The Hand

by C.F. Page

"The Hand" is a short story that exists in my Anterior mythos. Or does it exist?

If you enjoy, please consider my debut novel Native Fear, which is loosely connected.

Genres: Short Stories, Horror

22 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2022

Reviews

[Netanella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really, really enjoyed this short story written in the style of Lovecraft, with all the pathos and emotion of a Lovecraft narrator experiencing overwhelming terror in mind and soul, but without the icky nativism and racism that often pervaded ol' Howie's works.

I'm really, really impressed with this author's ability to put pen to paper. Kudos, my man, and I am looking forward to the full-length novel, Native Fear.

[Kate Victoria RescueandReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cosmic weirdness abounds in this tale. I enjoyed the different mediums used to convey the plot and build suspense: letter, email, 911 call, etc.
It was a great story, although I had to take a minute to wrap my mind around the concepts of the eldritch beings being discussed.

[Perry The Ghost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, I discovered this short story from Lovecraft’s subreddit. And for good reason—this story reads like Lovecraft, although it’s a little too short for my liking. That might knock off half a star. I do think the deliberate effect Page has on the reader is one of great craftsmanship.

Another thing to note. “The Hand” is a low concept story about letter written by scientist studying an artifact, a scientist that seemingly doesn’t exist; then the story shifts into an email exchange between a professor and a CIA personnel regarding the letter (it was on a corpse in Russia, with an American passport, thus its being taken seriously).

If you’re into Lovecraft, definitely check this out.

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this short story in C.F. Page's forthcoming collection, 'Orphans of the Atercosm.' I can't praise it enough. The story is hardcore cosmic horror, with a very strong dash of occult horror and an epistolary horror feel. A terrific must-read!

[Jules Flack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This man sure can write! In reading this it felt like I'd stumbled upon a lost Lovecraft tale. Excellent short story, highly recommended.

[Willie Heredia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very short story but extremely well-written. C.F Page has a tight grasp on dread throughout and keeps the mysteriously haunting story of "The Hand" as ominous as possible. This was the first work I've read of his and I'll definitely be checking out his novel, Native Fear, eventually. Highly recommend to those who love writing that borders on poetry.