Tag: book-review

Bendy and the Ink Machine: Dreams Come to Life – A Slow-Burn Descent into Ink-Stained Madness

by Finn the Brave, posted in Uncategorized

In the world of horror gaming, Bendy and the Ink Machine carved out a unique space with its eerie blend of vintage animation aesthetics, unsettling ambiance, and slow-building dread. When news broke that the first official novel, Dreams Come to Life by Adrienne Kress, would explore the lore beyond the game, I was equal parts intrigued and cautious. Would it live up to the creeping horror that made the game so beloved? Could a novel recapture the suffocating ink-soaked corridors and twisted morality of Joey Drew Studios?

The short answer: Yes—and in some ways, Dreams Come to Life delivers even more.

While the book leans into a slow-burn style that might not immediately grip fans looking for relentless horror, it excels in its methodical pacing, strong character work, and ultimately chilling payoff. What makes it stand out as a piece of horror fiction isn’t just the monsters or the scares—it’s how it builds a world where dreams curdle into nightmares and ambition mutates into something monstrous.

Let’s break down why this book works as an unsettling, atmospheric horror tale that’s perfect for both fans of the game and horror readers looking for a psychological twist.

The Setting: Hollywood’s Shadow, Reimagined in Ink

The book introduces us to 17-year-old Buddy Lewek, an aspiring animator scraping by in 1940s New York. When he lands a job as a janitor at the iconic—if fading—Joey Drew Studios, it seems like a small step toward his dreams. From the outset, the book plays with a creeping unease. The studio is glamorous in a nostalgic, old-Hollywood way, but it’s also rundown, oddly empty, and plagued by whispers of something darker behind its cheerful cartoons.

The author excels at grounding horror in the mundane. The early chapters focus on Buddy’s day-to-day tasks: mopping floors, meeting eccentric staff, listening to Joey Drew’s rants about the power of imagination. But even these mundane moments are laced with atmospheric dread. There’s always the sense that something is off, that the smiles plastered on the studio walls are hiding something rotten underneath.

Kress doesn’t rush the horror—instead, she layers it. Shadows linger just a bit too long. Sounds echo when they shouldn’t. Hallways seem to change when you’re not looking. It’s a masterclass in restraint, and it sets the stage for an ending that earns every shiver.

Character Development: Humanity in a Studio of Madness

What truly elevates Dreams Come to Life is its investment in character development. Buddy is not a passive observer—he’s a fully realized protagonist. His motivations, anxieties, and personal struggles feel authentic, which makes the horror that unfolds around him all the more affecting.

Buddy comes from a working-class background. He wants more for himself, but he’s not naive. His relationship with his father, a stern but loving figure, grounds him in reality. This grounding becomes crucial later when Buddy’s loyalty and sense of morality are tested by the seductive promises of Joey Drew.

Speaking of Joey Drew—he’s one of the most fascinating characters in the novel. Kress paints him as part Walt Disney, part mad scientist. He’s charismatic, visionary, and deeply manipulative. His obsession with “making dreams real” is presented first as creative genius and then slowly revealed to be something much more unhinged. His descent isn’t a sudden twist—it’s a slow erosion of boundaries, where ambition and ego bleed into madness.

Other supporting characters like Mr. Kohen and Dot also bring texture to the story. Dot, in particular, is a compelling foil to Buddy—cynical, sharp, and observant, she suspects early on that there’s more going on beneath the surface of the studio. Her presence grounds the story and provides tension between skepticism and belief, especially as reality starts to blur.

In horror, flat characters can sink a story. Here, the rich character work adds emotional weight to the horror. We care about these people, which makes the final acts all the more terrifying.

A Study in Slow-Burn Horror

Some readers may find the pacing of Dreams Come to Life a bit slow. And that’s fair—the first half of the novel is more psychological thriller than outright horror. But that’s precisely what makes the payoff so effective.

This is horror that simmers.

Rather than jump scares or sudden monster reveals, the book creates a sustained atmosphere of dread. Think Shirley Jackson meets Stephen King’s It—a creeping suspicion that builds over time, where the horror comes not just from what’s seen, but from what’s slowly realized.

One particularly effective sequence involves Buddy hearing strange noises in the studio late at night. The events are minor—barely there, in fact—but they linger with the reader. The horror here is environmental and emotional: flickering lights, inexplicable cold spots, the feeling of being watched. By the time supernatural elements fully emerge, the reader has already been primed to expect something deeply wrong.

And when it does break loose? It’s as if the ink floods in all at once.

The final act pulls no punches. As secrets unravel and the true nature of Joey Drew’s “dream machine” is revealed, the tone shifts from eerie to terrifying. Distorted figures born from ink and memory come to life. Paranoia sets in. Reality breaks down. And through it all, Buddy must decide what matters more—his dreams or his conscience.

The book’s climax is surreal, fast-paced, and deeply creepy. It rewards the reader’s patience with vivid imagery, existential horror, and a final twist that hits hard.

The Twist: A Perfect Ink-Stained Ribbon

Without spoiling too much, the twist at the end of Dreams Come to Life is one of its strongest moments. It doesn’t rely on shock value—instead, it’s a revelation that recontextualizes much of the story. You look back and realize the clues were always there, subtly placed in dialogue and setting.

The twist works because it’s emotional as well as narrative. It says something about who Buddy is, and what the studio does to people who dare to dream. It’s tragic, poignant, and unsettling in equal measure.

Horror isn’t just about fear—it’s about transformation. The best horror stories leave characters (and readers) changed. This book does exactly that. The ending doesn’t just close the story—it haunts it.

Horror Themes and Literary Craft

Kress’s writing is sharp and atmospheric. She understands that horror is a mood, not just a genre. She uses repetition, pacing, and subtle cues to create unease. Doors are never just doors. Ink is never just ink. Every object has weight, every scene has potential.

Thematically, Dreams Come to Life explores:

  • The cost of ambition – What do we lose when we pursue our dreams at all costs?
  • The fragility of reality – How easily can imagination twist perception?
  • The danger of unchecked power – Joey Drew isn’t evil for evil’s sake—he’s what happens when no one says “no” to a dreamer who’s lost his way.

These are classic horror tropes, but Kress approaches them with fresh eyes. She doesn’t rely on gore or shock. Instead, she leans into dread, disillusionment, and the horror of watching something beautiful curdle into something horrifying.

Final Thoughts

Bendy and the Ink Machine: Dreams Come to Life may not be a nonstop scare-fest, but it’s a beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant horror novel that earns its place in the canon of video game tie-in literature. Its slow pace is intentional—a deliberate descent into madness that mirrors its characters’ own unraveling.

If you’re a fan of atmospheric horror, unsettling mysteries, or psychological character-driven storytelling, this book delivers. And if you’re already invested in the Bendy universe, you’ll find a haunting new lens through which to view the events of the game.

So if you’re ready to step back into the sepia-toned studio halls of Joey Drew’s imagination, be warned: dreams may come to life—but they don’t always want to stay that way.

Have you read Dreams Come to Life? What did you think of the ending twist? Drop your thoughts below and let’s talk ink, imagination, and horror done right.

The House Next Door by Darcy Coates: A Haunting Tale of Obsession and Terror

by Finn the Brave, posted in Literature

Darcy Coates has built a reputation for crafting atmospheric, spine-chilling horror novels that blend eerie settings with compelling storytelling, and The House Next Door is no exception. With its unsettling ambiance and relentless suspense, the novel immerses readers in a classic haunted house tale that delivers both thrills and mystery in equal measure. The story moves at a brisk pace, ensuring that tension remains high while never sacrificing the eerie, slow-burning dread that makes ghost stories so captivating. Packed with spine-tingling moments, shadowy figures, and an ever-present sense of unease, The House Next Door keeps readers on edge, unraveling its secrets in a way that feels both tantalizing and unsettling. Balancing supernatural horror with a gripping mystery, Coates masterfully weaves an engrossing narrative that is sure to keep fans of the genre hooked from beginning to end.

The story centers around Jo, a woman living in a peaceful suburban neighborhood—at least, it seems peaceful on the surface. However, the house next door has always unsettled her. Abandoned and shrouded in mystery, it carries a sinister reputation, with rumors of strange happenings and the eerie fact that no one who has lived there stays for long. Each former occupant has met with tragedy, reinforcing the belief that something is deeply wrong with the house.

Photo by Dominuz from wikimedia.com

Jo has always been curious about its secrets, but when a new family moves in, her fascination turns into an obsession. She feels an urgent need to warn them, especially as unsettling events begin to unfold around the property once again. What starts as a well-meaning concern soon pulls her deeper into the house’s dark history, leading her to uncover chilling truths that go beyond mere ghostly whispers. The more she investigates, the more she realizes the haunting isn’t just real—it’s far more dangerous than she ever imagined, and getting too close might come at a terrifying cost.

One of the novel’s strongest points is its pacing, which keeps the story engaging and tense without unnecessary filler. Coates doesn’t waste time with long-winded exposition or drawn-out backstories; instead, she throws the reader straight into the unsettling atmosphere of the haunted house, letting the mystery and suspense unfold naturally. From the very beginning, there’s a sense of unease that steadily builds, with eerie encounters, strange noises, and ghostly apparitions growing more intense as the story progresses.

Every chilling moment feels carefully placed to maintain a constant sense of dread without overwhelming the reader with nonstop horror. The haunting starts subtly—flickers of movement in the corner of the eye, an unnatural stillness in certain rooms—before escalating into something much more terrifying. This gradual build-up keeps the reader invested, making it impossible to put the book down.

Photo by Ekaterina Astakhova on Pexels.com

At the heart of the story is Jo, a protagonist who feels refreshingly real. She’s not the fearless, reckless type who runs headfirst into danger without thinking, but she’s also not a passive observer. Her curiosity, bravery, and determination drive the plot forward, yet she remains flawed in a way that makes her easy to relate to. She struggles with doubt, fear, and obsession, making her a well-rounded character whose actions feel believable. Watching her navigate the mystery of the haunted house while grappling with her own internal struggles adds depth to the story, making it more than just a series of scary moments—it’s also a compelling character-driven narrative.

The book leans more into suspense and atmosphere rather than outright horror, making it an excellent choice for readers who love a good ghost story without the need for excessive gore or shock value. Instead of relying on graphic scares, Coates builds tension through eerie descriptions, unsettling encounters, and the ever-present feeling that something sinister is lurking just out of sight. The novel keeps readers engaged with its creeping dread and gradual revelations rather than overwhelming them with nonstop frights, making it an ideal pick for those who prefer psychological chills over outright terror.

That said, while the book delivers plenty of spine-tingling moments, it doesn’t necessarily break new ground in the genre. Readers who seek deeply complex characters or entirely original ghost lore might find some elements of the story a bit familiar. The haunted house setup follows many of the classic tropes—strange noises, ominous history, and a protagonist drawn too deeply into the mystery for their own good. While these elements are well-executed, seasoned horror fans may find the twists and turns enjoyable but not entirely surprising.

Photo by Maria Argiroudaki on Pexels.com

Coates’ writing style is engaging and easy to read, which makes the book highly accessible to both casual readers and dedicated horror fans alike. The prose is straightforward, avoiding overly elaborate descriptions or complicated narrative structures, which helps maintain the book’s fast pacing. However, those looking for a more literary or deeply nuanced exploration of supernatural horror may find it somewhat predictable. Still, for those who appreciate a well-told ghost story that prioritizes suspense and readability, The House Next Door delivers exactly what it promises—a thrilling, spooky ride with just the right amount of mystery and tension.

Overall, The House Next Door is a solid and engaging haunted house novel that successfully delivers a gripping plot filled with eerie moments and an ever-present sense of dread. Coates crafts a story that feels both familiar and fresh, using classic ghost story elements while maintaining a level of suspense that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The novel balances supernatural horror with psychological tension, creating an atmosphere that lingers long after the final page.

While it doesn’t necessarily reinvent the haunted house genre, it doesn’t need to—what it does, it does well. The book embraces the eerie, slow-burning tension that makes ghost stories so compelling, offering a satisfying blend of mystery, suspense, and chilling encounters. Fans of haunted house tales will appreciate the novel’s ability to maintain a sense of foreboding without relying on excessive gore or shock value. Instead, it focuses on atmosphere, unsettling imagery, and a steadily unraveling mystery that keeps the pages turning.

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

Coates’ straightforward and accessible writing style ensures that the story remains fast-paced and easy to digest, making it a great choice for both seasoned horror fans and those looking for an introduction to the genre. The narrative is engaging, the pacing is tight, and the supernatural elements are handled in a way that enhances the overall suspense.

If you enjoy atmospheric thrillers with a supernatural edge, The House Next Door is definitely worth picking up. It’s an entertaining, chilling read that provides just the right amount of spookiness, making it perfect for a late-night reading session. Whether you’re a longtime fan of haunted house stories or just looking for a fun, eerie read, this book delivers exactly what you’d expect—a satisfying and unsettling ghostly mystery.

Ghost Camera by Darcy Coates: A Gripping Collection of Supernatural Horror Stories

by Finn the Brave, posted in Literature
Haunted camera

Some photographs reveal more than they should, and in Ghost Camera by Darcy Coates, that discovery turns deadly. This eerie collection of short horror stories centers around supernatural encounters, with the title story following Jenine, who finds an old camera that captures ghostly figures invisible to the naked eye. What starts as a curiosity soon becomes a terrifying ordeal as the spirits grow more hostile, and she realizes she’s entangled in something far beyond her control. Each story in the collection delivers its own dose of suspense and creeping dread, making Ghost Camera a thrilling read for fans of atmospheric and unsettling horror.

The very first story, Ghost Camera, is a fast-paced and eerie read that pulls you in from the start. The story follows Jenine, who finds an old camera and quickly realizes it has a terrifying ability—it captures images of ghosts that aren’t visible to the naked eye. At first, she’s just curious, snapping photos to see what appears, but things take a dark turn when the ghosts start getting closer in each picture. Soon, they’re not just standing in the background—they’re watching her, reaching for her, and making it clear they want something. As Jenine scrambles to figure out where the camera came from and how to escape its curse, she uncovers a disturbing pattern: every previous owner met a horrible fate. With time running out, she’s forced into a dangerous fight to break free before she becomes the next victim. Ghost Camera is a suspenseful, quick read packed with creepy imagery, mounting dread, and a plot that keeps you hooked until the final, chilling moment.

Creepy lighthouse on deserted stretch of beach.

While Ghost Camera is the standout story in the anthology, most of the other entries, while entertaining, don’t leave much of a lasting impression. The Run to Broken Ridge Lighthouse sets up an eerie atmosphere with its solitary stretch of beach and grisly backstory, but it never quite delivers on its suspense, leaving the resolution feeling somewhat underwhelming. Similarly, Death Birds provided an interesting sci-fi premise with some tense moments, but the predictable twists make it less impactful compared to the stronger stories in the collection.  The rest of the stories included:  Payment for the Dead, Untamed Things, The House on Boxwood Lane, Remains, and Cathedral.  They weren’t terrible stories by any means, but just didn’t stick with me (I actually had to go back to the book while writing this so I could remember what these stories were). All were enjoyable in the moment, but just lacked the supreme creepiness I was longing for.  

That all changed when I listened to the final story, A Box of Tapes.  This short horror story is a gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller that masterfully builds tension from the moment the mother discovers the mysterious box of VHS tapes in her daughter’s closet. The ominous note—“Do not watch, you’ll regret it”—immediately sets the tone for the dread that follows. As she gives in to curiosity and plays the tapes, the gruesome murders they reveal are disturbing enough, but the real terror begins when her daughter starts seeing the eerie woman from the recordings in real life. The story expertly escalates the suspense, making every shadow and every flickering screen feel like a threat. Just when you think you have it figured out, the twist ending pulls the rug out from under you, leaving a lingering sense of unease. With its tight pacing, unsettling imagery, and relentless sense of dread, this is a short horror story that sticks with you long after the final page.

Blank VHS tapes.
Photo by Paul Seling on Pexels.com

I read this story on a work night (I have to wake up at 4:30 AM), and it was so enthralling that I couldn’t bring myself to stop, even when I knew I’d regret it in the morning. I stayed up until after 11, completely absorbed, listening to every eerie detail unfold. The tension kept building, and just when I thought I had a moment to breathe, something even creepier would happen, making it impossible to turn it off. Even after I finally forced myself to stop, the story lingered in my mind, making it nearly impossible to fall asleep. Every shadow in my room felt darker, every little creak in the house sent a shiver down my spine, and I kept replaying the most unsettling moments in my head. It took over an hour before I could finally drift off, and even then, I half-expected to wake up in the middle of the night and see the lady from the tapes in my bedroom.

The characters in this short horror story are incredibly well-developed, making the terror feel all the more real. The mother is a compelling protagonist—her love for her daughter is evident in every decision she makes, and her growing fear and desperation are palpable as she tries to protect her child from the horrors unfolding around them. Her reactions feel authentic, balancing skepticism, dread, and an increasing sense of helplessness as the tapes’ dark secrets unravel. The daughter is equally engaging, with her innocent confusion turning into sheer terror as she begins to see the eerie woman from the recordings in real life. The mother-daughter bond adds an emotional depth that makes the horror even more intense, as their struggle feels deeply personal rather than just a supernatural mystery. And, of course, the mysterious woman committing the murders is a chilling presence—her eerie, otherworldly nature lingers throughout the story, making her feel like a true nightmare come to life. Each character plays a crucial role in the suspense, making the twists and final revelation all the more haunting.

Crow in a tree
Photo by Stephen Noulton on Pexels.com

As I mentioned earlier, none of the other characters in any of the stories really stood out to me in a memorable way. While some had interesting backstories or were placed in intriguing situations, their personalities and development felt somewhat generic, making it hard to connect with them on a deeper level. Even the characters in the main story, Ghost Camera, didn’t leave a strong impression on me. While the plot itself was gripping and the suspense kept me engaged, the characters felt more like vehicles for the story rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. I still thoroughly enjoyed the eerie atmosphere and the way the tension built throughout, but I found myself more invested in the mystery of the camera than in the people caught up in it.

Writing an in-depth review for an anthology of short horror stories can be challenging because each story is so different in terms of plot, pacing, and scares. Some stories rely on slow-building psychological horror, while others dive straight into fast-paced, supernatural terror, making it difficult to analyze them as a cohesive whole. However, one thing that remains consistent throughout is the writer’s ability to craft an eerie and immersive mood in every story. No matter the premise, the tension is always palpable, and the unsettling tone lingers long after each tale ends. I also appreciated how varied the settings were—each story took place in a unique and well-described environment, from isolated lighthouses to haunted houses and cursed objects, keeping the anthology fresh and engaging. While some stories stood out more than others, the author’s skill in creating chilling atmospheres and vivid locations made the entire collection an enjoyable and unsettling read.

Overall, Ghost Camera is a chilling and suspenseful collection that showcases Darcy Coates’ talent for crafting eerie, immersive horror. While some stories are more memorable than others, the anthology as a whole delivers a consistently haunting atmosphere with a strong sense of tension and dread. The title story, Ghost Camera, and ending story, A Box of Tapes, stand out as the most gripping, blending supernatural terror with an engaging mystery that keeps readers hooked until the very end. Though the characters may not be the most distinctive, the unsettling settings and expertly built suspense make up for it, ensuring that each story leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Coates or just looking for a quick, creepy read, Ghost Camera is a solid choice that delivers plenty of eerie moments and spine-chilling surprises.

What did you think? Have you read this book? If so, what was your favorite story in it? Have a book recommendation? Let us know in the comments below!

It Watches in the Dark Review

by Finn the Brave, posted in Uncategorized

Introduction

Written by Jeff Strand, “It Watches in the Dark” is a middle-grade horror novel that blends suspense and humor. The story follows twelve-year-old twins, Oliver and Trisha, who embark on a canoe trip in Missouri with their father to celebrate their birthday. Within minutes of beginning the story (it really does get straight to the point), an accident happens, leaving their father unconscious, and the twins paddle downriver in search of help.

They come across a remote village with strange, overly helpful residents and a giant scarecrow that seems to hold a significant place in the community. The villagers insist that the scarecrow, which stands ominously in the town square, watches over them and keeps them safe. However, an old woman warns the twins not to spend the night in the village if they want to leave.

As the twins navigate this eerie environment, the scarecrow begins to exhibit supernatural behaviors, taunting and threatening them. The story takes a darker turn as Oliver and Trisha realize that escaping the village and saving their father might be more challenging than they initially thought. The novel combines elements of folk horror with a fast-paced, engaging narrative that is ideal for young readers like want to be creeped out, but not have nightmares.

Horror Literature Elements

As I typically do with horror meant for younger audiences, I listened to this as an audio book with my nephew.  The narrator did a good job with the scarecrow, not a super scary voice, but captured the complete mind control it had over the town.  Honestly, with such a short book (I think it was only about 4 hours), and with it being made for younger audiences, it’s a little tougher for me to critique as I’m not the target audience (I’m an adult, not a middle schooler).  With that being said, I feel as though kids shouldn’t be dumbed down and their age shouldn’t be an excuse for poor writing, so I’ll critique it without “holding back”.  

Let me start by saying, I have a soft spot for scarecrow horror.  Growing up, each year our mom would tell us the same scary story involving an evil scarecrow named “Bob” who terrorizes whatever town we were living in at the time (we moved a lot).  Though the story almost always ended with one of us destroying Bob, it ultimately lead to me getting the creeps anytime I passed by a scarecrow in real life.  Even the friendly-looking ones.  Even as an adult.  

It was for this reason, I was drawn to this book and recommended reading it with my nephew.  Immediately, it grabbed my attention as the introduction was a no-nonsense dive into the plot, which my ADHD appreciated.

The horror elements in the novel arent’ as in-depth as a longer novel would be, yet the author certainly captures a creepy setting within only the first part of the book.  The remote and isolated village with its eerie atmosphere and strange, overly friendly residents creates an unsettling backdrop for the story​.  In addition to this, the the village is watched over by a 50-foot-tall scarecrow that is believed to protect the villagers. This scarecrow starts exhibiting supernatural behaviors, such as speaking to the twins and issuing gruesome threats​/mind control.  

Adding almost as much to the scary setting, are the villagers themselves.  Though technically creepy characters, the villagers’ unwavering devotion to the scarecrow and their disturbing ethos contribute to the tension. The children encounter bizarre and frightening behaviors from the villagers, adding to the sense of danger and paranoia​.  This was probably the creepiest part of the story for me, as it bordered on the Lovecraftian premise.  

With that being said, the human involved between the characters takes away from the scare factor, but helped my nephew engage with it better. Since it’s a story targeting his age group, I’d say that’s a plus for the book. There’s also a bit of a twist, which I enjoyed as much as my nephew did. All in all, it’s worth a read for the younger horror fans as it’ll creep them out without a high likelihood of causing nightmares.

Conclusion

The story’s conclusion highlights the twins’ resourcefulness and bravery as they devise a plan to escape the village and rescue their unconscious father from the villagers’ clutches. The scarecrow’s threats and the villagers’ unwavering belief in its protective power create a tense and suspenseful atmosphere. Ultimately, the twins’ determination and quick thinking lead to a resolution, but the lingering presence of the scarecrow and the village’s dark secrets leave a lasting impression on them, though there is a definitive ending to the story.  Ultimately, it’s a worth a read for youngins just getting into horror, but not very interesting for Aunts having to listen along.

Final Scare Me Please Score:  Just burn that town to the ground, out of 100

Link To Goodreads description

Have you read this book? What did you think? Have you ever been to a creepy town?  Are you afraid of scarecrows?  Drop a comment below to let us know!