🩸 Horror Fiction

Edin Within The Woods

✍️ Neil May
Reader Score
4.4
(1 review)
$12.99
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A monster hunts for an assassin in a city torn apart by supernatural violence.

Michael, a massive mansion-dwelling monster in Calm, seeks to create the ultimate assassin. His plan intersects with Beth Tanner, a disabled woman found in the snow. He assumes she is his target, but she was intended for his rival, Durant. When Durant’s Duals arrive to claim their purchase, chaos erupts. The city faces destruction as these forces collide. May structures the story around this impending clash, highlighting the predatory nature of his characters. The narrative does not shy away from the brutality of their pursuit. Readers interested in the mechanics of supernatural hunting will find the focus on Michael’s ambition compelling. The text avoids traditional hero arcs, instead presenting a world where survival is the only prize.

Key Themes
monstrous ambition supernatural competition urban destruction
Literary Context

The story is set in the city of Calm, a location defined by its dark winter grip and looming mountains. This setting supports the gothic tradition of isolation and dread. The narrative reflects themes common in supernatural fiction, where human vulnerability meets monstrous power. Published in 2019, it continues the lineage of tales exploring the intersection of urban decay and ancient evil.

Difficulty
●●● Challenging
Recommended For Fans Of
H.P. Lovecraft · Clive Barker · Thomas Ligotti · Poppy Z. Brite
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Tellwell Talent 📅 2019 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780228810742

📝 Description: Edin Within The Woods

Neil May presents a dark narrative set in the city of Calm, where an ambitious monster named Michael operates from a mansion carved into the mountains. The story follows his pursuit of the ultimate assassin, a goal complicated by high-stakes competition from Durant and his unnerving Duals. The plot intensifies when Michael encounters Beth Tanner, who lies disabled in the snow after an accident. He believes she holds the missing piece for his new assassin, unaware that she was originally meant for Durant. The tension escalates as a pair of Duals arrives in Calm to collect on Durant's purchase. Their presence triggers a night of hell and destruction across the unsuspecting city. The narrative builds toward a final battle for the ages, forcing one group to survive while the other falls. May’s work draws on traditions of gothic horror and supernatural fiction, focusing on monstrous ambition and violent conflict. The book suits readers who enjoy tales of lethal competition and dark urban settings. It may not appeal to those seeking lighthearted plots or clear resolutions, as the ending leaves survival uncertain.

💎 Our verdict on Edin Within The Woods

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
May delivers a visceral exploration of predatory nature through Michael’s quest for the ultimate assassin. The narrative structure effectively builds tension as forces collide in Calm, highlighting the brutality of supernatural pursuit without moralizing. The focus on monstrous ambition and violent conflict creates an immersive experience for fans of gothic horror. While the lack of traditional hero arcs may alienate some, it serves the story’s grim tone perfectly. Readers who enjoy dark fantasy with complex, unethical protagonists will find this engaging. The depiction of impending destruction and high-stakes competition provides a relentless pace that keeps the reader invested in the survival of these unhinged characters.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate the mechanics of supernatural hunting and predatory narratives will find this book compelling. The story focuses on Michael’s ambition to create an ultimate assassin, offering a grim look at survival in a world without traditional heroes. It suits those who enjoy dark urban settings and tales of lethal competition where violence is central. Those interested in the psychological depth of monstrous characters and the brutal pursuit of power will gain satisfaction from the text. The narrative avoids lighthearted plots or clear resolutions, making it ideal for audiences seeking intense, atmospheric horror that prioritizes survival over redemption.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

May delivers a visceral exploration of predatory nature through Michael’s quest for the ultimate assassin. The narrative structure effectively builds tension as forces collide in Calm, highlighting the brutality of supernatural pursuit without moralizing. The focus on monstrous ambition and violent conflict creates an immersive experience for fans of gothic horror. While the lack of traditional hero arcs may alienate some, it serves the story’s grim tone perfectly. Readers who enjoy dark fantasy with complex, unethical protagonists will find this engaging. The depiction of impending destruction and high-stakes competition provides a relentless pace that keeps the reader invested in the survival of these unhinged characters.

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