Title: Terrifying Tales Unleashed: Unsettling Stories to Remedy Peaceful Slumber
Author: Scott D. Gottschalk
Publisher: PageTurner Press and Media
IBSN: 979-8-88622-323-1
Pages: 232
Genre: Thriller/Suspense/Horror
Reviewed by: Margie Przybylski
Pacific Book Review
Terrifying Tales Unleashed: Unsettling Stories to Remedy Peaceful Slumber by Scott D. Gottschalk is a collection of short horror stories which are sure to send shivers down your spine. The book is a menagerie of disturbing and unnerving tales that will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
The book’s prologue sets the tone for the rest of the collection by exploring the definition of terror and the origins of the word. The author explains terror is a state of intense fear which inspires anxiety and can be caused by an appalling person or thing. The goal of terror is to paralyze the will to resist the perpetrator, and the word itself is derived from the Latin verb terrere, meaning “to frighten.”
The stories in Terrifying Tales Unleashed certainly live up to their name, with each one unleashing a new level of fear and anxiety upon the reader. Each story is uniquely terrifying and guaranteed to make you question what is real and what is not. While truly scary and creepy – these tales can be enjoyed alone or read out loud on a spooky fall night.
Gottschalk is an extremely talented storyteller with a knack for all things spooky. His settings, characters, and pacing are all top notch, making the book extremely entertaining, even for non-horror fans. Each story is carried by a strongly developed character, one of my favorites being Sissy. Her story is one of the most farfetched in the book – I found myself willing her not to do what she is about to do throughout the story. While it was suspenseful and frightening, I found myself laughing as well because of the drama Gottschalk created throughout the story. While a little cheeky, the way the story unfolds is still tasteful and captivating.
The characters in each story are unique and charming, it is quite unfortunate to follow their demise as the tales unfold. Gottschalk paints them beautifully including their childhood dreams, heart breaks and ultimate moments of peril.
Overall, Terrifying Tales Unleashed is a must-read for horror fans. The stories are well-written and expertly crafted, with a keen sense of atmosphere and a knack for building tension. The book is not for the faint of heart, but for those who are brave enough to venture into its pages, it is a thrilling and unforgettable ride.
