When Monsters Roamed the Earth: War of Dictates combines creatures of myth and fantasy in an epic battle for power

 

 

War of Dictates 

John Baltisberger

Ebook, 107 ppg.

ISBN-10: 1734893710

ISBN-13: 978-1734893717

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Many writers enjoy setting historical and modern-day settings as the backdrop for stories of fantasy and myth. John Baltisberger is one of those writers. In the horror fantasy book that is written in a series of poems, War of Dictates by John Baltisberger has creatures and beings from mythology, as well as creatures of fantasy, fighting for dominion over the earth. Both sides use up and destroy humans, often setting them up as pawns in their battles.

 

While this may be a story written as poetry, one must keep in mind that the timeline is not consistent. It starts at the very beginning of mankind, then jumps to the present day, then goes back to Biblical times. Nevertheless, this timeline hop did not cause confusion, and each of these passages was interesting to read, especially with the Nephilim and the Watchers. There is speculation that giants once roamed the earth, and here they are presented as deities. An accurate portrayal, actually.

 

Human women are not treated fairly in these poems. At the beginning, women are seen as sex objects, often raped to death. Then they are seen as reproductive objects, valued only for being able to have babies. Then they are used for trade: 

 

“Human men had learned from the twisted Grigori and traded women;

valued their progeny and title and legacy above human life.

And so, the first Nephilim lords learned

to make peace, offer a woman.

To make war, take a woman.

To reduce men to idiots, show them a woman.

To sap men’s life, unmake a woman.” 

 

Human women may not fare well in the stories, but one of myth has better stature: Lilith. I was surprised to see this mythical being in this book, but with the other creatures and beings of myth and fantasy, it felt right. This is especially true given that some of the stories are set in Biblical times (Noah and the flood, Adam and Eve). 

 

The battle between the gods, the Watchers, and the angels continues in the stories. It was all extremely fascinating to read, even though I know it’s all fictional. But it is written so well. The style of the writing for the poems makes it appear as though it’s from an old book. There is no “thee” or “thou” but the word choice makes it seem as if the stories come from ancient text. 

 

I especially liked the last part of the book, where these beings took on the human forms of certain people in history (as well as in the year 2020) and Lilith returns for one last battle. It was entertaining to read. 

 

War of Dictates is a recommended read for fans of mythology, fantasy, and Biblical studies (and with that last part, one must keep an open mind when reading such content. Remember, it’s just fiction!). It’s a book of epic battles and the quest for power. Brilliantly written and plotted so well, these poems are sure to entertain and fascinate readers. They are tales that linger in the mind long after the very last poem is read.

 

 

Five stars

 

 

 

Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of this ebook for research purposes. This review is entirely voluntary.

Give Your Brain a Good Squeeze: All That Slithers is a Collection of Stories that Will Slither Along Your Spine

 

All That Slithers: 13 Stories to Squeeze Your Brain

Fionna Cosgrove

Independently Published, 2025

ISBN: 9780645723380

Ebook, 197 ppg.

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Want a good collection of creepy stories to read? Then check out the short story collection All That Slithers: 13 Stories to Squeeze Your Brain by Fionna Cosgrove. Within the pages of this book, you’ll find stories of mysterious creatures, terrifying monsters, and hideous beasts just waiting to devour an unsuspecting victim. These stories are sure to frighten readers and provide entertaining tales of surprising scares and unexpected horrors.

 

The story “Creepy Critters” was really weird but also interesting. It says a lot about how teens perceive their teachers. Like, it was summer vacation and they didn’t really think much happened in their science teacher’s life, when the teen who is suspicious about her teacher that is completely different realizes that maybe teachers’ lives aren’t so boring and uneventful during the summer after all. I loved how the girls in the story got to show off their intellect.

 

“Cleaver’s Cove” is another good story. This one is recommended for the people who love to fish – especially at night! It’s not one of those “the one that got away” stories; it’s more of a spooky story to entertain and scare anyone who goes fishing in a creepy location.

 

“Sundowner” was a really creepy story. I should have realized that the info provided at the beginning meant something eerie was going to happen. Yes, the story is mostly radio transcripts, but some really scary stuff happens late in the conversation. It was really chilling! More so to discover that the story is based on real events, which readers can learn about at the end.

 

“The Last Sacred Slice” started out as a story about teenagers hanging out with the birthday girl, and of course one of them suggests they do something risky. At first, I was curious why the main character couldn’t remember someone she wrote about in her spell book, but after reading the whole story and getting to the end, it all made sense. Everything became clear. It was unfortunate what happened in the story and more so at the end, but it was also a very creepy story and I wish there had been more to it.

 

The title story was another enjoyable read. You can never trust the slithery things, even those that you could not imagine would be able to slither. This story went from being interesting to creepy and the creepiness factor went up when the strange creatures appeared. I was holding my breath until the end, wondering what was going to happen next.

 

All of the stories in this book held my interest, but the ones mentioned above really stayed with me. The stories are structured so well and well-written. The author really knows how to use mood, setting, and word choice to make these stories creepy and spine-tingling. It’s certainly a good book of stories and I highly recommend them to readers who enjoy short horrific tales.

 

All That Slithers is a collection of creepy and horrific stories that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Filled with a variety of stories that will frighten and delight, it is a book that will offer lots of good scares and terrifying chills. 

 

 

 

Five stars

 

 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

 

Your Worst Nightmare: More Regrets Than Glories is a collection of terrifying horror poetry

 

 

More Regrets Than Glories: A Collection of Dark Poetry

Rick Powell

Independently Published, 2015

ISBN: 978-1-329-51719-6

Ebook, 79 ppg.

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Most collections of horror poetry tend to offer the same tried and true scare tactics to create a terrifying reading experience, but that’s not what will happen for readers of the horror poetry book More Regrets Than Glories: A Collection of Dark Poetry by Rick Powell. Here we are served a collection of unique and terrifying tales of ghosts, monsters, killers, and characters who are hellbent on revenge. These poems are filled with dark atmospheres, creepy moods, and chilling narratives. It is certainly a good collection of horror poetry to read either during spooky season or just to enjoy some well-written horror poetry.

 

Also unlike most collections of horror poetry, the scare effects are not overdone. There is no “gore for gore sake” and it is just the right amount of horror without pandering to a stereotype. Additionally, the dark tone in many of the poems pulled me in and kept me reading until the very end, often with one last shot of a horrifying realization or a surprising twist at the end.

 

There are a variety of dark poems in this book. From poems about ghosts, a siren, and a woman murdering her husband on their wedding night, these poems offer chills and thrills for readers.

 

The poem “Stair” takes place on a decrepit staircase, but that is not the only thing the person in the poem needs to work about. For something haunts that staircase. Something that incites fear and leaves the poor soul in terror.

 

Something that is otherworldly and no longer living.

 

“I climbed to the first landing, the steps felt like bloated flesh, 

The rails were cold and clammy, like a cadaver’s lonely kiss, 

I turned and considered ascending, the cold enveloping my form. 

When I saw a ghostly figure, like a flickering candle in the mist. 

 

Her countenance was malignant, there was evil in her eyes, 

A pallor of the palest white, her white hair a floating haze,

My eyes were open wide, I could not breathe to let out a scream, 

My whole body turned to stone, I could not break her demonic gaze.”

 

This poem reminded me of how there are many haunted staircases in houses with ghostly sightings. In this particular case, although fictional, such a haunting is captured well.

 

The poem “Nadia” was terrifying! At first, I thought that Nadia was a ghost haunting some location, but she is more than that. She is a vengeful spirit, one which wives suspicious of their husbands can solicit a service from. This poem is written so well and it’s almost like a warning to unfaithful husbands of a REAL ghost to be aware of.

 

“The Muse” is another good poem, and one this writer could relate to. A writer’s muse has a way of giving us ideas when we are preoccupied with other things, then it is MIA when we need it. 

 

“When I want you, you are never there, 

Being evasive for what seems like ages, 

I try to figure out a way to call you forth, 

I search unnamed books, I scan yellowed pages. 

 

I sometimes walked through a desolate forest, 

Hoping, vainly, to hear a hint of your tread, 

Knowing your footfall would not touch dead leaves, 

Praying your voice will echo in my lonely head.”

 

I also enjoyed reading the poem “Notches” because it has an ending that I didn’t expect. I love how the supposed “victim” refuses to accept their fate. The kind of action taken was most fitting.

 

“The Midnight Hour” was another creepy poem. It sent chills down my spine! Powell really excelled at creating a dark, spooky mood in this particular poem. Reading about the dark creatures that lurk at the midnight hour made me want to stay inside during such a time! 

 

I loved the way the poem “The Coachman” ended. Some people may not like open endings in poems, but I enjoy how it leaves the ending up to the reader. It is not really an end in itself, but more of a prelude to what lies ahead. The poem gives enough clues for the reader to understand what is happening and who the coachman really is. Once again, the setting and mood in this poem are excellent. 

 

“She Reads Poems to Stones” is another poem with a surprising ending. But unlike “Notches,” this particular ending is not so dark or sinister. Yes, it is chilling, but also, not so unexpected, given that it is set in a cemetery. In a way, it makes sense, though the realization is a sad one. 

 

There are so many other great poems in this book: “I Walk Alone in the Dark” and “Placebo” and “Shall We Dance” and “Lathe” and “I Hold Her Hand” and “Cairn” and “Party” are just some of the really good ones that stayed with me. The poems are dark, creepy, and sinister. They will leave many haunting impressions on the reader long after they finish reading this book. 

More Regrets Than Glories is a collection of dark and terrifying poetry that will haunt and frighten readers. Filled with horrors of the supernatural and sinister, these poems offer a chilling atmosphere sure to be enjoyed by fans of horror poetry. Read at your own risk, if you dare!

 

 

Five stars

 

 

Disclaimer: I purchased this ebook and this review is entirely voluntary.