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Embrace The Darkness, and Other Short Stories
Step into the mind of the unstable, where nightmares become reality and reality is not quite as it seems. Embrace The Darkness is a collection of six terrifying short stories, exploring the darker side of human nature and the blurred lines between dreams and actuality.
- GenresHorrorShort Stories
Audiobook
Published November 14, 2018
7 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
P.J. Blakey-Novis
89 books71 followersAuthor of The Broken Doll, parts 1 & 2, both released in 2017. Author of 6 collections of short horror stories: Embrace the Darkness, Tunnels, The Artist, Karma, The Place Between Worlds, and Home, as well as the horror novella Four. Author of a children's book, Grace and Bobo, co-written with his daughter. Editor of Indie Writers Review magazine, and co-founder of Red Cape Publishing P.J. also has stories in numerous anthologies.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 24, 2018
This is the second collection of short stories I've read by P.J. Blakey-Novis, and he is becoming one of my favourite authors. Each of the 6 stories in this collection paints a picture full of atmospheric dread, and each tale is unique from the others.
Enter the life of a young woman, forsaken by her loved ones in 'Abandonment'. Watch as a sister denies her connection to her twin in front of a witch hunting crowd in 'Betrayal'. Wonder at the possibility of a new gadget gone awry in 'Dreamcatcher'. You'll want to read 'Embrace the Darkness' with the lights on as nightmares become reality. Squirm as a cyst removal reveals something more sinister in 'Opened Up'. And you may become wary of your own family heirlooms when you're through with 'The Devil's Pocket Watch'.
I enjoyed these stories so much, I read them twice, and I'm sure I'll read them again. They were all fantastic, but my favourites were 'Dreamcatcher' and 'Embrace the Darkness'.
Enter the life of a young woman, forsaken by her loved ones in 'Abandonment'. Watch as a sister denies her connection to her twin in front of a witch hunting crowd in 'Betrayal'. Wonder at the possibility of a new gadget gone awry in 'Dreamcatcher'. You'll want to read 'Embrace the Darkness' with the lights on as nightmares become reality. Squirm as a cyst removal reveals something more sinister in 'Opened Up'. And you may become wary of your own family heirlooms when you're through with 'The Devil's Pocket Watch'.
I enjoyed these stories so much, I read them twice, and I'm sure I'll read them again. They were all fantastic, but my favourites were 'Dreamcatcher' and 'Embrace the Darkness'.
November 2, 2018
I'm not a big fan of short stories but this author really captivates me with his creepy horror tales. I recommend reading it at night, alone and ideally with no cats around that could suddenly jump on you because they want to play. Already started the next book in line... highly recommended!
March 3, 2018
Another great bunch of stories to enjoy with twists and thought-provoking creepiness. I recommend for all lovers of short horror stories.
September 26, 2017
I rate this book a really solid 4 STARS. 'Abandonment' the first short story in the collection didn't get my attention straight away, but then, I felt that the stories got better. Hands down 'Dream Catcher' was my favourite, that and 'Opened Up' were definitely 5 STAR stories in my opinion.
I found P.J. Blakey-Novis' imagination a fascinating place to visit. Some of the ideas were so good, I wanted them to stretch to a few more pages, I wanted more! I was hooked!
Great job! I will definitely be reading some more horror from this talented author.
I found P.J. Blakey-Novis' imagination a fascinating place to visit. Some of the ideas were so good, I wanted them to stretch to a few more pages, I wanted more! I was hooked!
Great job! I will definitely be reading some more horror from this talented author.
January 26, 2019
Loved all these stories almost as much as I did the ones in Tunnels. A few of these stories had predictable endings, but the rest were wicked and suspenseful. Dreamcatcher was my favorite piece on this audiobook, and the narration was just wonderful.
Recommended for people looking for a chill down their spine.
Recommended for people looking for a chill down their spine.
February 13, 2018
Enjoyable and varied dark fiction.
This book is a collection of six dark stories that are just the right length to read during a coffee break.
Each of these stories paints a unique scene in which the central character experiences the darker side of life. Some macabre and some more horrific, each story surprises and intrigues the reader with a twist or a barb in the tale.
The stories are well written and should please those readers who enjoy their fiction dark and original.
This book is a collection of six dark stories that are just the right length to read during a coffee break.
Each of these stories paints a unique scene in which the central character experiences the darker side of life. Some macabre and some more horrific, each story surprises and intrigues the reader with a twist or a barb in the tale.
The stories are well written and should please those readers who enjoy their fiction dark and original.
February 11, 2018
Creepy
This book is more creepy than scary. It is good though. I definitely recommend it to the strong hearted. Lol
This book is more creepy than scary. It is good though. I definitely recommend it to the strong hearted. Lol
October 22, 2017
This collection of short stories are ideal to dip in and out of but can easily be read in one short burst as I did. Usually I don’t award these kinds of collections with five stars, not because I don’t want to but because it is difficult to get enough traction in such short stories to feel able to give that assessment. I have no difficulty here awarding this collection five stars because each of the stories is perfectly crafted and complete and of course I wanted to read more of my favourites, Opened up being one!
July 19, 2017
I highly recommend this book. I read it and thought it was a great story. I can't wait to read more story from this author. I give this book 10/10 and a 5 star review. I hope everyone who buys this book enjoy it as much as I did. Thank you for the great read. A nice short story book to before bed time.
December 14, 2017
☆°☆°☆ARC provided by Author☆°☆°☆
Embrace the darkness is a horror anthology. Each story will make you freak out over ever noise in the house. Every bark outside will make you jump.
keep all doors locked and dont go to sleep alone. You will need someone by your side.
untold thoughts book blog
Embrace the darkness is a horror anthology. Each story will make you freak out over ever noise in the house. Every bark outside will make you jump.
keep all doors locked and dont go to sleep alone. You will need someone by your side.
untold thoughts book blog
April 25, 2018
This book is a collection of short stories. It's the first piece I have read by this author and it has greatly surprised me. The stories are short but very disturbing, those spine-chilling kind of... each one in a very different way.
Broken minds, impossible nightmares, surrealist situations and, what I liked best, fair and not so fair fates for the characters. Novis happily dances on top of the grave of "The goody wins, the baddy is defeated" typical stamp, carving out his signature: "Do you think you know how this is ending? Hold my beer."
The author owns such a marvelous imagination, every plot is complex and his way of making it fit in a tiny tale is... well, astonishing. He could perfectly build up an entire novel from every one of them. I personally felt sad when I turned the last page, because I really enjoyed this book. In fact, I have already purchased another one by him, "Tunnels", so I can go on.
I sincerely recommend this book to psychological horror fans, here, you have great nightmare material to steal your sleep for several nights. What more could you ask for, as a horror reader?
Broken minds, impossible nightmares, surrealist situations and, what I liked best, fair and not so fair fates for the characters. Novis happily dances on top of the grave of "The goody wins, the baddy is defeated" typical stamp, carving out his signature: "Do you think you know how this is ending? Hold my beer."
The author owns such a marvelous imagination, every plot is complex and his way of making it fit in a tiny tale is... well, astonishing. He could perfectly build up an entire novel from every one of them. I personally felt sad when I turned the last page, because I really enjoyed this book. In fact, I have already purchased another one by him, "Tunnels", so I can go on.
I sincerely recommend this book to psychological horror fans, here, you have great nightmare material to steal your sleep for several nights. What more could you ask for, as a horror reader?
April 20, 2019
Dark, full of suspense, and highly original ... a great collection of little horrors!
I’d seen a few reviews of this author’s work, and a couple of mentions on the social media horror circuit so thought I’d give him a try. From the very first story, I knew I was in for a dark treat with the other five stories. Most follow the traditional ‘twist in the tale’ format, but really, they’re more like deadly stings from a scorpion tail … don’t be expecting any nice 'happy ever after' endings here!
I loved the dark originality and diversity of all these stories; they do draw on some traditional horror themes such as witchcraft, medical horror, and dreamlike states for their subject matter but were nonetheless, unlike most others I’ve ever read. Although quite brutal and horrific at times, the author manages to create such horror without the need to resort to excessive blood and gore, relying more on suspense and atmosphere. Will definitely be reading/reviewing more of this author's work in the future ... a well-deserved 5-stars!
I’d seen a few reviews of this author’s work, and a couple of mentions on the social media horror circuit so thought I’d give him a try. From the very first story, I knew I was in for a dark treat with the other five stories. Most follow the traditional ‘twist in the tale’ format, but really, they’re more like deadly stings from a scorpion tail … don’t be expecting any nice 'happy ever after' endings here!
I loved the dark originality and diversity of all these stories; they do draw on some traditional horror themes such as witchcraft, medical horror, and dreamlike states for their subject matter but were nonetheless, unlike most others I’ve ever read. Although quite brutal and horrific at times, the author manages to create such horror without the need to resort to excessive blood and gore, relying more on suspense and atmosphere. Will definitely be reading/reviewing more of this author's work in the future ... a well-deserved 5-stars!
February 7, 2019
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author for an honest review.
Here's another batch of pull-you-in-and-get-you-wowing-about-what-just-happened kinda stories. What can I say? This is a great author who knows how to write some creepy stuff! His stories are entertaining, attention holders, and you'll never want them to end.
As I stated in my review for "Tunnels," the narrator did a great job! I'd definitely listen to him narrator again, especially anything written by Mr. Blakey-Novis.
Here's another batch of pull-you-in-and-get-you-wowing-about-what-just-happened kinda stories. What can I say? This is a great author who knows how to write some creepy stuff! His stories are entertaining, attention holders, and you'll never want them to end.
As I stated in my review for "Tunnels," the narrator did a great job! I'd definitely listen to him narrator again, especially anything written by Mr. Blakey-Novis.
November 23, 2018
I had a listen to the audiobook version, and it was an enjoyable spin on the ordinary people in extraordinary situations sub-genre. The stories range from a man going for an operation to have a cyst removed from his foot, to twins who have supernatural powers at a time when witches are burnt at the stake, and others. All are well written, and the audiobook is well narrated. The anthology is reasonably short, about 90 minutes or so, and well worth a read or listen if you like weird horror.
June 26, 2020
Audiobook Review -
Definitely worth a listen. Although the stories are quick, none are that scary. They remind me more of good campfire quickies that will make you think and maybe disturb your sleep. I hate bugs and there's a few buggy ones, ewwwwww.
My only critique is with the narrator. There were times I couldn't tell the difference between a male or female character. Other than that it was fine as an audiobook.
Definitely worth a listen. Although the stories are quick, none are that scary. They remind me more of good campfire quickies that will make you think and maybe disturb your sleep. I hate bugs and there's a few buggy ones, ewwwwww.
My only critique is with the narrator. There were times I couldn't tell the difference between a male or female character. Other than that it was fine as an audiobook.
June 7, 2019
Audible:This short book of short stories was good..They were all twisty and turny.My favrite was about a bump.Give it a listen! David Sweeny-Bear was a fine narrator. was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
February 7, 2021
Chill down the spine
Aptly named, these stories send a chill down the spine. Well-written shots of horror that makes you want to read more.
Aptly named, these stories send a chill down the spine. Well-written shots of horror that makes you want to read more.
September 15, 2021
This is a collection of 6 short and unique horror stories. The story seems to be about normal life until the horror twist. Fun to listen to.
February 24, 2025
Good little read!
These stories are short and quick. All wrapped up neatly! I loved it! Good for anyone in a slump as well as they are short and go quickly!
These stories are short and quick. All wrapped up neatly! I loved it! Good for anyone in a slump as well as they are short and go quickly!
January 11, 2019
What an awesome read! Creepy clever and suspenseful. Definitely one for the horror lovers, each story is captivating and well worth the read. Highly recommeded
July 20, 2020
I enjoyed the variety of stories and the quality of the writing. Easy to dip in and read one or two at a time. 'Opened Up' really did something to me! I hated it, in a good way?!
October 9, 2019
A collection of self-published short stories in the horror/supernatural field. Nothing remarkable, all along familiar lines, and written in an enthusiastic, if amateur style, though presented almost as summaries (even dialogue exchanges are summed up) of longer stories - the author needs to learn Show, Don't Tell.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews