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Dark Season #12
Tenderling
When Cally Taylor and her parents moved into their new house, they assumed the previous occupants had left.
At first, Cally is the only one who notices the strange sounds in the middle of the night, and the tell-tale hints of another presence. No matter how hard she tries to convince her parents, they simply tell her to stop being so scared. Slowly, however, the presence starts to make itself known in other ways.
After a horrific experience with her mother, Cally learns that the creature hiding in the house is a Tenderling. Unfortunately, she also learns that the previous owners of the house were killed by the Tenderling, which already seems hungry for more victims.
Tenderling is a horror story about a little girl who realizes that she's the only one who can save her family from a terrifying fate.
At first, Cally is the only one who notices the strange sounds in the middle of the night, and the tell-tale hints of another presence. No matter how hard she tries to convince her parents, they simply tell her to stop being so scared. Slowly, however, the presence starts to make itself known in other ways.
After a horrific experience with her mother, Cally learns that the creature hiding in the house is a Tenderling. Unfortunately, she also learns that the previous owners of the house were killed by the Tenderling, which already seems hungry for more victims.
Tenderling is a horror story about a little girl who realizes that she's the only one who can save her family from a terrifying fate.
- GenresHorror
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2012
29 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cross
664 books1,686 followersAmy Cross writes novels and short stories in a number of genres, mainly horror, paranormal and fantasy. Books include The Farm, Annie's Room, The Island, Eli's Town and Asylum.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 3, 2016
"...[I]f you can't be brave, then pretend!”
Such an awesome, imaginative story! I actually went onto Google to check if a creature called the Tenderling was actually part of some myth or folklore. Nope, just part of Amy Cross' brilliant mind!
Cally Taylor is just eight years old but she's clever enough to realize that the new house she and her parents just moved into isn't completely unoccupied. Though she doesn't see anything, she senses the presence of another being. Naturally, her parents don't believe her. Her mother tells her to be brave. And brave she is. Cally is one lovable character!
It isn't long before she finds out that the trespassing creature is something called a Tenderling and that it is responsible for the deaths of the previous occupants. Soon her mother is being adversely affected by it. Then her father. It will be up to Cally to make them see reason before it's too late for all of them.
This story was SO engrossing. Totally unique and exceptionally well-written, I greatly enjoyed every minute of it. Even the ending was perfect.
Such an awesome, imaginative story! I actually went onto Google to check if a creature called the Tenderling was actually part of some myth or folklore. Nope, just part of Amy Cross' brilliant mind!
Cally Taylor is just eight years old but she's clever enough to realize that the new house she and her parents just moved into isn't completely unoccupied. Though she doesn't see anything, she senses the presence of another being. Naturally, her parents don't believe her. Her mother tells her to be brave. And brave she is. Cally is one lovable character!
It isn't long before she finds out that the trespassing creature is something called a Tenderling and that it is responsible for the deaths of the previous occupants. Soon her mother is being adversely affected by it. Then her father. It will be up to Cally to make them see reason before it's too late for all of them.
This story was SO engrossing. Totally unique and exceptionally well-written, I greatly enjoyed every minute of it. Even the ending was perfect.
November 16, 2016
Totally creepy little monster story..
October 25, 2022
What an eerie, fascinating story this is. It's rare to find a horror book that actually sends chills up one's spine instead of relying on overstuffing its pages with violence and gore, but Amy Cross manages that here. "Tenderling" is a short read, but well worth it, and it derives a lot of terror from those things that go bump in the night... as well as the very real fear of something threatening one's family.
When Cally's family moves to a new home, she keeps sensing that something is watching them, and hearing strange noises in the night. Her parents assume that nothing is wrong, and keep reassuring her that there's nothing to be afraid of... even as Mum starts acting erratically. When Cally learns that the last family to live in this house suffered a terrible fate -- and a boy at school gives her a book of folklore that includes a story about a creature called the Tenderling -- she realizes that it's up to her to save her family before the Tenderling dooms another family.
Amy Cross weaves a creepy novella about a unique monster, one that would be right at home in a volume of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. She maintains suspense well, and the frustration that Cally feels as her parents dismiss her fears adds to the suspense and mounting dread as well. She manages to scare us without a lot of blood and violence, and makes the horror all the more real by showing just how the Tenderling threatens Cally's family.
The characters are fairly stock -- there isn't much in this narrative to define them beyond cliches, especially the bully that harasses Cally at school. Still, for a relatively short read, the story manages to be compelling and not feel overly rushed.
"Tenderling" is a great Halloween read, and I can easily see it being adapted into an episode of a horror anthology show. Should satisfy fans of the creepy.
When Cally's family moves to a new home, she keeps sensing that something is watching them, and hearing strange noises in the night. Her parents assume that nothing is wrong, and keep reassuring her that there's nothing to be afraid of... even as Mum starts acting erratically. When Cally learns that the last family to live in this house suffered a terrible fate -- and a boy at school gives her a book of folklore that includes a story about a creature called the Tenderling -- she realizes that it's up to her to save her family before the Tenderling dooms another family.
Amy Cross weaves a creepy novella about a unique monster, one that would be right at home in a volume of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. She maintains suspense well, and the frustration that Cally feels as her parents dismiss her fears adds to the suspense and mounting dread as well. She manages to scare us without a lot of blood and violence, and makes the horror all the more real by showing just how the Tenderling threatens Cally's family.
The characters are fairly stock -- there isn't much in this narrative to define them beyond cliches, especially the bully that harasses Cally at school. Still, for a relatively short read, the story manages to be compelling and not feel overly rushed.
"Tenderling" is a great Halloween read, and I can easily see it being adapted into an episode of a horror anthology show. Should satisfy fans of the creepy.
February 21, 2017
Tenderling by Amy Cross is a 108-page short novel published in 2015 under the genre of horror. What makes this story particularly horrible is that the protagonist is a young female approximately ten years old. She didn't ask to be the savior of her family but it seems that only she has a belief system that allows her to admit the existence of spirits. Her mother and father resist a huge amount of convincing evidence that they are under attack from the spirit world. The overall theme emphasizes the resistance of the adult world to change that challenges existing, long-held beliefs. Unlike many books of this genre, the language employed is comparatively “tame.” There is absolutely no sex and the imagery which illustrates the attacks of the spirits on the parents and Calley is neither gruesome nor gory. This is a safe yet still interesting book for the YA crowd. It is affordable at a download price of USD 0.99 or free through the Kindle Unlimited subscription service.
Calley and her parents haven't been in the house for one day before Calley expresses her adamant desire to not live in the new place. She senses the presence of an unfriendly spirit, one that she can almost see but never does. When she turns quickly in the direction of where she is confident the spirit is standing, there is no one. But she can definitely hear noises and that is good enough for her, not good enough for her parents. During her first night in the house, her sleep is disturbed by the sound of a spirit moving outside her bedroom. Eventually, Calley determines that the spirit has entered the bedroom of her parents. It seems she is not the immediate target.
Calley's dad is a work-at-home dad although he has to make occasional business trips. Her mom is very accommodating of Calley's wishes and treats Calley as a curious, developing young person. As days progress, mom seems distracted This will develop to the point of an obsession with things unfamiliar to Calley and finally lead to a breakdown requiring hospitalization in a mental health facility. It seems to Calley her mom is obsessed but as Calley's questions and readings progress, she is able to accept mom is possessed.
With mom out of the way in a hospital, the spirit focuses on dad. It is apparent to Calley that she, Calley, will be the final target. From day one, when Calley heard noises that her parents didn't, Calley has been trying to find out the history of the house. Several of her school classmates hint that they know the story, but they won't tell. An elderly neighbor of Calley's, Joseph, knows the story but doesn't want to tell Calley; he is afraid he will suggest to Calley things that will become a reality if Cally dwells upon them.
But Calley eventually manages to get the full story by piecing together parts from several sources. The previous tenants of the house had been the Madsen family. The parents were found dead; Mary Madsen had never been found. Local residents avoided the property, it had not been sold or rented for a long time. Now Calley's parents have arrived. Her school classmates kidded her for the most part except for Josh, a classmate who had known and talked to Mary Madsen. She had even given Josh a journal shortly before her disappearance.
Calley determined it was up to her to save the family. The only way the spirit, known as a Tenderling, could be destroyed was if it were faced by someone who would address it by name. Calley felt confident in her ability to do this because she had found the name “Tenderling” carved in wood above her own bedroom door. Just to be safe, she carved the name in wood above the other doors in the house as well. Now she all had to do was provoke a face-to-face confrontation and pronounce the name.
Calley did that. It didn't work. Now what? (This is where you download the book and read the rest of the story).
This is a fast paced book that I recommend to my students of English as a Second Language. Hopefully, the small number of pages will encourage them to read and discuss short novels in English.
Calley and her parents haven't been in the house for one day before Calley expresses her adamant desire to not live in the new place. She senses the presence of an unfriendly spirit, one that she can almost see but never does. When she turns quickly in the direction of where she is confident the spirit is standing, there is no one. But she can definitely hear noises and that is good enough for her, not good enough for her parents. During her first night in the house, her sleep is disturbed by the sound of a spirit moving outside her bedroom. Eventually, Calley determines that the spirit has entered the bedroom of her parents. It seems she is not the immediate target.
Calley's dad is a work-at-home dad although he has to make occasional business trips. Her mom is very accommodating of Calley's wishes and treats Calley as a curious, developing young person. As days progress, mom seems distracted This will develop to the point of an obsession with things unfamiliar to Calley and finally lead to a breakdown requiring hospitalization in a mental health facility. It seems to Calley her mom is obsessed but as Calley's questions and readings progress, she is able to accept mom is possessed.
With mom out of the way in a hospital, the spirit focuses on dad. It is apparent to Calley that she, Calley, will be the final target. From day one, when Calley heard noises that her parents didn't, Calley has been trying to find out the history of the house. Several of her school classmates hint that they know the story, but they won't tell. An elderly neighbor of Calley's, Joseph, knows the story but doesn't want to tell Calley; he is afraid he will suggest to Calley things that will become a reality if Cally dwells upon them.
But Calley eventually manages to get the full story by piecing together parts from several sources. The previous tenants of the house had been the Madsen family. The parents were found dead; Mary Madsen had never been found. Local residents avoided the property, it had not been sold or rented for a long time. Now Calley's parents have arrived. Her school classmates kidded her for the most part except for Josh, a classmate who had known and talked to Mary Madsen. She had even given Josh a journal shortly before her disappearance.
Calley determined it was up to her to save the family. The only way the spirit, known as a Tenderling, could be destroyed was if it were faced by someone who would address it by name. Calley felt confident in her ability to do this because she had found the name “Tenderling” carved in wood above her own bedroom door. Just to be safe, she carved the name in wood above the other doors in the house as well. Now she all had to do was provoke a face-to-face confrontation and pronounce the name.
Calley did that. It didn't work. Now what? (This is where you download the book and read the rest of the story).
This is a fast paced book that I recommend to my students of English as a Second Language. Hopefully, the small number of pages will encourage them to read and discuss short novels in English.
December 30, 2015
You know I get that this story was in the1880s but I didn't like how Evangeline treated Margaret. She was her house keeper, and a human, she didn't have to belittle her, saying that she didn't have emotions or feelings and always saying that she wouldn't understand because she's just a maid and not educated, and wealthy. Anyway I think Margaret was probably the only one who could've helped her at the moment and not think she's crazy. Evangeline kept saying Margaret was weak, but she herself couldn't even talk to her husband without thinking that's he'll worry or think she's crazy. Her husband also seemed a bit off, he got angry so fast and was excited to shot strangers, creepy.
I get that those were different times, when women were delicate, weak, and sensitive, depended on guys and would pass out a lot , I think it was those damn corsets, any how. But I think Evangeline could've spoken up more, it was more like "let's not upset husband, he might think I'm crazy". Women were seen and not heard in those times, that sucks. I'm sure that if a woman said something she would've been accused of being crazy, a slut or a witch, because she was confident or independent, an mean while, guys accuse them of all that and their doing the same thing.
I like to read about braver characters, although Evangeline was brave in some scenes she just had to go and compare herself to someone to make herself feel better. And even though after years of working for Evangeline and her husband Edward, Margaret is gone and they just talk crap about her, they didn't even care, it was oh well we'll get another maid, no problem. man no compassion at all.
I thought this book was creepy . I didn't know what was lurking in those halls, and what those dreams were about. Every time someone is about to say something, they get interrupted so we don't learn what is really going on. It was an okay read. I hope these characters become braver, stronger and smarter because Patrick is really starting to annoy me, him with his mysterious ways, its not cute anymore, I need answers damn it!!!!!
I get that those were different times, when women were delicate, weak, and sensitive, depended on guys and would pass out a lot , I think it was those damn corsets, any how. But I think Evangeline could've spoken up more, it was more like "let's not upset husband, he might think I'm crazy". Women were seen and not heard in those times, that sucks. I'm sure that if a woman said something she would've been accused of being crazy, a slut or a witch, because she was confident or independent, an mean while, guys accuse them of all that and their doing the same thing.
I like to read about braver characters, although Evangeline was brave in some scenes she just had to go and compare herself to someone to make herself feel better. And even though after years of working for Evangeline and her husband Edward, Margaret is gone and they just talk crap about her, they didn't even care, it was oh well we'll get another maid, no problem. man no compassion at all.
I thought this book was creepy . I didn't know what was lurking in those halls, and what those dreams were about. Every time someone is about to say something, they get interrupted so we don't learn what is really going on. It was an okay read. I hope these characters become braver, stronger and smarter because Patrick is really starting to annoy me, him with his mysterious ways, its not cute anymore, I need answers damn it!!!!!
May 25, 2016
Tenderling is a simple tale told well. The details are appropriately icky and bloody, and of course we get to watch the parents gradually go mad. The psychiatric ward that makes an appearance is overly stereotypical, but in general the characters in here are good, even if Cally is obvious as the star and hopeful hero. At least, this being a horror novel, you can’t be entirely sure what end will befall her.
The characters were fun. The pace and tension built up beautifully; just remember this is a novella, not a full-length novel, so the pace and details move faster than you might otherwise expect. I loved the ending, although I won’t say what direction it went in. The Tenderling itself becomes more interesting as it goes.
If you want a short, enjoyable horror read, Tenderling makes a good choice!
Original review available on my site: http://www.errantdreams.com/2016/05/t...
The characters were fun. The pace and tension built up beautifully; just remember this is a novella, not a full-length novel, so the pace and details move faster than you might otherwise expect. I loved the ending, although I won’t say what direction it went in. The Tenderling itself becomes more interesting as it goes.
If you want a short, enjoyable horror read, Tenderling makes a good choice!
Original review available on my site: http://www.errantdreams.com/2016/05/t...
November 3, 2016
Sophie made my stomach turn when she kissed Nimrod. I felt the bile rise in my throat and had to put the book down. [shakes head]
I am sure this book will tie the story together as they all have in the past. Amy Cross has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Now as you see below about my ‘Nook 2 Android’ I am able to read the kindle books on my Nook. This is so much easier on my eyes which makes me a happy reader.
I found this book boring… this snotty people made me ill. I was glad when it finally ended. But what did I learn?
I am sure this book will tie the story together as they all have in the past. Amy Cross has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Now as you see below about my ‘Nook 2 Android’ I am able to read the kindle books on my Nook. This is so much easier on my eyes which makes me a happy reader.
I found this book boring… this snotty people made me ill. I was glad when it finally ended. But what did I learn?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2015
Caution ! Don't read before bed!!
Wow, I don't scare easily but I have got to warn you readers this is one of the scariest books I've read. I was reading a little before bed and believe me I had to stop, I was so creeped out I had to watch tv to get my mind off what I just read. This is one of the best horror stories I've read and Amy Cross has a great imagination. I look forward to reading more by this Author. I recommend this one for you fan's out there who like to be truly frightened.
kozetteksmith
Wow, I don't scare easily but I have got to warn you readers this is one of the scariest books I've read. I was reading a little before bed and believe me I had to stop, I was so creeped out I had to watch tv to get my mind off what I just read. This is one of the best horror stories I've read and Amy Cross has a great imagination. I look forward to reading more by this Author. I recommend this one for you fan's out there who like to be truly frightened.
kozetteksmith
August 15, 2016
Creepy story!
Original little short story about Tenderlings, monsters who look a bit like trolls and live secretly in houses, feeding off of humans' energy through a variety of creepy ways. A little girl, Cally, slowly begins to piece out what is going on in their new house: she and her family have unknowingly moved into the territory of a Tenderling. She finds out more about them and attempts to save her family, which is made more difficult since they don't believe her. Loved it!
Original little short story about Tenderlings, monsters who look a bit like trolls and live secretly in houses, feeding off of humans' energy through a variety of creepy ways. A little girl, Cally, slowly begins to piece out what is going on in their new house: she and her family have unknowingly moved into the territory of a Tenderling. She finds out more about them and attempts to save her family, which is made more difficult since they don't believe her. Loved it!
October 5, 2015
Okay, but not awesome....
I did enjoy this one, but it took a long time to unfold and I feel it could have been a lot shorter and it would have been way better. Everything you want is here, it just is so spread out you almost want to stop reading it, but if you stick with it you will like it. I also figured it out way too quickly, so to me it was not scary, but still a good story.
I did enjoy this one, but it took a long time to unfold and I feel it could have been a lot shorter and it would have been way better. Everything you want is here, it just is so spread out you almost want to stop reading it, but if you stick with it you will like it. I also figured it out way too quickly, so to me it was not scary, but still a good story.
August 31, 2015
Addictive writing style...
This was quite a cool book. It was fast-paced and just the right amount of odd. I could barely make myself take a break from this one. It was definitely a different approach, and I think the author did a good job--with originality and an addictive writing style. Definitely recommended.
This was quite a cool book. It was fast-paced and just the right amount of odd. I could barely make myself take a break from this one. It was definitely a different approach, and I think the author did a good job--with originality and an addictive writing style. Definitely recommended.
October 12, 2015
An enjoyable tale that will curl your toes. Told in the first person from the point of view of a young girl, this fast-paced short read packs plenty of chills.
No spoilers from me, but if you enjoy a well-told horror this is for you.
No spoilers from me, but if you enjoy a well-told horror this is for you.
July 25, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. My only qualm with it is that it seems like the protagonist is older than she is, but hey, some kids are really mature. This story was interesting and different, sort of a haunted house story, but also a creature story and the two meet in the middle quite well.
December 3, 2016
Creepy and Crazy all in one.
While the story, characters, everything catches your attention with this book, I personally felt there was something missing. It wasn't a big something though which is probably why the story worked just fun be without it.
While the story, characters, everything catches your attention with this book, I personally felt there was something missing. It wasn't a big something though which is probably why the story worked just fun be without it.
August 4, 2015
Very creepy!
One of the better horror stories I've read lately. A chilling story from a young girls account. Worth taking the time to read!
One of the better horror stories I've read lately. A chilling story from a young girls account. Worth taking the time to read!
October 7, 2015
WOW !!! This was awesome !!! I wanted to jump right into the book...
January 15, 2016
Tenderling is truly horrifying. I couldn't put it down but really wanted to. Great book when you are looking for a little chill up your spine. Don't read this in your attic!
January 25, 2016
Couldn't put it down
Stayed up all night reading this book. It's a quick read and is pretty creepy. I'm glad I read it.
Stayed up all night reading this book. It's a quick read and is pretty creepy. I'm glad I read it.
April 20, 2016
This was an okay story.
May 10, 2016
Ok
The concept was ok but it didn't make sense the dad not believing her when he himself started doing stuff to his own body
The concept was ok but it didn't make sense the dad not believing her when he himself started doing stuff to his own body
July 1, 2016
Right from the get go it had me hooked.
Kept my interest and I couldn't put out down. Simple and fantastic to read. I loved the way the book was written.
Kept my interest and I couldn't put out down. Simple and fantastic to read. I loved the way the book was written.
January 10, 2017
Wow
This book was so good I just had a hard time butting it down and doing my house work you will really like
This book was so good I just had a hard time butting it down and doing my house work you will really like
January 17, 2017
interesting
I like the weird mind of Amy Cross. Always something different. Very different. Going on to the next book. Thanks!
I like the weird mind of Amy Cross. Always something different. Very different. Going on to the next book. Thanks!
March 11, 2016
*3.5 stars*
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews