She goes barefoot, preferring to feel how the grasses and rushes bend at her touch, the small creatures writhe and struggle at her weight. She relishes how the cool, damp earth gives way to her…
Sibilanta stands on a rock at the river’s edge. At her closeness the water line retreats, leaving a border of wet mud. She stares out across the night, the deep blue sky mirroring the shade of her cloak; except the sky is scattered with stars, glittering cold and silver. It is dimly lit by a low and wary moon, while Sibilanta’s cloak is unadorned and simple.’
Chilling; sinister; eerie; this work of fiction presents you with five compelling stories. If you thought a witch was a character from your childhood, something to scare children with, then think again. ..
Witches come in all shapes and sizes; all manner of bearing; grace of stature; deviance of thought. Wickedness of deed. In these imaginative, beautifully crafted stories you will indeed encounter witches of all kinds; be they protectors or hunters, ancient or modern, evil or cursed. Some are born to their calling, others need some persuading. In a variety of settings ranging from the snow covered forests of Norway to a medieval peasant village, you will be taken across time to bear witness as their stories unfold.
Prepare to immerse yourself in a richly imaginative collection of tales that will remind you just why you were once so scared of witches… and why you should still be so.
I am hugely grateful to anyone who takes the time to review my work, be it a line or an essay! Thank you, sincerely.
Reviews for Hag's Breath:
By Rohini Mishra 4**
A review for Hag's Breath on Amazon India - how lovely! My second 'indian' review. I love it! 4 stars too! (Noted about the editing, thank you.)
Rohini Mishra writes: "Interesting stories on witchcraft, witches and spells. Well written, minor edits required else it holds your interest. Will suggest each story begins on a fresh new page. Will surely read the authors work in future. Do continue writing."
Thank you so much. I have every intention of continuing to write and I am both flattered and grateful that you plan to read more of my work. Thank you.
A note about the formatting - I wanted each story to begin on a new page but that was out of my hands once my manuscript was submitted, unfortunately. But again, noted and I will bear it in mind for the future.
My thanks to the reviewer, David Hilley Junior, who writes:
"5.0 out of 5 stars Read this book if you love good short stories! This book is chock full of great short stories. I really enjoyed it, particularly since I read it just before Halloween. Who can resist witches and ghosts?"
Hag’s Breath by S.P. Oldham is a captivating collection of tales that revolve around witches and witchcraft. The keystone tale tells of sister witches, three of course, Sussurata, Sibilanta, and Silhouetta. Each has her own specialty and style. They are beautifully drawn right down to their magnificent couture. Unfortunately, as it sometimes happens with sisters, they do not quite get along. Their animosity must be dealt with in a great reckoning. In addition to the three sisters, there is Elinar who runs with a pack of wolves, Cecily who does not know herself, Constance who should be a witch, and Agatha who has issues with witchy guests.
The plot for each story is unique, complex, perfectly paced, and articulated with grace and style. Oldham’s prose is smooth and penned with a lilting cadence. The conclusions are satisfying and often surprising.
ll the characters are distinctive and matchless. They glow with a unique light, some evil, and some heroic. The plots are a divine mix of greed, guile, pride, jealousy, horror, honor, bravery, and more.
The settings are diverse and clear enough for readers to visualize, yet vague enough so that readers can imaging the tales happening in the woods behind their house.
This unique collection will elicit questions from readers. Perhaps the most telling would be: What exactly is a witch, and how does one know if he or she is a member of this mysterious race?
For those who enjoy brief bouts of reading, a compilation of short stories is the perfect solution.
Readers who enjoy Hag’s Breath should read Wakeful Children, also by S.P. Oldham. It is a collection of short horror tales.
"Alphonse likes it" (Please see Rougeski Reviews to find out who Alphonse is and why his opinion matters!)
5.0 out of 5 stars Hags breath By Amazon Customer on 21 August 2017 Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
"If you like witches and frightening stories you will enjoy reading these frightening tales.! Cleverly written with an eerie darkness."
By Ben Parker 19.06.17 '4.0 out of 5 stars Chilling and sinister...'
"The ploughs are rusty, the scythes are mere ornaments; the "folk" of folk-tales are dying and the myths and spirits of the ancient British woodlands are fading from memory, but the reclamation the proto-feminist calling of cures and natural knowledge – applications that made men turn the word ‘witch’ into a pejorative catch-all term for rural female agency - is in the ascendant. That Christian mono-culture used this word for women believed ‘alien’ from mainstream society only increases the legitimacy of those whose understanding of the world was essential for so many people for so many thousands of years.
A portrait of women amongst nature, Oldham's latest anthology, 'Hag's Breath', shows witches in compelling and sympathetic portrayals across its interlocking short stories. These powerful women are initially represented by the trio of sisters Sussurata, Sibilanta and Silhouetta, and their presence looms over the subsequent entries in this collection as the roots of ancient trees stretch out far underneath the earth of a forest-floor. From ‘The Wolf Witch’, ‘The Witch’s Kiss’, ‘Ice House Belle’ and ‘Horrorscope’, these tales demonstrated the strength harnessed by a sophisticated understanding of the ebbs and flows of the world around us, and all in Oldham's trademark vivid, sensorial detail.
From the chilling to the sinister and the eerie, ‘Hag’s Breath’ guarantees that any reader will not want to step amongst the woods at night anytime soon."
Generally more familiar with crime thrillers, I was tempted to dip my toe into a different genre, mainly due to the description of this book along with reviews of others, and I'm so glad I did.
As you you begin reading, the level of description and langauge used immediately immerses you into a dark world of witches. If you think these are your standard black dress black cat witches you'd be mistaken...these witches take their roles very seriously, each one completely unique in their appearance, abilities and desires, all once again described with utter brilliance.
In short this is a book not to be missed. Although relatively unknown, the writer has a fantastic way of weaving a story and a beautiful use of language....so what are you waiting for...start reading it!
Sue Oldham has an incredible way with words. Whilst I loved the whole of this book, my favourite story just has to be "Sisters". The depth of description takes you straight into their world. It was a mixture of modern and traditional even down to the use of the broomstick. I didn't anticipate the end of the story and the twist was brilliantly written. The gruesome details were wonderful and I couldn't wait to read the rest of the book. Each of the stories made for compelling reading, This is an author to watch out for.
Compelling , intriguing , dark and deep these short tales of witches beautifully grotesque and full of Magick received in exchange for an honest review highly recommend
I love scary stories with magic in the mix. There are four stories in this book and the stories were terrifying, compelling and bewitching. This book is such an unexpected surprise, a good surprise. I love the imagination of the author and the description is superb. The stories are detailed and very unique. I recommend this book!
5.0 out of 5 stars
by shirl
"A really good read. Creepy and addicting. The stories kept me engrossed and wanting to know what happens at the end of each of them. I'd definitely recommend it."
5.0 out of 5 stars Good Creepy Read. By PsychicSnail on 2 Jan. 2017
"This isn't the sort of book I would usually read, but I though it would do me good to try something different. I'm rather pleased that I did as well.
The book contains four short stories that each can easily be read in an hour or so before bed. They are all equally strong, and although I wouldn't class them as horror, they certainly are haunting. The author definitely has talent and a way with words, as each story draws you in and leaves you feeling a little creeped out. It isn't such an easy thing to do with tales of witches, that are usually the stuff of children's stories.
But there was sufficient depth and menace to each to keep the pages turning and keep me entertained for an evening. At the price of a Costa latte this has to be considered a good investment and a worthy addition to any bookshelf. It's all good stuff."
A review from 'Anastacia:'
"5 out of 5 (Stars)
This anthology of witches is great. There are delicously evil witches, witches don't know they are witches, and witches who are more neutral. The writing is beautiful and engaging, and you can't stop reading. This book really held my attention, and the story of the Belle witch was great! It would be a good movie.
I was given a free copy for an honest review."
Thank you EA Llewellyn, who writes:
"I have purchased both Wakeful Children and The Mill Owners son and was ecstatic when I was lucky enough to receive this book free in return for an honest review.
Honestly?
I LOVED IT!!!
S. P. Oldham writes with a use of language that transports you into the heart of the tale and holds you there. The writing is detailed without being pretentious and it weaves around drawing you in.
I particularly liked The Witch's Kiss but can honestly say the rest of this anthology was just as gripping.
A fantastically talented author that I will continue to support
EA llewellyn"
The following review from Jeanette Styles - thank you Jeanette:
"There is always room for lesser known authors who deserve to make the big time and Sue Oldham is certainly one such author. I have read very few anthologies over the years and none have left me with a lasting impression. That was until I was fortunate to read recently Hag's Breath. I have also read Wakeful Children. I cannot praise either book high enough! What I enjoy is the variety, . Hag's Breath is based around Witches and each story is totally different. The first story 'Sister's' I couldn't turn the pages quick enough and instantly decided that had to be my favourite. Such evil! I never expected to find another two stories that gripped me as much as the first, which were 'The Witch's Kiss' and 'Ice House Belle'. Never saw the endings coming and what a twist to these stories.
I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy of Hag's Breath in exchange for an honest review. Highly recommended."
And this from Leah Dollard. Thank you Leah:
"To start with the descriptions of the three sisters was so beautifully done and amazing. Sussurata is described so beautifully and pictured to be so stunning.
I loved how the way the language of the story being told and how they speak is very proper and dated to be around the 60’s?
All the sisters are described to be so beautiful and how they aren’t the typical “witch” as they are beautiful and not ugly. But there are also some aspects of “olden” witches with their powers and the use of broomsticks.
Mother Midnight is such a BADASS! She is 100% my favorite character.
I like how throughout there are many different forms of mythical creatures like withes, wolfs etc.
There is a lot of passion from the author that is clearly seen through the way this book was written.
I loved how the deaths were not mild in the slightest, they were more on the gruesome side, but it fitted with the book and it made it much more interesting.
The change in the format with the letters made worked well and the theme of witches still plays a part throughout the whole of the book and the individual stories within."
So Lost in Words
S P Oldham
Hag's Breath
|Horror |Witch Anthology
Now available for purchase on Amazon. For more reviews and to buy the books just click the links:
Hag's Breath Amazon UK
Hag's Breath Amazon US
Also available from these stores
For reviews, please scroll down.
Listen to an excerpt of Horroscope, read by Cal Lumney
Horrorscope - Read by Cal Lumney
The Blurb:
She goes barefoot, preferring to feel how the grasses and rushes bend at her touch, the small creatures writhe and struggle at her weight. She relishes how the cool, damp earth gives way to her…
Sibilanta stands on a rock at the river’s edge. At her closeness the water line retreats, leaving a border of wet mud. She stares out across the night, the deep blue sky mirroring the shade of her cloak; except the sky is scattered with stars, glittering cold and silver. It is dimly lit by a low and wary moon, while Sibilanta’s cloak is unadorned and simple.’
Chilling; sinister; eerie; this work of fiction presents you with five compelling stories. If you thought a witch was a character from your childhood, something to scare children with, then think again. ..
Witches come in all shapes and sizes; all manner of bearing; grace of stature; deviance of thought. Wickedness of deed. In these imaginative, beautifully crafted stories you will indeed encounter witches of all kinds; be they protectors or hunters, ancient or modern, evil or cursed. Some are born to their calling, others need some persuading. In a variety of settings ranging from the snow covered forests of Norway to a medieval peasant village, you will be taken across time to bear witness as their stories unfold.
Prepare to immerse yourself in a richly imaginative collection of tales that will remind you just why you were once so scared of witches… and why you should still be so.
Wonderful Illustrative artwork by Mike Tenebrae of Greywood Publishing
I am hugely grateful to anyone who takes the time to review my work, be it a line or an essay! Thank you, sincerely.
Reviews for Hag's Breath:
By Rohini Mishra 4**
A review for Hag's Breath on Amazon India - how lovely! My second 'indian' review. I love it! 4 stars too! (Noted about the editing, thank you.)
Rohini Mishra writes: "Interesting stories on witchcraft, witches and spells. Well written, minor edits required else it holds your interest. Will suggest each story begins on a fresh new page. Will surely read the authors work in future. Do continue writing."
Thank you so much. I have every intention of continuing to write and I am both flattered and grateful that you plan to read more of my work. Thank you.
A note about the formatting - I wanted each story to begin on a new page but that was out of my hands once my manuscript was submitted, unfortunately. But again, noted and I will bear it in mind for the future.
My thanks to the reviewer, David Hilley Junior, who writes:
"5.0 out of 5 stars Read this book if you love good short stories!
This book is chock full of great short stories. I really enjoyed it, particularly since I read it just before Halloween. Who can resist witches and ghosts?"
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M4JMXMA#customerReviews
From Rougeski Reviews: Suzanne Synborski
Hag’s Breath by S.P. Oldham is a captivating collection of tales that revolve around witches and witchcraft. The keystone tale tells of sister witches, three of course, Sussurata, Sibilanta, and Silhouetta. Each has her own specialty and style. They are beautifully drawn right down to their magnificent couture. Unfortunately, as it sometimes happens with sisters, they do not quite get along. Their animosity must be dealt with in a great reckoning. In addition to the three sisters, there is Elinar who runs with a pack of wolves, Cecily who does not know herself, Constance who should be a witch, and Agatha who has issues with witchy guests.
The plot for each story is unique, complex, perfectly paced, and articulated with grace and style. Oldham’s prose is smooth and penned with a lilting cadence. The conclusions are satisfying and often surprising.
ll the characters are distinctive and matchless. They glow with a unique light, some evil, and some heroic. The plots are a divine mix of greed, guile, pride, jealousy, horror, honor, bravery, and more.
The settings are diverse and clear enough for readers to visualize, yet vague enough so that readers can imaging the tales happening in the woods behind their house.
This unique collection will elicit questions from readers. Perhaps the most telling would be: What exactly is a witch, and how does one know if he or she is a member of this mysterious race?
For those who enjoy brief bouts of reading, a compilation of short stories is the perfect solution.
Readers who enjoy Hag’s Breath should read Wakeful Children, also by S.P. Oldham. It is a collection of short horror tales.
"Alphonse likes it" (Please see Rougeski Reviews to find out who Alphonse is and why his opinion matters!)
5.0 out of 5 stars Hags breath
By Amazon Customer on 21 August 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
"If you like witches and frightening stories you will enjoy reading these frightening tales.! Cleverly written with an eerie darkness."
By Ben Parker 19.06.17 '4.0 out of 5 stars Chilling and sinister...'
"The ploughs are rusty, the scythes are mere ornaments; the "folk" of folk-tales are dying and the myths and spirits of the ancient British woodlands are fading from memory, but the reclamation the proto-feminist calling of cures and natural knowledge – applications that made men turn the word ‘witch’ into a pejorative catch-all term for rural female agency - is in the ascendant. That Christian mono-culture used this word for women believed ‘alien’ from mainstream society only increases the legitimacy of those whose understanding of the world was essential for so many people for so many thousands of years.
A portrait of women amongst nature, Oldham's latest anthology, 'Hag's Breath', shows witches in compelling and sympathetic portrayals across its interlocking short stories. These powerful women are initially represented by the trio of sisters Sussurata, Sibilanta and Silhouetta, and their presence looms over the subsequent entries in this collection as the roots of ancient trees stretch out far underneath the earth of a forest-floor. From ‘The Wolf Witch’, ‘The Witch’s Kiss’, ‘Ice House Belle’ and ‘Horrorscope’, these tales demonstrated the strength harnessed by a sophisticated understanding of the ebbs and flows of the world around us, and all in Oldham's trademark vivid, sensorial detail.
From the chilling to the sinister and the eerie, ‘Hag’s Breath’ guarantees that any reader will not want to step amongst the woods at night anytime soon."
5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic collection of immersive tales!
By MR A C DISLEY on 16 Mar. 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
Generally more familiar with crime thrillers, I was tempted to dip my toe into a different genre, mainly due to the description of this book along with reviews of others, and I'm so glad I did.
As you you begin reading, the level of description and langauge used immediately immerses you into a dark world of witches.
If you think these are your standard black dress black cat witches you'd be mistaken...these witches take their roles very seriously, each one completely unique in their appearance, abilities and desires, all once again described with utter brilliance.
In short this is a book not to be missed. Although relatively unknown, the writer has a fantastic way of weaving a story and a beautiful use of language....so what are you waiting for...start reading it!
5 out of 5 stars An author to watch out for...
By Jude Radley on 6 May 2017
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Sue Oldham has an incredible way with words. Whilst I loved the whole of this book, my favourite story just has to be "Sisters". The depth of description takes you straight into their world. It was a mixture of modern and traditional even down to the use of the broomstick. I didn't anticipate the end of the story and the twist was brilliantly written. The gruesome details were wonderful and I couldn't wait to read the rest of the book. Each of the stories made for compelling reading, This is an author to watch out for.
5 out of 5 stars
By Katie Lee Cook on April 12, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
Compelling , intriguing , dark and deep
these short tales of witches beautifully grotesque and full of Magick
received in exchange for an honest review highly recommend
4.0 out of 5 stars Bewitching!!!!
By BookReader on February 15, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I love scary stories with magic in the mix. There are four stories in this book and the stories were terrifying, compelling and bewitching. This book is such an unexpected surprise, a good surprise. I love the imagination of the author and the description is superb. The stories are detailed and very unique. I recommend this book!
5.0 out of 5 stars
by shirl
"A really good read. Creepy and addicting. The stories kept me engrossed and wanting to know what happens at the end of each of them. I'd definitely recommend it."
5.0 out of 5 stars Good Creepy Read.
By PsychicSnail on 2 Jan. 2017
"This isn't the sort of book I would usually read, but I though it would do me good to try something different. I'm rather pleased that I did as well.
The book contains four short stories that each can easily be read in an hour or so before bed. They are all equally strong, and although I wouldn't class them as horror, they certainly are haunting. The author definitely has talent and a way with words, as each story draws you in and leaves you feeling a little creeped out. It isn't such an easy thing to do with tales of witches, that are usually the stuff of children's stories.
But there was sufficient depth and menace to each to keep the pages turning and keep me entertained for an evening. At the price of a Costa latte this has to be considered a good investment and a worthy addition to any bookshelf. It's all good stuff."
A review from 'Anastacia:'
"5 out of 5 (Stars)
This anthology of witches is great. There are delicously evil witches, witches don't know they are witches, and witches who are more neutral. The writing is beautiful and engaging, and you can't stop reading. This book really held my attention, and the story of the Belle witch was great! It would be a good movie.
I was given a free copy for an honest review."
Thank you EA Llewellyn, who writes:
"I have purchased both Wakeful Children and The Mill Owners son and was ecstatic when I was lucky enough to receive this book free in return for an honest review.
Honestly?
I LOVED IT!!!
S. P. Oldham writes with a use of language that transports you into the heart of the tale and holds you there. The writing is detailed without being pretentious and it weaves around drawing you in.
I particularly liked The Witch's Kiss but can honestly say the rest of this anthology was just as gripping.
A fantastically talented author that I will continue to support
EA llewellyn"
The following review from Jeanette Styles - thank you Jeanette:
"There is always room for lesser known authors who deserve to make the big time and Sue Oldham is certainly one such author. I have read very few anthologies over the years and none have left me with a lasting impression. That was until I was fortunate to read recently Hag's Breath. I have also read Wakeful Children. I cannot praise either book high enough! What I enjoy is the variety, . Hag's Breath is based around Witches and each story is totally different. The first story 'Sister's' I couldn't turn the pages quick enough and instantly decided that had to be my favourite. Such evil! I never expected to find another two stories that gripped me as much as the first, which were 'The Witch's Kiss' and 'Ice House Belle'. Never saw the endings coming and what a twist to these stories.
I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy of Hag's Breath in exchange for an honest review. Highly recommended."
And this from Leah Dollard. Thank you Leah:
"To start with the descriptions of the three sisters was so beautifully done and amazing. Sussurata is described so beautifully and pictured to be so stunning.
I loved how the way the language of the story being told and how they speak is very proper and dated to be around the 60’s?
All the sisters are described to be so beautiful and how they aren’t the typical “witch” as they are beautiful and not ugly. But there are also some aspects of “olden” witches with their powers and the use of broomsticks.
Mother Midnight is such a BADASS! She is 100% my favorite character.
I like how throughout there are many different forms of mythical creatures like withes, wolfs etc.
There is a lot of passion from the author that is clearly seen through the way this book was written.
I loved how the deaths were not mild in the slightest, they were more on the gruesome side, but it fitted with the book and it made it much more interesting.
The change in the format with the letters made worked well and the theme of witches still plays a part throughout the whole of the book and the individual stories within."
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