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Echoes of the Forgotten: Web of Malevolence

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What happens when 12 storytellers unleash their darkest visions? You don’t just read it. You experience it. 'Echoes of the Forgotten' is a multi-author series that will stay with you long after the final page. 12 Authors. 12 Books. Zero escape.



Web of

Winter, 1971. Grief drives teenager Michael Tedesco into exile—straight into the arms of a grandfather he barely knows, hidden deep within the sun-bleached isolation of the Florida Keys. At first glance, the island feels like paradise. But paradise has a memory. The locals watch too closely. Speak too little. And when they do speak, it’s only in hushed warnings—stories of Naia Tomes, a witch who once stalked the island… a woman said to have fed on human flesh before the newcomers put her down. Buried. Forgotten. Or so they claim. Because something is stirring again. The wind carries whispers that shouldn’t exist. Shadows linger where nothing should stand. And Michael begins to realize the truth the island has been Naia Tomes is not finished. As the past claws its way back into the present, Michael is pulled deeper into a suffocating nightmare—one woven from secrets, superstition, and blood. The kind of horror that doesn’t just haunt you… It waits for you. And on this island, revenge is not a story. It’s a ritual.



There’s more waiting in the Echoes of the Forgotten collection—each one steeped in its own brand of darkness. Don’t stop here… there are more folk horrors to satisfy your appetite. Be certain to read all the pulse pounding nightmares in the collection.

90 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 12, 2026

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About the author

P.D. Alleva

28 books785 followers
PD Alleva writes thrillers. Whether those thrillers are Sci-Fi Fantasy’s about Alien Vampires attempting to subjugate the human race, or steeped in a haunting mystery, or an urban paranormal fantasy, PD always provides readers with a profound, entertaining, and satisfying reader experience, in a new genre he has coined as alternative fiction. His novels blend mystery, conspiracy, psychology, and action with the supernatural, horror, fantasy, and science fiction. Alternative fiction is PD's attempt at describing what readers uncover in any one of his books, a new discovery towards mainstream storytelling. He's been writing since childhood, creating and developing stories with brash and impactful concepts he describes are metaphors for the shifting energies that exist in the universe. PD lives inside of his own universe, working diligently on the Sci-Fi/Fantasy series, The Rose Vol. II, the urban paranormal fantasy series, Girl on a Mission, and Jigglyspot and the Zero Intellect, PD’s upcoming horror novel.

To receive the latest updates, sales, beta reading opportunities, book fairs, and giveaways, join PD’s mailing list: http://eepurl.com/gxKH7P

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
2,383 reviews177 followers
July 8, 2026
Web Of Malevolence by P D Alleva is a short horror story sure to curl your toes as we dive deep into darkness. P D Alleva is a master at spinning tales sure to shock your system, making you run around turning on lights, pushing the terror into the light. Web Of Malevolence is one of twelve short stories in the Echoes Of The Forgotten series.

Michael Tedesco finds himself wrapped up in a tale of revenge as the past meets the present. I love that P D Alleva weaves a story that has my mind spinning. Web Of Malevolence may be a short story and a quick read, but it packs a punch...so be sure and turn on the lights before diving in.

See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
Profile Image for Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich.
1,625 reviews210 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 11, 2026
Web of Malevolence by P.D. Alleva is a short horror story, and part of the Echoes of the Forgotten book.


I’d like to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


First, I don't review many short stories, because I don't usually have much to say about them, but as this author was kind enough to send it to me, and I've loved his longer works, ....

As always, Paul's ability to spin a strange tale is amazing.  His imagery is vivid.  Be warned that his gore comes alive!  You will quickly become enamored by his characters, and intrigued by the plot, which has a wonderful twist at the end.

It's a short, entertaining read, and I loved it.


For a more thorough review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book, and its author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
Profile Image for Angel Medina.
Author 12 books116 followers
June 16, 2026
PD Alleva does it again! It's why he's one of my favorite authors. This is a short, but thrilling paranormal horror read. Leo bumps into a legend known as Naia Tomes who used her beauty to lure unsuspecting kids. She got locked in a cave, but the twist is the cave is locked. I love creepy town horror and PD doesn't hold back on the lore in this one as this takes place in the Florida Keys.

I've always been nervous to explore the woods and this story won't help me over that, haha. It's his shortest book, but I suggest you give this one a try as this will give you a peek into PD's writing style. Just be warned this one will make you question who you can trust, especially those who are supposed to be close to you.
Profile Image for Andreas Giesbert.
69 reviews1 follower
July 20, 2026
The “Web of Malevolence” begins with a gut-twisting bang. Main character Michael loses his parents in a gruesome car wreck. In shock, he is brought to his grandpa Leo in a secluded area of Florida. Leo is distant, talks little, and the other locals are strange as well. Maybe the warning sign, “Beware the call of Naia Tomes!”, is more serious than Michael expected? Things seem to get better when he gets a new bike and runs into a beautiful stranger. And well, it would not be a horror story if things did not turn bad afterwards. And bad they do!

An echo of the past finds its way to the Florida Keys and leaves a path of blood in its wake. Alleva not only knows how to build suspense but is also a master of blood and gore. What starts with an eerie atmosphere quickly builds into some explicit slaughter. Something that I personally don’t like as much as the myth, but still enjoyed.

The myth behind it all is well crafted but does not have many surprises to offer. Sure, there are some twists, but nothing that a fan of folk horror would not expect. P. D. Alleva wrote an intriguing story with some interesting thoughts on malevolence, seduction, and revenge. “Web of Malevolence” fits perfectly into the “Echoes of the Forgotten” series and is a clear recommendation for fans of folk horror with a taste for blood. I would have loved a deeper myth, but it delivers exactly what can be expected from a novella.
Profile Image for Sarah N.
20 reviews2 followers
June 15, 2026
Echoes of Forgotten Web of Malevolence was a gripping and well-written novella that kept me engaged from beginning to end. The intriguing story and unexpected twists kept me guessing throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and would happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys suspenseful, fast-paced reads.
Profile Image for Jeffrey  Kuehn.
133 reviews11 followers
May 17, 2026
Echoes of the Forgotten: Web of Malevolence by PD Alleva
Received as an ARC from author.
Naia Tomes used her beauty to lure children she consumed. She was locked away in a cave with a curse.
Michael’s parents die violently in a car accident and he’s sent to live with his grandfather Leo.
Still having nightmares of his parents death he gets a gift of a dirtbike from Leo.
Leo says to stay on the trails and away from caves.
He meets a girl Lilith who befriends.
Then life local Max forces Michael to steal the amulet that binds Naia to the cave.
Naia’s blood wrath of vengeance upon those who imprisoned her and outsiders by her local youth has come!

Profile Image for Renee collins.
212 reviews15 followers
June 6, 2026
First I’d like to thank the author for letting me read the ARC copy of the book. This was a first read for me by P.D. Alleva, this story follows Michael who goes to live with his grandfather after a tragic accident. Lilith had me fooled for sure did not see that twist coming! If you love creepy towns with a legend this one is for you. I’m definitely going to suggest this book to all my book groups. I can’t wait to read more stories by this author!
Profile Image for Hailey Owen.
200 reviews6 followers
June 12, 2026

Echoes of the Forgotten: Web of Malevolence by PD Alleva

🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was a super fun short story with gore, twists, and paranormal cult goings. I did figure out where this was going pretty early on but I really enjoyed the execution!

This will be the perfect collection once it’s ready to read on a dark stormy night!

Thank you PD for the copy!
3 reviews
June 13, 2026
I don’t usually read short stories, but this one was pretty awesome. The story kept me engaged from page one, and the gore did not disappoint! I love the small- town legend theme. Honestly, I never want to explore in the woods again. If you enjoy being scared to step out of your house and into your backyard and questioning everything you think you know about the people in your life, this book is definitely for you!
Profile Image for sugarnsass_reads.
299 reviews14 followers
June 14, 2026
A haunting, dread filled tale of folklore and revenge. Naia Tomes was said to eat children until the townsfolk stopped her. Now the island comes alive with generational secrets, violence and a twist I didn’t see coming! This was my first read by PD Alleva and I have to say I really love his style! Well written, atmospheric, and chilling.
Profile Image for Ian Gielen.
Author 36 books94 followers
June 21, 2026
This is a creepy, fast-paced novella that packs a lot into its ninety pages. It opens with a content warning for graphic violence, gore, child endangerment, cannibalism, trauma, and possession, to name a few, which instantly caught my attention and had me bracing myself for an action-packed experience. And that is exactly what it gave me.

Set in 1971, the story follows Michael, a teenager who has tragically lost his parents in a horrific accident that is burned into his memory. He is being sent to live with his grandfather—a man he’s never met and didn’t know existed—in a small town in the Florida Keys. Adjusting to this new life is rough, but things brighten when he meets Lilith, a fellow teenager who is also new to the area and is instantly smitten with her. Then he starts hearing whispers of someone called Naia Tomes, a dangerous local witch who was supposedly killed and entombed in a cave many years before. Michael assumes it’s just a folktale, only to find out too late that it isn’t, and her return definitely doesn’t have sunshine and roses in store for those she targets.

Alleva’s writing is vivid and immersive, building up the legend of Naia Tomes in a way that makes her terrifying long before she appears on the page. When she does, well, let’s just say things get bloody, and that’s an understatement. Remember those content warnings? Yeah, those are there for a reason. Alleva also deftly puts flashbacks to good use, utilizing them for Michael’s trauma and Naia Tomes’ backstory.

Michael himself is a likable protagonist, and I genuinely felt for him as everything continued to spiral further out of control. Then there were some despicable characters that I couldn’t wait to see the end of. The ending? No spoilers, but I didn’t see it coming, and I loved it.
Profile Image for The Book Ssirren.
6,546 reviews165 followers
June 19, 2026
This was a perfectly written horror novella. I wad pulled in right from the start. I loved the lore that was weaved throughout this story. It was very intriguing and kept me invested. Absolutely loved the twists and turns in this. First time reading this author and it won't be my last.
Profile Image for Erica Fields.
280 reviews13 followers
June 30, 2026
Such a great folklore story, a witch named Naia Tomes! Loved this, it's short, fast paced with lots of action & gore! And an ending that I did not see coming!
Profile Image for Nancy (The Avid Reader).
3,240 reviews146 followers
June 12, 2026
Upon reading the summary of Web of Malevolence by PD Alleva, I was uncertain about what to anticipate as I began the book; however, the reality of the narrative was far beyond my expectations. The content within is remarkably different and significantly superior to anything I could have envisioned.

Web of Malevolence presents an unsettling and frightening tale, rich with dark folklore and featuring some truly unforgettable characters. The storytelling and world-building are among the finest I have encountered. Additionally, the cover art is one of the most impressive I have seen, vividly bringing the story to life and enhancing its realism, particularly with respect to Naia Tomes.

This narrative evoked memories of films such as Stephen King’s The Body and It, as well as television series like Stranger Things. Although Web of Malevolence is a brief story, it is packed with numerous twists that left me disoriented.

I felt as though I was immersed in the story; each twist that unfolded was astonishing, and I could hardly believe much of what I was reading. Characters revealed themselves to be entirely different from what one might have initially assumed.

Following the tragic loss of his parents, Michael is sent to reside with a grandfather he scarcely knows. Michael’s grandfather, Leo, resides on an island in the Florida Keys.

On the island, Michael befriends new acquaintances, who ultimately prove to be unlike what he initially perceived. He soon discovers that a malevolent and sinister force inhabits the island, seeking vengeance against those who had confined it long ago.

I found my enjoyment of Web of Malevolence to be far greater than I had anticipated, and I was reluctant for it to conclude. My appreciation for the story was so profound that I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading chilling, dark horror stories steeped in folklore. Be sure to obtain a copy of Web of Malevolence today for an exhilarating new adventure!

Furthermore, do not overlook the opportunity to explore all the titles in the Echoes of the Forgotten Collection available on Amazon.
15 reviews3 followers
Read
June 7, 2026
Echoes of the Forgotten has an interesting villain in Naia Tomes, who I found to be more complex and intriguing than she initially seemed (and she had my interest right from the start!). The story unfurls in a fast-paced, exciting way, filled with deeply disturbing moments. The teen protagonists give the story a Goosebumps feel, but don't worry, P.D. Alleva also brings the gore! Definitely worth a read!
Profile Image for Angel Sánchez.
Author 10 books55 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 18, 2026
Web of Malevolence – Echoes of the Forgotten Collection
By: P.D. Alleva
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Release Date: June 12, 2026
Length: 90 pages
Content Warnings: Graphic Violence, Gore, Child Endangerment, Cannibalism, Psychological Horror, Folk Horror, Trauma, Possession

Naia Tomes. Naia Tomes. Naia Tomes.

Wow. Paul’s prose never stops surprising me. While this isn’t the first book I’ve read from P.D. Alleva, this is my first official review of one of his works, and what a place to start.

Michael Tedesco is sent to his grandfather’s home on a remote Florida Keys island during the winter of 1971 after a tragic accident shatters his world. The island appears peaceful on the surface, but something rotten lives beneath it. The winds whisper the name Naia Tomes, a woman said to have devoured human flesh before being buried and forgotten… or so the locals claim. It doesn’t take long before Michael realizes something evil is trying to escape the island, pulling him into a nightmare he cannot outrun.

As part of the Echoes of the Forgotten collection, twelve standalone folk horror stories written by twelve different authors, Web of Malevolence delivers ninety pages of relentless tension, brutal violence, and eerie atmosphere from beginning to end.

Alleva wastes no time throwing the reader directly into tragedy and dread. From the opening moments, you feel the emotional fracture in Michael’s life, and that pain becomes the perfect gateway into the nightmare that follows. The island itself becomes a character: isolated, claustrophobic, humid, and oppressive. The forests, shadows, and silence constantly feel alive, like something is watching from just beyond sight.

And then there’s Naia Tomes.

She is terrifying.

Not just because of what she does, but because of how deeply her presence infects the island and its people. Her relationship with the townsfolk feels almost symbiotic, especially through the children she possesses and manipulates into carrying out her will. Those moments genuinely got under my skin. Alleva handles her with the kind of restraint and mystery that makes her feel larger than the story itself.

One of the strongest elements in the novella is the fragmented flashbacks revealing pieces of Naia’s past. They add emotional depth to her vengeance and slowly unravel the horrific history behind the island. It transforms her from just a monster into something tragic, hateful, and mythic all at once.

And yes, the brutality absolutely delivers. The gore is vicious and effective, but what impressed me most was how immersive Paul’s writing feels during those moments. You don’t feel like you’re reading violence from a distance. You feel trapped inside it alongside the characters.

Also, as the designer behind the cover artwork, seeing Naia fully come to life within the pages made the experience even better. The visual concept and the story feed into each other perfectly, and after reading the novella, that cover hits even harder.

If you’re looking for a short, addictive folk horror novella packed with atmosphere, brutality, and a genuinely memorable supernatural antagonist, Web of Malevolence deserves your attention.

For transparency: I am part of the Echoes of the Forgotten collection alongside the other authors, and I received an ARC from the author. However, this review is my honest opinion, and after finishing this one, I genuinely cannot wait to read the other stories my fellow authors have created.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✅ REAL – This one absolutely earned it.

— Angel R. Sánchez
Profile Image for Robin Ginther-Venneri.
1,167 reviews95 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 26, 2026
Echoes of the Forgotten: Web of Malevolence
By P.D. Alleva
Publisher: Chamber Door Publishing, LLC
Published: June 12, 2026
ASIN: B0GXQMCLVT
Page Count: 90

Triggers: Graphic violence, gore, child endangerment, cannibalism, psychological horror, possession, trauma, folk horror

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull Dread Rating: ☠️☠️☠️


Favorite Line:
“Over time or on a dime. The only inevitability is change.”

Yeah… that right there? Immediate fan behavior activated.


What Did I Just Walk Into?
Sun-soaked island horror where everybody knows more than they’re saying, children are acting deeply not okay, and an ancient nightmare refuses to stay buried. Basically the kind of place where if a local tells you “don’t go near the caves,” you absolutely should pack your bags and leave immediately.


Here’s What Slapped:
This novella wastes exactly zero time making your skin crawl. From page one there’s this thick feeling of grief and unease hanging over everything, and it only gets nastier from there. Michael’s emotional spiral after losing his parents gives the story real weight, which makes all the horrifying stuff hit even harder.

The island setting was ridiculously effective. Sticky heat, isolation, strange locals, quiet warnings, weird tension in the air… it all felt wrong in the best possible way. The environment practically stalks the reader alongside the actual threat.

And speaking of threats: Naia Tomes is nightmare fuel.

Not just because she’s violent, but because her influence infects every corner of the story. There’s something deeply unsettling about the way the town bends around her existence like everybody has collectively agreed not to look directly at the problem. The scenes involving the younger characters were especially disturbing because they carried this constant sense that something terrible was about to happen at any second.

The pacing also deserves praise because this thing MOVES. Ninety pages somehow managed to feel massive without dragging for even a second. Every chapter added another layer of dread, another bad decision, another “oh absolutely not” moment.


What Could’ve Been Better:
Honestly, my only complaint is that I wanted this story to be longer because I would’ve happily stayed trapped in this nightmare a while longer.


Perfect for Readers Who Love:
Swampy folk horror, cursed legends, isolated settings, creepy small towns, brutal supernatural revenge, and stories that feel like a fever dream with teeth.


Book Series:
Echoes of the Forgotten: Web of Malevolence
Part of: Echoes of the Forgotten (5 books)
By PD Alleva

Echoes of the Forgotten: The Last Exposure
Part of: Echoes of the Forgotten (5 books)
By Shaylynn Ryan

Echoes of the Forgotten: Warden Tree
Part of: Echoes of the Forgotten (5 books)
By Tiffany Royster

Echoes of the Forgotten: Blackwood
Part of: Echoes of the Forgotten (5 books)
By Angel R. Sanchez

Echos of the Forgotten: Curse of the Blue Bloods
Part of: Echoes of the Forgotten (5 books)
By Darcie Morin

Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
Profile Image for Elaine .
395 reviews30 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 16, 2026
Michael Tedesco finds himself being sent to his grandfather’s home on a remote island in the Florida Keys in the winter of 1971 after a tragic accident blew his world apart. The isolated island looks like a paradise but it holds a sinister secret. The winds whisper the name of Naia Tomes, a woman who stalked the island who was believed to have eaten human flesh. She was buried and forgotten or so the inhabitants say. Michael quickly realises that there’s a darkness trying to escape on the island and he gets pulled into a terrifying nightmare that he can’t escape.

When Alleva gets in touch to say he’s got some new stories coming out, you better bet that I grabbed the arc with both hands. One of my favourite indie horror authors, Alleva’s stories are psychological terrors that stay with you long after you’ve finished reading them. His Golem and Jigglyspot and the Zero Intellect still haunt my brain and make an appearance in dreams every so often (the fear of clowns was exacerbated a million times over with Jigglyspot!)

His new novella, Web of Malevolence is part of a collection called Echoes of the Forgotten, twelve standalone folk horror stories written by twelve authors. Web of Malevolence is 90 pages of fast-paced horror with plenty of brutal moments and terrifying scenes throughout and a vicious vengeful woman hell bent on retribution.

Alleva drops his readers right into this story, confronts his readers with a brutal and tragic moment in Michael’s life and signals what’s to come in the rest of the novella. The isolated atmosphere of the island, the ever-claustrophobic presence of the forest and the dark shadows keeps you on edge and the ominous presence of something malevolent creeping around will have you at the edge of your seat.

There are plenty of truly brutal and gory moments to satisfy the reader and it’s within those moments that Alleva digs in under your skin, making the reader feel as if they’re an intrinsic part of the story, right there with the protagonists experiencing the carnage that’s unfolding.

Naia Tomes is one hell of a supernatural creature and her presence in this story is beautifully brought to life by Alleva. She’s vicious, sadistic, a true terror. But her almost symbiotic relationship with the inhabitants of the island is such an interesting element within the story, her possession of children who are completely in her thrall and their actions on her behalf are terrifying. I loved how we got to see fragmentary flashbacks of her past and it added so much to the story and her revenge against the people and their descendants who did her wrong. The cover art speaks volumes as to why you don’t want to meet her in the dark!

If you’re looking for a short, addictive folk horror to sink your teeth into, get your hands on Web of Malevolence which is out June 12th. I’m looking forward to reading the other novellas in the collection. 4⭐️

Thanks to the author for the arc. Available to preorder now.

Profile Image for Patricia.
1,851 reviews47 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 8, 2026
Michael has lost so much in his young life , his mother and father killed in a car accident. He is put in the care of his grandfather , who he has never met and is moved to an isolated area off the Florida keys. Bur with all things come meeting new people and making friends and just trying to belong. He runs into a beautiful young woman coming out of the swamp water. Lilith who befriends him. While still trying to figure this place he is put into danger by a gang who whisper the name Naia he is pulled in deep to the history and the lore of what happened years ago and the ritual of what could happen.
This is one of those reads that will give you the willies . It is a folk lore that has so much packed into it. Michael is a sweet kid that has had it rough after he was the only survivor from the car accident. He just wants a place to actually belong. He is also plagued with nightmares that are seeming to be true. He is a strong kid who wants a sense of belonging in a place where they don't take kindly to strangers. Lilith is a young woman who just happens to run into him in the marsh, she is mysterious and aloof when you meet her. You really want to dive into her and figure her out because there is more to her than meets the eye. There is a gang of teens that well you can't and shouldn't trust . Each character is well written and there is room to expand them even more . The folk lore aspect is really good and it gives you the creeps cause you know that there are areas that believe in the folklores of the past .
This is good read, it will give you the willies through out but over all the story is a fun fast read . This is a new to me author that has a knack for writing horror. This would be a good read for your fall reading list just in time for Halloween. I can't wait to dive into his other stories .
Profile Image for Katy The Sleepy Reader.
413 reviews42 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 28, 2026
I have read several books from this author and I am never disappointed. The first book I ever read by him was Golem. I really enjoyed it and this book is no exception. I was able to read this book in one day, as I could not put it down.

The story centers around a young man named Michael. His parents are violently killed in a car crash. Afterward he is sent to live with his Grandfather Leo, a man he has never met and who was never even mentioned by his parents.

Leo lives in the deep woods, in the Florida Keys, and has some strange superstitions but that nothing compared to the locals. Michael keeps seeing and hearing things about a "Naia Tomes". His grandfather says she was local witch who was killed and entombed in a local cave. He warns Michael to stay on the path when hes out riding his dirtbike and to avoid, specifically, the cave that sparkles.

While out riding his dirt bike, he spots a young girl named Lilith (honestly that name should have been his first warning). She almost immediately warns him about a local boy named Max. Says he's all kinds of weird and into witchcraft. When Max and his cronies kidnap Lilith and some others, they then force Michael to go in the sparkling cave to retrieve something that might bring Naia back from the dead.

I don't want to spoil anymore of the story by revealing too much. Suffice it to say, things get nuts after Naias return. I thought this was a really great story, the world building was well thought out, and I really liked the concept of a vengeful spirit. I received this book free from the author for an honest review.
93 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 13, 2026
Title: Echoes of the Forgotten: Web of Malevolence
Author: P.D. Alleva
Release date: 6/12/26
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

“Web of Malevolence,” a novella that is part of the “Echoes of the Forgotten” collection, takes place in the winter of 1971. The story follows Michael Tedesco, a teenager sent to live with his estranged grandfather Leo after he witnesses his parents die in a car accident. To help him cope with his grief, Leo gets Michael a dirt bike but tells him to stay on the trail and away from the caves.

Michael quickly learns about the town’s dark past and Naia Tomes, a witch who would lure children with her beauty and then take, murder and consume them. She was eventually overpowered, bound with a curse, and sealed away in a cave. Meanwhile, Michael catches the attention of Max, a local youth interested in setting Naia free. After this encounter, things go from bad to worse for Michael.

This is my first story by PD Alleva and will not be my last. The core cast of characters are developed nicely. I empathized with Michael, the main protagonist, and everything he’s been through. Leo is odd but interesting and mysterious; Lilith, Michael’s “love interest”, seems normal but at the same time, the reader feels that something isn’t right; Naia, the witch, is downright terrifying.

Alleva is a skilled writer with hauntingly beautiful prose (e.g. the very first page). Using evocative sensory imagery and a good narrative rhythm, he communicates spiraling tension and a strong sense of foreboding leading to a brutal, stressful, unexpected, and horrifying finale.

This book is a must read that will exceed your expectations. Thank you Mr. Alleva for this ARC opportunity.
Profile Image for Don Anelli.
96 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 11, 2026
Overall, this was a fairly intriguing and enjoyable story. The straightforward storyline, focusing on the life of a small town that is caught up in these strange events based on the arrival of this stranger to town as he goes to live with his grandparents following the death of his parents, presents a formulaic setup but still keeps it engaging throughout. Working through some intriguing twists in the storyline as it goes along, mostly involving the connection of the residents to the strange spectral being he keeps encountering that ties back to the islands’ history and influence over everyone, gives this some intriguing aspects here. It’s all quite nicely utilized into the first half as a form of world-building and different characterizations needed for the residents of the town who gradually come under the wrath of the spectral being who comes to haunt them that carries into the rampaging action in the second half, splitting this nicely into a genuinely chilling and eerie first part into a solid burst of vicious, graphic supernatural action later on. Moving along swiftly with the fast-paced story, keeping this moving along without much in the way of downtime due to the overall brevity of the whole thing, there’s a lot to get out of this in preparation for the other installments in the series.

5/5
Profile Image for Ali  O.
1,081 reviews57 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 27, 2026
Echoes of the Forgotten:
Web Of Malevolence by P.D. Alleva
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Creepy and intense horror novella!

Michael and his parents were in a horrible car accidents, and both of his parents didn’t make it. He was sent to live with his grandfather Leo. He had never met his grandfather before and felt that was odd.
Michael wasn’t too happy with being in this small town until he met Lilith.
This town seemed strange to Michael and he kept hearing about Naia Tomes. He wasn’t sure who she was. However, he soon found out there had been a curse placed upon her to hold and trap her in a cave and only the bloodline could break the curse. Michael unwillingly releases this curse and he couldn’t have imagined the horrors that went along with this!

This is a spooky and exciting story that I was hooked to. There are lots of twists, surprises, and excellent imagery! My jaw dropped at the ending!

I was lucky to get an arc of this novella!!
It is part of the Echoes of the Forgotten series!! Each dark book is a stand alone book written by 12 different authors.

*This novella comes out June 12th and is a must read!*
Profile Image for Mary Urban.
Author 3 books9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 9, 2026
Stories about evil witches always have a special appeal. When children are involved, the horror multiplies. A vulnerable, rootless protagonist makes it all even more intriguing. Alleva wastes no time, plunging us into a terrifying world from the very first paragraphs. And what a world! Remarkable.

This is not my first PD Alleva's book. The author writes fascinating stories about interesting, well-rounded characters—innocent people burdened by their ancestors’ karma who become reluctant heroes—and about how their sacrifice saves the world… or not. Doomed from the start. Personally, I’m fascinated by his irredeemable evil entities. Evil in its purest form. His stories are atmospheric and gripping. The setting is a character in itself. Alleva's stories grab you and don’t let go, even long after you’ve finished them, though a bit too gory for my taste. However, the author doesn't use gore as a cheap way to scare readers. It's the plot that's truly terrifying, and that's why I'll remain a loyal reader of his until his very last book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Brandon Wilson.
Author 1 book16 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 22, 2026
ARC Review
Title: Echoes of the Forgotten: Web Of Malevolence
Author: PD Alleva
Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: Horror

This short story is getting me excited for each release of the anthology Echoes of the Forgotten. In Web of Malevolence, PD Alleva has crafted a truly horrifying and utterly creepy tale that immediately hits hard.

Teenager Michael Tedesco, finds himself moving in with his grandfather, Leo, after a horrific traffic accident that took the lives of Michael's parents. The new village Michael moves to doesn't take too well to outsiders, but he eventually finds some friends, until one fateful day the unleash an old evil known as Naia Tomes.

Alleva is one of my favorite indie authors and he once again delivers a story that packs a punch. He doesn't hold back on the scares, the blood, the gore. One of the things I love about this story was the prose. It was beautiful, and paints a really amazing picture. At points, it was almost poetic.

I want to thank the author for an advanced copy of this story. Although short, this story was powerful and brutal.
101 reviews5 followers
June 14, 2026
Sixteen-year-old Michael, car-crash survivor, is sent to live with the Grandpa he never knew deep in the Florida Keys. A different life, a million miles from what he knew. Haunted by the images of his parents deaths, Michael pays little heed to the local signs. "Beware the call of Naia Tomes". He's focused on fitting in. On making friends. Who cares about local legends? Or the bad dreams? Michael should have paid more attention. Something wants him; something needs him. And that something has horrific plans all of its own...
This story is a masterclass of horror writing. The tension builds deliciously as the story unfolds, culminating in unleashed violence and an ancient terror. Add in a very clever twist that I did not see coming, and it was everything a horror reader wants. This one is for fans of darker horror; some of the scenes are quite graphic, but they need to be. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Yahil Raven.
2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 19, 2026
HOLY MOTHER OF BLAIR WITCH!

Wow ..... That's all I have to say, just wow. To be such a short story of maybe one or two hours I'm am so surprised at how much happened. And though some things I suspected came true, I definitely did not expect them to go down the way they did.

And Michael?!

Holy poor guy...

The constant reminder of his first accident with his parents the constant warning in his dreams and his head just made everything seem more connected to him. The way he ended was just shocking.

The gore?!

I imagined this like it was happening right in front of me and I could not put my kindle down. It was so detailed I felt like I was watching it.

This was awesome! It was just the right amount of horror and blood and just the right amount of thriller. Amazing short book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Charlene (Char) ❤︎ ❀˖° ❤︎.
641 reviews31 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 22, 2026
A novella centered around small town secrets and a witch by the name of “Naia Tomes” who is to be feared.This no-holds-barred horror tale hooks you from the very first pages and keeps you in its grip.

The year is 1971 and a teenager by the name Michael Tedesco is sent to live in a small town with his grandfather Leo. His grandfather lives a very simple life away from the town and he likes it that way. Although Michael finds this odd, what he doesn’t count on is discovering a secret the small town is harboring. Things take a darker and sinister turn of events. What we all discover is Naia is not finished yet what unfolds is horrific and a horror that chills you to the bones.

🕸️𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫
🕸️ 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 & 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬
🕸️ 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬 & 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞
🕸️ 𝐆𝐨𝐫𝐞 & 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬

Thank you PD, for allowing me read this ARC! I greatly appreciate it.
Profile Image for Curt Dunnam.
246 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 7, 2026
"Echoes of the Forgotten: Web of Malevolence" by P.D. Alleva is a frightening 4-star folk horror novella! In the winter of 1971, Michael Tedesco suffers a tragic loss and moves in with his grandfather, Leo, in the Florida Keys. There, he becomes entangled in the town's dark history, including the legend of Naia Tomes, a witch who once terrorized the area.

The author does an excellent job creating an eerie atmosphere while weaving together supernatural and violent elements. The book has some truly brutal moments once Naia returns, and I wasn’t expecting the ending to unfold the way it did.

This was my first read by P.D. Alleva, and it definitely made me want to explore his earlier works, as well as the other eleven books in the Echoes of the Forgotten series.

Thanks to P.D. Alleva for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC for free and share my honest review.
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