What do you think?
Rate this book
Yuri
Sometime in the night, Yuri awoke from his deepest sleep to the sounds of a child screaming.
Listening, Yuri heard nothing more. Believing it to have happened in his dream, he let his head fall back onto the thick pillow, returning to sleep almost immediately.
As a bitter winter stretches on, Yuri decides to leave the family farm and seek employment in the City.
Hired by the mysterious owner of the mines Mr. Petrov, Yuri is excited to move into the man's mansion.
But not all is what it appears, and soon Yuri realizes not everyone is his friend.
Yuri is a harrowing tale of what ends people would go to for family and for fortune.
Just remember the key to surviving;
Don't eat the stew.
From the author of Invisible, Wagon Buddy, and Jane: the 816 Chronicles comes a new tale of horror!
Steve Stred is an emerging horror writer, based in Edmonton, AB Canada.
Listening, Yuri heard nothing more. Believing it to have happened in his dream, he let his head fall back onto the thick pillow, returning to sleep almost immediately.
As a bitter winter stretches on, Yuri decides to leave the family farm and seek employment in the City.
Hired by the mysterious owner of the mines Mr. Petrov, Yuri is excited to move into the man's mansion.
But not all is what it appears, and soon Yuri realizes not everyone is his friend.
Yuri is a harrowing tale of what ends people would go to for family and for fortune.
Just remember the key to surviving;
Don't eat the stew.
From the author of Invisible, Wagon Buddy, and Jane: the 816 Chronicles comes a new tale of horror!
Steve Stred is an emerging horror writer, based in Edmonton, AB Canada.
- GenresHorror
87 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2018
59 people want to read
About the author
Steve Stred
88 books672 followersAn award-winning author, Steve Stred lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, with his wife and son.
Known for his novels, ‘Mastodon,’ ‘Churn the Soil,’ and his series ‘Father of Lies’ where he joined a cult on the dark web for four years, his work has been described as haunting, bleak and is frequently set in the woods near where he grew up. He’s been fortunate to appear in numerous anthologies with some truly amazing authors.
His novel ‘Mastodon’ will be translated into Czech and Italian over the next few years.
His novel 'Churn the Soil' won the Best Horror Novel award in the 2024 Indieverse Awards.
His novel 'Mastodon' and his novella' Sacrament' were both nominated for Splatterpunk Awards.
He is represented by Kodie Van Dusen at The Rights Factory and Alec Frankel at Independent Artist Group.
Outside of writing, Steve received his Bachelor Degree in Kinesiology from the University of the Fraser Valley in 2008, and became a Certified Canadian Pedorthist in 2013.
Known for his novels, ‘Mastodon,’ ‘Churn the Soil,’ and his series ‘Father of Lies’ where he joined a cult on the dark web for four years, his work has been described as haunting, bleak and is frequently set in the woods near where he grew up. He’s been fortunate to appear in numerous anthologies with some truly amazing authors.
His novel ‘Mastodon’ will be translated into Czech and Italian over the next few years.
His novel 'Churn the Soil' won the Best Horror Novel award in the 2024 Indieverse Awards.
His novel 'Mastodon' and his novella' Sacrament' were both nominated for Splatterpunk Awards.
He is represented by Kodie Van Dusen at The Rights Factory and Alec Frankel at Independent Artist Group.
Outside of writing, Steve received his Bachelor Degree in Kinesiology from the University of the Fraser Valley in 2008, and became a Certified Canadian Pedorthist in 2013.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 8, 2019
Don’t eat the stew! 😳 I really loved this! Not sure what that says about me, but there it is. A fast moving tale that takes some dark turns. That my friends, is an understatement. Can’t wait to read more! 😃📚
January 29, 2021
'Could Yuri really be that 'stew-pid'?'
This was a dark, little tale, that felt like it could have come from old Russian folklore itself.
Yuri lives on a farm, but after the death of his father, and with food in short supply and with winter approaching fast, he decides to look for work and, as luck would have it, he encounters the seriously rich, but rather strange, Mr Petrov, his family and their successful mining company. Work is now guaranteed, as long as he adheres to certain conditions and, with food in abundance, there is one golden rule that should never be broken - 'Do not eat the stew!" Unfortunately, this wholesome dish just proves too delicious for Yuri, and he repeatedly fails to heed all of his given warnings. Oh dear, consequences are about to follow...
An enjoyable, gruesome little read, although I did feel that the plot was rather predictable and obvious at times, and I was actually left waiting for a big reveal or gigantic twist that would have augmented the story and taken it into another unforeseen, but highly welcomed, different direction. Perhaps also, more detail regarding Mr Petrov and his family, in terms of past, present and future events, could have also added that extra missing sprinkling of spice that may have enhanced and improved upon the already present, horrifically wholesome, general flavour even further.
However, overall, a good, unique, short horror thriller that contains plenty of action and which also provides an ending that sees families, once again, finally...united. Maybe?
Rating: 3.3 bright and mysterious stars.
This was a dark, little tale, that felt like it could have come from old Russian folklore itself.
Yuri lives on a farm, but after the death of his father, and with food in short supply and with winter approaching fast, he decides to look for work and, as luck would have it, he encounters the seriously rich, but rather strange, Mr Petrov, his family and their successful mining company. Work is now guaranteed, as long as he adheres to certain conditions and, with food in abundance, there is one golden rule that should never be broken - 'Do not eat the stew!" Unfortunately, this wholesome dish just proves too delicious for Yuri, and he repeatedly fails to heed all of his given warnings. Oh dear, consequences are about to follow...
An enjoyable, gruesome little read, although I did feel that the plot was rather predictable and obvious at times, and I was actually left waiting for a big reveal or gigantic twist that would have augmented the story and taken it into another unforeseen, but highly welcomed, different direction. Perhaps also, more detail regarding Mr Petrov and his family, in terms of past, present and future events, could have also added that extra missing sprinkling of spice that may have enhanced and improved upon the already present, horrifically wholesome, general flavour even further.
However, overall, a good, unique, short horror thriller that contains plenty of action and which also provides an ending that sees families, once again, finally...united. Maybe?
Rating: 3.3 bright and mysterious stars.
March 4, 2019
Wow! Though I was lost in place and time, I’m putting this book in a time the Earth is in a deep freeze. Poor Yuri loses his father, his farm to take a job working in a mine, great pay, good food? Great stew? Don’t eat the stew. Poor Yuri doesn’t heed the warnings and set on a path to why his crazy boss has rapidly depleting children and opens up a door of insanity. He only wants to go home, but not until he solves the mystery of the ghost children. No spoilers! Perfectly timed novella that speeds along so you don’t dare stop reading! And Jane: The 816 Chronicles was equally amazing! If this author is not on your radar? Should be! Read immediately!
December 11, 2021
Pepto Bismo Anyone?...
No spoilers. 4 stars. Yuri, who lived on a below zero frozen farm, was thankfully saved by a wonderful job offer...
... his father, his only relative, had just died and was frozen atop his beloved tractor...
Yuri's new dream job was working in a rich man's mine. The position included his own room, meals, and pay...
Yuri was taken to the man's big house in a cart driven by fellow employee Boris, who didn't say much along the way...
... except to caution Yuri not to eat the stew, never talk to Mr Petrov's children, and never, never go upstairs...
Seated in the mess hall for his first meal, the aroma of the forbidden stew caused Yuri to ignore the warnings and dig in...
... he ate 3 bowls full of stew then went back for seconds. This is the story of one man's upset stomach...
Pepto Bismo anyone?...
I really liked this little novella even if it was a little bit predictable (the reason I removed a star).
The story seemed like it was really written by a foreigner from somewhere in Eurasia and I kept looking at the author's name as I read because he had done such a good and believable job.
No spoilers. 4 stars. Yuri, who lived on a below zero frozen farm, was thankfully saved by a wonderful job offer...
... his father, his only relative, had just died and was frozen atop his beloved tractor...
Yuri's new dream job was working in a rich man's mine. The position included his own room, meals, and pay...
Yuri was taken to the man's big house in a cart driven by fellow employee Boris, who didn't say much along the way...
... except to caution Yuri not to eat the stew, never talk to Mr Petrov's children, and never, never go upstairs...
Seated in the mess hall for his first meal, the aroma of the forbidden stew caused Yuri to ignore the warnings and dig in...
... he ate 3 bowls full of stew then went back for seconds. This is the story of one man's upset stomach...
Pepto Bismo anyone?...
I really liked this little novella even if it was a little bit predictable (the reason I removed a star).
The story seemed like it was really written by a foreigner from somewhere in Eurasia and I kept looking at the author's name as I read because he had done such a good and believable job.
October 1, 2018
Steve Stred is on a roll. Just over two weeks ago he released the very entertaining WAGON BUDDY, today he releases another novella, YURI.
YURI is a period piece. It is never quite stated where and when it is taking place, but from reading I would place it in Russia during the late 1800s or early 1900s. YURI is a tale of a young man dealing with loss. Winter has lasted over 2 years and the family farm is in ruins. Both his parents are gone and he is forced to head to the city to find work. Little does he know that the wonderful job he is offered will lead him down a dark and horrifying path.
As with WAGON BUDDY, the author has written a very believable and fleshed out character. Yuri is the underdog, finally getting his break and making more money than he ever has, but at what cost. The sense of dread that the author creates as Yuri slowly learns more and more about his surrounding is almost palpable. Yuri is a good man, thrust into a situation beyond his control. You will root for him and also at times want to kick him in the ass. (you will see what I mean as you read the story, come on Yuri don't do that!)
The first half of the novella is all character driven, we learn about Yuri, his new boss Mr. Petrov and some other supporting characters, and about the house itself. It is in the 2nd half that all hell breaks loose. Dark secrets come to the service and oh my does the blood flow. The author does not hold back on the blood and gore, tho it is not just put in for shock value. Each scene of bloodshed has purpose to the story. It all accumulates in a brutal confrontation and shocking climax.
Yuri is a well written and very enjoyable novella. I recommend this novella highly and please make sure to check out Steve Stred"s other great books.
YURI is a period piece. It is never quite stated where and when it is taking place, but from reading I would place it in Russia during the late 1800s or early 1900s. YURI is a tale of a young man dealing with loss. Winter has lasted over 2 years and the family farm is in ruins. Both his parents are gone and he is forced to head to the city to find work. Little does he know that the wonderful job he is offered will lead him down a dark and horrifying path.
As with WAGON BUDDY, the author has written a very believable and fleshed out character. Yuri is the underdog, finally getting his break and making more money than he ever has, but at what cost. The sense of dread that the author creates as Yuri slowly learns more and more about his surrounding is almost palpable. Yuri is a good man, thrust into a situation beyond his control. You will root for him and also at times want to kick him in the ass. (you will see what I mean as you read the story, come on Yuri don't do that!)
The first half of the novella is all character driven, we learn about Yuri, his new boss Mr. Petrov and some other supporting characters, and about the house itself. It is in the 2nd half that all hell breaks loose. Dark secrets come to the service and oh my does the blood flow. The author does not hold back on the blood and gore, tho it is not just put in for shock value. Each scene of bloodshed has purpose to the story. It all accumulates in a brutal confrontation and shocking climax.
Yuri is a well written and very enjoyable novella. I recommend this novella highly and please make sure to check out Steve Stred"s other great books.
September 30, 2018
Well, poor Yuri gets himself into a horrible predicament, but when he takes a job, he gets room & board, and plenty of stew to eat!! Life is good until he finds out what is in the stew, then the s__t hits the fan!! I enjoyed this, it takes something we all do(eat) and touches that fear of what’s really in the food that is prepared for us!! Disturbing.....
September 1, 2019
Yuri has the flavour of a dark, forgotten fairy tale from the frozen heart of Russia, and the writing is every bit as compelling as I've come to expect from Stred's stories.
Which explains why I devoured this tasty morsel in a single sitting. Why it should have made my stomach rumble is a rather more concerning issue.... ;)
Which explains why I devoured this tasty morsel in a single sitting. Why it should have made my stomach rumble is a rather more concerning issue.... ;)
December 17, 2019
With the death of his father and a brutal famine and winter to deal with, Yuri needs a job and somewhere to live and he gratefully accepts a job at a mine and a roof over his head from local rich man Mr Petrov. The employee who takes Yuri to his new home warns him not to eat the stew and as soon as he does, Yuri finds the other men won't talk to him because of it. He doesn't ask WHY nobody else eats it and despite countless warnings, dumb Yuri insists on angering all his colleagues by continually eating the stew. If it upsets everyone, there is a reason but Yuri doesn't seem to care, despite fish and other meats being there to choose from. It just seems so stupid and I wanted to shake him! I don't want to go into details about the plot and ruin the story for anyone so I can't say much more.
The reader is able to work out pretty quickly why nobody else wants to eat the stew and what the problem is with it but Yuri is just so dumb! I was yelling at him to ask Boris what was wrong with it and yelling at Boris to just tell Yuri the full story! It was so frustrating! I did at one point yell 'EAT THE BLOODY FISH!' which sort of startled my dad in his chair! But the thing is, I also really enjoyed the story as we waited for Yuri to work it out and see what he was going to do about it. This was an interesting and well written little horror thriller. Yuri was a nice guy if a bit on the stupid side overall and events kept me interested throughout. This was my first experience of the author and I do expect to read more by him in the future.
The reader is able to work out pretty quickly why nobody else wants to eat the stew and what the problem is with it but Yuri is just so dumb! I was yelling at him to ask Boris what was wrong with it and yelling at Boris to just tell Yuri the full story! It was so frustrating! I did at one point yell 'EAT THE BLOODY FISH!' which sort of startled my dad in his chair! But the thing is, I also really enjoyed the story as we waited for Yuri to work it out and see what he was going to do about it. This was an interesting and well written little horror thriller. Yuri was a nice guy if a bit on the stupid side overall and events kept me interested throughout. This was my first experience of the author and I do expect to read more by him in the future.
May 22, 2019
Horror is becoming a progressively more difficult genre to write. Horror stories just do not frighten, they fail to invoke genuine terror. The more horror we consume, the less susceptible to it we become. Horror just isn't scary.
A great horror story cannot thrive on terror, it must find a way around its reader's hardened walls, undermine the mental foundations, and expose the vulnerable being at the centre. "Yuri", a short story by Steve Stred, successfully burrows through.
The eponymous Yuri is desperate. His world is in the grip of and endless winter, his farm has failed, his father frozen to death in his tractor. His only alternative to starvation is to move to the city and find a job. The naïve farm boy's hardship is about to become a nightmare.
"Yuri" is lengthy for a short story but not quite a novel or even a novella. The author is playing with the format, and does not waste words. Stred tells the story entirely from Yuri's viewpoint, allowing him to focus and accumulate the horror.
The plot is realistic yet Yuri is isolated in a bizarre world with and impenetrable secrecy and authority. I was reminded of the unsettling world's of "Das Schloss" (The Castle) and "Der Process" (The Trial) by Franz Kafka.
The story is not complex but does not need to be. We all know what is coming as Stred feeds us each horrible little development, piece by piece. Most disturbing about "Yuri" is its social commentary.
Despite the warnings, despite what we know to be wrong, we indulge ourselves. We know there will be a reckoning, the unsustainability is clear, our friends warn us, we see the children vanishing, yet we indulge. The authorities in whose care we are ultimately entrusted only encourage us. The terror is this story is that we are all Yuri. We all eat the stew.
A great horror story cannot thrive on terror, it must find a way around its reader's hardened walls, undermine the mental foundations, and expose the vulnerable being at the centre. "Yuri", a short story by Steve Stred, successfully burrows through.
The eponymous Yuri is desperate. His world is in the grip of and endless winter, his farm has failed, his father frozen to death in his tractor. His only alternative to starvation is to move to the city and find a job. The naïve farm boy's hardship is about to become a nightmare.
"Yuri" is lengthy for a short story but not quite a novel or even a novella. The author is playing with the format, and does not waste words. Stred tells the story entirely from Yuri's viewpoint, allowing him to focus and accumulate the horror.
The plot is realistic yet Yuri is isolated in a bizarre world with and impenetrable secrecy and authority. I was reminded of the unsettling world's of "Das Schloss" (The Castle) and "Der Process" (The Trial) by Franz Kafka.
The story is not complex but does not need to be. We all know what is coming as Stred feeds us each horrible little development, piece by piece. Most disturbing about "Yuri" is its social commentary.
Despite the warnings, despite what we know to be wrong, we indulge ourselves. We know there will be a reckoning, the unsustainability is clear, our friends warn us, we see the children vanishing, yet we indulge. The authorities in whose care we are ultimately entrusted only encourage us. The terror is this story is that we are all Yuri. We all eat the stew.
September 10, 2023
I had to write this review immediately after reading. What a page turner! I'm not sure I have ever devoured a book so fast. Much like Yuri with the stew, I constantly wanted more. I am a glutton for horror!
January 14, 2020
I enjoyed this story, particularly the beginning. But I felt there was a bit of a wobble in the middle but the story picked up again for the ending.
January 17, 2020
3.4
Fun, enjoyable, quick read. Fairly predictable. First I've read of this author
Fun, enjoyable, quick read. Fairly predictable. First I've read of this author
May 23, 2020
I was looking for a quick read between lengthy books and boy was this it! I couldn't put it down and finished it in just a few hours. DON'T EAT THE STEW!
December 9, 2021
Good read!
Good and fast read. Yuri is such a likeable character. I've read a couple books by this author now and have enjoyed them all.
Good and fast read. Yuri is such a likeable character. I've read a couple books by this author now and have enjoyed them all.
February 21, 2020
Yuri is a novella, and like a lot of stories with lower word counts, it’s hard to say much without giving something away. It does become clear to the reader early on what is actually happening in the large house, but Yuri remains oblivious (the tension rising as the reader silently begs for him to just leave).
Yuri is sweetly naïve, sometimes a little stupid, but his traits endure him to the reader, and he carries the reader through in a dark, twisted tale that is sure to put you off your next meal.
Full Review
Yuri is sweetly naïve, sometimes a little stupid, but his traits endure him to the reader, and he carries the reader through in a dark, twisted tale that is sure to put you off your next meal.
Full Review
August 29, 2021
Don't eat the stew.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews