The Ones Behind the Bookshelves Begins

Discover These Short Reads

The Shaman’s Apprentice: The Yellow PathPending

Author: Y.M. Namgong

I never believed in spirits.

Sure, I grew up surrounded by my uncle’s shamanic rituals, drawing talismans, memorizing formations, but it was just tradition. Nothing more. Or so I thought.

Then, a strange death brought us back to a small town for an old friend’s funeral.
An unexplainable paralysis.
A lingering grudge.
A forgotten talisman.

And suddenly, what I had dismissed was the only thing standing between us and something far worse.

A supernatural mystery steeped in folklore and the unseen.

If you're into coming-of-age stories with a touch of mystery and spiritual folklore, this one's worth your time.

This story follows a teenage boy taken in by his shaman uncle after his parents' death. At first, the magic and rituals seem like superstition, but as strange things begin to happen, he's forced to confront a deeper truth about his family and destiny.

I especially liked learning about the Yellow Spirits. They’re mischievous weasel-shaped beings that can bring luck or punishment, depending on how you treat them. The story blends folklore with emotional tension, and the dynamic between uncle and nephew adds a tender, human layer.

It’s a short read, but it does stay in your mind a bit longer after you’ve read it. I recommend this for readers who enjoy quiet mysticism and emotionally grounded storytelling.

Unstill Whispers

Author: Colin Devonshire

In this captivating anthology of 50 short stories, the familiar landscapes of the UK are transformed into scenes of suspense, mystery, and unexpected turns. From chilling murders to perplexing kidnappings, each tale is meticulously crafted to draw you into its web and leave you breathless with an unforeseen twist. Whether you find solace in the warmth of a cosy mystery or thrill in the darkness of the unknown, this collection has something for every reader.

Step into a world where beauty hides darkness, innocence confronts loss, and the line between love and obsession blurs.

This is a large collection of short stories (50 of them!), each one exploring different moments, emotions, and dark twists in everyday life. Some are more reflective, others disturbing, and many sit somewhere in between.

I appreciated the variety and the occasional surprise that came from not knowing where each story would go next. If you're someone who enjoys bite-sized fiction that shifts in tone and subject, this is worth checking out.

A few stories stood out to me more than others. “My Sister, The Dandelion” begins with a poignant look at grief as a family grapples with the death of a young daughter. But then it takes an unusual turn when the parents are questioned about bruises found on her legs. “Day Nine” starts off with a bang. Literally. Imagine walking into a family gathering, seeing your uncle shoot your dad, and your mom walks in and drops the turkey fresh from the oven. That one definitely caught me off guard.

This collection is perfect for readers who like to dip in and out of emotionally varied stories, often with an unexpected ending.

The Sinew Tree

Author: T.E. Woodward

When he is awakened by a ruckus outside, Charles ventures out to find a gargantuan tree sprouting out from his backyard. From the canopy now consuming the sky descends tendrils that envelop living creatures in blood-draining cocoons. Narrowly escaping the clutches of the fleshy vines himself, Charles must find a way to save his family from The Sinew Tree.

This story jolts you awake right from the start.

Charles wakes to a noise outside in his backyard. Shotgun in hand, he goes to investigate, and I felt like I was right there with him… well, maybe a few steps behind him, because I wouldn’t want to be at the front of that line.

When he reaches the yard, the imagery hits hard. I’ve got a vivid imagination, and the writer’s description of the towering, monolithic tree with its long, living tendrils was downright creepy as hell. The tree’s vines begin to spread through the town, wrapping themselves around everything. And oh…those poor dogs, and Charles’s eldest son, too.

You’d think this is the start of an apocalypse story, and in many ways it is. But the ending totally blindsided me. Maybe, just maybe, that terrifying tree wasn’t a curse, but a strange kind of blessing.

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More Stories from the Shelf: Readers’ Finds

A few more compelling stories, shared or stumbled upon

Obsidian Triad by Olga McArrow (suggested by an avid reader): It's a profusely illustrated fantasy webnovel (up to 10 sketchbook-style illustrations per chapter) with wonderful poems in it and a lot of heart. It really stands out among modern novels that are overstuffed with edgy protagonists, glorified villains, and abusive relationships. The characters are a bit naive, but in a good old-school fantasy way. A true breath of fresh air. [Read story on author’s website]

Yesterday’s Wine by Paul D. Brazill (suggested by Colin Devonshire): A compelling short story with a gritty look at family dynamics and past mistakes. The story follows Pauline Williams, a woman reluctantly reconnecting with her troubled brother Billy, who has been injured after a series of misadventures. As she navigates the uncomfortable situation of visiting him in the hospital, old memories and secrets resurface. A must-read for fans of noir and crime fiction, as well as anyone who enjoys stories with dark humor and flawed characters. [Read in Pulp Metal Magazine]

The Lurker on the Shore by Captain Seli (suggested by an avid reader): Retired Navy doctor Danric Felmaris reunites with his childhood friend, Mathen, who becomes captivated by the enigmatic Nerissa Velraith. This obsession leads Mathen down a dark path, altering his demeanor and actions in disturbing ways. Soon, the boundaries between life and death blur. For readers who appreciate tales of psychological transformation and supernatural intrigue, this is a must-read. [Read on Royal Road]

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Fun Book Fact – Chained Libraries

In medieval Europe, books were incredibly valuable. Each one was handwritten, often by monks, and could take months or even years to complete. Because of this, libraries had to take extra precautions to prevent theft. They chained books to desks or shelves using metal rods and locks, allowing people to read them only in place.

Readers had to stand while reading, since the chains were just long enough to let them flip through pages but not remove the book. This system was known as a chained library. One of the last remaining examples can still be found at Hereford Cathedral in England in England, where original medieval books and their chains are preserved. Back then, books were as precious as gold!