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Evocations
It can be boring waiting to become a ghost. New York has alligators in the sewers, but did you know that Birmingham has man-eating octopuses in its canals. What sacrifices were they prepared to offer to build the railway? What was it that crashed into the Land Rover's front bumper? How can she escape from captivity, from a room high in a tower block? What is it that his the non-existent hand touches? Discover these chilling horrors and more...
266 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2015
2 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
James Brogden
27 books335 followersJames Brogden is a writer of horror and dark fantasy. A part-time Australian who grew up in Tasmania and the Cumbrian Borders, he has since escaped to Birmingham UK and now lives in the Jewellery Quarter. When not writing he can usually be found up a hill, poking around stone circles and burial mounds. A recovering ex-teacher and lego addict, he is owned by two cats who do not approve of this nonsense.
His short stories have appeared in various anthologies and periodicals ranging from The Big Issue to the BFS Award-Winning Alchemy Press. His novel 'The Plague Stones' was shortlisted for the August Derleth Award in 2021 and his most recent novella, ‘The Dwimfolk’ was published by PS Publishing in October 2025. He is currently writing for Warhammer's Black Library.
@jamesbrogden.bsky.social
Insta: jameswbrogden
His short stories have appeared in various anthologies and periodicals ranging from The Big Issue to the BFS Award-Winning Alchemy Press. His novel 'The Plague Stones' was shortlisted for the August Derleth Award in 2021 and his most recent novella, ‘The Dwimfolk’ was published by PS Publishing in October 2025. He is currently writing for Warhammer's Black Library.
@jamesbrogden.bsky.social
Insta: jameswbrogden
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 21, 2017
This is one of the best books of short horror fiction I've ever come across. Full of stories which are chilling, horrific and amusing (and sometimes all at the same time). I was absolutely blown away by it and am now engaged in reading everything this unsung genius has written. Keep them coming James!!
April 22, 2020
I’m a big fan of James Brogden ever since Hekla’s Children caught my eye in the local Waterstones, and recommend him to people looking for someone to read in the genre of horror. Evocations is a collection of short stories and is a very enjoyable and gruesome read. There is a wide and eclectic range of stories here, spanning themes of folklore and mythology to more urban horror, and everything in between. Something for everyone and a good taster into his work. I enjoyed every story in the collection, but two that really stand out for me are The Evoked, and Made From Locally Sourced Ingredients, which were really exceptional to me.
Well worth a read and I encourage you to take a chance on reading. Thanks James for another excellent book.
Well worth a read and I encourage you to take a chance on reading. Thanks James for another excellent book.
March 3, 2025
Review to come.
December 21, 2015
Evocations is the debut short story collection from horror writer James Brogden. The majority of stories in the compilation have been published in various anthologies, such as Den of Eek, Dark Horizons and The Big Issue, so this collection serves as Brogden's greatest hits.
And the stories really are great. I have previously compared Brogden to Stephen King and this has never been more evident. His stories share King's trademark for taking a high-concept bonkers idea and grounding it in the everyday so it becomes utterly terrifying. Brogden treats us to malevolent paint blisters, the Christmas spirit incarnate and a toilet-dwelling octopus.
Also, like King, he instils a pitch-black sense of humour into his stories. Brogden's humour is a unique combination of British cynicism and Australian irreverence, whilst retaining the self-mockery of both nations. His stories will make you smile... when you aren't quivering with fear. I have seen Brogden perform at spoken word events and both Junk Male and The Decorative Water Feature of the Nameless Dread go down a storm with the crowd.
Brogden also shares a talent for delivering inspired pieces of flash fiction, which makes this collection ideal for commute-occupying digestion. The Gas Street Octopus and chilling opener The Phantom Limb are just a couple of short pages but will stay with you for years.
Many of the stories feature Brogden's home city of Birmingham, another of his author trademarks, as seen in novels The Narrows and Tourmaline. Readers will learn why the Curzon Street railway station is now disused (it involves zombie cats) and will meet the immortal Smith of Hockley (who finds fellow immortals enjoying a pint in Digbeth). Brummies will also relish references to further landmarks, such as the Rotunda, the Bull Ring and even the Sea Life Centre at Brindley Place.
Brogden is surely one of the only published authors to be specialising in Birmingham urban fantasy. His grudging affection for his city is reminiscent of China Mieville's relationship with London, albeit with a West Midlands spin. It makes for original, refreshing writing, which deserves to be championed by Birmingham avid readers.
And the stories really are great. I have previously compared Brogden to Stephen King and this has never been more evident. His stories share King's trademark for taking a high-concept bonkers idea and grounding it in the everyday so it becomes utterly terrifying. Brogden treats us to malevolent paint blisters, the Christmas spirit incarnate and a toilet-dwelling octopus.
Also, like King, he instils a pitch-black sense of humour into his stories. Brogden's humour is a unique combination of British cynicism and Australian irreverence, whilst retaining the self-mockery of both nations. His stories will make you smile... when you aren't quivering with fear. I have seen Brogden perform at spoken word events and both Junk Male and The Decorative Water Feature of the Nameless Dread go down a storm with the crowd.
Brogden also shares a talent for delivering inspired pieces of flash fiction, which makes this collection ideal for commute-occupying digestion. The Gas Street Octopus and chilling opener The Phantom Limb are just a couple of short pages but will stay with you for years.
Many of the stories feature Brogden's home city of Birmingham, another of his author trademarks, as seen in novels The Narrows and Tourmaline. Readers will learn why the Curzon Street railway station is now disused (it involves zombie cats) and will meet the immortal Smith of Hockley (who finds fellow immortals enjoying a pint in Digbeth). Brummies will also relish references to further landmarks, such as the Rotunda, the Bull Ring and even the Sea Life Centre at Brindley Place.
Brogden is surely one of the only published authors to be specialising in Birmingham urban fantasy. His grudging affection for his city is reminiscent of China Mieville's relationship with London, albeit with a West Midlands spin. It makes for original, refreshing writing, which deserves to be championed by Birmingham avid readers.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews