M. Ainihi’s The Warning Signs is a collection of dark fantasy and horror short stories that plunges readers into eerie landscapes filled with unsettling truths, strange creatures, and psychological terror. The book is split into three sections: One-Shot Shorts, Tales from Sumir, and Day 32,854, each offering its own brand of nightmare fuel. Whether it’s ghosts that refuse to be forgotten, twisted mermaids exacting revenge, or apocalyptic survivors battling unseen forces, every tale grips with an uncanny sense of doom. This isn’t a book about cheap thrills—it’s about slow-burning horror that lingers long after the last page.

What I love most about Ainihi’s writing is her ability to create an atmosphere. She doesn’t just tell you a horror story; she makes you feel it. Take “Dead Already,” for example. The protagonist gradually realizes she’s watching her own body being hidden away, and the dread seeps in line by line​. It’s not just the horror of death; it’s the horror of being erased and forgotten. That’s the kind of existential terror Ainihi plays with, and it’s chilling. Similarly, in “The Warning,” a house isn’t just haunted; it feels alive, like it’s waiting to consume its new occupants​. These aren’t just ghost stories; they feel like whispers of something deeper, something ancient.

Not every story delivers the same kind of impact, but that’s part of what makes The Warning Signs so engaging. Some, like Cultivating Wrath, lean more into dark fantasy, bringing a sense of adventure alongside the horror. Others, like The Three Percent, take bold risks by exploring post-pandemic dread in a way that sparks the imagination. Ainihi’s strength lies in her ability to craft diverse narratives, each with its own unique style and pace. When she allows her stories to unfold naturally, they become truly mesmerizing.

What makes this collection stand out is its originality and refusal to rely on predictable horror tropes. Ainihi doesn’t hand out easy answers, she makes you think. In stories like Amma, the real horror isn’t just the physical threats but the unsettling realization that reality itself may not be what it seems. It’s this kind of storytelling that lingers, making you question and reflect.

The Warning Signs is the perfect collection for anyone who loves eerie, thought-provoking horror that lingers long after the last page. Ainihi has a knack for crafting unsettling, immersive tales that pull you into strange and terrifying worlds. If you enjoy slow-burning suspense, psychological twists, and a blend of dark fantasy and horror, this book is a must-read.

Pages: 181 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B091YR9H1M