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Monsters You Never Heard Of
A horrifying collection of stories about creatures that really existed --- and maybe still do! SCARE YOURSELF TO DEATH! It's the ultimate in do-it-yourself.
Pick a stormy, gloomy night. Turn the lights down low. Leave the door to a dark hallway slightly ajar. Settle yourself into your favorite chair. After all, this may be your last night on earth. now open this book and read.
The Beautiful Werewolf, The Windigo, The Burr Woman, The Monster of Croglin Grange, The Cannibal Giant Oo-mah, The Demon Gebroo, The Golem, The Snake Woman, and more!
Pick a stormy, gloomy night. Turn the lights down low. Leave the door to a dark hallway slightly ajar. Settle yourself into your favorite chair. After all, this may be your last night on earth. now open this book and read.
The Beautiful Werewolf, The Windigo, The Burr Woman, The Monster of Croglin Grange, The Cannibal Giant Oo-mah, The Demon Gebroo, The Golem, The Snake Woman, and more!
160 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 11, 2023
Fantastic story collection with myths, ghosts and legends from all over the world. The style is classic and you immediately dive into the plot. Raymond van Over is a very gifted storyteller. My favorites were The Golem and The Beautiful Werewolf. This is the power of myths! I can highly recommend this brilliant compilation to young and old readers likewise. No fillers, mostly killers, in the truest sense of the word. Hidden gem in horror stories!
July 27, 2012
Up untill today I thought I was the only person to ever read this book.
I LOVED IT when i was little. Just found a copy on Amazon, its mine for the taking.
THE BURR WOMAN was the best, that story scared the hell out of me, I cant wait to get my hands on this book again!
I LOVED IT when i was little. Just found a copy on Amazon, its mine for the taking.
THE BURR WOMAN was the best, that story scared the hell out of me, I cant wait to get my hands on this book again!
October 2, 2010
One of the best collections of horror fiction I've read, for young or mature readers. I read this countless time as a kid, and still love it. Plus, the cover art is to die for.
October 17, 2019
Great selection of stories, told perfectly. The author did a great job embellishing just enough.
October 31, 2022
I spontaneously picked this book up as a month-ender, and it did not disappoint.
I suppose my Halloween could not have been better with this scary read. I am not a fan of horror as a genre, but some stories here literally made me squirm as I read through, especially the one entitled 'Nevillon's Toad'.
Basically, the cover misled me into thinking that this is a children's book; it is actually a compilation of actual dark and twisted stories.
I suppose my Halloween could not have been better with this scary read. I am not a fan of horror as a genre, but some stories here literally made me squirm as I read through, especially the one entitled 'Nevillon's Toad'.
Basically, the cover misled me into thinking that this is a children's book; it is actually a compilation of actual dark and twisted stories.
November 16, 2024
Monsters You Never Heard Of is an exceptional children’s horror anthology, offering straightforward prose and an intriguing variety of spooky stories from around the globe. Even for adult readers well-versed in horror from a young age, the anthology introduces a wealth of tales that feel fresh and surprising. Standout inclusions, such as a traditional version of the Windigo myth, avoid common misrepresentations of the story, providing a more authentic take on the legendary monster that sets it apart from typical fare.
What makes Monsters You Never Heard Of truly special is its willingness to directly address mature themes often softened or omitted entirely in children’s literature. The introduction (written by the author of The Encyclopedia of Murder) draws fascinating connections between folklore monsters and real-world serial killers, suggesting these stories were early attempts to comprehend such terrifying figures. This idea resonates especially in The Beast of Csejthe Castle, inspired by the legend of the Blood Countess, Elizabeth Báthory. While the gory details are toned down for younger readers, the historical context adds a sense of authenticity that is both eerie and educational.
A slight downside is that some of the most memorable stories, including The Burr Woman and Nevillon's Toad, end with cliffhangers rather than conclusions. While this may add an air of mystery, it can make certain stories feel unresolved and may leave some craving a bit more closure.
Nevertheless, Monsters You Never Heard Of respects its young audience’s curiosity and doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker side of folklore. This anthology is a must-read for children (and adults) who appreciate the eerie and unknown, offering a memorable journey into the world of monsters and the macabre.
What makes Monsters You Never Heard Of truly special is its willingness to directly address mature themes often softened or omitted entirely in children’s literature. The introduction (written by the author of The Encyclopedia of Murder) draws fascinating connections between folklore monsters and real-world serial killers, suggesting these stories were early attempts to comprehend such terrifying figures. This idea resonates especially in The Beast of Csejthe Castle, inspired by the legend of the Blood Countess, Elizabeth Báthory. While the gory details are toned down for younger readers, the historical context adds a sense of authenticity that is both eerie and educational.
A slight downside is that some of the most memorable stories, including The Burr Woman and Nevillon's Toad, end with cliffhangers rather than conclusions. While this may add an air of mystery, it can make certain stories feel unresolved and may leave some craving a bit more closure.
Nevertheless, Monsters You Never Heard Of respects its young audience’s curiosity and doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker side of folklore. This anthology is a must-read for children (and adults) who appreciate the eerie and unknown, offering a memorable journey into the world of monsters and the macabre.
April 2, 2014
I'm a little torn about how to rate this book. I enjoyed learning about the world mythology presented and the story sources section in the back was well worth the read. I was already familiar with a few of the "Monsters You Never Heard of" but many were new to me.
I guess the reason I'm torn about the rating is that most of the story telling is pretty bland; certainly not scary. However, two stories were exceptions to this:
1. The Burr Woman, which had a classically scary ending.
2. The Beast of Csejthe Castle, a relatively true story, that is, a fictional story around true events. Knowing that people really did what the story says they did maked it all the more frightening.
When the book was good, it was really good; when it wasn't, it was mediocre at best.
Another one of those $1 books at a used book sale. Those two stories alone were worth at least half that.
I guess the reason I'm torn about the rating is that most of the story telling is pretty bland; certainly not scary. However, two stories were exceptions to this:
1. The Burr Woman, which had a classically scary ending.
2. The Beast of Csejthe Castle, a relatively true story, that is, a fictional story around true events. Knowing that people really did what the story says they did maked it all the more frightening.
When the book was good, it was really good; when it wasn't, it was mediocre at best.
Another one of those $1 books at a used book sale. Those two stories alone were worth at least half that.
May 5, 2013
Really not that creepy but as a kid the Burr Woman was what got me freaked out! It still creeps me out a bit!
February 25, 2023
This was one of my favorite books when I was a kid.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews