Magic

Name: Magic
Price: 7.00 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9798617218253

✍️ Eric Nash

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$7.00

In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days

📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A horror novel about an ex-con fleeing shape-shifting terrors from the Wild Hunt.

Nash uses his experience as a father to explore the dark side of childhood myths, turning beloved figures into sources of terror. The story centers on Grange’s desperate journey against supernatural forces rooted in Western folklore traditions. By examining the origins of tales involving elves, trolls, and other magical beings, Nash reveals their unsettling underpinnings. The bonus story expands on these themes, offering additional insight into how ancient beliefs can manifest as present-day horrors. This work bridges personal narrative with cultural history, creating a unique horror experience that feels both intimate and universal.

Key Themes

Wild Hunt terrors childhood innocence folklore origins

Literary Context

The book sits within the Short Sharp Shock series, published independently in 2020. It draws on Western folklore traditions, examining how childhood myths about elves, trolls, and other magical beings have dark historical roots. Nash’s perspective as a parent informs his exploration of these cultural narratives.

Difficulty

● Easy

Recommended For Fans Of

Fans of folklore-based horror · Readers who enjoy character-driven supernatural thrillers · Enthusiasts of short-form horror fiction

🩸

Horror Fiction

🏛 Independently Published 📅 2020 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9798617218253

📝 Description: Magic

Eric Nash’s Magic follows ex-con Grange as he races against shape-shifting terrors from the Wild Hunt for one final chance to see his daughter. This entry in the Short Sharp Shock book series blends urban grit with supernatural dread, grounding its horror in personal stakes rather than abstract evil. Nash draws on folklore forests and dark origins of Western beliefs, transforming childhood wonder into something sinister. The narrative explores how innocence can be corrupted by ancient forces, creating a tense atmosphere where familiar myths become threats. The volume includes the bonus story The Woodwose and His May Queen, featuring cover art by Adrian Baldwin. Nash’s approach stems from his fascination with childhood belief systems, examining figures like tooth fairies, elves, trolls, and bunny egg deliverers. He traces these traditions back to their unsettling roots, revealing how well-loved cultural icons harbor darker histories. The book is organized around this exploration of magical realism turned horror, offering readers a concise yet intense experience. This title suits fans of short-form horror who appreciate folklore-based terror and character-driven plots. It may not appeal to those seeking lengthy epics or purely academic analyses of myth. Nash’s background as a parent informs the work’s emotional core, making the supernatural elements feel personal and immediate. The inclusion of bonus material adds value for collectors of the series.

💎 Our verdict on Magic

“

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Eric Nash delivers a tense and intimate horror narrative that effectively transforms childhood wonder into something sinister. By grounding the story in the desperate journey of an ex-con fleeing shape-shifting terrors, the book creates a palpable atmosphere of dread. The exploration of folklore origins adds depth, revealing the darker histories behind well-loved cultural icons. This approach ensures the supernatural elements feel immediate and personal rather than distant or academic. The volume is particularly suited for fans of short-form horror who prefer character-driven plots over lengthy epics. While it may not satisfy those seeking purely academic myth analysis, its emotional core and concise intensity make it a compelling read for anyone interested in folklore-based terror and the corruption of innocence.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This title offers a unique horror experience for those who appreciate the intersection of personal stakes and ancient cultural myths. Readers will find value in Nash’s exploration of how childhood belief systems can be corrupted by sinister forces, turning familiar icons like tooth fairies and bunny egg deliverers into terrifying entities. The narrative grounds its supernatural elements in emotional immediacy, making the fear feel personal rather than abstract. Those seeking a concise yet intense reading experience will appreciate the blend of urban grit with supernatural dread. The inclusion of bonus material provides additional insight into how these ancient beliefs manifest as present-day horrors, appealing to those interested in the unsettling underpinnings of Western folklore traditions.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Eric Nash delivers a tense and intimate horror narrative that effectively transforms childhood wonder into something sinister. By grounding the story in the desperate journey of an ex-con fleeing shape-shifting terrors, the book creates a palpable atmosphere of dread. The exploration of folklore origins adds depth, revealing the darker histories behind well-loved cultural icons. This approach ensures the supernatural elements feel immediate and personal rather than distant or academic. The volume is particularly suited for fans of short-form horror who prefer character-driven plots over lengthy epics. While it may not satisfy those seeking purely academic myth analysis, its emotional core and concise intensity make it a compelling read for anyone interested in folklore-based terror and the corruption of innocence.