Idle Gods

By: Iain McKinnon

Narrated by: Jodie Case

Deep in the jungle of a forgotten island, something ancient is being summoned.

Penny Alcott-Lee is a rising academic star—brilliant, methodical, and firmly rooted in science. Her project to observe an uncontacted tribe from afar is meant to be a triumph of technology over myth. There are no gods. No monsters. Just culture, waiting to be studied.

But when her mentor insists on bringing in Ryan McKenzie—a quiet, battle-scarred ex-soldier with a past steeped in covert operations—Penny reluctantly agrees.

Ryan’s job is simple: infiltrate the island and discreetly install the surveillance equipment. No contact. No risk. Just precision work.

But then he vanishes.

The drone feed catches only fragments—shadows shifting in the canopy, furtive movements between trees. Then it locks onto Ryan: disarmed, trussed up. The tribe is chanting. And they’re dragging him toward a sacrificial altar.

Penny doesn’t believe in demons. Ritual is superstition. But when she ventures into the jungle to rescue Ryan, she finds herself at the centre of something far older—and far more terrifying—than myth.

The islanders are calling to something. Something that listens. Something that answers.

As ancient forces stir and reality begins to warp, Penny must confront the impossible: are these just the delusions of a lost tribe—or has Penny unleashed something humanity forgot to fear?

Idle Gods is a chilling descent into cosmic horror, where science unravels and ancient forces stir. Perfect for fans of H. P. Lovecraft, Jeff VanderMeer’s Annihilation, and Peter Clines Threshold series.

©2025 Dream Fire Press (P)2025 Dream Fire Press

well Written Horror

This story was creative and unique. I loved the characters. They set off on an adventure to study a tribe and their unusual worship rituals. Things don't go exactly as planned. A short read with great writing and great narration.