Cordwood
A cursed oak firewood brings violent consequences to its recipients.
Owen Vale accepts free firewood from Cal Mercer at a campground. This decision leads to a dead woman and a shattered hand. The violence connects to dark oak wood seen at every fire. Owen tracks the logs to an old shop outside Marion. He discovers Cal has given away these scraps for years. Each gift comes with a hidden cost. The novella explores the lingering effects of this exchange. The truck bed is now empty, but the recipients are home. The horror stems from the inescapable nature of the curse.
The story sits within the contemporary American horror tradition, specifically R.D. Parrish's Darkwood Legacy. It draws on folklore surrounding natural objects and rural settings like Marion. The narrative reflects modern anxieties about accepting unexplained favors from strangers in isolated environments.
📝 Description: Cordwood
💎 Our verdict on Cordwood
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers who appreciate atmospheric, slow-burn supernatural fiction will find this novella compelling. It appeals to those who enjoy gothic tales rooted in specific locations and the exploration of how seemingly benign gifts can carry hidden dangers. The narrative focuses on lingering effects and inescapable curses rather than explicit gore, making it ideal for fans of psychological horror. Owen’s desperate investigation into the source of evil provides a focused, continuous reading experience without chapter breaks. It suits audiences who prefer tension over fast-paced action and are interested in the dark consequences of trading favors for unseen costs.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
R.D. Parrish crafts a tense, atmospheric novella that excels in building dread through the mundane act of accepting firewood. The story effectively utilizes its gothic setting to explore themes of cursed exchanges and lingering violence. By focusing on the psychological toll on Owen Vale rather than graphic details, the narrative maintains a chilling mood throughout. This approach suits readers who favor slow-burn supernatural fiction over immediate shock value. The continuous structure enhances the sense of inescapable doom, drawing the audience into the mystery of Cal Mercer’s dark legacy. It is a well-executed entry for fans of localized horror who appreciate nuanced character studies and atmospheric storytelling.
📖 Read on the blog
📖 From the series “Darkwood Legacy: Lost Confessions”
✍️ More books by this author R D Parrish
🏛 Books from this publisher R.D. Parrish
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