And Cast It From You
Scarlett R. Algee
Cold War Radio Press (October 1, 2024)
Reviewed by Brian James Lewis
Ever heard the saying, “small but mighty”? It usually refers to someone or something who may not appear to be much of a threat, but when they get going, look out! The something in this case is Scarlett R. Algee’s novella And Cast It From You. Not only does the book appear deceptively brief, but the evil inside waiting for readers is tiny and not the sort of thing that strikes fear into the hearts of anyone except maybe neat freaks. Intrigued? Then let’s check it out!
Our narrator, Kris Winters, has inherited her late grandmother’s house—a place full of fond memories, country goodness, and love. Not too many people can say that about their first home! Everything is great, except for one small problem: the shed is NOT fine.” Readers will soon discover just how much of an understatement that is.
Even so, how dangerous could a small shed full of odds and ends be? I mean, sure, there’s two decades worth of heavy yellow dust on everything, which certainly could be a hazard to a person with allergies. Kris doesn’t say she has a history of allergies and seems unconcerned when she approaches the clean up job, but something in that shed turns what should be a joyful experience into relentless creeping horror that makes you want to scream. Alone in the middle of nowhere with her options narrowing fast, Kris has to make an emergency decision and stop the misery while she still can. Or is she already too late?
Wow! This reviewer gives And Cast It From You by Scarlett R. Algee a hearty 5 Star Rating! At the time of this review, this excellent novella is available on Amazon Kindle for just $2.99 (sale price) or as a paperback for $6.95. A true case of small but mighty, this story will stay stuck in your head long after you read it. Big monsters may be loud and scary, but it’s the tiny ones that’ll take you down and drive you mad while doing it. So, if you happen to be house hunting, just tell your realtor to take any houses with small rustic sheds out back right off your viewing list. Better safe than sorry!
Scarlett R. Algee’s work has appeared in many places, including Bards and Sages Quarterly, Body Parts Magazine, and The Wicked Library. She’s also the author of Bleedthrough and Other Small Horrors. You can find Scarlett on Reddit as u/Cold_War_Radio
Brian James Lewis is a disabled writer, poet, and book reviewer with PTSD whose work has appeared in Trajectory Journal, Mythic Picnic, The Awakenings Review, and multiple horror anthologies. Please visit him at: www.damagedskullwriterandreviewer.com, X/Twitter @skullsnflames76, or https://facebook.com/DamagedSkullWriterandReviewer
