LA APUESTA (un relato de Cronicas Sombrias)

Name: LA APUESTA (un relato de Cronicas Sombrias)
Price: 12.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781730776021

✍️ Javier Jene Gaspar

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$12.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A short story about a cursed man confronting evil in a Spanish mountain village.

The narrative centers on Raul Duran and his journey to San Cisco del Valle. He possesses a unique ability that reveals hidden horrors. The town suffers from the unexplained vanishing of many children. Gaspar uses this setting to explore themes of isolation and inherited burden. The story does not rely on complex plot twists but rather on atmospheric tension. Duran’s gift becomes a liability as he witnesses the spread of corruption. The text highlights the contrast between the peaceful exterior of the Pyrenees and the rot within. It serves as a case study in how supernatural elements can manifest in realistic, grounded environments.

Key Themes

supernatural curse missing children mountain isolation

Literary Context

The story is set in San Cisco del Valle, located in the Aragonese Pyrenees. It draws on Spanish gothic traditions and regional folklore regarding remote mountain communities. The narrative reflects a specific period of literary horror that focuses on psychological dread rather than external monsters.

Difficulty

●●● Challenging

Recommended For Fans Of

M.R. James · Algernon Blackwood · Shirley Jackson

🕯️

Supernatural

🏛 Independently Published 📅 2018 🌐 non-English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781730776021

📝 Description: LA APUESTA (un relato de Cronicas Sombrias)

Javier Jene Gaspar presents "La Apuesta," a short story included in his collection "Cronicas Sombrias." The narrative follows Raul Duran, a man burdened by a gift that functions as a curse. This ability allows him to perceive truths he would rather ignore. He travels to San Cisco del Valle, a quiet mountain town located in the Aragonese Pyrenees. His arrival coincides with a series of disappearances involving approximately twenty children over the past year. As Duran breathes the heavy atmosphere of this depressed community, he realizes that malevolent forces have taken root in these lands. The story examines how such gifts isolate their bearers and what happens when darkness settles in remote places. This work appeals to readers who enjoy supernatural fiction grounded in specific geographic settings. It suits those interested in Spanish gothic traditions and the psychological weight of inherited curses. The text does not offer lighthearted entertainment or traditional horror tropes focused on jump scares. Instead, it provides a slow-burn narrative about dread and inevitable doom. Readers seeking fast-paced action or clear resolutions may find the tone too heavy. The book is organized as part of a larger novel structure, offering a concentrated look at Duran’s struggle against unseen threats.

💎 Our verdict on LA APUESTA (un relato de Cronicas Sombrias)

“

🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Javier Jene Gaspar delivers a compelling study of supernatural elements manifesting in realistic environments within 'La Apuesta'. The narrative effectively contrasts the peaceful exterior of the Pyrenees with the rotting corruption beneath, creating profound atmospheric tension. By focusing on the burden of perception rather than complex plot twists, the story highlights how gifts can become liabilities in isolated communities. It suits readers who appreciate psychological horror and gothic traditions over fast-paced action or clear resolutions. This work provides a heavy, immersive experience for those willing to engage with themes of inherited doom and malevolent forces settling in remote places.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This book is ideal for readers who prefer atmospheric tension over action-driven plots and enjoy supernatural fiction deeply rooted in specific geographic settings. It appeals to those interested in Spanish gothic traditions, the psychological weight of inherited curses, and the exploration of isolation. Readers seeking a slow-burn narrative about dread and inevitable doom will find value here, as it offers a concentrated look at confronting unseen threats without relying on traditional jump scares or lighthearted entertainment.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Javier Jene Gaspar delivers a compelling study of supernatural elements manifesting in realistic environments within 'La Apuesta'. The narrative effectively contrasts the peaceful exterior of the Pyrenees with the rotting corruption beneath, creating profound atmospheric tension. By focusing on the burden of perception rather than complex plot twists, the story highlights how gifts can become liabilities in isolated communities. It suits readers who appreciate psychological horror and gothic traditions over fast-paced action or clear resolutions. This work provides a heavy, immersive experience for those willing to engage with themes of inherited doom and malevolent forces settling in remote places.