First off, thank you to NetGalley and Wicked House Publishing for letting me read this arc.

As someone who lives about 3.5 hours from the Appalachian mountains I was intrigued by the story. This hooked me in chapter one.

I don't understand why all the men killed themselves just to get their sons to go on the camping trip, I think there could have been another way to make them go. And I wish there had been a little more to the history of the Wendigo, like how long it's been there, how did the Warren's learn they could keep it at bay, how did it even come to be?

The writing was really well done except for when Don is speaking on the tapes. It goes from first person to third person narration constantly and was confusing me. Especially when it happens in the same sentence. Other than that I was itching to get back to reading when I had to put the book down for other things.

I was sad that some characters didn't make it out in the end but I understood why. And their deaths brought the other closer than ever before. This book really touched on how men think they have to be tough no matter what and never let their real feelings show about what's going on (their dad's) but now the survivors know that isn't how it should be.

Thank you Netgalley, William F Gray and Wicked House Publishing for the eArc of Our Fathers Burden

A trip up the Appalachian Mountains? What could possibly go wrong?!

I really loved Our Fathers Burden. For me, it had everything in it. A group of men revisit a hunting place up on the Appalachian Mountains that they used to go with their Fathers. Armed with cassette tapes Harry made before he passed away, this group of men uncover a truly terrifying secret.

This is also told from a few POV,s from 2 timelines. The past of their fathers as young men and in the present with their sons. Both timelines and POV are clearly marked and the characters have their own voices and characteristics. The narrative itself had great pacing, tense and descriptive. There was also some very fast paced, gory, terrifying places within this story which made it edge of your seat stuff!

4 stars

There’s a lot of subtext to mental health related topics and the author definitely used a unique writing style.

Five men who grew up taking part in an annual hunting trip with their fathers are reunited after the last living father kills himself and leaves behind a mysterious box of cassette tapes with a final wish that his son gather the other men together in the Appalachian Mountains to listen to them at their old hunting spot.

There's a lot going on and much to unpack in this book. Sometimes I lost track of who was who and which son belonged to which father or who was the most dysfunctional. I however really enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing what is next.

Thank you for the opportunity to preview Our Father's Burden. William Gray writes epic stories. Lots of characters and an intriguing plot.
This book is no different and I found it to be very entertaining and a good read
Be prepared to read slowly so you can understand the family history and background.
A good read and one that will keep you thinking.
3.5 stars

This was a weird and creepy book! I liked it but also didn't like it because of the gore and nastiness that came from it. I thought it was a good book.

Blessed to read this with arc through NetGalley. I thought the book started fast and quickly slowed down.m and picked back up. I wasn’t expecting mythical creatures like a windago. Also I enjoyed past n present points of view. I’d recommend this book.

One of those horror stories that touches on deeper themes- repression, depression, regret. The action is captivating and the monster scenes will be sufficiently gorey for most horror fans. The themes I mentioned are not overwrought or heavy-handed. All of the characters are flawed but still have redeeming qualities. The atmosphere- a remote cabin in winter, is one that I really love. I wish that the monster were not taken from Native American culture as I understand this is a rather thorny subject these days. I really appreciated the nod to The Thing (my favorite line from it) as this story owes a lot to that.

William Gray has done it again. This story was simply beautiful. It's rare to read a story that focuses on the emotional journey that a man goes through. I felt a connection to a majority of the characters. The things that these men were put through because of their fathers ended up taking a toll on them. It was quite interesting seeing how they navigated through each of their situations. Our Fathers' Burden wrapped up perfectly and cements for me the fact that Mr. Gray is a wonderful author.

As a loyal Mountaineer and WVU grad, I gravitate towards any story that takes place in West Virginia/Appalachia. This horror novel is a wilderness survival story set against one's inner and external demons, and it delivered on many levels. A monster based on mountain folklore. An annual hunting trip amongst friends who share a dark secret. The legacy they leave their sons who are battling their own conscience. This is more than a scary story to tell around campfires. It is a metaphor that needs to be unraveled, and characters need to find their own redemption. What I particularly liked about this book is that the author managed to weave a complex tale without slapping in horrifying scenes just for shock value, Everything was included for a reason, no more and no less.

When I got to the end and read that the author's day job is a pharmacy tech at an independent pharmacy in West Virginia, this pharmacist's day was made, Bravo my colleague!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

I went into this book not sure what to expect and I was not disappointed. I was engrossed right from the beginning. I enjoyed the dual timelines and the multiple POVs. I was able to follow the plot closely and felt each POV added something to the story. Something I really appreciated was that the monster in this novel was both external and internal. All of the men were struggling with some sort of grief, trauma, and guilt that they had to battle while also fighting a physical entity. Yes, it was a monster story; however, I found the relationships, the topics, and the pain so realistic. The novel was very character driven while still managing to be fast paced and spooky. I am looking forward to reading more of William F. Gray's books.

Our Fathers Burden, had me from the very start. It follows five men whose fathers kept devastating secrets. Until, a rash of suicides amongst the dads occurred, their sons, now grown men, are forced to carry on a burdening task every year at Thanksgiving. The boys growing up had accompanied their dads on this yearly trip into the mountains and slowly as the boys grew into men they refused to go. Harry, one of the five grown men, is now responsible for carrying out his father’s wishes with the other men. His dad’s suicide note, had explicit instructions along with tapes made by each of the fathers but one, who had died, not by his own hand, but dementia. As these men proceed to carry out their dad’s wishes, what they find is an unimaginable journey into the scary world of Wendigo.
I really liked the characters of these men and all of them had done things they were guilt ridden about. The ending was tied up into a nice little bow as all the men went on with life as they should have been from the beginning. The experience featured all their grief, trauma and depression. My only question was why did their dads all take their lives at virtually the same time. I didn’t understand if it was planned or more of a copy cat response as a result of their secrets.
I thank #netgalley, #wickedhousepublishing and #williamfgray for the advanced copy of #ourfathersburden.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wicked House Publishing for providing a review copy.

Oh man, where to start? William F. Gray is actually a second-chance author for me. I might be the only person who didn't vibe with The Devil Within Us All and actually ended up DNF'ing. I'd seen really good reviews for Our Fathers' Burden and I am so glad I picked it up. I love how everything is revealed, piece by piece. Not slowly, as the plot never lagged, just opening up. So well done. The action scenes are truly tense and thrilling, but the inner journey these men go through after dealing with something horrific sealed the deal for me. Strong 5 stars

My Rating 4.5/5

This is a fantastic take on generational trauma, grief, loss, and depression among men. A story of a father's obligation to remain stoic and strong even when things are not at all what they seem and how that way of thinking spells disaster for the sons they leave behind.

I love a good isolation horror and I am a sucker for grief horror. This one hit both of those for me.

I did have a hard time keeping up with which son belonged to which father, but in the end, I don't think it mattered too much. I really wish we would have got to hear each tape, but I can imagine that it might have been a bit too much and maybe a but redundant.

I think Gray did a great job setting the tone and tension. I was happy with the pacing too. When things start to ramp up, they really get going.

Would definitely reccomend and would love to pick up a physical copy for myself.

Thank you to NetGalley, William. F. Gray and Wicked House Publishing for the advance copy. This is my honest review.

A story of secrets. I enjoyed this book well enough. I did find it a little hard to keep the characters paired with which parent, but not a big problem. I was really wanting to hear all the tapes belonging to the men, but only got 2 tapes. Also, maybe the legend of the creature could have been more in depth.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend!

I liked this book well enough but had the author gone into more about the legend about the wendigo my rating would’ve gone up. I also had trouble keeping track of who was who amongst the friends and their fathers’ but that’s more of a me problem.

If you are a lover of Stephen King, then this book is for you! Harry's father dies leaving him with a box of cassette tapes and a request that his only son go on the annual camping trip in the Appalachian mountains that he has gone on for many years with his best friends and their own sons. Growing up Harry had accompanied his father on the camping trips but eventually he stopped altogether. Life got in the way as it does and Harry isn't sure he wants to take the trip. He hasn't stayed close to the other guys and has things going on in his own life but decides to honor his fathers wishes and drives deep into the mountains with the box of cassette tapes addressed to each of the men who have all agreed to honor this request. When they find out about the secret that their fathers have kept hidden this many years, it becomes a life or death situation. A must read! Thank you to William F. Gray, NetGalley and Wicked House Publishing for this awesome read! I can't wait to read more by this author!

Our Father’s Burden" intertwines grief, generational trauma, and depression into a formidable entity lurking within the woods. It portrays the struggle of facing one's demons, emphasizing the importance of confronting them head-on. Gray's skillful pacing and character development highlight his prowess in the indie horror realm.

Harry reluctantly honors his late father's wish by joining his friends on their annual camping trip following a series of suicides. Discovering a box of cassette tapes left by his father, Harry and his companions embark on a journey of revelation, uncovering the burdens their fathers carried for decades.

Despite the horror elements, the narrative delivers a powerful message about seeking help and addressing vulnerabilities. It's refreshing to witness characters evolve amidst their encounters with both external and internal monsters. "Our Father’s Burden" stands out as a poignant exploration of masculinity and emotional resilience.

As a visually impaired reviewer, I extend my gratitude to Wicked House Publishing and NetGalley for providing an accessible copy. This book captivated me with its originality, imaginative storytelling, and profound themes. I eagerly anticipate exploring more of the author's works. Whether you're a horror aficionado or crave thought-provoking narratives, "Our Father’s Burden" promises an enthralling read.

This book gripped me from the first chapter. By saying there are no such things as monsters, we can predict there will be. It also shows how the love Don had for his son, Harry. This novel is heavy, addressing grief, mental illness, secrets, guilt and the complexity of father/son relationships. Even with all of that, gray manages to make it very fast-paced! The creature scenes are action packed and I couldn't predict what would happen next. I also enjoyed how it would flash forward, backwards, and to the present. I absolutely love creature features, especially in woodland settings. I highly recommend reading this!

Dive into the intricate web of family secrets, redemption, and forgiveness in William F. Gray's poignant novel, "Our Father's Burden". This gripping story explores the complexities of relationships, the weight of the past, and the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds.

In "Our Father's Burden", Gray masterfully crafts a narrative that delves into the lives of the McAllister family, a family torn apart by tragedy and haunted by the sins of the past. As the siblings come together to unravel the mysteries surrounding their father's legacy, they are forced to confront their own demons and grapple with the true meaning of forgiveness.

Gray's prose is both lyrical and evocative, drawing readers into a world filled with raw emotion and heartfelt moments. The characters are richly developed, each with their own struggles and vulnerabilities that add layers of complexity to the story. As the plot unfolds, secrets are unearthed, relationships are tested, and ultimately, a sense of hope and redemption prevails.

"In the depths of our burdens lie the seeds of our liberation, waiting to be discovered through the power of compassion and understanding."

"Our Father's Burden" is a masterful work of fiction that earns a well-deserved 5 out of 5 rating. Gray's storytelling prowess shines through in every page, captivating readers with its emotional depth and profound insights into the human experience. This novel is a testament to the enduring power of love and family bonds, making it a truly memorable and impactful read.

What secrets do our fathers hold? What knowledge do they choose to keep to themselves? What toll on them is taken as they hold those they love at arm's reach of this darkness? As sons, we'd all love to know what goes on inside our fathers' heads, but how do we handle what we find once those secrets are brought to life?

Underneath the guise of a creature-feature horror romp, this is a book about a group of men coming to terms with a choice their fathers made long ago. It's about the five of them confronting their grief, over not only their father's deaths but also coming to terms with the kind of men both they and their fathers actually are.

Our Fathers' Burden is equal parts an engaging character study and B-movie monster goodness. When the monster action comes, it comes fast and brutal, bludgeoning the reader through a night of terror. Who doesn't like a good monster movie? But where Mr. Gray truly shines is with his character work, specifically with Harry and his strained relationship with his father, Don. He pulls you into the emotional turmoil within the first several pages and sustains that emotion throughout the entire story.

I would like to thank William Gray, Wicked House Publishing, and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review Our Fathers' Burden.