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Need: Horror Stories You Can't Live Without
We all hunger. We all desire. We all hope. But more than anything, we all NEED. Need can slice our hearts into pieces like a razor blade. When our need isn't met, our souls shrivel into a singular agony. It's all we can think about; pursuing that need is the only thing we can do. In the end, if we need hard enough for long enough, we are extinguished.
This is a book of need. A mother whose children are thirsty, but she has no water, only the blood in her veins. A young man dying for the attention of strangers, for clicks that may never come. A son who will do anything to keep his elderly father alive, even as his flesh decays around him. An addict whose need is killing him over and over, every morning, every day, every night.
With stories culled from over 400 submissions by horror authors around the world, this anthology curated by Ruth Anna Evans features twenty-two super short entries that will leave you aching for more.
You don't want this book. You need it.
This is a book of need. A mother whose children are thirsty, but she has no water, only the blood in her veins. A young man dying for the attention of strangers, for clicks that may never come. A son who will do anything to keep his elderly father alive, even as his flesh decays around him. An addict whose need is killing him over and over, every morning, every day, every night.
With stories culled from over 400 submissions by horror authors around the world, this anthology curated by Ruth Anna Evans features twenty-two super short entries that will leave you aching for more.
You don't want this book. You need it.
- GenresHorror
144 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2026
About the author
Ruth Anna Evans
54 books116 followersRuth Anna Evans is a writer of short horror fiction who lives in the heart of all that is sinister: the American Midwest. She has been composing prose of all types since childhood but finds something truly delightful in putting her nightmares on the page. Her stories are full of twists and turns with relatable protagonists and startling endings. If you like Grady Hendrix and Ira Levin, you'll like Ruth Anna Evans. Follow Ruth Anna on Twitter @ruthannaevans for updates on her work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 26, 2026
Stories of need: of hunger, obsession, an urge that crawls under the skin and burrows into the bones. In these tales, you’ll find it all. Each tale brings a unique take on obsession and desire, from the supernatural to the painfully human. Each story in this book has its own soul, heartbeat, and a tense atmosphere that only great stories can conjure.
While some stories stuck with me more than others, this is a subtly brilliant mix of writing style and genre, wonderfully curated into a cohesive whole.
From shifting bones, faces that don’t seem true, to zombies, extreme thirst, and an endless day, each of these stories will speak to you differently. There is something for everyone within these pages. From debut and relatively unknown authors to some big names on the scene, this is not one to miss: you might just find a new favourite author here.
Trust me: you need this anthology.
While some stories stuck with me more than others, this is a subtly brilliant mix of writing style and genre, wonderfully curated into a cohesive whole.
From shifting bones, faces that don’t seem true, to zombies, extreme thirst, and an endless day, each of these stories will speak to you differently. There is something for everyone within these pages. From debut and relatively unknown authors to some big names on the scene, this is not one to miss: you might just find a new favourite author here.
Trust me: you need this anthology.
June 11, 2026
I love anthologies.... I loathe writing reviews for them. I never know how to write them, or how to rate them. All anthologies have their great, good, and okay stories; this one is no exception.
These stories of varying length are pretty good given the difficult theme and the word counts. I particularly like the last story, it's definitely a Need I hadn't considered.
I think what I really liked about this anthology is each author's perception of a need. Some are very obvious, others aren't so obvious.
I look forward to the next anthology Ms. Evans decides to put out.
These stories of varying length are pretty good given the difficult theme and the word counts. I particularly like the last story, it's definitely a Need I hadn't considered.
I think what I really liked about this anthology is each author's perception of a need. Some are very obvious, others aren't so obvious.
I look forward to the next anthology Ms. Evans decides to put out.
June 14, 2026
If you love horror, you NEED this book
A brilliant international anthology brought together by Ruth Anna Evans, with a powerful foreword by Sumiko Saulson, NEED provides a fix to every horror addict, whether your particular drug is body horror, quiet horror, psychological horror, apocalyptic horror, or horror that doesn’t fit neatly into any category. Written by best-in-craft artists (some well known, some less well known, but all fiercely talented), this anthology transcends genre to say some profound things about needs - human and otherwise - and the lengths we will go to to satisfy them.
A brilliant international anthology brought together by Ruth Anna Evans, with a powerful foreword by Sumiko Saulson, NEED provides a fix to every horror addict, whether your particular drug is body horror, quiet horror, psychological horror, apocalyptic horror, or horror that doesn’t fit neatly into any category. Written by best-in-craft artists (some well known, some less well known, but all fiercely talented), this anthology transcends genre to say some profound things about needs - human and otherwise - and the lengths we will go to to satisfy them.
June 10, 2026
Anthologies usually have a few strong stories carrying a pile of filler. NEED surprised me because even the stories that weren’t personal favorites still felt like they belonged here. The whole thing has a very specific emotional texture running through it.
The best stories understand that “need” isn’t just addiction or craving. Sometimes it’s grief. Sometimes it’s loneliness. Sometimes it’s wanting to be loved so badly you let something terrible inside with you.
A few of these stories genuinely got under my skin, especially the ones leaning into body horror and emotional desperation at the same time. Those were the standouts for me. There’s a heaviness underneath this collection that keeps it from feeling like empty shock horror.
What I appreciated most was that the anthology has heart without getting sentimental about itself. Some stories are ugly. Some are mean. A couple are honestly pretty sad. But it never feels cynical.
If you’re looking for nonstop splatter, this probably isn’t that book. It’s more intimate than extreme. More interested in hunger than carnage. And honestly, that’s what made it memorable for me.
Definitely worth picking up if you like horror that feels human first and horrifying second.
The best stories understand that “need” isn’t just addiction or craving. Sometimes it’s grief. Sometimes it’s loneliness. Sometimes it’s wanting to be loved so badly you let something terrible inside with you.
A few of these stories genuinely got under my skin, especially the ones leaning into body horror and emotional desperation at the same time. Those were the standouts for me. There’s a heaviness underneath this collection that keeps it from feeling like empty shock horror.
What I appreciated most was that the anthology has heart without getting sentimental about itself. Some stories are ugly. Some are mean. A couple are honestly pretty sad. But it never feels cynical.
If you’re looking for nonstop splatter, this probably isn’t that book. It’s more intimate than extreme. More interested in hunger than carnage. And honestly, that’s what made it memorable for me.
Definitely worth picking up if you like horror that feels human first and horrifying second.
May 29, 2026
This collection of short stories was awesome! Every author did such a great job really portraying NEED. The longing and suffering these characters put themselves through to meet their NEED. I enjoyed every single story in this collection. 5 stars, if I could give more I would!
Thank you Ruth Anna Evans for an ARC of this and the opportunity to review.
Thank you Ruth Anna Evans for an ARC of this and the opportunity to review.
June 14, 2026
An excellent collection of stories. Loved them all
June 14, 2026
More please, loved it. Everyone should read. Each story only takes a minute.. Enjoyed content
May 30, 2026
It takes a lot of talent and skill to make such an impact with so few words. I couldn’t possibly pick a favorite because so many of these stories left an impactful impression. Need is such a funny word as the connotation vastly varies from person to person. This anthology did just that by showing the varying degrees of what people crave that they in turn believe is a true need. I really enjoyed all of the different perspectives of the authors with how they decided their stories of need would develop.
I wanted to highlight a few of the stories that stuck out to me and why they did.
“Evergreen Terrace” by Mark Towse had me doing a double take toward the end of it. The ending had me surprised, and playing back the whole story in my head over and over again. Initially I was a little nervous about reading Towse’s work again (it was a “me”problem due to my fickle love-hate relationship with cosmic horror, never an author problem), but I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed Towse’s short story.
“Inspiration” by Matthew Jon Smith. The Blood Slug Daddio, himself. I had a lot of fun reading this one. Smith took such a creative idea on what was requested of this anthology, and made such a unique story. The aspect of blending fiction and real life with the feeling of a fourth wall break really piqued my interest. Mike and the Blood Slugs would be so proud.
I could honestly write a bit about what I loved in each of these short stories, but I’d rather you read them for yourself. So I’ll leave you with one last blurb about one more story. I wanted to review this story because without this author, I would’ve never known about the need for “Need” ARC readers. I know what I did there.
“Agreeable Grey” by Tyler Downs
Tyler has quickly become one of my favorite horror authors as of late, so I was excited to read a new short story from him. The last line of his story is such a profound way to not only sum up the story but also serves as a cautionary tale making one think about all we do in life (that we know will lead to our demise) which we continue to do regardless.
Okay, one more because it is her collection, and I can’t in good faith not brag about her story.
“Touch” by Ruth Anna Evans
This was definitely the emotional aspect of horror that many people fear. That insatiable need to have some kind of physical human contact that seems to be intangible when you need it most. As someone who has dealt with multiple bouts of grief well before they ever should’ve encountered it, I could somewhat empathize with Anna. Did she take it to the extreme? Absolutely. However, it’s one of those “I’m not saying what they did was right or wrong. I’m just saying I understand” moments. Those are generally the terrifying revelations though. Finding ourselves relating with morally grey characters can be startling, and I believe moments like that are what make great horror stories.
Thank you to Ruth Anna Evans for sending me an ARC of this anthology. I’m very grateful to have been a part of this process.
All opinions are my own, and I’ve written this review of my own free will.
I wanted to highlight a few of the stories that stuck out to me and why they did.
“Evergreen Terrace” by Mark Towse had me doing a double take toward the end of it. The ending had me surprised, and playing back the whole story in my head over and over again. Initially I was a little nervous about reading Towse’s work again (it was a “me”problem due to my fickle love-hate relationship with cosmic horror, never an author problem), but I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed Towse’s short story.
“Inspiration” by Matthew Jon Smith. The Blood Slug Daddio, himself. I had a lot of fun reading this one. Smith took such a creative idea on what was requested of this anthology, and made such a unique story. The aspect of blending fiction and real life with the feeling of a fourth wall break really piqued my interest. Mike and the Blood Slugs would be so proud.
I could honestly write a bit about what I loved in each of these short stories, but I’d rather you read them for yourself. So I’ll leave you with one last blurb about one more story. I wanted to review this story because without this author, I would’ve never known about the need for “Need” ARC readers. I know what I did there.
“Agreeable Grey” by Tyler Downs
Tyler has quickly become one of my favorite horror authors as of late, so I was excited to read a new short story from him. The last line of his story is such a profound way to not only sum up the story but also serves as a cautionary tale making one think about all we do in life (that we know will lead to our demise) which we continue to do regardless.
Okay, one more because it is her collection, and I can’t in good faith not brag about her story.
“Touch” by Ruth Anna Evans
This was definitely the emotional aspect of horror that many people fear. That insatiable need to have some kind of physical human contact that seems to be intangible when you need it most. As someone who has dealt with multiple bouts of grief well before they ever should’ve encountered it, I could somewhat empathize with Anna. Did she take it to the extreme? Absolutely. However, it’s one of those “I’m not saying what they did was right or wrong. I’m just saying I understand” moments. Those are generally the terrifying revelations though. Finding ourselves relating with morally grey characters can be startling, and I believe moments like that are what make great horror stories.
Thank you to Ruth Anna Evans for sending me an ARC of this anthology. I’m very grateful to have been a part of this process.
All opinions are my own, and I’ve written this review of my own free will.
June 12, 2026
This was a wonderful set of stories that focus on a person's needs, rational or irrational. Ruth outdid herself on putting this anthology together. Some of these stories are pretty brutal. While all of them were great, there were a few that I enjoyed the most, these were...
- Agreeable Grey by Tyler Downs
- A Need For Skin by Henry Penrose
- Inspiration by Matthew Jon Smith
- JOYCE by James Yates
- Self Checkout by Hinse Mutter
- The Drought by Lisa Lahy
- Gilbert Sutherland Needs a Job by Joseph P. Pietris
Overall, one of the best anthologies I've read yet. Go read it today and fulfill your NEED!
- Agreeable Grey by Tyler Downs
- A Need For Skin by Henry Penrose
- Inspiration by Matthew Jon Smith
- JOYCE by James Yates
- Self Checkout by Hinse Mutter
- The Drought by Lisa Lahy
- Gilbert Sutherland Needs a Job by Joseph P. Pietris
Overall, one of the best anthologies I've read yet. Go read it today and fulfill your NEED!
June 12, 2026
Need. What do you need? Love, air, water, touch, or food? We all NEED something, but is it a want or a need that we crave? This anthology shows that not everyone has the same needs.
June 24, 2026
The name of this book says it all. You Need to read this book! All the stories contained in this collection are amazing! They range from zombies to animal horror. All the authors did an amazing job with their stories and you know when Ruth Anna Evans puts a collection together that it’s definitely top notch.
June 11, 2026
This was a very interesting anthology. All of the stories were fairly quick to and to the point. it covered many different varieties of need and how those need can be horrific. I had a lot of fun reading this anthology.
June 18, 2026
This is a really well put together anthology with heart.
22 short stories that I absolutely devoured. They are all very short and I found myself just wanting to keep knocking one more out before I put it down, and before I knew it I was finished. A taut and compelling read with no fat or filler.
The underlying theme of human needs is obviously heavy; but there is enough variation in tone and subject matter, and a sprinkling of levity to keep it interesting and never bogged down by theme or metaphor.
As with any anthology, some stories hit me harder than others, but there isn't a single bad one in there; they all have a place and will surely each resonate with different people.
There really are some incredible stories throughout. I didn't take notes as I read to do a review of each, but a couple of highlights that stuck with me after I finished were:
- The Last Person Who Fed Me - Winona Morris. Beautifully written and ended with a real bang, the kind that you want from short fiction.
- We Do Without - Judith Sonnet. Again, beautifully written and the biggest emotional gut punch for me, one of those stories that makes you want to just go and hug your kids.
A great read overall - highly recommended.
22 short stories that I absolutely devoured. They are all very short and I found myself just wanting to keep knocking one more out before I put it down, and before I knew it I was finished. A taut and compelling read with no fat or filler.
The underlying theme of human needs is obviously heavy; but there is enough variation in tone and subject matter, and a sprinkling of levity to keep it interesting and never bogged down by theme or metaphor.
As with any anthology, some stories hit me harder than others, but there isn't a single bad one in there; they all have a place and will surely each resonate with different people.
There really are some incredible stories throughout. I didn't take notes as I read to do a review of each, but a couple of highlights that stuck with me after I finished were:
- The Last Person Who Fed Me - Winona Morris. Beautifully written and ended with a real bang, the kind that you want from short fiction.
- We Do Without - Judith Sonnet. Again, beautifully written and the biggest emotional gut punch for me, one of those stories that makes you want to just go and hug your kids.
A great read overall - highly recommended.
June 18, 2026
I really liked this anthology, every story is so different, there really are stories for every taste. It was very interesting to see a lot of the stories being about the need to eat and the need for blood, but very unique at the same time. I loved the first story, «Somatic», I think it was perfect to set the tone for the rest of the book. I loved «Agreeable Grey», it was a very impactful one, short but to the point. Other favourites were «This Body is Not a Temple», «Thirst» and «Joyce» (I like vampire-like stories what can I say). «Pick» had me disgusted while surprised, I definitly was not expecting that ending! «Nurturing One's Nature» was also one of my top favourites, up there with «Agreeable Grey», less than ten pages and I felt like I knew these characters but could only see the outcome of the story at the last second. «Vitreous Abyssal» was too gory for me, but I loved the concept and the whole idea! I loved «Gilbert Sutherland Needs a Job», I was not expecting it to build such a world at the end!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2026
A really good collection of short scary stories. Most horror anthologies have at least one or two stinkers in them. I'm pleased to announce the stories in Need are all excellent. The stories are short and to the point, so it was easy to breeze through this book. My favorite of all of them was Jackster. This story was probably the least like a traditional horror story, but as a cat owner myself, this story horrified me, and made me very emotional. Some other stand out stories for me were A Need for Skin, Somatic, PICK, and Vitreous Abyssal. A great read! Highly recommended for lovers of horror anthologies. I received a free copy of this book and write this review voluntarily.
June 10, 2026
Everyone has a need that they need met. What would you do to make it happen?
In this anthology from 22 fabulous authors, we find just what the human body craves, wants, NEEDS, and the links these characters go to get it.
In this anthology from 22 fabulous authors, we find just what the human body craves, wants, NEEDS, and the links these characters go to get it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thirst. Starving for attention. What you wouldn’t do to keep someone alive. When the compulsion to smooth any imperfections in your skin consumes you. When you crave human touch more than anything and so much more…this antho bleeds with terrifying needs. A finely curated horror collection that I highly recommend picking up.
You NEED it! Every author in this collection embraced need from a different slant and more than delivered in tight, short form which is extremely difficult to do. This evocative conciseness made the antho a compulsive (no pun intended) and accessible read with plenty of creepiness, shudder worthy and, on occasion, outright nauseating (if you’re an emotional reader like me) mementos. The human, the horror, the writing…is great. I applaud each and every author. Well-done!!! Thoroughly enjoyed it, in a horrific way. 👌🏼
Publisher, Cover Designer, and Contributor Ruth Anna Evans
Releases June 10th
Somatic by Emma E. Murray - Psychosomatic or not? To horrific conclusions, this was a great opener: visceral with disturbing imagery and unexpected outcomes.
Agreeable Grey by Tyler Downs - When addiction is inescapable…from a fresh, newer voice in horror and what a voice it is! I’m quickly coming to love this author’s authentic narration, style, and how he crafts a story.
A Need for Skin by Henry Penrose - Ooof, the title says it all. I shuddered at parts of this one. I could hear, see, and feel what was happening and it was frightening and grotesque.
The Last Person Who Fed Me by Winona Morris - This one stayed with me. We all need to eat…what happens when you can’t? The writing is so good I started feeling like I had a clog in my throat and that I couldn’t swallow, no matter how much I wanted or needed to.
A Mask of Me by Clay McLeod Chapman - “What’s the mask and what’s me?” This hit on so many different levels. I understand why this author is up for multiple Bram Stoker Award considerations.
Evergreen Terrace by Mark Towse - By the time I realized what was going on, I was thoroughly creeped out.
This Body Is Not A Temple by Caleb S. - Need contradicted by one’s moral compass is an impossible human, and inhumane, condition.
Sunflower by R.S. Mot - A compelling work of speculative horror fiction written from a unique perspective that left me haunted by inevitability.
Inspiration by Matthew Jon Smith - When the need for a good idea for story takes over so your submission will be accepted. Love how this author went straight to the beating heart of the antho theme and made it real enough, it could’ve been ripped from the headlines or evening news.
Thirst by Hannah Baxter - The children are thirsty and there’s nothing to drink. Heart clenched, I had so much anxiety reading this, and the prose hits high notes.
JOYCE by James Yates - OMG this tapped a relevant, clinical professional vein for me as a dementia and dysphagia/swallowing specialist and freaked me out. Palpable. Disturbing. Utterly Unnerving. Phew!!! 😮💨
Hey, Katie by Justin Hunter - Tapped into some pretty deep fears about what our future may look like.
Self-checkout by Hinse Mutter - A vignette, a snapshot, of a fantastical, bleak, scary future.
PICK by Becky Burgess - When the edges aren’t even and the compulsion overrides everything, getting right under the reader’s skin (no pun intended). I love how this author hones in and takes you places by playing on and distorting the usual rhythm of ordinary activities to create tension, a sense of urgency, and escalate fear.
We Do Without by Judith Sonnet Author - When zombies have taken everything…well, almost everything. Took me places emotionally that I didn’t expect and in short order with some exceptional storytelling and writing. I haven’t had a chance to read this author before. I will now!
Going Live by Amanda Hessenauer - Catastrophically realistic in these modern times, wow, this twisted up my head in the best way possible for horror. I’ve become a huge fan of her work.
Nurturing One’s Nature by Nuno Gonçalves - When needs collide. An author with a keen sense of economy. Sharp yet accessible prose, description, characterization…all deliver horror in less than five pages.
Vitreous Abyssal by M.G. Phillips - Gross and utterly terrifying with such an apt title. Awesome story.
TOUCH by Ruth Anna Evans - The need for human comfort is powerful. I was claustrophobic and squirming.
The Drought by Lisa Lahy - When the drought comes, nothing is off limits. What needs to be done, is done. I was screaming and crying inside.
Gilbert Sutherland Needs A Job by Joseph P. Pietris - When ageism strikes and you need to be needed…ugh there’s some central imagery in this that just puddles flesh horror in my head.
Jackster by Maryanne Chappell - There are fears and then there are fears…a real life scenario with genuine angst as a pet owner and an unexpected heartwarming conclusion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You NEED it! Every author in this collection embraced need from a different slant and more than delivered in tight, short form which is extremely difficult to do. This evocative conciseness made the antho a compulsive (no pun intended) and accessible read with plenty of creepiness, shudder worthy and, on occasion, outright nauseating (if you’re an emotional reader like me) mementos. The human, the horror, the writing…is great. I applaud each and every author. Well-done!!! Thoroughly enjoyed it, in a horrific way. 👌🏼
Publisher, Cover Designer, and Contributor Ruth Anna Evans
Releases June 10th
Somatic by Emma E. Murray - Psychosomatic or not? To horrific conclusions, this was a great opener: visceral with disturbing imagery and unexpected outcomes.
Agreeable Grey by Tyler Downs - When addiction is inescapable…from a fresh, newer voice in horror and what a voice it is! I’m quickly coming to love this author’s authentic narration, style, and how he crafts a story.
A Need for Skin by Henry Penrose - Ooof, the title says it all. I shuddered at parts of this one. I could hear, see, and feel what was happening and it was frightening and grotesque.
The Last Person Who Fed Me by Winona Morris - This one stayed with me. We all need to eat…what happens when you can’t? The writing is so good I started feeling like I had a clog in my throat and that I couldn’t swallow, no matter how much I wanted or needed to.
A Mask of Me by Clay McLeod Chapman - “What’s the mask and what’s me?” This hit on so many different levels. I understand why this author is up for multiple Bram Stoker Award considerations.
Evergreen Terrace by Mark Towse - By the time I realized what was going on, I was thoroughly creeped out.
This Body Is Not A Temple by Caleb S. - Need contradicted by one’s moral compass is an impossible human, and inhumane, condition.
Sunflower by R.S. Mot - A compelling work of speculative horror fiction written from a unique perspective that left me haunted by inevitability.
Inspiration by Matthew Jon Smith - When the need for a good idea for story takes over so your submission will be accepted. Love how this author went straight to the beating heart of the antho theme and made it real enough, it could’ve been ripped from the headlines or evening news.
Thirst by Hannah Baxter - The children are thirsty and there’s nothing to drink. Heart clenched, I had so much anxiety reading this, and the prose hits high notes.
JOYCE by James Yates - OMG this tapped a relevant, clinical professional vein for me as a dementia and dysphagia/swallowing specialist and freaked me out. Palpable. Disturbing. Utterly Unnerving. Phew!!! 😮💨
Hey, Katie by Justin Hunter - Tapped into some pretty deep fears about what our future may look like.
Self-checkout by Hinse Mutter - A vignette, a snapshot, of a fantastical, bleak, scary future.
PICK by Becky Burgess - When the edges aren’t even and the compulsion overrides everything, getting right under the reader’s skin (no pun intended). I love how this author hones in and takes you places by playing on and distorting the usual rhythm of ordinary activities to create tension, a sense of urgency, and escalate fear.
We Do Without by Judith Sonnet Author - When zombies have taken everything…well, almost everything. Took me places emotionally that I didn’t expect and in short order with some exceptional storytelling and writing. I haven’t had a chance to read this author before. I will now!
Going Live by Amanda Hessenauer - Catastrophically realistic in these modern times, wow, this twisted up my head in the best way possible for horror. I’ve become a huge fan of her work.
Nurturing One’s Nature by Nuno Gonçalves - When needs collide. An author with a keen sense of economy. Sharp yet accessible prose, description, characterization…all deliver horror in less than five pages.
Vitreous Abyssal by M.G. Phillips - Gross and utterly terrifying with such an apt title. Awesome story.
TOUCH by Ruth Anna Evans - The need for human comfort is powerful. I was claustrophobic and squirming.
The Drought by Lisa Lahy - When the drought comes, nothing is off limits. What needs to be done, is done. I was screaming and crying inside.
Gilbert Sutherland Needs A Job by Joseph P. Pietris - When ageism strikes and you need to be needed…ugh there’s some central imagery in this that just puddles flesh horror in my head.
Jackster by Maryanne Chappell - There are fears and then there are fears…a real life scenario with genuine angst as a pet owner and an unexpected heartwarming conclusion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Anthologies dealing with the most horrifying aspects of the human condition are always welcome - especially when they are as well written and superbly curated as this! "Need" deals with one of those raw, grave, primal existential themes plaguing humanity (perhaps definiting it, as well) since forever: the instinctual, emotionally uncomfortable, pressing and demanding concept of need. Unlike desire, grief, or loneliness, need accepts no negotiation; and this is a fact all the 25 stories in the volume acknowledge and build upon, in the most impactful of ways. Each tale highlights the force of need in its own way, ranging from body- and post-apocalyptic horror, to quiet- and even sci-fi horror; surprisingly, two stories, one from a flower's perspective ("Sunflower" by R.S. Mott) and one from a cat's point of view ("Jackster" by Maryanne Chappell) are also included!
I'll briefly mention the stories I enjoyed most.
Emma E. Murray's "Somatic": grotesque and suspenseful body horror; a much tormented woman visits a doctor, demanding her unusual problem gets fixed. But first, the doctor has to believe her. She NEEDS the doctor to believe her.
Tyler Downs' "Agreeable Grey": the claustrophobia of a functional drug addict's daily life; he NEEDS to rest - forever.
Winona Morris' "The Last Person Who Fed Me": my favorite story in the book; a grieving woman discovers that if she's to survive, she NEEDS to be fed by another human being, but people are in short supply - almost half of humanity simply disappeared overnight.
Clay McLeod Chapman's "a mask of me": a teenager NEEDS new, clear skin.
Mark Towse's "Evergreen Terrace": a family man NEEDS a family; a twisty exploration of human perversion and obsession.
James Yates' "JOYCE": the creepiest tale in the volume! A trainee nurse discovers that the elderly female patient to who she keeps company daily, NEEDS sustenance of the most personal kind. Don't let the calm and easy voice lull you in a false sense of security, this is Yates tale through and through.
Hinse Mutter's "Self-checkout": near-future flash fiction, yet it makes you think, and of all the stories, I felt it had the greatest impact; a third generation immigrant just NEEDS to help a homeless person - even as the system has just reclassified her as an illegal alien. Brutal ending.
Judith Sonnet's "We Do Without": a zombie tale of stunning nuance and emotional subtlety; two brothers who've been aspiring filmmakers all their young life NEED to keep making movies.
A.C. Hessenauer's "Going Live": dude NEEDS money, and he'll do anything for it; I certainly didn’t see the twisted direction in which this story was going. Damn.
Ruth Anna Evans' "TOUCH": a grieving widow NEEDS to be touched again; a tale as sad and forlorn as it is awful.
Emotional, dark, haunting, and deep, this anthology will stay with you long after your horror needs have been satisfied! Highly recommended!
I'll briefly mention the stories I enjoyed most.
Emma E. Murray's "Somatic": grotesque and suspenseful body horror; a much tormented woman visits a doctor, demanding her unusual problem gets fixed. But first, the doctor has to believe her. She NEEDS the doctor to believe her.
Tyler Downs' "Agreeable Grey": the claustrophobia of a functional drug addict's daily life; he NEEDS to rest - forever.
Winona Morris' "The Last Person Who Fed Me": my favorite story in the book; a grieving woman discovers that if she's to survive, she NEEDS to be fed by another human being, but people are in short supply - almost half of humanity simply disappeared overnight.
Clay McLeod Chapman's "a mask of me": a teenager NEEDS new, clear skin.
Mark Towse's "Evergreen Terrace": a family man NEEDS a family; a twisty exploration of human perversion and obsession.
James Yates' "JOYCE": the creepiest tale in the volume! A trainee nurse discovers that the elderly female patient to who she keeps company daily, NEEDS sustenance of the most personal kind. Don't let the calm and easy voice lull you in a false sense of security, this is Yates tale through and through.
Hinse Mutter's "Self-checkout": near-future flash fiction, yet it makes you think, and of all the stories, I felt it had the greatest impact; a third generation immigrant just NEEDS to help a homeless person - even as the system has just reclassified her as an illegal alien. Brutal ending.
Judith Sonnet's "We Do Without": a zombie tale of stunning nuance and emotional subtlety; two brothers who've been aspiring filmmakers all their young life NEED to keep making movies.
A.C. Hessenauer's "Going Live": dude NEEDS money, and he'll do anything for it; I certainly didn’t see the twisted direction in which this story was going. Damn.
Ruth Anna Evans' "TOUCH": a grieving widow NEEDS to be touched again; a tale as sad and forlorn as it is awful.
Emotional, dark, haunting, and deep, this anthology will stay with you long after your horror needs have been satisfied! Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Need is an anthology of short stories with the underlying theme of need. Need: something that’s necessary, indispensable, unavoidable, or an obligation due to an agreed, or perceived agreement. Although, not all needs are wanted. Some are thrust upon us, so they become a necessity we absolutely did not ask for.
And that pretty much sums up the theme within these wonderfully curated stories.
Each story gives us a widely different take on this theme. When most people think of someone with a ‘need’ they often automatically think of an addiction, but what if someone’s need was forced upon them by another, caused by the removal of something you have taken for granted all of your life, or simply blossoms from a desire so deep, so vivid, that you are willing to sacrifice something so precious to fulfil it?
In this anthology, Ruth Anna has collated a wide genre of stories all based upon the same premise, and she has done a fabulous job in selecting such a wide array of interpretations on the theme. Now, as with most anthologies, some stories will blow you away, others will question your own sanity (or the writer’s), while others may not be memorable. That’s normal for anthologies, as every reader is different and has different tastes — it would be a strange world if we all liked the same things.
Personally, overall, this is a brilliant collection of work from authors that I’ve never read before. The stand out stories in my opinion were:
A Need For Skin by Henry Penrose
A Mask Of Me by Clay Mcleod Chapman
Evergreen Terrace by Mark Towse
Going Live by A.C. Hessenauer
TL;DR
A superb collection of stories edited by Ruth Anna Evans along the theme of 'Need.’ Highly recommended for short, sharp reads.
And that pretty much sums up the theme within these wonderfully curated stories.
Each story gives us a widely different take on this theme. When most people think of someone with a ‘need’ they often automatically think of an addiction, but what if someone’s need was forced upon them by another, caused by the removal of something you have taken for granted all of your life, or simply blossoms from a desire so deep, so vivid, that you are willing to sacrifice something so precious to fulfil it?
In this anthology, Ruth Anna has collated a wide genre of stories all based upon the same premise, and she has done a fabulous job in selecting such a wide array of interpretations on the theme. Now, as with most anthologies, some stories will blow you away, others will question your own sanity (or the writer’s), while others may not be memorable. That’s normal for anthologies, as every reader is different and has different tastes — it would be a strange world if we all liked the same things.
Personally, overall, this is a brilliant collection of work from authors that I’ve never read before. The stand out stories in my opinion were:
A Need For Skin by Henry Penrose
A Mask Of Me by Clay Mcleod Chapman
Evergreen Terrace by Mark Towse
Going Live by A.C. Hessenauer
TL;DR
A superb collection of stories edited by Ruth Anna Evans along the theme of 'Need.’ Highly recommended for short, sharp reads.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5/5⭐, rounded up
Solid and wonderfully varied collection of stories centring on addiction, hunger, desperation, desire and all its various permutations… this offering of quick and dirty short horrors will satisfy that craving and leave you wanting more.
Standouts for me were:
Agreeable Grey by Tyler Downs – he’s fast becoming a favourite for me. I find I’m absolutely mesmerized by his characters, including this one of a quick glimpse into the life of a deteriorating addict and his apathetic existence… but for that one thing…
A Need for Skin by Henry Penrose was just ick and creepy and gruesome and I loved it.
Evergreen Terrace by Mark Towse which took an unexpected and perfectly wild swing that I didn’t see coming.
Inspiration by Matthew Jon Smith is brilliantly meta, clever and hysterical to boot. This one also took some wild turns that I absolutely wasn’t expecting, making it all the better for its surprises.
We Do Without by Judith Sonnet was an emotional tale of two brothers in a post-apocalyptic world and the need for expression, communication and connection… the grounded characters were an emotional gut-punch.
Sunflower by R.S. Mot was equally heartbreaking and horrifying, from the incredibly creative perspective of fauna.
Vitreous Abyssal by M.G. Phillips was absolutely horrifying in how far a son will go to keep his father alive. Also, super ick.
Evans sets the bar high in the quality and creativity of the stories on offer here. This collection will scratch that horror itch.
𝑴𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑹𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝑨𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝑬𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝑹𝑪. 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒐𝒘𝒏.
Solid and wonderfully varied collection of stories centring on addiction, hunger, desperation, desire and all its various permutations… this offering of quick and dirty short horrors will satisfy that craving and leave you wanting more.
Standouts for me were:
Agreeable Grey by Tyler Downs – he’s fast becoming a favourite for me. I find I’m absolutely mesmerized by his characters, including this one of a quick glimpse into the life of a deteriorating addict and his apathetic existence… but for that one thing…
A Need for Skin by Henry Penrose was just ick and creepy and gruesome and I loved it.
Evergreen Terrace by Mark Towse which took an unexpected and perfectly wild swing that I didn’t see coming.
Inspiration by Matthew Jon Smith is brilliantly meta, clever and hysterical to boot. This one also took some wild turns that I absolutely wasn’t expecting, making it all the better for its surprises.
We Do Without by Judith Sonnet was an emotional tale of two brothers in a post-apocalyptic world and the need for expression, communication and connection… the grounded characters were an emotional gut-punch.
Sunflower by R.S. Mot was equally heartbreaking and horrifying, from the incredibly creative perspective of fauna.
Vitreous Abyssal by M.G. Phillips was absolutely horrifying in how far a son will go to keep his father alive. Also, super ick.
Evans sets the bar high in the quality and creativity of the stories on offer here. This collection will scratch that horror itch.
𝑴𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑹𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝑨𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝑬𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝑹𝑪. 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒐𝒘𝒏.
August 10, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Publisher.
Maybe I should start with the trivial disclaimer about how difficult it is to review an anthology, moreso when there’s 22 stories!
So what needs are we these authors referring to? Some seem more easy to understand. How about water? How about the sun? Those seem obvious. And food too. The execution is no less creative for that. And if we dig a little deeper one might find the odd and the eerie in that black liquid that starts wars, and in the blood and the flesh. If we go even further we may find something like relief from the pain of being and feeling, in whatever living form it may be. Also, quite a few meta nods here and there, from some mischievous writers were fun.
The book starts with a banger from Emma F. Murray in Somatic.
A shout-out to some cool concepts in The Last Person Who Fed Me from Winona Morris a Need For Skin from Henry Penrose, and Nurturing One's Nature from Nuno Gonçalves.
Other standouts for me were Pick (Rebecca Burgess); We do Without, just heartwrenching stuff from Judith Sonnet; Vitreous Abyssal (MG Phillips) and Touch from Ruth Anna Evans herself. Even Jackster had me on edge like no, you are not going that route Maryanne!
Apart from a few bloodier affairs in NEED, the horror what prevails is much more thoughtful and insidious. Intimate even, which doesn't make it any easier to read. So, if you are a deeply empathetic person, NEED is bound to mess with your deepest fears.
Maybe I should start with the trivial disclaimer about how difficult it is to review an anthology, moreso when there’s 22 stories!
So what needs are we these authors referring to? Some seem more easy to understand. How about water? How about the sun? Those seem obvious. And food too. The execution is no less creative for that. And if we dig a little deeper one might find the odd and the eerie in that black liquid that starts wars, and in the blood and the flesh. If we go even further we may find something like relief from the pain of being and feeling, in whatever living form it may be. Also, quite a few meta nods here and there, from some mischievous writers were fun.
The book starts with a banger from Emma F. Murray in Somatic.
A shout-out to some cool concepts in The Last Person Who Fed Me from Winona Morris a Need For Skin from Henry Penrose, and Nurturing One's Nature from Nuno Gonçalves.
Other standouts for me were Pick (Rebecca Burgess); We do Without, just heartwrenching stuff from Judith Sonnet; Vitreous Abyssal (MG Phillips) and Touch from Ruth Anna Evans herself. Even Jackster had me on edge like no, you are not going that route Maryanne!
Apart from a few bloodier affairs in NEED, the horror what prevails is much more thoughtful and insidious. Intimate even, which doesn't make it any easier to read. So, if you are a deeply empathetic person, NEED is bound to mess with your deepest fears.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Yall NEED this 😅 but for real these stories were such a trip.
This antho is all about needs, it's different for everyone and these stories really highlight that.
A few of my favorite had to have been
Somatic by Emma E Murray I don't even know who to start with this one but damn if it didn't go hard, the ending even tho it told us what happened gave me big yellow wallpaper vibes for some reason and was such a vivid image when the secretary opens the door. That's sometimes something I imagine the husband from The Yellow Wallpaper saw..
Or maybe I'm just crazy lol
Agreeable by Tyler Downs, it's about an addict and the things we sometimes just keep doing to ourselves like we're powerless to stop them.. But that ending, damn for a story so short it punches you.
We Do With Out by Judith Sonnet no shock this is one of my favorites, this one is about two brothers in a world that's been through destruction and this one was emotional. The two bothers and that ending.
There are so many stories in this, new names for me to look up and find more work by and some old favorites I got to visit with, but all the same this is a book you NEED.
This antho is all about needs, it's different for everyone and these stories really highlight that.
A few of my favorite had to have been
Somatic by Emma E Murray I don't even know who to start with this one but damn if it didn't go hard, the ending even tho it told us what happened gave me big yellow wallpaper vibes for some reason and was such a vivid image when the secretary opens the door. That's sometimes something I imagine the husband from The Yellow Wallpaper saw..
Or maybe I'm just crazy lol
Agreeable by Tyler Downs, it's about an addict and the things we sometimes just keep doing to ourselves like we're powerless to stop them.. But that ending, damn for a story so short it punches you.
We Do With Out by Judith Sonnet no shock this is one of my favorites, this one is about two brothers in a world that's been through destruction and this one was emotional. The two bothers and that ending.
There are so many stories in this, new names for me to look up and find more work by and some old favorites I got to visit with, but all the same this is a book you NEED.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Today I finished reading a short story horror collection entitled “NEED” by Ruth Anna Evans and a host of other brilliantly talented dark and delicious story writers.
NEED touches areas that are…sensitive…profoundly human….thought provoking…and terrifying.
I can’t give a lot away as they are short stories and giving a spoiler on any of these would be a crime.
A doctor can’t believe his own eyes, the need for nutrition at the end of the world, dealing with teen acne, you will never want to pick a flower again, ways to help writers block, helping at the elderly folks home, a zit story that I maybe identified too much with (it’s a nurse thing..don’t judge me)…ways you can still be useful after retirement. Just to graze a few.
I took this book with me to the hospital when I needed to have a big surgery. I figured I needed something more scary than what was happening to me to help me through it. It was the perfect choice. I loved it. It will be a book I will read again.
You NEED to read this.
I received an advanced copy from the author. This is my voluntary and honest review.
NEED touches areas that are…sensitive…profoundly human….thought provoking…and terrifying.
I can’t give a lot away as they are short stories and giving a spoiler on any of these would be a crime.
A doctor can’t believe his own eyes, the need for nutrition at the end of the world, dealing with teen acne, you will never want to pick a flower again, ways to help writers block, helping at the elderly folks home, a zit story that I maybe identified too much with (it’s a nurse thing..don’t judge me)…ways you can still be useful after retirement. Just to graze a few.
I took this book with me to the hospital when I needed to have a big surgery. I figured I needed something more scary than what was happening to me to help me through it. It was the perfect choice. I loved it. It will be a book I will read again.
You NEED to read this.
I received an advanced copy from the author. This is my voluntary and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Need: Horror Stories you Can’t live Without
Edited by Ruth Anna Evans
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a fantastic anthology of short horror stories written by 22 amazing authors! They are all original stories with different horror themes, but each has a unique focus on different NEEDS that people possess.
I enjoyed all of the stories, but my top standouts are:
• Somatic by EMMA E. MURRAY
• A Need for Skin by HENRY PENROSE
• a mask of me by CLAY MCLEOD CHAPMAN
• PICK by BECKY BURGESS
• TOUCH by RUTH ANNA EVANS
• The Drought by LISA LAHY
• Jackster by MARYANNE CHAPPELL
• We Do Without by JUDITH SONNET
I was lucky to get an arc of this super entertaining and spooky collection! I zipped through the stories quickly because they are so fun and exciting!
It’s always fun to find new authors that I haven’t read before in these collections!!
**This anthology comes out June 10th and I definitely recommend the read!**
Edited by Ruth Anna Evans
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a fantastic anthology of short horror stories written by 22 amazing authors! They are all original stories with different horror themes, but each has a unique focus on different NEEDS that people possess.
I enjoyed all of the stories, but my top standouts are:
• Somatic by EMMA E. MURRAY
• A Need for Skin by HENRY PENROSE
• a mask of me by CLAY MCLEOD CHAPMAN
• PICK by BECKY BURGESS
• TOUCH by RUTH ANNA EVANS
• The Drought by LISA LAHY
• Jackster by MARYANNE CHAPPELL
• We Do Without by JUDITH SONNET
I was lucky to get an arc of this super entertaining and spooky collection! I zipped through the stories quickly because they are so fun and exciting!
It’s always fun to find new authors that I haven’t read before in these collections!!
**This anthology comes out June 10th and I definitely recommend the read!**
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ruth Anna Evans has managed to find such a variety of voices in the horror genre. NEED is a unique blend of stories written by a wonderful range of authors. This is definitely one of the best anthologies I have read. I am absolutely in awe. I experienced so many different emotions from these stories.
There are more NEEDs than you’d think you have in your world. It can be tangible, as well as intangible. Some stories are obvious what we NEED, such as water. And others are things you wouldn’t think of. I’ll leave those for you to find out when you read the book.
I was introduced to many new-to-me authors that I will definitely be reading more of.
Even though there are a couple stories I didn’t quite connect with, I still enjoyed them for their unique story-telling and fantastic writing.
This is an absolute must have for me.
June 19, 2026
I always struggle a little when it comes to rating anthologies because my experience is almost never consistent across every story. That was definitely the case here. Some of these stories really resonated with me and have stuck in my head, while others were not quite as memorable.
What I appreciated most was the variety. Even though every story revolves around the theme of need, the authors took that concept in so many different directions. The result is a collection that feels fresh and diverse while still remaining cohesive.
As with most anthologies, there were stories I loved, stories I liked, and a few that simply were not for me. Overall, though, if you are a horror fan, I think there is a very good chance you will find several stories here that work for you. The breadth of voices and ideas makes this one worth picking up!
Thanks to Anna Evans for the gifted copy!
What I appreciated most was the variety. Even though every story revolves around the theme of need, the authors took that concept in so many different directions. The result is a collection that feels fresh and diverse while still remaining cohesive.
As with most anthologies, there were stories I loved, stories I liked, and a few that simply were not for me. Overall, though, if you are a horror fan, I think there is a very good chance you will find several stories here that work for you. The breadth of voices and ideas makes this one worth picking up!
Thanks to Anna Evans for the gifted copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Need. Craving. Yearning. Desire. We all experience it. Whether it be for something simple, or something vital. Sometimes we can control it. Sometimes we can’t. But what are the consequences?
These 22 stories depict different and varying levels of need. Some detrimental to survival. Some detrimental to sanity. Each one showcasing a unique situation. All cohesive to the theme.
I thoroughly enjoyed this anthology as a whole. Each story was entertaining in its own right and I honestly didn’t want it to end. I loved the stories included by some of my favorite authors, and I loved the stories by authors that are new to me. I absolutely recommend this collection. I might even say you NEED to read this one.
These 22 stories depict different and varying levels of need. Some detrimental to survival. Some detrimental to sanity. Each one showcasing a unique situation. All cohesive to the theme.
I thoroughly enjoyed this anthology as a whole. Each story was entertaining in its own right and I honestly didn’t want it to end. I loved the stories included by some of my favorite authors, and I loved the stories by authors that are new to me. I absolutely recommend this collection. I might even say you NEED to read this one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ruth Anna Evans assembled a collection of twenty-one relatively short tales of horror, all centered on ‘need’ in one form or another. Some of the stories were very on point, some took a slower path, but all touched on ‘need’ in one form or another.
There were a few gems in the batch, some were a bit gorier than others. Some were very cerebral, like “Sunflower” which put you in the mindset of a plant, and some were straight forward slasher stories. In particular I enjoyed “Touch”, which was Ruth’s own contribution to the anthology.
All in all, an enjoyable collection that’s sure to entertain and fill your own horror ‘needs’. This was from an ARC copy of the novel, given in exchange for an honest review.
There were a few gems in the batch, some were a bit gorier than others. Some were very cerebral, like “Sunflower” which put you in the mindset of a plant, and some were straight forward slasher stories. In particular I enjoyed “Touch”, which was Ruth’s own contribution to the anthology.
All in all, an enjoyable collection that’s sure to entertain and fill your own horror ‘needs’. This was from an ARC copy of the novel, given in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2026
I am a sucker for a good anthology. I enjoy the diversity of stories and voices they can deliver. And let me tell you, this one definitely delivered. Need, as a concept, is both very specific and wide open. This makes it fertile ground for horror and the stories inside didn’t hold back in exploring those ideas. Going in wildly different directions and different concepts of need made it a multi-note anthology. There is a lot of food for thought here. Not only are the stories fun to read, but also disturbing and more than once I took a moment to think about what I just read. Overall, this anthology is a great read, but also makes us think about what we need and what we *think* we need. If you haven’t picked up your copy yet, I strongly suggest you do so.
June 24, 2026
I don't read a lot and most books I do start I just... Don't finish. This was not the case with this one. I didn't want to stop reading, but had to. Why? Because the stories are visceral and haunting. Every few stories made me reflect on how terrible and cruel the nature of our minds and bodies can be. Though many of the stories are set in situations that are fantastical and (hopefully) impossible, they still make light of what makes us, us. The stories that aren't from a human perspective remind us that we aren't the only ones who need. This book will live with me forever. Read the damn thing, and appreciate the fact that what you NEED is to feel these stories.
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