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The Horror Collection #1
The Horror Collection: Gold Edition
The first book in a new series of mini-anthologies brought to you by KJK Publishing.
Featuring stories by Amy Cross, Mike Duke, Matthew Brockmeyer, Lex H. Jones, J.C. Michael and Kevin J. Kennedy.
Featuring stories by Amy Cross, Mike Duke, Matthew Brockmeyer, Lex H. Jones, J.C. Michael and Kevin J. Kennedy.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2018
393 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
About the author
Kevin J. Kennedy
140 books325 followersKevin J. Kennedy is a horror author, editor, and anthologist. He is the owner of KJK Publishing and runs the bestselling 'The Horror Collection' series. He is the author of Halloween Land, The Clown and Nothing is Real.
He lives in the heart of Scotland with his beautiful wife, three cats, Carlito, Ariel and Luna, and a Pomchi called Orko. He can be found on Facebook if you want to chat with him.
He lives in the heart of Scotland with his beautiful wife, three cats, Carlito, Ariel and Luna, and a Pomchi called Orko. He can be found on Facebook if you want to chat with him.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 3, 2023
Wow!
This is the first anthology in this collection, and it is terrific! So many stories, and all of them are wonderful!
The authors are getting familiar to me and I’m getting to know them.
If you like short story collections, you will love this one…I promise.
Five beautiful stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the first anthology in this collection, and it is terrific! So many stories, and all of them are wonderful!
The authors are getting familiar to me and I’m getting to know them.
If you like short story collections, you will love this one…I promise.
Five beautiful stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 28, 2021
Good stories
Great selection of stories. I enjoyed the fact that they were all some what different although he same genre. Enjoyed it.
Great selection of stories. I enjoyed the fact that they were all some what different although he same genre. Enjoyed it.
September 17, 2019
Great
Looking forward to the next in this series scary short stories are wonderful 😅thank you for the break from long novels
Looking forward to the next in this series scary short stories are wonderful 😅thank you for the break from long novels
June 19, 2023
Amazing
I have read all 15 editions and I wish there were more. These have been the most interesting, surprising, twisted short stories. The quality is worth the investment of time if you enjoy this genre. There are so many I have returned after first few stories. I wish more quality works like this were available.
I have read all 15 editions and I wish there were more. These have been the most interesting, surprising, twisted short stories. The quality is worth the investment of time if you enjoy this genre. There are so many I have returned after first few stories. I wish more quality works like this were available.
May 24, 2023
The Horror Collection: Gold Edition is yet another awesome collection of tales that had a story for all types of horror fans; from light horror to heartbreaking and gore filled!
This collection was so much fun!
In this collection, Flesh by Kevin J. Kennedy and Ghost Train by Mike Duke were my two favorites.
Per usual, here are my quick breakdowns and reactions for each story that was included.
The Paperboy by Amy Cross – 4/5
Oh gosh! What an intense loop! I usually hate repetition, but in this case it made the story that much more suspenseful. The obsession with the adult seeing the paperboys eyes was certainly intriguing. I was definitely left wondering what happened after the hat was lifted… and what’s up with all the wounds?
The Man Who Lost Paradise by J.C. Michael -2/5
Woah. What an interesting take on addiction! I liked the possession element to this, but I’m personally not a fan of stories that center around addiction. It was wonderfully written, just not for me.
The September Laments of Annaleigh by Matthew Brockmeyer – 3/5
Jeeze! What a messed up little family. And what in the world were those critters bred for?!
Flesh by Kevin J. Kennedy – 5/5
Ever wonder what would happen if a family lived away from the public, in a cave that over the years, has the ability to change them into lizard-like creatures? Oh goodness!! This certainly made me was to go read The Tale of Sawney Bean again! I loved that this one picked up a time after that book ended. I had been wondering how the family may have fared in later years… What an interesting storyline! I loved the zombie element!
At Peace Now? by Lex H Jones – 4/5
Phew! What an intense tale right from the start! The afterlife is such an interesting thing. I love seeing the different settings that people come up with! I certainly wouldn’t want to end up in this one!
Ghost Train by Mike Duke – 5/5
Oh my goodness. That first scene was brutal. Thoughts of anyone getting into an accident with a train is horrific. But kids? So horrible! I felt bad for the kid that was supposed to be on the bus that day as well! Then we jump to when that kid is all grown up and has a kid of his own named Billy. Billy and his friends want to go see the rumored ghost train… of course that sets off a tale of mystery and determination to get their friends back.
My Final Thoughts:
I read this while on an early morning flight from Boston to Phoenix and I was totally drawn in. Thank goodness too, because I hate flying! This helped pass the time wonderfully!
*2023 Update:
I got to revisit these tales in audio form and what a blast it was! This time around, my two favorites were still Flesh by Kevin J. Kennedy and Ghost Train by Mike Duke! But the rest of these hit way harder in audio form, The September Laments of Annaleigh by Matthew Brockmeyer especially!
This collection was so much fun!
In this collection, Flesh by Kevin J. Kennedy and Ghost Train by Mike Duke were my two favorites.
Per usual, here are my quick breakdowns and reactions for each story that was included.
The Paperboy by Amy Cross – 4/5
Oh gosh! What an intense loop! I usually hate repetition, but in this case it made the story that much more suspenseful. The obsession with the adult seeing the paperboys eyes was certainly intriguing. I was definitely left wondering what happened after the hat was lifted… and what’s up with all the wounds?
The Man Who Lost Paradise by J.C. Michael -2/5
Woah. What an interesting take on addiction! I liked the possession element to this, but I’m personally not a fan of stories that center around addiction. It was wonderfully written, just not for me.
The September Laments of Annaleigh by Matthew Brockmeyer – 3/5
Jeeze! What a messed up little family. And what in the world were those critters bred for?!
Flesh by Kevin J. Kennedy – 5/5
Ever wonder what would happen if a family lived away from the public, in a cave that over the years, has the ability to change them into lizard-like creatures? Oh goodness!! This certainly made me was to go read The Tale of Sawney Bean again! I loved that this one picked up a time after that book ended. I had been wondering how the family may have fared in later years… What an interesting storyline! I loved the zombie element!
At Peace Now? by Lex H Jones – 4/5
Phew! What an intense tale right from the start! The afterlife is such an interesting thing. I love seeing the different settings that people come up with! I certainly wouldn’t want to end up in this one!
Ghost Train by Mike Duke – 5/5
Oh my goodness. That first scene was brutal. Thoughts of anyone getting into an accident with a train is horrific. But kids? So horrible! I felt bad for the kid that was supposed to be on the bus that day as well! Then we jump to when that kid is all grown up and has a kid of his own named Billy. Billy and his friends want to go see the rumored ghost train… of course that sets off a tale of mystery and determination to get their friends back.
My Final Thoughts:
I read this while on an early morning flight from Boston to Phoenix and I was totally drawn in. Thank goodness too, because I hate flying! This helped pass the time wonderfully!
*2023 Update:
I got to revisit these tales in audio form and what a blast it was! This time around, my two favorites were still Flesh by Kevin J. Kennedy and Ghost Train by Mike Duke! But the rest of these hit way harder in audio form, The September Laments of Annaleigh by Matthew Brockmeyer especially!
June 2, 2023
RA
Paperboy by Amy Cross got this collection off to a good start. The September Laments was a rich serving of unsubtle suggestion. At Peace Now was an original take on the war in Heaven theme. And Ghost Train was a great Stephen King like boys' own story close to the collection. Looking forward to reading all the rest in the series!
Paperboy by Amy Cross got this collection off to a good start. The September Laments was a rich serving of unsubtle suggestion. At Peace Now was an original take on the war in Heaven theme. And Ghost Train was a great Stephen King like boys' own story close to the collection. Looking forward to reading all the rest in the series!
September 29, 2018
Just one week after the release of COLLECTED CHRISTMAS HORROR SHORTS VOL.II, KJK Publishing unleashes another anthology book.
This anthology consists of 6 stories. Unlike the last collection, this anthology has no set theme. All the stories range in topic and scope. Kevin J. Kennedy has once again pulled togther some amazing talent to fill the pages.
Let's take a look inside.
THE PAPERBOY by Amy Cross
One womans obsession with her paperboy boy could lead to a much darker and horrifying truth.
THE MAN WHO LOST PARADISE by J.C. Michael
An addict finds a ay to cheat damnation, but what he must do to stay on this plane could be worse than his final fate.
This is really a great story. It's a horror story, but also a look at the downfall and loss caused by addiction.
THE SEPTEMBER LAMENTS OF ANNALEIGH by Matthew Brockmeyer
A backwoods family living in the mountains keep a dark and monstrous secret in their animal pens.
FLESH by Kevin J Kennedy
What more could you ask for, Subterranean Dwellers vs Zombies. 'nuff said!
AT PEACE NOW by Lex H. Jones
A Beast is loose in Heaven and it's path of destruction will effect both the living and the dead.
GHOST TRAIN by Mike Duke
Years ago there was a horrible train accident that left a small town in shock. Now four friends venture out to see the fabled Ghost Train as it travels it's ill-fated route.
Another great story. This is a coming of age story type story reminiscent of Stranger Things or Stand By Me. The author keeps the tension rolling and closes the story with a bang.
This was an overall entertaining collection and at 133 pages makes for a nice weekend read. I look forward to the next installment of this new mini-anthology series.
This anthology consists of 6 stories. Unlike the last collection, this anthology has no set theme. All the stories range in topic and scope. Kevin J. Kennedy has once again pulled togther some amazing talent to fill the pages.
Let's take a look inside.
THE PAPERBOY by Amy Cross
One womans obsession with her paperboy boy could lead to a much darker and horrifying truth.
THE MAN WHO LOST PARADISE by J.C. Michael
An addict finds a ay to cheat damnation, but what he must do to stay on this plane could be worse than his final fate.
This is really a great story. It's a horror story, but also a look at the downfall and loss caused by addiction.
THE SEPTEMBER LAMENTS OF ANNALEIGH by Matthew Brockmeyer
A backwoods family living in the mountains keep a dark and monstrous secret in their animal pens.
FLESH by Kevin J Kennedy
What more could you ask for, Subterranean Dwellers vs Zombies. 'nuff said!
AT PEACE NOW by Lex H. Jones
A Beast is loose in Heaven and it's path of destruction will effect both the living and the dead.
GHOST TRAIN by Mike Duke
Years ago there was a horrible train accident that left a small town in shock. Now four friends venture out to see the fabled Ghost Train as it travels it's ill-fated route.
Another great story. This is a coming of age story type story reminiscent of Stranger Things or Stand By Me. The author keeps the tension rolling and closes the story with a bang.
This was an overall entertaining collection and at 133 pages makes for a nice weekend read. I look forward to the next installment of this new mini-anthology series.
September 4, 2021
Great short story collection!
Every story in this collection was excellent!!! I highly recommend this book! I am excited to read the author’s other story collections!
Every story in this collection was excellent!!! I highly recommend this book! I am excited to read the author’s other story collections!
July 10, 2023
Favorite story is Ghost train.
Enjoyed all the stories, especially the ghost train. Can you imagine if that could actually happen? That would scare you to death.
Enjoyed all the stories, especially the ghost train. Can you imagine if that could actually happen? That would scare you to death.
February 13, 2019
Surprised by how good this was!
I went in with no expectations and I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed every story in the book. I loved how the stories took ideas and made them into something new. A fresh view is always good!
I went in with no expectations and I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed every story in the book. I loved how the stories took ideas and made them into something new. A fresh view is always good!
October 6, 2019
Damn!!
It’s no big secret that I am a fan of Kevin j Kennedy and his anthologies. This one is no different. I love every story so well written. The last story was my favorite by Michael Duke, but every one of them were fantastic. Can’t get enough of these!!!!
It’s no big secret that I am a fan of Kevin j Kennedy and his anthologies. This one is no different. I love every story so well written. The last story was my favorite by Michael Duke, but every one of them were fantastic. Can’t get enough of these!!!!
September 3, 2019
I enjoyed many of the stories
in this anthology. I used to read novels,novellas and a few years ago I was introduced to my first anthology. The appreciation I have for anthologies are because each story is part of a spectrum that ranges from entertaining, groaners, to those that make you think,those that make you think of the possibilities,even those that make you cringe. This is worth the investment of time,not just money bc you can always make/get more money yet when you invest your time in a book it's something special.
in this anthology. I used to read novels,novellas and a few years ago I was introduced to my first anthology. The appreciation I have for anthologies are because each story is part of a spectrum that ranges from entertaining, groaners, to those that make you think,those that make you think of the possibilities,even those that make you cringe. This is worth the investment of time,not just money bc you can always make/get more money yet when you invest your time in a book it's something special.
December 30, 2018
Great collection
Amazing collection with interesting twists of stories about zombies, the afterlife, evolution, etc. A must read book for sci-fi and horror fans.
Amazing collection with interesting twists of stories about zombies, the afterlife, evolution, etc. A must read book for sci-fi and horror fans.
April 28, 2019
Very Good Collection
The stories in this one were pretty good, really kept my interest piqued. I enjoyed them all, although the one with the critters was a little off.
The stories in this one were pretty good, really kept my interest piqued. I enjoyed them all, although the one with the critters was a little off.
December 31, 2024
I really enjoyed this Gold Edition of Horror Collection.
My favorite stories were The Man Who Lost Paradise by J.C. Michael, Flesh by Kevin J. Kennedy and Ghost Train by Mike Duke. I would follow the writers.
J.C Michael's story is a heavy story and really messed up but I loved the concept of it and where J.C. Michael took the story. Kevin J. Kennedy's Flesh should be made in a movie. I think it's a very fascinating story that would do well. Mike Duke's Ghost Train was pretty epic took me back in the Stephen King type of story and ended really well in my opinion.
At Peace Now? by Lex H. Jones was a solid story. I enjoyed the imagery and the ending of it.
The September Laments of Annaleigh By Matthew Brockmeyer was pretty dang brutal and really well done.
The Paperboy by Amy Cross was well written but I confess I have an idea of what went on the story but I'm not too sure about it. I was hoping for more out of the story.
Overall I give this a four out of five stars. I look forward to reading the next edition.
My favorite stories were The Man Who Lost Paradise by J.C. Michael, Flesh by Kevin J. Kennedy and Ghost Train by Mike Duke. I would follow the writers.
J.C Michael's story is a heavy story and really messed up but I loved the concept of it and where J.C. Michael took the story. Kevin J. Kennedy's Flesh should be made in a movie. I think it's a very fascinating story that would do well. Mike Duke's Ghost Train was pretty epic took me back in the Stephen King type of story and ended really well in my opinion.
At Peace Now? by Lex H. Jones was a solid story. I enjoyed the imagery and the ending of it.
The September Laments of Annaleigh By Matthew Brockmeyer was pretty dang brutal and really well done.
The Paperboy by Amy Cross was well written but I confess I have an idea of what went on the story but I'm not too sure about it. I was hoping for more out of the story.
Overall I give this a four out of five stars. I look forward to reading the next edition.
November 1, 2023
As with any short story anthology, I “hope for the best and prepare for the worst.” The Horror Collection 1: The Gold Collection, a compilation of six short stories by authors unfamiliar to me, was no exception.
My personal favorite was “The Man Who Lost Paradise” by JC Michal, a brilliant take on body possession and drug addiction. My second favorite was “Ghost Train” by Mike Duke. A coming of age story reminiscent of Stephen King’s “The Body”, four childhood friends sneak out in the middle of the night when the moon is full to find out for themselves if the ghost train legend truly exists. My least favorite: “The Paperboy” by Amy Cross, a time loop story that did not offer anything new or interesting.
Another short story worth commenting on is “Flesh” by Kevin J Kennedy. This one had so many interesting ideas (i.e., generations of in-breeding among tribe members leading to mutations, evolutionary adaptations that led some animal species to seek shelter deeper and deeper into a cave system, a variation on the zombie trope in which the uneaten leftovers of a cave-dwelling tribe rise from the dead and go after the tribe members). That said, the author tried to pack too many ideas into one short story, diluting the impact of each of these innovative ideas.
One volume down. Fourteen to go. (As of this writing, there are 15 volumes that comprise The Horror Collection).
My personal favorite was “The Man Who Lost Paradise” by JC Michal, a brilliant take on body possession and drug addiction. My second favorite was “Ghost Train” by Mike Duke. A coming of age story reminiscent of Stephen King’s “The Body”, four childhood friends sneak out in the middle of the night when the moon is full to find out for themselves if the ghost train legend truly exists. My least favorite: “The Paperboy” by Amy Cross, a time loop story that did not offer anything new or interesting.
Another short story worth commenting on is “Flesh” by Kevin J Kennedy. This one had so many interesting ideas (i.e., generations of in-breeding among tribe members leading to mutations, evolutionary adaptations that led some animal species to seek shelter deeper and deeper into a cave system, a variation on the zombie trope in which the uneaten leftovers of a cave-dwelling tribe rise from the dead and go after the tribe members). That said, the author tried to pack too many ideas into one short story, diluting the impact of each of these innovative ideas.
One volume down. Fourteen to go. (As of this writing, there are 15 volumes that comprise The Horror Collection).
July 21, 2023
This book was an ARC given to me. This is my no spoiler review.
The Paperboy is wonderfully creepy- 5 stars.
The Man Who Lost Paradise is an interesting take on both possession and addiction- 4 stars.
The September Laments of Annaleigh is a dark tale about family life- 3.5 stars.
Flesh is a story of survival- 4 stars.
At Peace Now? is about a lone survivor in an empty city- 5 stars.
Ghost Train; sometimes you just have to see a ghost no matter the consequences- 4 stars.
John Walker is a good narrator, with a strong clear voice who really sells the stories. Overall I give this collection 5 stars
The Paperboy is wonderfully creepy- 5 stars.
The Man Who Lost Paradise is an interesting take on both possession and addiction- 4 stars.
The September Laments of Annaleigh is a dark tale about family life- 3.5 stars.
Flesh is a story of survival- 4 stars.
At Peace Now? is about a lone survivor in an empty city- 5 stars.
Ghost Train; sometimes you just have to see a ghost no matter the consequences- 4 stars.
John Walker is a good narrator, with a strong clear voice who really sells the stories. Overall I give this collection 5 stars
February 25, 2020
WOW
This collection of short stories are quite the read. Amy Cross is one of the authors, and she writes a confusing one about a paper boy and an old man. Still haven't figured it out.
This collection of short stories are quite the read. Amy Cross is one of the authors, and she writes a confusing one about a paper boy and an old man. Still haven't figured it out.
August 24, 2025
4.75 stars!
This is the first anthology in a collection of short horror stories, and oh, what fun it was to read!
There are six fantastic stories included in this anthology, all varying in length and topic, making each one different from the last. I love how no two stories were the same, and all explored different areas of the horror genre. There were deeper, more emotionally impactful stories, and then there were the gruesome, gory, shock-factor ones! There was something in this collection for every horror fan!
There isn't one I hated or even disliked a little. Each one was brilliant in its own right! It's impossible for me to choose just one favourite, but it's out of Flesh and Ghost Train for sure!
Here is my breakdown of ratings and reviews for each of the wonderful and creepy stories included:
1. The Paperboy by Amy Cross - 5 stars
(length: 15 pages)
This one, about a resident's obsession with his paperboy, was creepy from the very first paragraph and, for me, that was mainly because of the vivid descriptions! It had some really creepy imagery. At first, I thought this one was just about obsession, but I was left gobsmacked at the turn it took in the end! It left my mind reeling at the implications. It was a fantastic, strong start to this collection.
2. The Man Who Lost Paradise by Amy Cross - 4.5 stars
(length: 50 pages)
Even though this one is my lowest rated story, it was by no means a bad story. About a drug addict's hunt for the ultimate fix, it was, by far, the heaviest and deepest story in this collection. It was a very clever and harrowing take on possession. I love how this one was so much more than a typical tale of possession. It also explored the real-life horrors of addiction. It was dark and grim and sad and just exactly the type of story that should be included in a horror collection, in my opinion.
3. The September Laments of Annaleigh by Matthew Brockmeyer - 4.75 stars
(length: 11 pages)
At first, I thought this one was going to be a gory tale about vultures perhaps?; there is no way I'd have guessed its true focus. It centres on the life of a family on a farm. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, it quickly becomes apparent that everything with this family isn't exactly "normal". This one, again, had freaky imagery. It was twisted, and it unfolded so perfectly! It was very well done.
4. Flesh by Kevin J. Kennedy - 5 stars
(length: 20 pages)
This story was absolutely insane! Unforgettable! It started by immediately informing the reader that it's about cannibalism... but then it quickly turns, and it's suddenly not just about that. It's a whole other type of story! This one felt very claustrophobic because it's set underground. It had action and, once again, terrifying imagery. This one read like a great effed-up horror flick. As I read it, my mouth must have been hanging open for at least 75% of it. Flesh was a wild ride that I won't soon forget.
5. At Peace Now? by Lex H Jones - 5 stars
(length: 23 pages)
The fifth story in this collection was magnificent. The best way for me to describe it is that it felt 'broad'. And what I mean by that is, it felt so much bigger than the short story it actually is. I can't say much about the contents of this one without spoiling it. Just that it has gore, a sense of growing dread, an absolutely sensational plot, and was an amazing addition to this anthology!
6. Ghost Train by Mike Duke - 5 stars
(length: 58 pages)
The final story in this anthology was one of the best for me, and not only because it felt very reminiscent of a Stephen King story. The plot was very simple, yet it was so engrossing. Out of them all, this is the one I most got lost in, I think. It was the longest, but I devoured it so rapidly that it felt like one of the shortest. I could not turn the pages fast enough. It had me hooked from the very beginning! It wasn't the scariest of the six featured in this book, but it was definitely one of the most impactful for me.
This isn't my first horror collection released by Kevin J. Kennedy, but it's definitely been my favourite so far! I can't wait to read more, especially from this series. 1 down, 23 to go!
This is the first anthology in a collection of short horror stories, and oh, what fun it was to read!
There are six fantastic stories included in this anthology, all varying in length and topic, making each one different from the last. I love how no two stories were the same, and all explored different areas of the horror genre. There were deeper, more emotionally impactful stories, and then there were the gruesome, gory, shock-factor ones! There was something in this collection for every horror fan!
There isn't one I hated or even disliked a little. Each one was brilliant in its own right! It's impossible for me to choose just one favourite, but it's out of Flesh and Ghost Train for sure!
Here is my breakdown of ratings and reviews for each of the wonderful and creepy stories included:
1. The Paperboy by Amy Cross - 5 stars
(length: 15 pages)
This one, about a resident's obsession with his paperboy, was creepy from the very first paragraph and, for me, that was mainly because of the vivid descriptions! It had some really creepy imagery. At first, I thought this one was just about obsession, but I was left gobsmacked at the turn it took in the end! It left my mind reeling at the implications. It was a fantastic, strong start to this collection.
2. The Man Who Lost Paradise by Amy Cross - 4.5 stars
(length: 50 pages)
Even though this one is my lowest rated story, it was by no means a bad story. About a drug addict's hunt for the ultimate fix, it was, by far, the heaviest and deepest story in this collection. It was a very clever and harrowing take on possession. I love how this one was so much more than a typical tale of possession. It also explored the real-life horrors of addiction. It was dark and grim and sad and just exactly the type of story that should be included in a horror collection, in my opinion.
3. The September Laments of Annaleigh by Matthew Brockmeyer - 4.75 stars
(length: 11 pages)
At first, I thought this one was going to be a gory tale about vultures perhaps?; there is no way I'd have guessed its true focus. It centres on the life of a family on a farm. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, it quickly becomes apparent that everything with this family isn't exactly "normal". This one, again, had freaky imagery. It was twisted, and it unfolded so perfectly! It was very well done.
4. Flesh by Kevin J. Kennedy - 5 stars
(length: 20 pages)
This story was absolutely insane! Unforgettable! It started by immediately informing the reader that it's about cannibalism... but then it quickly turns, and it's suddenly not just about that. It's a whole other type of story! This one felt very claustrophobic because it's set underground. It had action and, once again, terrifying imagery. This one read like a great effed-up horror flick. As I read it, my mouth must have been hanging open for at least 75% of it. Flesh was a wild ride that I won't soon forget.
5. At Peace Now? by Lex H Jones - 5 stars
(length: 23 pages)
The fifth story in this collection was magnificent. The best way for me to describe it is that it felt 'broad'. And what I mean by that is, it felt so much bigger than the short story it actually is. I can't say much about the contents of this one without spoiling it. Just that it has gore, a sense of growing dread, an absolutely sensational plot, and was an amazing addition to this anthology!
6. Ghost Train by Mike Duke - 5 stars
(length: 58 pages)
The final story in this anthology was one of the best for me, and not only because it felt very reminiscent of a Stephen King story. The plot was very simple, yet it was so engrossing. Out of them all, this is the one I most got lost in, I think. It was the longest, but I devoured it so rapidly that it felt like one of the shortest. I could not turn the pages fast enough. It had me hooked from the very beginning! It wasn't the scariest of the six featured in this book, but it was definitely one of the most impactful for me.
This isn't my first horror collection released by Kevin J. Kennedy, but it's definitely been my favourite so far! I can't wait to read more, especially from this series. 1 down, 23 to go!
October 4, 2024
This is the first of "The Horror Collection" by Kevin J. Kennedy and it didn't knock me out of the park. Even my favorite story had its shortcomings. But I'm in the middle of the Black Edition and like it much more. Maybe this one suffers from growing pains. I'm starting to enjoy short story collections immensely. (Partly because I have a review format I like much better than the over-intensive one I used to do.) I'm going to enjoy making my way through this series.
Favorite Story: The September Laments of Annaleigh by Matthew Brockmeyer
- The narrative of this story was the best by far
- What was the point of the critters... if they would eat anybody the only way they protected the family that raised them is if Poppa and Cecil first immobilized whoever was threatening the family. Were they just a deterrent?
- I wanted more of an ending
Honorable Mention: At Peace Now? By Lex H Jones
It reminded me a lot of Fairy Tale by Stephen King.
- Ending was inconsequential, the mortal world has no bearing on stopping death
- MC was kind of dumb
Least favorite Story: The Man Who Lost Paradise by J.C Michael
- Felt like the author tried to fit a novel into a short story and failed miserably
- Narration was elementary
- The story got better as it went on but I was ready for it to be done by the time it got to that point
Favorite Story: The September Laments of Annaleigh by Matthew Brockmeyer
- The narrative of this story was the best by far
- What was the point of the critters... if they would eat anybody the only way they protected the family that raised them is if Poppa and Cecil first immobilized whoever was threatening the family. Were they just a deterrent?
- I wanted more of an ending
Honorable Mention: At Peace Now? By Lex H Jones
It reminded me a lot of Fairy Tale by Stephen King.
- Ending was inconsequential, the mortal world has no bearing on stopping death
- MC was kind of dumb
Least favorite Story: The Man Who Lost Paradise by J.C Michael
- Felt like the author tried to fit a novel into a short story and failed miserably
- Narration was elementary
- The story got better as it went on but I was ready for it to be done by the time it got to that point
October 25, 2025
What’s most impressive to me about this work is how it has grown into such a massive project from such a humble beginning. This anthology only showcases a handful of authors, but “The Horror Collection” series as a whole has featured dozens of indie writers. So the reading experience may vary significantly from one edition to the next based on the talent (or lack thereof) being showcased, which is something to keep in mind.
Unfortunately, despite the subtitle, I was not under the impression that these authors were submitting their best work for this project. I think that’s a shame, because anthologies may be the primary way in which some readers find new indie authors that they can then research and discover a backlog.
Read my full breakdown: https://www.livefreeliverich.com/blog...
Unfortunately, despite the subtitle, I was not under the impression that these authors were submitting their best work for this project. I think that’s a shame, because anthologies may be the primary way in which some readers find new indie authors that they can then research and discover a backlog.
Read my full breakdown: https://www.livefreeliverich.com/blog...
December 4, 2023
I really liked this book. Sometimes its nice to just have some smaller reads. A story or too you can read in a single sitting. Whilst im 75% complete i feel ive read enough to review. Generally gripping content. From drug overdosed possession to canibles. will most definitely be buying more books in this series and especially looking forward to the extreme edition.
February 12, 2020
A mix-bag of tales to get your imagination juices flowing!! 😱
I just finished this #1 installment , seems like a blur🙁, only a few stories ggrabbed me, , yet I am still going to finish the series😰‼I really liked the story about the 👻🚆‼
I just finished this #1 installment , seems like a blur🙁, only a few stories ggrabbed me, , yet I am still going to finish the series😰‼I really liked the story about the 👻🚆‼
March 19, 2019
It was ok
Good read. Will try some mire from this author. I read it in two days so it keeps you interested
Good read. Will try some mire from this author. I read it in two days so it keeps you interested
November 7, 2019
THC Book 1
Ok book. Some stories not that scary, then three or four that really kept you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what was going to happen next..😱
Ok book. Some stories not that scary, then three or four that really kept you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what was going to happen next..😱
January 6, 2020
Interesting
I really enjoyed this book. All the stories except a few where really good otherwise I would have given it 5 stars.
I really enjoyed this book. All the stories except a few where really good otherwise I would have given it 5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews