First Hunt

by A. Lopez Jr.

*This paperback is part of the Short Story Pocketbook Collection* A family hunting trip. An unseen evil. A weekend gone horribly wrong. A father plans a hunting trip for his son, Benjamin, on his birthday. Along for the ride are his dad's two best friends and regular hunting mates. With Benjamin excited to take his first hunting trip, he jumps in with the three men he has looked up to in his young life. They hit the road to hunt elk in a remote location deep in the wintery Arizona forest. After they arrive, they settle in and set their plans for the hunt. Soon after, one of them discovers an old abandoned shack deep in the woods…one with a hellish evil inside. Soon, things change and their weekend is turned upside down and surviving is the only way out. Told in the first person, from Benjamin's point of view, this story will take you down a dark path to the unbelievable ending. Unseen evil is the worst kind.

Genres: Horror

95 pages, Paperback

Published November 21, 2021

About the author

Born and raised in Texas and now residing in Arizona. I am an avid reader and big Houston Sports Fan. I play chess everyday when I'm not squeezing in a little time for writing. I published my first work Purgatory - 13 Tales of the Macabre and Floor Four - A Novella of Horror, an Amazon Bestseller in Occult Horror. Also completed is Night Dreams, an episodic series in seven parts that can be read separately or in one complete novel. My column, 'Ask AJ', appeared in All Authors Magazine online and I have had short stories published on Dark River Press, The Sirens Call eZine Issue #14 and the anthologies, State of Horror Illinois published by Charon Coin Press and Concordant Vibrancy published by All Authors Publishing. You can connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and my website, alopezjr.com.

Reviews

[Peter Topside · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This was an absolutely fantastic novella. It was short and sweet, making complete use of its time. Benji is a great, fascinating lead. Most of the story is a flashback of the deadly event that he experienced with his father and two friends on their hunting trip. But that added to the intrigue of the plot here. Very early on, we learn that something bad happened at that cabin in the woods, and that hooked me immediately. We didn’t know what, but whatever it was would alter this young man’s life. The lead up and all the uncertainty was placed perfectly to make me want…no…have to know what happened in those woods. And it wasn’t the expected torture and gore that I anticipated. It was a more subtle execution of horror. A simple, terrifying concept that will haunt me as much as it did Benji. I could draw some parallels to Kristopher Triana’s Gone to See the River Man, but purely for the atmosphere created by both wonderful works. My only critique is that I wanted the ending a little more fleshed out, especially as it pertained to Benji’s sister. That part just felt like it came on a bit abruptly, but with some very minor adjustments, could have layered some more great effect to this story. All fans of horror should give this a look.

[Richard K. Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS is why I do NOT go into the woods or into places where I have no fucking idea where I am or why I am there!!!! WTH did I just read? An INSTANT and very short (only 90 pages!!) horror classic!

Check out my video review of this book here on my channel; Nightmares, Tears, Anyone?
https://youtu.be/tYpROHNI3XU


Okay, now as I have said before the author A. Lopez Jr. has scared the shit out out of me before....but to do it in LESS than 100 pages, and in less than 90 mins!!? Now, I cannot say too much about this small and short story/book, and yes, Junior you REALLY need to publish the longer intense version....I am wanting so much more of the colors....'Read and White'!! Cant say anymore except read this terrifying as HELL and very intense story of a young 10 year old boys 'First Hunt' and excursion into the darkest of pits of hell...and in the middle of the woods!!! Thanks again Jr. for scaring the shit out of me.....AGAIN!!!! NEVER again will i ever listen to organ music, or see a very antiseptic room of white, and be the same. If I was religious, i would go and pray some where, but not at a temple..... lol.
And as the author told me....."Richard, stay out of the woods!!" Don't worry...I will.

5+ 😱😱😱😱😱

[Dixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

have never read this author but will seek his stuff out now. good book. new twist and loved the characters. just a really awesome book.

[Rich Padzik · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cabin that kills

Tt his is a fast and interesting book. You get to the point very quickly, and does not let you go. A great read for anyone above eighteen.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was not expecting this kind of story. Was a creepy short story. A quick read but I real page turner.

[deidra · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Hunt by A. Lopez Jr. is a coming-of-age short story about a hunting trip that goes horribly wrong. a young boy's first hunt is a celebration, a time of pride between a father and son. Benj and his father have an exciting time planned, hunting elk in a remote area with Benj's two uncles. this will be a cherished memory for a young boy to remember.
his first hunt.
but things don't go exactly as they planned. in the darkness of the forest, far away from peering eyes, a sickness can take root and grow undiscovered. an evil that would normally have to hide will be given free rein in the wilderness.
First Hunt was very enjoyable. the characters were memorable and the story's setting fairly oozed with menace. this was definitely a slam dunk home run.
highly recommended.
5 stars out of 5.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick read - I read this in one sitting which is very rare for me. Story of a father who takes his 10 year old son into the woods for his first hunt. Two of the father's friends accompany them on this trip. Bad things happen when they wander from their campsite and encounter an old abandoned cabin. I liked the novella. It's told from first person perspective of the the 10 year old son recounting what happened years ago. I wasn't necessarily a fan of that as he told somewhat what happened in the first few pages. So, there was not much suspense in this book as you sort of knew what happened just not how it happened. Nevertheless, another good A Lopez book - this is the 4th or 5th I've read by him and will continue to read more.

[Haley Little · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have noticed I am a bit picky with novellas because they go so quick that there is no time for the story to develop. This one was not as well executed for me. The story was here and then gone. This story gave off Blair Witch Project vibes to me. It was definitely creepy don't get me wrong, but I feel like it was just like "oh that happened", and then it was over. This is another that I feel could have had more benefit from being a little longer.

[Maggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wanted a short book to start 2023 with. I didn’t hate this book but it definitely left something to be desired. I thought it would be like Stolen Tongues where I was on the edge of my seat and was scared for days after. This book was ok and would be good to make a reading goal but I wouldn’t recommend. It’s too short to connect with any of the characters and it makes it hard to have an emotional response when the big plot line happens

[DELIA SHEPPARD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spooky

Ok one thing, wish it was a longer story. But it was really good .Left me wanting more , what was that place what happened there. Questions unanswered... Still a good reads...

[Ron D · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short Story, not even a Novella

Really disappointed as the plot offered so much more. The characters are poorly defined and the scene settings are basically non-existent. The gate keeper ought to be held accountable for the deaths; along with the property owner.

[Jann Pflieger · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stuff of Nightmares

What a great read! The characters and storyline are very believable. You find yourself slipping into the role of Benjamin and can actually picture yourself living this nightmare.

[Lottie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book with an unexpected ending.

[MIKE OKELLEY · Rating 4 out of 5]

very confusing read not really sure what happened and how. first person not my taste.

[Rose Haskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunted

A really great story of the supernatural haunted room. Kept mebon the edge of my seat. Was disappointed that there wasn't a second story coming.

[Ramah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice quick read!

Loved this short story! I was captivated the entire time. Awesome and original plot, very creepy! I highly recommend and will read more of this authors works

[B. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just sort of blah. This novella could have easily been condensed into a 20 page short story. To me this seems like a creative writing project by a high school student who enjoys found footage films.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Hunt, Last Hunt?

As a hunter, this story sent chills down my spine. I loved the eerie surroundings this book is set in. I never saw the end coming. And I loved it!

[Abbie McCaig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect short horror story

[Ione DeOllos · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book moved a little slow in the beginning but when the author for to the meat it moved rapidly. The end was good but a bit of a let down. If you have read horror, you could almost guess what the end might be.

[KaylaMae Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, good short story, wanted more.