stories like “We Don’t Talk about It” and “Cherokee Princess” really nailed their vision. The metaphors that come alive through horror will always be my favorite aspect of reading this genre. I promise you this a bloody collection full of monsters, indigenous folklore, and metaphors that really make you think about the ways we interact with western ideals. All opinions are my own, thank you Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and anchor publishing for this advanced digital copy.
For tarot readings, recommendations, and reviews – visit my blog brujerialibrary.wordpress.com
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5/5
Richard Van Camp and Shane Hawk edited and collected another amazing group of indigenous horror short stories, with some from invited and established authors I'm very familiar with (Stephen Graham Jones, Tommy Orange, Jessica Johns, Billy-Ray Belcourt, Erica Tremblay) and half from open-call submissions introducing us all to amazing new talent (For me this definitely includes the authors of some of my favorites from this collection, such as P.C. Verrone, Alina Pete, and Alicia Elliott to name a few).
Some of the stories are feminist horror, or queer horror, or technological horror. All are indigenous horror, and all are educational on indigenous history and stories. They weave this knowledge into body horror, a Mothman retelling, our climate crisis, and more, and I find myself researching things such as the COINTELPRO infiltration of the American Indian Movement and Matushka Olga.
Each story also has a beautiful illustration to introduce it, done by renowned Cheyenne and Arapaho painter Brent Learned. Below are my spoiler free reviews of each story and their individual ratings.
Miss Cherokee Princess 1996 by Jessica Doe: 3/5
All you have to do to get exactly what you want is mix some banevine and creek water and a whole new you can emerge. That's exactly what Emmamae Wilson needs. She is competing for her last year of eligibility in Miss Cherokee Princess, a contest started by her great-great-grandfather, who met her great-great-grandmother (the very first Miss Cherokee Princess) through it. She feels like her chances are impacted by the fact that she is mixed, so she uses her grandma's took book to create a concoction allowing her to change her physical features into whatever she wants, as long as she has a picture for inspiration. She can assemble an ideal version of herself from the pieces of other people she desires. But it's all worth it to be Miss Cherokee Princess... right?
Animal Dumb by P.C. Verrone: 4/5
You are the main character in this first person POV story. You are a boy going through puberty and falling in love with your best friend Adrian. Your grandmother used to share Kiowa stories with you, before she started losing her memory. Your brother is five years older than you but still bullies you endlessly. You're growing a concerning amount of hair following a blood moon outing, but that's puberty. One-night things come to a head with your brother, and your hair may have to decide if this is regular puberty or if you may be becoming something else.
Neon Moon by Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.: 4/5
Stories of a Mothman like creature have been spreading throughout Chicago, but Joey and his friends are a little more concerned with police brutality and rival gangs in the neighborhood to worry about some urban legend running around. As they hangout drinking outside an old theatre, they see something that matches the stories, and surviving the night becomes the only goal. After the chase, the origins of the creature are revealed, and that may be the scariest part of the whole tale.
Late Night Stroll Through a Moonlit Pasture by Jim Terry: 3/5
Billy just wants the girl he likes to meet up with him at the bar. When she doesn't show up, he heads home, and his friend Dave catches up with him. The two take a different 'safer' route back to their dorms and Dave questions Billy on why he feels so uncomfortable with his native heritage. Billy dodges the questions, but an encounter on the way home makes him come face to face with his identity.
Saskan: Breakup by Jessica Johns: 3.5/5
Vi and Caroline break up, and Caroline isn't quite sure what life looks like now that Vi isn't there. As she attempts to learn, she looks deeper into her heritage and her family's history in their town.
Civilized by A.J. Eversole: 3.5/5
It's 1920 in Tulsa and Charley is Cherokee but can pass as white thanks to the father he doesn't know. He uses this ability to his family's benefit, when possible, even though he doesn't enjoy it. The community also gossips about Charley, saying he had spiritual eyes that could let the devil in and out. As bodies start showing up around town, Charley has to contend with the way the police treat him versus his family and friends and decide if the devil is inside of him after all.
Footprints by Sonia Marie Barry: 4/5
Marie must go on a trip to get a procedure done. Any additional details would spoil the story.
Ivories by Shane Hawk: 4.5/5
Parenthood is hard between sleep training, decisions about the future, and realizing your own mortality. Shaun and Rory are new parents, dealing with loss of sleep and the teething of their daughter Mia. Shaun has been using his 'night shifts' with the baby to work on his writing, but his exhaustion has him wondering if he's seeing things. He falls back on knowledge from his grandfather to explain the occurrences and help him navigate his reaction. As memories of his own childhood come back, Shaun must learn what is passed down from parent to child and the lengths to which he is willing to go to protect Mia.
Rez Dogs by Stephen Graham Jones: 3/5
Story from the POV of the dogs on a reservation, just trying to survive every day to make it to the next day.
Guest Account by Alicia Elliott: 4/5
Meg is a social outcast and lonely, her only real friend is her cousin Lexi, but Lexi plays sports and has extracurriculars, so Meg spends most of her time alone. Lexi's sister, Shel, is Meg's main tormentor. When she's young, she realizes the allure of the internet and creates another version of herself when she gets a NetPetz and creates the online profile. When actions on her account she can't recall get her banned, she simply moves onto the big leagues of online culture, Reddit, Discord, and Tumblr. When her grandmother gets her a cellphone at sixteen, Meg sees it as the opportunity to spend the majority of her time being her online self. After getting her phone, certain occurrences make Meg wonder how much of her persona is created, and how much may be lurking inside of her.
Party at the Alvarez Ranch by Matt RudeWalker: 3.5/5 - Wish it had been longer
Jace and Alex spend most nights driving around in Jace's car listening to music, but tonight Alex convinced Jace to go to a party, hoping to get in with the popular kids at their school. The Alvarez ranch is the oldest and largest family-owned plot, and their money means they get away with whatever occurs on it. What could go wrong on a giant plot of land with a bunch of underage drinking?
Found Footage by Shaawan Francis Keahna: 4/5
Casey and Johnny make a video in hopes of freeing Casey from what is inside of her.
Summer Vacation by Billy-Ray Belcourt: 5/5
Not all horror is supernatural.
Goat Eyes by Jake Arrowtop: 3/5T
ommy's parents died in an accident when he was young, and he has been raised by drunk Uncle Bits ever since. Tommy and Bits go hunting together frequently and collect trophies from their kills. Tommy also has an obsession with the legend of the Goatman.
We Don't Talk About It by Alina Pete: 5/5
Sasha comes from a self-described family of Native academics, all except her brother who just checked himself out of rehab for his alcoholism. Sasha secretly feels a bit holier-than-thou when it comes to her brother, but she's about to realize just what kind of sickness he has been dealing with.
The Corpse Room by Debra Magpie Earling: 4/5
A story on residential schools and their horrors, real and supernatural.
Star Mound by Joshua Whitehead: 3/5
Little Tree by Tommy Orange: 3/5
Little Tree's parents were pipeline protestors who are responsible for the death of government men blown to bits by one of their pipeline bombs. Little Tree has been trained on what to do if people come seeking revenge but may not be prepared for what comes after.
Toothjar by Ramona Emerson: 3/5
A young man goes back to his family's land, where he spent one life changing summer in childhood, after his father dies and wonders what horrors may await him there.
The Body Deliverers by Erica Tremblay: 4/5
History is important for the future, sometimes history makes the future.
The Making of Monsters by Kimberly Blaeser: 3/5
A monster is made.
Richard Van Camp and Shane Hawk edited and collected another amazing group of indigenous horror short stories, with some from invited and established authors I'm very familiar with (Stephen Graham Jones, Tommy Orange, Jessica Johns, Billy-Ray Belcourt, Erica Tremblay) and half from open-call submissions introducing us all to amazing new talent (For me this definitely includes the authors of some of my favorites from this collection, such as P.C. Verrone, Alina Pete, and Alicia Elliott to name a few).
Some of the stories are feminist horror, or queer horror, or technological horror. All are indigenous horror, and all are educational on indigenous history and stories. They weave this knowledge into body horror, a Mothman retelling, our climate crisis, and more, and I find myself researching things such as the COINTELPRO infiltration of the American Indian Movement and Matushka Olga.
Each story also has a beautiful illustration to introduce it, done by renowned Cheyenne and Arapaho painter Brent Learned. Below are my spoiler free reviews of each story and their individual ratings.
Miss Cherokee Princess 1996 by Jessica Doe: 3/5
All you have to do to get exactly what you want is mix some banevine and creek water and a whole new you can emerge. That's exactly what Emmamae Wilson needs. She is competing for her last year of eligibility in Miss Cherokee Princess, a contest started by her great-great-grandfather, who met her great-great-grandmother (the very first Miss Cherokee Princess) through it. She feels like her chances are impacted by the fact that she is mixed, so she uses her grandma's took book to create a concoction allowing her to change her physical features into whatever she wants, as long as she has a picture for inspiration. She can assemble an ideal version of herself from the pieces of other people she desires. But it's all worth it to be Miss Cherokee Princess... right?
Animal Dumb by P.C. Verrone: 4/5
You are the main character in this first person POV story. You are a boy going through puberty and falling in love with your best friend Adrian. Your grandmother used to share Kiowa stories with you, before she started losing her memory. Your brother is five years older than you but still bullies you endlessly. You're growing a concerning amount of hair following a blood moon outing, but that's puberty. One-night things come to a head with your brother, and your hair may have to decide if this is regular puberty or if you may be becoming something else.
Neon Moon by Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.: 4/5
Stories of a Mothman like creature have been spreading throughout Chicago, but Joey and his friends are a little more concerned with police brutality and rival gangs in the neighborhood to worry about some urban legend running around. As they hangout drinking outside an old theatre, they see something that matches the stories, and surviving the night becomes the only goal. After the chase, the origins of the creature are revealed, and that may be the scariest part of the whole tale.
Late Night Stroll Through a Moonlit Pasture by Jim Terry: 3/5
Billy just wants the girl he likes to meet up with him at the bar. When she doesn't show up, he heads home, and his friend Dave catches up with him. The two take a different 'safer' route back to their dorms and Dave questions Billy on why he feels so uncomfortable with his native heritage. Billy dodges the questions, but an encounter on the way home makes him come face to face with his identity.
Saskan: Breakup by Jessica Johns: 3.5/5
Vi and Caroline break up, and Caroline isn't quite sure what life looks like now that Vi isn't there. As she attempts to learn, she looks deeper into her heritage and her family's history in their town.
Civilized by A.J. Eversole: 3.5/5
It's 1920 in Tulsa and Charley is Cherokee but can pass as white thanks to the father he doesn't know. He uses this ability to his family's benefit, when possible, even though he doesn't enjoy it. The community also gossips about Charley, saying he had spiritual eyes that could let the devil in and out. As bodies start showing up around town, Charley has to contend with the way the police treat him versus his family and friends and decide if the devil is inside of him after all.
Footprints by Sonia Marie Barry: 4/5
Marie must go on a trip to get a procedure done. Any additional details would spoil the story.
Ivories by Shane Hawk: 4.5/5
Parenthood is hard between sleep training, decisions about the future, and realizing your own mortality. Shaun and Rory are new parents, dealing with loss of sleep and the teething of their daughter Mia. Shaun has been using his 'night shifts' with the baby to work on his writing, but his exhaustion has him wondering if he's seeing things. He falls back on knowledge from his grandfather to explain the occurrences and help him navigate his reaction. As memories of his own childhood come back, Shaun must learn what is passed down from parent to child and the lengths to which he is willing to go to protect Mia.
Rez Dogs by Stephen Graham Jones: 3/5
Story from the POV of the dogs on a reservation, just trying to survive every day to make it to the next day.
Guest Account by Alicia Elliott: 4/5
Meg is a social outcast and lonely, her only real friend is her cousin Lexi, but Lexi plays sports and has extracurriculars, so Meg spends most of her time alone. Lexi's sister, Shel, is Meg's main tormentor. When she's young, she realizes the allure of the internet and creates another version of herself when she gets a NetPetz and creates the online profile. When actions on her account she can't recall get her banned, she simply moves onto the big leagues of online culture, Reddit, Discord, and Tumblr. When her grandmother gets her a cellphone at sixteen, Meg sees it as the opportunity to spend the majority of her time being her online self. After getting her phone, certain occurrences make Meg wonder how much of her persona is created, and how much may be lurking inside of her.
Party at the Alvarez Ranch by Matt RudeWalker: 3.5/5 - Wish it had been longer
Jace and Alex spend most nights driving around in Jace's car listening to music, but tonight Alex convinced Jace to go to a party, hoping to get in with the popular kids at their school. The Alvarez ranch is the oldest and largest family-owned plot, and their money means they get away with whatever occurs on it. What could go wrong on a giant plot of land with a bunch of underage drinking?
Found Footage by Shaawan Francis Keahna: 4/5
Casey and Johnny make a video in hopes of freeing Casey from what is inside of her.
Summer Vacation by Billy-Ray Belcourt: 5/5
Not all horror is supernatural.
Goat Eyes by Jake Arrowtop: 3/5T
ommy's parents died in an accident when he was young, and he has been raised by drunk Uncle Bits ever since. Tommy and Bits go hunting together frequently and collect trophies from their kills. Tommy also has an obsession with the legend of the Goatman.
We Don't Talk About It by Alina Pete: 5/5
Sasha comes from a self-described family of Native academics, all except her brother who just checked himself out of rehab for his alcoholism. Sasha secretly feels a bit holier-than-thou when it comes to her brother, but she's about to realize just what kind of sickness he has been dealing with.
The Corpse Room by Debra Magpie Earling: 4/5
A story on residential schools and their horrors, real and supernatural.
Star Mound by Joshua Whitehead: 3/5
Little Tree by Tommy Orange: 3/5
Little Tree's parents were pipeline protestors who are responsible for the death of government men blown to bits by one of their pipeline bombs. Little Tree has been trained on what to do if people come seeking revenge but may not be prepared for what comes after.
Toothjar by Ramona Emerson: 3/5
A young man goes back to his family's land, where he spent one life changing summer in childhood, after his father dies and wonders what horrors may await him there.
The Body Deliverers by Erica Tremblay: 4/5
History is important for the future, sometimes history makes the future.
The Making of Monsters by Kimberly Blaeser: 3/5
A monster is made.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m so sorry to the publisher/NetGalley. There was just no way I was going to make it to August to wait to read this. 🤣 Never Whistle at Night is hands down one of my favorite story collections of all time. It sits proudly on my shelf. I had this “sequel” of sorts, preordered almost as quickly as it was announced.
I do think Never Whistle at Night edges this one out for my favorite between the two, but this is no less worthy of your time and I’m thrilled the editors put the work into making a follow up collection. If they do a third (please do a third) I’ll certainly read it.
There were some deeply unsettling stories to be found here, so it lives up to the Back for Blood name. I loved that the first book elevated the voices of lesser known/newer authors, but here there are plenty of recognizable names: Stephen Graham Jones, Tommy Orange, Shane Hawk, Billy Ray Belcourt, Ramona Emerson, Alicia Elliot and Jessica Johns.
I think a lot of these stories require you to sit with them for a bit. I don’t know that all of them were straightforward, they ask you to work a little harder than the previous book, but perhaps that’s to be expected with more experienced authors. Hawke’s story in particular I had to read twice to properly unravel. (It was worth it).
I actually intend to reread this one when I get my finished copy. I am excited to see the beautiful illustrations for one (each story had its own and they were great) but also looking forward to reconnecting with it when I know better what to expect. So in no particular order, here were some of the standouts for me:
IVO R IES, Shane Hawke- I read it twice and I’m still not sure I understand it, but once you figure out what’s going on I think this is the most unsettling story of the collection.
Miss Cherokee Princess 1996, Jessica Doe- what an opener. I appreciated the social commentary in this one as much as the horror. Both were top tier. I’ve never read anything from Jessica Doe before but would love to see more.
Latenight Stroll through a Moonlit Pasture, Jim Terry - I loved the eerie/spooky vibe. I wouldn’t call it folklore horror really but has that sort of quality to it.
Guest Account, Alicia Elliott- is there anything scarier than losing yourself? This one was both unsettling and had a 90s nostalgia to it that I loved.
Party at the Alvarez Ranch, Mat RudeWalker - has a classic horror feel, teens partying, urban legends, something out to get them. Loved it.
Toothjar, Ramona Emerson- apocalyptic, weird, horror. Knocked it out of the park.
The Body Delivers, Erica Tremblay- I almost don’t want to say the genre because I feel like it’s a spoiler. This one unravels slowly and once you catch the gist it’s unsettling as all hell.
And I can’t not shout out Rez Dogs by Stephen Graham Jones. This one surprised me the most. Another one I’m not 100% sure I understood, would like to do a reread. But I enjoyed my time with it.
Anyway. If you loved Never Whistle at Night definitely put this on your TBR. I’ll never stop recommending that one to people and now I’m happy to be able to recommend the follow up.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
ETA: I’m sorry to all the stories and authors I didn’t mention, as I was looking at the table of contents honestly I could have put them all here it was hard to choose favorites. They all had merit.
I do think Never Whistle at Night edges this one out for my favorite between the two, but this is no less worthy of your time and I’m thrilled the editors put the work into making a follow up collection. If they do a third (please do a third) I’ll certainly read it.
There were some deeply unsettling stories to be found here, so it lives up to the Back for Blood name. I loved that the first book elevated the voices of lesser known/newer authors, but here there are plenty of recognizable names: Stephen Graham Jones, Tommy Orange, Shane Hawk, Billy Ray Belcourt, Ramona Emerson, Alicia Elliot and Jessica Johns.
I think a lot of these stories require you to sit with them for a bit. I don’t know that all of them were straightforward, they ask you to work a little harder than the previous book, but perhaps that’s to be expected with more experienced authors. Hawke’s story in particular I had to read twice to properly unravel. (It was worth it).
I actually intend to reread this one when I get my finished copy. I am excited to see the beautiful illustrations for one (each story had its own and they were great) but also looking forward to reconnecting with it when I know better what to expect. So in no particular order, here were some of the standouts for me:
IVO R IES, Shane Hawke- I read it twice and I’m still not sure I understand it, but once you figure out what’s going on I think this is the most unsettling story of the collection.
Miss Cherokee Princess 1996, Jessica Doe- what an opener. I appreciated the social commentary in this one as much as the horror. Both were top tier. I’ve never read anything from Jessica Doe before but would love to see more.
Latenight Stroll through a Moonlit Pasture, Jim Terry - I loved the eerie/spooky vibe. I wouldn’t call it folklore horror really but has that sort of quality to it.
Guest Account, Alicia Elliott- is there anything scarier than losing yourself? This one was both unsettling and had a 90s nostalgia to it that I loved.
Party at the Alvarez Ranch, Mat RudeWalker - has a classic horror feel, teens partying, urban legends, something out to get them. Loved it.
Toothjar, Ramona Emerson- apocalyptic, weird, horror. Knocked it out of the park.
The Body Delivers, Erica Tremblay- I almost don’t want to say the genre because I feel like it’s a spoiler. This one unravels slowly and once you catch the gist it’s unsettling as all hell.
And I can’t not shout out Rez Dogs by Stephen Graham Jones. This one surprised me the most. Another one I’m not 100% sure I understood, would like to do a reread. But I enjoyed my time with it.
Anyway. If you loved Never Whistle at Night definitely put this on your TBR. I’ll never stop recommending that one to people and now I’m happy to be able to recommend the follow up.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
ETA: I’m sorry to all the stories and authors I didn’t mention, as I was looking at the table of contents honestly I could have put them all here it was hard to choose favorites. They all had merit.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After reading the first anthology and liking the horror stories more than the others, I was definitely excited to get into this one. Like with all anthologies, there were some hits and some misses. I did enjoy this anthology, though I liked some stories much more than others.
Thank you to Shane Hawk, Theodore C. Van Alst Jr., Vintage, and NetGalley for an early copy for review.
Individual reviews below:
Miss Cherokee Princess 1996 by Jessica Doe - 5/5
Yes very The Substance. I love girlipop horror
Animal Dumb by P.C. Verrone - 4/5
Ngl the 2nd person pov made me do the stock image of the guy in the white shirt pointing at himself. Idk how to insert pics but you get it. Other than that this was a standard, but definitely good and certainly rewarding coming of age werewolf story
Neon Moon by Theodore C. Van Alst Jr. - 5/5
Ohhh yes cryptids are always fun
Late Night Stroll Through a Moonlit Pasture by Jim Terry - 3/5
Honestly one of the dangers of vodka crans.
Saskan: Breakup by Jessica Johns - 3/5
I wasn’t sure how I was feeling about this one for the majority of it, but the ending made up for it.
Civilized by A.J. Eversole - 2/5
The ending kind of came out of nowhere and I would have liked something to have been done with it.
Footprints by Sonia Marie Barry - 2/5
Huh?? I kept waiting for it to make sense and it never did.
Ivo R Ies by Shane Hawk - 5/5
Throw the whole baby away. This one was so scary and very Paranormal Activity.
Rez Dogs by Stephen Graham Jones - 1/5
Yeah as per usual I don’t like SGJ’s books
Guest Account by by Alicia Elliott - 5/5
Absolutely disgusting to be in the head of that kid that might sh00t up the school. Very effective
Party at the Alvarez Ranch by Mat RudeWalker - 4/5
This one was fun but I wish it was a little longer to develop it some more.
Found Footage by Shaawan Francis Keahna - 4/5
This was both a reflective story but also building tension to something that we actually never see in a very fun way.
Summer Vacation by Billy-Ray Belcourt - 3/5
This was just so nothing. It wasn’t bad, it wasn’t good, it had nothing profound to say.
Goat Eyes by Jake Arrowtop - 3/5
What I want to say about this story would be a spoiler to be entirely honest.
We Don’t Talk About It by Alina Pete - 4/5
Interesting take on mythical monsters and addiction without necessarily blaming the monster for it
The Corpse Room by Debra Magpie Earling - 2/5
The story was cool probably but the writing made it so difficult to know what the hell was going on.
Star Mound by Joshua Whitehead - 1/5
The type of story you would find in the journal of a guy who murdered several people.
Little Tree by Tommy Orange - 2/5
Needed more development to flesh it out. I’m left feeling so meh.
Toothjar by Ramona Emerson - 3/5
I really liked the setup for this one but I just felt like it didn’t go anywhere.
The Body Delivers by Erica Tremblay - 5/5
Oh yeah this was good. History blended with scifi blended with horror.
The Making of Monsters by Kimberly Blaeser - 2/5
Good message, boring execution
Thank you to Shane Hawk, Theodore C. Van Alst Jr., Vintage, and NetGalley for an early copy for review.
Individual reviews below:
Miss Cherokee Princess 1996 by Jessica Doe - 5/5
Yes very The Substance. I love girlipop horror
Animal Dumb by P.C. Verrone - 4/5
Ngl the 2nd person pov made me do the stock image of the guy in the white shirt pointing at himself. Idk how to insert pics but you get it. Other than that this was a standard, but definitely good and certainly rewarding coming of age werewolf story
Neon Moon by Theodore C. Van Alst Jr. - 5/5
Ohhh yes cryptids are always fun
Late Night Stroll Through a Moonlit Pasture by Jim Terry - 3/5
Honestly one of the dangers of vodka crans.
Saskan: Breakup by Jessica Johns - 3/5
I wasn’t sure how I was feeling about this one for the majority of it, but the ending made up for it.
Civilized by A.J. Eversole - 2/5
The ending kind of came out of nowhere and I would have liked something to have been done with it.
Footprints by Sonia Marie Barry - 2/5
Huh?? I kept waiting for it to make sense and it never did.
Ivo R Ies by Shane Hawk - 5/5
Throw the whole baby away. This one was so scary and very Paranormal Activity.
Rez Dogs by Stephen Graham Jones - 1/5
Yeah as per usual I don’t like SGJ’s books
Guest Account by by Alicia Elliott - 5/5
Absolutely disgusting to be in the head of that kid that might sh00t up the school. Very effective
Party at the Alvarez Ranch by Mat RudeWalker - 4/5
This one was fun but I wish it was a little longer to develop it some more.
Found Footage by Shaawan Francis Keahna - 4/5
This was both a reflective story but also building tension to something that we actually never see in a very fun way.
Summer Vacation by Billy-Ray Belcourt - 3/5
This was just so nothing. It wasn’t bad, it wasn’t good, it had nothing profound to say.
Goat Eyes by Jake Arrowtop - 3/5
What I want to say about this story would be a spoiler to be entirely honest.
We Don’t Talk About It by Alina Pete - 4/5
Interesting take on mythical monsters and addiction without necessarily blaming the monster for it
The Corpse Room by Debra Magpie Earling - 2/5
The story was cool probably but the writing made it so difficult to know what the hell was going on.
Star Mound by Joshua Whitehead - 1/5
The type of story you would find in the journal of a guy who murdered several people.
Little Tree by Tommy Orange - 2/5
Needed more development to flesh it out. I’m left feeling so meh.
Toothjar by Ramona Emerson - 3/5
I really liked the setup for this one but I just felt like it didn’t go anywhere.
The Body Delivers by Erica Tremblay - 5/5
Oh yeah this was good. History blended with scifi blended with horror.
The Making of Monsters by Kimberly Blaeser - 2/5
Good message, boring execution
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'll start this off by admitting two things: 1. I did not read the first book. I actually have it sitting on a shelf glaring at me right now for reading book two first and 2. This is probably only my second dive into what I would consider modern Indigenous horror. I have stacks of what would be considered "traditional" horror, most from a time before or just after white people arrived but for the most part none of the stories I have read do not go past say 1900 and actually I think that's being generous. Now, granted this is taken at the word of the people who compiled the anthologies I own, which I have tried to ensure most of them were done by Native American humans so I trust them, but ya never know. I say this all to say I went into this without any expectations at all other than it would probably scare the crap out of me (look if you've read any traditional Native horror you know that shit is fucking scary okay) and on that level I will say that these stories truly succeeded. However, these stories are so much more than just horror.
For the most part a lot of the stories are the same multi layered and quite frankly cleverly done conversations about the realities of being Indigenous in the U.S. and Canada. To be fair I think some of them are so clever they may fly over the heads of many white people. References to parts of Native American history that quite simply are not taught in school were abundant to say the least. That being said many of them while, speaking directly to the experience of being an Indigenous human simply existing in the U.S. some of these were relatable on multiple levels, which I think is an important aspect of horror. Not all of the time and not in every story but if you don't have a little bit of stake in it, the impact is lessened. That being said many of them definitely were not there were many stories where I could not relate even the slightest and oddly enough some of those were the creepiest but also the most heartbreaking.
At the end of the day though I think what I really liked about this is that quite honestly, they run the gamut in terms of horror. Creatures, shapeshifters, body horror, some body snatcher type thing, like you name it. If you have a specific little niche horror genre that you enjoy you will most definitely find a story for yourself in this collection. And yeah some of these stories absolutely made me cry. Going to make sure that's out there, again I know, horror, weird but trust me I'd at least have a couple of tissues nearby okay. And look don't be like me and start it at 1:30am because yeah sure some of these are just mildly creepy but some of them ensured I'll be sleeping with the lights on for the next two days at least. And I'll be side eyeing my freaking dogs for a while thanks to Stephen Graham Jones.
I'd say it's fairly obvious at this point that I highly recommend this book!
As always thanks to Netgalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor for the eArc!
For the most part a lot of the stories are the same multi layered and quite frankly cleverly done conversations about the realities of being Indigenous in the U.S. and Canada. To be fair I think some of them are so clever they may fly over the heads of many white people. References to parts of Native American history that quite simply are not taught in school were abundant to say the least. That being said many of them while, speaking directly to the experience of being an Indigenous human simply existing in the U.S. some of these were relatable on multiple levels, which I think is an important aspect of horror. Not all of the time and not in every story but if you don't have a little bit of stake in it, the impact is lessened. That being said many of them definitely were not there were many stories where I could not relate even the slightest and oddly enough some of those were the creepiest but also the most heartbreaking.
At the end of the day though I think what I really liked about this is that quite honestly, they run the gamut in terms of horror. Creatures, shapeshifters, body horror, some body snatcher type thing, like you name it. If you have a specific little niche horror genre that you enjoy you will most definitely find a story for yourself in this collection. And yeah some of these stories absolutely made me cry. Going to make sure that's out there, again I know, horror, weird but trust me I'd at least have a couple of tissues nearby okay. And look don't be like me and start it at 1:30am because yeah sure some of these are just mildly creepy but some of them ensured I'll be sleeping with the lights on for the next two days at least. And I'll be side eyeing my freaking dogs for a while thanks to Stephen Graham Jones.
I'd say it's fairly obvious at this point that I highly recommend this book!
As always thanks to Netgalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor for the eArc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Vintage Press and NetGalley for my copy. All opinions are my own. Back for Blood: Never Whistle at Night Volume II publishes August 18, 2026.
4.25 / 5.00
This was a great sampling of horror tropes from a variety of Indigenous authors, many of whom were new to me authors. Some of my favorites included:
*Animal Dumb by P.C. Verrone
*Neon Moon by Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.
*Late Night Stroll Through a Moonlit Pasture by Jim Terry
*Saskan: Breakup by Jessica Johns
*Footprints by Sonia Marie Barry
*Ivories by Shane Hawk
*Rez Dogs by Stephen Graham Jones
*Guest Account by Alicia Elliott
*We Don’t Talk About It by Alina Pete
*The Corpse Room by Debra Magpie Earling
*The Body Delivers by Erica Tremblay
Like any collection of stories, there were some stories I just didn’t connect with or truly enjoy, but I always expect that. There were plenty of stories I did love, and it was great to learn about authors I haven’t encountered yet. My ARC had placeholders for some of the author bios, so it will be fun to get the finished book and read more about the authors included in this collection. I loved how different each of the stories were, both in content and in writing style.
I also loved that the stories were all relatively the same length, so I never got to a place where I was surprised that one story was significantly longer or shorter than the others. There’s going to be something for everyone to love in this book, and I really hope we get a third installment of the series!
This book had me humming “Things That go Bump in the Night” by allSTARS. The song is an electronic dance tune that invokes all the best things about Halloween – the creeps, the sneaks, and all the monsters to boot! “Beware of the full moon / Stick to the path / Out come the creatures / A spine-chilling laugh.” Back for Blood gives plenty of reasons to stick to the well-lit path and showcases some familiar monsters in new ways. “There’s a chill in the air / You hear a creak on the stars / You gotta lock all your doors / Is there anybody out” One thing I absolutely loved about this book was that the terrors aren’t always things you can keep out. Sometimes, you’re the monster you want to run from. “You cannot run / And you cannot hide / Yeah, you gotta face it, baby / Things go bump in the night.” Find out some of the things you can’t run or hide from when you pick up Back for Blood in August!
4.25 / 5.00
This was a great sampling of horror tropes from a variety of Indigenous authors, many of whom were new to me authors. Some of my favorites included:
*Animal Dumb by P.C. Verrone
*Neon Moon by Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.
*Late Night Stroll Through a Moonlit Pasture by Jim Terry
*Saskan: Breakup by Jessica Johns
*Footprints by Sonia Marie Barry
*Ivories by Shane Hawk
*Rez Dogs by Stephen Graham Jones
*Guest Account by Alicia Elliott
*We Don’t Talk About It by Alina Pete
*The Corpse Room by Debra Magpie Earling
*The Body Delivers by Erica Tremblay
Like any collection of stories, there were some stories I just didn’t connect with or truly enjoy, but I always expect that. There were plenty of stories I did love, and it was great to learn about authors I haven’t encountered yet. My ARC had placeholders for some of the author bios, so it will be fun to get the finished book and read more about the authors included in this collection. I loved how different each of the stories were, both in content and in writing style.
I also loved that the stories were all relatively the same length, so I never got to a place where I was surprised that one story was significantly longer or shorter than the others. There’s going to be something for everyone to love in this book, and I really hope we get a third installment of the series!
This book had me humming “Things That go Bump in the Night” by allSTARS. The song is an electronic dance tune that invokes all the best things about Halloween – the creeps, the sneaks, and all the monsters to boot! “Beware of the full moon / Stick to the path / Out come the creatures / A spine-chilling laugh.” Back for Blood gives plenty of reasons to stick to the well-lit path and showcases some familiar monsters in new ways. “There’s a chill in the air / You hear a creak on the stars / You gotta lock all your doors / Is there anybody out” One thing I absolutely loved about this book was that the terrors aren’t always things you can keep out. Sometimes, you’re the monster you want to run from. “You cannot run / And you cannot hide / Yeah, you gotta face it, baby / Things go bump in the night.” Find out some of the things you can’t run or hide from when you pick up Back for Blood in August!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The first anthology in this series has been on my TBR since it came out, so I jumped at the chance to grab this ARC! This collection of horror writing by indigenous authors contains both familiar names like Stephen Graham Jones, Jessica Johns, and Tommy Jones, as well as lesser-known but just as brilliant authors. The stories will shock and delight horror readers, but I would recommend this book to literally anyone.
It's been a while since I've read an anthology, rather than a collection of short stories by the same author, and the stories in this anthology are so incredibly different, it can be hard to sum them up in a review. Overall, though, I really enjoyed the vast majority of them. So many left me wanting more, a whole novel's worth, rather than just a few pages.
A few favorites and highlights:
Miss Cherokee Princess 1996 by Jessica Doe: deliciously fucked up body horror in the vein of The Substance with a colonial twist
Neon Moon by Theodore C. Van Alst, Jr.: Mothman in Chicago? I'm so in. I'm such a sucker for Van Alst Jr.'s writing, ever since the brilliance of The El.
Ivories by Shane Hawk: Out and out scared me the most. Indigenous baby possession/haunted house horror. I read this in broad daylight and I still got the chills.
Toothjar by Ramona Emerson: COVID-tinged horror so vivid, I could picture every scene, down to Pinky the pig devouring the entrails of white tourists who spread disease with little regard for the communities upon which they enfringed.
The Body Delivers by Erica Tremblay: sci-fi horror that feels like Get Out and Rosemary's Baby all at once, but still fully unique.
Honestly, I could have listed so many more. This book is going to expand my TBR infinitely, because I'll be digging into the works of so many authors, ready to for even more blood.
My extreme graditude to the editors, authors, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
It's been a while since I've read an anthology, rather than a collection of short stories by the same author, and the stories in this anthology are so incredibly different, it can be hard to sum them up in a review. Overall, though, I really enjoyed the vast majority of them. So many left me wanting more, a whole novel's worth, rather than just a few pages.
A few favorites and highlights:
Miss Cherokee Princess 1996 by Jessica Doe: deliciously fucked up body horror in the vein of The Substance with a colonial twist
Neon Moon by Theodore C. Van Alst, Jr.: Mothman in Chicago? I'm so in. I'm such a sucker for Van Alst Jr.'s writing, ever since the brilliance of The El.
Ivories by Shane Hawk: Out and out scared me the most. Indigenous baby possession/haunted house horror. I read this in broad daylight and I still got the chills.
Toothjar by Ramona Emerson: COVID-tinged horror so vivid, I could picture every scene, down to Pinky the pig devouring the entrails of white tourists who spread disease with little regard for the communities upon which they enfringed.
The Body Delivers by Erica Tremblay: sci-fi horror that feels like Get Out and Rosemary's Baby all at once, but still fully unique.
Honestly, I could have listed so many more. This book is going to expand my TBR infinitely, because I'll be digging into the works of so many authors, ready to for even more blood.
My extreme graditude to the editors, authors, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
July 18, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Back for Blood: Never Whistle at Night, Volume Two was one of my most anticipated releases of the year after how much I loved the first anthology, and it absolutely delivers if you’re looking for horror that leans unapologetically into blood, gore, and monsters. This collection trades quiet dread for viscera. Limbs are torn apart. Monsters feast. Slashers stalk. Bodies become battlegrounds. The horror here is unapologetically physical, embracing gore without sacrificing the strong storytelling that made the first anthology so memorable.
As with every anthology, there were stories I loved more than others, but the overall quality never dipped enough to pull me out of the experience. What continues to make this series stand apart is the breadth of Indigenous horror on display. No two stories feel as though they’re reaching for the same thing. Some are brutal. Others are mournful. Some linger in folklore while others sprint headlong into creature features and slasher territory. Together, they create a collection that feels expansive rather than repetitive. I also appreciate that the violence never feels empty. Even at its bloodiest, these stories understand that horror is most effective when there’s something human beneath the carnage. The monsters may be tearing people apart, but the emotional core is what leaves the deepest marks.
Releasing in mid-August 2026, Back for Blood arrives at exactly the right moment. It’s the blood-soaked finale to Summerween and the perfect threshold between summer’s fading heat and the long shadows of spooky season. If your horror tastes run toward blood-soaked creature features, brutal slashers, and monsters lurking just beyond the tree line, this anthology belongs on your fall reading list.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Back for Blood: Never Whistle at Night, Volume Two was one of my most anticipated releases of the year after how much I loved the first anthology, and it absolutely delivers if you’re looking for horror that leans unapologetically into blood, gore, and monsters. This collection trades quiet dread for viscera. Limbs are torn apart. Monsters feast. Slashers stalk. Bodies become battlegrounds. The horror here is unapologetically physical, embracing gore without sacrificing the strong storytelling that made the first anthology so memorable.
As with every anthology, there were stories I loved more than others, but the overall quality never dipped enough to pull me out of the experience. What continues to make this series stand apart is the breadth of Indigenous horror on display. No two stories feel as though they’re reaching for the same thing. Some are brutal. Others are mournful. Some linger in folklore while others sprint headlong into creature features and slasher territory. Together, they create a collection that feels expansive rather than repetitive. I also appreciate that the violence never feels empty. Even at its bloodiest, these stories understand that horror is most effective when there’s something human beneath the carnage. The monsters may be tearing people apart, but the emotional core is what leaves the deepest marks.
Releasing in mid-August 2026, Back for Blood arrives at exactly the right moment. It’s the blood-soaked finale to Summerween and the perfect threshold between summer’s fading heat and the long shadows of spooky season. If your horror tastes run toward blood-soaked creature features, brutal slashers, and monsters lurking just beyond the tree line, this anthology belongs on your fall reading list.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Note: Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
A delightful collation of Native horror in a nice anthology! I enjoyed the first anthology and was quite excited to have a sequel. Each story is also prefaced with an illustration of the themes within the story. I have to admit, as a home-grown Chicagoan, I really enjoyed the callouts to the city and suburbs within the story - they truly made it feel like I was listening to stories told by the campfire or at a sleepover. Many of the authors in this anthology were new to me, and I certainly have new authors to add to my watch list!
I think where this anthology truly shines is the approaches to intersectionality, with the common thread being Indigenous communities. I love seeing how each author expressed their life, love, trauma, and experiences in incredibly artful ways. I think the scares here are less so trying to intimidate you with relentless gore, but rather the introspection of the world (in the case of A. J. Eversole's story), or exposure to unique horror monsters with a tragic tale spun around them (such as in Jessica John's story). These different takes on horror lend themselves to an anthology where I never expected the next move, and I truly enjoyed that.
The reason that I am rating it was 4 stars is because of the variety of quality and styles within the book. I understand that this is a hard line for anthologies to strike - how to add so many amazing diverse stories and also maintain cohesion. I have truly enjoyed this book and the previous one, and am thankful for the exposure to new authors that I will be adding to my TBR.
A delightful collation of Native horror in a nice anthology! I enjoyed the first anthology and was quite excited to have a sequel. Each story is also prefaced with an illustration of the themes within the story. I have to admit, as a home-grown Chicagoan, I really enjoyed the callouts to the city and suburbs within the story - they truly made it feel like I was listening to stories told by the campfire or at a sleepover. Many of the authors in this anthology were new to me, and I certainly have new authors to add to my watch list!
I think where this anthology truly shines is the approaches to intersectionality, with the common thread being Indigenous communities. I love seeing how each author expressed their life, love, trauma, and experiences in incredibly artful ways. I think the scares here are less so trying to intimidate you with relentless gore, but rather the introspection of the world (in the case of A. J. Eversole's story), or exposure to unique horror monsters with a tragic tale spun around them (such as in Jessica John's story). These different takes on horror lend themselves to an anthology where I never expected the next move, and I truly enjoyed that.
The reason that I am rating it was 4 stars is because of the variety of quality and styles within the book. I understand that this is a hard line for anthologies to strike - how to add so many amazing diverse stories and also maintain cohesion. I have truly enjoyed this book and the previous one, and am thankful for the exposure to new authors that I will be adding to my TBR.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved the first book, so I was excited to see that a sequel is coming out, and even more excited to be able to read it early through an ARC. This book certainly doesn't disappoint and offers the complex horror that the first did through a new selection of stories. So many subgenres of horror are depicted here. Some of the cultural references are inevitably lost on me because I'm not Native or overly familiar with the various cultures, but this does give me an opportunity to research new concepts and terms where possible. It was a bit hard to narrow it down, but my favorites from this collection:
Miss Cherokee Princess 1996 (A woman yearns to achieve a white-washed version of beauty, as she thinks this will help her win her last beauty pageant, which sends her to great lengths that permanently alter her appearance. There's a deeply sad irony about this one.)
Late Night Stroll Through a Moonlit Pasture (Atmospheric and scary as hell. Just when you think the characters might have narrowly escaped danger, there's more.)
Animal Dumb (It's queer, plus for some reason I get an '80s vibe from this one even though it's set in modern day—probably because the characters go to see a screening of The Fly. I also like the use of 2nd-person perspective.)
Civilized (The perils and advantages of passing. Narratives about people who are able to pass as white are fascinating to me because this is so far from my lived reality.)
Found Footage (I like the interview style of this story because it manages to conceal a lot while telling us just enough to be frightened.)
We Don't Talk About It (The sibling connection makes this one a notable favorite for me—the fleeting moment of tenderness and familial love that keeps two people holding onto their humanity as best they can.)
Toothjar (The fear of pandemic/sickness and outsiders' disrespect of life-or-death boundaries combines with the fear of the people the narrator lives with and the starving beast that they own.)
The Making of Monsters (A monster story in which a huge sacrifice is made in an effort to save one's people. The way this story was resolved is fresh and surprising to me.)
Miss Cherokee Princess 1996 (A woman yearns to achieve a white-washed version of beauty, as she thinks this will help her win her last beauty pageant, which sends her to great lengths that permanently alter her appearance. There's a deeply sad irony about this one.)
Late Night Stroll Through a Moonlit Pasture (Atmospheric and scary as hell. Just when you think the characters might have narrowly escaped danger, there's more.)
Animal Dumb (It's queer, plus for some reason I get an '80s vibe from this one even though it's set in modern day—probably because the characters go to see a screening of The Fly. I also like the use of 2nd-person perspective.)
Civilized (The perils and advantages of passing. Narratives about people who are able to pass as white are fascinating to me because this is so far from my lived reality.)
Found Footage (I like the interview style of this story because it manages to conceal a lot while telling us just enough to be frightened.)
We Don't Talk About It (The sibling connection makes this one a notable favorite for me—the fleeting moment of tenderness and familial love that keeps two people holding onto their humanity as best they can.)
Toothjar (The fear of pandemic/sickness and outsiders' disrespect of life-or-death boundaries combines with the fear of the people the narrator lives with and the starving beast that they own.)
The Making of Monsters (A monster story in which a huge sacrifice is made in an effort to save one's people. The way this story was resolved is fresh and surprising to me.)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Never Whistle at Night II: Back for Blood is gripping and creepy. I liked it much more than the first. While I didn't hate the first anthology, I didn't love it. It didn't feel like horror, but this did. I wanted more horror and horror elements, and this definitely delivered in that department. It's a solid lineup of short stories. There were a few I didn't care for much, but the rest I enjoyed. I also loved that they touched on some real-life events such as the 60s scope and forced sterilisation. My favorite story was Neon Moon, but I also really liked Miss Cherokee Princess 1996, Footprints, IVO R IES, Party at Alvarez Ranch, The Corpse Room, and Guest Account.
Miss Cherokee Princess 1996 by Jessica Doe - 4.25 ⭐️
Animal Dumb by P.C. Verrone - 3.75 ⭐️
Neon Moon by Theodore C. Van Alst Jr. - 4.5 ⭐️
Late Night Stroll Through a Moonlit Pasture by Jim Terry - 3.75 ⭐️
Saskan: Breakup by Jessica Johns - 3.5 ⭐️
Civilized by A. J. Eversole - 3 ⭐️
Footprints by Sonia Marie Barry - 4.25 ⭐️
IVO R IES by Shane Hawk - 4.25 ⭐️
Rez Dogs by Stephen Graham Jones - 3.75 ⭐️
Guest Account by Alicia Elliott - 4.25 ⭐️
Party at the Alvarez Ranch by Mat RudeWalker - 4.25 ⭐️
Found Footage by Shaawan Francis Keahna3.5 ⭐️
Summer Vacation by BillyRay Belcourt - 4 ⭐️
Goat Eyes by Jake Arrowtop - 4 ⭐️
We Don’t Talk About It by Alina Pete - 3.75 ⭐️
The Corpse Room by Debra Magpie Earling - 4.25 ⭐️
Star Mound by Joshua Whitehead - 3 ⭐️
Little Tree by Tommy Orange - 3.75 ⭐️
Toothjar Ramona by Emerson - 4 ⭐️
The Body Delivers by Erica Tremblay - 4 ⭐️
The Making of Monsters by Kimberly Blaeser - 3.75 ⭐️
Miss Cherokee Princess 1996 by Jessica Doe - 4.25 ⭐️
Animal Dumb by P.C. Verrone - 3.75 ⭐️
Neon Moon by Theodore C. Van Alst Jr. - 4.5 ⭐️
Late Night Stroll Through a Moonlit Pasture by Jim Terry - 3.75 ⭐️
Saskan: Breakup by Jessica Johns - 3.5 ⭐️
Civilized by A. J. Eversole - 3 ⭐️
Footprints by Sonia Marie Barry - 4.25 ⭐️
IVO R IES by Shane Hawk - 4.25 ⭐️
Rez Dogs by Stephen Graham Jones - 3.75 ⭐️
Guest Account by Alicia Elliott - 4.25 ⭐️
Party at the Alvarez Ranch by Mat RudeWalker - 4.25 ⭐️
Found Footage by Shaawan Francis Keahna3.5 ⭐️
Summer Vacation by BillyRay Belcourt - 4 ⭐️
Goat Eyes by Jake Arrowtop - 4 ⭐️
We Don’t Talk About It by Alina Pete - 3.75 ⭐️
The Corpse Room by Debra Magpie Earling - 4.25 ⭐️
Star Mound by Joshua Whitehead - 3 ⭐️
Little Tree by Tommy Orange - 3.75 ⭐️
Toothjar Ramona by Emerson - 4 ⭐️
The Body Delivers by Erica Tremblay - 4 ⭐️
The Making of Monsters by Kimberly Blaeser - 3.75 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The thing I love about anthologies like this is that no matter what you like—what subgenres, themes, or writing styles—there's something that'll appeal, and this anthology really does have a little bit of everything: body horror, creature features, paranormal, crime, psychological horror, human monsters, historical pieces, and stories that brush up against cosmic horror and sci-fi. The prose styles are also wonderfully varied and really well paced. I appreciate the narrative restraint in a lot of them, too. It can be tempting to over-explain things in horror, but subtlety is often the line between "fine" and "genuinely effective," and the unanswered questions are what make the horror linger. The best pieces in this anthology are the ones that leave a gap of the unknown for the mind to start making its own connections.
Out of the twenty-one stories, the overwhelming majority were four to five stars, and two of them made me reach for the tissues in the middle of reading (full-on chills and tears, no shame). There were a couple of really lovely romance subplots, a lot of fun dialogue, beautiful trope subversions, and truly well-executed twists. Not every story is going to hit for every reader, but that's okay, because there's plenty that will, and I think most horror readers will find something to love here. Plus, I found a bunch of new authors to follow, which is great for me even if it's bad for my TBR stack.
Out of the twenty-one stories, the overwhelming majority were four to five stars, and two of them made me reach for the tissues in the middle of reading (full-on chills and tears, no shame). There were a couple of really lovely romance subplots, a lot of fun dialogue, beautiful trope subversions, and truly well-executed twists. Not every story is going to hit for every reader, but that's okay, because there's plenty that will, and I think most horror readers will find something to love here. Plus, I found a bunch of new authors to follow, which is great for me even if it's bad for my TBR stack.
June 2, 2026
Thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor and Netgalley for a copy of this ARC
What a collection! Sometimes gross sometimes weird and sometimes sentimental Back For Blood is a short story collection that packs a punch.
A stacked set of authors with a very diverse set of stories I truly belive this collection will have something for every horror fan, and even non genre fans.
The stand outs for me
Miss Cherokee Princess 1996 by Jessica Doe
Holy shit what an opening. It's vicious and made me genuinely squeamish. It sets the tone wonderfully and is one im going to think about for a while.
Animal Dumb by P.G. Verron
Weird, 2nd person, queer heart pounding. One of the best werewolf tales I've read in a long time. Dead by daylight as an indicator that a character isn't strait is so beautiful to me personally.
Ivories by Shane Hawk
This made me glad I’m not a parent. Loved seeing a fathers baby horror perspective without it being oh I just hate my kid. This one got my pulse RACING. I take notes on each short story and here are my notes for it.
“Shawn? Is this about you (arrow pointing to shane) BUGS :( . I think this baby might be evil.
WORSE
:( :(
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”
Guest Account by Alicia Elliot
Vile and vicious. This is mean girl horror with a real bite that truly runs the gauntlet of the experiences of being a young girl with too much access to the internet. Truly horrifying
What a collection! Sometimes gross sometimes weird and sometimes sentimental Back For Blood is a short story collection that packs a punch.
A stacked set of authors with a very diverse set of stories I truly belive this collection will have something for every horror fan, and even non genre fans.
The stand outs for me
Miss Cherokee Princess 1996 by Jessica Doe
Holy shit what an opening. It's vicious and made me genuinely squeamish. It sets the tone wonderfully and is one im going to think about for a while.
Animal Dumb by P.G. Verron
Weird, 2nd person, queer heart pounding. One of the best werewolf tales I've read in a long time. Dead by daylight as an indicator that a character isn't strait is so beautiful to me personally.
Ivories by Shane Hawk
This made me glad I’m not a parent. Loved seeing a fathers baby horror perspective without it being oh I just hate my kid. This one got my pulse RACING. I take notes on each short story and here are my notes for it.
“Shawn? Is this about you (arrow pointing to shane) BUGS :( . I think this baby might be evil.
WORSE
:( :(
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”
Guest Account by Alicia Elliot
Vile and vicious. This is mean girl horror with a real bite that truly runs the gauntlet of the experiences of being a young girl with too much access to the internet. Truly horrifying
July 23, 2026
Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, the authors, editors, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Back for Blood: Never Whistle at Night pt II. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have been enjoying horror anthologies lately, as they bring back the nostalgia of reading Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark with my childhood best friend during sleepovers, but also, the horror is bite-size and I can pause to reflect between each story. This collection does not disappoint. Even though there are well-known authors sprinkled among newer authors, you wouldn't know from the quality of the writing. The bigger names are sure to be a draw, but I don't think readers will be disappointed by this collection at all.
I do think there's something for everyone. I think, as with every collection, there will be a story or two that doesn't resonate with everyone. For example, there two stories in particular that were, at least, misses for me, but I just know that my best friend would enjoy them because they're right up her alley. It's not a quality issue but a taste issue.
There are some stories that will stick in my mind, and I've already bookmarked the authors for future reference. However, reading is subjective so I will not reveal my favorites. What I will say is that anyone who loves horror and has an appreciation for North American heritage and history should read this anthology and treat the tales within with the respect they deserve.
I have been enjoying horror anthologies lately, as they bring back the nostalgia of reading Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark with my childhood best friend during sleepovers, but also, the horror is bite-size and I can pause to reflect between each story. This collection does not disappoint. Even though there are well-known authors sprinkled among newer authors, you wouldn't know from the quality of the writing. The bigger names are sure to be a draw, but I don't think readers will be disappointed by this collection at all.
I do think there's something for everyone. I think, as with every collection, there will be a story or two that doesn't resonate with everyone. For example, there two stories in particular that were, at least, misses for me, but I just know that my best friend would enjoy them because they're right up her alley. It's not a quality issue but a taste issue.
There are some stories that will stick in my mind, and I've already bookmarked the authors for future reference. However, reading is subjective so I will not reveal my favorites. What I will say is that anyone who loves horror and has an appreciation for North American heritage and history should read this anthology and treat the tales within with the respect they deserve.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
NEVER WHISTLE AT NIGHT is one of my favorite anthologies of all time and was one of my favorite reads in 2024 when it came to me, so I was so excited to see a second collection was coming out. And just like the first collection, BACK FOR BLOOD blew me away. The stories are definitely horrifying, and I found myself wincing and cringing as I read them, the way you wince and cringe while watching a really good horror movie.
The thing I think I love most about horror is the way that it forces audiences to really confront not only their actual fears, but why they have those fears. Those fears are often politically or socially contextual, and the scariest horror forces the audience to grapple with that directly. The stories in BACK FOR BLOOD do that, but not because they are particularly full of monsters or frightening events, but because they force the reader to reckon with ambiguity and the self and the cyclical nature of life. That’s not to say that there are no monsters here, and I think it’s quite likely that every reader will have a different experience with this collection.
I think my favorites were Animal Dumb and Summer Vacation, but I also loved Guest Account and Toothjar. I would read a million more anthologies like this, and I hope I’m lucky enough to get the chance to!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Vintage for the ARC!
The thing I think I love most about horror is the way that it forces audiences to really confront not only their actual fears, but why they have those fears. Those fears are often politically or socially contextual, and the scariest horror forces the audience to grapple with that directly. The stories in BACK FOR BLOOD do that, but not because they are particularly full of monsters or frightening events, but because they force the reader to reckon with ambiguity and the self and the cyclical nature of life. That’s not to say that there are no monsters here, and I think it’s quite likely that every reader will have a different experience with this collection.
I think my favorites were Animal Dumb and Summer Vacation, but I also loved Guest Account and Toothjar. I would read a million more anthologies like this, and I hope I’m lucky enough to get the chance to!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Vintage for the ARC!
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