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The Watcher #1
Watcher
A collection of tales from the perspective you’re not familiar with.
What is a Watcher?
If you’re reading this, you may know one. You shouldn’t be reading this. This contains the recounts of supernatural and horrific events that cannot be explained away by simple media sensationalism.
If this book has been found, return to the Watcher nearest you.
Chances are he’s watching you now.
Chances are you are the next event.
Fans of a short stories will love this collection of six horror shorts with a twist.
What is a Watcher?
If you’re reading this, you may know one. You shouldn’t be reading this. This contains the recounts of supernatural and horrific events that cannot be explained away by simple media sensationalism.
If this book has been found, return to the Watcher nearest you.
Chances are he’s watching you now.
Chances are you are the next event.
Fans of a short stories will love this collection of six horror shorts with a twist.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2019
2 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Sian B. Claven
41 books320 followersBorn in South Africa, in the heart of Johannesburg, Sian Claven grew up with a vivid imagination. When she wasn't immersing herself in books, she was actively creating her own stories.
At 29 years old, left to her own devices after her sister immigrated, Sian, wrote her first horror book Ensnared and dared to publish it under the guidance of indie authors Toni Cox and Ashleigh Giannaccaro.
Now she has released more than ten books including a thriller and sci-fi fantasy.
In 2019, Sian took up the challenge of publishing 11 books in 11 months.
Sian came second place in the First Annual Indie Awards for Favourite African Author.
Sian's book, Sylvana, the final book in her Butcher series, made the Amazon top 100 best sellers list in several categories across three countries.
In her spare time, Sian is an avid Harry Potter fan, pop collector and Bingo addict. She resides in Johannesburg with her 2 best friends, their daughter, their 6 dogs and 2 cats.
At 29 years old, left to her own devices after her sister immigrated, Sian, wrote her first horror book Ensnared and dared to publish it under the guidance of indie authors Toni Cox and Ashleigh Giannaccaro.
Now she has released more than ten books including a thriller and sci-fi fantasy.
In 2019, Sian took up the challenge of publishing 11 books in 11 months.
Sian came second place in the First Annual Indie Awards for Favourite African Author.
Sian's book, Sylvana, the final book in her Butcher series, made the Amazon top 100 best sellers list in several categories across three countries.
In her spare time, Sian is an avid Harry Potter fan, pop collector and Bingo addict. She resides in Johannesburg with her 2 best friends, their daughter, their 6 dogs and 2 cats.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 27, 2019
Claven has made the transition from novel to short story seamlessly, providing the reader with these six bite-sized snacks of her trademark shriek-out-loud horror and Roald Dahlian twists in the plot.
She is audacious enough to tackle some of the classic topics of the horror genre (motels, clowns and even werewolves) but has enough talent for these stories to have new interpretations, new twists and new flavours overall. But it is when she tackles less travelled paths that her talent for plot, character and dialogue really come alive. Somehow even a story about a mermaid takes on a unique twist when in the hands of Ms Claven.
The writer’s craft has been honed with each new book that she has published, and this collection of short stories does not buck the trend. Her ear for dialogue has improved and the identity of each of her characters is reinforced by a strong voice, while her plots have become devilishly devious while retaining her knack for a twist in the ending.
Claven is a raw talent no more – she is an experienced, gifted writer whose books deserve a read by anyone who enjoys horror. Or just a good read.
She is audacious enough to tackle some of the classic topics of the horror genre (motels, clowns and even werewolves) but has enough talent for these stories to have new interpretations, new twists and new flavours overall. But it is when she tackles less travelled paths that her talent for plot, character and dialogue really come alive. Somehow even a story about a mermaid takes on a unique twist when in the hands of Ms Claven.
The writer’s craft has been honed with each new book that she has published, and this collection of short stories does not buck the trend. Her ear for dialogue has improved and the identity of each of her characters is reinforced by a strong voice, while her plots have become devilishly devious while retaining her knack for a twist in the ending.
Claven is a raw talent no more – she is an experienced, gifted writer whose books deserve a read by anyone who enjoys horror. Or just a good read.
March 29, 2021
I actually enjoyed reading these short stories. I was very intrigued from the beginning. The details in some of them put your mind in that place at that moment!
I couldn't put the reading down because I couldn't wait to find out what happened next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I couldn't put the reading down because I couldn't wait to find out what happened next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 23, 2021
Just like a great scary movie, this collection of stories will have the hair on the back of your neck standing up. The variety of tales will give the biggest horror reader something to love. Each tale has its own unique creep factor that will have you looking over your shoulder.
April 21, 2021
Horror is my jam and I absolutely enjoyed every short story in this book. Fingers crossed that the author will continue the series.
April 17, 2021
I liked the way the prologue set up the reader for the stories that followed.
The first story in this collection was incredibly chilling and creepy, and the way it ended was twisted perfection.
I really enjoyed the variety of the stories in this collection.
So many of them ended in jaw-dropping scenes. It was brilliantly written. Claven is a master of the terrifying and horrific.
The first story in this collection was incredibly chilling and creepy, and the way it ended was twisted perfection.
I really enjoyed the variety of the stories in this collection.
So many of them ended in jaw-dropping scenes. It was brilliantly written. Claven is a master of the terrifying and horrific.
April 29, 2021
These were creepy and terrifying. I loved it
April 30, 2021
The details in this book are amazing. I felt like I was watching all the horrible things happen in each story. I couldn't put the book down. Each story kept pushing me to continue.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 15, 2018
What can I say, Sian has done it again,
The watcher is a collection of short stories and what stories they are each one is different but oh so good, I am not going to go into details of the stories but if you like this authors work you’re going love theses.
I was hooked right from the start, they are chilling and terrifying from beginning to end and very well written. Sian fits so much into each story you do not feel cheated on it being short. These stories will keep you at the edge of your seat, and turning the pages cause you cannot get enough. I really cannot wait for more.
The watcher is a collection of short stories and what stories they are each one is different but oh so good, I am not going to go into details of the stories but if you like this authors work you’re going love theses.
I was hooked right from the start, they are chilling and terrifying from beginning to end and very well written. Sian fits so much into each story you do not feel cheated on it being short. These stories will keep you at the edge of your seat, and turning the pages cause you cannot get enough. I really cannot wait for more.
April 29, 2021
The cover of this book reminded me of a so-called "billionaire romance novel", but thank goodness that couldn't be further from the truth. It’s the journal of a Watcher, filled with his observations of supernatural occurrences. He may only observe and record, never intervene… And I loved every part of these well-written creepy, blood-curdling, spine-tingling, eerie or just sinister stories. The imagination of this author is a powerful tool!
I received a preview copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing.
I received a preview copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing.
April 29, 2021
The concept behind The Watcher is excellent and has great potential. However, the story quality in this book was uneven. Some stories (particularly the last one) were fast-paced and exciting, while others tended to move slowly and went too far beyond suspension of disbelief. However, the idea of the Watcher observing but not allowed to intervene did provide a new take on the horror/suspense genre.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 24, 2021
I was introduced to Sian’s writing when I read a book about witches and found I really enjoyed her story telling, so when I got the opportunity to read an Advance Reader Copy of Watcher, I jumped at the chance. This collection of 6 short horror stories is neatly tied to gather with the Watcher’s journal/diary entries. While a few of the stories were kind of predictable, the others came straight out of left field and bowled me over. I won’t go into any detail on the stories, to not provide any spoilers, I’ll just say each of the six stories is entertaining on its own, and with the Watcher included this collection is a very original concept. I received an Advance Reader Copy through Booksprout and chose to provide this review.
September 18, 2018
Such an interesting concept! Loved the shorter stories and having a variety of different genres :) Keep it up!
April 27, 2021
This book made me gasp at the end of some of the stories. A series of horror shorts that will give you nightmares. Not for the faint hearted. If you enjoy Hash Black, and Boris Bacic, you will love The Watcher. I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review
April 23, 2021
A fun volume of six, short stories interwoven by the musings of the Watcher whose job it is to record them as they unfold. With varying levels of horror, suspense and twist there is something for everyone. Little is revealed of the Watcher himself though. Just enough to leave you wanting to know more. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 29, 2021
Short stories with a strong horror factor. But also paranormal entities. And all these stories were seen by the Watcher who "talks" the stories together.
Recommended
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Recommended
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2021
❤💙😱Absolutely freezing ! 👁👁👁👁👁👁
This is a "Watcher" 's diary.
HE is there to observe paranormal phenomena and to list them.
HE is absolutely not there to intervene.
Here are some stories of observed events...
👁👁👁👁👁👁👁👁👁👁👁👁👁
You have been warned....
Do not open this book if you are not prepared !
In just six chilling stories, and with her original and effective writing style, the author talentedly plunges us into absolute horror.
A nice surprise for this very successful book, for thrill seekers.
It made me want to discover more of the author’s books.👁👁
This is a "Watcher" 's diary.
HE is there to observe paranormal phenomena and to list them.
HE is absolutely not there to intervene.
Here are some stories of observed events...
👁👁👁👁👁👁👁👁👁👁👁👁👁
You have been warned....
Do not open this book if you are not prepared !
In just six chilling stories, and with her original and effective writing style, the author talentedly plunges us into absolute horror.
A nice surprise for this very successful book, for thrill seekers.
It made me want to discover more of the author’s books.👁👁
April 13, 2021
This great collection of horror stories was like a flashback to my youth.
When I was young, my mother always encouraged me to read, but she kept a fairly close eye on what I was reading. Comic books were pretty much limited to classic literature comics, but an older cousin had a stash of horror comics in his closet, and when I went to visit, he'd let me read them. They were stark, terrifying, usually bloody and probably should have carried an Adult warning. The Watcher is a lot like that. It's bloody and disturbing and "leave the lights on" scary, but that's really what horror stories are all about.
It's a collection of unrelated short stories held together by the framework of a "watcher's journal. The stories themselves are quite different and feature characters as different as wolves and circus clowns, vengeful ghosts and centuries old curses.
They're all great stories and well worth the read.
When I was young, my mother always encouraged me to read, but she kept a fairly close eye on what I was reading. Comic books were pretty much limited to classic literature comics, but an older cousin had a stash of horror comics in his closet, and when I went to visit, he'd let me read them. They were stark, terrifying, usually bloody and probably should have carried an Adult warning. The Watcher is a lot like that. It's bloody and disturbing and "leave the lights on" scary, but that's really what horror stories are all about.
It's a collection of unrelated short stories held together by the framework of a "watcher's journal. The stories themselves are quite different and feature characters as different as wolves and circus clowns, vengeful ghosts and centuries old curses.
They're all great stories and well worth the read.
April 30, 2021
Let me start by saying that if you don't like scary, gory, or intense, this isn't for you. I had to stop and take a break after each vignette. Boy did I ever. I used to love these sorts of stories and I couldn't put them down. It appears that I have a weak stomach now. I'm going to focus on the writing because each vignette is quite short and I don't want to give anything away (yes, some of it is obvious but there are some surprises that I just don't want to ruin).
Often, the books written as if a character is watching the scene unfold in front of them are kind of difficult to read. The author manages to avoid this by introducing the scene and then stepping out of the scene. The Watcher could be a man or a woman, a human or an alien but that doesn't matter. What really matters is that The Watcher is reporting what was witnessed as a disinterested 3rd party. The little breaks between stories where The Watcher speaks directly to the reader did not detract from the writing flow. Each vignette is completely separate and stands alone. None have a happy ending (that's not a spoiler, trust me).
I am so glad that I gave this book a try. I enjoy trying something new or different from time to time. I do not think I'll read any more of the series because I found the stories upsetting and I couldn't get them out of my mind (which is just proof that the author did a good job creating the scene).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Often, the books written as if a character is watching the scene unfold in front of them are kind of difficult to read. The author manages to avoid this by introducing the scene and then stepping out of the scene. The Watcher could be a man or a woman, a human or an alien but that doesn't matter. What really matters is that The Watcher is reporting what was witnessed as a disinterested 3rd party. The little breaks between stories where The Watcher speaks directly to the reader did not detract from the writing flow. Each vignette is completely separate and stands alone. None have a happy ending (that's not a spoiler, trust me).
I am so glad that I gave this book a try. I enjoy trying something new or different from time to time. I do not think I'll read any more of the series because I found the stories upsetting and I couldn't get them out of my mind (which is just proof that the author did a good job creating the scene).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2021
This collection of short horror stories leans more towards the hack slash genre than psychological thrillers but there are elements of both. It does not shy away from the macabre and grotesque, but is not gratuitously gory or violent either. It kind reminds me of the kind of stories people tell around a campfire at night - creepy, with just enough of a twist to keep you looking over your shoulder. I suppose part of that is the conceit of the narrator who can only watch and not interfere. There are a few interjections from this Watcher that give a touch more closure to some of the stories but not always in a settling way.
It is a good selection of stories. I thought some were stronger than others, but no duds in the collection. The first one threw me with the British English, but not British setting until a particularly South African turn of phrase was used. Then it made sense - and I see the author is South African. If you have driven around South Africa and been to beaches there I think that imagery really adds to the ambiance of some of these stories.
It is a good selection of stories. I thought some were stronger than others, but no duds in the collection. The first one threw me with the British English, but not British setting until a particularly South African turn of phrase was used. Then it made sense - and I see the author is South African. If you have driven around South Africa and been to beaches there I think that imagery really adds to the ambiance of some of these stories.
December 6, 2021
The six short stories in this book were each extremely creepy from the hotel that possessed the owners, a story about wolves killing an entire town, a dead girl possessing a teenager and killing entire families, to a cursed line of family members, and two more. These stories contain lots of rude people and plenty of blood and guts. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 6, 2022
I loved this concept of the short stories and the introduction in the journal was phenominal in my opinion. The stories were scary and suspenseful and kept me clinging on to what was going to happen next. The stories seemed so real.
April 30, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
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April 30, 2021Watchet
by Anonymous
I actually enjoyed reading these short stories. I was very intrigued from the beginning. The details in some of them put your mind in that place at that moment!
I couldn't put the reading down because I couldn't wait to find out what happened next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
by Anonymous
I actually enjoyed reading these short stories. I was very intrigued from the beginning. The details in some of them put your mind in that place at that moment!
I couldn't put the reading down because I couldn't wait to find out what happened next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 3, 2021
I went into this thinking it was going to be one thing and it turned into so much more. What a wild ride!! I wanted to like the book. I ended up loving it!! I will be reading more of Ms. Claven's work as soon as I can get my hands on it!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews