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Lost in Found Footage
Not yet published
Expected 11 Aug 26Grey, a failing horror movie vlogger, is gearing up to attend the premiere of a new found footage horror movie at his local independent theater. After obtaining a mysterious camcorder at a pawn shop, he decides to make his vlog found-footage-style and smuggles the camera in.
But ten minutes into the screening, the cursed camera sucks Grey into the world of the film. He is now a character in...
THE WITCH OF HOPE HOLLOW
In his new reality, Grey is taken in by a documentary crew investigating a terrifying urban legend. After facing off against very real dangers in the form of monsters, liminal spaces, and hostile locals, Grey realizes he must use his knowledge of the found footage subgenre to complete the film...
Or risk being trapped in Hope Hollow forever...
But ten minutes into the screening, the cursed camera sucks Grey into the world of the film. He is now a character in...
THE WITCH OF HOPE HOLLOW
In his new reality, Grey is taken in by a documentary crew investigating a terrifying urban legend. After facing off against very real dangers in the form of monsters, liminal spaces, and hostile locals, Grey realizes he must use his knowledge of the found footage subgenre to complete the film...
Or risk being trapped in Hope Hollow forever...
- GenresHorror
193 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 11, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 22, 2026
As you all know, I’m a huge sucker for found footage books! So when the amazing Joey Powell messaged me and said he’d send me an arc, I was over the damn moon. It’s took me awhile to get through my other arcs, but I finally was able to start Lost in Found Footage. This was such a fun and wild ride. Powell himself changed the formulaic found footage story and made his own unique formula that had me hooked from page one. You could totally see the heavy influence of The Blair Witch in this one which made it that made better! And much like The Blair Witch, Lost in Found Footage also gave us something new and exciting! The only thing I wished there was more of was Willie long legs. He was so goddamn terrifying and I couldn’t help but with there was more lore and back story with him!
Lastly, I’d like to give a HUGE shoutout to Joey himself for being kind enough to send me an arc of Lost in Found Footage!
Lastly, I’d like to give a HUGE shoutout to Joey himself for being kind enough to send me an arc of Lost in Found Footage!
May 13, 2026
The Final Girls for found footage! Pokes fun at all the tropes while also telling a solid horror story and doing the sub-genre justice.
May 25, 2026
Horror You Tuber Grey’s new vlog on his new camera, was to be him reacting to a new found footage movie at the local theatre called The Witch of Hope Willow but he is suddenly pulled into the movie. He teams up with documentary team in the movie to investigate the urban legend but can he survive and get back to the real world?
A homage to the joy and predictability of found footage movies from the 90’s. All of the tropes are here, the cliched characters, small town mystery, dodgy locals, urban legend, threats, creepy offerings, disappearances and everyone running towards the danger instead of away from it.
This exposes the stupidity of the genre but is also a brilliant horror story with some genuinely creepy encounters. Even though you know the characters aren’t real you still want them to succeed, to survive and live to post their footage.
The cursed camera is a whole other level and what really stands out is Grey’s realisation that even though he thinks he knows how the movie should play out he is as clueless as the rest of them.
This is a short book but it is such a fun time, it’s unsettling and mad in the best way!
A homage to the joy and predictability of found footage movies from the 90’s. All of the tropes are here, the cliched characters, small town mystery, dodgy locals, urban legend, threats, creepy offerings, disappearances and everyone running towards the danger instead of away from it.
This exposes the stupidity of the genre but is also a brilliant horror story with some genuinely creepy encounters. Even though you know the characters aren’t real you still want them to succeed, to survive and live to post their footage.
The cursed camera is a whole other level and what really stands out is Grey’s realisation that even though he thinks he knows how the movie should play out he is as clueless as the rest of them.
This is a short book but it is such a fun time, it’s unsettling and mad in the best way!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Disclaimer: I received this book as an Advanced Readers Copy, I am leaving this review voluntarily and all thoughts and criticisms are my own.
———————————
TL/DR:
A fun romp through found footage horror tropes, a love-letter to the genre. A quick and easy read. Would recommend.
———————————-
Grey, a down on his luck YouTube horror movie critic, buys a cursed camera and quickly finds himself in over his head when it transports him into the found footage flick ‘The Witch of Hope Hollow’. With his knowledge of horror movie tropes, he has to survive the horrors that await and guide an intrepid documentary crew into finishing their film before it can finish him.
The book lives up to its premise as we follow Grey and crew through all of the classic features of and found footage horror - interviews, strange occurrences, rumors and local legends. The book invokes movies like The Blair Witch and YouTube series like Marble Hornets to great effect.
Stylistically, the framing device of some of the chapters being described as if the reader is watching the movie themselves was interesting, it has the feel of a more prose like script during those chapters and allowed a shift away from Grey as our POV in a fun and interesting way. There were a few moments where the writing did take me out of the story though - specifically an instance of Grey calling the movie characters NPCs. I’m not sure if it is just me coming off of reading the Dungeon Crawler Carl series but the line felt a little too LitRPG. I get he was referencing that the characters aren’t ‘real’ people but it felt completely out of place.
The main reason I’m rating this as a 3/5 rather than a 4/5 is for a few reasons. The first is that one character in particular that felt like a hinderance to the plot. A lot of my notes throughout the book were about the presence of Rodney. The second is that some of the writing fell a bit flat for me. I would occasionally come across an odd description that took me out of the scene for a little bit. The last is that the character development felt a little flat as well. I was hoping for Grey to use his wits a bit more and was waiting for his genre savvy awareness to turn the tides. We do almost get there when we reach the start of the climax, when Grey tries to tell the crew exactly what we all want to tell our protagonists in a horror movie - ‘don’t split up’. But from there, it’s less genre knowledge and more general action that saves the day. I think I came in with expectations that Grey was going to be more subversive to the genre. With a bit of tighter writing, this book could easily be a 5/5 for me.
———————————
TL/DR:
A fun romp through found footage horror tropes, a love-letter to the genre. A quick and easy read. Would recommend.
———————————-
Grey, a down on his luck YouTube horror movie critic, buys a cursed camera and quickly finds himself in over his head when it transports him into the found footage flick ‘The Witch of Hope Hollow’. With his knowledge of horror movie tropes, he has to survive the horrors that await and guide an intrepid documentary crew into finishing their film before it can finish him.
The book lives up to its premise as we follow Grey and crew through all of the classic features of and found footage horror - interviews, strange occurrences, rumors and local legends. The book invokes movies like The Blair Witch and YouTube series like Marble Hornets to great effect.
Stylistically, the framing device of some of the chapters being described as if the reader is watching the movie themselves was interesting, it has the feel of a more prose like script during those chapters and allowed a shift away from Grey as our POV in a fun and interesting way. There were a few moments where the writing did take me out of the story though - specifically an instance of Grey calling the movie characters NPCs. I’m not sure if it is just me coming off of reading the Dungeon Crawler Carl series but the line felt a little too LitRPG. I get he was referencing that the characters aren’t ‘real’ people but it felt completely out of place.
The main reason I’m rating this as a 3/5 rather than a 4/5 is for a few reasons. The first is that one character in particular that felt like a hinderance to the plot. A lot of my notes throughout the book were about the presence of Rodney. The second is that some of the writing fell a bit flat for me. I would occasionally come across an odd description that took me out of the scene for a little bit. The last is that the character development felt a little flat as well. I was hoping for Grey to use his wits a bit more and was waiting for his genre savvy awareness to turn the tides. We do almost get there when we reach the start of the climax, when Grey tries to tell the crew exactly what we all want to tell our protagonists in a horror movie - ‘don’t split up’. But from there, it’s less genre knowledge and more general action that saves the day. I think I came in with expectations that Grey was going to be more subversive to the genre. With a bit of tighter writing, this book could easily be a 5/5 for me.
Review of advance copy
Spice Scale: 0 (This isn't that sort of book)
Overall Vibes: Fast paced, like reading a (light) horror movie
I'm a horror girlie but I usually don't watch found footage films. I've seen the more mainstream ones but I was worried that some of the tropes might get lost on me. Lost in Found Footage is helpful at laying them out so you have an idea of what to expect. It didn't go full camp or full Cabin in the Woods with the meta ideas. The main character (Grey) is a low level YouTuber who reviews horror content. The setup for the novel is a bit like an adult Goosebumps book. Grey visits a pawn shop and buys a camera that the owner claims was "cursed." The horror-critic YouTuber angle is, presumably, to give Grey a reason to buy an older "vintage" camcorder. The content creator portion of his personality really doesn't come into play much during the rest of the novel. I was surprised how underutilized it is with the documentary premise. It mostly just gives him a reason to reflect on how he's been an absent brother to his sister as he chases clout. He leans more on his horror movie knowledge but even then spends most of the novel just playing things straight.
It's a super light, fast read that feels like a nice PG-13 horror. Since Grey knows he's in a horror movie, there's less suspense and dread overall. Deaths are largely off-screen with minimal descriptions so it's a safe pick if you get squeamish but still love the horror genre. The actual plot of The Witch of Hope Hollow is an amalgamation of a few popular found footage movies. There's some stuff that will make you point and say "I understand that reference!" The monsters are mostly underdeveloped but they're good representations of different types of horror monsters. The lore of the whole Witch Thing™ also doesn't get much development. The book is focused on the "movie" and the characters acting it out and you get about as much information from their interviews with the locals as you'd get in a B found footage horror movie.
I found the ending to be satisfying as long as I don't think too much about the follow-up questions people would have for Grey. I would characterize it as a ending.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily
Overall Vibes: Fast paced, like reading a (light) horror movie
I'm a horror girlie but I usually don't watch found footage films. I've seen the more mainstream ones but I was worried that some of the tropes might get lost on me. Lost in Found Footage is helpful at laying them out so you have an idea of what to expect. It didn't go full camp or full Cabin in the Woods with the meta ideas. The main character (Grey) is a low level YouTuber who reviews horror content. The setup for the novel is a bit like an adult Goosebumps book. Grey visits a pawn shop and buys a camera that the owner claims was "cursed." The horror-critic YouTuber angle is, presumably, to give Grey a reason to buy an older "vintage" camcorder. The content creator portion of his personality really doesn't come into play much during the rest of the novel. I was surprised how underutilized it is with the documentary premise. It mostly just gives him a reason to reflect on how he's been an absent brother to his sister as he chases clout. He leans more on his horror movie knowledge but even then spends most of the novel just playing things straight.
It's a super light, fast read that feels like a nice PG-13 horror. Since Grey knows he's in a horror movie, there's less suspense and dread overall. Deaths are largely off-screen with minimal descriptions so it's a safe pick if you get squeamish but still love the horror genre. The actual plot of The Witch of Hope Hollow is an amalgamation of a few popular found footage movies. There's some stuff that will make you point and say "I understand that reference!" The monsters are mostly underdeveloped but they're good representations of different types of horror monsters. The lore of the whole Witch Thing™ also doesn't get much development. The book is focused on the "movie" and the characters acting it out and you get about as much information from their interviews with the locals as you'd get in a B found footage horror movie.
I found the ending to be satisfying as long as I don't think too much about the follow-up questions people would have for Grey. I would characterize it as a ending.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily
Review of advance copy
This was a really fun read. For any horror fan, this would be a great read, but even more so for the ones who love found footage movies. I love a good horror movie. My husband and I love to watch old "B" movies, and I enjoy watching found footage movies with my son. So, when I saw this book synopsis, I knew I had to check it out.
This book really gives you an interesting look at the genre itself. Grey is a failed vlogger who's not doing much of anything with his life. The book starts off with him at a pawn shop looking at a vintage camcorder. As he's leaving the pawn shop a man follows him and gives him an ominous warning about the camcorder. He says its cursed. He tells Grey that the only way to get rid of the camcorder is to complete the film. Grey laughs it off and goes on his way.
HIs plan is to take the camcorder to a local run-down theater where they are showing a found footage movie that gotten awful reviews. The theater is showing The Witch of Hope Hollow, a found footage, super budget film that looks like it was filmed on a similar camcorder to the one that Grey just bought by film students.
He takes the camera to the theater only to be told by the ticket clerk, Rodney, that cameras aren't allowed in the theater, (duh). But he manages to stick the camera into his pants to hide it. Once inside, Rodney catches him using the camera to film his reaction to the movie. They get into a fight, and the camera ends up falling to the ground. As Grey goes to pick it up, he sees the wall beside them glitches. Then a "vortex of pixelated light" consumes the theater and Grey and Rodney are sucked into void.
Grey comes to inside the movie. Almost immediately understanding that in order to get back, he must complete the film that he is now a part of. All the horror tropes you can think of are in this story. Small town local legend, bully sheriff, diner with the perfect pie. I truly enjoyed this story. It was a quick read and although it's not a really long book, the author is able to write in depth enough that everything makes sense and feels complete. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.
This book really gives you an interesting look at the genre itself. Grey is a failed vlogger who's not doing much of anything with his life. The book starts off with him at a pawn shop looking at a vintage camcorder. As he's leaving the pawn shop a man follows him and gives him an ominous warning about the camcorder. He says its cursed. He tells Grey that the only way to get rid of the camcorder is to complete the film. Grey laughs it off and goes on his way.
HIs plan is to take the camcorder to a local run-down theater where they are showing a found footage movie that gotten awful reviews. The theater is showing The Witch of Hope Hollow, a found footage, super budget film that looks like it was filmed on a similar camcorder to the one that Grey just bought by film students.
He takes the camera to the theater only to be told by the ticket clerk, Rodney, that cameras aren't allowed in the theater, (duh). But he manages to stick the camera into his pants to hide it. Once inside, Rodney catches him using the camera to film his reaction to the movie. They get into a fight, and the camera ends up falling to the ground. As Grey goes to pick it up, he sees the wall beside them glitches. Then a "vortex of pixelated light" consumes the theater and Grey and Rodney are sucked into void.
Grey comes to inside the movie. Almost immediately understanding that in order to get back, he must complete the film that he is now a part of. All the horror tropes you can think of are in this story. Small town local legend, bully sheriff, diner with the perfect pie. I truly enjoyed this story. It was a quick read and although it's not a really long book, the author is able to write in depth enough that everything makes sense and feels complete. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lost in Found Footage is an ode to found footage horror that understands exactly why the subgenere continues to captivate audiences. More than emulating familiar tropes, Powell crafts a metafictional horror story that examines what happens when a devoted fan goes from watching horror and is forced to survive it. The story follows Grey, a struggling horror vlogger who buys a cursed camcorder and later finds himself transported into the world of The Witch of Hope Hollow, a found footage film he goes to watch at his local theater. From that moment forward, the book becomes an exploration of horror itself. Grey enters the narrative armed with years of genre knowledge, feeling that his understanding of the "rules" of found footage will help him navigate the dangers ahead and get home. Instead, Powell uses that knowledge to create tension and leaves the reader constantly questioning whether horror conventions are reliable survival tools or if they are traps that allow dangerous assumptions. Lost in Found Footage's metafictional elements are among its greatest strengths. Grey is trapped inside a horror story, yes, but he is in one he believes he understands. Readers familiar with found footage will recognize patterns but Powell disrupts them. This creates a fascinating push and pull between predictability and uncertainty that mirrors Grey's experiences. Beyond its genre commentary, Lost in Found Footage delivers plenty of atmosphere. Hope Hollow feels isolated and hostile, steeped in local legend and creeping dread. The witch looming over the narrative serves as more than just a monster. She becomes a symbol of the tale's larger question about who is really in control of the story. Smart and self-aware, Powell succeeds as both entertaining us and delivering a thoughtful examination of why we always want to return to the stories designed to frighten us. Thank you Joey for sending me a copy for review. You can preorder this book over on Mad Axe Media's website, with some extra goodies, and it drops August 11th, 2026 so go snag that!
Review of advance copy received from Author
🤘 G̶e̶t̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶F̶*̶*̶K̶ ̶O̶u̶t̶!̶
🏆 Pure Gold!
〰️Vibes〰️Vibes〰️Vibes〰️
This was a quick, fun read that breaks down the elements of the genre and not only lays it out but plays it out. Cliché in the best way!
And OMG, it works So Well!
😄 I can’t express enough how much fun I had reading this!
I loved how some of the chapters throughout were the camera footage scenes. How Cool!
💯 From start to finish, there’s never a dull moment.
"Lost In Found Footage" delivers everything you love about cheesy horrors in the most unique and creative way.
🧭 Urban Legend
🧭 Cabin in the woods
🧭 Creatures
🧭 Witches
🧭 Cursed object
🧭 Comedic relief
🧭 Redemption story
🤫 ᗩᑎᗪ ᗯE ᑕᗩᑎ'T ᖴOᖇGET TᕼE ᑭᒪOT TᗯIᔕT
***************
ⒷⓁⓊⓇⒷ
Grey, a horror movie vlogger, decides to film his reaction to viewing a new found footage horror movie using a camcorder he just acquired from the pawn shop.
He was warned that this camcorder was cursed.
Feeling more excitement over that than unease, he proceeds Without caution.
But, a few minutes into the film Grey learns exactly what the curse is because he’s been sucked into the world of the film. And he is now a character in 🇹🇭🇪 🇼🇮🇹🇨🇭 🇴🇫 🇭🇴🇵🇪 🇭🇴🇱🇱🇴🇼.
He must now use his knowledge of the found footage subgenre to complete the film...
Or risk being trapped in Hope Hollow forever...
*****************
🤩 I love finding my name in books. Granted it’s usually a male character and more often than not he’s one of the not-so-good guys.
As is the case here with 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐬, who has “limbs that bend the wrong way so he crawls around like a spider”. 🫣
But it’s still really cool! 🤓
*********************
🎬 Where’s the KickStarter?!
Let’s get this move made!! 😁
🙏 Thank you Joey Powell for the gifted eARC!
🏆 Pure Gold!
〰️Vibes〰️Vibes〰️Vibes〰️
This was a quick, fun read that breaks down the elements of the genre and not only lays it out but plays it out. Cliché in the best way!
And OMG, it works So Well!
😄 I can’t express enough how much fun I had reading this!
I loved how some of the chapters throughout were the camera footage scenes. How Cool!
💯 From start to finish, there’s never a dull moment.
"Lost In Found Footage" delivers everything you love about cheesy horrors in the most unique and creative way.
🧭 Urban Legend
🧭 Cabin in the woods
🧭 Creatures
🧭 Witches
🧭 Cursed object
🧭 Comedic relief
🧭 Redemption story
🤫 ᗩᑎᗪ ᗯE ᑕᗩᑎ'T ᖴOᖇGET TᕼE ᑭᒪOT TᗯIᔕT
***************
ⒷⓁⓊⓇⒷ
Grey, a horror movie vlogger, decides to film his reaction to viewing a new found footage horror movie using a camcorder he just acquired from the pawn shop.
He was warned that this camcorder was cursed.
Feeling more excitement over that than unease, he proceeds Without caution.
But, a few minutes into the film Grey learns exactly what the curse is because he’s been sucked into the world of the film. And he is now a character in 🇹🇭🇪 🇼🇮🇹🇨🇭 🇴🇫 🇭🇴🇵🇪 🇭🇴🇱🇱🇴🇼.
He must now use his knowledge of the found footage subgenre to complete the film...
Or risk being trapped in Hope Hollow forever...
*****************
🤩 I love finding my name in books. Granted it’s usually a male character and more often than not he’s one of the not-so-good guys.
As is the case here with 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐬, who has “limbs that bend the wrong way so he crawls around like a spider”. 🫣
But it’s still really cool! 🤓
*********************
🎬 Where’s the KickStarter?!
Let’s get this move made!! 😁
🙏 Thank you Joey Powell for the gifted eARC!
Review of advance copy
Perfectly captured found footage, in a book
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lately found footage books have been my hyper focus. I love them, and they’re unfortunately difficult to do well in writing. When I read the premise of a book in which a character who loves found footage acquires a cursed object and has to live through the tropes, I knew I’d be obsessed. I was right. AND comedic horror? I don’t know that I’ve ever been so excited to get an ARC.
I read this book quickly (something that doesn’t happen in my life much anymore), and I had to sit on it for a bit to figure out what to say. I loved it so much I knew I needed to think about what to highlight in a review. Overall, this book was so much fun! I expected it to be predictable. I mean, the character knows the tropes of horror and is living through them. Despite that, it wasn’t overly predictable. The dialogue is a bit cheesy at times, but it often is in B-rated horror, so it was appropriate and I believe an intentional stylistic choice. Our narrator was flawed, but still likeable. His creativity helped keep the book from being unpredictable, and despite playing through the tropes there was never that “don’t go in the basement!” moment as a reader. The book artfully explores the tropes of horror and made them unique in an interesting and fun way.
This book was one of my favorite of 2026, and I think I’ve recommended it to every person in my life who reads. The comedy was stronger than the horror, but I think any one who is a fan of horror would enjoy this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lately found footage books have been my hyper focus. I love them, and they’re unfortunately difficult to do well in writing. When I read the premise of a book in which a character who loves found footage acquires a cursed object and has to live through the tropes, I knew I’d be obsessed. I was right. AND comedic horror? I don’t know that I’ve ever been so excited to get an ARC.
I read this book quickly (something that doesn’t happen in my life much anymore), and I had to sit on it for a bit to figure out what to say. I loved it so much I knew I needed to think about what to highlight in a review. Overall, this book was so much fun! I expected it to be predictable. I mean, the character knows the tropes of horror and is living through them. Despite that, it wasn’t overly predictable. The dialogue is a bit cheesy at times, but it often is in B-rated horror, so it was appropriate and I believe an intentional stylistic choice. Our narrator was flawed, but still likeable. His creativity helped keep the book from being unpredictable, and despite playing through the tropes there was never that “don’t go in the basement!” moment as a reader. The book artfully explores the tropes of horror and made them unique in an interesting and fun way.
This book was one of my favorite of 2026, and I think I’ve recommended it to every person in my life who reads. The comedy was stronger than the horror, but I think any one who is a fan of horror would enjoy this.
Review of advance copy
If you like books that give you the jump scare feel, with a splattering of gore & an 80's vibe, then grab a copy of this book.
You follow Grey (MMC) whose a horror movie buff & content creator on Youtube documenting, reviewing & making small horror films of his own. It's always been his dream until on the way to a screening of a new horror movie at his local cinema he buys an old video camera to document the night. Only with this camera when he starts using it he's drawn into a vortex where he finds himself in the actual horror movie he's come to see!
Hope Hollow is a redneck small town, with a community that's suspicious of strangers & a few skeletons in their closet! Well maybe a Witch! The tension, comical timing & 80's film references are fab, whilst bringing a unique twist to the genre.
I was mid-pace & flowed well. I really liked how as the reader you know instantly when you where in the narrative of the overall story & the film documentary, just by the change of font type, which although a small detail it just enhanced the reader experience.
Overall, I enjoyed this book it's not the normal hoor book that I read but it made me smile, it was like it 'Scream' & the 'Blair Witch' project had a baby - as it gives you all the tension & documentation style writing mixed with the 'you don't want to do that as that's what typically happens in a horror movie' flavours, which was fun & really enjoyable to read.
** Thank you to BookSirens for giving me a free e-copy of this book, I'm leaving this review voluntarily **
You follow Grey (MMC) whose a horror movie buff & content creator on Youtube documenting, reviewing & making small horror films of his own. It's always been his dream until on the way to a screening of a new horror movie at his local cinema he buys an old video camera to document the night. Only with this camera when he starts using it he's drawn into a vortex where he finds himself in the actual horror movie he's come to see!
Hope Hollow is a redneck small town, with a community that's suspicious of strangers & a few skeletons in their closet! Well maybe a Witch! The tension, comical timing & 80's film references are fab, whilst bringing a unique twist to the genre.
I was mid-pace & flowed well. I really liked how as the reader you know instantly when you where in the narrative of the overall story & the film documentary, just by the change of font type, which although a small detail it just enhanced the reader experience.
Overall, I enjoyed this book it's not the normal hoor book that I read but it made me smile, it was like it 'Scream' & the 'Blair Witch' project had a baby - as it gives you all the tension & documentation style writing mixed with the 'you don't want to do that as that's what typically happens in a horror movie' flavours, which was fun & really enjoyable to read.
** Thank you to BookSirens for giving me a free e-copy of this book, I'm leaving this review voluntarily **
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lost in Found Footage is Joey Powell’s love letter to found footage. Grey is a horror vlogger barely holding it together, which already sets the tone. He feels real in that messy, slightly desperate way.
The cursed camcorder is such a good, nasty little idea. It doesn’t just record horror, it drags you into it. And once Grey is inside The Witch of Hope Hollow, the book fully commits to the bit. This is where it gets fun and unsettling in equal measure. You’ve got the documentary crew, the creeping dread, the sense that everyone knows more than they’re saying. It leans into found footage tropes but doesn’t feel lazy about it. It knows the rules and then plays with them.
The atmosphere is doing a lot of heavy lifting here and it works. The witch and her minions are so spooky! The horror isn’t just monsters, though you do get those. It’s the feeling of being stuck in a story that has already decided how it ends in a small town full of a lot of small minded people.
What I really liked is how Grey’s horror knowledge becomes both a weapon and a trap. He thinks he understands what’s happening because he’s seen it all before. But knowing the genre doesn’t mean you can survive it. That tension carries the whole book.
It’s eerie, a little chaotic, and I was totally into it. By the end, it left me with that specific kind of horror hangover where I started side-eyeing cameras like they might be watching back.
The cursed camcorder is such a good, nasty little idea. It doesn’t just record horror, it drags you into it. And once Grey is inside The Witch of Hope Hollow, the book fully commits to the bit. This is where it gets fun and unsettling in equal measure. You’ve got the documentary crew, the creeping dread, the sense that everyone knows more than they’re saying. It leans into found footage tropes but doesn’t feel lazy about it. It knows the rules and then plays with them.
The atmosphere is doing a lot of heavy lifting here and it works. The witch and her minions are so spooky! The horror isn’t just monsters, though you do get those. It’s the feeling of being stuck in a story that has already decided how it ends in a small town full of a lot of small minded people.
What I really liked is how Grey’s horror knowledge becomes both a weapon and a trap. He thinks he understands what’s happening because he’s seen it all before. But knowing the genre doesn’t mean you can survive it. That tension carries the whole book.
It’s eerie, a little chaotic, and I was totally into it. By the end, it left me with that specific kind of horror hangover where I started side-eyeing cameras like they might be watching back.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Things I love:
1. Found Footage movies.
2. Horror comedy (the more meta the better).
3. Spooky shenigans in the woods.
4. A slacker redemption arc.
5. Witchy lore.
Things you'll find in this book:
All of the above ✅
This fun and clever horror comedy novella rips along at the speed of a classic 90 minute found footage flick. You get a student film crew in the woods, a local legend, some aggressive townsfolk, and some genuinely scary moments along the way. The twist? All of this is taking place within the low budget horror movie our main character has just been sucked into. Grey, a horror YouTuber, wannabe filmmaker, and World's Least Reliable Brother ™️ , will need to use every bit of his horror-nerd know-how if he's going to beat "The Witch of Hope Hollow" and live to see the end credits.
Lost in Found Footage is "Blair Witch meets The Final Girls at The Cabin in The Woods" and is as fun and frightening as that mash-up suggests. It's clear the author has a genuine love of found footage (and horror in general) and throughout the book finds inventive ways to play with the genre's tropes and clichés while also contributing something fresh and original to that same genre in the process.
A great read for all of us who grew up knowing that no matter what happens...JUST. KEEP. FILMING. 📹
1. Found Footage movies.
2. Horror comedy (the more meta the better).
3. Spooky shenigans in the woods.
4. A slacker redemption arc.
5. Witchy lore.
Things you'll find in this book:
All of the above ✅
This fun and clever horror comedy novella rips along at the speed of a classic 90 minute found footage flick. You get a student film crew in the woods, a local legend, some aggressive townsfolk, and some genuinely scary moments along the way. The twist? All of this is taking place within the low budget horror movie our main character has just been sucked into. Grey, a horror YouTuber, wannabe filmmaker, and World's Least Reliable Brother ™️ , will need to use every bit of his horror-nerd know-how if he's going to beat "The Witch of Hope Hollow" and live to see the end credits.
Lost in Found Footage is "Blair Witch meets The Final Girls at The Cabin in The Woods" and is as fun and frightening as that mash-up suggests. It's clear the author has a genuine love of found footage (and horror in general) and throughout the book finds inventive ways to play with the genre's tropes and clichés while also contributing something fresh and original to that same genre in the process.
A great read for all of us who grew up knowing that no matter what happens...JUST. KEEP. FILMING. 📹
Review of advance copy
If you had any of the sort of late high school/early 20s experience as me, then let me ease a concern.
Yes, this did take me back to the feelings I got from youtube analog horror, reminding me of how I felt any time a new episode of MarbleHornets dropped. I, like many, found myself deeply attached to all things found footage and analog, and Lost in Found Footage read to me as a love letter to all of that, with tons of fun commentary on the genre as well.
Speaking of genres. I often find myself in two worlds: horror and progression fantasy. When this book lowkey became an isekai, I felt a little proud of my nerdom when it comes to genres. I can't say for certain if Powell had isekai in mind, but this definitely qualifies.
My own experiences in side, this is the kind of story I've grown accustomed to seeing from Powell. A great concept, fun characters, a commentary on the genres, and a story that stays tight, well-executed with no filler.
Powell's voice in his writing is quickly becoming a favorite of mine, and I am glad I was able to receive a review copy from him for free. Naturally, this means that I am leaving this review voluntarily. I would have anyway.
If you want a fun folk horror harkening to found footage and analog horror with a story that doesn't have you rolling your eyes, this is it.
Yes, this did take me back to the feelings I got from youtube analog horror, reminding me of how I felt any time a new episode of MarbleHornets dropped. I, like many, found myself deeply attached to all things found footage and analog, and Lost in Found Footage read to me as a love letter to all of that, with tons of fun commentary on the genre as well.
Speaking of genres. I often find myself in two worlds: horror and progression fantasy. When this book lowkey became an isekai, I felt a little proud of my nerdom when it comes to genres. I can't say for certain if Powell had isekai in mind, but this definitely qualifies.
My own experiences in side, this is the kind of story I've grown accustomed to seeing from Powell. A great concept, fun characters, a commentary on the genres, and a story that stays tight, well-executed with no filler.
Powell's voice in his writing is quickly becoming a favorite of mine, and I am glad I was able to receive a review copy from him for free. Naturally, this means that I am leaving this review voluntarily. I would have anyway.
If you want a fun folk horror harkening to found footage and analog horror with a story that doesn't have you rolling your eyes, this is it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lost in Found Footage was a very fun horror thriller. Grey Carter, a horror-loving content creator buys a strange old camera. He immediately gets a warning from a man after he bought the camera... who tells him it is cursed and he thinks its a joke. Later he ends up at the premiere of a found-footage horror movie called The Witch of Hope Hollow. Pretty quickly, things get weird, and Grey realizes he may not just be watching the movie anymore… he might actually be stuck inside it.
The premise made my horror-movie-lover interior very excited. A cursed camera and creepy movie theatre… ? Someone trapped inside a found-footage film? Yes, and yes again please. It gave me major "horror movie version of Jumanji" vibes and I could absolutely see this working as an actual movie.
The writing style was really casual and likable, which made it super easy to read. It was short, enjoyable, and very fun. I liked Grey as a main character, and he def gave me regular casual white boy vibes. I liked this a lot and will definitely be reading more from this author. If you’re looking for a short fun horror-thriller to read on your lunch break, this is the one for you. It’s creepy, entertaining and even a little comedic.
The premise made my horror-movie-lover interior very excited. A cursed camera and creepy movie theatre… ? Someone trapped inside a found-footage film? Yes, and yes again please. It gave me major "horror movie version of Jumanji" vibes and I could absolutely see this working as an actual movie.
The writing style was really casual and likable, which made it super easy to read. It was short, enjoyable, and very fun. I liked Grey as a main character, and he def gave me regular casual white boy vibes. I liked this a lot and will definitely be reading more from this author. If you’re looking for a short fun horror-thriller to read on your lunch break, this is the one for you. It’s creepy, entertaining and even a little comedic.
Review of advance copy
Joey Powell completely pulled me into this one. Lost In Found Footage genuinely felt like stepping directly into an old school found footage documentary rather than simply reading a book.
The way the story unfolded made everything feel unsettlingly real. The details were immersive and written in a way that made it easy to forget I was reading and start feeling like I was watching events happen in real time. The story within the story was smooth to follow and easy to get lost in without feeling confusing or overdone.
Following Grey through this adventure was such a strong part of the experience for me. There was something about his semi confident determination that made everything feel believable…like he wasn’t fearless…but he kept moving anyway and that made me want to keep going with him.
One thing I especially appreciated was the transition between “reality” and being “inside the movie.” It flowed naturally and never pulled me out of the experience. Instead, it made the immersion stronger with every reveal.
This ended up being one of the most convincing and enjoyable found footage style reads I’ve come across and definitely left me feeling like I experienced it rather than simply read it.
The way the story unfolded made everything feel unsettlingly real. The details were immersive and written in a way that made it easy to forget I was reading and start feeling like I was watching events happen in real time. The story within the story was smooth to follow and easy to get lost in without feeling confusing or overdone.
Following Grey through this adventure was such a strong part of the experience for me. There was something about his semi confident determination that made everything feel believable…like he wasn’t fearless…but he kept moving anyway and that made me want to keep going with him.
One thing I especially appreciated was the transition between “reality” and being “inside the movie.” It flowed naturally and never pulled me out of the experience. Instead, it made the immersion stronger with every reveal.
This ended up being one of the most convincing and enjoyable found footage style reads I’ve come across and definitely left me feeling like I experienced it rather than simply read it.
July 9, 2026
Take a mediocre character, who desires to be YouTube famous for horror movie commentary, and put him into a real life horror film via a cursed camcorder. This is exactly what Greg is build for. Right? He’s about to find out if it’s true.
All the cliche tropes are found in this book, and you can’t help but laugh at how predictable everything is-in the best way. An urban legend, a videography team, shaky captured footage, townies that are looking for a fight, and a villain who’s determined to see this storyline through…it’s all part of what makes this book a quick and nostalgic read.
Greg is set up to be the hero from the minute he sets foot in Hope Hollow, but he initially just wants to get home. But as he spends more time with the crew he finds himself with, despite knowing they’re not real people, he wants to help them create a different ending. He actually start to care about more than himself, which in turn makes him more likable. And despite the cliches happening against his will, Greg fights the good fight, and shows that no ending is set in stone.
This quick read was a fun take on the found footage sub genre of horror. It gets my seal of approval. 4.5 stars
Thank you for BookSirens for my arc. My opinion is my own.
All the cliche tropes are found in this book, and you can’t help but laugh at how predictable everything is-in the best way. An urban legend, a videography team, shaky captured footage, townies that are looking for a fight, and a villain who’s determined to see this storyline through…it’s all part of what makes this book a quick and nostalgic read.
Greg is set up to be the hero from the minute he sets foot in Hope Hollow, but he initially just wants to get home. But as he spends more time with the crew he finds himself with, despite knowing they’re not real people, he wants to help them create a different ending. He actually start to care about more than himself, which in turn makes him more likable. And despite the cliches happening against his will, Greg fights the good fight, and shows that no ending is set in stone.
This quick read was a fun take on the found footage sub genre of horror. It gets my seal of approval. 4.5 stars
Thank you for BookSirens for my arc. My opinion is my own.
Review of advance copy
Lost in found footage by Joey Powell, was an absolute blast.
It felt like an episode of scooby doo (but more grown up) Blaire witch, mixed with some fear street and a good dash of liminal horror. All of the above I love.
The plot is meta, with some great characters. Covering all the fav horror movie tropes, but doesn't feel cheesey as its cleverly played into the narrative of being trapped in a cursed film.
The plot throughout holds great pace and ramps up in the final act.
Joey manages to capture that creepy, grainy found footage feel that the title suggests. I knew going into the book that this was a shorter read, but with the great cast and the world building I felt there could have been a bit more meat at the end. I will say however, that is just a personal preference. And in no way affected the plot or how good the end was, I just enjoyed my time so much in Hope Hollow, I didnt wanna go back to the real world.
I would highly recommend "lost in found footage" to any fan of cursed objects, liminal horror (that just feels off) witches and of course found footage films.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It felt like an episode of scooby doo (but more grown up) Blaire witch, mixed with some fear street and a good dash of liminal horror. All of the above I love.
The plot is meta, with some great characters. Covering all the fav horror movie tropes, but doesn't feel cheesey as its cleverly played into the narrative of being trapped in a cursed film.
The plot throughout holds great pace and ramps up in the final act.
Joey manages to capture that creepy, grainy found footage feel that the title suggests. I knew going into the book that this was a shorter read, but with the great cast and the world building I felt there could have been a bit more meat at the end. I will say however, that is just a personal preference. And in no way affected the plot or how good the end was, I just enjoyed my time so much in Hope Hollow, I didnt wanna go back to the real world.
I would highly recommend "lost in found footage" to any fan of cursed objects, liminal horror (that just feels off) witches and of course found footage films.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
****I received a copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.****
Grey isn’t the most reliable, ask his single-mom sister, or the most successful, but YouTube is a kind of movie making… so when circumstances have him facing something straight out of a found-footage movie he’s forced to confront that maybe his decisions have led him here as much as cursed movie cameras and petulant theater ushers.
Armed with his knowledge of the genre he befriends a colorful ‘cast’ of characters to solve the mystery of the Witch of Hope Hollow and return to be the man his nephew needs him to be.
This was campy in all the best ways with a great feeling of falling into the story and being apart of the plot. The whole thing moved quickly and the characters were fun and horror-trope filled.
I loved that there were multiple layers to the story and that the whole thing felt cinematic. Coming to life off the pages.
I highly recommended to fans of the vhs genre, campy horror, following tropes and horror movies in general.
Grey isn’t the most reliable, ask his single-mom sister, or the most successful, but YouTube is a kind of movie making… so when circumstances have him facing something straight out of a found-footage movie he’s forced to confront that maybe his decisions have led him here as much as cursed movie cameras and petulant theater ushers.
Armed with his knowledge of the genre he befriends a colorful ‘cast’ of characters to solve the mystery of the Witch of Hope Hollow and return to be the man his nephew needs him to be.
This was campy in all the best ways with a great feeling of falling into the story and being apart of the plot. The whole thing moved quickly and the characters were fun and horror-trope filled.
I loved that there were multiple layers to the story and that the whole thing felt cinematic. Coming to life off the pages.
I highly recommended to fans of the vhs genre, campy horror, following tropes and horror movies in general.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Powell delivers once again with his trademark style blend of horror, humor, and heart.
"Lost In Found Footage" throws us right into the overly-meta world we live in now, where we've seen all the horror movies, and know all the tropes and can call every bad decision a character is going to make from a mile away.
We follow Grey, a wannabe Youtuber who goes to a screening of a found footage film called "The Witch of Hope Hollow" and ends up getting sucked into the movie itself. Though obviously a riff on "The Blair Witch Project", Powell makes this one all his own, with all kinds of spooky creatures lurking about to do the witch's bidding.
It's fast-paced with rounded, well written characters and a fun nod to the found footage movies we've all seen before. Pick this book up but whatever you do, don't go looking for the witch!
"Lost In Found Footage" throws us right into the overly-meta world we live in now, where we've seen all the horror movies, and know all the tropes and can call every bad decision a character is going to make from a mile away.
We follow Grey, a wannabe Youtuber who goes to a screening of a found footage film called "The Witch of Hope Hollow" and ends up getting sucked into the movie itself. Though obviously a riff on "The Blair Witch Project", Powell makes this one all his own, with all kinds of spooky creatures lurking about to do the witch's bidding.
It's fast-paced with rounded, well written characters and a fun nod to the found footage movies we've all seen before. Pick this book up but whatever you do, don't go looking for the witch!
Review of advance copy
I can’t express to you enough how much I LOVED this book! Joey Powell captured the spirit of found footage horror films perfectly, it was campy, well paced, fun and had me on the edge of my seat and fully immersed in the story the entire time. Found footage films like Grave Encounters and Ghostwatch have a special place in my horror loving heart, and finding a book that makes you feel like you yourself are in one of these films is so rare and such a gem. Let me tell you, I could not put this book down so I was able to finish it in a couple of hours. I did get this book for free as an ARC but I am leaving this review voluntarily, willingly and more than happily because again, I truly loved this book and if you are a horror lover like myself, do not hesitate, you need this book in your collection! I can’t wait to read more by Powell.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5/5: Lost in Found Footage
Grey is a movie vlogger, who decides to live-film his reaction during the showing of a horror film via the old camcorder he picked up at his local pawnshop.
Little did he know (well, actually, he *was* warned and just chose to ignore it) that the camcorder is cursed....and he suddenly finds himself inside the world of the horror film itself!
Vibes:
-SO fun!
-this would be a fantastic movie tbh
-fast and easy to read
-campy, doesn't take itself too seriously
-found footage, witches, and monsters
Honestly this was a BLAST. If you are looking for a light and *fun* horror read, and are a fan of found footage style stories (like Blair Witch Project), you should totally give this a go.
.......
Thank you to the author, Joey Powell, for the ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All views expressed are my own.
Grey is a movie vlogger, who decides to live-film his reaction during the showing of a horror film via the old camcorder he picked up at his local pawnshop.
Little did he know (well, actually, he *was* warned and just chose to ignore it) that the camcorder is cursed....and he suddenly finds himself inside the world of the horror film itself!
Vibes:
-SO fun!
-this would be a fantastic movie tbh
-fast and easy to read
-campy, doesn't take itself too seriously
-found footage, witches, and monsters
Honestly this was a BLAST. If you are looking for a light and *fun* horror read, and are a fan of found footage style stories (like Blair Witch Project), you should totally give this a go.
.......
Thank you to the author, Joey Powell, for the ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All views expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I heard that this book centers on a guy who finds himself in a found footage film, I had to get my hands on it to see how that crazy concept plays out. Lost in Found Footage features a fast-paced, clever narrative that keeps you guessing. As a fan of the found footage horror genre, I found the rules of the world that Grey finds himself in extremely faithful to the genre, with some really imaginative meta twists. The creativity of the storyline doesn’t take away from the horror. There’s some really gnarly imagery and thrills. One creature that Grey encounters especially had me looking over my shoulder. This was a really fun read!
Review of advance copy
I LOVEEE found footage so this had my attention right away. I was a little worried there would be loose ends since the page count is only 193 but this story is great and the ending feels complete.
-It covers all the typical tropes/clichés in a found footage horror movie while also making fun of them a little.
-FILM !!! EVERYTHING !!!
-Giving a vlogger a cursed camcorder? Amazing.
-BYE LOSER (you’ll know when you get there)
-The ending was wholesome and I hope Grey meant what he said about being brother/uncle
ARC received from BookSirens 💜
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily)
-It covers all the typical tropes/clichés in a found footage horror movie while also making fun of them a little.
-FILM !!! EVERYTHING !!!
-Giving a vlogger a cursed camcorder? Amazing.
-BYE LOSER (you’ll know when you get there)
-The ending was wholesome and I hope Grey meant what he said about being brother/uncle
ARC received from BookSirens 💜
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily)
Review of advance copy
Grey had dreams of being in the film industry but is currently a film critic with a Youtube channel. He buys a camera at a pawn shop and receives a warning about it from its previous owner. Grey then finds himself in a found footage-style horror film where he must figure out what the witch of Hope Hollow wants in order to be able to get back to his life. This was a quick and fun read, full of humor and horror movie tropes. I liked the characters and the way Grey poked fun at how ridiculous and predictable some horror movies are. I received an ARC copy of this book from Book Sirens and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book read like Goosebumps for adults. It was a fun, campy jaunt through my favorite subgenre of horror that made me wonder if I would know how to survive getting trapped AND getting (most of) the characters out alive. There are even sections of the book that put the reader in the POV of the camera, which I really enjoyed. Lovers of The Blair Witch Project and other analogue-based horror movies, this one is for you.
Thank you to Joey for providing me an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to Joey for providing me an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Author
📚👀 ARC Review for Lost in Found Footage. This was such a fun read! If you're a found footage fan, you'll enjoy the analog horror aspects, and the unique twist to the found footage genre. The main character gets literally "lost" in a found footage film. It's an awesome concept which Powell executed really well. There were a lot of cool moments and definitely a lot of humorous ones. Add to your summer TBR, and make sure you snag a copy. Releases August 11th, and available for pre-order in ebook and paperback now. 👏🔥
Review of advance copy received from Author
I will read anything Joey Powell writes. So, I jumped at his offer to be an ARC reader for Lost in Found Footage! He perfectly blends heart, horror, and meta comedy into one hell of an entertaining story.
This is a love letter to found footage films. To all the cheesy tropes and campy stereotypical charters.
I very much felt I was reading a Goosebumps books for adults! A solid horror that never takes itself too seriously. Pick this one up if you are in the mood for a quick and very fun read!
Thanks again to Joey Powell and Mad Axe Media for the review copy.
This is a love letter to found footage films. To all the cheesy tropes and campy stereotypical charters.
I very much felt I was reading a Goosebumps books for adults! A solid horror that never takes itself too seriously. Pick this one up if you are in the mood for a quick and very fun read!
Thanks again to Joey Powell and Mad Axe Media for the review copy.
August 2, 2026
Oh what a fun and wild ride this was!! 🙌
I am a sucker for found footage books and movies, so I was thrilled to get an early copy of this one to read!! Honestly, you can never go wrong with any of Joey Powell’s books! But this one will suck you in - luckily not into a found footage film (or will it? 🧐) - and you won’t want to put it down! Think Blair Witch vibes - yet not quite? Definitely pick this one up if you love found footage or fun quick horror reads! 👏
Thank you Joey Powell and Mad Axe Media for the gifted advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review!! ❤️
I am a sucker for found footage books and movies, so I was thrilled to get an early copy of this one to read!! Honestly, you can never go wrong with any of Joey Powell’s books! But this one will suck you in - luckily not into a found footage film (or will it? 🧐) - and you won’t want to put it down! Think Blair Witch vibes - yet not quite? Definitely pick this one up if you love found footage or fun quick horror reads! 👏
Thank you Joey Powell and Mad Axe Media for the gifted advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review!! ❤️
Review of advance copy
Arc reader review.
Man oh man.
I love found footage movies and reading about one was a lot of fun. I really liked the characters, especially Grey (not because he's the main character but because he's just so amusing and an avid horror lover).
I like a book that gives me the chills, that makes me think for a second about sleeping with the light on but I also like one with a creepy atmosphere but still a fun surrounding. And this book checked the boxes. I wish I could be part of the crew too.
Man oh man.
I love found footage movies and reading about one was a lot of fun. I really liked the characters, especially Grey (not because he's the main character but because he's just so amusing and an avid horror lover).
I like a book that gives me the chills, that makes me think for a second about sleeping with the light on but I also like one with a creepy atmosphere but still a fun surrounding. And this book checked the boxes. I wish I could be part of the crew too.
Review of advance copy
Found footage movies have a special place in my heart and I love that the genre is now expanding into books as well. Joey Powell really captured the feel and vibe of found footage. It's a short book with all the cliche horror movie tropes, campy, fun and fast-paced. I received an advance review copy for free and leaving this review voluntarily and happily, I definitely recommend this one and can't wait to read more from Joey Powell.
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