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Hometown Haunts: #LoveOzYA Horror Tales
One bite of an apple from a family shrine unearths hungry ghosts. A poison garden unfurls a polite boy’s deepest, darkest desires. Interfering with an Indigenous burial site unleashes ancestral revenge, to a metal soundtrack. An underground dance party during Covid threatens to turn lethal. And on the edge of a coastal rainforest, a grieving sister waits to witness a mysterious ‘unravelling’.
This #LoveOzYA anthology – the first to focus entirely on horror – unites a stellar cast of Australia’s finest YA authors with talented new and emerging voices, including two graphic artists.
Contributors are Wai Chim, Sarah Epstein, Alison Evans, Lisa Fuller, Margot McGovern, Poppy Nwosu, Michelle O’Connell, Emma Osborne, Emma Preston, Marianna Shek, Holden Sheppard, Jared Thomas, Vikki Wakefield and Felix Wilkins.
The stories in this wide-ranging collection dig deep and go hard. While some are straight-up terrifying rollercoaster rides, others are psychologically rooted in our society’s deepest fears and concerns: acceptance and fitting in, love and loss, desire and temptation, and the terror of a world threatened by catastrophic change … and even collapse.
This #LoveOzYA anthology – the first to focus entirely on horror – unites a stellar cast of Australia’s finest YA authors with talented new and emerging voices, including two graphic artists.
Contributors are Wai Chim, Sarah Epstein, Alison Evans, Lisa Fuller, Margot McGovern, Poppy Nwosu, Michelle O’Connell, Emma Osborne, Emma Preston, Marianna Shek, Holden Sheppard, Jared Thomas, Vikki Wakefield and Felix Wilkins.
The stories in this wide-ranging collection dig deep and go hard. While some are straight-up terrifying rollercoaster rides, others are psychologically rooted in our society’s deepest fears and concerns: acceptance and fitting in, love and loss, desire and temptation, and the terror of a world threatened by catastrophic change … and even collapse.
250 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2021
7 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Poppy Nwosu
6 books65 followersPoppy Nwosu is an Australian author of young adult fiction.
Growing up surrounded by cane fields and rainforest, Poppy studied music at university before living overseas in Ireland.
She is now based in Adelaide.
Growing up surrounded by cane fields and rainforest, Poppy studied music at university before living overseas in Ireland.
She is now based in Adelaide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 19, 2021
Trigger warnings: death, gore, blood, animal death, death of a parent (in the past), genocide of First Nations populations (in the past), death of a sibling (in the past), COVID-19 pandemic, bullying, mental health.
I freaking LOVE LoveOzYA anthologies. There are so many amazing YA authors in Australia, and it was fantastic here to see authors who don't typically write thrillers or horror branching out in this collection.
My favourites hands down were Sarah Epstein's and Lisa Fuller's. This doesn't surprise me in the slightest because Small Spaces and Ghost Bird have been two of my favourite LoveOzYA thrillers in recent years. Jared Thomas' story was also decidedly creepy in the best possible way. All the stories fit the hometown haunts vibe wonderfully, and I really enjoyed that there were some comic stories included too.
Also, there is a picture of a spider on the back of this book. I one HUNDRED percent thought it was a real spider and tried to kill it. You got me, Wakefield Press. You got me.
I freaking LOVE LoveOzYA anthologies. There are so many amazing YA authors in Australia, and it was fantastic here to see authors who don't typically write thrillers or horror branching out in this collection.
My favourites hands down were Sarah Epstein's and Lisa Fuller's. This doesn't surprise me in the slightest because Small Spaces and Ghost Bird have been two of my favourite LoveOzYA thrillers in recent years. Jared Thomas' story was also decidedly creepy in the best possible way. All the stories fit the hometown haunts vibe wonderfully, and I really enjoyed that there were some comic stories included too.
Also, there is a picture of a spider on the back of this book. I one HUNDRED percent thought it was a real spider and tried to kill it. You got me, Wakefield Press. You got me.
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December 31, 2021RTC later tonight, thank you Wakefield Press for kindly gifting me a review copy :)
September 18, 2025
I was not expecting to love this so much. Unlike my usual experience with short story collections, each successive entry in Hometown Haunts: #LoveOzYA Horror Tales delighted and horrified me in new and interesting ways. With only one or two exceptions, I kept thinking, "Wow, this has to be my favourite," only for that tale to be immediately dethroned by the next.
Each narrative voice was so distinct yet complementary at the same time, unified by their shared Australian heritage, resulting in a resoundingly cohesive whole. And not only that, but the variety of stories was so deeply representative of the many different ways that there are to be Australian. There were First Nations stories, different generation immigrant stories, European Australian stories, queer stories, urban and suburban stories, remote stories, and I loved them all.
This was everything I wanted Queer Little Nightmares to be and more. As fun as that horror anthology was, this just appealed to me on so many levels. And despite its YA tag, some (most!) of these stories were genuinely unsettling, even scary, and all were thought-provoking, making use of the horror motifs I love most. There's something here for everyone, with scares cataloguing every subgenre, from the supernatural to serial killers, body horror to hauntings, quiet, disturbing psychological thrills to blood and guts and gore.
It's so hard to choose, but Heart-shaped Stone by Vikki Wakefield, Stop Revive Survive by Sarah Epstein, Don't Look by Lisa Fuller, and Euryhaline by Margot McGovern were some of my favourites. Special mention also to the comic/graphic novel inclusions, which were conceptually brilliant and rocked my fuckin' world.
Each narrative voice was so distinct yet complementary at the same time, unified by their shared Australian heritage, resulting in a resoundingly cohesive whole. And not only that, but the variety of stories was so deeply representative of the many different ways that there are to be Australian. There were First Nations stories, different generation immigrant stories, European Australian stories, queer stories, urban and suburban stories, remote stories, and I loved them all.
This was everything I wanted Queer Little Nightmares to be and more. As fun as that horror anthology was, this just appealed to me on so many levels. And despite its YA tag, some (most!) of these stories were genuinely unsettling, even scary, and all were thought-provoking, making use of the horror motifs I love most. There's something here for everyone, with scares cataloguing every subgenre, from the supernatural to serial killers, body horror to hauntings, quiet, disturbing psychological thrills to blood and guts and gore.
It's so hard to choose, but Heart-shaped Stone by Vikki Wakefield, Stop Revive Survive by Sarah Epstein, Don't Look by Lisa Fuller, and Euryhaline by Margot McGovern were some of my favourites. Special mention also to the comic/graphic novel inclusions, which were conceptually brilliant and rocked my fuckin' world.
June 14, 2022
Hometown Haunts is the horror anthology of Australian writers that I have been waiting for! Ever since I found out it was going to exist I have been waiting (im)patiently for the time to come for me to read it. And I was not disappointed. Normally, an anthology has more stories that I feel ambivalent towards or straight up dislike but Hometown Haunts is one where I truly enjoyed the majority of the stories.
Instead of reviewing each and every story, I thought I would do a sort of mini review for each of my favourites! So, here they are, in order of appearance:
It’s Quiet Now by Emma Preston
This is one of two short graphic novel stories in the anthology and I adored it! It’s about monsters who stay away from populated and noisy places, so that when cities went into lockdown during COVID the monsters were able to come into the city. I really liked both the story idea and the illustrations. I actually read this one twice!
Euryhaline by Margot McGovern
Euryhaline is a story about a girl who moves from a smalltown to a private boarding school on a swimming scholarship. She’s used to swimming in open water, so at first she’s just a little apprehensive about swimming in the pool, but when she starts seeing something under the water it turns her from apprehensive to straight up freaked out. I loved the eerie vibes of this story, and how as a reader I was along for the ride with the narrator.
Don’t Look! by Lisa Fuller
Out of all the stories I think this one creeped me out the most! And the fact the author said it was written from experience makes it even more creepy. I loved how it had some of the classic haunted house vibes. Remember to leave the light on when you go to the bathroom, and when you hide under the blanket… don’t look!
Angel Eyes by Alison Evans
Since Alison is one of my favourite authors it comes as no surprise that their story was one of my favourites in this anthology! It’s about a queer trans teen werewolf, and these creepy “angels” who want to clean them of their “sin”. Insert creepy body horror here. But also found family, and adorable werewolf teens who protect each other.
Rappaccini’s Son by Holden Sheppard
My favourite thing about this story was that most of it was set in this wild, overgrown greenhouse at the back of a creepy old house. Inside, there’s a boy who seems to know the narrator better than he knows himself. I thought the ending of the story was bittersweet, but also thought this story was such a perfect way to end the anthology!
~
Overall, Hometown Haunts was absolutely perfect for the spooky season! If you like horror, short story anthologies, and Aussie writers then this is simply a must-read!
© 2021, Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity. All rights reserved.
trigger warning: multiple animal deaths, blood and gore, animal abuse, use of ableist language, body horror, multiple deaths, racism, bullying, sexual assault, deceased sibling (please note this list may not be comprehensive as there were many stories with multiple trigger warnings)
Instead of reviewing each and every story, I thought I would do a sort of mini review for each of my favourites! So, here they are, in order of appearance:
It’s Quiet Now by Emma Preston
This is one of two short graphic novel stories in the anthology and I adored it! It’s about monsters who stay away from populated and noisy places, so that when cities went into lockdown during COVID the monsters were able to come into the city. I really liked both the story idea and the illustrations. I actually read this one twice!
Euryhaline by Margot McGovern
Euryhaline is a story about a girl who moves from a smalltown to a private boarding school on a swimming scholarship. She’s used to swimming in open water, so at first she’s just a little apprehensive about swimming in the pool, but when she starts seeing something under the water it turns her from apprehensive to straight up freaked out. I loved the eerie vibes of this story, and how as a reader I was along for the ride with the narrator.
Don’t Look! by Lisa Fuller
Out of all the stories I think this one creeped me out the most! And the fact the author said it was written from experience makes it even more creepy. I loved how it had some of the classic haunted house vibes. Remember to leave the light on when you go to the bathroom, and when you hide under the blanket… don’t look!
Angel Eyes by Alison Evans
Since Alison is one of my favourite authors it comes as no surprise that their story was one of my favourites in this anthology! It’s about a queer trans teen werewolf, and these creepy “angels” who want to clean them of their “sin”. Insert creepy body horror here. But also found family, and adorable werewolf teens who protect each other.
Rappaccini’s Son by Holden Sheppard
My favourite thing about this story was that most of it was set in this wild, overgrown greenhouse at the back of a creepy old house. Inside, there’s a boy who seems to know the narrator better than he knows himself. I thought the ending of the story was bittersweet, but also thought this story was such a perfect way to end the anthology!
~
Overall, Hometown Haunts was absolutely perfect for the spooky season! If you like horror, short story anthologies, and Aussie writers then this is simply a must-read!
© 2021, Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity. All rights reserved.
trigger warning: multiple animal deaths, blood and gore, animal abuse, use of ableist language, body horror, multiple deaths, racism, bullying, sexual assault, deceased sibling (please note this list may not be comprehensive as there were many stories with multiple trigger warnings)
February 20, 2023
disclaimer: i realised while reading this that I don't like anthologies or horror and that is a little problematic considering this book is both of those...
but anyway! my favourite stories from this collection:
- seek and destroy (jared thomas)
- stop revive survive (sarah epstein)
- don't look! (lisa fuller)
- euryhaline (margot mcgovern)
- angel eyes (alison evans)
- best years of your life (felix wilkins)
- rappaccini's son (holden sheppard
but anyway! my favourite stories from this collection:
- seek and destroy (jared thomas)
- stop revive survive (sarah epstein)
- don't look! (lisa fuller)
- euryhaline (margot mcgovern)
- angel eyes (alison evans)
- best years of your life (felix wilkins)
- rappaccini's son (holden sheppard
August 17, 2024
2.5 rounded down. I didn't really enjoy this, and not many of the stories from the first half of the book stood out to me. I did enjoy Don't Look by Lisa Fuller, Euryhaline by Margot McGovern, Hunger by Marianna Shek, Angel Eyes by Alison Evans, and Rappaccini's Son by Holden Sheppard. They were the only ones that didn't make me feel like I was forcing myself to read them.
April 21, 2025
A diverse and creepy collection of stories. My favourite was Sarah Epstein of course, and a couple of other stand outs I enjoyed were Holden Sheppard, Vikki Wakefield and Lisa Fuller
November 5, 2021
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this horror anthology but I knew I’d enjoy it, I was definitely right!
While all stories were horror genre, it was still an eclectic mix with some of the stories in graphic format. All of them were very unique and interesting for different reasons.
While I’d read from a couple of these authors, most of the authors were new to me and I’m excited to go and read some of their full novels now!
My favourites were Seek & Destroy by Jared Thomas, an indigenous story, and Stop, Revive, Survive by Sarah Epstein which was a really exciting story set at a creepy rest stop.
This is great showcase of #LoveOzYA authors that everyone should give a go, you just might find a new author to binge!
While all stories were horror genre, it was still an eclectic mix with some of the stories in graphic format. All of them were very unique and interesting for different reasons.
While I’d read from a couple of these authors, most of the authors were new to me and I’m excited to go and read some of their full novels now!
My favourites were Seek & Destroy by Jared Thomas, an indigenous story, and Stop, Revive, Survive by Sarah Epstein which was a really exciting story set at a creepy rest stop.
This is great showcase of #LoveOzYA authors that everyone should give a go, you just might find a new author to binge!
January 22, 2025
I’m the type of gal who gets concerningly overexcited whenever the Sydney Opera House gets destroyed in disaster movies, or when Santa flies over in Christmas movies. I love it when the world remembers we exist so of course I jumped right in when I was told about a YA short story collection that’s not only Aussie but also HORROR.
Hometown Haunts has a diverse collection of stories that feature the writers’ shared Australian heritage. Queer stories, First Nations, immigrants, and with both city and remote settings. There’s also a little something for any fan of horror: body horror, serial killers, supernatural hauntings, psychological.
I’d love to rattle on and on about each story, but we’d be stuck here for an age. You’ll have to check them out and support these amazing Aussie writers!
Hometown Haunts has a diverse collection of stories that feature the writers’ shared Australian heritage. Queer stories, First Nations, immigrants, and with both city and remote settings. There’s also a little something for any fan of horror: body horror, serial killers, supernatural hauntings, psychological.
I’d love to rattle on and on about each story, but we’d be stuck here for an age. You’ll have to check them out and support these amazing Aussie writers!
July 18, 2023
Hometown Haunts is a collection of 14 short horror stories for young adult readers. Edited by Poppy Nwosu to feature some of Australia’s best established and emerging YA authors, it is the first #LoveOzYA publication to focus exclusively on the horror genre,
As Nwosu describes it. horror is often used ”as a mirror to reflect our times and enable us to piece together things that are difficult to understand”. Indeed, our world is and will always be unfathomable and unpredictable.
Hence the book is designed to match our times, to be consumed by “a new generation of Australian teens – who are growing up and coming of age in tis current climate of uncertain health and environment, and interrupted daily life”.
The book can challenge adult readers as well: What, exactly, unsettles us as parents? What is it that we fear for our children? How can we help young people remain hopeful for their future amidst the chaos all around us?
There are universal themes in this collection. For example, in Vikki Wakefield’s “Heart-shaped Stone”, the protagonist seeks vengeance on behalf of her bullied friend. In Sarah Epstein’s “Stop Revive Survive”, the Australian landscape takes on a sinister edge. In Nwosu’s “Nature Boy”, the main character is half-horrified, half-fascinated by the notion of death. In Emma Osborne’s “Slaughterhouse Boys”, to enter adulthood is to confront meat and blood.
Other stories are subtle, illustrating the anxiety and angst of our times. For example, traditional beliefs are juxtaposed with contemporary instincts and reflexes in Jared Thomas’s “Seek and Destroy”, Lisa Fuller’s “Don’t Look!”, and Marianna Shek’s “Hunger”. In Felix Wilkins’s “Best Years of Your Life”, metamorphosis occurs when the protagonist fails to cope with life. In Margot McGovern’s “Euryhaline”, a talented athlete is crushed by her own ambition.
Especially noteworthy are two graphic stories, with Emma Preston’s “It’s Quiet Now” depicting monsters lurking around cities and residential areas during the COVID lockdown. Michelle O’Connell’s “Do I See It All Now?” is equally gripping, inspired by her experience of growing up being neurodivergent and undiagnosed.
In particular, this reviewer enjoys Alison Evans’s “Angel Eyes” and Holden Sheppard’s “Rappaccini’s Son”.
In “Angel Eyes”, those who are wolf within are hunted by angels, winged creatures radiating light and heat. Demanding that the wolves “repent” – or face “cleansing” – the angels punish those deemed “abnormal” and “different” by infesting them with eyes that spread over their skin..
Meanwhile, in writing “Rappaccini’s Son”, Sheppard explains: “What most horrified me growing up was the prospect of doing the wrong thing… My biggest fear as a teenager was that my core was rotten; that I was a bad boy; deviant, rude, weird, unlikeable, not good enough.” The author confronts such fear by allowing his protagonist to embrace who he really is. The resulting story is dark and rebellious, yet there is love and hope.
Hometown Haunts is suitable for readers aged 13 and above. It is a must read for teenagers and those who want to understand them.
Note: This book review was originally published under the title “Anxiety and angst in full haunting display” by Ranges Trader Star Mail, April 26, 2022, P.17.
As Nwosu describes it. horror is often used ”as a mirror to reflect our times and enable us to piece together things that are difficult to understand”. Indeed, our world is and will always be unfathomable and unpredictable.
Hence the book is designed to match our times, to be consumed by “a new generation of Australian teens – who are growing up and coming of age in tis current climate of uncertain health and environment, and interrupted daily life”.
The book can challenge adult readers as well: What, exactly, unsettles us as parents? What is it that we fear for our children? How can we help young people remain hopeful for their future amidst the chaos all around us?
There are universal themes in this collection. For example, in Vikki Wakefield’s “Heart-shaped Stone”, the protagonist seeks vengeance on behalf of her bullied friend. In Sarah Epstein’s “Stop Revive Survive”, the Australian landscape takes on a sinister edge. In Nwosu’s “Nature Boy”, the main character is half-horrified, half-fascinated by the notion of death. In Emma Osborne’s “Slaughterhouse Boys”, to enter adulthood is to confront meat and blood.
Other stories are subtle, illustrating the anxiety and angst of our times. For example, traditional beliefs are juxtaposed with contemporary instincts and reflexes in Jared Thomas’s “Seek and Destroy”, Lisa Fuller’s “Don’t Look!”, and Marianna Shek’s “Hunger”. In Felix Wilkins’s “Best Years of Your Life”, metamorphosis occurs when the protagonist fails to cope with life. In Margot McGovern’s “Euryhaline”, a talented athlete is crushed by her own ambition.
Especially noteworthy are two graphic stories, with Emma Preston’s “It’s Quiet Now” depicting monsters lurking around cities and residential areas during the COVID lockdown. Michelle O’Connell’s “Do I See It All Now?” is equally gripping, inspired by her experience of growing up being neurodivergent and undiagnosed.
In particular, this reviewer enjoys Alison Evans’s “Angel Eyes” and Holden Sheppard’s “Rappaccini’s Son”.
In “Angel Eyes”, those who are wolf within are hunted by angels, winged creatures radiating light and heat. Demanding that the wolves “repent” – or face “cleansing” – the angels punish those deemed “abnormal” and “different” by infesting them with eyes that spread over their skin..
Meanwhile, in writing “Rappaccini’s Son”, Sheppard explains: “What most horrified me growing up was the prospect of doing the wrong thing… My biggest fear as a teenager was that my core was rotten; that I was a bad boy; deviant, rude, weird, unlikeable, not good enough.” The author confronts such fear by allowing his protagonist to embrace who he really is. The resulting story is dark and rebellious, yet there is love and hope.
Hometown Haunts is suitable for readers aged 13 and above. It is a must read for teenagers and those who want to understand them.
Note: This book review was originally published under the title “Anxiety and angst in full haunting display” by Ranges Trader Star Mail, April 26, 2022, P.17.
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July 3, 2022This review was first published on the Underground Writers website.
I initially picked up Hometown Haunts (HH) because of a morbid curiosity I have towards all things scary and gruesome – and I can tell you it did not disappoint. This anthology is made up largely of short stories, with a few illustrated graphic stories interspersed throughout. My favourite thing about it was the variety of cultures and types of horror the collection traverses.
I found myself taken by three stories in particular: “Heart-shaped Stone” by Vikki Wakefield; “Slaughterhouse Boys” by Emma Osborne; and “Euryhaline” by Margot McGovern. All of the pieces were engaging, but these three specifically drew me into their respective worlds in just a few lines.
In Wakefield’s piece I was fascinated and horrified by the protagonist carrying a “dead chicken around all day.” I couldn’t quite stop imagining it, and feeling her loss. I was equally engaged by the world Osbourne wrote, where being initiated into adulthood requires the slaughter of a cow. And I was haunted by McGovern’s story where she uses a ghostly presence to embody the feeling of imposter syndrome. Her description of a naiad “beckon[ing] from outside my room, her hair wet and hanging in her face so only one eye is visible” was so clear and creepily effective.
The stories in this anthology truly borrow from all other genres. From fantasy to dystopia to the horrific consequences of angering the ancestors. This variety is what propelled me through each story. I loved the diverse mix of protagonists. There were stories written from the perspective of small-town closeted teens, non-binary werewolves, a Chinese-Australian private-school student and an Italian florist’s delivery boy, to name a few. This made for a rich exploration of ghost stories and horror through a variety of lenses and cultures, which I really appreciated.
There are a real mix of ghosts, spirits, gore and uncomfortableness that characterise this horror collection. So though sometimes gruesome, I wouldn’t dissuade squeamish readers from this anthology. In fact I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the likes of Stephen King and Shirley Jackson and likes a bit of a scare, but down to read something with a young adult and largely Australian flavour.
I initially picked up Hometown Haunts (HH) because of a morbid curiosity I have towards all things scary and gruesome – and I can tell you it did not disappoint. This anthology is made up largely of short stories, with a few illustrated graphic stories interspersed throughout. My favourite thing about it was the variety of cultures and types of horror the collection traverses.
I found myself taken by three stories in particular: “Heart-shaped Stone” by Vikki Wakefield; “Slaughterhouse Boys” by Emma Osborne; and “Euryhaline” by Margot McGovern. All of the pieces were engaging, but these three specifically drew me into their respective worlds in just a few lines.
In Wakefield’s piece I was fascinated and horrified by the protagonist carrying a “dead chicken around all day.” I couldn’t quite stop imagining it, and feeling her loss. I was equally engaged by the world Osbourne wrote, where being initiated into adulthood requires the slaughter of a cow. And I was haunted by McGovern’s story where she uses a ghostly presence to embody the feeling of imposter syndrome. Her description of a naiad “beckon[ing] from outside my room, her hair wet and hanging in her face so only one eye is visible” was so clear and creepily effective.
The stories in this anthology truly borrow from all other genres. From fantasy to dystopia to the horrific consequences of angering the ancestors. This variety is what propelled me through each story. I loved the diverse mix of protagonists. There were stories written from the perspective of small-town closeted teens, non-binary werewolves, a Chinese-Australian private-school student and an Italian florist’s delivery boy, to name a few. This made for a rich exploration of ghost stories and horror through a variety of lenses and cultures, which I really appreciated.
There are a real mix of ghosts, spirits, gore and uncomfortableness that characterise this horror collection. So though sometimes gruesome, I wouldn’t dissuade squeamish readers from this anthology. In fact I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the likes of Stephen King and Shirley Jackson and likes a bit of a scare, but down to read something with a young adult and largely Australian flavour.
October 25, 2021
Hometown Haunts, LoveOzYa Horror Tales
This anthology is the first #loveOzYa book filled entirely with horror stories. With an amazing line up of Aussie Young Adult authors including two graphic stories.
Authors include, Wai Chim, Sarah Epstein, Alison Evans, Lisa Fuller, Margot McGovern, Poppy Nwosu, Michelle O'Connell, Emma Osborne, Emma Preston, Marianna Shek, Holden Sheppard, Jared Thomas, Vikki Wakefield and Felix Wilkins.
Though out the book the stories cover a range of topics love, loss, desire, temptation and terror. These tales will get under your skin and have you thrilled and frightened. The prefect read for the spooky season and for all YA lovers!
I really enjoyed these stories, the addition of the graphic stories were my favourite. Its Quiet Now is the story of lockdown and the monsters that come out. Seek and Destroy is an indigenous story. Rappaccini’s Son a story of facing your demons and Natures Boy a oceanic story of grieving.
This cover is probably one of my favourite covers I’ve every owned, bravo Liz Nicholson. Congratulations to everyone involved on this one!
This anthology is the first #loveOzYa book filled entirely with horror stories. With an amazing line up of Aussie Young Adult authors including two graphic stories.
Authors include, Wai Chim, Sarah Epstein, Alison Evans, Lisa Fuller, Margot McGovern, Poppy Nwosu, Michelle O'Connell, Emma Osborne, Emma Preston, Marianna Shek, Holden Sheppard, Jared Thomas, Vikki Wakefield and Felix Wilkins.
Though out the book the stories cover a range of topics love, loss, desire, temptation and terror. These tales will get under your skin and have you thrilled and frightened. The prefect read for the spooky season and for all YA lovers!
I really enjoyed these stories, the addition of the graphic stories were my favourite. Its Quiet Now is the story of lockdown and the monsters that come out. Seek and Destroy is an indigenous story. Rappaccini’s Son a story of facing your demons and Natures Boy a oceanic story of grieving.
This cover is probably one of my favourite covers I’ve every owned, bravo Liz Nicholson. Congratulations to everyone involved on this one!
November 2, 2021
There are many reasons why I feel lucky to live in Australia, and one of those reasons is definitely the wonderful #loveozya authors we have here.
So many of my favourite authors have contributed short stories to this truly scrary Horror anthology edited by Poppy Nwosu.
Not only did I get to read some new stories from my favourite authors, I also got to find some new favourites.
Hometown Haunts has a story to scare anyone.
From straight-out scare my silly stories from Lisa Fuller and Sarah Epstein to stories that lull you in and then smack you in the face from Poppy Nwosu, Holden Shepperd, Wai Chim and Vikki Wakefield
Do you like a bit of gore with your horror? You will find that here - thanks Sarah Epstein
Like a bit of otherworldness with your horror? You will find that here - thanks Alison Evans
Like reading your horror in graphic novel form? You will find that here - thanks
Emma Preston
Lush and subversive? Yep, Holden Shepperd has you covered.
If you love YA Horror, if you love short stories, if you love a great read.... then get your hands on this book.
Thanks to Wakefieldpress for the review copy of this book.
So many of my favourite authors have contributed short stories to this truly scrary Horror anthology edited by Poppy Nwosu.
Not only did I get to read some new stories from my favourite authors, I also got to find some new favourites.
Hometown Haunts has a story to scare anyone.
From straight-out scare my silly stories from Lisa Fuller and Sarah Epstein to stories that lull you in and then smack you in the face from Poppy Nwosu, Holden Shepperd, Wai Chim and Vikki Wakefield
Do you like a bit of gore with your horror? You will find that here - thanks Sarah Epstein
Like a bit of otherworldness with your horror? You will find that here - thanks Alison Evans
Like reading your horror in graphic novel form? You will find that here - thanks
Emma Preston
Lush and subversive? Yep, Holden Shepperd has you covered.
If you love YA Horror, if you love short stories, if you love a great read.... then get your hands on this book.
Thanks to Wakefieldpress for the review copy of this book.
November 9, 2021
This was good and I intend to use it in English teaching. One of the advantages of a short story is the length (from the point of view of getting reluctant readers in). The fact there were a couple of graphic stories with no text was also a strength. The themes are very current, I could see both the world around me and the concerns of actual young people reflected. I really loved how many queer characters there were but from the point of view of some of my students it would be nice to have some more straight ones too- also because straight relationships need to be written less misogynistic than traditionally.
What was fanstastic was that the authors seemed to be quite diverse and so were the "horrors" they wrote about.
Horror is probably my least favourite genre normally but I could see a lot to like about this anthology. My own kids would have liked it when they were younger.
What was fanstastic was that the authors seemed to be quite diverse and so were the "horrors" they wrote about.
Horror is probably my least favourite genre normally but I could see a lot to like about this anthology. My own kids would have liked it when they were younger.
January 11, 2022
This compilation of short stories by amazing Aussie authors, ran from chilling to utterly bizarre.
Each tale was well written and made the reader think, most having a moral dilemma within.
The tales by Sarah Epstein and Lisa Fuller were stand-outs for me. Chilling and engulfing, I couldn't move until I finished them.
What I loved the most about this anthology, is that it introduces readers to Australian authors that they may have not read before. Allows them to get a feel for their writing style and the language they use. A great way to find your new favourite author!
Each tale was well written and made the reader think, most having a moral dilemma within.
The tales by Sarah Epstein and Lisa Fuller were stand-outs for me. Chilling and engulfing, I couldn't move until I finished them.
What I loved the most about this anthology, is that it introduces readers to Australian authors that they may have not read before. Allows them to get a feel for their writing style and the language they use. A great way to find your new favourite author!
July 9, 2022
A compelling and unique collection of horror stories, nothing too gruesome, but fabulously creepy. One of the stories, Nature Boy, was actually beautiful in its strangeness. The majority of the stories rely on human nature and the dark parts of ourselves that we keep hidden - no need to invent evil, horrific creatures when human themselves can be the most horrific of all.
As I live in country Australia, I particularly liked the 'Aussie-ness' of the stories.
As I live in country Australia, I particularly liked the 'Aussie-ness' of the stories.
August 14, 2022
This collection is ridiculous. Only two stories are less than. All the rest are hair-raising and deeply beautiful and had me looking up the author and adding a book each to my TBR list. That sort of consistent high quality is absurd and practically unheard of in anthologies, especially for me. And a few queer stories in there, too.
Also, I very much regretted reading it at night but also I desperately needed to know and experience. Gah.
Also, I very much regretted reading it at night but also I desperately needed to know and experience. Gah.
November 9, 2021
This is such a great collection of short stories! I love how they all have a spooky vibe, while still being YA. They are all written brilliantly, and all seem to be the perfect length.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and got through it in one sitting.
Thank you so much to Wakefield Press for sending me copy of this one to review.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and got through it in one sitting.
Thank you so much to Wakefield Press for sending me copy of this one to review.
May 21, 2022
3.75. A lot of these were just violent, and I'm definitely more of a psychological horror fan than a gore horror fan, so those just fell flat for me. A few really great, chilling ones in here though. YMMV.
March 3, 2025
A diverse, Australian, indie horror anthology like this deserves way, waaaaaay more attention. While not every story is a hit just like all anthologies, I had a great time overall and now I know the names of some local authors in my one of favourite genres ❤️
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October 14, 2021Rtc over on @chemicalbookdragon on insta on pub day!
January 4, 2022
TW: fatphobia (not called out), racism, ableism, body horror, bullying
A spooky little collection of twisted/dark tales. I quite enjoyed the insperations included by the author's for their pieces.
A spooky little collection of twisted/dark tales. I quite enjoyed the insperations included by the author's for their pieces.
May 12, 2022
My favorites from this anthology: Seek and Destroy by Jared Thomas, Stop Revive Survive by Sarah Epstein, Don't Look by Lisa Fuller, Nature Boy by Poppy Nwosu and Rappacchini's Son by Holden Sheppard
September 28, 2022
This is a great way to get a feel for different Australian authors.
December 30, 2022
3.5*
A good collection of ya horror stories by various Aussie authors. A couple of them were really really good.
A good collection of ya horror stories by various Aussie authors. A couple of them were really really good.
October 19, 2023
3.5 stars
trick or treat (Halloween horror YA anthology version)
loved that the graphic novel short stories were included too
trick or treat (Halloween horror YA anthology version)
loved that the graphic novel short stories were included too
January 8, 2025
Fantastic collection of the spooky, strange and spine-tingling. Loved it.
October 13, 2022
Good Australian dark humour and ghosts aplenty
I enjoyed most of these, rap the first and the last stories.
I enjoyed most of these, rap the first and the last stories.
November 23, 2025
I borrowed this to read during Halloween week, and I wasn't disappointed though most stories weren't on the scary side. Lots of body horror, transformations, puberty blues, angst about not fitting in, vengeful spirits. What I also really enjoyed was how cleverly curated the collection was, so preceding and/or following stories were linked by theme or subject matter. Weirdly, a lot of AC/DC song references too. The quality was consistently high for an anthology and I've since added the other #LoveOzYA collections to my TBR-list to work through over the summer holidays. Standouts for me in this collection were 'Stop Revive Survive' by Sarah Epstein (VERY scary, especially if you're heading on a road trip up the Hume anytime soon!), 'Don't Look' by Lisa Fuller, 'Euryhaline' by Margot McGovern and 'Rappacini's Son' by Holden Sheppard. The future of Australian writing is in good hands if this anthology is any indication.
October 8, 2023
This is a great collection of Australian horror tales, all of them hit the mark and all of them will have you racing to the end.
They all are standouts and each brings about their own sense of foreboding and potential doom.
They all are standouts and each brings about their own sense of foreboding and potential doom.
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