🩸 Horror Fiction

Behind the Shadows IV

✍️ A Balsamo
Reader Score
4.6
(1 review)
$22.99
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A collection of horror stories by A Balsamo and other writers.

This anthology gathers twenty-one writers to produce short horror pieces. A Balsamo oversees the project, ensuring a cohesive tone across diverse entries. Contributors like Helen Mihajlovic and Jezza Deep add their unique voices to the mix. Vekhan Sametyaza provides interior illustrations that support the narrative themes. The book targets readers who prefer bite-sized scares over extended plots. It avoids complex character arcs in favor of immediate impact. Fans of gothic fiction will find familiar tropes presented with fresh energy. The collection does not promise resolution, leaving many threads hanging. Readers looking for comfort should look elsewhere. This volume delivers unease through varied perspectives and settings.

Key Themes
horror fiction gothic tales supernatural stories
Literary Context

Released in 2026 by Inkd Publishing LLC, this anthology reflects the ongoing popularity of short-form horror in American bookshops. It joins a tradition of genre collections that prioritize atmosphere and immediate dread over lengthy development.

Difficulty
● Easy
Recommended For Fans Of
Shirley Jackson · H.P. Lovecraft · Ellen Datlow
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Inkd Publishing LLC 📅 2026 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9798233399312

📝 Description: Behind the Shadows IV

Behind the Shadows IV presents a curated selection of horror fiction edited by A Balsamo. This volume brings together twenty-one contributors, including Robert J. Binney, Laura J. Campbell, and Darren Lipman, among others. The anthology features interior art by Vekhan Sametyaza, adding visual depth to the written word. Readers will encounter varied narratives that explore the darker corners of human experience through the lens of supernatural fiction. The book suits those who enjoy short-form horror and gothic tales. It offers a diverse range of voices within the genre, allowing readers to sample different styles and perspectives in one binding. The collection does not appeal to readers seeking long novels or non-fiction works. It is specifically designed for fans of the macabre who appreciate concise storytelling. Published by Inkd Publishing LLC on July 13, 2026, this edition carries the ISBN 9798233399312. The structure allows for quick immersion into distinct worlds without requiring a significant time commitment. Each story stands alone, yet they collectively create an atmosphere of dread and mystery. The inclusion of art by Vekhan Sametyaza complements the textual content, enhancing the overall mood of the collection.

💎 Our verdict on Behind the Shadows IV

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Behind the Shadows IV delivers a cohesive atmosphere of dread despite its diverse contributors. The editor successfully maintains a unified tone across twenty-one entries, ensuring that each story contributes to the overall sense of mystery. The inclusion of interior art by Vekhan Sametyaza adds visual depth, complementing the textual content effectively. This volume is best suited for readers who enjoy short-form horror and gothic tales, offering a rapid immersion into dark narratives. It avoids complex resolutions, instead focusing on immediate emotional impact and varied settings. The collection stands as a strong example of curated horror fiction that respects the reader's time while delivering substantial unease.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking immediate, bite-sized scares will find this collection particularly appealing, as it prioritizes impact over extended character development. It is ideal for those who prefer the tension of gothic and supernatural fiction without committing to long narratives. The anthology offers a curated experience of unease through varied perspectives, allowing fans of the macabre to sample distinct styles in one volume. With interior illustrations enhancing the mood, it serves as an accessible entry point for enthusiasts of cosmic and psychological horror who appreciate concise storytelling.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Behind the Shadows IV delivers a cohesive atmosphere of dread despite its diverse contributors. The editor successfully maintains a unified tone across twenty-one entries, ensuring that each story contributes to the overall sense of mystery. The inclusion of interior art by Vekhan Sametyaza adds visual depth, complementing the textual content effectively. This volume is best suited for readers who enjoy short-form horror and gothic tales, offering a rapid immersion into dark narratives. It avoids complex resolutions, instead focusing on immediate emotional impact and varied settings. The collection stands as a strong example of curated horror fiction that respects the reader's time while delivering substantial unease.

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