If you are looking for a horror novel that will make you shiver with fear and dread, you might want to check out Dread Souls by Michael H. Kelly. This book is a collection of nineteen stories that explore the dark and nightmarish origins of vampires and werewolves, based on historical legends and accounts.
Unlike many modern portrayals of these creatures, which often humanize them or make them sympathetic, Dread Souls restores them to their true aspect: demonic manifestations of bloodlust, cruelty and murder. Kelly’s writing is vivid and atmospheric, creating a sense of terror and suspense in each story. He also adds some historical and cultural details that enrich the stories and make them more authentic.
Some of the stories include:
- The Beast of Gévaudan, a tale of a monstrous wolf that terrorized the French countryside in the 18th century, killing over a hundred people.
- The Blood Countess, a story of Elizabeth Báthory, a Hungarian noblewoman who was accused of torturing and killing hundreds of young girls and bathing in their blood.
- The Vampire of Croglin Grange, a story of a mysterious creature that attacked a family in their English home in the 19th century, leaving behind bite marks and blood stains.
- The Werewolf of Bedburg, a story of Peter Stumpp, a German farmer who confessed to being a werewolf and killing and eating several people and animals in the 16th century.
Dread Souls is a book that will appeal to fans of classic horror and folklore, as well as those who enjoy a good scare. It is not for the faint of heart, as it contains graphic descriptions of violence and gore. But if you are looking for a thrilling and chilling read, you might want to give it a try.
READ HERE
Dread Souls by Michael H. Kelly | Goodreads
