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The House of Untold Stories: 50 Unexpected Tales
An orphanage for wayward stories. A labyrinth of secrets. A home on the border of reality…Open each door to find a world of magic and menace waiting for you, if you dare.
In The House of Untold Stories, every page is a door, and every door leads to a new tale of heartbreak, triumph, horror, or imagination. Wander into an enchanted mansion of pocket universes and miniature tales, where each door leads to a micro-fiction story. With tales about anger thieves, a deadly pizza delivery service, haunted music boxes, and more, each room will take you on an unexpected journey.
In The House of Untold Stories, every page is a door, and every door leads to a new tale of heartbreak, triumph, horror, or imagination. Wander into an enchanted mansion of pocket universes and miniature tales, where each door leads to a micro-fiction story. With tales about anger thieves, a deadly pizza delivery service, haunted music boxes, and more, each room will take you on an unexpected journey.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published August 31, 2021
5 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Peter Chiykowski
21 books24 followersPeter Chiykowski is an award-winning writer, editor and cartoonist. His webcomic series Rock, Paper, Cynic won him the Aurora Award for Best Graphic Novel in 2014 and 2018. His first collection of comics, The HMS Bad Idea, debuted as a #1 new graphic novel anthology on the Amazon international bestseller list and is now available wherever silly books are sold.
His work as a humorist and author of short fiction and poetry has appeared or made mention in Entertainment Weekly, Newsweek, MTV.com, Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, The Globe and Mail, The New Quarterly, Asimov’s Science Fiction, Best Canadian Poetry and Best Canadian Speculative Writing, and he has spoken about writing and publishing at conventions, conferences and classrooms coast to coast.
He is the creator of The Shortest Story microfiction project and The Story Engine Deck of story prompts.
His new book of microfiction The House of Untold Stories is now available from Andrews-McMeel Publishing.
His work as a humorist and author of short fiction and poetry has appeared or made mention in Entertainment Weekly, Newsweek, MTV.com, Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, The Globe and Mail, The New Quarterly, Asimov’s Science Fiction, Best Canadian Poetry and Best Canadian Speculative Writing, and he has spoken about writing and publishing at conventions, conferences and classrooms coast to coast.
He is the creator of The Shortest Story microfiction project and The Story Engine Deck of story prompts.
His new book of microfiction The House of Untold Stories is now available from Andrews-McMeel Publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 4, 2021
This is a very different book with very short stories (just about a page or two). While I regularly read and like short stories, these stories are so much shorter than what I usually read! They span a wide range of genres and many strike a chord. The limitation of stories of this length is the almost total absence of character building, but the book does make up for it largely with some imaginative themes.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author for a free electronic review copy.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author for a free electronic review copy.
September 1, 2021
Happy Publication Day to this fabulous book!
*************************************
Wow! Let me take a moment to collect myself!! Because I am dumbstruck by this collection of micro-fiction and I don’t want to sound like a gushing nerd in this review.
From its title, “The House of Untold Stories” sounds like a regular SFF or horror anthology that will provide you some dark twisted tales. The dull cover doesn’t help in stimulating excitement. The book even starts off a bit slowly. But after the first 3-4 tales, I was hooked onto the gripping fables and how! I simply couldn’t let go till I reached the end.
The tales span a whole range of genres such as fantasy, sci-fi, humour, drama, mythical, horror, dystopian… So there’s no feeling of boredom at all as every page flip offers something new and exciting. Each of the stories is divided across two pages. The first page presents an innocent straightforward tale while the second page introduces an unexpected twist that takes the story to a whole new level. Almost all the stories are imaginative and stupendous. Quite a lot of the stories made me go “Oh, Wow!” and a few even elicited a horrified “Oh My God!!” Some of the stories are among the most brilliant pieces of original writing I’ve seen in a long time. The stories are accompanied by some fabulous illustrations and photographs of closed doors and houses. These add the right amount of spooky charm to the book.
Peter Chiykowski, you should feel proud of yourself. This was a job well done. A thank you from an absolutely satisfied and delighted reader. I’ll look forward to more of your works.
I think the gushing nerd did make an appearance but who cares! I’m on a book high!
Thank you, NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing, for the Advanced Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Follow me on Instagram: RoshReviews
*************************************
Wow! Let me take a moment to collect myself!! Because I am dumbstruck by this collection of micro-fiction and I don’t want to sound like a gushing nerd in this review.
From its title, “The House of Untold Stories” sounds like a regular SFF or horror anthology that will provide you some dark twisted tales. The dull cover doesn’t help in stimulating excitement. The book even starts off a bit slowly. But after the first 3-4 tales, I was hooked onto the gripping fables and how! I simply couldn’t let go till I reached the end.
The tales span a whole range of genres such as fantasy, sci-fi, humour, drama, mythical, horror, dystopian… So there’s no feeling of boredom at all as every page flip offers something new and exciting. Each of the stories is divided across two pages. The first page presents an innocent straightforward tale while the second page introduces an unexpected twist that takes the story to a whole new level. Almost all the stories are imaginative and stupendous. Quite a lot of the stories made me go “Oh, Wow!” and a few even elicited a horrified “Oh My God!!” Some of the stories are among the most brilliant pieces of original writing I’ve seen in a long time. The stories are accompanied by some fabulous illustrations and photographs of closed doors and houses. These add the right amount of spooky charm to the book.
Peter Chiykowski, you should feel proud of yourself. This was a job well done. A thank you from an absolutely satisfied and delighted reader. I’ll look forward to more of your works.
I think the gushing nerd did make an appearance but who cares! I’m on a book high!
Thank you, NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing, for the Advanced Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Follow me on Instagram: RoshReviews
April 22, 2021
this was such a creepy and gothic book! i loved this short stories collection, although there were few of them that i didn't completely understand the meaning of, but overall i LOVED most of them. also, since i'm a chicken about stories of ghosts, it creeped me out even more lmao, but it has loads of different ones, not only ghosts, that are sooo weird, i couldn't even explain it if i wanted to 😳 the last couple stories of the book... just melted my heart man 🥺 ALSO THE PICTURES DISPLAYED. FUCK. so beautiful, yet dark looking! i highly highly recommend reading this collection if u love all things creepy & gothic.
January 4, 2022
Some say the House is an orphanage for fantasies we outgrow. Or a runaway colony for stories we meant to write. A labyrinth to contain nightmares we wish to forget and the dreams that give us too much hope to bear. A seed vault for myths in long hibernations.
Whatever it is, there's a reason the House called you here. Somewhere in its halls, a story is waiting for you. And whether you pluck it like a flower and knowingly carry it from the House, or whether the motion of your passing causes it to burst like a dandelion halo and scatter its seeds in the tangle of your mind, that story has chosen you as its bearer.
It takes real talent to write a collection of micro fiction that's as entertaining as this one - whether they were funny (plenty were), slightly sad or scary, or thought-provoking, each of the stories here felt individual. Each is preceded with the photo of a door, pretty enough that I think I actually want a hard copy of this.
The stories themselves are less than a page, and so it's hard to really get into them without spoilers. A fair few used the "unexpected last sentence changes the whole tone" technique, but effectively, and without it getting samey at all. Some of them were unexpectedly kind, like the story about Yog, or 136 Prewitt Lane. I think I'd read any of them if they were ever expanded, but those two in particular.
Whatever it is, there's a reason the House called you here. Somewhere in its halls, a story is waiting for you. And whether you pluck it like a flower and knowingly carry it from the House, or whether the motion of your passing causes it to burst like a dandelion halo and scatter its seeds in the tangle of your mind, that story has chosen you as its bearer.
It takes real talent to write a collection of micro fiction that's as entertaining as this one - whether they were funny (plenty were), slightly sad or scary, or thought-provoking, each of the stories here felt individual. Each is preceded with the photo of a door, pretty enough that I think I actually want a hard copy of this.
The stories themselves are less than a page, and so it's hard to really get into them without spoilers. A fair few used the "unexpected last sentence changes the whole tone" technique, but effectively, and without it getting samey at all. Some of them were unexpectedly kind, like the story about Yog, or 136 Prewitt Lane. I think I'd read any of them if they were ever expanded, but those two in particular.
August 8, 2021
This is a book of microfiction, the longest stories are a full two pages, the shortest a couple of paragraphs. There’s wonderful photography before each story, a door, a gate, a window or corridor. It has a gothic feel, and the stories are dystopian, or fantasy, a bit of horror almost and they are all very clever. The first page of the story sets up the situation. The second page gives you an unexpected ending, that turns the story on its head. I loved this, it’s beautifully done.
September 5, 2021
4.5 Stars
*********
Following a fellow reviewer's style. ;)
This book has been published.
*********
Oh, man! I love well-written micro fiction and flash fiction, and this book is just too good. The stories come in different sizes, each with a unique theme and style. The dark humor in many stories made me chuckle more than a handful of times. The pictures used for the stories were eerie and mystical. They set the mood and atmosphere so well! If only the cover picture was as good.
I wouldn’t have even given the book a second look if my friend and a fellow reviewer didn’t rate it 5 stars. Yeah, would have been my loss. But shows why the cover is so, so important. I really hope the author gets the cover redone and chooses something as mystical and dark as the stories inside.
The book takes hardly a couple of hours from start to finish. Still, I’d suggest taking small breaks in between to savor the stories.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#TheHouseofUntoldStories #NetGalley
*********
Following a fellow reviewer's style. ;)
This book has been published.
*********
Oh, man! I love well-written micro fiction and flash fiction, and this book is just too good. The stories come in different sizes, each with a unique theme and style. The dark humor in many stories made me chuckle more than a handful of times. The pictures used for the stories were eerie and mystical. They set the mood and atmosphere so well! If only the cover picture was as good.
I wouldn’t have even given the book a second look if my friend and a fellow reviewer didn’t rate it 5 stars. Yeah, would have been my loss. But shows why the cover is so, so important. I really hope the author gets the cover redone and chooses something as mystical and dark as the stories inside.
The book takes hardly a couple of hours from start to finish. Still, I’d suggest taking small breaks in between to savor the stories.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#TheHouseofUntoldStories #NetGalley
December 7, 2025
2nd read in 2025:
one of the best collections of flash fiction I've ever read, and almost all of the stories here either make you laugh or tug at your heart strings. there's more of the tugging though.
English Review Below.
فيه كتب بتمنى اسمي يكون مقترنا بيها، زي أني أكون اللي كتبتها أو أني على الأقل أحظى بشرف ترجمتها، وده واحد من الكتب دي اللي خدني على غفلة ومكنتش متوقعة منه حاجة وبقى من كتبي المفضلة وخلاني أجري أدور ورا الكاتب. كتاب قصير، حوالي 200 صفحة تقريبا، كله قصص قصيرة أطولهم صفحتين وأقصرهم ممكن متعديش السبع سطور. قصص فيها الديستوبيا والخيال العلمي والكوميديا السوداء، فيها دمار الأرض وسيطرة الذكاء الاصطناعي وهلاك البشر وبرضة فيها بعض الميثولوجيا والسحر والقصص الخيالية. واللي يعرفوا قراءاتي، يعرفوا أنه جنب الرومانسية، دي حاجاتي المفضلة
القصص دي قدرت أنها تجمع بين الأسلوب الواضح والمعنى العميق في بعض الجمل القصيرة ومش دايما بيقدر الفلاش فيكشن أو القصص القصيرة جدا زي قصص المجموعة دي أنها تحقق ده. ده أقدر أقول إنه من كتب العام المفضلة بجدارة.
There are these books that I wish I had a role in their existence, like writing them or in this case even translating them. This book took me by surprise, I wasn't expecting anything and suddenly, it's one of my favourite books ever and I'm slowly but surely stalking the author and collecting everything he's done.
It's a very short story collection, the longest are two pages long and the shortest could be 7 or 8 lines, but they do pack a punch. It combines dystopia, sci-fi, dark humour, earth destruction, AI control, some mythology, magic and fairy tales. I mean it has a bit of everything and I loved it. It managed to combine a straight-forward style with deep meaning that not a lot of flash-fiction collections have managed to do. I honestly found myself re-reading some of the stories multiple times in awe. I applaud the author and I'm looking forward to buying my own copy and to anything else he writes!
I thank Netgalley for the digital ARC!
one of the best collections of flash fiction I've ever read, and almost all of the stories here either make you laugh or tug at your heart strings. there's more of the tugging though.
English Review Below.
فيه كتب بتمنى اسمي يكون مقترنا بيها، زي أني أكون اللي كتبتها أو أني على الأقل أحظى بشرف ترجمتها، وده واحد من الكتب دي اللي خدني على غفلة ومكنتش متوقعة منه حاجة وبقى من كتبي المفضلة وخلاني أجري أدور ورا الكاتب. كتاب قصير، حوالي 200 صفحة تقريبا، كله قصص قصيرة أطولهم صفحتين وأقصرهم ممكن متعديش السبع سطور. قصص فيها الديستوبيا والخيال العلمي والكوميديا السوداء، فيها دمار الأرض وسيطرة الذكاء الاصطناعي وهلاك البشر وبرضة فيها بعض الميثولوجيا والسحر والقصص الخيالية. واللي يعرفوا قراءاتي، يعرفوا أنه جنب الرومانسية، دي حاجاتي المفضلة
القصص دي قدرت أنها تجمع بين الأسلوب الواضح والمعنى العميق في بعض الجمل القصيرة ومش دايما بيقدر الفلاش فيكشن أو القصص القصيرة جدا زي قصص المجموعة دي أنها تحقق ده. ده أقدر أقول إنه من كتب العام المفضلة بجدارة.
There are these books that I wish I had a role in their existence, like writing them or in this case even translating them. This book took me by surprise, I wasn't expecting anything and suddenly, it's one of my favourite books ever and I'm slowly but surely stalking the author and collecting everything he's done.
It's a very short story collection, the longest are two pages long and the shortest could be 7 or 8 lines, but they do pack a punch. It combines dystopia, sci-fi, dark humour, earth destruction, AI control, some mythology, magic and fairy tales. I mean it has a bit of everything and I loved it. It managed to combine a straight-forward style with deep meaning that not a lot of flash-fiction collections have managed to do. I honestly found myself re-reading some of the stories multiple times in awe. I applaud the author and I'm looking forward to buying my own copy and to anything else he writes!
I thank Netgalley for the digital ARC!
May 5, 2021
This collection of micro-short stories really blew me away. It took only about an hour to read and already I want to start over.
This book centers itself inside a mysterious house where each door leads to a different story. Each story has two beautiful and/or creepy photographs to start off, one always being the door into the story. I LOVED that idea. I enjoyed seeing what the next door would look like and how it fit the theme of the story.
Besides being beautifully poetic, these were dark, morbid, creepy, funny, and each twist was so much fun. There was only one story where I guessed the twist before the end. I am so glad to have come across this book and to check out more from the author.
I truly can't wait to own a physical copy of this book so I can appreciate the photos and stories far more than I can on any device.
This book centers itself inside a mysterious house where each door leads to a different story. Each story has two beautiful and/or creepy photographs to start off, one always being the door into the story. I LOVED that idea. I enjoyed seeing what the next door would look like and how it fit the theme of the story.
Besides being beautifully poetic, these were dark, morbid, creepy, funny, and each twist was so much fun. There was only one story where I guessed the twist before the end. I am so glad to have come across this book and to check out more from the author.
I truly can't wait to own a physical copy of this book so I can appreciate the photos and stories far more than I can on any device.
June 20, 2021
I have learned a new expression after many years of reading books.
Micro-fiction.
Peter Chiykowski seems quite good at it and I rather liked this collection of short, sharp, punchy and thought-provoking tales.
A book for anyone who loves stories; surely something that makes us human. The sharing of oral tradition, strange tales dressing up fears and concealing the unknown, stories as the means to entertain, teach and share dreams, dangers and dogma.
From the outset I liked the pithy story of a humble lighthouse redefined in a polluted future. I enjoyed the play on language as seen in pearls and wishes.
But overall I appreciated the art of telling stories like words around a truth or bullet point. Where others would say parable or fable. This is first class prose in contrast to poetry where sometimes meaning is ethereal, lyrical or lost in emotion. While on first reading these mini stories may seem unclear on second glance they shout loud and clear. Resonate with humanity and our present frailties but embolden to be taken into whatever future lies before us.
The book is not just a literary gem; each story is illustrated to give the book and shared words, even more gravitas.
A collection for anyone who loves words, appreciates literature and delights in hearing a good story.
Micro-fiction.
Peter Chiykowski seems quite good at it and I rather liked this collection of short, sharp, punchy and thought-provoking tales.
A book for anyone who loves stories; surely something that makes us human. The sharing of oral tradition, strange tales dressing up fears and concealing the unknown, stories as the means to entertain, teach and share dreams, dangers and dogma.
From the outset I liked the pithy story of a humble lighthouse redefined in a polluted future. I enjoyed the play on language as seen in pearls and wishes.
But overall I appreciated the art of telling stories like words around a truth or bullet point. Where others would say parable or fable. This is first class prose in contrast to poetry where sometimes meaning is ethereal, lyrical or lost in emotion. While on first reading these mini stories may seem unclear on second glance they shout loud and clear. Resonate with humanity and our present frailties but embolden to be taken into whatever future lies before us.
The book is not just a literary gem; each story is illustrated to give the book and shared words, even more gravitas.
A collection for anyone who loves words, appreciates literature and delights in hearing a good story.
September 19, 2021
I've been reading Peter Chiykowski's webcomics for a decade or more. Buying his book is the least I could do for someone who has provided me with years of free entertainment.
"The House of Untold Stories" is similar to his "The Shortest Story" site. The tales span a range of genres such as fantasy, sci-fi, humor, drama, mythical, horror, dystopian so every page flip offers something new. The stories come in different sizes, the longest stories are a full two pages, but the book is small, and the print large. Each story has two beautiful atmospheric photographs to start off, one always being the door into the story. Each of the stories is divided across two pages. The first page of the story sets up the situation. The second page gives you an unexpected ending. The style is simple, humorous with a touch of dark comedy. They are all very clever. This book can be savored tale by tale (what I’d recommend) or read all at once. I read it in a day, three or four stories at a time. Either way, you’re in for a treat.
I can solidly recommend this for anyone who likes flash fiction, short stories, or gorgeously dark photography. While I'm marking this as read, I'll be re-reading this a few more times this week.
Here is a link to The Shortest Story".
https://shorteststory.com/index.php?d...
"The House of Untold Stories" is similar to his "The Shortest Story" site. The tales span a range of genres such as fantasy, sci-fi, humor, drama, mythical, horror, dystopian so every page flip offers something new. The stories come in different sizes, the longest stories are a full two pages, but the book is small, and the print large. Each story has two beautiful atmospheric photographs to start off, one always being the door into the story. Each of the stories is divided across two pages. The first page of the story sets up the situation. The second page gives you an unexpected ending. The style is simple, humorous with a touch of dark comedy. They are all very clever. This book can be savored tale by tale (what I’d recommend) or read all at once. I read it in a day, three or four stories at a time. Either way, you’re in for a treat.
I can solidly recommend this for anyone who likes flash fiction, short stories, or gorgeously dark photography. While I'm marking this as read, I'll be re-reading this a few more times this week.
Here is a link to The Shortest Story".
https://shorteststory.com/index.php?d...
September 18, 2021
It's just Wow!
I now pronounce that Peter Chiykowski is one of my favorite authors!
He has a mind-blowing fertile imagination!
Now let's talk about the book.
From where should I start?
Yes, I remember, the setting.
The setting is the house, half-forgotten or fully-imagined.
Behind each door there is a strange story.
As the author suggests, the hall closet opens to an apartment complex at the end of the days. the pantry leads to a bunker on a planet humans will never discover. the walkway to the courtyard passes through the fantasy kingdom you imagined your bedroom to be when you were a child.
His style was simple, humorous with a touch of black comedy that I love.
firstly, I have found it difficult to understand, but by just " keeping to the path" I got familiar this outgrown world.
The difficulty existed since I had to search for the meanings of many words, but later on the words are repeated and it was okay.
I think this book must be considered a modern fairy tales book, the dark side of them. or it may be seen as a book of myths of our modern world. or it is just how I will deal with it. some of the stories will be utilized as a metaphor or allusion in my everyday speech, or writing. As I will always remember the forever house, the music box the represents love, the inn that no one can leave, and more!
It deserves more than 5 stars.
I highly recommend it for all those who want a place familiar to their buried dreams, wishes and awake nightmares, a place that will never goodbye them, but it will be waiting for us to visit it again.
I thank Netgalley for the digital Arc.
I now pronounce that Peter Chiykowski is one of my favorite authors!
He has a mind-blowing fertile imagination!
Now let's talk about the book.
From where should I start?
Yes, I remember, the setting.
The setting is the house, half-forgotten or fully-imagined.
Behind each door there is a strange story.
As the author suggests, the hall closet opens to an apartment complex at the end of the days. the pantry leads to a bunker on a planet humans will never discover. the walkway to the courtyard passes through the fantasy kingdom you imagined your bedroom to be when you were a child.
His style was simple, humorous with a touch of black comedy that I love.
firstly, I have found it difficult to understand, but by just " keeping to the path" I got familiar this outgrown world.
The difficulty existed since I had to search for the meanings of many words, but later on the words are repeated and it was okay.
I think this book must be considered a modern fairy tales book, the dark side of them. or it may be seen as a book of myths of our modern world. or it is just how I will deal with it. some of the stories will be utilized as a metaphor or allusion in my everyday speech, or writing. As I will always remember the forever house, the music box the represents love, the inn that no one can leave, and more!
It deserves more than 5 stars.
I highly recommend it for all those who want a place familiar to their buried dreams, wishes and awake nightmares, a place that will never goodbye them, but it will be waiting for us to visit it again.
I thank Netgalley for the digital Arc.
October 13, 2021
The camp medic assures me I don’t have to tell the others about my bite. She says it’s just a surface wound. Any symptoms I’m experiencing are unrelated. A seasonal bug, not the virus. Should clear up in a few days on its own. So for a week, it’s business as usual. Group supply runs. Sharing meals in the mess tent. Catching shut-eye in the bunkhouse when we can. But as I get worse, I remember that the first symptoms of infection are false memories. And our camp doesn’t have a medic.
I enjoy Chiykowski's work on The Shortest Story, so I had high hopes for this collection of microfiction. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the tales here are extremely derivative, and very few of them have enough of an original twist to shake the feeling that you're reading back of the envelope pitches for works you already know. (I don't actually think that's as much of a criticism of the author as it sounds; the shorter the story gets, the harder it is to land. Microfiction is a high difficulty form.) There are five or so really fun moments in here, but that's not enough to make up for the slog through the rest. I will continue to follow his work, though. I still have high hopes that he will turn out something really glorious some day. It just wasn't to be today.
(Crossposted from Dreamwidth)
December 13, 2022
cw suicide mention in the vines of sorreastro
not all the stories worked for me but the feeling of gentleness and compassion throughout really carried me through.
not all the stories worked for me but the feeling of gentleness and compassion throughout really carried me through.
March 7, 2022
A wonderful set of unique (very) short stories. The perspective is completely unexpected. Like the one where he posts fake "lost pet" posters of mythical creatures. Like "Missing Chupacabra: $500 reward". And then gets a call about his ad for a phoenix. Oops. The author must have been a tricky child.
My favorite is "The Inn on the Road to Fornacilia."
My favorite is "The Inn on the Road to Fornacilia."
September 7, 2021
I have loved Peter Chiykowski's work since I meandered into The Shortest Story page on Facebook. His microfiction is superb, skipping across genres, laughing at expectations, and juggling desires with mad abandon.
This book is easily my favorite of his collections, and it might be my favorite thing that I read this year.
This book is easily my favorite of his collections, and it might be my favorite thing that I read this year.
July 7, 2021
This collection of micro-short stories really blew me away. It took only about an hour to read and already I want to start over.
This book centers itself inside a mysterious house where each door leads to a different story. Each story has two beautiful and/or creepy photographs to start off, one always being the door into the story. I LOVED that idea. I enjoyed seeing what the next door would look like and how it fit the theme of the story.
Besides being beautifully poetic, these were dark, morbid, creepy, funny, and each twist was so much fun. There was only one story where I guessed the twist before the end. I am so glad to have come across this book and to check out more from the author.
I truly can't wait to own a physical copy of this book so I can appreciate the photos and stories far more than I can on any device.
-Lindsey
This book centers itself inside a mysterious house where each door leads to a different story. Each story has two beautiful and/or creepy photographs to start off, one always being the door into the story. I LOVED that idea. I enjoyed seeing what the next door would look like and how it fit the theme of the story.
Besides being beautifully poetic, these were dark, morbid, creepy, funny, and each twist was so much fun. There was only one story where I guessed the twist before the end. I am so glad to have come across this book and to check out more from the author.
I truly can't wait to own a physical copy of this book so I can appreciate the photos and stories far more than I can on any device.
-Lindsey
July 1, 2021
This collection of microfiction contains a house full of stories of all kinds. The living room is full of Fantasy, the bedrooms are piled high with Sci-Fi, and Horror is bumping around in the basement. In the bathroom Humor is taking a hot bath, and Philosophy is holed up in the hall closet.
Clever stories paired with gorgeously dark photographs make this an enjoyable little read. With a thinly veiled version of an Eagles song (you can never leave), plus stories of the stars, plagues, mad scientists, and lonely houses, you'll want to find a comfortable spot somewhere in the House of Untold Stories, settle in, and stay awhile.
Clever stories paired with gorgeously dark photographs make this an enjoyable little read. With a thinly veiled version of an Eagles song (you can never leave), plus stories of the stars, plagues, mad scientists, and lonely houses, you'll want to find a comfortable spot somewhere in the House of Untold Stories, settle in, and stay awhile.
January 10, 2022
I want to start off by saying that I think micro-fiction is difficult to do well. I didn't dislike Chiykowski's ability to write these micro-fictions. I do, however, think they would have been better served in a smaller collection. On their own, these are fun stories packing a quick little punch. But read in a collection, the writing and the twists become a bit trite. The voice is very similar for many of them and it soon feels like watching a movie marathon of M. Night Shyamalan's films - the upcoming twist loses its wonder and excitement when you know it's always coming.
May 1, 2021
A very touching book with the collection of simple, yet intense stories. I loved almost all of them. I adore how the author, Peter Chiykowski successfully narrated each extremely meaningful story in just two pages. A very unique narration I have read in the recent times. They truly touch your heart and rekindle many memories.
Absolutely loved it!
Absolutely loved it!
May 5, 2021
Moving from door to door taking the reader along on a journey with beautifully crafted original stories and illustrations that make for an experience of pure satisfaction. Strait into my favourites list.
An independent review NetGalley / Andrews McMeel Publishing
An independent review NetGalley / Andrews McMeel Publishing
August 13, 2021
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝗪 (𝐀𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭)
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Peter Chiykowski
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 31st August 2021
Thank you @netgalley @andrewsmcmeel and @rockpapercynic for this eARC in exchange of an honest review.
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: swipe right to read
𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
𝘗𝘭𝘰𝘵: this book consists of 50 very short tales (think one or two pages) that have some kind of horror element to them. Horror and short stories are two things I’m a fan of so I knew I’d like the book from the get-go. What actually surprised me was that the author chose certain horror elements that felt too close for comfort and those tales turned out to be the scariest ones: the future or our planet and even viruses.
𝘞𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨: If sweet and short is an expression that can be used to describe horror, that’s what these stories feel like. Chiykowski plays with prose and even a bit of poetry and succeeds beautifully, in a way that forces the reader to stop and reflect about what just happened.
𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵: Go for it if horror is your thing! This book can be savored tale by tale (what I’d recommend) or read all at once (what I did). Either way you’re in for a treat.
𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞: “The more the world unravels, the more it needs people who feel and listen, who wipe away tears and open the saferoom door for one more lost soul when the rest of us would shut it and call our fear ‘strength’.”
𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤: Burning in the Skies, by Linking Park
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐀𝐥𝐬𝐨: “Full Dark No Stars” by Stephen King
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Peter Chiykowski
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 31st August 2021
Thank you @netgalley @andrewsmcmeel and @rockpapercynic for this eARC in exchange of an honest review.
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: swipe right to read
𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
𝘗𝘭𝘰𝘵: this book consists of 50 very short tales (think one or two pages) that have some kind of horror element to them. Horror and short stories are two things I’m a fan of so I knew I’d like the book from the get-go. What actually surprised me was that the author chose certain horror elements that felt too close for comfort and those tales turned out to be the scariest ones: the future or our planet and even viruses.
𝘞𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨: If sweet and short is an expression that can be used to describe horror, that’s what these stories feel like. Chiykowski plays with prose and even a bit of poetry and succeeds beautifully, in a way that forces the reader to stop and reflect about what just happened.
𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵: Go for it if horror is your thing! This book can be savored tale by tale (what I’d recommend) or read all at once (what I did). Either way you’re in for a treat.
𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞: “The more the world unravels, the more it needs people who feel and listen, who wipe away tears and open the saferoom door for one more lost soul when the rest of us would shut it and call our fear ‘strength’.”
𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤: Burning in the Skies, by Linking Park
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐀𝐥𝐬𝐨: “Full Dark No Stars” by Stephen King
July 19, 2022
The House of Untold Stories contain 50 unexpected tales of life, death, hope, grief, happiness, regret, melancholy, and ambitions in a form of gothic.
There are some stories that touched me and there are some stories where I just — "what?" Not because they are disturbing or whatever, but I didn't know what message the author is relaying to his readers.
They are all short stories but they contain such varied truths and realizations that you'll also question yourself as to how you view life, whether it is full of beauty or devoid of it.
I'll be sharing some of the three quotes that I loved:
"The more the world unravels, the more it needs people who feel and listen, who wipe away tears and open the saferoom door for one more lost soul when the rest of us would shut it and call our fear 'strength.'"
"It was amazing what a brilliant mind could achieve with the right equipment and a year of time."
"Whatever you decide out there, far from the chatter of the world, know this: you may not see a vineyard or a crumbling farmhouse from where you are standing, but if you give yourself a moment to look around, there were the earth falls away and the waves crash, you might find Sorreastro, a moment of peace, and a ruin in need of a keeper."
There are some stories that touched me and there are some stories where I just — "what?" Not because they are disturbing or whatever, but I didn't know what message the author is relaying to his readers.
They are all short stories but they contain such varied truths and realizations that you'll also question yourself as to how you view life, whether it is full of beauty or devoid of it.
I'll be sharing some of the three quotes that I loved:
"The more the world unravels, the more it needs people who feel and listen, who wipe away tears and open the saferoom door for one more lost soul when the rest of us would shut it and call our fear 'strength.'"
"It was amazing what a brilliant mind could achieve with the right equipment and a year of time."
"Whatever you decide out there, far from the chatter of the world, know this: you may not see a vineyard or a crumbling farmhouse from where you are standing, but if you give yourself a moment to look around, there were the earth falls away and the waves crash, you might find Sorreastro, a moment of peace, and a ruin in need of a keeper."
December 27, 2023
The tales span a range of genres such as fantasy, sci-fi, humor, drama, mythical, horror, dystopian so every page flip offers something new. The stories come in different sizes, the longest stories are a full two pages, but the book is small, and the print large. Each story has two beautiful atmospheric photographs to start off, one always being the door into the story. Each of the stories is divided across two pages. The first page of the story sets up the situation. The second page gives you an unexpected ending. The style is simple, humorous with a touch of dark comedy. They are all very clever. This book can be savored tale by tale (what I’d recommend) or read all at once. I read it in a day, three or four stories at a time. Either way, you’re in for a treat.
I can solidly recommend this for anyone who likes flash fiction, short stories, or gorgeously dark photography.
I can solidly recommend this for anyone who likes flash fiction, short stories, or gorgeously dark photography.
April 30, 2021
A curious collection of short stories, not what I was expecting, and unlike anything I have read before. It took me all of an hour to read. Poetic allegories, with poignant images that enhance the already atmospheric writing. It’s a little out of my comfort zone, but is the type of book that I would appreciate more sitting on my coffee table, ready to pick up when the mood strikes.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing digital access to this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing digital access to this book.
October 21, 2024
This has go to be one of my favorite collection of extremely short stories. Yes, most of the stories are really short and the book is small, hardbound with lots of photos that open up to new story.
All these warm, heartfelt, sad, creepy, gothic and mysterious stories all bundle up into this little micro fiction of a novel.
A good book for those who want a quick read or are in the middle of a reading slump.
All these warm, heartfelt, sad, creepy, gothic and mysterious stories all bundle up into this little micro fiction of a novel.
A good book for those who want a quick read or are in the middle of a reading slump.
January 1, 2024
It's like eating a cake one bite at a time and discovering a new flavor in each bite. 50 stories of opening doors into a story that changes with each action. Peter Chiykowski skillfully pulls readers through the door to discover the story. You'll wonder how he could see so many views of a moving landscape and futures. Great job of earning this reader's 5 easy stars.
May 27, 2022
I quite enjoyed this. Short (very short) stories, that have a surprise twist. I read a lot of novels, and I enjoy them, but it's a nice change of pace to read stories in one short sitting. Also, very nice artwork to accompany the photos.
July 16, 2022
50 very short stories. A fun, fast read with some interesting artwork. I have to wonder how much impact each story might have had. If someone named random titles would I remember what they were about?
October 7, 2021
One of the best books I have ever read!
October 14, 2021
Interesting format. The overwhelming majority of the stories were great. Some left me scratching my head, but I did read thru them rather quickly.
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