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Better You Believe
"Tony Evans is an exciting new voice in the horror genre, one that I'm anxious to hear more of." Danger Slater - Author of HE DIGS A HOLE, I WILL ROT WITHOUT YOU, and PUPPET SKIN
“Evans is precise in the his writing. He tucks the reader gently into a bed of nails while slowly unveiling the monster in the closet before whispering goodnight.”“Evans is an architect of horror, building the suspense from the ground up one sentence at a time, then delicately placing the final terrorizing touches in place, just when you least expect it.”M.R. Tapia - Author of SUGAR SKULLS and THE DIE-FI EXPERIMENT
“There’s no wasted time with nonsense, and the momentum just keeps going. The flow (of this collection) reminds me of Goosebumps, but bloodied and more profane. I loved those books as a kid.”Mr. Deadman - Author and Owner of Deadman’s Tome, LLC
Urban legends - every town has them. Local variations of widely known stories passed down from one generation to the next. They range from tales of haunted houses and monsters in the closet, to witches and dark curses telling you where not to tread. I’ve heard them all in my travels through the Appalachians and southeastern United States. The question is, do you believe, or is it all made up?
Sometimes it’s best to heed the advice given in those old familiar stories. After all, as the old Sherpa saying goes - Maybe true. Maybe not true. Better you believe.
Tony Evans is a crafter of horror and dark fiction, and a lover of all things creepy. He is the author of nearly two-dozen short stories that have appeared in various print and online horror magazines and anthologies. Better You Believe is his debut collection. He currently lives in Bardstown, Kentucky where he spends his time with his wife and two young daughters - his favorite little monsters.
“Evans is precise in the his writing. He tucks the reader gently into a bed of nails while slowly unveiling the monster in the closet before whispering goodnight.”“Evans is an architect of horror, building the suspense from the ground up one sentence at a time, then delicately placing the final terrorizing touches in place, just when you least expect it.”M.R. Tapia - Author of SUGAR SKULLS and THE DIE-FI EXPERIMENT
“There’s no wasted time with nonsense, and the momentum just keeps going. The flow (of this collection) reminds me of Goosebumps, but bloodied and more profane. I loved those books as a kid.”Mr. Deadman - Author and Owner of Deadman’s Tome, LLC
Urban legends - every town has them. Local variations of widely known stories passed down from one generation to the next. They range from tales of haunted houses and monsters in the closet, to witches and dark curses telling you where not to tread. I’ve heard them all in my travels through the Appalachians and southeastern United States. The question is, do you believe, or is it all made up?
Sometimes it’s best to heed the advice given in those old familiar stories. After all, as the old Sherpa saying goes - Maybe true. Maybe not true. Better you believe.
Tony Evans is a crafter of horror and dark fiction, and a lover of all things creepy. He is the author of nearly two-dozen short stories that have appeared in various print and online horror magazines and anthologies. Better You Believe is his debut collection. He currently lives in Bardstown, Kentucky where he spends his time with his wife and two young daughters - his favorite little monsters.
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 1, 2019
A really fun collection of horror stories, all based around urban legends and old folktales.
This was my first time to read Tony Evans's work, and I'm really glad I took the time. This collection contains a little bit of everything. It's got witches and ghosts and malevolent spirits and family curses, and in my particular favorite story, some skin burrowing cockroaches! Talk about making you squirm! At any rate, there's plenty on offer here for the horror fan of any persuasion, and I think if you take the time you'll enjoy this well-written collection as much as I did.
One thing that stood out about the writing here is the style. Evans has a style that, while certainly his own, evokes echoes of classic Goosebumps tales from R.L. Stine, with a bit of mixture to any one of the opening scenes to the Scream films by Wes Craven. The setups are usually younger people, who in conversation end up discussing something about the plot of the story, some old folktale or urban legend. It's blown off as just a story, but then it really happens. The stories vary from the straightforward to the bizarre, as well as in the level of violence.
Make no mistake: this is not a children's book. It's Goosebumps for grownups where they say dirty words and people get disemboweled sometimes. But it's this fanciful STYLE that Evans employs which draws us into his dark fairy tales and captivates us with a child-like wonder. Wonder of the unknown and terror of the dark.
So, I encourage you to take the plunge. The stories are short enough that you can easily finish each in a short, single sitting, but long enough that we get to know and care about the characters and their fates, which are often not particularly sunny.
They may be fairy tales, but I urge you to heed the morals within. If you don't, the dark things may come for you...better you believe.
5/5 Stars.
This was my first time to read Tony Evans's work, and I'm really glad I took the time. This collection contains a little bit of everything. It's got witches and ghosts and malevolent spirits and family curses, and in my particular favorite story, some skin burrowing cockroaches! Talk about making you squirm! At any rate, there's plenty on offer here for the horror fan of any persuasion, and I think if you take the time you'll enjoy this well-written collection as much as I did.
One thing that stood out about the writing here is the style. Evans has a style that, while certainly his own, evokes echoes of classic Goosebumps tales from R.L. Stine, with a bit of mixture to any one of the opening scenes to the Scream films by Wes Craven. The setups are usually younger people, who in conversation end up discussing something about the plot of the story, some old folktale or urban legend. It's blown off as just a story, but then it really happens. The stories vary from the straightforward to the bizarre, as well as in the level of violence.
Make no mistake: this is not a children's book. It's Goosebumps for grownups where they say dirty words and people get disemboweled sometimes. But it's this fanciful STYLE that Evans employs which draws us into his dark fairy tales and captivates us with a child-like wonder. Wonder of the unknown and terror of the dark.
So, I encourage you to take the plunge. The stories are short enough that you can easily finish each in a short, single sitting, but long enough that we get to know and care about the characters and their fates, which are often not particularly sunny.
They may be fairy tales, but I urge you to heed the morals within. If you don't, the dark things may come for you...better you believe.
5/5 Stars.
October 11, 2020
I first Tony Evans at Scarefest in 2019. We shared a table with authors Chris Miller and Richard Rumple. Tony is a down to earth guy with a great sense of humor. The type of person you make friends with instantly. We made a book swap, one copy of my novel THEM for a copy of his collection of short stories BETTER YOU BELIEVE. And I must say, I was far from disappointed. Tony has compiled a collection of scary tales he had heard growing up from others or were passed down to him. Putting his own talented spin on each, and leaving notes of origin after each story he penned, Evans has showcased his ability to tell one hell of a creepy story. These are the kind of stories that will make you jump at shadows and question every little noise you hear after the sun goes down and the lights go out. I promise you will be checking under your bed and in your closet after reading this masterful collection of the macabre. So, go on, pick up a copy, and dive in. If you like a more traditional spooky yarn, one pulled from the folklore of our ancestors, the kind you may have heard from your grandparents, you are going to love Better You Believe by Tony Evans.
April 5, 2019
Evans' collection of short stories has an interesting angle.
The majority of the stories are based on folklore that he has picked up over the years - the author notes after each story were an added insight on the genesis of each story, especially when dipping into the folklore.
I wasn't overly familiar with what he based the stories on, but it is quite clear that Evans added his own twist on each of the stories, making them his own.
Being a short story collection, there will always be a mixture of stories - the trick is to have different readers like different stories, and while I certainly preferred some stories over others there were none that I actively disliked.
It's a solid short story collection, an enjoyable read with some memorable stories. Evans is more than a competent writer, although I fully expect him to get better with time.
I hope he continues to write, I will certainly pick up his next book, and recommend this collection if you enjoy Twilight Zone style stories with a twist of folklore written by good author who will only get better.
The majority of the stories are based on folklore that he has picked up over the years - the author notes after each story were an added insight on the genesis of each story, especially when dipping into the folklore.
I wasn't overly familiar with what he based the stories on, but it is quite clear that Evans added his own twist on each of the stories, making them his own.
Being a short story collection, there will always be a mixture of stories - the trick is to have different readers like different stories, and while I certainly preferred some stories over others there were none that I actively disliked.
It's a solid short story collection, an enjoyable read with some memorable stories. Evans is more than a competent writer, although I fully expect him to get better with time.
I hope he continues to write, I will certainly pick up his next book, and recommend this collection if you enjoy Twilight Zone style stories with a twist of folklore written by good author who will only get better.
February 10, 2020
Genre: Adult | Urban Legends | Horror | Paranormal
5 out of 5 stars!
Better You Believe is a collection of short stories. All urban legends Tony has come across over the years, while on his own adventures.
Nothing better than the perfect scary story as a kid. What we may not realise at that age, is a lot of the stories that have circled around come from urban legends our parents or family members have heard.
Tony not only brought attention to urban legends I myself had never heard of. He brought them to life, putting his own little spin on them. These are tales that will stick with me for a very long time, perhaps even for life.
These bizarre, creepy, strange stories are very fast paced and will leave you itching for more of each.
Some of the characters are so relate-able and you can't help but feel emotions along side them, some of these myths will come across very cheeky, but know that there is a good life lesson to learn in each. So be sure to pay attention to the underlining message.
Tony's writing is so enjoyable. No added filler, no drawn out sections, great story development, the characters are done really well and as I mentioned each story is very fast paced. You will fly through this collection in no time while being entertained the whole time, you may even be shocked by some of the twists that come along.
Yes! Of course I would recommend Better You Believe.
5 out of 5 stars!
Better You Believe is a collection of short stories. All urban legends Tony has come across over the years, while on his own adventures.
Nothing better than the perfect scary story as a kid. What we may not realise at that age, is a lot of the stories that have circled around come from urban legends our parents or family members have heard.
Tony not only brought attention to urban legends I myself had never heard of. He brought them to life, putting his own little spin on them. These are tales that will stick with me for a very long time, perhaps even for life.
These bizarre, creepy, strange stories are very fast paced and will leave you itching for more of each.
Some of the characters are so relate-able and you can't help but feel emotions along side them, some of these myths will come across very cheeky, but know that there is a good life lesson to learn in each. So be sure to pay attention to the underlining message.
Tony's writing is so enjoyable. No added filler, no drawn out sections, great story development, the characters are done really well and as I mentioned each story is very fast paced. You will fly through this collection in no time while being entertained the whole time, you may even be shocked by some of the twists that come along.
Yes! Of course I would recommend Better You Believe.
April 30, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of twisted folklore by Tony Evans! The narration by AJ Shuck really made this a creepy and immersive audio experience. I haven’t listened to “Tales from the Crypt” and urban legend type stories such as these in quite some time. The author explored several sub genres within horror, which made listening to multiple tales in a row effortless. His style of writing is efficient and clean, but still full of personality. The notes which Evans bookended each of his tales with, were a welcome inclusion. They explained the inspiration behind the main creature or concept that a particular plot line centered around. Evans wears his love for storytelling and traditional horror on his sleeve. Content wise, these stories carried enough weight to make an adult slightly uncomfortable, and would definitely terrify a 6th-10th grader. While the tone of the entire collection wasn’t overly dark, there are moments of gore and candid dialogue which I absolutely appreciated. This is a collection that anyone can have a great time with. While I do not have any kids, I would absolutely play this audiobook in front of an 11 to 14 year old who is just getting into horror. I must state again how well written the entire collection was, as it really elevated the tales above your average Creepypasta or ghost story anthology. Overall, this is an easy recommendation for anyone looking to have a spooky nostalgia trip, or listen to/read a book that contains the perfect amount of terror to be suitable for almost all listeners. I look forward to reading more of Tony Evans’s work!
July 6, 2020
"Better You Believe" is a short story collection by independent horror author Tony Evans, and I was sent an e-book copy of this collection by the author, in exchange for an honest review, so thank you Tony for sending this book my way!
The 14 stories that Tony has compiled into this collection are based on the scary stories he was told during his childhood, as well as stories of folklore and urban legends that he was told during his many travels and other endeavours. I went straight into this book after reading and enjoying his short novel "Sour" and I wasn't disappointed in the least!
Tony writes remarkably well, and the way that he was able to tell (or retell) each of these stories, while still putting his own unique signature on them was brilliant! I also really appreciated how he included Author Notes after each story, so that I could learn the origin and history behind each of the stories, as the folklore of the Appalachian region isn't something I'm familiar with, and it allowed me to connect with the stories better.
Some of the stories were creepy and ominous, some of them made my skin crawl, and others genuinely scared me. My personal favourites were "A Bedtime Story," "A Collection of Souls," "Blood Sacrifice" and "A Storm of Crows," which sets the stage for everything that occurs in "Sour."
There truly is a story here for any horror enthusiast, and as far as short story collections go, this is definitely one that you do NOT want to miss!
The 14 stories that Tony has compiled into this collection are based on the scary stories he was told during his childhood, as well as stories of folklore and urban legends that he was told during his many travels and other endeavours. I went straight into this book after reading and enjoying his short novel "Sour" and I wasn't disappointed in the least!
Tony writes remarkably well, and the way that he was able to tell (or retell) each of these stories, while still putting his own unique signature on them was brilliant! I also really appreciated how he included Author Notes after each story, so that I could learn the origin and history behind each of the stories, as the folklore of the Appalachian region isn't something I'm familiar with, and it allowed me to connect with the stories better.
Some of the stories were creepy and ominous, some of them made my skin crawl, and others genuinely scared me. My personal favourites were "A Bedtime Story," "A Collection of Souls," "Blood Sacrifice" and "A Storm of Crows," which sets the stage for everything that occurs in "Sour."
There truly is a story here for any horror enthusiast, and as far as short story collections go, this is definitely one that you do NOT want to miss!
November 11, 2019
A welcome new voice from Appalachia that everyone will enjoy, Mr. Evans brings the craft of storytelling to new suspenseful heights as he builds one terrifying tale after another. Although many of us grew up hearing some of these not-so-urban legends, Mr. Evans manages to take them up a notch and fashion them into one-act episodes that would be perfect for any “Tales from the Crypt” fan. I am excited to see what else Tony Evans can bring to the horror lit landscape. Great read!
May 10, 2020
Brilliant tales of Appalachian folklore and legends. A new, amazing voice to give life to the tales of the south. Tony Evans is new to me and I am so excited that I found him! I have one problem with this author! He needs to write more....NOW! Lol.
I always look to find writers who can turn up the volume on the backwoods, quiet life of Appalachia. Evans turns the volume way up, and you hear every spooky sound and footstep. Excellent!!! Looking forward to so much more.
I always look to find writers who can turn up the volume on the backwoods, quiet life of Appalachia. Evans turns the volume way up, and you hear every spooky sound and footstep. Excellent!!! Looking forward to so much more.
June 17, 2020
Fantastic
I love horror in any form but am especially find of short stories and anthologies. These were some of the best I've ever read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys horror.
I love horror in any form but am especially find of short stories and anthologies. These were some of the best I've ever read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys horror.
February 26, 2019
Great read
I love the way the author gives background history for each of the short stories. The stories themselves pull you in and make you want to know more. It is well written, and perfect for reading scary stories to your kids, if they like that kind of thing, which mine do!
I love the way the author gives background history for each of the short stories. The stories themselves pull you in and make you want to know more. It is well written, and perfect for reading scary stories to your kids, if they like that kind of thing, which mine do!
December 13, 2021
orror Book Review:
Better You Believe by amazing author Tony Evans @tonyevanshorror
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
If you love to read & hell, even if you don't I think you guys would really love this book ! The stories were inspired hy various urban legends & Appalachain Folklore.
Better You Believe is a collection of short stories! You know what that means? They are perfect for busy readers, who want something quick to read while in-between every day tasks. Personally, I loved to sneak a story in during my break at work as well as before I went to bed. Maybe I had to suffer through a nightmare or two because of that decision. Lol. Anywayssss..
The cover art is stunning. I am a sucker for a spooky, but pretty book. The small details speak loud for me.
Overall, I enjoyed all of the stories. Tony really gave us many different horrors to enjoy in this collection of stories. Each story is one hell of a roller-coaster ride. Woodsman tale is definitely my favorite though! Also: The Audio version is pretty darn good. I actually got cold chills and creeped the hell out during a couple of the stories. I wont spoil it with which ones, haha.
There were so many unexpected twists in each story, that I found it hard to predict the ending. These are the kinds of books I thrive to read.
It was a creepy, yet fun read for me overall.
I will definitely be reccomending this book to my fellow horror book lovers ! It would definitely be a great gift for a loved one.
#horror #horrorbooks #horrorbookreviews #urbanlegends #appalachianmountains #spookyreads
Better You Believe by amazing author Tony Evans @tonyevanshorror
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
If you love to read & hell, even if you don't I think you guys would really love this book ! The stories were inspired hy various urban legends & Appalachain Folklore.
Better You Believe is a collection of short stories! You know what that means? They are perfect for busy readers, who want something quick to read while in-between every day tasks. Personally, I loved to sneak a story in during my break at work as well as before I went to bed. Maybe I had to suffer through a nightmare or two because of that decision. Lol. Anywayssss..
The cover art is stunning. I am a sucker for a spooky, but pretty book. The small details speak loud for me.
Overall, I enjoyed all of the stories. Tony really gave us many different horrors to enjoy in this collection of stories. Each story is one hell of a roller-coaster ride. Woodsman tale is definitely my favorite though! Also: The Audio version is pretty darn good. I actually got cold chills and creeped the hell out during a couple of the stories. I wont spoil it with which ones, haha.
There were so many unexpected twists in each story, that I found it hard to predict the ending. These are the kinds of books I thrive to read.
It was a creepy, yet fun read for me overall.
I will definitely be reccomending this book to my fellow horror book lovers ! It would definitely be a great gift for a loved one.
#horror #horrorbooks #horrorbookreviews #urbanlegends #appalachianmountains #spookyreads
August 11, 2019
Tony Evans has a unique spin on his retelling of Appalachian folk tales. The stories draw you in from the beginning and then unleash their darkness when you least expect it. The pages almost turn themselves as the characters come to life. From creepy crawlers to witches and stews, you're going to be on the edge of your seat to see what happens next. I couldn't put it down. It's an enjoyable and fast paced read. Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews