Title: Chimera Skin

Author: Johnny Compton

Release date: November 3rd, 2026

*Huge thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a digital ARC of this one!*

I’m probably in the minority here, but this was my first Johnny Compton book I’ve read, and I can see why folks have been raving about his work to me over the last few years. Somewhere on my Kindle I have both ‘The Spite House’ and ‘Devils Kill Devils’ but alas, I’ve simply not managed to make my way to them to read. I’ll definitely need to check out one (or both) sooner than later!

When I saw this one announced online, I was excited. Both because of the cover and the synopsis and let’s face it, Alan and Shortwave are killing it with the books they publish. I’ve got a huge love of sci-fi/horror and knowing this was a novella, I was stoked to dive in and zip through it. I was hoping to finish this on my plane flight home, which didn’t happen. But I did wrap this up soon after and wow, what a wallop.

What I liked: The story is set in the near future where an off-the-books experiment that officials believed was closed somehow returned to turn the world as we know it, upside down. Back in the 60’s as the space race ramped up, officials worked on teleportation, believing it would be easier to send somebody from point A to point B than to have them fly there, but alas too many issues resulted in it being shuttered. Only kind of. When a pilot with huge potential was passed over to fly into outer space, officials targeted him and launched him into a distant galaxy, never expecting him to return, but wanting data to prove they could do the job.

Now, that lost astronaut has returned, though in a God-like form and he’s infecting numerous people around the world.

Compton sets this up fantastically. I was hooked immediately and it reminded me a lot of Clive Barker’s ‘Next Testament’ comic series in feel and tone. This returned astronaut, Baptiste, possesses amazing power, seemingly acquired from wherever he went and from whatever he encountered. And it comes down to Swanson, a scientist who worked on trying to figure out what happened during these previous teleportation events to keep Baptiste in check, though Swanson isn’t the Swanson his friends and family would remember. He’s volunteered to be experimented on and now possesses a body made up of numerous others. One of which is material from Baptiste.

It’s a multi-layered story showing the emotional turmoil Swanson goes through while dealing with his physical pain. All the while trying to protect the town he grew up in and keep Baptiste away.

A highlight for me was the middle section, devoted more to the backstory and ‘lost cosmonaut’ story. I’ve always been fascinated by the lost cosmonaut theory and conspiracy and Compton does an amazing job of showcasing both why it’s fascinating but also how plausible it could be.

Compton then wraps things up with a great cinematic finale, a showdown between Good and Evil, Baptiste and Swanson. It made for some phenomenal imagery, especially with the powers the two possess and the aftermath only worked to heighten the emotional weight Swanson’s journey carried.

What I didn’t like: As much as I loved the middle portion where we get a ton of back story and a look at the lost cosmonaut world, it did feel like it slowed the momentum leading up to it. I might’ve preferred it to be in alternating chapters so that we get then and now ping ponging, but I will say, it had me Googling names constantly, so it definitely was a great section, but for this reader the execution of how it happened felt muddied.

Why you should buy this: Campbell’s ‘Who Goes There?’ by way of Barker’s ‘Next Testament,’ Compton’s really delivered a buzzy, shotgun blast of a sci-fi/horror story. We get a very unexpected connection between two characters that highlight the humanity that’s struggling to survive within these pages.

If you’re looking for a propulsive, otherworldly story that asks high questions while forcing the reader to Google things frequently (like this guy did!) look no further. A modern take on the classic sci-fi tales many of us grew up on, this was fantastic.

Title: Twisted Pike

Author: David Barnett

Release date: October 1st, 2026

*Huge thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a digital ARC of this one!*

I am decided late to the David Barnett game.

Only recently did I come across ‘Scratch Moss,’ his prior folklore horror novel, after friend and reviewer Tony Jones suggested I give it a go. I read that one and really enjoyed it and when this one was announced, I submitted a request and was elated to be approved far faster than normal.

Lately, my reading time has been stretched thin, so I was worried about getting this read prior to review date, but knowing I had two travel days within September, I was positive I’d manage to finish this up, and sure enough, I wrapped this up on my flight home just a few days ago.

One thing I’d noted about ‘Scratch Moss’ was that at the end, it referenced David’s prior book, ‘Scuttler’s Cove,’ and I knew that this one was set in the town of Withered Hill, which so happens to be the title of the first book in Barnett’s folklore ‘series.’ Buoyed by how I managed ‘Scratch Moss,’ I was confident that Barnett would set this book up in a way someone who’d not read ‘Withered Hill’ could maneuver through it comfortable and not feel lost or confused.

What I liked: The story follows Rob, Oli and Maddie, who’re heading to Withered Hill to film a horror movie. Rob’s the writer and director, Oli the cinematographer and Maddie’s the lead, the actress to bring Rob’s vision to life. Withered Hill is an isolated, off the map town, one people have fleetingly heard of but never visited, nor could they tell you how to get there.

Once they arrive, they’re initially met with hostility from the locals, before permission is granted for them to film there. Or so it seems.

In this case, Barnett is bringing the reader to a place he already has fully fleshed out, and because of that, everything feels real, vibrant and makes things all the more unsettling. Now, obviously if I’d read ‘Withered Hill,’ I’d be more aware of some of the locals and the rituals and going on’s, but even without that knowledge, I know there’s a whiff of nefarious in the air. Friendly to the face, plotting behind their backs. It’s almost palpable. And as Rob’s true reasons for being there begin to manifest, and Oli encounters what lives in the woods, there’s a growing sentiment to yell for them to get the hell out, to get away. But they can’t.

It’s as though they’re glamoured by Withered Hill and rightfully so. Friendly folks, good food, gorgeous country living. Things just feel good. Feel right. Even if the locals howl on about Owd Howb and how they worship the God in the trees.

The locals are great in this book. We get a variety of characters who all have different quirks and traits and when each one loops back around throughout the book, they each manage to change the tone and atmosphere of the story, while also adjusting the trajectory of the trio. Look, we know something bad’s gonna happen. When, where, we’re not totally sure, but we know it’s coming and as Barnett unravels things – which do run parallel to ‘Scratch Moss’ – everything is amplified and done so accordingly.

The final quarter is an exercise in cinematic folklore storytelling. I do wish I’d have read ‘Withered Hill’ prior, because I think that would’ve greatly upped the emotional impact of some of the town’s decisions and reactions when everything blasts into place, but it even so, it still worked well to grab me by the throat and have me racing through to the fantastic ending.

Before I conclude this part, I just want to add the epilogue, while a lot of fun, makes it so that there NEEDS to be a fifth book, another that does tie everything that’s happened together even more while also showing what takes place with what we learn. That’s all I can say about it to remain spoiler free, but there’s simply too many questions left that need to be answered to stop here.

What I didn’t like: So, there’s definitely some of the events/people in the ‘Withered Hill’ novel that would’ve been ideal for me to have already read, but that’s on me and though it didn’t change/effect my reading experience, I would suggest reading that first before diving into this one.

Moreso, the thing I didn’t connect with was the chapters that were told through the POV of some animals. It plays a role and is necessary for some key moments, but those chapters always felt like they slowed the momentum of the novel.

Why you should buy this: Over the two books I’ve read, Barnett has easily slotted himself in my reading brain as a master of folklore storytelling. We’ve had a glut of amazing folklore over the last decade and Barnett’s rank up there for me as some of the best that’ve come out.

If you’ve read the first three books – Withered Hill, Scuttler’s Cove & Scratch Moss – you’re going to be in for a big, big treat with how this one folds everything together while also telling us the story of ‘Twisted Pike’ through an outsiders lens. It’s propulsive, tense and dirty and for those reasons, this one captivated me just a bit more than ‘Scratch Moss,’ and that novel was fantastic.

Barnett’s created a stunning, sprawling world of old God’s, high stakes and for those reasons, you all need to be all over this one. Superb.

As you may know by now, I’m a huge fan of music and ingest a lot of stuff from many, many genres. I listen to pretty much everything, but when something catches my attention, I tend to listen to that A LOT. And though it’s nearing the end of September, I’m confident in what I’ve heard so far this year to formally write up my personal TOP SIX ALBUMS OF ’26!

Now, one of these albums is definitely my favorite of the year, so I’ll save that until the very end. But the other five – psssshhhhhhhhh – I couldn’t pick one over the other.

Winterfylleth – The Unyielding Season – released March 27th, 2026

When I first saw the cover artwork for this album, I immediately messaged my buddy David Sodergren and said ‘Now this is cover art that makes me want to check an album out.’ And you know what – it worked. And it is phenomenal.

This was my first time hearing Winterfylleth, a black metal band from England and wow did it pummel me. Propulsive, atmospheric and conjuring so many emotions, this album was a gateway for me. I’ve checked out all their work and they never fail to deliver. One thing that I noticed was how much the vocals lean into At the Gates-esque vocals, which made this old metal head very happy.

Standout tracks – Heroes of a Hundred Fields, A Hollow Existence, Perdition’s Flame, In Ashen Wake

Rob Zombie – The Great Satan – released February 27th, 2026

As you most likely know, I’m a huge White Zombie fan, and since then I’ve found Zombie’s discography hit or miss at best. ‘Educated Horses’ is an all-time fav Rob album and I feel like I’m chasing that album whenever he releases a new one. This one was actually highly recommended to me by Sodergren, who messaged me and said it was fantastic and to check it out. He was right. Every song hits hard and is a blast here and even though initially I was a bit on the fence with the track (I’m a) Rock ‘n’ Roller, I’ve grown to really enjoy that one. Fast, quick and so, so solid, this is perhaps the second best Zombie solo album after … Horses.

Standout tracks – Heathen Days, Black Rat Coffin, Sir Lord Acid Wolfman, The Devilman, Unclean Animals

At the Gates – The Ghost of a Future Dead – released April 24, 2026

A phenomenal album by a legendary band, but an album forever painted with the sorrow over frontman Tompa passing away. Dealing with cancer, he recorded all of his vocals before having surgery that end his ability to sing, this album is a tough listen, knowing what we know now, but one of their best releases. Showcasing why they were at the forefront of the Gothenburg sound, this album sounds timeless while also fresh and vibrant. What an amazing final release from one of the best bands – and vocalists – to ever do it.

Standout tracks – The Fever Mask, The Dissonant Void, Det oerhörda, Tomb of Heaven, The Unfathomable

Anthrax – Cursum Perficio – released September 18, 2026

Translated as ‘I complete my journey’ or even ‘My journey is over,’ Anthrax returned just last week with their first album in a decade, ‘Cursum Perficio.’ And what an album it is. One of my most anticipated for 2026, this might be my personal favorite Anthrax album. It’s hard to describe how much I love this album. This is essentially Joey Belladonna fronting the John Bush Anthrax albums. I love the two albums ‘Volume 8: The Threat is Real’ and ‘We’ve Come For You All,’ which to me showcased the phenomenal musicianship of Anthrax with the brilliance of Bush’s vocals. Well, Joey never ages and my Lord can that man sing. This album shows why they’re one of the Big Four but also reminds the world they’re still making amazing music and remain at the forefront of bands you should be listening to.

Standout tracks – It’s For the Kids, Everybody’s Got a Plan, The Edge of Perfection, Infectious, Cursum Perficio

And this leads to my favorite album of 2026!

Six Feet Under – The Next to Die – released April 24, 2026

When I described this album to Sodergren, I told him it was like the best 80s album that wasn’t released until today. Chris Barnes and Jack Owen together are unstoppable and this album reminded a lot of folks why two of the scenes OG’s can show the new kids how it’s done. Barnes vocals are ferocious on this and he sounds reinvigorated and Owen’s – alongside Ray and Jeff – rip through riff after riff, while Lord Marco absolutely crushes the drums. SFU has put out a lot of amazing albums over the years – and few misses, let’s be honest – but this album was a mighty, mighty return and one of the best albums they’ve ever released.

Standout tracks – Approach Your Grave, Mutilated Corpse in the Woods, Wrath and Terror Takes Command, Grasped From Beyond, Next to Die

So, there you have it! My fav 5 albums of 2026!

What about you? What albums from this year blew your mind and you can’t stop spinning? Let me know!

That’s right friends! My newest novel is out now in the wild and YES, I absolutely forgot to post about it here on my own website on release day! SMH.

Out now from Vincere Press, come follow two influencers who believe they’re heading to film a reality TV show, only to discover things are not what they appear to be!

As well – there’s an amazing Canada Giveaway happening through Vincere Press!

You can enter the contest here – https://vincerepress.com/giveaway

You can find the book and many more in the TNTD series on Vincere’s website here – https://vincerepress.com/

AND if you want to order the book RIGHT THIS MINUTE – grab it here – mybook.to/onwerewolfisland

Best of luck surviving!!

Title: The Yule Day Slaughter (Slasher Season #2)

Author: Craig DiLouie

Release Date: November 17th, 2026

*Huge thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for a digital ARC of this one!*

Just a few months earlier this year I ripped through the first book in this duology – The Summer Fun Massacre – and loved it, though I did note that I was slightly annoyed that Summer Fun was marketed more of being book one of two and that book one was going to end on such a massive cliffhanger.

Well, I didn’t have to wait long for that cliffhanger to be… uh… uncliffed?

The second book of the two is getting launched down our throats just in time for the snow to arrive, unless you live where Craig lives and the snow should be arriving by the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend!

‘The Yule Day Slaughter’ is a book you can’t go into without having read the first one. And because of that, if you’ve not read the first one, this review will be rife with spoilers from book one. Sorry! So, HALT. YE SHALL NOT PASS HERE (unless you’ve read the first one). And don’t worry, this review will be spoiler free for book two!

What I liked: SERIOUSLY. If you’ve not read book one, turn back now. Last warning!

The book picks up a three years after the events of the first. Tom’s taken the vacated role that Buddy Jackson had, now the new sheriff and Laura, the teenager who he saved from book one in the Hungry Hare massacre, is now a police officer, though she’s dealing with PTSD and not sure how to manage it. She fills the darkness with alcohol and strangers. Life’s found a balance. Until that balance is tipped. Winter is coming, festivities are planned and all seems well until the killings begin.

Tom at first doesn’t suspect it can be the Hare, though Laura knows its them. The ghoul’s returned, far sooner than the previous time between prior massacres.

Because a prominent family in town was slaughtered, all but one, Tom calls in The Texas Rangers to help and this adds another layer to the novel. One thing Craig’s deftly done is create a full, broken picture of Tom. He’s struggling to hold on and do what’s right for the town, even when inside he’s breaking. And when he makes an unlikely love connection, it makes things even harder for him to compile what must be done versus what he wants to do.

One thing I really loved about this novel is that it feels like DiLouie manages to fit 1000 pages of story into it. We get a lot of characters coming and going but none of them feel glossed over or simply there to die. Laura grows throughout the book, gaining strength and courage, even more than she had coming into this one, and really becomes her own person. Tom’s character is effectively beat down and him partnering with a key Texas Ranger worked really well to highlight his physical disintegration but also his mental focus on completely the job.

The ending was a lot of fun and the setting Craig chose for us readers was phenomenally cinematic. I think a lot of readers are going to be giddy when they get the final scenes and see what he’s done here.

What I didn’t like: I think the only thing that I struggled with – and this is probably because I’m getting older and I struggle to accurately figure out how old teenagers are – was the transformation of Laura from book one to book two. I had a vision of her being mid-teens last book, though she was older, so at the beginning I grappled with her transition to now being a police officer. Again, that’s on me.

Why you should buy this: Rarely does the second book in a two book series (Will there be a third? We’ll see!) elevate the events in the first book while also actively increasing the lore and smashing the readers expectations, but this one absolutely does that. DiLouie’s world within this book, and the first, felt real. Felt familiar. And he made us know these characters which aided in delivering emotional wallops when different folks died. This book was far more cinematic than I expected and its atmosphere and delivery reminded me a lot of Craig’s exceptional ‘One Of Us’ novel.

A folklore slasher with plenty of blood and heart, I suspect this book will become a holiday horror classic over the next decade or so. Until then, it should prominently feature on many bookstagram and booktok accounts as the leaves turn and the snow falls.

Title: Death in Its Many Forms

Author: S.H. Cooper

Release date: October 2nd, 2026

*Huge thanks to S.H. for the digital ARC of this one!*

If you’ve been following my reviews for some time you’ll have seen two trends appear. First – I’ve frequently lamented how I’m struggling to read collections and anthologies (reminder – a collection is from a single author, an anthology is from multiple authors) simply because I read SO MANY a few years back and I grew burned out on them. Second – for fantastic author pals, I’ll always put my own struggles aside to read and review their work to help promote it and hopefully increase eyeballs on those releases.

S.H. Cooper is one such author pal who I’ll always read and review and support. In my head I have a group of authors I’ve lumped together who I’m always excited to see what they’re producing. Laurel Hightower, Sonora Taylor, Tiffany Mok, Nico Bell & S.H. Cooper make up that author group FYI. So, if you’re at home reading this and looking for authors to read and support, this fivesome should be already written down.

When Cooper announced ‘Death in Its Many Forms,’ I was super excited! I couldn’t wait for this to release, as Cooper’s writing is fantastic and I love how she tells her stories. When she posted she had ARC’s available, I reached out and was elated when she sent me one back.

Knowing how easily Cooper handles subgenres and moves around within them, I dove in and as expected – was richly rewarded.

What I liked: Showcasing her talents across ten stories, Cooper tackles different ways/forms of death within each. The settings may all be different – though a few are similar-ish and not in a bad way – but the emotional weight of each is the same. Death will come and nobody is safe from the grim reaper.

Each story hops from highlight to highlight and I found myself really cherishing my time with each tale, loving the setup and the delivery. Cooper – much like the other four I highlighted earlier – has a familiar yet fresh writing voice and I found hints of the other books she’s written nestled within a number of these stories. I honestly struggled to pick out any story that I considered my favorite, so after finishing the book and reading my notes about each one, I chose two to highlight that really struck me deeper and connected with my reading brain more than the rest.

‘Charnel Mother’ – a story following two grave digger’s hired to retrieve a body goes sideways real quick. This one might’ve been the scariest/spookiest story within the collection. While in the process of getting the body during the night, one of them swears they see a woman watching them and hears what they think is a bell. Soon, they both think they see the woman following them and, in typical Cooper fashion, things only get more horrible from there. This was excellent and one I wished was about twenty times the length!

‘Breaking the Routine’ – if I had to choose a favorite, this one would probably be in. We follow a woman on her typical work day. Arrive at the office, makes coffee, goes to her desk, staples paper etc., etc. Repeat. Repeat. Ground hog day. But then she notices slight variations. Hears odd noises, sees shadows. As the reality of what’s occurred sets in, Cooper doesn’t hold back and this one goes from unsettling and strange to heart wrenching and soul crushing. Phenomenal story.

What I didn’t like: I feel like my notes might be wrong, but one thing I noticed was that outside of the last story, every story is told in 1st person POV. I only think readers would find this an issue if you were sitting down and reading them all back-to-back, but because I would read a story and pause for a day or two, it never felt like more of the same or created an issue with resetting the reading brain between each story.

Why you should buy this: I mean, it’s an S.H. Cooper release. So, yes. You should absolutely buy it. If that isn’t convincing enough, then how about this – ten fantastic stories told through the fantastic prose of a fantastic writer, where – should you choose – you could absolutely read in a single sitting. Fantastic. And when you finish and close the book you’ll do two things. The first will be to buy more of Cooper’s books – I suggest Inheriting Her Ghosts and Threads of Ash: South – and the second will be to nod your head and say, ‘Well, that was fantastic.’

Amazing collection.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/255910767-death-in-its-many-forms

https://authorshcooper.com