🩸 Horror Fiction

Unguarded Instinct

✍️ Andrew Bell
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$16.99
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A twenty-year rivalry between friends turns into a bloody supernatural war.

Bell examines the destructive power of mutual hatred through the lens of supernatural fiction. The narrative follows Graham Deaver and Mick Laurie as their secret war devastates three towns. Mysterious men with controlled shadows play a key role in this escalating conflict. The story contrasts the slow process of finding truth with the rapid onset of violence. It explores how personal enmity can trigger events that harm countless innocent people. The work is grounded in the traditions of horror and gothic literature, focusing on the psychological and physical toll of prolonged animosity.

Key Themes
mutual hatred supernatural shadows devastated towns
Literary Context

Published independently in 2021, this work sits within the contemporary American horror genre. It draws on gothic and supernatural fiction traditions to explore themes of friendship turned enmity. The narrative reflects modern interests in psychological thrillers with supernatural elements.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Stephen King · H.P. Lovecraft · Shirley Jackson
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Independently Published 📅 2021 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9798735257790

📝 Description: Unguarded Instinct

Andrew Bell presents a narrative centered on Graham Deaver and Mick Laurie, lifelong friends who become bitter enemies. Their mutual hatred triggers a secret war spanning more than twenty years, culminating in a violent conclusion that leaves three towns devastated. The story explores the dark consequences of their actions, which result in blood-drenched streets and broken bodies for hundreds of innocent civilians. The plot introduces mysterious men wearing shades who must keep a short leash on their shadows. This element adds a supernatural layer to the conflict between Deaver and Laurie. Bell structures the narrative around the unraveling of a truth that took two decades to uncover, contrasting it with the rapid destruction that follows. The author draws on traditions of gothic horror and supernatural fiction to examine how deep-seated animosity can escalate into catastrophic events. This book suits readers who enjoy intense psychological thrillers blended with supernatural elements. It appeals to those interested in stories about long-standing rivalries and their destructive power. However, it may not suit readers seeking lighthearted or purely realistic crime fiction, as the narrative involves dark events and supernatural intrigue. The work is organized around the escalating tension between the two protagonists and the mysterious figures influencing their fate.

💎 Our verdict on Unguarded Instinct

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Andrew Bell presents a narrative centered on lifelong friends turned bitter enemies, whose secret war spans twenty years and devastates three towns. The story effectively explores the destructive power of mutual hatred through supernatural fiction, introducing mysterious men with controlled shadows to add an eerie layer to the conflict. Bell structures the plot around the unraveling of truth, contrasting it with rapid destruction. This approach suits readers who enjoy intense psychological thrillers blended with supernatural elements. It is particularly appealing for those interested in long-standing rivalries and their catastrophic outcomes. The work draws on gothic horror traditions to examine the toll of animosity, making it a strong choice for fans of dark, escalating tension rather than lighthearted or purely realistic crime fiction.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking intense psychological thrillers blended with supernatural elements will find this narrative compelling. It appeals to those interested in stories about long-standing rivalries and their destructive power, offering a deep dive into how personal enmity can trigger events that harm countless innocent people. The book explores the dark consequences of mutual hatred through the lens of supernatural fiction, making it ideal for fans of gothic horror who enjoy watching the slow process of finding truth contrasted with the rapid onset of violence. It provides a unique examination of how deep-seated animosity escalates into catastrophic events, satisfying those who appreciate the physical and emotional toll such conflicts take on individuals and communities alike.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Andrew Bell presents a narrative centered on lifelong friends turned bitter enemies, whose secret war spans twenty years and devastates three towns. The story effectively explores the destructive power of mutual hatred through supernatural fiction, introducing mysterious men with controlled shadows to add an eerie layer to the conflict. Bell structures the plot around the unraveling of truth, contrasting it with rapid destruction. This approach suits readers who enjoy intense psychological thrillers blended with supernatural elements. It is particularly appealing for those interested in long-standing rivalries and their catastrophic outcomes. The work draws on gothic horror traditions to examine the toll of animosity, making it a strong choice for fans of dark, escalating tension rather than lighthearted or purely realistic crime fiction.

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