Category: Articles

Articles

 by 

Writing Prompt Wednesdays: I’ve Seen the Saucers

Writing Prompt Wednesdays: I’ve Seen the Saucers

Welcome to “Writing Prompt Wednesdays,” a haven where your imagination can roam free in the realms of speculative fiction. As we embark on this weekly journey, it’s thrilling to think about the untold stories waiting to be penned in the domains of horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Whether you’re a seasoned author or a budding wordsmith, these prompts are your gateway to unexplored worlds and untapped potentials.

Every Wednesday, we’ll serve up a fresh, thought-provoking prompt designed to ignite your creative spark and challenge your storytelling prowess. Think of these prompts as a key, unlocking the doors to uncharted territories where your creativity is the only limit. From eerie, shadow-laden corridors of Gothic horror to the farthest reaches of interstellar space, and the mystical depths of high fantasy, our prompts are a kaleidoscope of possibilities.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to approach these prompts. They are mere stepping stones, guiding you towards the vast landscapes of your imagination. Use them to break free from writer’s block, to experiment with new ideas, or simply as a fun exercise to keep your writing skills sharp.

This week’s writing prompt:

(more…)

Articles / Reviews

 by 

Epeolatry Book Review: Aliens vs. Predators: Rift War by Weston Ochse and Yvonne Navarro

Disclosure:

Our reviews may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the links in this article we may receive a small commission or referral fee. This happens without any additional cost to you.

Title: Aliens vs. Predators: Rift War
Author: Weston Ochse and Yvonne Navarro
Publisher:  Titan Books
Genre: Science Fiction, Horror
Release Date: 6th, September 2022

Synopsis: When the Predators choose LV-363 for a hunt and seed it with Xenomorph eggs, the result is bizarre alien hybrids and humans trapped between the Predators and their prey.

The planet LV-363 teems with exotic life, including a plant growing in the shadows of its deep rifts. The plant’s flower yields a valuable narcotic, and people are forced by the cartels to harvest it. When a Yautja (Predator) ship arrives for a hunting ritual, the Predators seed the rifts with Xenomorph eggs. The aliens emerge and the result is bizarre and deadly hybrids, with humans trapped between the Predators and their prey. These deadly Xenomorph hybrids—some of which possess the ability to fly—swarm out of control and may prove more than either the Yautja or the humans can defeat.

(more…)

Articles / Interviews

 by 

The Spooky Six with David Watkins and Willow Croft

Before I invited David Watkins into my parlour, I had to (temporarily) relocate all of my spider friends. But don’t worry, no spiders were harmed in the making of this interview (probably to David Watkins’ great chagrin!); in fact, I’ve promised them a fine feast of flies upon their return. Pull up a chair, grab a slice of pizza, and enjoy the interview!

And, mark your reading calendars, because Watkins’ Book Three in the Original series drops November 15, 2024: https://www.amazon.com/Originals-Rage-werewolf-thriller-Book-ebook/dp/B0DJMSTS87. Perfect if you like your horror with a dash of werewolf lore!

(more…)

Articles / Reviews

 by 

Epeolatry Book Review: The Damnations – M.R. James Short Stories, A Special Ramsey Campbell Edition

Disclosure:

Our reviews may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the links in this article we may receive a small commission or referral fee. This happens without any additional cost to you.

​Title: The Damnations: M.R. James Short Stories
Author: M.R. James, A Special Ramsey Campbell Edition
Genre: Ghost Stories
Publisher: Flame Tree Press
Date: 14th October, 2025

Synopsis: “Ramsey Campbell is the nearest thing we have to an heir to M.R. James” – Times. Special Collector’s edition of the old master of the supernatural story, by the current one!

Special, collectable hardcover edition for Ramsey Campbell’s 60 years in publication.

With his subtle sense of dread and use modern settings, M.R. James’ ghost stories formed a firm foundation for the modern horror story with his presence felt in all forms of literature and media. This special collectable edition of short stories features a new introduction by the greatest current inheritor of the Jamesian mantle, Ramsey Campbell, along with one of Ramsey’s own tales.

The Ramsey Campbell Special Editions. Campbell is the greatest inheritor of a tradition that reaches back through H.P. Lovecraft and M.R. James to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and the early Gothic writers. The dark, masterful work of the painter Henry Fuseli, a friend of Mary Wollstonecraft, is used on these special editions to invoke early literary investigations into the supernatural.

(more…)

Articles / Guest Post

 by 

Hidden Horrors

Hidden Horrors

by: J.M. Shaw

It is what you cannot see that is most terrifying. Even as adults, many of us are afraid of the dark, though few will admit to such a childish fear. We use nightlights, open our curtains, or crack the door to let the hall light chase away the shadows. While we claim this is to prevent trips and falls in the middle of the night, a deeper dive into such ritual behaviors would reveal that we are afraid of being vulnerable. We know there are no dangers shrouded in the darkness or hiding in the ill-defined corners, but our mind convinces us that there is, and who are we to argue with ourselves. We believe our own lies because it is better to be cautious then dismissive of something nefarious that might exist.

(more…)

Articles

 by 

Indie Bookshelf Releases 12/13/2024

Got a book to launch, an event to promote, a kickstarter or seeking extra work/support as a result of being hit economically by life in general?

Get in touch and we’ll promote you here. The post is prepared each Thursday for publication on Friday. Contact us via Horror Tree’s contact address or connect via Twitter or Facebook.

Click on the book covers for more information. Remember to scroll down to the bottom of the page – there’s all sorts lurking in the deep.

 

(more…)

Articles / Reviews

 by 

Epeolatry Book Review: Withered Hill by David Barnett

Disclosure:

Our reviews may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the links in this article we may receive a small commission or referral fee. This happens without any additional cost to you.

Title: Withered Hill
Author: David Barnett
Genre: Folk horror
Publisher: Canelo Horror
Publication date: September 26, 2024

Synopsis: A year ago, Sophie Wickham stumbled into the isolated Lancaster village of Withered Hill, naked, alone and with no memory of who she is.

Surrounded by a thick ring of woodland, its inhabitants seem to be of another world, drenched in pagan, folklorish traditions

As Sophie struggles to regain the memories from her life before, she quickly realizes she is a prisoner after multiple failed escape attempts. But is it the locals who keep her trapped, with smiles on their faces, or something else, lurking in the woods?

(more…)

Articles

 by 

Writing Prompt Wednesdays: The Hanging Tree

Writing Prompt Wednesdays: The Hanging Tree

Welcome to “Writing Prompt Wednesdays,” a haven where your imagination can roam free in the realms of speculative fiction. As we embark on this weekly journey, it’s thrilling to think about the untold stories waiting to be penned in the domains of horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Whether you’re a seasoned author or a budding wordsmith, these prompts are your gateway to unexplored worlds and untapped potentials.

Every Wednesday, we’ll serve up a fresh, thought-provoking prompt designed to ignite your creative spark and challenge your storytelling prowess. Think of these prompts as a key, unlocking the doors to uncharted territories where your creativity is the only limit. From eerie, shadow-laden corridors of Gothic horror to the farthest reaches of interstellar space, and the mystical depths of high fantasy, our prompts are a kaleidoscope of possibilities.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to approach these prompts. They are mere stepping stones, guiding you towards the vast landscapes of your imagination. Use them to break free from writer’s block, to experiment with new ideas, or simply as a fun exercise to keep your writing skills sharp.

This week’s writing prompt:

(more…)