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Bitter Chills
Bitter Chills is the first horror anthology from Blood Rites Horror and brings together eleven wintry tales of ghosts and monsters, killers and creatures from Denver Grenell, Kyle J. Durrant, Roxie Voorhees, Spencer Hamilton, Carla Eliot, Cass Oakley, Christopher Badcock, Carmilla, Joe Clements, Marcus Hawke and Patrick Whitehurst.
In this anthology, you'll find incredible stories from some of the freshest faces in horror: in 'My White Star', a bittersweet love story is told through the lens of a chilling spectral haunting; in 'The Violent Snow', a strange artefact summons more from the blizzard than bargained for; in 'Everyone to the Table', sickening wishes come true...
Settle in for a cold one. These stories are hard to swallow...
In this anthology, you'll find incredible stories from some of the freshest faces in horror: in 'My White Star', a bittersweet love story is told through the lens of a chilling spectral haunting; in 'The Violent Snow', a strange artefact summons more from the blizzard than bargained for; in 'Everyone to the Table', sickening wishes come true...
Settle in for a cold one. These stories are hard to swallow...
220 pages, Paperback
First published February 11, 2021
84 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 5, 2021
This year's winter is almost gone but those bitter chills will stay in your memory for a long time. Everything is connected to the cold season. You might have an accident in a snow storm and freeze to death. A Burning Boy might appear in a nightmare. The Wild Hunt might pass you by. There might even be a Killer Snowman waiting for you. And what about Christmas Eve? The list of dangers is a long one and snow might be violent. This was a very good anthology of 11 stories to give you the final chills. I'm glad I got out of them alive. Really recommended!
October 3, 2021
Reviewing this collection in order.
The Burning Boy
What I like about this is in a winter anthology it opens with a story about fire, heat and burning for our sins. Think Stephen King’s Firestarter but from beyond the grave and you’ve got a good idea what this story is about. What I liked about it, other than the descriptions of the Burning Boy himself, was the way it showed the complicit nature people sometimes fall into because of their friends as the stories protagonist, Jamie, is forced to keep a dark secret. In its short length the author pulls off what takes some writers entire novels to delve into.
Snowblind
There’s something old school about Kyle’s writing, it’s like settling down with an elderly professor that’s about to set the world to rites. Even the concept of Snowblind alone is old school: man vs nature. This is story of one mans journey home to his wife during a blizzard that ends with a brutal twist that comes out of left field.
The Wild Hunt
My favourite story so far, The Wild Hunt, is a spellbinding tale told in a way that recalls Neil Gaiman at his finest. There’s a great deal of finesse in the storytelling here. Set in Norway around a isolated village a young girl requests a bed time story from her grandmother, what she gets is a fairytale with teeth. The Wild Hunt is a touching, hopeful yet devastating tale.
The Cold, The Grief
All the praise in the world to Spencer for bring the feels, scary feels too, as this story reminds me why horror as a genre is the best vehicle to explore grief in literature. I wouldn’t spoil what this story contains. I will, however, say that everyone needs who loves reading not just horror needs to read this one.
My White Star
The beginnings of this story felt like a old fashioned mystery story, despite being set in modern times. It concerns a trio of friends Maria, Kyle and James, who are also all band mates, and what happens when one of them unexpectedly goes missing. It recalls Alice Sebold’s The Lovely Bones if it had been written like Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca. I would say it’s a story that transcends horror into some hybrid of the genre with high-brow fiction. Shine on.
The Killer Snowman
Short, sweet and deliciously scary. I can’t really say much about this one without giving anything away so I’ll just say this: READ IT!!!!
Everyone To The Table
This is a special type of story that leaves the skin of your neck cold and hilled. Reading it is to experience the sensation of someone or thing just outside your peripheral vision creeping up behind you. You know something is there but you don’t want to turn for fear of discovering what it is. It’s creepy as f#*k in other words.
The Christmas Eve
This one seems woven out of the 1920s as if it were a more horrifying spin on Great Gatsby. Set in the 60s it concerns an Hollywood actress enduring another Christmas Eve alone in her home that is slowly becoming more isolated due to a raging blizzard outside. That is until she gets a phone call from her ex requesting to stay with her overnight as him and his fiancé have gotten caught in the storm while out driving. What follows is a story that plays with your perception of the revenge you think the protagonist will achieve on her new arrivals.
Realmer, Redeemer
Joe Clements writes like a modern day Edgar Allen Poe. The language is poetic and beautiful and brutal that it’s something you feel like you can chew on while reading.
Every Hunt Is A Cold One
Picture the film The Day After Tomorrow, now pictured what that movie would have been like if Lara Croft from the Tomb Raider series had been in it and get pretty close to what this story is about. A spark of gold in other words. In this one you’ll feel the cold.
The Violent Snow
Bitter Chills ends with a creature feature/cabin in the woods style story. There’s a device in this that’s reminiscent of something used in Jurassic Park 3, that I won’t spoil that throws the protagonists plans on enjoying his writers retreat up in the air.
The Burning Boy
What I like about this is in a winter anthology it opens with a story about fire, heat and burning for our sins. Think Stephen King’s Firestarter but from beyond the grave and you’ve got a good idea what this story is about. What I liked about it, other than the descriptions of the Burning Boy himself, was the way it showed the complicit nature people sometimes fall into because of their friends as the stories protagonist, Jamie, is forced to keep a dark secret. In its short length the author pulls off what takes some writers entire novels to delve into.
Snowblind
There’s something old school about Kyle’s writing, it’s like settling down with an elderly professor that’s about to set the world to rites. Even the concept of Snowblind alone is old school: man vs nature. This is story of one mans journey home to his wife during a blizzard that ends with a brutal twist that comes out of left field.
The Wild Hunt
My favourite story so far, The Wild Hunt, is a spellbinding tale told in a way that recalls Neil Gaiman at his finest. There’s a great deal of finesse in the storytelling here. Set in Norway around a isolated village a young girl requests a bed time story from her grandmother, what she gets is a fairytale with teeth. The Wild Hunt is a touching, hopeful yet devastating tale.
The Cold, The Grief
All the praise in the world to Spencer for bring the feels, scary feels too, as this story reminds me why horror as a genre is the best vehicle to explore grief in literature. I wouldn’t spoil what this story contains. I will, however, say that everyone needs who loves reading not just horror needs to read this one.
My White Star
The beginnings of this story felt like a old fashioned mystery story, despite being set in modern times. It concerns a trio of friends Maria, Kyle and James, who are also all band mates, and what happens when one of them unexpectedly goes missing. It recalls Alice Sebold’s The Lovely Bones if it had been written like Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca. I would say it’s a story that transcends horror into some hybrid of the genre with high-brow fiction. Shine on.
The Killer Snowman
Short, sweet and deliciously scary. I can’t really say much about this one without giving anything away so I’ll just say this: READ IT!!!!
Everyone To The Table
This is a special type of story that leaves the skin of your neck cold and hilled. Reading it is to experience the sensation of someone or thing just outside your peripheral vision creeping up behind you. You know something is there but you don’t want to turn for fear of discovering what it is. It’s creepy as f#*k in other words.
The Christmas Eve
This one seems woven out of the 1920s as if it were a more horrifying spin on Great Gatsby. Set in the 60s it concerns an Hollywood actress enduring another Christmas Eve alone in her home that is slowly becoming more isolated due to a raging blizzard outside. That is until she gets a phone call from her ex requesting to stay with her overnight as him and his fiancé have gotten caught in the storm while out driving. What follows is a story that plays with your perception of the revenge you think the protagonist will achieve on her new arrivals.
Realmer, Redeemer
Joe Clements writes like a modern day Edgar Allen Poe. The language is poetic and beautiful and brutal that it’s something you feel like you can chew on while reading.
Every Hunt Is A Cold One
Picture the film The Day After Tomorrow, now pictured what that movie would have been like if Lara Croft from the Tomb Raider series had been in it and get pretty close to what this story is about. A spark of gold in other words. In this one you’ll feel the cold.
The Violent Snow
Bitter Chills ends with a creature feature/cabin in the woods style story. There’s a device in this that’s reminiscent of something used in Jurassic Park 3, that I won’t spoil that throws the protagonists plans on enjoying his writers retreat up in the air.
February 22, 2021
This is an all-around solid horror anthology. Some stories I liked more than others, of course, but there were none that fell below "pretty good" for me. It was entertaining and gave a nice break from the more extreme horror I've been reading; this being more old-school, classic creepy horror, in my opinion.
December 15, 2021
It's not like I wouldn't have other books to review but I loved this anthology so much I'd like to write the review while it's still fresh in my memory.
Let's review, shall we:
❄The Burning Boy by Denver Grenell
A great first story to remind us that winter horror is not always only monsters and ghosts. Sometimes it's about why are these monsters and ghosts appearing... Grief, sadness, waiting for better times...
Jamie is a good boy with a terrible secret. He knows who the Burning Boy is and why he's after him. And unfortunately, he also knows what's going to happen when he gets close enough. And he is getting closer and closer...
❄Snowblind by Kyle J. Durrant
This story took me by surprise. I can't really write a proper review without spoiling the plot so I'm only going to say this one kept me on my damn toes!
❄The Wild Hunt by Roxie Voorhees
This one didn't scare me that much. But sometimes a good horror story doesn't need to scare you. It's enough when it breaks your heart, when you feel sorry for the characters, when you wish you could take their pain away. And I can't even describe how much I loved the Norwegian Mythology added to the plot. This was my kind of love story!
❄The Cold, The Grief by Spencer Hamilton
As I previously said in our group chat: Wow. Just wow!
A story about a grieving father wishing nothing but his son to be alive. But we all know that sometimes granted wishes in horror stories don't necessarily mean a good thing...
This was a very very original outcome for sure. I honestly don't think that I have ever read anything close to this. Just the whole idea behind it, where the story takes place, how nothing really has anything in common with everything else and it still comes together brilliantly. Sorry, did I confuse you?
❄My White Star by Carla Eliot
This one was another one to rather play on the feelings than trying to scare you. And it's just as much of a valid horror as the ones in this anthology that bring the scares. A beautiful story about love. But don't look for any romance, it's a horror anthology in the end.
❄The Killer Snowman by Cass Oakley
If there wasn't a story in a winter horror anthology that involves a cursed snowman I would be very offended. You can go anywhere from here and it will always be brilliant. Huge Goosebumps vibes in there as well. Loved it!
❄Everyone To The Table by Christopher Badcock
And finally one, that is so well described and yet I still have no idea what is going on, haha. Again, I don't really want to spoil anything, maybe only that there is a kid involved that is definitely not going to get a visit from Santa Claus. And his parents would not exactly be proud of him either. But they cannot exactly express their disappointment anymore...
❄The Christmas Eve by Carmilla
Again, this one would be difficult without spoilers but I'm just going to say that sometimes having it all means having nothing at all. Or having way too much.
Dolores Bates is a very successful actress with lots of money and lots of time. And she is expecting her ex whom she may or may not hold some grudges against.
❄Realmer, Redeemer by Joe Clements
Okay, this one is the most difficult to review. It is very metaphorical but it exactly resembles what I associate with winter.. Cold, misery and fear. Hoping that maybe one day the suffering will stop.
❄Every Hunt Is A Cold One by Marcus Hawke
Now, even though I have said wow numerous times while reading this anthology, it wasn't till I reached this woooooooooooow, that even my boyfriend got concerned about my mental wellbeing. This story absolutely got me! It was brutal, it was gore, it was tense, it was everything a good winter horror story is supposed to be, including the freaking final heartbreak because it wouldn't be much of a winter horror without the cold heart.
❄The Violent Snow by Patrick Whitehurst
Now, this is a topic I have seen before. However I have never seen it done like this! It never stops to amaze me, how horror can inspire so many people to play with the ideas, to change the whole substance of the story, basically. Plus I got to imagine a very original monster that would sure scare the living hell out of me if done in a movie.
❄❄❄❄
I was absolutely blown away. I have always loved short horror stories but having something like this to read through winter made me realize that even though I hate cold there is always something pleasant for everybody to deal with their seasonal depression, you just need to find it.
I have said it before and I will say it again: Indie horrors is my passion now!!!
Let's review, shall we:
❄The Burning Boy by Denver Grenell
A great first story to remind us that winter horror is not always only monsters and ghosts. Sometimes it's about why are these monsters and ghosts appearing... Grief, sadness, waiting for better times...
Jamie is a good boy with a terrible secret. He knows who the Burning Boy is and why he's after him. And unfortunately, he also knows what's going to happen when he gets close enough. And he is getting closer and closer...
❄Snowblind by Kyle J. Durrant
This story took me by surprise. I can't really write a proper review without spoiling the plot so I'm only going to say this one kept me on my damn toes!
❄The Wild Hunt by Roxie Voorhees
This one didn't scare me that much. But sometimes a good horror story doesn't need to scare you. It's enough when it breaks your heart, when you feel sorry for the characters, when you wish you could take their pain away. And I can't even describe how much I loved the Norwegian Mythology added to the plot. This was my kind of love story!
❄The Cold, The Grief by Spencer Hamilton
As I previously said in our group chat: Wow. Just wow!
A story about a grieving father wishing nothing but his son to be alive. But we all know that sometimes granted wishes in horror stories don't necessarily mean a good thing...
This was a very very original outcome for sure. I honestly don't think that I have ever read anything close to this. Just the whole idea behind it, where the story takes place, how nothing really has anything in common with everything else and it still comes together brilliantly. Sorry, did I confuse you?
❄My White Star by Carla Eliot
This one was another one to rather play on the feelings than trying to scare you. And it's just as much of a valid horror as the ones in this anthology that bring the scares. A beautiful story about love. But don't look for any romance, it's a horror anthology in the end.
❄The Killer Snowman by Cass Oakley
If there wasn't a story in a winter horror anthology that involves a cursed snowman I would be very offended. You can go anywhere from here and it will always be brilliant. Huge Goosebumps vibes in there as well. Loved it!
❄Everyone To The Table by Christopher Badcock
And finally one, that is so well described and yet I still have no idea what is going on, haha. Again, I don't really want to spoil anything, maybe only that there is a kid involved that is definitely not going to get a visit from Santa Claus. And his parents would not exactly be proud of him either. But they cannot exactly express their disappointment anymore...
❄The Christmas Eve by Carmilla
Again, this one would be difficult without spoilers but I'm just going to say that sometimes having it all means having nothing at all. Or having way too much.
Dolores Bates is a very successful actress with lots of money and lots of time. And she is expecting her ex whom she may or may not hold some grudges against.
❄Realmer, Redeemer by Joe Clements
Okay, this one is the most difficult to review. It is very metaphorical but it exactly resembles what I associate with winter.. Cold, misery and fear. Hoping that maybe one day the suffering will stop.
❄Every Hunt Is A Cold One by Marcus Hawke
Now, even though I have said wow numerous times while reading this anthology, it wasn't till I reached this woooooooooooow, that even my boyfriend got concerned about my mental wellbeing. This story absolutely got me! It was brutal, it was gore, it was tense, it was everything a good winter horror story is supposed to be, including the freaking final heartbreak because it wouldn't be much of a winter horror without the cold heart.
❄The Violent Snow by Patrick Whitehurst
Now, this is a topic I have seen before. However I have never seen it done like this! It never stops to amaze me, how horror can inspire so many people to play with the ideas, to change the whole substance of the story, basically. Plus I got to imagine a very original monster that would sure scare the living hell out of me if done in a movie.
❄❄❄❄
I was absolutely blown away. I have always loved short horror stories but having something like this to read through winter made me realize that even though I hate cold there is always something pleasant for everybody to deal with their seasonal depression, you just need to find it.
I have said it before and I will say it again: Indie horrors is my passion now!!!
March 18, 2021
First off, I want to congratulate Nick Harper on his selection of the stories within this chilling anthology. The way they melt into each other is genius, considering they are unrelated, from various up and coming Indies. The common thread of 'the cold' - whether it be weather or cold hearts and places, is ever present. Bitter Chills will chill you to the bone, and Harper could not have conjured up a more appropriate title for this collection...
.
I imagined myself sitting beside a roaring log fire, inside of a cold castle somewhere in Norway while reading this book! Expect the unexpected, ghosts and killer snowmen; all manners of monsters in cold, dark places. You will get closer to the workings of a stone-cold killer than you should ever ever wish to be...
.
There is not one story that could ruin the experience for me. I hope to read more from every one of the authors in this book. Here are some of my favourites:
.
The Burning Boy, by Denver Grenell, for it's realism and Stand By Me vibes. Snow Blind by Kyle J. Durrant, because Durrant makes the fear of being alone and helpless in the aftermath of a car-crash in adverse weather conditions progressively terrifying. The Killer Snowman by Cass Oakley - because it's a killer snowman! Everyone to the Table by Christopher Badcock, whose confident writing style is truly inspiring, with mass murder on Christmas day gift-wrapped in a super satisfying narrative. My White Star by Carla Eliot, for its haunting quality, complex characters, and the depth of the pain and heartache they both feel and inflict.
.
I imagined myself sitting beside a roaring log fire, inside of a cold castle somewhere in Norway while reading this book! Expect the unexpected, ghosts and killer snowmen; all manners of monsters in cold, dark places. You will get closer to the workings of a stone-cold killer than you should ever ever wish to be...
.
There is not one story that could ruin the experience for me. I hope to read more from every one of the authors in this book. Here are some of my favourites:
.
The Burning Boy, by Denver Grenell, for it's realism and Stand By Me vibes. Snow Blind by Kyle J. Durrant, because Durrant makes the fear of being alone and helpless in the aftermath of a car-crash in adverse weather conditions progressively terrifying. The Killer Snowman by Cass Oakley - because it's a killer snowman! Everyone to the Table by Christopher Badcock, whose confident writing style is truly inspiring, with mass murder on Christmas day gift-wrapped in a super satisfying narrative. My White Star by Carla Eliot, for its haunting quality, complex characters, and the depth of the pain and heartache they both feel and inflict.
February 18, 2021
If you love horror anthologies, this is definitely the book for you! I love short, sweet, horrific reads because it doesn't boggle you down with long narratives (albeit great) just when you want a quick and satisfying read!! The book is the first in anthology from Blood Rites Horror and brings together eleven talented horror writers. Oh, and the title is fitting, not only because we're in the middle of this crazy wintry weather but it certainly leaves you with chills!
This book contained everything from Norwegian folk legends, grief, sorrow and regrets, breaks from reality, chilling entities like lost friends, snowmen and burning boys; all the things that make for great bedtime (or anytime) storytelling. The collaboration of all these amazing horror writers was brilliant and I truly cannot wait to read more from them. I especially loved the great touch of including brief author bios at the end of the book; to get to know them better and showcase any other stories they may have written! Overall FIVE STAR rating!!!
Definitely give them a follow on Goodreads, Amazon, and IG!! You won't regret it!
This book contained everything from Norwegian folk legends, grief, sorrow and regrets, breaks from reality, chilling entities like lost friends, snowmen and burning boys; all the things that make for great bedtime (or anytime) storytelling. The collaboration of all these amazing horror writers was brilliant and I truly cannot wait to read more from them. I especially loved the great touch of including brief author bios at the end of the book; to get to know them better and showcase any other stories they may have written! Overall FIVE STAR rating!!!
Definitely give them a follow on Goodreads, Amazon, and IG!! You won't regret it!
February 19, 2021
Bitter Chills contains everything a horror anthology should - a ghostly arsonist out for revenge, a sorrowful yet shocking ice fishing story, killer snowmen, a morbid and sadistic Christmas dinner and a sleepwalking ex with an axe which was only going to end in bloodshed. Of course kudos goes out to all the authours in the anthology but also to Nick Harper who has bound together an epic anthology of first class horror, I can't wait for more.
March 10, 2021
This is the first anthology by Blood Rites Horror and it contains eleven winter-themed stories, all written by #IndieHorror authors.
From cosmic to grief, paranormal to grotesque, this collection has something to satiate nearly any thirst for horror, and I consumed this collection in a couple hours.
The writing in this anthology is top notch, and if you're looking for a way to get to know some of the up-and-coming authors in the horror genre, I highly recommend check this one out.
From cosmic to grief, paranormal to grotesque, this collection has something to satiate nearly any thirst for horror, and I consumed this collection in a couple hours.
The writing in this anthology is top notch, and if you're looking for a way to get to know some of the up-and-coming authors in the horror genre, I highly recommend check this one out.
March 11, 2021
Such a great book full of amazing stories from new and upcoming authors. Highly recommend 🙂
March 12, 2021
I'll be honest when I started this i wasn't sure if I was going to like it because short story anthologys don't always hit the mark for me buuutt I LOVED THIS ONE.
I'm not going to review each short story individually because I find it difficult without giving away spoilers.
This collection has a wide variety of winter based horror, you have some comic horror, some quite dark and grotesque horror, paranormal even some grief horror, there wasn't a story in here I didn't enjoy, the writing is phenomenal and I read about 3/4 of it in one evening because I just couldn't put it down.
Some standouts for me were, The Wild Hunt, Everyone To The Table, The Cold Grief and Every Hunt Is a Cold One...Every Hunt Is a Cold went to place I didn't expect it and I loved it 😂
Highly recommend this winter wonderland of horror 💜
I'm not going to review each short story individually because I find it difficult without giving away spoilers.
This collection has a wide variety of winter based horror, you have some comic horror, some quite dark and grotesque horror, paranormal even some grief horror, there wasn't a story in here I didn't enjoy, the writing is phenomenal and I read about 3/4 of it in one evening because I just couldn't put it down.
Some standouts for me were, The Wild Hunt, Everyone To The Table, The Cold Grief and Every Hunt Is a Cold One...Every Hunt Is a Cold went to place I didn't expect it and I loved it 😂
Highly recommend this winter wonderland of horror 💜
May 2, 2021
What a great anthology! It was easy to read and filled with really great stories, ranging from straight horror, to sci-fi, to psychological thriller. I couldn’t put this book down. And the theme of winter and cold and snow was apparent thru the whole thing. It was short, simple, and something I’d recommend even to teens who want to scratch the scary itch. It even makes me want to look into the individual authors to see if they have any other works published!
April 24, 2021
Really good and interesting book. Nick Harper really does well editing this book and I really took my time with this one. Some of my personal favourites were The Burning Boy, Everyone to the Table, The Cold The Greif ( too short though, wanted more of that one) and Christmas Eve. Would recommend to any horror fan who loves some good short stories.
January 21, 2022
There was a lot of fun lore and creepy, chilly tales within this anthology. It touches on a variety of different creatures, themes, and circumstances. I think there will definitely be a tale in here for everyone as it is very eclectic.
Like most anthologies, there are stories that really shine through. I found that was the case with Bitter Chills, there were a few that really struck gold, and others that weren't quite for me, but they might be for someone else.
3.5 Rounded up for Goodreads
Like most anthologies, there are stories that really shine through. I found that was the case with Bitter Chills, there were a few that really struck gold, and others that weren't quite for me, but they might be for someone else.
3.5 Rounded up for Goodreads
March 24, 2021
❄️🔪Spoiler Free Book Review❄️🪓
•
Bitter Chills is a fantastic short story anthology with a little something for every horror fan. There are ghosts and goblins, folklore and legends, & gruesome and gory tales NOT for the faint of heart. Some stories are hauntingly real and a couple are creepy-as-fuck better not be real😱
•
It’s a perfect mix from some of the best and brightest up-and-coming horror authors out there and Nick Harper did an excellent job editing and choosing the perfect order to keep you turning the pages.
•
I didn’t love every story, but they were all worth reading and a few really stuck out for me personally. My favorites, in order of appearance, are:
The Burning Boy
The Cold, The Grief
My White Star
Everyone to the Table
All of the authors here are worthy of your attention. Horror fans, check out Bitter Chills and everything else Blood Rites Horror has to offer!
•
Bitter Chills is a fantastic short story anthology with a little something for every horror fan. There are ghosts and goblins, folklore and legends, & gruesome and gory tales NOT for the faint of heart. Some stories are hauntingly real and a couple are creepy-as-fuck better not be real😱
•
It’s a perfect mix from some of the best and brightest up-and-coming horror authors out there and Nick Harper did an excellent job editing and choosing the perfect order to keep you turning the pages.
•
I didn’t love every story, but they were all worth reading and a few really stuck out for me personally. My favorites, in order of appearance, are:
The Burning Boy
The Cold, The Grief
My White Star
Everyone to the Table
All of the authors here are worthy of your attention. Horror fans, check out Bitter Chills and everything else Blood Rites Horror has to offer!
April 5, 2021
A horror anthology containing 11 short stories and I loved almost all of them – which is pretty good going. They were all haunting, creepy, and scary in their own different ways and a great introduction to the works of each author.
My particular favourites were:
“The Burning Boy” by Denver Grenell – a harrowing story with a brilliant ending,
“The Cold, The Grief” by Spencer Hamilton – a chilling tale full of emotion,
“My White Star” by Carla Eliot – scary and sad because it felt so realistic,
“Everyone to the Table” by Christopher Badcock – very dark and twisted,
“The Christmas Eve” by Carmilla – a creepy story highlighting the power of subconscious thoughts,
“Every Hunt is a Cold One” by Marcus Hawke – pure desperation in a desolate place and I could feel it all.
I thoroughly enjoyed this anthology and will be checking out the other anthologies edited by Nick Harper to discover more indie authors.
My particular favourites were:
“The Burning Boy” by Denver Grenell – a harrowing story with a brilliant ending,
“The Cold, The Grief” by Spencer Hamilton – a chilling tale full of emotion,
“My White Star” by Carla Eliot – scary and sad because it felt so realistic,
“Everyone to the Table” by Christopher Badcock – very dark and twisted,
“The Christmas Eve” by Carmilla – a creepy story highlighting the power of subconscious thoughts,
“Every Hunt is a Cold One” by Marcus Hawke – pure desperation in a desolate place and I could feel it all.
I thoroughly enjoyed this anthology and will be checking out the other anthologies edited by Nick Harper to discover more indie authors.
June 6, 2021
NOTE:
This is a review centered around the three anthology releases by Blood Rites Horror (Bitter Chills, Parasite Gods, and Wild Violence) as a whole.
Blood Rites Horror is an up and coming independent publishing press that has seen the release of Those You Killed (Christopher Badcock), Miracle Sin (Marcus Hawke) and Hide (Nick Harper) with many more set for release.
In this trilogy of anthologies they have set out a large net to bring out horror authors from all corners. From established indie authors to those making their debut, these three books showcase the diamonds in the rough of an ever growing market. Each story is unique, each anthology brings a separate challenge and style, and the authors are all on their A games in them.
From literary horror to fun b-movie styled adventures, there is something for everyone in each of these anthologies.
This is a review centered around the three anthology releases by Blood Rites Horror (Bitter Chills, Parasite Gods, and Wild Violence) as a whole.
Blood Rites Horror is an up and coming independent publishing press that has seen the release of Those You Killed (Christopher Badcock), Miracle Sin (Marcus Hawke) and Hide (Nick Harper) with many more set for release.
In this trilogy of anthologies they have set out a large net to bring out horror authors from all corners. From established indie authors to those making their debut, these three books showcase the diamonds in the rough of an ever growing market. Each story is unique, each anthology brings a separate challenge and style, and the authors are all on their A games in them.
From literary horror to fun b-movie styled adventures, there is something for everyone in each of these anthologies.
February 2, 2022
4.5 rounded up
Bitter Chills was the first anthology from Blood Rites Horror and included the stories:
.
The Burning Boy - The Burning Boy is haunting the narrator, edging ever nearer. But why?... A great opening tale. Really hooks you and gets you going and interested as to who the Burning Boy was. A lot of themes in this one that make a dark and harrowing tale. 5/5
Snowblind - Neil's driving home but out of nowhere a snow storm comes and Neil finds himself lost... A good down to earth story. The way Kyle sets the scene makes for a gripping tale. The mysterious beast element works well but I think I wanted more 4.5/5
The Wild Hunt - Opening with a Norse poem, TWH is set in Geiranger, Norway upon the Yuletide, Winter Solstice. A young girl is told by her Grandmother about how Woden and the Yule Riders collect the lost souls... Normally I'm not a fan of romance but Roxie includes it and makes it work very well. The story is great, the backdrop is superb and it's a great story! Again i wanted more 4.5/5
The Cold, The Grief - Dustin has recently lost his son and has retreated to his cabin to go ice fishing. But what awaits him?... A great grief horror story. I love how it starts and we see the flawed character of Dustin. A fast, twisty turny tale with a lot to like! 5/5
My White Star - Martha is missing but the narrator swears they saw them in their bedroom. But where's Martha?... A great mystery story. The way it unfolds works with Kyle, Martha and James. The ending is good and felt right in a way 4.5/5
The Killer Snowman - Marie, and her family made a snowman one day... Literally does what it says on the tin. But I like it. A fun fast paced story that's just great. 4.5/5
Everyone to the Table - a young boy poisons his family on Christmas but soon cones to regret it... A disturbing but great story. Very dark and horrific yet gripping! 5/5
The Christmas Eve - Dolores "Dee" Bates is a famous actress who's snowed in her old flame Peter Watts comes to her needing a place to stay on Christmas Eve. But what awaits Dolores, Peter and Peter's fiance Tamara?... A slow burner that works very well. It gets a bit unexpected but I really enjoyed the story! 5/5
Realmer, Redeemer - our narrator is dead and in their own personal hell... A bit of a cosmological horror story that's twisty turny. I liked it 4.25/5
Every Hunt is a Cold One - The Freeze came to Calgary and an unnamed woman and her son are headed there. But what awaits in the Wastelands?... A great backdrop and a very enjoyable story of a lone hunter which evolves nicely 4.5/5
The Violent Snow - Ray Jones is isolated and alone in a cabin and asked to look at a strange object... I like this one but a lot goes on in it. Takes a walk on the strange side again.4.25/5
Bitter Chills was the first anthology from Blood Rites Horror and included the stories:
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The Burning Boy - The Burning Boy is haunting the narrator, edging ever nearer. But why?... A great opening tale. Really hooks you and gets you going and interested as to who the Burning Boy was. A lot of themes in this one that make a dark and harrowing tale. 5/5
Snowblind - Neil's driving home but out of nowhere a snow storm comes and Neil finds himself lost... A good down to earth story. The way Kyle sets the scene makes for a gripping tale. The mysterious beast element works well but I think I wanted more 4.5/5
The Wild Hunt - Opening with a Norse poem, TWH is set in Geiranger, Norway upon the Yuletide, Winter Solstice. A young girl is told by her Grandmother about how Woden and the Yule Riders collect the lost souls... Normally I'm not a fan of romance but Roxie includes it and makes it work very well. The story is great, the backdrop is superb and it's a great story! Again i wanted more 4.5/5
The Cold, The Grief - Dustin has recently lost his son and has retreated to his cabin to go ice fishing. But what awaits him?... A great grief horror story. I love how it starts and we see the flawed character of Dustin. A fast, twisty turny tale with a lot to like! 5/5
My White Star - Martha is missing but the narrator swears they saw them in their bedroom. But where's Martha?... A great mystery story. The way it unfolds works with Kyle, Martha and James. The ending is good and felt right in a way 4.5/5
The Killer Snowman - Marie, and her family made a snowman one day... Literally does what it says on the tin. But I like it. A fun fast paced story that's just great. 4.5/5
Everyone to the Table - a young boy poisons his family on Christmas but soon cones to regret it... A disturbing but great story. Very dark and horrific yet gripping! 5/5
The Christmas Eve - Dolores "Dee" Bates is a famous actress who's snowed in her old flame Peter Watts comes to her needing a place to stay on Christmas Eve. But what awaits Dolores, Peter and Peter's fiance Tamara?... A slow burner that works very well. It gets a bit unexpected but I really enjoyed the story! 5/5
Realmer, Redeemer - our narrator is dead and in their own personal hell... A bit of a cosmological horror story that's twisty turny. I liked it 4.25/5
Every Hunt is a Cold One - The Freeze came to Calgary and an unnamed woman and her son are headed there. But what awaits in the Wastelands?... A great backdrop and a very enjoyable story of a lone hunter which evolves nicely 4.5/5
The Violent Snow - Ray Jones is isolated and alone in a cabin and asked to look at a strange object... I like this one but a lot goes on in it. Takes a walk on the strange side again.4.25/5
June 2, 2021
Another fantastic anthology edited by Nick Harper! I read this on a few super hot days to cool me off. It did just that and more. This had everything from killer snowmen and revenge seeking ghosts to blood filled Christmas Eve’s and family drama.
Here are some of my highlights:
The first story, The Burning Boy by Denver Grenell started this book off with a bang...or a fire. I’m always excited when I read about Guy Fawkes since that’s a holiday we don’t celebrate in the states. And it reminds me of Wicker Man, which ironically is also somewhat reminiscent of this story!
The Cold, The Grief by Spencer Hamilton is a heart tugging story of loss and grief. It starts off calm and bitter, but the ending and the imagery scared me to death. I even had a dream that same night regarding creatures undiscovered at the bottom of the ocean.
Everyone to The Table by Christopher Babcock is a take on middle child syndrome gone wrong, or psychotic. I loved the humor in this tale. And the “innocence” of the main character.
The Violent Snow by Patrick Whitehurst was isolated cabin in the snow meats cosmic horror. Complete with eldritch beast summoned accidentally and a murder of crows. What could be better?
Amazing stories and I can’t wait to pick up another anthology like this one!
Here are some of my highlights:
The first story, The Burning Boy by Denver Grenell started this book off with a bang...or a fire. I’m always excited when I read about Guy Fawkes since that’s a holiday we don’t celebrate in the states. And it reminds me of Wicker Man, which ironically is also somewhat reminiscent of this story!
The Cold, The Grief by Spencer Hamilton is a heart tugging story of loss and grief. It starts off calm and bitter, but the ending and the imagery scared me to death. I even had a dream that same night regarding creatures undiscovered at the bottom of the ocean.
Everyone to The Table by Christopher Babcock is a take on middle child syndrome gone wrong, or psychotic. I loved the humor in this tale. And the “innocence” of the main character.
The Violent Snow by Patrick Whitehurst was isolated cabin in the snow meats cosmic horror. Complete with eldritch beast summoned accidentally and a murder of crows. What could be better?
Amazing stories and I can’t wait to pick up another anthology like this one!
October 11, 2021
I really enjoyed this horror anthology written by indie horror authors. This is what horror is all about for me. Burning boys, snowmen, folklore, supernatural monsters and apocalyptic futures. The stories are creepy, haunting, terrifying, unsettling, dark and twisted. I enjoyed seeing how every author brought their own style interpreting the chilly and wintry theme in this anthology. Almost every time when reading a collection there's stories you love and stories you can live without. Of course, I have my favorites but I actually liked something from every story in this collection. I also think that Nick Harper did an amazing work with choosing the perfect order for these stories. I couldn't put this one down. I also got to discover new authors that I weren't aware of. This anthology defined peaked my interest.
This stories are perfect for a quick read, though I have to warn you, you'll be wanting more! Highly recommend! Can't wait to dive into the next one.
This stories are perfect for a quick read, though I have to warn you, you'll be wanting more! Highly recommend! Can't wait to dive into the next one.
April 19, 2021
One of the most diverse and *chilling* anthologies Ive read.
There's something unique for everyone who's a fan of horror. The winter theme really stays with you.
You will look at winter in a different way once you finish this!
I cannot believe this is the first of many anthologies by Blood rites horror!
There's something unique for everyone who's a fan of horror. The winter theme really stays with you.
You will look at winter in a different way once you finish this!
I cannot believe this is the first of many anthologies by Blood rites horror!
April 10, 2021
A nice mix of scary stories
I really enjoyed this horror anthology . The fun is seeing how each author handles the cold theme. Stories include flaming ghosts, killer snowmen, dead family members roaming the house, and a host of other terrors.
I really enjoyed this horror anthology . The fun is seeing how each author handles the cold theme. Stories include flaming ghosts, killer snowmen, dead family members roaming the house, and a host of other terrors.
January 10, 2023
4.5/5
There were so many good stories in this anthology - it's so hard to choose any that were a superb favorite! All the talent that's present in here. We need more works like these in the future! To be fair, I have talked to and gotten to know a few of these authors personally through social media. But that doesn't change the fact there is some serious talent in here. If you're looking for some wintery chills and thrills - please do yourself a favor and check out this anthology!
There were so many good stories in this anthology - it's so hard to choose any that were a superb favorite! All the talent that's present in here. We need more works like these in the future! To be fair, I have talked to and gotten to know a few of these authors personally through social media. But that doesn't change the fact there is some serious talent in here. If you're looking for some wintery chills and thrills - please do yourself a favor and check out this anthology!
December 24, 2021
Like with all anthologies, some stories I felt weren’t fully developed or were lacking a bit in the skill of the writing, however, other stories I thought were absolutely brilliant and invested me in the tale right away.
I can say this is my favorite Blood Rites anthology to date. And I discovered three authors that I’m hoping to read more from.
I can say this is my favorite Blood Rites anthology to date. And I discovered three authors that I’m hoping to read more from.
Read
May 24, 2021Though not as strong as Parasite Gods, this debut anthology from Blood Rites Horror offers some great winter horrors. For me, the leading highlights came via Spencer Hamilton and Marcus Hawk. This is actually becoming a trend in BRH's anthologies - these two writers are definitely ones to watch.
(I have not scored this read because I have recently been published by this editor and publisher, and do not want people to assume my review is bias)
(I have not scored this read because I have recently been published by this editor and publisher, and do not want people to assume my review is bias)
July 5, 2021
New Terrors?
This book was excellent!! If I hadn't read the prelude, I would never have known the writers were relatively new, or at least new to horror. Every story, while themed around winter, was very different from the others. Hauntings, summonings, the harsh cruelty of nature, the cold of winter, and more... I thoroughly enjoyed the different styles as much as the variety of subjects.
I hope to read more from this publisher in the future. Well done!!
This book was excellent!! If I hadn't read the prelude, I would never have known the writers were relatively new, or at least new to horror. Every story, while themed around winter, was very different from the others. Hauntings, summonings, the harsh cruelty of nature, the cold of winter, and more... I thoroughly enjoyed the different styles as much as the variety of subjects.
I hope to read more from this publisher in the future. Well done!!
Read
June 1, 2021Includes my story "The Cold, The Grief."
December 26, 2021
3.5 stars
January 17, 2022
As with most short story books, some good, some not so much. I felt most were lacking here, but the couple of good ones allowed for the 3 rating.
Read
April 26, 2022Contains my story "The Wild Hunt".
August 17, 2021
𝓑𝓲𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓒𝓱𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓼, edited by @nick.harper_writes with stories written by @nerdywordsmith @carpe.noctem.86 @whitehurst12 @degrineer @marcushawke @la_carmilla_ @cass_wba @the.book.slayer @kylejdurrantauthor
First of all, I want to say: that is an amazing cover for this anthology! That claw and the icy white makes you really shiver and just pushes you towards this collection of chilly stories!
Second: wow, ever since I started this bookstagram, a whole new world opened up to me… I was an avid reader before bookstagram, now I’m an avid indie (horror) reader! And these anthologies are the best! @bloodriteshorror amasses the best of the best of indie horror. So, this was my first of their collections but won’t be my last!
Concerning the stories themselves: I am a big fan of Spencer Hamilton & Christopher Badcock so I was delighted to read their tellings. But I was also incredibly surprised by the others, such as Patrick Whitehurst & Marcus Hawke! And a special mention to the women horror writers, because in my opinion… there should be more women writing horror! Those are often the ‘chilliest’ of stories! 💪
So yes, a big big yes! I’ll give the entire collection a 4 ⭐️ rating (there were one or two stories I connected a little bit less with) but I’m looking forward to the next anthology!
First of all, I want to say: that is an amazing cover for this anthology! That claw and the icy white makes you really shiver and just pushes you towards this collection of chilly stories!
Second: wow, ever since I started this bookstagram, a whole new world opened up to me… I was an avid reader before bookstagram, now I’m an avid indie (horror) reader! And these anthologies are the best! @bloodriteshorror amasses the best of the best of indie horror. So, this was my first of their collections but won’t be my last!
Concerning the stories themselves: I am a big fan of Spencer Hamilton & Christopher Badcock so I was delighted to read their tellings. But I was also incredibly surprised by the others, such as Patrick Whitehurst & Marcus Hawke! And a special mention to the women horror writers, because in my opinion… there should be more women writing horror! Those are often the ‘chilliest’ of stories! 💪
So yes, a big big yes! I’ll give the entire collection a 4 ⭐️ rating (there were one or two stories I connected a little bit less with) but I’m looking forward to the next anthology!
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