Fountain Dead: Theresa Braun

Reviewed By Steve Stred

This one first caught my attention through a twitter post announcing a number of new releases from Unnerving. Unnerving is one of those top-notch smaller publishers that strive to put out top-notch product, so I was excited.

Coincidentally, this was one of two books I was able to get through during a recent bout of staying home from a head cold, and this one also jumped between two-time periods.

At the heart of this tale is ghost story which is propelled, and in most spots held together by some really well done characters.

The tale moves along at a decent pace and Braun does a great job of using Mark’s ghostly encounters as ways to further the coming-of-age proponents nicely.

I really enjoy reading these coming-of-age stories where family dynamics is a big part of the mix and I thought this was one of the best elements of the entire story.

Braun did a great job of walking the tight-rope that is real life story with odd occurrences and to me that kept me wanting more.

As for the other time period, it is set in 1862, and the character of Emma is very fleshed-out dynamic character. I enjoyed her wanting to further herself and not simply be just a wife.

I enjoyed the ending to the story, but once I was done, I found that I felt like I had expected more from the tale. I felt like the story could have been elevated in a few places and the opportunity was missed.

Overall, I’m glad I explored Braun’s world. I look forward to reading more of her offerings!

Star Rating (out of 5): 3.5*

Fountain Dead

Mark is uprooted from his home and high school in the Twin Cities and forced to move with his family into a Victorian in Nowhere-ville. Busy with the relocation and fitting in, Mark’s parents don’t see what’s unfolding around them—the way rooms and left behind objects seem alive with a haunted past. 
Of course, Mark keeps his ghostly encounters to himself, all the while sinking deeper into the house’s dark, alluring, and ultimately terrifying history. As romantic entanglements intensify, the paranormal activity escalates. Past and present come together. Everything is connected—from the bricks in the walls to the hearts beating in their chests, all the secrets of Fountain Dead are finally unearthed.

You can buy Fountain Dead from Amazon UK & Amazon US

Steve Stred

Steve Stred is an up-an-coming Dark Horror author. Steve is the author of the novel Invisible, the novellas Wagon Buddy, Yuri and Jane: the 816 Chronicles and two collections of short stories; Frostbitten: 12 Hymns of Misery and Left Hand Path: 13 More Tales of Black Magick.

Steve also has a number of works on the go and enjoys all this horror, occult, supernatural and paranormal.

Steve Stred is based in Edmonton, AB, Canada and lives with his wife, his son and their dog Oj.

You can follow Steve on Twitter @stevestred

You can visit Steve’s Official Website here

The Girl Who Hid In The Trees

Something lurks just beyond.

Centuries ago a heinous act created a ripple that still haunts the residents to this very day.

Now the kids who reside near McConnell’s Forest live forever in fear.

Jason lost his brother when he was young. He left with his friends to ‘debunk’ the urban legend and never came back.

Now Jason and his group of friends are fed up and want to discover what is happening, what is the real cause of the terror holding their small town hostage.

But something is waiting for them. She may look sweet and innocent, but the friends are about to find out that pure evil can exist in the smallest of packages.

She’s out there. And while you may not know her name or what she looks like, the local kids will tell you if you ask, that you should fear for your life from the girl who hid in the trees.

From the dark mind of Steve Stred, the author of Wagon Buddy, YURI and Invisible comes this fast-paced, seat of your pants coming-of-age tale.  A quick, violent, bleak read, The Girl Who Hid In The Trees will make you think twice about those sounds you hear far off in the woods.

You can buy The Girl Who Hid In The Trees from Amazon UK & Amazon US