In the Arctic Sun by Rowan Hill

-

I have a soft spot for debut books and when I had the chance to read an ARC for Rowan Hills' debut novella, I was excited.. and not disappointed. I was also not prepared for this one.

After a painful separation, Sarah is alone in her arctic home when she starts hearing and seeing strange things around her home. Scratches on the roof, doors that won't stay closed and a mysterious presence in her basement are her new companions.

Sarah is isolated by more than just her location. As the situation in her home grows more dire, she turns to the men around her, but they in turn doubt and distrust her. In turn, Sarah grows more desperate until she is forced to take matters into her own hands.

This novella is tense and gripping. The story builds into a violent climax and an ending I did not predict.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Monthly Microfiction - December 2021 - Billy's Special Blanket

-
Billy's Special Blanket       Billy tightened the blanket his mother made him around his head. She promised no monsters could hurt him through his special blanket.    The closet door creaked open and all of the monster’s legs spilled out. It crawled across the floor and up onto the bed. A multitude of legs prodded Billy. The monster roared when it could not breach the blanket’s power.  In fury, the monster flailed about, destroying Billy’s room.   His parents charged down the hall and through the door. Then screamed in terror when the creature attacked.    Billy was safe under the blanket, but his parents were not.       Originally published in Beneath from Ghost Orchid Press on May 5, 2021  
Read more

Monthly Microfiction: Under the Ice

-
 Under the Ice  I came to the lake to rescue my sister. Ice covers its surface and I drop to my knees. Together, we bang against the icy barrier between us as I spout useless apologies. Her angry eyes gut me. I didn’t mean to condemn her to this when I brought her body here. Local legend claimed she would come back on the thirteenth day of winter. It did not mention the ice. With a loud crack, her hands break through. Joy fills me but quickly turns to terror when instead of escaping, she pulls me down under the ice with her.   Originally published in Beneath from Ghost Orchid Press on May 5, 2021
Read more

Review: It Calls from the Veil by Eerie River

-
Image
“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
Read more