News

“13 Views of the Suicide Woods” is a Masterpiece Collection of Sorrows and Horror

Published

7 years ago

June 11, 2017

Written by Shannon McGrew

When it comes to horror novels, it’s become harder and harder to find qualities ones. However, every now and then you stumble upon one that absolutely blows your mind. One of the books that I was most looking forward to cracking open this year was “13 Views of the Suicide Woods” by author Bracken MacLeod, as I had heard nothing but positive accolades from those within the horror community who had read it. This anthology of short stories perfectly delves into the horror that inhabitants the darkest corners of the mind where pain, terror, and heartache reside.

When it comes to anthologies, they can be hit or miss. More often than naught, there are a few stories that don’t seem to correlate with the overall theme of what the author is trying to convey. But that is something we don’t have to worry about with “13 Views of the Suicide Woods” since Bracken MacLeod hits the nail on the coffin every single time. Each and every story is just as capable of gutting you as the last while continuing to stay true to the essential topic on hand.

The stories range from supernatural horrors, such as vampires and spirits, to man-made terrors of murder, violence, and vengeance. Each story, without exceptions, packs a punch, and considering most of the stories have to do with how vile human nature can be, it leaves you questioning humanity and even those closest to you. A part of me wondered, how was MacLeod inspired and how was he able to get in the headspace to be able to write such vividly harrowing stories.

What I liked most about “13 Views of the Suicide Woods” is that there is something for every horror fan. There are enough stories to keep the attention of the readers from the moment they first open the book to the absolute finish, while also being unique in delivering each tale. This having been my first encounter with MacLeod’s writing, I was impressed to see that not every story conveyed that it was written by the same person (even though it was) as MacLeod was able to make each narrative different from the last. Because of that, it allowed me to be fully immersed into whatever was unfolding with each new story.

I wish I could pick a favorite story out of all the ones presented in this collection, but it’s incredibly hard due to how expertly crafted each tale of terror was. However, there were a few stories that stayed with me long after. The first being “Still Day: An Ending”. What I loved so much about this short was the incredible detail to the surroundings which gave a false sense of comfort for what was to come; only to then have it shattered by the slaughter of life. The juxtaposition between the two was done perfectly and is one of the best highlights of the entire anthology.

Along with “Still Day: An Ending”, I also enjoyed “Blood Makes the Grass Grow” as the narrative stereotype is flipped on its head and proves that no one is ever as they seem. Then there was “Pure Blood and Evergreen”, a new take on vampires that strikes an eerily similar chord to Hitler’s horrific reign, specifically in regards to concentration camps. Lastly, “Mine, Not Yours”, is a harrowing tale of human depravity, the sins of the Church, and just how far a father will go to seek vengeance for his daughter. In the end, each story will leave you shaken and disturbed for days to come.

Overall, “13 Views of the Suicide Woods” is an anthology I would recommend to everyone who is looking for fresh horror material to read. The stories are impactful and raw, never holding back where other might, but never being disrespectful or over-the-top towards some of the heavier themes presented. MacLeod is a true talent and a master at weaving incredibly detailed stories from beginning to end. He has an eye for detail which helps in bringing each tale to life in all it’s horrific glory. Mark my words, “13 Tales of the Suicide Woods” is one anthology you most certainly do not want to miss out on.

For more information or to order a copy of “13 Views of the Suicide Woods” visit Braken MacLeod’s site HERE.

'Civil War' Review: Is It Worth Watching?

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Movies

Trailer for ‘The Exorcism’ Has Russell Crowe Possessed

Published

9 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Timothy Rawles

The latest exorcism movie is about to drop this summer. It’s aptly titled The Exorcism and it stars Academy Award winner turned B-movie savant Russell Crowe. The trailer dropped today and by the looks of it, we are getting a possession movie that takes place on a movie set.

Just like this year’s recent demon-in-media-space film Late Night With the Devil, The Exorcism happens during a production. Although the former takes place on a live network talk show, the latter is on an active sound stage. Hopefully, it won’t be entirely serious and we’ll get some meta chuckles out of it.

The film will open in theaters on June 7, but since Shudder also acquired it, it probably won’t be long after that until it finds a home on the streaming service.

Crowe plays, “Anthony Miller, a troubled actor who begins to unravel while shooting a supernatural horror film. His estranged daughter, Lee (Ryan Simpkins), wonders if he’s slipping back into his past addictions or if there’s something more sinister at play. The film also stars Sam Worthington, Chloe Bailey, Adam Goldberg and David Hyde Pierce.”

Crowe did see some success in last year’s The Pope’s Exorcist mostly because his character was so over-the-top and infused with such comical hubris it bordered on parody. We will see if that is the route actor-turned-director Joshua John Miller takes with The Exorcism.

'Civil War' Review: Is It Worth Watching?

News

Win a Stay at The Lizzie Borden House From Spirit Halloween

Published

11 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Timothy Rawles

Spirit Halloween has declared that this week marks the start of spooky season and to celebrate they are offering fans a chance to stay at the Lizzie Borden House with so many perks Lizzie herself would approve.

The Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, MA is claimed to be one of the most haunted houses in America. Of course one lucky winner and up to 12 of their friends will find out if the rumors are true if they win the grand prize: A private stay in the notorious house.

“We are delighted to work with Spirit Halloween to roll out the red carpet and offer the public a chance to win a one-of-a-kind experience at the infamous Lizzie Borden House, which also includes additional haunted experiences and merchandise,” said Lance Zaal, President & Founder of US Ghost Adventures.

Fans can enter to win by following Spirit Halloween‘s Instagram and leaving a comment on the contest post from now through April 28.

The prize also includes:

An exclusive guided house tour, including insider insight around the murder, the trial, and commonly reported hauntings

A late-night ghost tour, complete with professional ghost-hunting gear

A private breakfast in the Borden family dining room

A ghost hunting starter kit with two pieces of Ghost Daddy Ghost Hunting Gear and a lesson for two at US Ghost Adventures Ghost Hunting Course

The ultimate Lizzie Borden gift package, featuring an official hatchet, the Lizzie Borden board game, Lily the Haunted Doll, and America’s Most Haunted Volume II

Winner’s choice of a Ghost Tour experience in Salem or a True Crime experience in Boston for two

“Our Halfway to Halloween celebration provides fans an exhilarating taste of what’s to come this fall and empowers them to start planning for their favorite season as early as they please,” said Steven Silverstein, CEO of Spirit Halloween. “We have cultivated an incredible following of enthusiasts who embody the Halloween lifestyle, and we’re thrilled to bring the fun back to life.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Spirit Halloween (@spirithalloween)

Spirit Halloween is also preparing for their retail haunted houses. On Thursday, August 1 their flagship store in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. will officially open to start off the season. That event usually draws in hordes of people eager to see what new merch, animatronics, and exclusive IP goods will be trending this year.

'Civil War' Review: Is It Worth Watching?

Movies

’28 Years Later’ Trilogy Taking Shape With Serious Star Power

Published

13 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Timothy Rawles

Danny Boyle is revisiting his 28 Days Later universe with three new films. He will direct the first, 28 Years Later, with two more to follow. Deadline is reporting that sources say Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes have been cast for the first entry, a sequel to the original. Details are being kept under wraps so we don’t know how or if the first original sequel 28 Weeks Later fits into the project.

**Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Ralph Fiennes**

Boyle will direct the first movie but it’s unclear which role he will take on in the subsequent films. What is known is Candyman (2021) director Nia DaCosta is scheduled to direct the second film in this trilogy and that the third will be filmed immediately afterward. Whether DaCosta will direct both is still unclear.

Alex Garland is writing the scripts. Garland is having a successful time at the box office right now. He wrote and directed the current action/thriller Civil War which was just knocked out of the theatrical top spot by Radio Silence’s Abigail.

There is no word yet on when, or where, 28 Years Later will start production.