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It Calls From the Veil: Anthology of Paranormal Horror
Delve into the darkness and discover the world of your nightmares.
Eighteen terrifying tales of what lurks behind the veil.
A make-belief monster becomes all too real, a mother's hate doesn't stop at death, a late-night work call becomes a fight between life and death, a urban legend becomes all too real.
Filled with supernatural and paranormal thrills and chills. These are not your mother's bedtime stories.
You have been warned.
Eighteen terrifying tales of what lurks behind the veil.
A make-belief monster becomes all too real, a mother's hate doesn't stop at death, a late-night work call becomes a fight between life and death, a urban legend becomes all too real.
Filled with supernatural and paranormal thrills and chills. These are not your mother's bedtime stories.
You have been warned.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2022
12 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Boucker
12 books11 followersRachael Boucker doesn't know how she got on this planet, but she sure as celibate, shelved Seans doesn't know how to get off it.
She's settled in the Forest of Dean UK, a hub for peculiar beings, with her human Richard (enslaved in a long term relationship) and three hybrid semi-sentient miniatures.
With a tentative connection to the hive mind, Rachael listens in on strange stories spanning multiple dimensions, and passes these eavesdroppings off as fiction, mostly horror and fantasy. Sci-fi can be triggering, dredging up memories of the spacebound life she left behind, but she does occasionally indulge in this genre. Look out for her Night Order dark fantasy series, being published by Eerie River Publishing.
She's settled in the Forest of Dean UK, a hub for peculiar beings, with her human Richard (enslaved in a long term relationship) and three hybrid semi-sentient miniatures.
With a tentative connection to the hive mind, Rachael listens in on strange stories spanning multiple dimensions, and passes these eavesdroppings off as fiction, mostly horror and fantasy. Sci-fi can be triggering, dredging up memories of the spacebound life she left behind, but she does occasionally indulge in this genre. Look out for her Night Order dark fantasy series, being published by Eerie River Publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 7, 2022
First off this book is gorgeous. From the creepy cover to the gravestones stamped across the bottom of the pages, to the white text with black background on the first page of each story that makes the titles pop, kudos to whoever designed it.
As for the stories, the quick synopsis does not do justice to the terrifying tales and talented writers who created them.
As I settled in to read this anthology, I noticed that although the authors' names are new to me, they write like seasoned pros so I am surprised that I am not familiar with their previous works. By the time I was several stories deep, I had already steeled myself for the clunkers that I was sure must be coming up. I read, and I read, expecting that there would have to be a swing and a miss eventually, but it never arrived. Whether you are looking for a book to get you in the mood for spooky season, or whether you are like me, enjoying scary stories all year round, this is the anthology for you. Full of suspense and ever-increasing dread each story was a gleefully gruesome experience.
Some of my favorites were Little Feet by RB Kelly in which a cozy family Christmas vacation is interrupted by a creepy doll.
Done Deal by Colin Leonard may make you think twice about bargain hunting for top of the line furniture as one dad comes to regret his purchase.
Hide and Seek by Nu Yang is a creepy story about a scarecrow and the boy who doesn't want him to be replaced.
A girl tells her brother about a monster from a nursery rhyme in Mr. Chew by Angela Sylvane I enjoyed not only the creepy story but the rhyme itself was great too.
A divorced dad spends some quality time with his daughter at Playland by C.M. Forest
A plumber in need of extra cash takes a night job in Midnight Visit by Constantine E. Kiousis
Young lovers hope that the ghost of Shrieking Willow by Amanda Cecelia Lang will bless their union.
There is something for every horror lover in this book whether you are looking for stories of strange creatures, the undead, or angry spirits.
5 out of 5 stars
My Thanks to Eerie River Publishing for the invitation to read this book.
As for the stories, the quick synopsis does not do justice to the terrifying tales and talented writers who created them.
As I settled in to read this anthology, I noticed that although the authors' names are new to me, they write like seasoned pros so I am surprised that I am not familiar with their previous works. By the time I was several stories deep, I had already steeled myself for the clunkers that I was sure must be coming up. I read, and I read, expecting that there would have to be a swing and a miss eventually, but it never arrived. Whether you are looking for a book to get you in the mood for spooky season, or whether you are like me, enjoying scary stories all year round, this is the anthology for you. Full of suspense and ever-increasing dread each story was a gleefully gruesome experience.
Some of my favorites were Little Feet by RB Kelly in which a cozy family Christmas vacation is interrupted by a creepy doll.
Done Deal by Colin Leonard may make you think twice about bargain hunting for top of the line furniture as one dad comes to regret his purchase.
Hide and Seek by Nu Yang is a creepy story about a scarecrow and the boy who doesn't want him to be replaced.
A girl tells her brother about a monster from a nursery rhyme in Mr. Chew by Angela Sylvane I enjoyed not only the creepy story but the rhyme itself was great too.
A divorced dad spends some quality time with his daughter at Playland by C.M. Forest
A plumber in need of extra cash takes a night job in Midnight Visit by Constantine E. Kiousis
Young lovers hope that the ghost of Shrieking Willow by Amanda Cecelia Lang will bless their union.
There is something for every horror lover in this book whether you are looking for stories of strange creatures, the undead, or angry spirits.
5 out of 5 stars
My Thanks to Eerie River Publishing for the invitation to read this book.
July 31, 2022
This was one of the best anthologies I've read in a while. Most of the stories were scary and some were disturbly so.
September 29, 2022
This collection is absolutely amazing!! Every story was so hauntingly gorgeous. A perfect book to grab for spooky season! Plus it’s on Kindle Unlimited so what are you waiting for?? Go get it!
July 6, 2022
I received this ARC in exchange for an unbiased opinion.
This anthology started very strongly and managed to keep the pace well! I found the first story by Holley Cornetto to be atmospheric and gripping… and the decline was really thrilling. Her prose is beautiful!
The second story was just incredible. The author has such a strong voice in their writing- I couldn’t put it down. Add to that the creepiness of the story itself. One of the best short stories I have ever read.
Another shoutout to The Oily. I really like a good haunted house story… and this one delivered … and in very few pages.
Was EVERY story in this anthology a knock out? No. But I didn’t find myself hating any of them. Another win by Eerie River. Legitimately scary in some parts!
This anthology started very strongly and managed to keep the pace well! I found the first story by Holley Cornetto to be atmospheric and gripping… and the decline was really thrilling. Her prose is beautiful!
The second story was just incredible. The author has such a strong voice in their writing- I couldn’t put it down. Add to that the creepiness of the story itself. One of the best short stories I have ever read.
Another shoutout to The Oily. I really like a good haunted house story… and this one delivered … and in very few pages.
Was EVERY story in this anthology a knock out? No. But I didn’t find myself hating any of them. Another win by Eerie River. Legitimately scary in some parts!
July 16, 2022
I received this ARC with the expectation I read and provide a review. As a long time lover of all things that go bump in the night, I thoroughly enjoyed this collection! These short stories can be read in 15-20min (give or take depending on your speed), some stories left me wanting more and could easily be turned into a novella or book (A Few Small Repairs, Little Feet, Done Deal, Cold Baptism, Goodbye, Harrow Hearts just to name a few). All in all they were engaging and entertaining reads! I imagine it’s difficult to find original ideas and I commend these writers for doing just that! Great works by everyone!
July 27, 2022
It Calls from the Veil by Eerie River
“Eighteen terrifying tales of what lurks behind the veil.”
I’ve now read several collections from Eerie River and even with one theme, they always deliver a wide variety of stories, characters, and chills. In our daily lives, the veil separating us from death seems strong, but in this collection, the curtain is little more than thin gauze and dark creatures have no problems creeping through.
Typically when I review an anthology, I try to pick my favourite three stories to highlight, but there were five stories that really stood out for me.
Little Feet by RB Kelly
Alison, her husband, Ben, and their daughter, Mia visit an isolated cabin for Christmas. Setting this tale in the heart of winter, far from their home, added the element of isolation. When they arrive, little Mia finds a creepy doll and becomes obsessed with it. The doll terrifies Alison and begins to torment the family. Alison has to face her seemingly irrational fears to keep her family safe. I appreciated that Ben, despite not being completely on board with Alison’s fears, tried to understand. It kept the story from falling into a predictable conflict that I’ve seen too many times.
Cold Baptism by CA McDonald
Cold Baptism starts as a gritty crime story, but quickly evolves into something more. Julietta is a psychic who helps the police force with unusual cases. When she is called in on the latest case, she finds herself in over her head. I enjoyed the dynamic between the non-believer Roland and Julietta. The two had strong chemistry that ignited their scenes.
Playland by C.M. Forest
Not only was this story one of the eeriest, it was also one of the saddest. Robert only sees his daughter, Lily, once a month and he wants to do the best he can in a short time. As a legal assistant who works in family law, I recognized the conflict that I hear about at work all the time: ex-spouses arguing over their time with their kids. This detail added an element of reality to the tragedy of “Playland” that made the story feel all the more real.
Hunted by Rachael Boucker
It’s hard to discuss what I enjoyed most about this story without spoiling it. Toward the end of the story, the main character makes a decision that surprised me enough I had to read it a couple of times.
Shrieking Willow by Amanda Cecelia
This story might be my favourite one. Two young people attempt to recreate what they think is a romantic urban legend, but the story they have heard is not as it seems. The story unfolds well and keeps the reader engaged. Setting is key for this story and the descriptions of the trees are delightfully disturbing - “the aspen stands bent at an extreme angle, and the top branches skew sideways, the sparse leaves twitching like fingers”.
“Eighteen terrifying tales of what lurks behind the veil.”
I’ve now read several collections from Eerie River and even with one theme, they always deliver a wide variety of stories, characters, and chills. In our daily lives, the veil separating us from death seems strong, but in this collection, the curtain is little more than thin gauze and dark creatures have no problems creeping through.
Typically when I review an anthology, I try to pick my favourite three stories to highlight, but there were five stories that really stood out for me.
Little Feet by RB Kelly
Alison, her husband, Ben, and their daughter, Mia visit an isolated cabin for Christmas. Setting this tale in the heart of winter, far from their home, added the element of isolation. When they arrive, little Mia finds a creepy doll and becomes obsessed with it. The doll terrifies Alison and begins to torment the family. Alison has to face her seemingly irrational fears to keep her family safe. I appreciated that Ben, despite not being completely on board with Alison’s fears, tried to understand. It kept the story from falling into a predictable conflict that I’ve seen too many times.
Cold Baptism by CA McDonald
Cold Baptism starts as a gritty crime story, but quickly evolves into something more. Julietta is a psychic who helps the police force with unusual cases. When she is called in on the latest case, she finds herself in over her head. I enjoyed the dynamic between the non-believer Roland and Julietta. The two had strong chemistry that ignited their scenes.
Playland by C.M. Forest
Not only was this story one of the eeriest, it was also one of the saddest. Robert only sees his daughter, Lily, once a month and he wants to do the best he can in a short time. As a legal assistant who works in family law, I recognized the conflict that I hear about at work all the time: ex-spouses arguing over their time with their kids. This detail added an element of reality to the tragedy of “Playland” that made the story feel all the more real.
Hunted by Rachael Boucker
It’s hard to discuss what I enjoyed most about this story without spoiling it. Toward the end of the story, the main character makes a decision that surprised me enough I had to read it a couple of times.
Shrieking Willow by Amanda Cecelia
This story might be my favourite one. Two young people attempt to recreate what they think is a romantic urban legend, but the story they have heard is not as it seems. The story unfolds well and keeps the reader engaged. Setting is key for this story and the descriptions of the trees are delightfully disturbing - “the aspen stands bent at an extreme angle, and the top branches skew sideways, the sparse leaves twitching like fingers”.
September 1, 2022
If you are looking for something to bring you into the spooky season ahead then I recommend this book of short stories. Some with a Black Mirror meets American Horror Stories vibe but each unique in their own way. Each author creates their own world that is diverse from the what might seem unusual to others relationships to family dynamics some just darn right disturbing at least to me. If you want unique and twisted tales of haunted house, creepy dolls, child of the corn like child, and bring back mommy dearest then you need look no further. I quite literally devoured this in a day and made me pumped for more chilling tales this upcoming autumn and Halloween season. And for those that like to jump ahead there is even one set around Christmas time. All in all another thrilling offering from amazing authors brought together by Eerie River Publishing.
Also never skip reading the about the author(s) at the back some of those are quite amusing and creative as well.
Thank you Eerie River for another amazing ARC.
Also never skip reading the about the author(s) at the back some of those are quite amusing and creative as well.
Thank you Eerie River for another amazing ARC.
July 8, 2022
Ghostly and macabre encounters
A collection of creepy stories which are gut wrenching. A hide and seek game and a scarecrow from hell. A cheap bargain which can cost you your life. A painting of a well which sucks your soul. A playground for kids which is menacing. A house with a dreadful secret. These and other stories in this book are a treat for horror buffs like me. Each author has given a brilliant depiction of encounters from beyond the veil. Enjoyed the chills from this book.
A collection of creepy stories which are gut wrenching. A hide and seek game and a scarecrow from hell. A cheap bargain which can cost you your life. A painting of a well which sucks your soul. A playground for kids which is menacing. A house with a dreadful secret. These and other stories in this book are a treat for horror buffs like me. Each author has given a brilliant depiction of encounters from beyond the veil. Enjoyed the chills from this book.
July 15, 2022
Another great anthology from Eerie River. These stories were spooky! I found myself having to put the book down sometimes once a story was done, too chilling to read all at once! Shout out to the stories with small children, those were especially terrifying.
July 9, 2022
Terrifying tales of all types. Amazing read. Chilling stories.
July 18, 2022
This was so fun to read! It covered all my favorite scary topics from ghost, possessions, to haunted dolls. They may be short stories but they definitely pack a big scare.
August 8, 2023
that was such an interesting collection! lots of disturbing & scary stories. i liked some more than others but i feel that’s inevitable in such a large anthology.
my favorite has to be “midnight visit” by constantine e. kiousis. i liked the way it was written and it was so creepy i loved it
some honorable mentions are:
-goodbye by shelby suderman
-hide and seek by nu yang
-little feet by RB kelly
-playland by C.M. forest
-shrieking widow by amanda cecelia lang
my favorite has to be “midnight visit” by constantine e. kiousis. i liked the way it was written and it was so creepy i loved it
some honorable mentions are:
-goodbye by shelby suderman
-hide and seek by nu yang
-little feet by RB kelly
-playland by C.M. forest
-shrieking widow by amanda cecelia lang
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December 8, 2022So many ghosts! 👻
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August 2, 2024I only read the story Goodbye by Shelby Suderman since I saw it featured a qpr.
The short starts with us meeting Rachel being taken care of by paramedics and interrogated by a police officer. In a series of flashbacks, we learn what happened to her and Liv in the first place.
The horror aspect did little for me, I'm not one for ghost stories and Ouija boards. The writing style did not have me hanging in suspense as to what would happen next and the antagonist was to undefined for me to be creeped out by it.
But I loved all the little hints we get at how the two live and spend their life together and how umcompromising they are about to the rest of the world. That part was well done.
The short starts with us meeting Rachel being taken care of by paramedics and interrogated by a police officer. In a series of flashbacks, we learn what happened to her and Liv in the first place.
The horror aspect did little for me, I'm not one for ghost stories and Ouija boards. The writing style did not have me hanging in suspense as to what would happen next and the antagonist was to undefined for me to be creeped out by it.
But I loved all the little hints we get at how the two live and spend their life together and how umcompromising they are about to the rest of the world. That part was well done.
January 27, 2025
Awesome!
This was a great read. The finesse and creativity of the writers was astonishing. Will definitely be following in the future
This was a great read. The finesse and creativity of the writers was astonishing. Will definitely be following in the future
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews