Hungry Ghosts

Dark Celebrations #1

by Calvin Demmer

A rocky relationship threatens to ruin Lara Adams’ first time abroad. To her surprise, she finds that she and her boyfriend, Ray, have arrived in China during the “Hungry Ghost Festival”. Swept up in the warm mood of the festival and people, Lara feels things may finally improve. This year, however, the ghosts have found a new way to prolong their stay in this realm.

A short story.
(Collected in Dark Celebrations)

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Paranormal, Ghosts, Fiction, Supernatural

16 pages, ebook

First published July 31, 2016

About the author

Calvin Demmer is a South African author of horror, dark fantasy, science fiction, and crime. His books include the flash fiction collection The Sea Was a Fair Master and the short story collections Dark Celebrations, Her Heart Beats for Ancient Beasts, Through the Ravenous Night We Ride, Duel the Darkness for Nightmare Rule, and The Town That Feared Dusk. When not writing, he is intrigued by that which goes bump in the night and the sciences of our universe.

You can find him online at calvindemmer.com or sign up for his newsletter to stay up to date with his latest projects.

Reviews

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, creepy and yet effective. 3.75 stars rounded up

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young couple (Lara and Ray) on holidays in China lose their way. A boy (Gen) shows them a shortcut on their way back to town. Will they get safely there? There are some ghosts in their way... interesting and at parts eerie little tale. I would have loved to read more haunting details of the ghosts and their actions were rather mild. Can you guess why the ghosts are described as being hungry? Overall well written and entertaining horror. Recommended!

[Janie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An eerie short story that gives us the rules of the Chinese "Hungry Ghost Festival." The ghosts have rules of the own.

[Charlene (Char)🍁☕️📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are 10 rules for surviving the Hungry Ghost Festival and they must be followed. Otherwise the consequences could be deathly grave. This story is about a couple vacationing in China and as their luck would have it that have arrived for the Hungry Ghost festival. This book is a quick read with a total of 19 pages but those pages are filled with a really good story. This book was quick although 19 pages it still has enough elements to make a very good story. Definitely a read!

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sock this ghost story away for telling around the campfire this fall. Every country has their customs and when Ray and Lara go to China, they discover that the celebration of the Hungry Ghost Festival certainly has some quirky ones. They also soon discover is there is more to those offerings of food and clothing than meets the eye and the Hungry Ghost Festival is not like a trip to Mardi Gras. They even receive a list of rules NEVER to break, but break one, they do and the results are ghastly, or ghostly or ghoulishly ghastly.

Hungry Ghosts by Calvin Demmer is a short, yet chilling tale, a little gruesome and certainly great for a night in the woods alone in the dark where things go bump in the night and creatures come out to feed. Remember, when in doubt, DO FEED THE GHOSTS…or else. It's all up to you...

I received this copy from Calvin Demmer in exchange for my honest review.

Publication Date: July 31, 2016
Publisher: Calvin Demmer
Genre: Short Story - Horror
Print Length: 16 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

this Is different

I came to this short story not knowing what it was. This was short and to the point. But also detailed and creepy. Worth the read if you like creepy ghost story.

[Michael Sorbello · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lara's unstable relationship with her condescending boyfriend Ray makes a mess of her first time abroad in China. To make matters worse, she learns that they've arrived during a strange event known as the Hungry Ghost Festival. What starts off as a playfully spooky festival full of happy people having some Halloween-themed fun quickly turns into a nightmare when Lara and Ray get into a squabble and wander off into the woods. Soon enough, they both learn that it's called the Hungry Ghost Festival for a good reason.

I thought this was a decent short horror story, but it was a little too on-the-nose and in your face for my taste. Everything about it goes exactly how you would think based on the title alone. That coupled with undeveloped protagonists and uninspired dialogue took me out of it. I'll definitely give the author another shot because their heart's in the right place and I might enjoy something from them that's longer.

***

If you're looking for some dark ambient music for reading horror, dark fantasy and other books like this one, then be sure to check out my YouTube Channel called Nightmarish Compositions: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPPs...

[Liis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. The relationship was realistically falling apart, the setting was spooky and it was one of those times where as a bystander you just know that they should not do what they’re about to do, because that’s when things start to go wrong and people start dying.

[Donna (BookDragonGirl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A creepy little story perfect for a campfire ghost story, while you’re in the dark woods.

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a very complicated relationship with short stories, as I much prefer tomes. Instead of enjoying them as quick little reads, I find myself imaging a full-length story that could come from the details we’re given. With Hungry Ghosts, however, I was more than satisfied.

Hungry Ghosts is a creepy little story that takes place during the Hungry Ghost Festival. It has a rather campfire feel to it – a bit of drama between the characters, a spooky atmosphere, and things that suddenly go bump in the night – and made for a story I was happy to devour in no time.

In terms of short stories, this was more than satisfying.

[*RoseyCheeksReviews* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest Review

Calvin writes some amazing short stories. First I got to read Labor hunt, I got a tale sprung about century old vampires, Now I got century old ghosts! FUCKEN HELL YES!

Now there's something about the way Calvin writes in this book that makes the hairs on my neck stand up! this is by far my favorite short story by him. The way he captivated me from the first page was incredible, normally it takes a little bit for me to be hooked into a book but the first sentence caught my attention.

"TEN TIPS FOR SURVIVING THE HUNGRY GHOST FESTIVAL"

Say what! little did I know that in those tips was a tad of foreshadowing, smooth moves Calvin I didn't get it till I read the book and looked back at the tips ;), Ironically if Lara's boyfriend didn't let her pick the story would have ended differently one sentence stuck with me the entire night trying to write this review..

Run, Lara, for god sake, run



my poor heart!

[Magda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple travels to China during Ghost festival. It seems like a harmless holiday for them, but townspeople take things seriously and for a reason. It doesn't take long for Ray and Lara to get into troubles.

What will you find here? A short introduction to the couple's situation, fast action scenes, creepy bloodthirsty ghosts. This story will be enough to make you think twice about breaking any holiday rules when you're abroad ;).

If you're a person who likes being scared from time to time and doesn't mind some gory scenes Calvin's tales are just for you!

Oh, and I almost forgot - I really like this cover :) Nicely done.


I received both stories from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love short stories, and i love when the story is completely devolped and the writing is really good. This story had all of that and more. The story is about a couple on a trip, but the author doesnt bombard you with details about their surroundings. I love the simplicity of the story. It felt very classic ghost story. Simple and spooky
Note: This book was provided to me in return for an honest review.

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short story but man I was on my toes!

[Nadja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: A copy of this short storie was provided by the author for an honest review.

Lara and Ray travel to China during the time of the Hungry Ghost Festival, where the ghosts had developed a special plan to stay longer in the realm.

Again fast paced full of action and since I am a chicken it creeped me out.

The writing is great it is like reading a whole novel on 16 pages.

Just because I am a chicken and some scene descriptions are not my thing 3 out of 5 stars. But if you enjoy horror add on the stars.


Thank you again Calvin for providing me with a copy. They are well written and full of action, I am just too much of a chicken.

[Alex | | findingmontauk1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spooky setting and I kinda wanna go to one of these fests! Save this for a time when you want something quick and interesting with some good spooks.

[Sarah Budd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lara and Ray have just reach their hotel in China, their first holiday abroad. The trip of a lifetime and beyond! They have arrived during the Hungry Ghost Festival. The streets are adorned with lights and offerings to the dead who are both loved and revered. Upon reading the ten tips for survival Lara realises that Ray has already broken the first rule.

In this action packed tale which takes you on a creepy and gruesome path Lara and her boyfriend, Ray, have gone on a once in a lifetime holiday to China. It's make or break. But instead of feeling madly in love she feels empty, wanting more than what Ray can give. After one argument too many Lara decides to take a walk into the wilderness at dusk. She's determined to enjoy herself and make the best of things.

Secretly she is trying to make up her mind over whether they should stay together, she's looking for a way out and if she carries on, up that path she might find it. A cool little tale that warns of not taking local traditions seriously and how you should never act on impulse!

Taken from my blog www.sjbudd@gmail.com

[Zoë Damacela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this spooky short story!

[LisaMichelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good short story that was tense and kept me wanting more. I really enjoy Demmer's short stories!

[K.J. Simmill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hungry Ghost festival is the most important festival of hungry ghost month in China. The gates of hell are opened and hungry ghosts are released to find food or to take revenge on those who have behaved badly. Their ancestors present offerings to feed these ghosts, as well as burn clothes, money and items they may need in the after life. But some ghosts are not so easily appeased.

Lara and Ray take a vacation in China in the middle of this festival, they are at a crossroads in their relationship and this vacation, for Lara at least, is make or break. Lara was given a card advising of the correct etiquette to observe during Hungry Ghost month, and already Ray has disrespected their traditions. His whole attitude is wrong, and soon the future of their relationship is the least of their concerns.

This was a really nicely written short story which not only teaches about the Chinese festival but gives you the feel of actually being there. For a short story you get a good feel for the characters, and the situations they are facing. Nicely descriptive with a good flow and certainly suitable to fans of point horror, young adult, and adult horror.

[BookzBookzBookz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hungry Ghosts
A guy and his gal go abroad, to China, during a strange celebration. While traveling, they take a walk along a path that leads to their undoing. Can they survive the celebration? Can they survive who's doing the celebrating?

I adore horror short stories; you all know this. But what I love more than anything is when someone finds me and shares some really good ones. Both of these were written well, and kept me reading- hungry for more even! Hungry Ghosts was different and original. It took me to China- a place I've never been interested in visiting, and now I may never go! Labor Day Hunt was pretty cool, because though there was a tragic ending, someone was saved. I can't tell who, because that would be offering up SPOILERS! and you know I don't do that! Ha-ha! But if you enjoy the paranormal, you will enjoy these two stories.

Check out Calvin Demmer. He's on Goodreads.com; add these shorts to your TBR. I promise, you will like them. Cheers!

*full review: http://bit.ly/2gPQCPa
**eBooks available on Amazon Unlimited by Calvin Demmer.

[TDCbookreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hungry Ghosts by Calvin Demmer is a great ghost story. I read this story late at night while sitting in the back yard. It helped to set the mood. This story takes place in China during the festival Zong Yuan Jie, the hungry ghost festival. A young couple are visiting China and are taking in the sites and local customs. At first they both think it is a creepy custom to leave food dishes and clothes out for the dead, but as the day continues Lara sees the love and caring the locals are demonstrating for their dead. As tourists they are given a card with ten important rules for the festival neatly written, and of course one of the rules are broken. This is when the trip to China takes a turn for the worse. Lara and her boyfriend, Ray encounter a hungry ghost. Ray becomes a victim of the ghost, but Lara manages to escape. When she manages to tell the authorities what happened to her and Ray, she is chastised for mocking the celebration. This short story was a great quick read. Very interesting and entertaining.

[Raisa F Romero-Beatty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gruesome

Short, but awesome! From ghost to zombie like creature to beautiful. Actually eating humans to keep alive. Is this festival real? I don’t know if I want to find out!

[Nia Ireland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for a complimentary copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

Hungry Ghosts was a 16 page spookfest, starting off with the 10 rules of surviving the festival of hungry ghosts. Clearly, Lara and Ray didn't mind these rules while on holiday in China... to their cost.

I really enjoyed the premise of this story, especially the 10 rules at the beginning but as it was such a short story it wasn't possible to fit each rule in to the narrative. The author's vision is excellent but in this story I felt that his writing technique wasn't developed enough to completely convey everything within the limited page space, the relationship between Lara and Ray was a bit of an information dump which could have been explained far more subtly, leaving more room for the ghosts and the gore!

[Sunshine Somerville · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I found the cover intriguing.
Secondly, short stories can be tricky. You want enough detail to set the scene but not so much detail that you can’t get to the meat of the story. It’s hard, in so few pages, to be drawn into whatever mood, tone, feel of the story that the author is trying to create. It’s hard to become quickly invested in a character. It’s hard to tell a complete, full story in limited time.
This short story, with all of the above considerations, does a great job. It helps that there’s a horror/mystery aspect going on with the ghosts, so not everything HAS to be explained. Lara, as the main character, was easy to identify with and root for.
The story is so short and quick that I feel safe telling you to just read it for yourself to find out more. I really enjoyed it.

[Sheilah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short stories are a good way to pass a few minutes. Whether out on lunch, or stuck in the waiting room, they help to pass the time and don't leave you lingering.

I've always been a fan of short stories ever since reading my mother's subscription of Story as a child. And my fan-ish ways continue.

Demmer is a good writer, he certainly has the writing gift and I believe he will do well as a writer as he continues down his chosen path.

I enjoyed Hungry Ghosts the best. It was more original and engaging. A scary ghost story, but no, much more. Creepy and alarming, I shuddered at the horrific tale as it unfolded. A Chinese legend come to pass, with grizzly results. Definitely worth the read as I hovered over it during lunch one day. It's a story that would be exciting if it was developed into something larger.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Hungry Ghosts” follows the journey of a young couple, Lara and Ray, on an evening stroll outside a Chinese town celebrating the Hungry Ghosts festival.  Lara does her best to adhere to a tourist’s pamphlet telling them how to best survive the festival, but things don’t exactly go her way.  This story is a lesson that things are not always as they seem, especially in unfamiliar territory.

Dark and sinister, this story has some good creepiness toward the end. It seems to take awhile to get there, but still super creepy. There is a thick mood of darkness throughout the whole story. This is the kind of story that would be a good scary movie that my old college roommate and I would watch.

Thanks to Calvin for providing me this story in exchange for an honest review :)

[Yolande Branch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book by the author, Calvin Demmer in exchange for an honest review.

This story was very short and very gripping! When I first read it I genuinely thought Lara and Ray were going to be ok but clearly the "hungry ghosts" had other ideas!

​The scene set down the river was quite chilling and definitely captivated the storyline in a short space of time. The rest of the storyline  was a right tease and had me intrigued from the start and just as I was getting into it, it finished!!

I'm very interested in reading more of Calvin's work and can't wait for more gory short stories!!

​5 out of 5 stars

[Lydian Faust · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting take on Chinese ghosts. There was some enjoyable gore, but this tale could have been a lot longer to include more character development and flesh-out the plot a bit more.

[Just A Ginger · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting little tale but it didn't really surprise or scare me.