This was enjoyable, if a little repetitive. A lot of focus on the cryptid side of the supernatural. I could almost hear it in the author's voice as at the podcast. One thing I will say is that the images are stunning.

I wanted to like this; with its genre and themes it was right up my alley.
But I didn’t love it.
Pros: eerie and spooky.
Cons: not the layered storytelling I prefer.
I am sure other readers will enjoy it.

WOW!!! This book is all that, especially if you are into the paranormal. I found myself devouring this book and asking myself. "what woud I do if this happened to me"? Very interesting.I found the one about Bigfoot super creepy. I highly recommend this book to any one who wants to be creeped out. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest thoughts. Receiving the book in this manner had no impact on my review/thoughts.

If you enjoy eerie tales of the unknown, that just might have happened and be believable if told from the right source, then this book for creepy stories is for you!

THE perfect read for the spooky season. Ghosts, witches, werewolves, all the spooky creepy legends come to life in this book. And they’re accompanied by illustrations that will make your hair stand on end. Terrific fun.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc! What an awesome book! Not only is there great stories but also incredible photographs.

Book Review: Phantom Phenomena: Tales of the World's Most Terrifying and Supernatural Events by Darkness Prevails

Rating: 5 Stars

Oh man, let me just say: Phantom Phenomena is everything I hoped it would be and more! If you're looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and give you all the spooky vibes for October, this is it. Darkness Prevails has really outdone their self with this collection of hair-raising tales that dive deep into some seriously creepy encounters shared by everyday folks from around the globe.

The book takes inspiration from the hit podcast Unexplained Encounters, which has been a go-to for horror enthusiasts. Each story offers a unique glimpse into the supernatural—think werewolves lurking in isolated Swedish farms and ghostly saviors appearing just in time to prevent disaster. I mean, who doesn’t love a good ghost story? There’s even a trick-or-treater that may not be as innocent as they seem, and tales of cryptids prowling the Scottish Highlands. Seriously, this book has it all!

What I really appreciated were the field notes that precede each story. They set the mood perfectly and give that extra layer of spine-chilling context before you plunge into the eeriness. Plus, those fact boxes scattered throughout? Gold! They add historical tidbits about the creepy creatures and haunting tales that make you feel like you’re in on some secret knowledge.

And can we talk about the illustrations? They are downright terrifying in the best way possible. The art elevates these already awesome stories to another level, making this book a feast for the eyes as well as a thrill for the soul. It's definitely going to be a conversation starter on my coffee table this spooky season!

In short, Phantom Phenomena is a must-read for anyone who loves all things paranormal. Whether you're getting into the Halloween spirit or just love a good scare, this book will not disappoint. It would also make an excellent gift for any ghost-loving friend. So grab your copy, turn off all the lights, and prepare to get spooked—if you dare! 🎃👻

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️