Cha·os /ˈkāˌäs/ complete disorder and confusion.
Assaulted from all directions by natural disasters, political upheavals and viral pandemics, we often feel we are living in a time of chaos. But imagine how much worse things can get. We still sleep in our warm beds, are able to eat, to drive, to vote, to think freely. Are we truly living in a time of chaos, or do we merely stand on the precipice, waiting at the gates? Can we possibly imagine the true horror that awaits us on the other side?
In 2020, amidst the panic and confusion of the global Covid-19 pandemic, the online group Horror Writers Net tasked its most twisted and deranged minds with imagining the worst. This anthology of 20 short tales of Horror fiction is the result of their efforts. A work of passion and fear, the collection features illustrations by pen & ink artist Will Jacques, and stories by B.T. Noonan, Jesse D’Angelo, N.M. Brown, Wayne Hartshorn, Florence Ann Marlowe, Adam Michael Dodds-Wade, Brianna Van Riet, James Miles, Valkyrie Kerry, Nelson Hurley, Chris Stenson, Scott Dyson, Jim Falcon, and Rob Harman.
Pass through these gates at your own risk.
Two Bobby’s is part of The Horror Writers Network Anthology Gates of Chaos.
The darkness of the stairway seemed to swallow Bobby as he ascended. He made careful steps, his favorite blanket clutched in his fingers, thrown over his shoulder like a protective cape. He sensed something was wrong before the smell crinkled his freckled nose. A rotten, earthy aroma floated down from the second floor. He stopped at the top of the stairs; the dread of the unknown prickled his skin. – Chris Stenson
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Reviews
I love short stories and this collection was incredibly satisfying! The stories are all so different, and many are so macabre, suspenseful, imaginative and original. My favorites have to be “Lockdown and Macabre” by James Miles, “America’s Pastime” by Scott Dyson, and “4300 Tennessee Avenue” by Jesse D’Angelo! It is also adorned with beautiful pen and ink artwork for each story. A welcome addition to my home library, and highly recommended to any fans of Horror short stories!
P-Russo, Amazon, February 11, 2022
Nice mix of author styles. Stories were well written. It really explained how people were feeling through the pandemic like we were all going crazy at times.
Marcella, Amazon, July 7, 2021
My favorite story so far is Two Bobbies. I have been blown away by this story in the anthology. The imagery is tangible and evokes such incredible emotion from me as both a reader and a parent. It is incredibly suspenseful with a twist ending!
I highly recommend the anthology with this story being, for me, the crowning piece!
Sadie D. Mendenhall-Cariveau, Amazon, June 10, 2021
Several excellent stories, for which I recommend this anthology for those alone.
Rob Harman, Goodreads, June 4, 2021
It had some very different stories. Good read.
Amazon Customer, May 2, 2021
I think the first thing that was really fetching about this anthology wasn’t just the solid collection of stories, but also the fantastic collection of artwork proceeding each story. Kinda gives it the feel of a Scary Stories to Tell In the Dark, except for adults. The artwork was fascinating and I appreciate the added effort.
Reed Alexander Horror Reviews, April 22, 2021
Overall, a great concept and a good effort. I would have enjoyed it more if the pandemic was more in the forefront of the stories – however, who really wants to think about the pandemic anymore anyway.
M. Todd, Goodreads, March 08, 2021
Chris Stenson - Author 