Friday, September 4, 2020

OF WITCHES...... by Steve Stred

 

OF WITCHES........ by Steve Stred

Published Sept. 4th 2020

Published by Black Void Publishing

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(from the book description)

“Of Witches…” the newest collection by dark fiction author, Steve Stred, brings together eight stories all revolving around one of history’s great curiosities – the witch.
Steve Stred will once again take you into the deepest, darkest places.
Accompanied by fifteen stunning photographs/illustrations, as well as an amazing foreword from Miranda Crites, this collection is sure to quench your crone thirst.

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I am always excited when a new book arrives from author Steve Stred. I have know Steve for a few years now and have been lucky enough to read all of his work, even was able to Beta read a few. It is always a thrill to watch a author grow and to see their work change from book to book. Steve has done just that. Every book just keeps getting better and better. Whether it be a period tale of cannibalism, a families trial in the woods, a boy and his wagon or even a very extreme tale of cults and devils, Steve pushes the boundaries and always gives the readers something new.

That leads us to his newest offering, OF WITCHES..... This is an 8 story collection of stories all based around, you guessed it, witches. Six of the stories are brand new for this collection and 2 have been previously published.

Lets take a look at the stories one by one....(as always spoiler free)

IN WAVES

One man waits day after day on the beach with his son waiting for his true love to return.  This is a tale of love, loss and the power of the sea.

 A CAVE, IN THE WOODS

The tale told by a drunken man in a bar. Could it's horrifying secrets be true, and will the listeners of the tale be able to survive it's grisly end.

This story leans a little more towards the authors' more graphic and gore style.

GRANDMA'S LETTERS

 Tommy's Grandmother has died and all she has left him is a brown box full of letters. Alone in his room he discovers a secret hidden within the letters and a strange message. Could Grandma have plans for Tommy? Even from the grave!

THREE WORDS

A camping trip for a young couple turns into a nightmare as they encounter a mysterious hag in the woods. It all comes down to the whispering of three words.

THE WITCH

This story was originally published in LEFT HAND PATH: 13 MORE TALES OF BLACK MAGICK back in 2018. This tale was one of the first stories I had ever read from Steve and I am excited to see it reprinted here again for new readers. This is the longest of the stories in the book and it does not disappoint. 

The story centers on 3 witches that live in the forest outside of  small rustic town. They keep to themselves and the town folk leave them alone. That is until on of the itches falls in love with a bard from the town that triggers consequences that will that will change the lives of all involved. 

The author has crafted a perfect period piece story reminiscent of the classic fairy tales. There is so much character building done within this tale. these may be old haggard witches, but we also see another side of them, that which we do not expect. 

This tale has all the horror and death you would expect, but in the end this is a story of family and the strong bonds of trust and love created just on the other side of the darkness.

THE TREE (THE WITCH PART 2)

This short tale is a direct continuation of the above story. We learn more about the fate of the Bard, the Witches and more following the events that transpired at the conclusion of THE WITCH. A fitting and beautifully melancholy end this story.

WON'T YOU OPEN THE DOOR

This story takes place in the same "world" as THE WITCH and was originally published in THE HORROR COLLECTION: SILVER EDITION.

To me this story almost plays out like a murder mystery. Young Ezekiel and his friend Oliver set off on a journey to return to the property where his brother was murdered by a witch. The trials they endure on the journey are hard, but will not prepare them for what they find at the end of their endeavor.

THE ASSISTANT

Kyle always wanted to be included in the family business. Even when that business was dealing with the dead. What should have a been a routine job turns into a night of horror as Kyle is faced with a task for a woman who should be dead, and is more than she appears.

 

As an added bonus there are 15 beautiful photographs/illustrations thru-out the book done by Miranda Crites that really help set the creepy and dark tone of the book.

 

This is a great collection that will thrill old and new readers alike. The author shows us that there is so much more to the lore of Witches than poison apples and gingerbread houses.


OF WITCHES..... can be purchased in ebook and print on AMAZON.

You can read more about the author and illustrator on their web pages!

STEVE STRED

MIRANDA CRITES


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