⭐⭐⭐ When I first read The Lost World years ago, I remember absolutely tearing through it. I loved it almost as much as Jurassic Park, which is no small thing. At the time, it felt like a worthy continuation: more dinosaurs, more danger, more of that Crichton techno-thriller momentum that made his work so addictive. … Continue reading A Nostalgic Reread That Doesn’t Quite Hold Up
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’m honestly not quite sure what to say about Morsels by Abe Moss. It’s one of those books that isn’t bad at all — the writing’s solid, the pacing works fine — but for some reason it just feels very… average. “Meh” really sums it up. I didn’t dislike it, but I never felt … Continue reading Decently Readable, But Mostly Meh
⭐⭐⭐⭐ I never thought I would say it, but it was a real pleasure to read a story from the perspective of someone so utterly unhinged. Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito is not your usual historical novel – it’s a dark, twisted character study wrapped up in lace, corsets, and all the suffocating etiquette of … Continue reading A Fascinating Descent into Madness
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I went into Episode Thirteen with cautious optimism. I’ve picked up a fair few books lately that had been hyped up online, only to find them flat, predictable, or just not worth the buzz. Honestly, I was ready for another disappointment, but wow, Craig DiLouie completely blindsided me with this one in the best … Continue reading A Chilling, Clever Horror That Exceeded Every Expectation
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Lamb by Lucy Rose is one of those books that creeps under your skin almost from the first page, and once it’s there, it refuses to leave. It’s hard to believe this is a debut because the voice is so assured, the world so fully realised, and the atmosphere so thick with tension … Continue reading A Feast of Darkness, Beauty, and Motherhood
⭐⭐ I went into Overgrowth by Mira Grant with high hopes. The premise was strong, and the opening chapter had a tight atmosphere and a hint of something bigger beneath the surface. I was genuinely intrigued for a while—it felt like it might evolve into something creepy and original. But sadly, it didn’t. What started … Continue reading A Promising Seed Choked by Its Own Vines
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker completely sank its claws into me from the first page. I’ve always loved horror with folklore at its core, but this took it to another level — eerie, brutal, and layered with real emotional weight. The story pulls no punches, exploring grief, … Continue reading Dark, unsettling, and beautifully written — and weirdly timed for me in the most fitting way possible
The moment I've been waiting for (and nervously anticipating) has finally arrived – sign-ups are officially open for ARC copies of Short Sharp Shock! It’s surreal to be this close to sharing my collection of horror stories with the world, and I’m excited to offer a sneak peek to readers who crave chilling tales and … Continue reading Get Ready for a Shock: ARC Sign-Ups for Short Sharp Shock Are Now Live!
As writers, we often hear the advice that to improve our writing, we must read widely. This counsel is not only a staple in creative writing courses but also a well-worn truth embraced by authors across the ages. Reading is an essential component of honing our craft, providing a foundation upon which we build our … Continue reading The Impact of Reading on Writing
If you read this blog regularly, you’ll already know that I’ve recently started doing a creative writing degree at university. What I’ve not said is that I’m not yet doing my degree proper; I’m doing what’s termed a “Foundation Year”. As I’m a mature student and haven’t been in education since I was 17, the … Continue reading What is a Foundation Year at University?
Gareth Ellis - Author 