What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wild Oblivion #1
Hallowed Oblivion
On Halloween Night, Forest Ranger Hank Feld is called out to the White Mountain National Forest to search for a group of lost hikers. Crushed at not being able to spend the evening with his daughter, Hank sets off into the cold, misty mountains along side volunteer, Gerard Castle.
But they are not the only things in the woods that night. When they come upon a massacred camping site, they realize there's something hunting them: a malevolent creature that hungers for the souls of the lost.
A novelette from The Wild Oblivion universe, readers follow one of THE WILD DARK's characters into the woods for a ghastly adventure, one that might eventually alter the world as we know it...
But they are not the only things in the woods that night. When they come upon a massacred camping site, they realize there's something hunting them: a malevolent creature that hungers for the souls of the lost.
A novelette from The Wild Oblivion universe, readers follow one of THE WILD DARK's characters into the woods for a ghastly adventure, one that might eventually alter the world as we know it...
52 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2022
2 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Silva
21 books149 followersKatherine Silva is the ace Maine horror author of The Wild Oblivion series, is a connoisseur of coffee, and victim of cat shenanigans. She is a three-time Maine Literary Award finalist for speculative fiction and a member of the Horror Writers of Maine, The Horror Writers Association, and New England Horror Writers Association. Katherine is also editor-in-chief of Strange Wilds Press. Her most recent book, Undead Folk, is now available.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 13, 2022
I’m not going night hiking again
Wow, I loved every second of this. Halloween in New England is creepy fun but add in being on a mountain, looking for lost teens at night on Halloween brought this to the top of my scare-meter. I could picture every aspect of this novella from sitting at the diner having ice cream to tripping over the rocks and roots while being chased by a beast with needle sharp teeth that wants to suck out my soul.
Katherine Silva is an a great writer and I’m ashamed to admit that I haven’t read her other books. Luckily I have 3 that I will be moving to the top of my TBR pile.
Wow, I loved every second of this. Halloween in New England is creepy fun but add in being on a mountain, looking for lost teens at night on Halloween brought this to the top of my scare-meter. I could picture every aspect of this novella from sitting at the diner having ice cream to tripping over the rocks and roots while being chased by a beast with needle sharp teeth that wants to suck out my soul.
Katherine Silva is an a great writer and I’m ashamed to admit that I haven’t read her other books. Luckily I have 3 that I will be moving to the top of my TBR pile.
November 18, 2022
It's hard to believe that a book as short as this one, can create so much depth in the characters AND have suspense and action and creature gore, but this book does. I was totally gripped with the story from the start. It met all my wants in a quick horror read. Very good.
November 28, 2023
This was a tantalizing glimpse into the eerie world of Katherine Silva's The Wild Dark and its series.
Hallowed Oblivion was a lot of story in one small book, frightening and resolved, but also opening the reader to the world of the larger series. Set on a mountain on a chilly Halloween night, it opened on several foolish teenagers conduct an amateur summoning in the woods, and Something responding. Rescue ranger Hank and an older man from the town, Castle, respond to the calls for help. What ensues is some great outdoors horror mixed with creature feature. It read like Blair Witch meets all the wild theories about Dyatlov Pass, complete with poor, defenseless tents getting shredded. And what really invested me was the groundwork Silva laid for Hank's character, highlighting his relationship with his young daughter, his troubled ex, a lot of the town reliant on him as an authority figure outdoors. Hank's not a stick figure character who I could take or leave as a horror protagonist, I was genuinely invested in how things would play out for him.
Add in the horror elements - the ominous silence of woods where something has happened, the agility of the monster, the strange appearance of the bodies it leaves in its wake - and I was completely sold. I'll be reading the whole series now, I need to know what's going on!
Hallowed Oblivion was a lot of story in one small book, frightening and resolved, but also opening the reader to the world of the larger series. Set on a mountain on a chilly Halloween night, it opened on several foolish teenagers conduct an amateur summoning in the woods, and Something responding. Rescue ranger Hank and an older man from the town, Castle, respond to the calls for help. What ensues is some great outdoors horror mixed with creature feature. It read like Blair Witch meets all the wild theories about Dyatlov Pass, complete with poor, defenseless tents getting shredded. And what really invested me was the groundwork Silva laid for Hank's character, highlighting his relationship with his young daughter, his troubled ex, a lot of the town reliant on him as an authority figure outdoors. Hank's not a stick figure character who I could take or leave as a horror protagonist, I was genuinely invested in how things would play out for him.
Add in the horror elements - the ominous silence of woods where something has happened, the agility of the monster, the strange appearance of the bodies it leaves in its wake - and I was completely sold. I'll be reading the whole series now, I need to know what's going on!
June 30, 2023
This was an easy quick read. Considering this was self published the errors weren't bad. Which is impressive in itself, but the story is what gives it 4 stars. At first I kinda struggled to keep reading. But honestly it could've been my mood. Once I actually focused in on the story I finished it immediately. I would love a story maybe from the teens POV. I think you that would make a good prequel to this and I would love to see this as a short story series! I loved the feel good ending. It wasn't a happy story but it gave a little feel good at the end which I enjoyed. Especially as a horror fan, as after I would finish something scary I would watch cartoons lol! All in all for an author this talented I am surprised she hasn't been published.
June 28, 2023
Hallowed Oblivion by Katherine Silva is a tale of a search and rescue mission on Halloween night that suddenly becomes a terrifying life-or-death situation for the rescue team.
While just 60 pages, this story really packs a brutal punch! From the terror of being hunted to the creatures that are doing the hunting, that was scary enough! But there’s also an element of grief riding just below the surface of the tale like a deadly undercurrent, ready to pull the characters down.
I read this after finishing The Wild Dark, and would recommend doing the same, though you could absolutely read it before that book as well! That’s such a neat thing about this world Katherine has created, you can dip into whichever tale strikes your fancy and read that first before exploring the others (other than reading The Wild Dark before the Wild Fall of course!).
Click here to read my full review:
https://www.ericarobynreads.com/hallo...
While just 60 pages, this story really packs a brutal punch! From the terror of being hunted to the creatures that are doing the hunting, that was scary enough! But there’s also an element of grief riding just below the surface of the tale like a deadly undercurrent, ready to pull the characters down.
I read this after finishing The Wild Dark, and would recommend doing the same, though you could absolutely read it before that book as well! That’s such a neat thing about this world Katherine has created, you can dip into whichever tale strikes your fancy and read that first before exploring the others (other than reading The Wild Dark before the Wild Fall of course!).
Click here to read my full review:
https://www.ericarobynreads.com/hallo...
January 31, 2023
An Outstanding Novelette!
This was a one-sitting read for me, and I enjoyed it immensely. Silva's a great writer, and I'm looking forward to anything she releases. Highly recommended!
This was a one-sitting read for me, and I enjoyed it immensely. Silva's a great writer, and I'm looking forward to anything she releases. Highly recommended!
June 28, 2023
This is another addendum to The Wild Dark. In this short story we learn more about Hank and Evie. I'd recommend reading The Wild Dark first.
February 23, 2023
Ahhh this book grabs you and doesn’t let go till the end. Short and sweet with a mysterious monster!!!
Absolutely loved it and can’t wait to re read it around Halloween for some extra spooky vibes!!
Thank you to Katherine for a copy to read!
Absolutely loved it and can’t wait to re read it around Halloween for some extra spooky vibes!!
Thank you to Katherine for a copy to read!
February 25, 2023
Fast read
I enjoyed the book, but felt like so much was missing. I would have liked a more in depth story.
I enjoyed the book, but felt like so much was missing. I would have liked a more in depth story.
October 29, 2022
Excellent Halloween short!
Hallowed Oblivion is the perfect spooky season read! Read in one sitting, can't wait to check out more work from Katherine!
Hallowed Oblivion is the perfect spooky season read! Read in one sitting, can't wait to check out more work from Katherine!
October 28, 2022
A quick, but definitely creepy read. Perfect for Halloween!
December 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this quick read. On an impromptu rainy day off with a sick kiddo, I decided to start this book. Well, I couldn’t stop reading until it was finished. Granted, it’s only 60 pages but I tend to read in short bursts when time permits, so it takes some time getting through longer stories. Besides, the story seemed way more than 60 pages in content. In a short time, you really get to feel like you know the main characters and feel for their plight. The story takes place in one night, but you are along side the characters the whole time. The story was tight and only left gaps where they effectively keep you wondering. Like, what the hell was that thing out in the woods? What did those hikers do to conjure this thing up and is it still out there? I have another story written by this author and can’t wait to sink my teeth into it! Definitely worth reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2023
It's been a long time since I've delved into horror reads, but I recently had the opportunity, and Hallowed Oblivion marked my return to the genre. Now, I have to admit, I realize I've been far too limiting on myself for sticking with my favorite scifi & fantasy! This was a great read, and easy to consume, being a very manageable short/novelette. An afternoon read for sure!
I quickly fell in love with the main characters, Hank and Castle, as well as the adorable daughter Evie. And although it was a little bit of a slow burn, the ramp-up to bone marrow chilling terror was great! Enough time spent on the backstory to endear you to the characters, and enough time spent on the grisly details to reward your patience! I found myself making some educated guesses as to the background of Castle, which I hope other stories from The Wild Oblivion will illuminate!
Great work! Highly recommended!
I quickly fell in love with the main characters, Hank and Castle, as well as the adorable daughter Evie. And although it was a little bit of a slow burn, the ramp-up to bone marrow chilling terror was great! Enough time spent on the backstory to endear you to the characters, and enough time spent on the grisly details to reward your patience! I found myself making some educated guesses as to the background of Castle, which I hope other stories from The Wild Oblivion will illuminate!
Great work! Highly recommended!
February 21, 2023
Wow! What an amazing job Katherine Silva has done with Hallowed Oblivion! It's my first time reading anything she's written and it won't be the last. Within this really short novella, she's managed to capture as much character detail and scene setting as most 300 page plus books I've read. The characters are genuine and three dimensional, the scenes were so descriptive I could smell the Halloween candy and feel the wind roaring through the mountain trails. Phenomenal writing and a fast paced story with depth, emotion and humour. Put this on your list, it's a cracker!
October 13, 2024
While, due to the length, this lacks in character development or depth of plot, the atmosphere is truly top notch.
The town and the mountains surrounding it are fully realized and set the scene amazingly well. I can’t say I felt too engaged with characters and what happened to them, there was still enough satisfying tension due to how eerie the setting felt.
Apparently this is a spinoff of another novel/story by this author so I’m not sure if I should have read that first for this to feel more rich than it did. I am intrigued enough to visit that larger world though… maybe.
The town and the mountains surrounding it are fully realized and set the scene amazingly well. I can’t say I felt too engaged with characters and what happened to them, there was still enough satisfying tension due to how eerie the setting felt.
Apparently this is a spinoff of another novel/story by this author so I’m not sure if I should have read that first for this to feel more rich than it did. I am intrigued enough to visit that larger world though… maybe.
August 29, 2024
I loved this short listen, Halloween night and 4 kids go off to a spooky forest to camp and make a video of their stay, will they ever return, fast paced and edge of the seat listening. Jason L. Bishop does a brilliant job of the narration bringing the story to life... or is it death! Highly recommended short listen.
February 22, 2023
Really enjoyed this fast, fun, and spooky read!!! Would be amazing lengthened out to a full novel with more developed characters (the teens who disappeared) or perhaps another story about the origins of this creature/demonic entity! Fast paced & creepy, good ending!
July 30, 2024
Think I will think twice going off trail on my next hike
October 31, 2024
5/5 - loved the world and excited to read the other stories in this universe.
March 3, 2023
This is the first thing I have read from Silva and it most definitely won't be the last.
What a banger of a short story! The creepy atmosphere, the mysterious monster, the complexity of the characters... simply brilliant!
Also, I feel validated for being scared of going camping now, haha. Loved this haunting story!
What a banger of a short story! The creepy atmosphere, the mysterious monster, the complexity of the characters... simply brilliant!
Also, I feel validated for being scared of going camping now, haha. Loved this haunting story!
March 16, 2023
As a NH native that enjoys hiking this did not disappoint. The references to the WMR were accurate and added to the scares. The character development was also great. For a fast read, this packed a punch. I ordered The Wild Dark and preordered book two in the series as soon as I was done reading this book.
February 27, 2023
This was a fun read! My only complaint is it was too short and I wanted more. I do hope there are more installments planned to explore this story more. It was very well written and I loved the mountain woods setting it definitely added to the creepy factor. Id recommend this to anyone looking for a good short read. I plan to look in to more of the authors work!
November 18, 2022
"Distantly, he wasn't as worried about the temperature as much as he was about finding the owner of that scream he'd heard."
What haunts the White Mountain National Forest? On Halloween night, Hank is ready to make good on his promise to take his little girl out trick-or-treating, but that was made before a group of teens got themselves lost out in the wilderness with a snowstorm stirring...
This one was a fun little novelette that I read in one sitting, anxious to discover the deadly mystery. I look forward to reading more by Silva for sure!
What haunts the White Mountain National Forest? On Halloween night, Hank is ready to make good on his promise to take his little girl out trick-or-treating, but that was made before a group of teens got themselves lost out in the wilderness with a snowstorm stirring...
This one was a fun little novelette that I read in one sitting, anxious to discover the deadly mystery. I look forward to reading more by Silva for sure!
November 20, 2022
Thank you Katherine Silva for sending me a complimentary copy of Hallowed Oblivion. The characters and their motivations, are understandable, not mere plot devices. They confront the past and present, the internal and external in the wild and wonderful (apologies, WV) White Mountains. Crafting a compact, yet satisfying,, novelette takes skill. I'm impressed and eager to read more in The Wild Oblivion universe. Thanks again for this well polished, Shimmering Rock.
October 31, 2022
A backpacking trip turns terrifying for Gina & friends as they try to accomplish a hashtag challenge in The White Mountains of New Hampshire.
It made it creepier for me because I have hiked on these exact trails many times!
The pace of this story is 0 to 60 seconds in 2.5 seconds, this Author doesn't mess around!
Hallowed Oblivion is the perfect Halloween read.
It made it creepier for me because I have hiked on these exact trails many times!
The pace of this story is 0 to 60 seconds in 2.5 seconds, this Author doesn't mess around!
Hallowed Oblivion is the perfect Halloween read.
November 24, 2023
A group of teens venture into the woods of the White Mountains in hopes of finding something supernatural for an online contest. But, something happens and they do not return home after several days. Forest Ranger Hank Feld and a volunteer, Gerard Castle, head into the area in search of the group.
What they encounter is a gristly, horrific encounter with some entity that they both doubt could be real. The book is fast-paced and creepy and the author builds the tension in a wonderful way. The narrator of the audiobook does a great job in creating the perfect spooky atmosphere and added a lot to this book. I look forward to continuing this series to see what might happen next!
What they encounter is a gristly, horrific encounter with some entity that they both doubt could be real. The book is fast-paced and creepy and the author builds the tension in a wonderful way. The narrator of the audiobook does a great job in creating the perfect spooky atmosphere and added a lot to this book. I look forward to continuing this series to see what might happen next!
March 6, 2023
It's Hallowe'en night, and a forest ranger is called out to search for a group of lost hikers. Your imagination can take it from there!
This novelette is jam packed with action - the story moves along quickly from introducing the hikers to meeting Hank and Castle and the rescue. I would love to see this story expanded into a novel - there are so many opportunities for dimension to be added on to all of the characters as well as the hikers getting lost and their rescue. Even the folklore behind Shimmering Rock! I look forward to reading more from Katherine Silva.
This novelette is jam packed with action - the story moves along quickly from introducing the hikers to meeting Hank and Castle and the rescue. I would love to see this story expanded into a novel - there are so many opportunities for dimension to be added on to all of the characters as well as the hikers getting lost and their rescue. Even the folklore behind Shimmering Rock! I look forward to reading more from Katherine Silva.
February 25, 2023
Hallowed Oblivion is a quick read, at a little over 50 pages, but Silva does a fantastic job of developing her 2 main characters in that small space. The fact that she does that without skimping on the story is greatly appreciated. I'm happy to see that this is the first in a series, and I look forward to reading the rest.
April 19, 2023
I really felt immersed in this search & rescue gone wrong horror tale. Katherine's writing is superb and the descriptions were top-notch.
I really wished it had been longer because I wanted to get know the characters more.
I really wished it had been longer because I wanted to get know the characters more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews