A Christmas Horror Story by Sebastian Gregory
Published: December 8th 2014
On the night before Christmas, lock the doors to the house…
Forget the jolly old man in his red, big-buttoned suit. Because another creature is up on the roof, preparing for his annual visit to little children everywhere.
With a belt of knives round his waist, a writhing bag on his back and a Santa-sized appetite, he’s a little…different to the St Nick you might be expecting.
And you can leave out all the carrots and mince pies you like…but it’s you he’s after.
A horrid Christmas to all, and a terrible night.
Every white Christmas has a dark side. Don’t miss A Christmas Horror Story, the gruesomely festive new story from Sebastian Gregory.
I LOVED THIS.
The most original ‘Christmas’ story I have read in ages. There sure are the typical sleigh bells, firelit chimney and gifts. Although, in this story it is not very ‘holly or jolly’.
The story begins with some very un-jolly events happening to a family in the past. It then switches to another unpleasant encounter on Christmas.
Finally we meet the stories main team.
Christmas is already a rough time for Katy, Jake and Emily. They recently lost their father, and their mother is constantly at work, so the holidays are quite grim.
The kids band together to try and bring holiday cheer and happiness into the home for one another. While waiting for their mother to come home on Christmas Eve the three siblings are visited by a sleigh and the tinkling of bells!
Unfortunately, this is definitely not Santa Claus. The German creature Der Kinderfresser or the Child Eater, whom has terrorized children for centuries is looking to make a meal out of the children before Christmas Day.
The siblings are extremely likeable and as a reader you are definitely rooting for them to escape the Child Eater’s clutches. Their backstory was so believable, it really helps for the reader to care for their protagonists.
The mythology of the child eater was also done really well, the author used stories from different time periods to create a sinister, dark feel and provide background to the Child Eater. I especially love the German roots to this dark creature, especially the German name!
I loved this story. It was creepy and so well written. It left me with an unsettled feeling and I haven’t felt that from reading a horror tale in ages. Well done, Gregory! I can’t wait to read more of his work.
Thank you, NetGalley for the review copy.
Lisa Loves Words 