Connect with us

News

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

Published

on

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.

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

News

Brad Dourif Says He’s Retiring Except For One Important Role

Published

on

Brad Dourif has been doing movies for nearly 50 years. Now it seems he is walking away from the industry at 74 to enjoy his golden years. Except, there is a caveat.

Recently, digital entertainment publication JoBlo’s Tyler Nichols talked to some of the Chucky television series cast members. During the interview, Dourif made an announcement.

“Dourif said that he’s retired from acting,” says Nichols. “The only reason he came back for the show was because of his daughter Fiona and he considers Chucky creator Don Mancini to be family. But for non-Chucky stuff, he considers himself retired.”

Dourif has voiced the possessed doll since 1988 (minus the 2019 reboot). The original movie “Child’s Play” has become such a cult classic it’s at the top of some people’s best chillers of all time. Chucky himself is ingrained in pop culture history much like Frankenstein or Jason Voorhees.

While Dourif may be known for his famous voiceover, he is also an Oscar-nominated actor for his part in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Another famous horror role is The Gemini Killer in William Peter Blatty’s Exorcist III. And who can forget Betazoid Lon Suder in Star Trek: Voyager?

The good news is that Don Mancini is already pitching a concept for season four of Chucky which might also include a feature-length movie with a series tie-in. So, Although Dourif says he is retiring from the industry, ironically he is Chucky’s friend till the end.

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Continue Reading

Editorial

7 Great ‘Scream’ Fan Films & Shorts Worth a Watch

Published

on

The Scream franchise is such an iconic series, that many budding filmmakers take inspiration from it and make their own sequels or, at least, build upon the original universe created by screenwriter Kevin Williamson. YouTube is the perfect medium to showcase these talents (and budgets) with fan-made homages with their own personal twists.

The great thing about Ghostface is that he can appear anywhere, in any town, he just needs the signature mask, knife, and unhinged motive. Thanks to Fair Use laws it’s possible to expand upon Wes Craven’s creation by simply getting a group of young adults together and killing them off one by one. Oh, and don’t forget the twist. You’ll notice that Roger Jackson’s famous Ghostface voice is uncanny valley, but you get the gist.

We have gathered five fan films/shorts related to Scream that we thought were pretty good. Although they can’t possibly match the beats of a $33 million blockbuster, they get by on what they have. But who needs money? If you’re talented and motivated anything is possible as proven by these filmmakers who are well on their way to the big leagues.

Take a look at the below films and let us know what you think. And while you’re at it, leave these young filmmakers a thumbs up, or leave them a comment to encourage them to create more films. Besides, where else are you going to see Ghostface vs. a Katana all set to a hip-hop soundtrack?

Scream Live (2023)

Scream Live

Ghostface (2021)

Ghostface

Ghost Face (2023)

Ghost Face

Don’t Scream (2022)

Don’t Scream

Scream: A Fan Film (2023)

Scream: A Fan Film

The Scream (2023)

The Scream

A Scream Fan Film (2023)

A Scream Fan Film
Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Continue Reading

Movies

Another Creepy Spider Movie Hits Shudder This Month

Published

on

Good spider films are a theme this year. First, we had Sting and then there was Infested. The former is still in theaters and the latter is coming to Shudder starting April 26.

Infested has been getting some good reviews. People are saying that it’s not only a great creature feature but also a social commentary on racism in France.

According to IMDb: Writer/director Sébastien Vanicek was looking for ideas around the discrimination faced by black and Arab-looking people in France, and that led him to spiders, which are rarely welcome in homes; whenever they’re spotted, they’re swatted. As everyone in the story (people and spiders) is treated like vermin by society, the title came to him naturally.

Shudder has become the gold standard for streaming horror content. Since 2016, the service has been offering fans an expansive library of genre movies. in 2017, they began to stream exclusive content.

Since then Shudder has become a powerhouse in the film festival circuit, buying distribution rights to movies, or just producing some of their own. Just like Netflix, they give a film a short theatrical run before adding it to their library exclusively for subscribers.

Late Night With the Devil is a great example. It was released theatrically on March 22 and will begin streaming on the platform starting April 19.

While not getting the same buzz as Late Night, Infested is a festival favorite and many have said if you suffer from arachnophobia, you might want to take heed before watching it.

Infested

According to the synopsis, our main character, Kalib is turning 30 and dealing with some family issues. “He’s fighting with his sister over an inheritance and has cut ties with his best friend. Fascinated by exotic animals, he finds a venomous spider in a shop and brings it back to his apartment. It only takes a moment for the spider to escape and reproduce, turning the whole building into a dreadful web trap. The only option for Kaleb and his friends is to find a way out and survive.”

The film will be available to watch on Shudder starting April 26.

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Continue Reading