Spellbound

by Dan Alatorre, Robbie Cheadle (Editor/Contributor), M.D. Walker (Editor/Contributor)

Spellbound - a horror anthology with 27 stories from 16 authors.

A young girl and her mother seek out a mysterious sorceress to guide the child in developing her powers, but the beautiful blonde witch has ideas of her own – and desires a powerful book that only the child can give her.
Tremble along as the stories in the magical book are revealed. “Some are true, some are false, and some are spells disguised as stories, to hide our kind from those who would do us harm.”

* A young man is given a family heirloom at his mother’s funeral, but her protection can’t save him from himself.
* A sailing ship takes a journey to the new world and discovers horrors along the way.
* A young girl seeks a connection with her parents but learns she isn’t magical enough.
* And many more!

Compiled by USA Today bestselling author Dan Alatorre, this anthology of horror once again unites the talents of more than a dozen amazing authors.

Spellbound will take you into the shadowy world of the eerie and macabre, with heart stopping stories from:

USA Today bestselling author Dan Alatorre (The Gamma Sequence)
award-winning bestselling author Roberta Eaton Cheadle (Through The Nethergate)
award-winning bestselling author Ellen Best
award-winning bestselling author Alana Turner
award-winning bestselling author Christine Valentor
award-winning bestselling author Nick Vossen (The Eldritch Twins)
award-winning bestselling author Anne Marie Andrus (Monsters & Angels)
award-winning bestselling author Adele Marie Park
award-winning bestselling author MD Walker
award-winning bestselling author Dabney Farmer
award-winning bestselling author M J Mallon (The Curse of Time, book 1: Bloodstone)
award-winning bestselling author Ernesto San Giacomo
award-winning bestselling author Betty Valentine (A Twist Of Starlight)
award-winning bestselling author Geoff LePard (The Harry Spittle Sagas)
award-winning bestselling author Frank Parker
award-winning bestselling author Joanne R Larner (Richard Liveth Yet)

Perfect for Halloween or any time, these stories will make you think twice before borrowing a book, giving away jewelry, looking into a mirror, or going out on a moonlit night.

CONSIDER YOURSELF WARNED.

NOTE: American and British spelling inside.The stories contained in this anthology are not part of any larger work.

Genres: Horror, Anthologies

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 9, 2020

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Dan Alatorre has published more than 50 titles and is read in over a dozen languages around the world.

His fast-paced thrillers have gripped readers all over the globe, notably his USA Today bestseller The Gamma Sequence, a medical thriller series, his successful murder mystery Double Blind series, and more. Readers can't put his books down.

Dan resides in the Tampa area with his wife and daughter.

Check out his Readers Club at DanAlatorre.com and find out about new releases before anyone else!

Double Blind, a murder mystery thriller series
- Double Blind
- Primary Target
- Third Degree
- Fourth Estate
- Five Sparrows
- Six Sisters
- Seventh Avenue, coming soon

The Gamma Sequence, a medical thriller series
- The Gamma Sequence
- Rogue Elements
- Terminal Sequence
- The Keepers
- Dark Hour

Jett Thacker mysteries, a murder mystery series
- Tiffany Lynn Is Missing
- Killer In The Dark
- Definition Of A Murder, coming soon

Horror Anthology series:
- Dark Passages
- Dark Voodoo
- Dark Intent
- Dark Thoughts
- Shadowland
- Wings & Fire
- Spellbound
- Nightmareland
- Dark Visions
- The Box Under The Bed

Paranormal Thriller/Horror:
- A Place Of Shadows

Sci Fi Time Travel Adventure:
- The Navigators

Comedy Romance:
- The Italian Assistant

And many more!

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spellbound is the latest horror anthology from author Dan Alatorre, and it was edited by Donna Davis (MD) Walker and Robbie Cheadle. In this chilling collection, there are over 25 stories from 16 different authors, many of whom I've previously read... but also several new ones to me. The opening story teases us with a mother and daughter visiting a witch, leading us to believe the young girl has just discovered her powers and needs help to control them. By the time the story ends, we learn the best way to discover and manage one's powers is to write them down and share the details... and so, from there... we are treated to a variety of tales that help us understand how spells work. When the anthology ends, the trio return again to close us out... except things are very, very different!

While I usually enjoy these types of tales, it's even more perfect to read them during the Halloween season. Whether it's about witches or werewolves, murder or revenge, you're spellbound to find many you like. Several stand out for clever reasons, but they were all quite good. I will remember The Glowing because of how it impacts the people in the story... and The Twisted Sisters has a very witty message in its words. Another that sticks in my head is a story about garden gnomes and murder. I might never look at lawns or sanitariums the same again. A re-telling of Red Riding Hood gives us a lot to think about, and Bloody Feathers is vengeance at its best. Top it off with choosing one's death, the variety is immense, and it made for the perfect spooky trio of evening reads.

Between the great imagery and the creepy plots, the collection easily transports you to a place where you can forget reality and enjoy the macabre and dangerous. There's nothing like a well-written tale of horror that can truly invoke the spirit of the season, and if you want to be frightened, even laugh a little, you'll enjoy many of these stories... so pick up a copy today!

[Judy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMGeee is all I can say...I began by only reading the stories by Dan Alatorre, because I was provided a BETA copy to help scope out any inconsistencies or misspellings, but ended up going back and reading the rest because this book was just SO GOOD! Great short stories, super creepy and unsettling yet even harder to put down; perfect for any lover of books in the horror genre. The stories all flow seamlessly and I found myself saying, ok, just one more, and the next thing I knew, I was halfway through the book! I must say, although they were all well written, my favorite was the poem that takes place on a ship, what poem you ask, well purchase this fab anthology and find out for yourself. I can only sum this up by saying absolutely captivating! If you pass on this book you're making a big mistake. If this is your introduction to horror, this is a great place to start; you'll be HOOKED!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This is one collection, horror story lovers shouldn’t miss out on. Once you start reading, it’ll be impossible to not binge read. The story by Dan Alatorre really stood out for me.

[Agna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of spine-chilling and creepy short stories.
My favorites: "Spellbound / Ends and beginnings", "Death is about choices", "Red", "The comeuppance of Rob Kearney", "Holly and George", "Bloody feathers" and the amazing "Autistic girl and the killer lawn gnome" (what a great title :-) ! ).

[Kerrie Kellner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a fee advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. I am not usually a horror story reader but found most of theses stories enjoyable, some a bit quirky but none left me with nightmares. I would certainly read more similar anthologies.

[Pam Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Dan Alatorre and this book is no different. His stories in this book are fantastic. And this Anthology has stories by several authors that are new to me, but I plan on reading more of their work. I highly recommend this book.

[Sofe · Rating 5 out of 5]

EBook Review: SPELLBOUND by Dan Alatorre (1st of 28 stories in the book also titled Spellbound)

(S) ilent
(P) laces
(E) mpty
(L) ives
(L) eft
(B) uried
(O) ptions
(U) pturned
(N) ow
(D) etermined

SPELLBOUND, needs translated.
Transported, to interpreter.

Trained, brought to.
Knows, has role.

Stories, come alive.
Ready, be experienced.

Let's, move on.
Go, from here.

***********************************************************************************

EBook Review: FATE AND MOONLIGHT by Dan Alatorre (2nd of 28 stories in the book titled Spellbound)

(F) oreigners
(A) sk
(T) asting
(E) xcitement

(A) ncient
(N) otions
(D) are

(M) other's
(O) ften
(O) ffered
(N) eedfull
(L) essons
( l ) gnored
(G) etting
(H) urtful
(T) raining

FATE AND MOONLIGHT, one distrusted the other embraced.
Both talked about, one feared the other dear.

Can't control either, one ignore the other explore.
One considered folklore, the other in fairytales.

One night enlightens, the life of another.
Where unimagined becomes, reality right before them.

[Danielle Buchino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner

I was hooked from the first page. Each tale was as good as the next. Very creative and well written.

[Randa Sperling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the stories. All different but all connected. Recommend reading.

[D.L. Finn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully scary collection of authors and stories. There are many stories I enjoyed consisting of authors I was familiar with and some new ones. Here are a few examples, “I watched as his arm changed into a wing, large as an angel’s, black as onyx. The other followed, and he transformed into a grotesque thing, unnatural and twofold. Half man, half swan.”—The Most Valuable Skill by Christine Valentor. “I woke to the sound of my own shrill screaming. The same nightmare, the one that constantly haunted my dreams when the climate control was out, now entrenched the strange images in my head. I was staring out a window, unable to breathe, as my parents’ bodies drifted through the cold, dark space.”— Holly and George by MD Walker. “Today was the day. In all technicality, it would be tonight, but that didn’t matter. It had been a month since the last time. The Beast was clawing at the walls to be free once more. It would get its way tonight. It would only have to be patient, twelve more hours. I would bide our time until then.”—The Killer Wolf by Alana Turner. “Some one comes. Yes, yes. No, not mistress. She is gone. I told you she is beyond our reach. Be quiet! They come. They will see us. Back. Back.”—Mirror by Adele Marie Park. Here’s the one that still haunts me with its stark reality, “The emperor’s main advisor, the High Priest of the capital city of Cusco, addressed the deity. ‘The mountain gods are angry and need to be appeased before they will send rain and restore life to our crops. A Capacocha ceremony is necessary. You must advise the chiefs to bring their sacrificial offering to the city at once and I will arrange their distribution through the empire. I will lead the ceremony at which the purest and most beautiful children will be offered.’” —Death is About Choices by Roberta Eaton Cheadle. This is a good anthology for those who enjoy short horror stories where you get sixteen different styles presented to you.

[Ellen Best]

As one of the Authors of this book I obviously will not be reviewing my own story. I loved Dan Allatore's stories, beginning with sorcery, magic and mystery. His second carries the fear and intensity his readers come to expect and more. I know you will never be dissapointed with his work it is full of suspense and breathtaking twists. There is something for everybody, twisted fairy tales, psychologically driven stories, humour and horror. I f you are begining your journey to horror this book is the most diverse and there will be something for every taste. Spellbound delivers creepy and magical to terror. MJ Mallon's The Twisted Sisters will keep you glued with its creepieness. Nick Vossen's 'The Glowing' had my a heart racing from the begining. This book is full of short stories that will keep everyone who reads it, riveted. Truthfully I have truly loved them all.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Good Anthology

I wouldn't call it exactly excellent, but it was a good book. Some of the stories were quite different from any others I've read.

[Adele Marie Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spellbound by Dan Alatorre is another horror anthology with stories from many and varied authors. Short stories with a sting in the tale, a shiver down the spine and hiding under the blanket moments. Love these stories and it showcases what talent is out there.

[Jessica Bakkers · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Spellbound: A Horror Anthology" is the fourth book in the horror anthology series, Box Under the Bed - compiled by award winning author, Dan Alatorre, and featuring talents such as Robbie Cheadle, Geoff Le Pard, Dabney Farmer, and many more.

Like the previous anthologies, this short story collection is all about chills and thrills, with its horror stories playing upon the psyche and churning the stomach. There's a little something for everyone in this collection - though it helps if you're a horror fan - and bite-sized fiction is often the easiest to read when you're pressed for time (as we all are these days). Though...you might want to steer clear of reading these chillers just before bed!

The stand-out stories for me in "Spellbound" are Robbie Cheadle's "Death is About Choices" (a look at an Incan sacrificial ritual), Dabney Farmer's "Bloody Feathers" (a tale of comeppuance, rage, and chicken feathers), and Betty Valentine's "King of the Underworld" (a glimpse into a ghost's dreary afterlife).

On the strength of "Spellbound" and the previous title, "Nightmareland", I now call myself a devoted fan of the Box Under the Bed series, and futher, can highly recommend this series to those who enjoy goosebumps, frights, and entertaining stories.

[Simoné Wolmarans · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Whaaaaaat?! -

I said this once, and I’ll say it again… Dan Alatorre is a Genius!! I cannot emphasize enough how good his writing is!
I was instantly transported into each different story’s world, in the most remarkable way and it was quite an adventure!

I read only Dan’s stories in this anthology because totally “fangirling” over here, and I am pleased to report that I was not disappointed!!

Each of the five stories had a massive and very satisfying twist which just blew my mind each and every time.
No, I didn’t see it coming and more than once I went back to the beginning of the story to try and figure out how I missed it… I still didn’t see it because IT WAS DONE THAT WELL!!

- My absolute favorite was “Not Magical Enough”.
I was gobsmacked!! It was just so eery and when you realize at the end what is actually going on… ASTOUNDING!!

Each story was in some way magical which created a very otherworldly theme and feeling which I really enjoyed!

Highly, highly recommend this book!! I found it so spellbinding and completely unpredictable.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty eclectic mix of stories. As with any story, but especially those with contributions by multiple authors, some stories are winners & some are a bit less winning. Overall, this was a good collection. Some of the stories struggled a bit with pacing. One had dialogue that was incredibly wooden. The premise of the book was interesting & unique &, due to that, the stories flowed well from one to the next.

[Cassandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed. Lacking in terms of emotional connection, craft skills, and editing. Buyer's remorse.
The rules for a good story are:
Nothing vague or undefined (a person (or sentient) runs the story, not a 'thing').
An introduction that shows tension and movement.
An interesting character who needs to act (agency, it's a big thing).
Endings that resonate.
I found one reasonable story.

[Christine Dunne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice seletion

I enjoyed these tales and will be waiting for more.tell you what your keep wtiIng them and ill keep reading theming them sincerely Christine Dunne Harlingen texas

[Connie Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spells, spells....

This book is full of good spells, malignant spells, mysterious stories and everything in between. They all have great twists and some are hilarious in a macabre way. I fell over laughing with some of these.

[Beth Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book it is truly what sparks nightmares. I loved all the stories.