And They Were Never Heard From Again: A Yarnsworld Tale

Yarnsworld

by Benedict Patrick

The woods are not safe.

Especially at night.

Felton takes his younger brother for a walk through the Magpie King’s forest, hoping to change his life for the better.
Things do not go as planned.

And They Were Never Heard From Again is set in Benedict Patrick’s Yarnsworld.

Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Short Stories, Novella, Fiction, Dark Fantasy, Dark

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 21, 2019

About the author

Benedict Patrick is from a small town in Northern Ireland called Banbridge, but has been living and working in Scotland since he moved there at the age of eighteen. Tragically, that was quite a while ago.

He has been writing for most of his life, and has been reading for pretty much all of it (with help from mum and dad at the beginning). Benedict's life changed when a substitute primary school teacher read his class part of The Hobbit and later loaned him the book – he fell in love with the fantasy genre and never looked back.

They Mostly Come Out At Night is his debut novel, and is the first novel in The Yarnsworld series.

Try out some free Yarnsworld stories by signing up to the mailing list: http://eepurl.com/b4UNHj

Reviews

[Petrik · Rating 4 out of 5]

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This was a gripping, atmospheric, and dark fairytale.

Either I suffered a memory loss, or it was clear that I wasn’t in the right mindset when I first read this story in The Lost Lore anthology because this felt like a brand new read for me, so here’s a short review for it. And They Were Never Heard From Again is a 40 pages story that serves really well as an entry into Benedict Patrick’s Yarnsworld series and world. I didn’t plan to read this; this was a hugely impulsive read. My friend, Marielle, keeps on talking about how much she loves Yarnsworld, and I want to know what made her so enamored with it; I ended up finishing this in one sitting.

"A story is a dangerous thing, Felton Herder. We must value them, we must be careful with them. Set one loose on the world, and you lose all control over your own creation."

I really enjoyed this short story. In 40 pages, Patrick was able to weave a dark and incredibly atmospheric story that depicted how terrifying stories can be. We all know how easy and deadly it can be for a rumor to grow out of proportion, and this situation seriously came to life in this story. And They Were Never Heard From Again is a dark and wonderful entry into Yarnsworld; I read this as a tester, and now I’m convinced I will be reading the main series in the future. Plus, it’s not like it will be possible for me to resist the gorgeous cover arts of the series done by Jenny Zemanek anyway; I have to check the contents out.

You can order the book for FREE from: Amazon UK | Amazon US

You can find the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions

Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!

My Patrons: Alfred, Alya, Annabeth, Ben, Blaise, Devin, Diana, Edward, Ellen, Gary, Hamad, Helen, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Lufi, Melinda, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Seth, Shaad, Summer, Zoe.

[James Tivendale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Patrick's dark fairy tales. This one didn't disappoint. Full review to follow.

[Marielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful short story, I loved it! Definitly makes me want to continue to read Yarnsworld books... Also, that cover is gorgeous!!

[Terrible Timy · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can find this review on my blog, RockStarlit BookAsylum!

Disclaimer: you can get this book for FREE!

And They Were Never Heard From Again is the perfect entry into the Yarnsworld created by the brilliant Benedict Patrick. If this little dark gem can’t convince you to read any of his other books, then I don’t know what will. It has everything that makes Patrick‘s works so charmingly unique and irresistible. And him one of my favorite authors to date.

This novella is set in the Magpie King's Forest, which is also the setting for They Mostly Come Out at Night and From the Shadows of the Owl Queen's Court. It has no connection to these books otherwise so you don't need to have any previous knowledge of this world.

And They Never Heard From Again is the story of two children, Tad and Felton. I say children, but Felton is probably rather a teenager as his Knack – his magical ability – appeared already and he just experienced that sweet first love. For some reason – maybe because of his name – I always picture him as the young Malfoy – played by Tom Felton in the movies – walking, scared in the forest in Harry Potter and the Philoshoper’s Stone. Tad is five years old, with all the innocence, imagination and beliefs of a boy in his age. He can’t be any more excited when he learns that his tale about the Bramble Man had spread over to the next village and maybe even further than that.

“Beware the Bramble Man, they say,
His roots run deep, his hunger too,
When earth turns foul, and thorns weep red,
He’ll run his roots deep in you too.”

Felton, on the other hand doesn’t believe in every tale he hears, but even he is aware of the dangers of the forest and the presence of the Magpie King. Soon the boys learn the real power of stories, especially if they are paired with strong belief.

“A story is a dangerous thing, Felton Herder. We must value them, we must be careful with them. Set one loose on the world, and you lose all control over your own creation.”

We all should take these words to heart, as we living in the age of the internet are too ready to spread stories before thinking what we unleash upon the world. Sometimes these stories can come back and bite us in the ass.

I think there are only a few writers out there who can put together a short story which leaves you with the feeling of completeness. Benedict Patrick is one of them. And They Never Heard From Again has everything I love in the Yarnsworld series: a unique, bone chilling atmosphere, a twisted fairy tale-like story and monsters you never want to meet in a forest. Or anywhere else for that matter. And most of all: an experience you’ll never be able to forget. It stays with you, gets under your skin, runs its roots deep in your thoughts. And ho boy, it’ll give you enough to think about with its conclusion. Don’t forget, you have to bear the consequences of your words and actions, even if you have a protector behind you like the mighty Magpie King.

[Filip · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Magpie King’s Forest was one of my favourite new places to inhabit last year, when I first came across Benedict’s work. It’s a mysterious place, dangerous during day and deadly at night, the Forest still unclaimed by the human villagers who live in its reaches. I’ve had my share of exploration of its great and dark confines, and yet have hungered for more over the past few months. Once Benedict Patrick gets in your head, you see, it’s difficult not to hunger after more knowledge of the Forest’s denizens of the night.

But what is a monster of the night without a pair of humans to horrify and appall? The unlucky protagonists of this story are two brothers, one younger and the other older — as these stories tend to go — by the names of Tad and Felton. Felton drags his younger brother to another village for just about the most teenage reason you could think of, and after a series of unfortunate events, the two end up far, far away from the safety of home after darkness falls down on the forest.

What follows, I won’t spoil — but this was the kind of story that questions the power of storytelling and the collective subconscious in a way eerily reminiscent of my favourite work of Neil Gaiman.

The best part? It’s completely, absolutely, unreservedly free, this story. That’s right. $0.00. I’d grab it if I were you. If you’ve never experienced the world, you might just fall in love with it. My score for “And They Were Never Heard From Again” is 5/5.

[Travis Riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting, quick return to Yarnsworld. Easily read within an hour, and it's free on Amazon, so why not take the plunge, especially if you haven't experienced any of Benedict Patrick's Yarnsworld stories yet?

This is a great short tale about the stories we tell, filled with a lot of excitement and creepiness in its small amount of pages. Some relateable characters, grotesque and interesting monsters, and Patrick's always-welcome style of fairytale prose.

[Colton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice short story that seems to scratch the surface of the authors other works .

[Krow · Rating 2 out of 5]

I haven't read the other Yarnsworld books, but since they're all pretty independent I started with this free short story as a sampler. I'll start off by saying that the world building and horror elements are fantastic. I love the small hints towards greater things in the world, like abilities called Knack, the god Artemis, the forest protector, and more. It leaves me wanting to know more about this Yarnsworld.

My biggest complaint are the two main characters. They are so utterly unlikeable. Felton in particularly has a horrible attitude and his mindset with Hafwen is like something out of the late /r/incels and needs a Nice Guys™ tag. He is not a good older brother and it is through Felton's stupid actions that the two of them end up in their dire situation. The story seems to have a tone that acknowledges how awful Felton is, but in general it's really hard to enjoy the narrative's suspense when you are desperately praying for the victim's horrible mauling.

That being said, the world is absolutely intriguing enough that I am looking forward to reading They Mostly Come Out At Night (Yarnsworld #1), but I'm hoping the main characters are more relatable.

[Bart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.50

[Ziva Drakhjärta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story is very well written, with fleshed-out characters and world building. It gave me goosebumps and nightmares, in all honesty.

Part of the scariness of the story is the fact that it highlights the power of words and how rumours can spread and somehow gain a life of their own.

So it is so well written it's actually a little bit too dark for me, so I won't continue with the series, but I recommend it to anyone who wants to read a little darker fantasy with a horror feel.

[Sharkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, but absolutely brilliant. I love the Yarnsworld so much, and having a story come to life... it's great. It's thoughtful. And it makes an amazing short story.

It also makes me want to go back and read all the Yarnsworld novels.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Yarnsworld, it’s easily sat in my top 5 fantasy series. A free Yarnsworld short story has made my year, never mind day!

Amazing short set in the Magpie King’s forest - gave me chills! Patrick is a gem of the genre. Creepy and fabulous world, characters that will stay with you and plot twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. That he can craft such an artful story in 40 odd pages says it all.

[Suzannah Rowntree]

This short story was too small of a taster for me to make up my mind about the author and story world. The covers and titles of this series have always intrigued me, though, so I was interested to dip my toe in.

I liked the creepiness and eeriness of the story world, and I have to say that although IRL I have 0 interest in gardening I just love the story trope of the dangerous enchanted garden or forest. This one has serious Naomi-Novik-UPROOTED vibes, in the best possible way, although I'd be hesitant if the execution got any creepier and more violent than it already is.

I also had a love/hate relationship with the main character. Felton is a sympathetically-treated character with a genuinely ghastly entitled attitude towards his crush, who plays fast and loose with his little brother's life. It's the kind of portrayal I love, the kind that should make a reader say ouch, that could be me. But there was no moment of repentance, and in a story this short it left me wondering if the author was truly alive to how terrible the character is, given how relatively lightly he is let off.

That said, I also was very grateful that there was a true glow of hope at the end of the story, little as the protagonist deserved it. I want to know more about the Magpie King.

I don't normally read things tagged as "dark fantasy" and I still don't know if I'll like this storyworld, but I appreciate how the story left me chewing over its themes.

[Cali Schmidt · Rating 2 out of 5]

it wasn't terrible. short, if it were any longer it'd get one star.


probably could've gotten another star except none of the characters were even mildly likeable. the main character touches sleeping women's butts? and scolded himself for not touching her boobs while she slept? creepy. even creepier that this was the only part that seemed to portray any sort of original voice or style.

not sure i'm willing to spend any money on the other books after this mild disaster, however, i refuse to believe that this is the author's best piece.

[Alyssa (HeartwyldsLibrary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Review and many more can be found on my Blog Into The Heartwyld

“A story is a dangerous thing, Felton Herder. We must value them, we must be careful with them. Set one loose on the world, and you lose control over your own creation.”

And They Were Never Heard From Again is my first foray into the Yarnsworld series. I picked it up on a whim in the kindle store because I believe it was free (or possibly $.99) either way it was inexpensive and it was only 40 pages long. I love short stories, and while I do already have a e-copy of They Mostly Come Out at Night, I haven’t read it yet and while that is on the shorter side as well, its still comparatively longer than And They Were Never Heard From Again.

So first thing I want to say is according to the blurb on Amazon And They Were Never Heard From Again is a good introductory spot for the Yarnsworld series. I agree with this even though I haven’t read any others (is that presumptuous of me?) I honestly feel like I wasn’t spoiled in any way in regards to the overall series. I would actually have to admit this made me even more eager to pick up the rest (I bought a physical copy of They Mostly Come out at Night the next day) So if you are worried, don’t be, dive into this dark atmospheric tale, you wont be disappointed.

And They Were Never Heard From Again pulled me in and I was instantly invested. Right from the start I was introduced to two brothers both very different from the other traversing their way through a forest. It doesn’t take long before this trip gets turned upside down and the darker elements start to creep their way in. Literally, they creep in, this story just gives you these tingles that hit the right nerves and the build up to what might happen is slowly making its self known. You get words like The Bramble Man, and Magpie King thrown at you, they tell you they shouldn’t be in the forest after dark, and so much more and it makes your mind reel with curiosity and fear (if you haven’t already immersed yourself in this world that is).

I loved that all the problems the boys faced arose from Felton’s actions. I know this sounds weird but it really made the story compelling because it showed how his selfishness caused harm for another. He was so absorbed in his own issues that he put aside the concerns of his much younger brother, resulting in frightening consequences. I would be a liar if I didn’t say what transpires to these boys didn’t make me cry. I’m sensitive so I cry easily but if children are put into harm it hits me even harder and these boys are young, especially Tad. It was dark, it was frightening, it was unsettling, and it made my heart pound, I didn’t know what was going to happen, this was only 40 pages and if this is an indication for what can happen in the longer tales, I have to say, I need to read them.

The idea that stories are more powerful than one tends to think and that we must be careful with them is such a strong lesson. I loved that Patrick used this to bring his tale to life. No story ever stays the same once its been released into the world and this story is a perfect example of just that.

It leaves on a very melancholy note with a hint of hope, and I have to say its very fitting for the entire tale. I loved that it wasn’t all cleaned up and instantly fixed. The consequences are going to last for a time and one of them has to live with that while facing it at the same time.

I would also like to say that I really really love the design choice for these covers.

An absolutely dark, creepy and unsettling short tale. I can’t wait to dive into the rest of Yarnsworld.

[S. Naomi Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

I’ve been seeing Benedict Patrick’s Yarnsworld books popping up on social media and review sites for a couple of years now, but despite having the first two sat on my to-read shelves for a long time I’ve never actually gotten around to reading any of them. Well, that’s all changed now, and if this short but thoroughly engrossing tale is anything to go by I shall certainly be adding the rest of the series to my priority list.

Weighing in at just forty-ish pages, this is may be a quick read but that doesn’t stop it from being an absolute corker of a tale. It follows brothers Felton and Tad as they get lost in the Magpie King’s Forest after dark and fall prey to the monsters that live there. It feels like a good old traditional fairy tale in the way it’s told, a morality tale that makes it absolutely clear that children who don’t do as they’re told will come to some sort of sticky end. However, it also has a faint edge of hope about it, a silver lining (like light glinting off the Magpie King’s helm) that suggests there is a path to redemption.

It also has a little something to say about the power of stories themselves. At the start of the tale, Tad is worried about the Bramble Man, a bogeyman he’s convinced himself is real despite it being a creature of his own invention. But when the tale spreads beyond Tad and Felton’s village of Gallowglass, it gathers power and takes on a life of its own. Be careful of the stories you tell, because they may just come back and bite you on the ass, so to speak.

All in all this is a wonderful introduction to Patrick’s Yarnsworld, and given that it’s currently available for free on Kindle I’d definitely say give this one a try.

[Dale Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Caution - Minor Spoilers contained in this review. ***


The kingdom of the Magpie King was a dangerous yet wonderous place to be. Stories of amazing people, mighty heroes, tragic deaths, and terrifying creatures. All these make up the world that Felton and his younger brother Tad call their home. The Magpie King, himself, was bigger than the world, but stories of other monsters filled their everyday world...Wolves that roam the night...Mother Web who will drain the life from the unsuspecting...and so many others. But the Bramble Man was only a figment of Tad's imagination...wasn't he?

What happens when you live in a world where those stories of tales and legends take on lives of their own, where the physical manifestation of those stories are created whole cloth from the terrors and fears of those tales told in the night to scare small children? And, as the stories spread, the tales becomes even more terrifying and complex.

This is the universe of Benedict Patrick whose YARNSWORLD stories flashbacks to the fairy tales and fables of our childhoods. Stories that rival those of the Brothers Grimm in their terror and scary outcomes.

This short story is set in the same kingdom as that of THEY MOSTLY COME OUT AT NIGHT and adds to the legend of the Magpie King and the creatures he fights. In this Patrick posits the question, "What if the stories we create in our minds are given life by belief?"

Excellent short. You do not have to have read any of the other books to enjoy this one. But...hopefully you'll love it enough to buy more so we can keep Benedict writing.

[L.L. MacRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic tale from the Yarnsworld. Part-folk tale (the kind that make up the interludes in the regular Yarnsworld books), part full story on its own, this was a brilliant story and addition to the Yarnsworld catalogue.

Within a handful of lines, you already have a superb idea of the characters of this short tale. Both very different, very strong characters in their own unique way. As I have read a handful of the Yarnsworld books, I had an idea of the dangers in this tale, and yet the growing sense of dread is so masterfully written that I couldn't help but be sucked into the story.

Short and punchy, it's a must-read if you have enjoyed any of the Yarnsworld books. And if you're new to it, give this one a read. It's the perfect flavour of the folk tale-style lore, excellent characterisation, and vivid worldbuilding that fills these books.

[Lynn K : Grimmedian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a very nice piece of folklore set in the forest of the Magpie King. It’s quite horrifying, as all good folktales should be since they are warnings. These stories the villagers tell their children have power as well. Don’t be caught out in the forest after dark. When five year old Tad creates his own tale, it takes on a terrifying life of its own. Tad and his older brother Felton learn a deadly lesson when Felton’s disregard for the tales leads them into the dark of the forest at night.

Exceptionally well told, as all the tales of Yarnsworld, this novella is a rich addition to this series. Highly recommended!

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short dark fantasy about the wildwood, its creatures, people and legends. Two boys end up far from home and darkness is falling. They know strange creatures come out by night...

This is a spooky, perfectly human and understandable tale set in woods like 'Mythago Wood' or 'A Different Kingdom' where the landscape is a major character.

I have enjoyed all this author's books and recommend them to readers of any age.
This is an unbiased review.

[Sabetha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The covers for this series are AMAZING. 100% why I picked up this book, but I've got to say, the story is even better. While it may be short, it's enthralling. Heartache, loss, & hope are big themes in this little novella. The main idea of this book which would be a plot giveaway, is so intriguing.

[Alex Bradshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic trip to the forests of the Magpie King from Benedict Patrick.

It does a wonderful job of showing the depth of the world and even though we only spend a short time with the characters you're invested.

Definitely recommended, either as an intro to Yarnsworld and Benedict Patrick or as a brilliant bonus to the books!

[Ais Dareth · Rating 4 out of 5]

P L O T
• One sentence summary: Two kids stay in the woods too late into the night, and experience the stories they've heard of what comes out at night.
• Pacing: If you think about it, a lot of the book is the boys wandering through the woods. But with everything that happens, you don't really think about it like that. Good pacing, it keeps you interested.
• Easy to follow?: Plenty of lore was introduced, but in conversation of "Do you believe in X?" which made it very easy to pick up the fantasy elements.
• Multiple plot lines?: The characters had a few different goals, but they flowed well and it was easy to understand.
• Predictability: Not predictable at all! I had no idea what was coming next, though there were hints of it earlier in the book. There were moments of "I bet this is what he's currently dealing with" and you end up right, but for a short story that's not necessarily a bad thing.
• Believability: It's a bit fairy-tale feeling, but in a well-written way. I can believe it because it's a solid fantasy world that has been created. There are still rules, which are followed in a way that makes sense
• How it left me feeling: Like I wanna go buy the next book! I don't really know who the guy is on the cover, but if that's the only thing confusing me, then job well done!
• Any glaring triggers: Romantic rejection, body horror (creepy crawlies under the skin)
• Stand-alone: This is a prequel of a series, it can be read by itself

T O N E & W R I T I N G
• Perspective: 3rd person that focuses on the older brother
• Tone: The narration had some nice descriptive elements that brought it above simply stating what was happening.
• Variety of vocab: There was a nice flow in this story - nothing seemed repetitive. The only word that I think someone might need to look up was "plethora", otherwise there were no words that were too challenging.

C H A R A C T E R S
• Initial development: You quickly get a good idea of what the two main characters are like. The older one is a back-woods kid who only believes in what has proven to be true, and the younger kid still has the imagination and curiosity of a child, with total loyalty to his older brother.
• Progressive development: I didn't like Felton at first, but as things went on, I understood where he came from. I still don't really like him, but I don't have to. It's more of a personal opinion than the fact he was badly written (he was written great! Just not my kind of guy)
• Am I invested in them?: Sorry Felton... not really. Your brother though, yes. I am nervous to see what happens, and I also kind of hope that Felton grows and becomes more open-minded in the future.
• Romance: Felton has a crush. There is brief description of a kiss and spooning (clothed)
• Motives: The boys were originally sent out to go foraging. Felton takes a detour... then another detour... he's quite the emotional teen, and let his feelings guide him rather than his logical side. They had some solid motives. As for what they run into at night......... I won't spoil it!

S E T T I N G
• World: For a short story, I LOVE this world-building. There are a few gods/protectors you learn of, and are hinted at some lore behind them. Things develop even further and the lore continues to grow. Honestly I think this is the main reason I want to pick up the next book
• Era: Undetermined fantasy-era

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 / 5 ✪

https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...

Love the cover, courtesy of Jenny Zemanek

And They Were Never Heard From Again is a teaser tale from They mostly Come Out at Night author Benedict Patrick. This tale—or tales (if you get the omnibus version)—can act as an introduction to Yarnsworld, without getting the reader too attached to any one character or place. See that’s the thing with Yarnsworld—the stories jump around, like Discworld. So you’ll have stories set in the same world, but often none of them will share characters. This novella serves as a glimpse into the world, but don’t expect to be hearing from the denizens of this short anytime soon.

I mean, especially with the title and all.

The story centers on two brothers. The live in a little town, surrounded completely by forest. Each night the townsfolk lock themselves away in their cellars, fearful at what the night will bring. For every villager knows the stories—each one more bloody than the last. Of what lurks in the darkest corners of the wood. Of what more comes out at night. And of what happens when someone encounters one of these creatures. Hint: it’s in the title.

There is but one nightly visitor of the forest not feared: the Magpie King. Myth and legend and ruler wrapt into one, he patrols their forest searching out the lost, the vulnerable, the beasts that lurk and prowl. Each he deals with in turn. Tad loves the tales, especially the Magpie King’s. But there is one that he loves more than any other—that of the Bramble Man. The terrifying beast that Tad himself invented, and whose legend he’s spread far and wide, despite his five years. Felton cares little for these stories. Tad’s older brother is more interested in a certain farm village, beyond the forest’s reach. A certain village, with a certain girl. But when Felton whisks his little brother off on an adventure to court said girl, he forgets two important details. One, the road is long, and night is never far away. And two, sometimes stories are just stories, but other times they can take on a life of their own.

I was pretty much captivated with this tale. The setting, the dark vibe, the people that lock themselves in, the many faerie tales of Yarnsworld. I’ve never finished They Mostly Come Out at Night, but there were extenuating circumstances—when I was reading it, I quite liked the vibe, the fables, though it did reek a bit of inexperience. And They Were Never Heard From Again was just enough to make me want to dive back in, something to whet my appetite. The ending, however, I didn’t care for. But I won’t spoil it. Sufficient to say it’s a resolution I wouldn’t’ve used, and leave it there.

If you’re interested, give it the tale a try. The kindle version is free right now, so there’s nothing to lose. If you enjoy it, you can even pick up an omnibus of shorts from Yarnsworld free, direct from the author.

[Gypsy Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a land where people lock themselves into their homes at night and don’t venture out past the evening bell because of the monsters that roam the forest, Felton, a young man has ventured out with his 5-year-old brother in search of blackberries. He steers them to a neighboring village, seeking the attention of a young woman that he had been pining over. But in his quest to follow his heart, he hadn’t been paying attention to the time, nor to the safety of his young brother. His brother is insistent that the Bramble monster is waiting for them, though he in fact made up the story himself. The young woman also warned them away from the forest since she heard the Mother Spider had made her lair in the forest. But the journey home is a long one, and they find themselves trapped outside after the evening bell and this is a world where stories come alive and monsters do in fact exist.

This is a haunting, creepy, short tale. Fancifully told with folk legends woven through. Felton is convinced he is an adult and knows better and doesn’t believe in actual creatures of the forest like bears, nor does he believe in made up things like his brother’s made up monster, but he does still believe in certain legends, like other characters that they meet up with during the course of this story with their own stories to tell. In part, this reminded me of M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village (one of my favorite movies!) with the rustic town that closed up all of their windows with the fall of night to keep the monsters roaming the forest from claiming anyone. I did love the old-fashioned superstitions, like the one with the Heartwood tree, and the real magic of this story is seeing the legends and superstitions come to life. This has plenty of action, adventure, thrill, creepy monsters, and worry for the two boys. It does have me wanting to read more about this world of the Magpie King and of the Magpie King himself.

[Rally Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A grim and dark folklore story, the cautionary tale And They Were Never Heard From Again tells the adventure of young Felton and his even younger brother Tad, as the two of them set off for a nearby village. The problem arises as they venture back through the forest, and they find themselves too late - the bell tolls in the distance, and they are locked outside with the monsters of the night.

Their only hope for salvation lies with the Magpie King, and the boys pray he hears their pleas. Otherwise, they will not survive the night.

"A story is a dangerous thing, Felton Herder. We must value them, we must be careful with them. Set one loose on the world, and you lose all control over your own creation."

This is an excellent short story, gripping, and brilliantly executed with wonderful characters, terrifying creatures of nightmare, and with a moral just as applicable to today's society as it would have been one of old.

A solid 5 stars! I will definitely be looking into this series in the near future.

[Blake the Book Eater · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the special edition of this book, which contained 4 additional Yarnsworld stories! The special edition can be downloaded for free by signing up for the author’s newsletter.

I really enjoyed these stories! Yarnsworld is such a fascinating place, and one of my favorite parts about this world are the folktales in between the chapters! The stories in this collection are mostly centered in and around the forest in They Mostly Come Out At Night; so I suggest you that first as some of the stories explain the backstories behind some of the forest’s denizens. The last tale is a sequel to Where The Waters Turn Black and follows one of the side characters from that novel. An absolute delight!

If you’re a fan of this series, read these stories! If not, then try it out and see if the series might be something you’d enjoy! Either way this is another great work from PATRICK Benedict.
4/5

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a short story, I thought, just a quick read... then the next thing I know I'm a third of the way through the first Yarnsworld novel!

The story itself is a compelling, classical piece and a fun fairytale in its own right, full of heart, adventure, and reckless peril, but with this fairytale, Patrick launches the reader into his Yarnsworld setting, providing just enough detail about the Corvae people to make you eager for more. It doesn't feel like a teaser, but by the end I was excited for more... and in no time I had They Mostly Come Out at Night downloaded to my Kindle and I was burning through it!

[Mat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

This is a really great entry into seeing what Benedict Patrick offers. His world is a dark and scary one but one that will draw you in and make you not want to put it down.

This story centers around two children who tell stories and then get caught out in the wild in this horror filled world. There's a great lesson learned throughout this short novella that stories, whether they be big or small, carry a lot of weight and can be twisted easily and quickly and can take on a life of their own. This might be short but it's full of emotions. A wonderful entry into Yarnsworld. Will definitely be reading more of Benedict Patrick's works!

[C.F. Welburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hailing from a time when nursery rhymes and fairytales were about choppers chopping off heads, wolves' stomachs being sewn up full of stones, and witches eating children; dark and creepy fairytales are somewhat ingrained in my psyche. With this tale, Patrick managed to rekindle some of that sense of wonder and dread; the sort that fades away with age, but is still buried within us.
The story is short, and simply told, but left me with a satisfied, eerie feeling. It’s the type of book you might read aloud when the hearth fire is burning low at night. I’ll be checking out more of his Yarnsworld tales! Good stuff.