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A Night Of Strange Dreams
- GenresFantasy
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2026
About the author
SF. Russell
1 book1 followerS.F. Russell lives in south-west England, where the landscape still remembers older things.
His debut collection, A Night of Strange Dreams, weaves eighteen strange dreams into a single night's journey — spanning thirteen centuries of folklore, mythology, and the quietly uncanny. His stories explore what it means to be human when confronted by the impossible, the ancient, and the utterly strange.
Find him at sfrussell.co.uk.
His debut collection, A Night of Strange Dreams, weaves eighteen strange dreams into a single night's journey — spanning thirteen centuries of folklore, mythology, and the quietly uncanny. His stories explore what it means to be human when confronted by the impossible, the ancient, and the utterly strange.
Find him at sfrussell.co.uk.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 27, 2026
I am not usually a reader of short stories, but having known the author via the internet from various websites for over 20 years, AND being a fan of both Fantasy & Science Fiction, I decided to request this collection from the ER group here on LibraryThing. There are some wonderful stories in here. My favorites were Weeping Stone, When Dale Knight Played, Metal in the Blood and The Boy, The Boat and the Whale. I would love to see some of these fleshed out into novella length works, or perhaps even novel length.
April 18, 2026
3.5/5
This is a wonderful debut and I'm thankful to the author for letting me read a free copy!
Russell gives us stories of werewolves, trolls, and magic. Each story stands alone but some feel connected and I loved that. I didn't like them all, but I really liked his style and tone. My biggest complaint is that some ended way too soon! I would have loved to see some of these extended a little further, they didn't need to be novels but given a few more pages.
A few of these were very colonial in theme and setting (the Gold Rush, England vs Spain) and after finishing Unceded by George M Abbott I wasn't in the mood for them. However, they are written well and are quite short. I enjoyed the imagery and settings that Russell gives us.
Overall, I would recommend Russell's work. I would happily pick up his next book and I look forward to it! A strong emerging writer that is just getting started. I'm excited!
This is a wonderful debut and I'm thankful to the author for letting me read a free copy!
Russell gives us stories of werewolves, trolls, and magic. Each story stands alone but some feel connected and I loved that. I didn't like them all, but I really liked his style and tone. My biggest complaint is that some ended way too soon! I would have loved to see some of these extended a little further, they didn't need to be novels but given a few more pages.
A few of these were very colonial in theme and setting (the Gold Rush, England vs Spain) and after finishing Unceded by George M Abbott I wasn't in the mood for them. However, they are written well and are quite short. I enjoyed the imagery and settings that Russell gives us.
Overall, I would recommend Russell's work. I would happily pick up his next book and I look forward to it! A strong emerging writer that is just getting started. I'm excited!
March 8, 2026
A jamboree bag of delights.
For the most part these stories are a joy. One or two fall a little flat but taken as a whole it makes for wonderful reading. For my part, seeing Odin's ravens turn up in a couple of the tales made me smile; I've got a soft spot for those two!
Read this in one sitting or dip in when you will, there's no bad way to approach this book & I guarantee you will enjoy it.
For the most part these stories are a joy. One or two fall a little flat but taken as a whole it makes for wonderful reading. For my part, seeing Odin's ravens turn up in a couple of the tales made me smile; I've got a soft spot for those two!
Read this in one sitting or dip in when you will, there's no bad way to approach this book & I guarantee you will enjoy it.
April 2, 2026
A Night of Strange Dreams is a collection of folklore-inspired short stories that takes familiar creatures from mythology—werewolves, trolls, banshees, unicorns—and places them in recognisable, often modern settings: a call centre, an Irish lough, a contemporary home. In many cases, the traditional roles are inverted, with the so-called “monsters” presented as victims of human cruelty. Humanity’s inability to coexist with them pushes these beings to the margins, where they are feared, exploited, or destroyed.
The collection maintains a steady sense of unease throughout. Russell avoids shock and spectacle, instead drawing horror from the situations themselves. One of the more effective examples involves Norwegian villagers who routinely weaken and torture a troll to keep themselves safe—an idea that is both unsettling and morally complex. The strength of the book lies in these concepts, particularly when the supernatural is treated as something practical or exploitable rather than mysterious. This is more than a simple retelling of folklore, although the opening story (featuring a werewolf and Gold Rush prospectors shooting the breeze around a camp fire) does lean closer to familiar territory before the collection finds its footing.
However, the brevity of many of the stories works against them. Several feel as though they only scratch the surface of ideas that could have had greater impact if given more space. Characters, in particular, can come across as vehicles for the concept rather than fully realised individuals, which limits emotional engagement. The Ride Home is a good example: an intriguing premise involving inherited powers, but populated by characters who feel too thinly drawn to fully invest in.
The consistent tone is both a strength and a drawback. The bleak, subdued atmosphere gives the collection a clear identity, but it also causes the stories to blur together over time. This is not a book to read straight through; it benefits from being dipped into gradually. At times, the tonal consistency even creates the impression of a shared world or recurring cast, despite the stories being largely unconnected.
Overall, this is a thoughtful and quietly effective collection with a strong conceptual core. While it doesn’t always achieve the emotional depth its ideas deserve, it remains an engaging and coherent take on darker folklore.
This is my independent review of a Library Thing Early Reviewers ARC. With thanks to the author.
The collection maintains a steady sense of unease throughout. Russell avoids shock and spectacle, instead drawing horror from the situations themselves. One of the more effective examples involves Norwegian villagers who routinely weaken and torture a troll to keep themselves safe—an idea that is both unsettling and morally complex. The strength of the book lies in these concepts, particularly when the supernatural is treated as something practical or exploitable rather than mysterious. This is more than a simple retelling of folklore, although the opening story (featuring a werewolf and Gold Rush prospectors shooting the breeze around a camp fire) does lean closer to familiar territory before the collection finds its footing.
However, the brevity of many of the stories works against them. Several feel as though they only scratch the surface of ideas that could have had greater impact if given more space. Characters, in particular, can come across as vehicles for the concept rather than fully realised individuals, which limits emotional engagement. The Ride Home is a good example: an intriguing premise involving inherited powers, but populated by characters who feel too thinly drawn to fully invest in.
The consistent tone is both a strength and a drawback. The bleak, subdued atmosphere gives the collection a clear identity, but it also causes the stories to blur together over time. This is not a book to read straight through; it benefits from being dipped into gradually. At times, the tonal consistency even creates the impression of a shared world or recurring cast, despite the stories being largely unconnected.
Overall, this is a thoughtful and quietly effective collection with a strong conceptual core. While it doesn’t always achieve the emotional depth its ideas deserve, it remains an engaging and coherent take on darker folklore.
This is my independent review of a Library Thing Early Reviewers ARC. With thanks to the author.
March 21, 2026
“A Night of Strange Dreams” is a delightfully moody and atmospheric collection of short stories. Russel has a talent for pulling you in within a few pages…I found each story to have a distinct “flavor”.
We’ve got vampires, werewolves, mermaids, sirens, trolls, and touches of magic. Omg and…bugs.
Some of stories have a loosely connected thread, adding extra intrigue, so keep your eyes peeled!
“Weeping Stone” is an unexpected empathetic story, highlighting Russel’s ability to tap into the heartfelt. Thoroughly enjoyed that!
I feel like the collection leans on the tame side for mainstream horror readers, though it would make a great introduction to the fantasy horror genre, especially for YA’s, or those who prefer a more subtle approach.
I would love to see Russel expand his style into a full length novel in the future!
Side note: the chapter graphic marker is on point! 🌕
We’ve got vampires, werewolves, mermaids, sirens, trolls, and touches of magic. Omg and…bugs.
Some of stories have a loosely connected thread, adding extra intrigue, so keep your eyes peeled!
“Weeping Stone” is an unexpected empathetic story, highlighting Russel’s ability to tap into the heartfelt. Thoroughly enjoyed that!
I feel like the collection leans on the tame side for mainstream horror readers, though it would make a great introduction to the fantasy horror genre, especially for YA’s, or those who prefer a more subtle approach.
I would love to see Russel expand his style into a full length novel in the future!
Side note: the chapter graphic marker is on point! 🌕
March 5, 2026
I extend my sincere gratitude to #NetGalley for providing an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novella, which I received in exchange for my honest review and unbiased opinion.
This unique novella is structured into 18 distinct chapters, each presenting a completely different, self-contained story. I found the collection to be a thoroughly enjoyable and captivating read. Every single story was crafted with intrigue, drawing me in and maintaining a high level of interest from start to finish. The variety and inventiveness across the narratives made the experience consistently fresh. I wholeheartedly enjoyed each of the individual tales. This book comes with my highest recommendation to readers looking for a compelling and varied anthology.
This unique novella is structured into 18 distinct chapters, each presenting a completely different, self-contained story. I found the collection to be a thoroughly enjoyable and captivating read. Every single story was crafted with intrigue, drawing me in and maintaining a high level of interest from start to finish. The variety and inventiveness across the narratives made the experience consistently fresh. I wholeheartedly enjoyed each of the individual tales. This book comes with my highest recommendation to readers looking for a compelling and varied anthology.
April 21, 2026
Disclaimer; I received a free e-copy from the author in exchange for my honest review. Thank you.
I quite enjoyed this collection of darkly whimsical short stories. Each of the 18 “chapters” were captivating, with the world building and writing style found within each truly drawing me in. My main complaint; many were simply too short. I felt that many of the stories merely scratched the surface of what they could truly be, leaving me wanting more.
With that said, for a debut collection this was well done. I will certainly be keeping an eye out for more of SF. Russell’s work and look forward to their future endeavors.
Particular highlights for me were:
“Through Shade and Shadow”
“Weeping Stone”
I quite enjoyed this collection of darkly whimsical short stories. Each of the 18 “chapters” were captivating, with the world building and writing style found within each truly drawing me in. My main complaint; many were simply too short. I felt that many of the stories merely scratched the surface of what they could truly be, leaving me wanting more.
With that said, for a debut collection this was well done. I will certainly be keeping an eye out for more of SF. Russell’s work and look forward to their future endeavors.
Particular highlights for me were:
“Through Shade and Shadow”
“Weeping Stone”
March 21, 2026
A Night of Strange Dreams by SF Russell feels a bit like falling into someone else's mind for an evening, and I raced through this collection. There were several short stories in this book that stuck with me, particularly the one about the troll, and several that didn't quite end up where I expected them. When Dale Knight Played was a particular favorite of mine. In any case, Russell is an evocative writer who draws you into these short vignettes with aplomb, and I enjoyed the book overall. Thank you for providing the ARC!
April 21, 2026
Strange Dreams indeed
This is an indie debut collection of 18 vignettes and stories of fantasy and horror. After a while you understand why they are also chapters 1-18. There are connections between the stories, themes and images that flow and repeat. It is a bit like the way your dreams can flow into each other during the night.
Since I am not a frequent horror reader, the six purely horror stories did not rock my boat. I did like “Corporate Culture” very much – it was also the scariest, ickiest story of them all, and I guffawed at the last line. I don’t really know what this says about me, he he. It’s interesting that I saw some of the stories I did not enjoy (one horror, one fantasy) in a new light after reading an interconnected story a few chapters later. This was nicely done. I do wish some of the stories were longer, sometimes it felt as if they ended just as the going got good.
Let me pick my favourites:
“Weeping Stone” – a British lady comes to Norway to look for trolls. Poignant.
“Seven Stones” – an inspector has to investigate magical deaths. I wanted to know more about the inspector.
“Drake” – Queen Elizabeth I, Sir Francis Drake, the Spanish Armada and magic. Yay! My cup of tea! So much fun! This was my favourite story.
“Metal in the Blood” – a Spaniard comes to Bolivia to see if an abandoned mine can still be profitable. It doesn’t go as planned. Good one!
“New York is a Jazz Song” – this was fun! I loved the title.
3.7 stars, very happily rounded up to 4 :)
Many thanks to NetGalley and SF Russell for the free e-book!
This is an indie debut collection of 18 vignettes and stories of fantasy and horror. After a while you understand why they are also chapters 1-18. There are connections between the stories, themes and images that flow and repeat. It is a bit like the way your dreams can flow into each other during the night.
Since I am not a frequent horror reader, the six purely horror stories did not rock my boat. I did like “Corporate Culture” very much – it was also the scariest, ickiest story of them all, and I guffawed at the last line. I don’t really know what this says about me, he he. It’s interesting that I saw some of the stories I did not enjoy (one horror, one fantasy) in a new light after reading an interconnected story a few chapters later. This was nicely done. I do wish some of the stories were longer, sometimes it felt as if they ended just as the going got good.
Let me pick my favourites:
“Weeping Stone” – a British lady comes to Norway to look for trolls. Poignant.
“Seven Stones” – an inspector has to investigate magical deaths. I wanted to know more about the inspector.
“Drake” – Queen Elizabeth I, Sir Francis Drake, the Spanish Armada and magic. Yay! My cup of tea! So much fun! This was my favourite story.
“Metal in the Blood” – a Spaniard comes to Bolivia to see if an abandoned mine can still be profitable. It doesn’t go as planned. Good one!
“New York is a Jazz Song” – this was fun! I loved the title.
3.7 stars, very happily rounded up to 4 :)
Many thanks to NetGalley and SF Russell for the free e-book!
March 12, 2026
Russell's debut is a collection of 18 enjoyable short stories featuring a variety of mythical creatures in a satisfying way through polished and imaginative prose. My favorites were When Dale Knight Played, for its appreciation of music as an art form, and Drake, for its depiction of political intrigue and longer form content. Though I struggled to connect with some of the characters and found a few of the stories to be slightly dull, this collection of stories is well-written.
As an aside, I think that Russell would shine more in writing a novel versus a novella. Regardless, I am supportive of any and all future works from him.
Thank you to NetGalley and S.F. Russell for providing me with an advance review copy.
As an aside, I think that Russell would shine more in writing a novel versus a novella. Regardless, I am supportive of any and all future works from him.
Thank you to NetGalley and S.F. Russell for providing me with an advance review copy.
April 30, 2026
A Night Of Strange Dreams is an imaginative and atmospheric fantasy that draws readers into a world shaped by mystery and surreal storytelling. SF. Russell creates a narrative that feels both intriguing and immersive.
What stands out most is the dreamlike quality of the book. The story unfolds in a way that invites curiosity, encouraging readers to explore its layers and interpret its meaning.
The sense of mystery and creativity adds depth to the reading experience, making it engaging for those who enjoy stories that step beyond the ordinary.
A compelling read for fans of fantasy who appreciate atmosphere, imagination, and a touch of the surreal.
What stands out most is the dreamlike quality of the book. The story unfolds in a way that invites curiosity, encouraging readers to explore its layers and interpret its meaning.
The sense of mystery and creativity adds depth to the reading experience, making it engaging for those who enjoy stories that step beyond the ordinary.
A compelling read for fans of fantasy who appreciate atmosphere, imagination, and a touch of the surreal.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews