the gathering dark: an anthology of folk horror

Edited by Tori Bovalino

A cemetery full of the restless dead. A town so wicked it has already burned twice, with the breath of the third fire looming. A rural, isolated bridge with a terrifying monster waiting for the completion of its summoning ritual. A lake that allows the drowned to return, though they have been changed by the claws of death. These are the shadowed, liminal spaces where the curses and monsters lurk, refusing to be forgotten.

Hauntings, and a variety of horrifying secrets, lurk in the places we once called home. Written by New York Times bestselling, and other critically acclaimed, authors these stories shed a harsh light on the scariest tales we grew up with.

Lists and Accolades

Indie Bestseller, Young Adult category (#8, 9/14; #10, 9/21; #8, 9/28; #14, 10/05)

Praise and Trade Reviews

☆ “Tapping into timeless fears such as ghosts and monsters, and interweaving overarching themes of friendship and love, this unique and delightfully creepy anthology delivers scares while inviting contemplation.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“Ominous, moody, and fiercely original, this anthology provides a delightful introduction to horror and an irresistible diversion for existing genre fans […] Perfectly creepy.”—Kirkus Reviews

"[A] thrilling ride [...] Hand this book to fans of 'good for her' horror movies like The Witch and listeners of horror anthology podcasts such as Old Gods of Appalachia and The Magnus Archives."—School Library Journal

“[A] haunting assortment of tales [...] that dishes out chills and simultaneously explores the pressures and heightened emotions of adolescence."—Booklist

"For teens who grew up reading Alvin Schwartz's iconic Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, The Gathering Dark will be the perfect shivery autumnal read."—BookPage

"For anyone looking for scares and thrills this holiday season, “The Gathering Dark” collects 10 horror stories, each exploring different types of terrors, among them haunted houses, cursed mirrors and enchanted games."—New York Times

“‘It Stays With You’ by Aden Polydoros does not hang around, getting straight into deadly territory. I adored this fresh take on the Bloody Mary myth, with a pinch of Pennywise mixed in for good measure. Polydoros deftly explores facing trauma and defeating your monsters, while emphatically emphasising how recovery is a journey with highs and pitfalls.”—The Nerd Daily