“Spellbound: A Horror Anthology” is the fourth book in the horror anthology series – compiled by award winning author, Dan Alatorre, and featuring talents such as Robbie Cheadle, Geoff Le Pard, Dabney Farmer, and many more.
Like the previous anthologies, this short story collection is all about chills and thrills, with its horror stories playing upon the psyche and churning the stomach. There’s a little something for everyone in this collection – though it helps if you’re a horror fan – and bite-sized fiction is often the easiest to read when you’re pressed for time (as we all are these days). Though…you might want to steer clear of reading these chillers just before bed!
The stand-out stories for me in “Spellbound” are Robbie Cheadle’s “Death is About Choices” (a look at an Incan sacrificial ritual), Dabney Farmer’s “Bloody Feathers” (a tale of comeppuance, rage, and chicken feathers), and Betty Valentine’s “King of the Underworld” (a glimpse into a ghost’s dreary afterlife).
On the strength of “Spellbound” and the previous title, “Nightmareland”, I now call myself a devoted fan of the ‘Box Under the Bed’ series, and futher, can highly recommend this series to those who enjoy goosebumps, frights, and entertaining stories. Keep your eyes open for the next installment: Wings and Fire!
Purchase HERE
Sounds good! Short scary stories are perfect before bedtime so you have some very interesting dreams.:-)
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Geez, my dreams are bad enough without the short scary stories! Speaking of, I just finished ‘The Sun Sets Nontheless’… WOW. What a story. You have a brilliant writing style, my dear. So far, hands down, it’s the standout story in the Vampire Connoisseur.
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Thanks for this lovely review, Jessica. I’m glad you enjoyed the story of the Inca child sacrifices – quite chilling!
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It was a great collection, Robbie, and yes, your Inca story was so chilling. I think because that actually used to happen 🥺
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Yes, I also find real stories much more chilling. My new story is also based on a real myth and is rather horrid. I also gathered some great new writing material during our trip to the battlefields. I love wars [in the nicest way].
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Oh, I forgot to say, your story (Vigilante Justice) in W&F was blood curdling!! Probably one of the most stomach churning stories I’ve read in a long time. I might have to pass over my crown as ‘gore queen’ 🙂
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Sadly, Jessica, that story is based on true facts about what is happening with farm murders here in South Africa. I felt compelled to share about this in my own way. It is horrific. While we were away, I made everyone lock their doors every night and we all had knives and pepper spray next to our beds. This is the reality of current day South Africa.
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Bloody hell. I thought SA had calmed down these days. I guess not 😟
You just be careful, ok ❤️
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We are careful, Jessica. It has not calmed down, the crime levels are the highest ever. We are planning to move to the UK permanently at the end of 2021. Hopefully, Covid doesn’t upset these plans.
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Good to hear, my friend 🤗
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A Great review, I hope that you enjoyed them all there are certainly some spine tinglers between the cover.
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Thanks, Ellen, and yep, I agree!
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I love the idea of a horror anthology. For exactly the reason Priscilla said.
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Sometimes I find story “bites” a lot easier to digest than a whole long novel – especially when I’m writing my own (translation: I’m way too easily distracted) 🙂
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I find myself easily distracted, too. And it seems to be getting get worse and worse lately.
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I have to catch up with reading this. It sounds a great collection!
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I think there’s a few tinglers in there that would appeal to you, Mae 🙂
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Great review, Jess. These anthologies are wonderful reads as well as opportunities for a diverse group of writers to share their talents. I haven’t read this one, but it sounds chilling. Thanks for the recommendation. 🙂
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I’m sure you’d find a story or two to chill you in here, D 🙂
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Thanks for sharing, Jessica.
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Thanks for popping by, John 🙂
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😁
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I’ve read one or two books in this series? I’m behind – as usual. Fab review, Jess!
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“Behind – as usual” – ahahaha! Story of my life 🙂
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Amazing anthologies. Thanks for sharing this.
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Thanks for popping by, Jacqui 🙂
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Nice review Jessica! Horror stories give me nightmares and headaches. 🙂
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Better stay away then, Balroop! 🙂
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