Horror is at its most terrifying when it forces us to confront the unknown—the shadows lurking just beyond the edges of our understanding. My upcoming short story collection, Jungle Decay, is a nightmarish expedition into such darkness. This is the first volume in my GraveArt Horror Stories series, a project that has been brewing in my mind for years, finally coming to life in 2025. If you're a fan of Lovecraftian dread, jungle horror, and the eerie presence of the unseen, then this book is for you.
The Premise – Lost in the Realm of Death
The jungle is alive. It breathes, it watches, and it waits. Jungle Decay follows a group of explorers who venture deep into an uncharted jungle, only to realize that the land is not only indifferent to their survival—it actively hungers for their demise. With every step they take, the natural world around them becomes more hostile, revealing ancient horrors buried beneath the vines, forgotten by time but never truly dead.
The story delves into themes of isolation, madness, and the fragility of human sanity when faced with forces beyond comprehension. Nature is often portrayed as a lush paradise, but here, it is an ever-closing maw, swallowing those who dare trespass its sacred grounds. The deeper the characters go, the more they realize that some places were never meant to be explored.
A Love Letter to Classic Horror
With Jungle Decay, I wanted to pay homage to the great horror writers and filmmakers who have shaped my artistic vision. Readers may notice influences from H.P. Lovecraft, William Hope Hodgson, Clive Barker, and even the cosmic horror elements of Junji Ito. Visually, I drew inspiration from films like Zombi 2, Apocalypse Now, and Predator, which depict the jungle not as an adventure-filled paradise but as an unknowable, merciless force.
Fans of classic horror literature will recognize familiar elements—the fear of the unknown, the slow descent into insanity, and the presence of a lurking, unseen evil—all wrapped in an atmosphere thick with dread and despair.
Art and Storytelling – My Dual Passions United
As an artist, storytelling has always been an essential part of my work. My illustrations and designs have often explored the dark, surreal, and macabre, and with Jungle Decay, I wanted to bring that vision to life in written form. This book is not just a collection of stories—it is a visual and psychological experience meant to immerse the reader in a decaying world.
The book cover, featuring one of my original artworks, was designed to reflect the haunting, overgrown decay that defines the setting. I wanted something that would instantly transport readers into the depths of the jungle, where nothing is as it seems, and everything is watching.
Horrorstories Vol. 1 - What to Expect
GraveArt Horrorstories Vol. 1: Jungle Decay is not just one story—it is a collection of interwoven nightmares, each peeling back another layer of the horrors that lurk in the shadows of this forsaken realm. The jungle is not merely a setting; it is a living, breathing entity, shaping the fates of those who dare to venture too deep. Without revealing too much, here’s a glimpse into the dark corridors of these tales:
Jungle Decay – A team of explorers ventures into an uncharted jungle, seeking answers hidden beneath the ancient canopy. But this jungle does not simply exist—it consumes. With each step forward, the natural world around them grows more hostile, whispering secrets of those who came before and never left. As reality begins to shift, they realize that the decay is not only in the trees but within themselves.
Manifestation – A young girl discovers that her thoughts hold a strange, unexplainable power. Things
she desires begin to manifest around her, at first in small, innocent ways, but soon her subconscious dreams start taking a darker turn. The more she embraces this gift, the more she realizes that the universe does not grant favors for free. Every creation has a price, and sometimes, the payment is far worse than the wish itself.
The Shadows Of The Stars – An astrophotographer, obsessed with uncovering the truth behind an ancient meteorite that crashed into a field nearby, believes he has discovered something beyond human comprehension. But the more he studies it, the more it studies him. As reality distorts around him, he finds himself standing at the edge of something vast, cold, and infinitely hungry.
Parque Dos Encantos – What was once a vibrant amusement park now stands abandoned, swallowed by time and the creeping embrace of nature. A group of teenagers dares each other to step inside for a night of adventure, but what begins as a reckless thrill soon turns into a waking nightmare. The rusted rides seem to groan with unnatural life, the laughter of children echoes through the empty park, and something in the dark corners of the funhouse is still waiting for an audience.
Each story within Jungle Decay is its own nightmare, yet together they weave a haunting tapestry of decay, madness, and cosmic horror. The jungle is alive. It remembers. And for those who enter, it never truly lets go.
The Journey Towards Publication
Jungle Decay is set to be published in February 2025 via Amazon, making it available in both digital and print formats. This marks my first step into the world of horror literature, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with my audience.
This project has been in the works for a long time, and while it started as a simple idea, it has grown into something much larger. The response from early test readers has been overwhelmingly positive, and I can't wait for the world to step into this nightmare.
Stay Tuned for More!
This is just the beginning. Jungle Decay is Volume 1 of my GraveArt Horror Stories, and I have many more twisted tales waiting in the shadows.
If you love horror, mysteries, and the feeling of something watching you from the darkness, then Jungle Decay is a book you won’t want to miss. Are you ready to step into the jungle?
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