Chaplain: A Novella of Extreme Terror

Name: Chaplain: A Novella of Extreme Terror
Price: 7.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9780997501902

✍️ David W, Jr Coons

Reader Score

4.5

(1 review)

$7.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A Civil War captivity story where a chaplain terrifies his Confederate captors.

This novella centers on a young boy, a Union soldier, and a chaplain captured by fleeing Confederates at Gettysburg. The narrative focuses on the chaplain's unexpected nature, which instills deep fear in his captors. Coons writes this as a work of extreme terror, utilizing the historical setting to heighten the supernatural elements. The story does not offer redemption or comfort but rather explores the dread induced by an ordinary holy man who is anything but normal. The text is concise and direct, aiming to unsettle the reader through the subversion of religious expectations within a violent historical context.

Key Themes

Gettysburg battle supernatural chaplain Civil War captivity

Literary Context

This work sits within the tradition of American horror and gothic fiction. It draws on the historical period of the Civil War, specifically the battle of Gettysburg. The novella blends supernatural elements with this specific era to create a unique atmospheric terror.

Difficulty

● Easy

Recommended For Fans Of

Shirley Jackson · H.P. Lovecraft · Bram Stoker · True Crime Narratives

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Horror Fiction

🏛 David W Coons Jr 📅 2016 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780997501902

📝 Description: Chaplain: A Novella of Extreme Terror

David W Jr Coons presents Chaplain, a novella that transports readers to the historic battle of Gettysburg. The narrative follows a young boy caught in the conflict alongside a Union soldier and a chaplain. When fleeing Confederates capture these three individuals, they expect to hold ordinary prisoners. Instead, they encounter a holy man who defies all conventional expectations. The story draws on American Civil War traditions and supernatural fiction tropes to explore themes of extreme terror. Coons structures the plot around the captivity of the chaplain, revealing his true nature through the reactions of his captors. The author qualifies this work as a piece of horror literature designed to unsettle the reader. This novella suits fans of gothic fiction and those interested in Civil War era supernatural tales. It does not suit readers seeking historical accuracy or gentle religious narratives. The text relies on the tension between the mundane setting of a battlefield and the extraordinary nature of its central character. Coons uses the chaplain as a vehicle for fear, subverting the role of a holy man. The novella is organized to build dread through the interactions between the captors and their captive. Readers will find this work appeals to those who enjoy short, intense horror stories with historical backdrops.

💎 Our verdict on Chaplain: A Novella of Extreme Terror

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Coons effectively utilizes the Gettysburg backdrop to amplify the supernatural elements, creating a tense atmosphere where historical violence meets cosmic dread. The novella succeeds in its goal of unsettling readers by subverting the expected role of a chaplain, turning a figure of comfort into one of profound fear. While it lacks historical accuracy and gentle religious narratives, it excels in delivering pure terror through concise, direct prose. This work is best suited for dedicated fans of gothic fiction, cosmic horror, and those who appreciate short stories that prioritize psychological impact over conventional plot resolution.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking intense, concise horror experiences will find this novella compelling due to its direct approach to extreme terror. It appeals to those who enjoy the subversion of religious norms and the psychological impact of an ordinary holy man behaving in extraordinary ways. Fans of Civil War-era supernatural fiction or gothic tales that prioritize dread over comfort will appreciate the tight narrative structure. The book is ideal for audiences who prefer short, impactful stories that challenge traditional roles without offering redemption or gentle resolutions, making it a potent choice for enthusiasts of dark fantasy and unsettling psychological horror.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Coons effectively utilizes the Gettysburg backdrop to amplify the supernatural elements, creating a tense atmosphere where historical violence meets cosmic dread. The novella succeeds in its goal of unsettling readers by subverting the expected role of a chaplain, turning a figure of comfort into one of profound fear. While it lacks historical accuracy and gentle religious narratives, it excels in delivering pure terror through concise, direct prose. This work is best suited for dedicated fans of gothic fiction, cosmic horror, and those who appreciate short stories that prioritize psychological impact over conventional plot resolution.