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The Elegance Of Decay
Not yet published
Expected 15 Oct 26- GenresHorror
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 15, 2026
About the author
Stoney Brooks
3 books15 followersStoney Brooks is a good old fashioned SoCal boy, with a healthy touch of Gypsy blood. After multiple moves, he’s landed back in his childhood stomping grounds of San Bernardino County, dragging along his wife, two kids, and smattering of barnyard critters.
A finance professional by day, he holds multiple distinguishing titles. By night, he crafts dark stories tinged with just a touch of humor to cut the tension. Stoney is an active member of the Horror Writers Association and the Horror Authors Guild.
A finance professional by day, he holds multiple distinguishing titles. By night, he crafts dark stories tinged with just a touch of humor to cut the tension. Stoney is an active member of the Horror Writers Association and the Horror Authors Guild.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 11, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In all sincerity, I struggled with this book a lot. There was no elegance nor decay, which was a shame as I felt this sounded like such a great, psychologically tense story, with a great twist, which sadly never came..
I found the characters quite superficial, their problems trivial and very juvenile. To be fair, most of them were just douchebags and I was desperately hoping that at least one of them have a wildcard up their sleeve, but alas.. All of them were just so unnecessarily horny and borderline alcoholics. Why was that the main tension point chosen, when you have human eating magical alien moss at your doorstep?? These people are getting eaten alive by moss but all their focus is to get drunk and fuck and it just missed the mark for me.
I was also expecting a bigger focus to be on the actual moss and science of it. Part of what makes nature horror terrifying is the believability of it all and I think this was a huge missed opportunity. Equally, as the villain of the story, the moss hardly even features and when it does, the suspense and terror doesn't land as effectively as the blurb made me believe. Considering this was a research trip, I'm amazed we learned hardly anything about the natural world or the purpose of this expedition. Aspects of it had so much potential, particularly atmospheric scenes that felt like Annihilation.
The pace of the narration also felt off and it was difficult to discern the timeline of events - was it days, hours or minutes? Have no clue. There were also unnecessary interludes midway through tense action scenes, which took away from the suspense. Someone's getting murdered but let's backtrack to this one random memory about Reid's EMT days. Making characters human and relatable is important but that should not come at an expense of the action and the plot.
The writing style was actually good and perhaps the main thing that pushed me to finish, but overall I would not recommend this book.
In all sincerity, I struggled with this book a lot. There was no elegance nor decay, which was a shame as I felt this sounded like such a great, psychologically tense story, with a great twist, which sadly never came..
I found the characters quite superficial, their problems trivial and very juvenile. To be fair, most of them were just douchebags and I was desperately hoping that at least one of them have a wildcard up their sleeve, but alas.. All of them were just so unnecessarily horny and borderline alcoholics. Why was that the main tension point chosen, when you have human eating magical alien moss at your doorstep?? These people are getting eaten alive by moss but all their focus is to get drunk and fuck and it just missed the mark for me.
I was also expecting a bigger focus to be on the actual moss and science of it. Part of what makes nature horror terrifying is the believability of it all and I think this was a huge missed opportunity. Equally, as the villain of the story, the moss hardly even features and when it does, the suspense and terror doesn't land as effectively as the blurb made me believe. Considering this was a research trip, I'm amazed we learned hardly anything about the natural world or the purpose of this expedition. Aspects of it had so much potential, particularly atmospheric scenes that felt like Annihilation.
The pace of the narration also felt off and it was difficult to discern the timeline of events - was it days, hours or minutes? Have no clue. There were also unnecessary interludes midway through tense action scenes, which took away from the suspense. Someone's getting murdered but let's backtrack to this one random memory about Reid's EMT days. Making characters human and relatable is important but that should not come at an expense of the action and the plot.
The writing style was actually good and perhaps the main thing that pushed me to finish, but overall I would not recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"A haunting, deeply atmospheric descent into the wilderness where the past refuses to stay buried."
First, I want to start by thanking the author for giving me the opportunity to read this incredible story. This is the third book I've read by him, and with each new work, he manages to surprise me even more.
The plot follows six friends who get the chance to investigate something deeply sinister out in the wilderness, and wow—everything that unfolds left me utterly speechless. Every single chapter left me craving much more, pulling me deeper into the mystery. As fear fractures the group and old trauma resurfaces, the survivors must tether together long enough to escape a living wilderness that refuses to let go. On this mountain, nothing stays dead for long, and the moss never stops growing.
This story has carved a permanent place in my memory, overflowing with relentless suspense and psychological horror. I loved savoring every single chapter. Stoney Brooks is undeniably talented, and I congratulate him immensely on this stellar work. The ending left me deeply unsettled, as I never saw that twist coming.
If you are looking for a story that leaves you completely breathless—especially if you love "people going into the woods" horror—this one is an absolute must-read. Five stars without a second thought. 🌲🏕️💀
First, I want to start by thanking the author for giving me the opportunity to read this incredible story. This is the third book I've read by him, and with each new work, he manages to surprise me even more.
The plot follows six friends who get the chance to investigate something deeply sinister out in the wilderness, and wow—everything that unfolds left me utterly speechless. Every single chapter left me craving much more, pulling me deeper into the mystery. As fear fractures the group and old trauma resurfaces, the survivors must tether together long enough to escape a living wilderness that refuses to let go. On this mountain, nothing stays dead for long, and the moss never stops growing.
This story has carved a permanent place in my memory, overflowing with relentless suspense and psychological horror. I loved savoring every single chapter. Stoney Brooks is undeniably talented, and I congratulate him immensely on this stellar work. The ending left me deeply unsettled, as I never saw that twist coming.
If you are looking for a story that leaves you completely breathless—especially if you love "people going into the woods" horror—this one is an absolute must-read. Five stars without a second thought. 🌲🏕️💀
Review of advance copy
What if the wilderness you came to study was actually studying you?
The Elegance of Decay by Stoney Brooks takes readers from a remote scientific expedition into an eerie fight for survival, where isolation, fear, and an unnatural moss-like growth turn the wilderness into something far more dangerous than expected.
Tropes:
Forced Proximity
Survival Horror
Found Family
Romantic Tension
Dustin’s scientific obsession, Reid’s impulsive protector energy, Molly’s determination, and Felipe’s outsider perspective create a messy group dynamic where trust is constantly tested. As the danger escalates, their relationships become just as compelling as the mystery, with jealousy, loyalty, fear, and the need to survive constantly colliding.
The atmosphere is eerie, claustrophobic, and unsettling, making this a great pick for readers who enjoy character-driven horror mixed with mysterious wilderness threats.
Read this if you like: The Ruins by Scott Smith, The Troop by Nick Cutter, or Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
The Elegance of Decay by Stoney Brooks takes readers from a remote scientific expedition into an eerie fight for survival, where isolation, fear, and an unnatural moss-like growth turn the wilderness into something far more dangerous than expected.
Tropes:
Forced Proximity
Survival Horror
Found Family
Romantic Tension
Dustin’s scientific obsession, Reid’s impulsive protector energy, Molly’s determination, and Felipe’s outsider perspective create a messy group dynamic where trust is constantly tested. As the danger escalates, their relationships become just as compelling as the mystery, with jealousy, loyalty, fear, and the need to survive constantly colliding.
The atmosphere is eerie, claustrophobic, and unsettling, making this a great pick for readers who enjoy character-driven horror mixed with mysterious wilderness threats.
Read this if you like: The Ruins by Scott Smith, The Troop by Nick Cutter, or Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I rounded this rating up to 3 stars for the concept. I do like eco-horror and I think the aspects of the "monster" in this novel were interesting and could have been worked into a more thrilling storyline.
From the start, the prologue was completely unnecessary and could have been eliminated with any information from it easily given via dialogue at some point early in the story. I struggled to get through the frequent character internalizations, and reminiscing that took away from the "horror" of the story. It often came at inappropriate times which would have been better served by increasing the terror.
The characters were a group of extremely unlikeable airheads and dorks. I didn't care one whit whether they survived or not, I just wanted to get to the scary parts.
In summary, I would say this has potential but needs a page one rewrite.
I'd like to thank the publisher for providing a copy of this novel via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
From the start, the prologue was completely unnecessary and could have been eliminated with any information from it easily given via dialogue at some point early in the story. I struggled to get through the frequent character internalizations, and reminiscing that took away from the "horror" of the story. It often came at inappropriate times which would have been better served by increasing the terror.
The characters were a group of extremely unlikeable airheads and dorks. I didn't care one whit whether they survived or not, I just wanted to get to the scary parts.
In summary, I would say this has potential but needs a page one rewrite.
I'd like to thank the publisher for providing a copy of this novel via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ohhhhh. This was eery. Mossy. Creepy. Like bio horror? Eco horror? Ruins-y or if you ever watched the movie the fog. (That's what this reminded me of 🤷♀️) I was already stressed at the mention of platforms and cliffs. No ty. 🤣
6 friends go on an excursion and well, moss happens. The accidents that occur are movie worthy. Honestly the last like 40 percent of this I was truly hooked and i couldn't stop reading. It's a mindf*ck once you dive into it. And once I was into it I was THERE.
Once again Brooks nails the creepy, dread, "absolutely not, I would never" Factor.
The gruesome scenes were my absolute favorite. I def found myself cringing on occasion. I genuinely LOVED how this ended. My final reaction was WTF. I wasn't expecting that ending. 🤯 I'm just gonna stare off into the void for a minute.... It's unsettling in a good way. Nicely done 🖤
🖤Horror
🖤Expedition
🖤Mossy
🖤6 friends
6 friends go on an excursion and well, moss happens. The accidents that occur are movie worthy. Honestly the last like 40 percent of this I was truly hooked and i couldn't stop reading. It's a mindf*ck once you dive into it. And once I was into it I was THERE.
Once again Brooks nails the creepy, dread, "absolutely not, I would never" Factor.
The gruesome scenes were my absolute favorite. I def found myself cringing on occasion. I genuinely LOVED how this ended. My final reaction was WTF. I wasn't expecting that ending. 🤯 I'm just gonna stare off into the void for a minute.... It's unsettling in a good way. Nicely done 🖤
🖤Horror
🖤Expedition
🖤Mossy
🖤6 friends
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Elegance of Decay
*Spoilers warning.*
Biological horror about 6 friends set out on an expedition to study a type of moss that has never been discovered before. They camp on the side of the cliff unaware of the danger that surround them;, the moss slowly creeps across the cliffside and blooms everywhere, tempers flare and accidents happen. As their numbers dwindle, the team realize what was supposed to be a discovery of a new biological specimen was now a fight to survive.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3. Pretty formulaic plot and very similar to The Ruins. The writing was good and story was an entertaining, fast read, but the characters were extremely unlikable, I was rooting for the moss toward the last 25% of the book. This is a pretty gory story so if you have a weak stomach I would avoid!
*Spoilers warning.*
Biological horror about 6 friends set out on an expedition to study a type of moss that has never been discovered before. They camp on the side of the cliff unaware of the danger that surround them;, the moss slowly creeps across the cliffside and blooms everywhere, tempers flare and accidents happen. As their numbers dwindle, the team realize what was supposed to be a discovery of a new biological specimen was now a fight to survive.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3. Pretty formulaic plot and very similar to The Ruins. The writing was good and story was an entertaining, fast read, but the characters were extremely unlikable, I was rooting for the moss toward the last 25% of the book. This is a pretty gory story so if you have a weak stomach I would avoid!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📖 BOOK REVIEW: The Elegance of Decay by Stoney Brooks 🌿💀
Looking for your next spine-chilling read? If you love eco-horror that crawls right under your skin, you need to add The Elegance of Decay by Stoney Brooks to your TBR immediately!
The story follows Dustin, a postgraduate researcher, as a seemingly academic venture spirals into a terrifying battle against nature itself. Described by the author as an eco-horror thriller in the vein of This Wretched Valley and The Ruins, this book perfectly balances atmospheric dread with fast-paced, heart-pounding terror.
Brooks masterfully explores the beauty and horror of natural decomposition, building an environment that feels like a dangerous character all on its own. It is visceral, unsettling, and utterly addictive. Once the decay sets in, you won’t be able to look away.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (5/5)
Looking for your next spine-chilling read? If you love eco-horror that crawls right under your skin, you need to add The Elegance of Decay by Stoney Brooks to your TBR immediately!
The story follows Dustin, a postgraduate researcher, as a seemingly academic venture spirals into a terrifying battle against nature itself. Described by the author as an eco-horror thriller in the vein of This Wretched Valley and The Ruins, this book perfectly balances atmospheric dread with fast-paced, heart-pounding terror.
Brooks masterfully explores the beauty and horror of natural decomposition, building an environment that feels like a dangerous character all on its own. It is visceral, unsettling, and utterly addictive. Once the decay sets in, you won’t be able to look away.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (5/5)
Review of advance copy
This was my favourite Stoney Brooks book yet. It is like a mix between The Ruins by Scott Smith with some acrophobia thrown in (well at least for me. I don't like heights).
The dread builds beautifully as you get deeper into the book, and you can feel the hopelessness of the situation throughout. Books like these are always terrifying because you never quite know what it is that you are supposed to be fighting.
I have thoroughly enjoyed all the Stoney Brooks books I have read (and I have read them all), but this is his best one yet. If he keeps going on this upward trajectory, I can only imagine what he is going to produce next.
The dread builds beautifully as you get deeper into the book, and you can feel the hopelessness of the situation throughout. Books like these are always terrifying because you never quite know what it is that you are supposed to be fighting.
I have thoroughly enjoyed all the Stoney Brooks books I have read (and I have read them all), but this is his best one yet. If he keeps going on this upward trajectory, I can only imagine what he is going to produce next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An early look at The Elegance of Decay by Stoney Brooks—a skin-crawling botanical survival-horror novel scheduled for publication on Tuesday, October 15, 2026.
The Elegance of Decay is a triumphant, terrifyingly atmospheric creature feature that breathes fresh, rotting life into botanical horror. Stoney Brooks expertly proves that the natural world can be just as hostile and calculating as any traditional slasher. It is a highly recommended autumn pre-order for survival horror enthusiasts who don't mind a healthy dose of visceral gore.
The Elegance of Decay is a triumphant, terrifyingly atmospheric creature feature that breathes fresh, rotting life into botanical horror. Stoney Brooks expertly proves that the natural world can be just as hostile and calculating as any traditional slasher. It is a highly recommended autumn pre-order for survival horror enthusiasts who don't mind a healthy dose of visceral gore.
September 14, 2026
This book is the whole reason you will never find me doing the whole outdoor activities. This was crazy and brutal in places. A group of friends well friends may be a strong word for some of them go camping on the side of a cliff to gather research on moss and end up in a very sticky situation. Some of these scenes were so gruesome it was just so fun to read, definitely worth giving a go i know some of them will stay with me for a while.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
This was a good storyline with descriptions that left me squirming with disgust; a truly enjoyable horror novel from beginning to end.
Maybe a little lengthier then it needed to be with some of the flashbacks and the inner dialogue but some may feel that those added to the story.
Overall, a good read, reminiscent of The Ruins with the claustrophobic dread vibes.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Maybe a little lengthier then it needed to be with some of the flashbacks and the inner dialogue but some may feel that those added to the story.
Overall, a good read, reminiscent of The Ruins with the claustrophobic dread vibes.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read the Advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book was my first honor type of book and I am definitely hooked. I was sitting on my couch with a blanket and a thunderstorm while reading this short book and I LOVED it. Definitely worth the read. I could see this being turned into a movie. Can't wait to read more from this author!
This book was my first honor type of book and I am definitely hooked. I was sitting on my couch with a blanket and a thunderstorm while reading this short book and I LOVED it. Definitely worth the read. I could see this being turned into a movie. Can't wait to read more from this author!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank-you to NetGalley for the early read!
I liked this one! Very Ruins-y but moss.
I liked this one! Very Ruins-y but moss.
September 8, 2026
Overall this was a really good book. I really enjoyed it and be reading again for sure
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
"The Elegance of Decay" by Stoney Brooks.
A group of friends heads out on a scientific expedition, expecting little more than an interesting new experience. What they find instead is something far darker: a natural phenomenon that begins claiming them one by one, leaving the rest trapped in growing hopelessness and terror.
Brooks writes with sharp, detailed prose and a real gift for horror. The story gave me actual chills and more than a few moments that made me cringe. I finished it in two days—only paused because of obligations I couldn’t escape. I genuinely loved this book!
"The Elegance of Decay" by Stoney Brooks.
A group of friends heads out on a scientific expedition, expecting little more than an interesting new experience. What they find instead is something far darker: a natural phenomenon that begins claiming them one by one, leaving the rest trapped in growing hopelessness and terror.
Brooks writes with sharp, detailed prose and a real gift for horror. The story gave me actual chills and more than a few moments that made me cringe. I finished it in two days—only paused because of obligations I couldn’t escape. I genuinely loved this book!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews