Summer Screams With Scribner: Day 6 of 7

HOW WE HUNT by Joshua Scribner is an EXCELLENT predator vs. prey story. I recognized the misdirection right away, but nothing prepared me for what the author had in store for the readers. Scribner set the bar pretty high for this subgenre of horror.

I would love to know where he got the idea for this one. I know a lot of people who are going to get a major kick out of this story.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Summer Screams With Scribner: Day 5 of 7

THE BAD ONES by Joshua Scribner centers on a man always bailing out his children from the problems they cause themselves, but the biggest problem appears to be their dad.

The twist is interesting, but not enough to save this story. Usually Scribner's work has more depth than this. He basically wrote a fight scene, without much before or after.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Summer Screams With Scribner: Day 4 of 7

THE OTHER SIDE by Joshua Scribner is an awesome ghost story. After seeing so many news stories about elderly patients being abused and killed in nursing homes, this story is an absolute joy to read. One of my favorite parts is the way the staff rallied together to take care of "the mean one."

I also like Scribner's version of the afterlife, as well as spirits, in this particular story.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Summer Screams With Scribner: Day 3 of 7

BAKED GOOD by Joshua Scribner centers on an abused housewife who is offered a way to change her life by a local witch. While no actual violence takes place, the author makes it very clear what kind of monster she is married to, and he is terrifying. The use of the her children for motivation and self-discipline is great, but it took me a moment to realize what exactly happened at the very end.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Summer Screams With Scribner: Day 2 of 7

3AM SMOKE by Joshua Scribner is one of the best supernatural stories I've ever read. My heart nearly shattered with Joe's revelation, and the ending is even more surprising. I honestly thought Joe might kill himself, when he realized what he had done.


As always,
AstraDaemon

Summer Screams With Scribner: Day 1 of 7

Joshua Scribner continues to be my favorite flash fiction author. Even though I've been featuring the author almost every Sunday, there are still many stories by the author I haven't read yet. I thought a week of Scribner would be a great way to end Summer and prepare for Autumn...

A NIGHT SHIFT by Joshua Scribner is a very brief piece, but conveys several levels of horror. Becky is married to Sam, but having an affair with Tom. She's so self-centered, she disregarded the feelings of others, but someone has been watching her destroy her relationship...and he's not her best friend.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Sunday With Scribner: Cravings

SUCKED AWAY by Joshua Scribner is a flash fiction piece about a woman struggling with a unique form of night terrors. At first, I thought Scribner worked in some science fiction, but the reality is far more disturbing. Not sure what to think about the morality of the ending.

I'm not crazy about this short, but Scribner still delivers an excellent twist.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Trigger Warning: Stillbirth

STILL BORN by The Behrg is a very disturbing story about the loss of a baby, with an even darker supernatural element. As if a stillborn baby wouldn't be heartbreaking enough, what Joel and Sam hear through the monitor drives them into total madness.

This is such a tragic turn of events, I don't think anyone who has suffered through a miscarriage or stillbirth should read this one. This is definitely a drama-based horror.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Deadly Website Ad

KILLER TREADS by Anthony Renfro begins with a hard-to-believe scenario. Bob must have been extremely desperate to ignore all the creepiness. I would have immediately left my house. Ironically, there is a caution message for readers (which disrupted the flow of the story). The Lovecraft element is a nice touch, but too little, too late.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Throwback Thursday: Zombie STD

NOT-SO-DEAD TED by Scott R Antczak centers on an unfortunate tourist by the name of Theodore Hunter. He visits Cancun, where he spends some time with a mysterious, exotic woman. When he returns from his 3-day vacation, he immediately falls ill.

There is a lot of foreshadowing to tip off readers as to what to expect, but the main character doesn't have a clue. I especially enjoyed the dream sequence at the beginning, adding an extra dimension to the story I didn't expect.

The author's attention to detail is great, but it also made me want to throw up all over my Kindle. While I don't have a problem with the open ending, I wouldn't have minded some flashbacks to his time in Cancun (rather than his thoughts on his divorce) to add more meat to the story.

Too bad this is the only story published by Antczak, to date.


As always,
AstraDaemon

Sloppy Seconds

LOVED TO PIECES by Matt Shaw centers on a troubled marriage: the husband is away for work, weeks at a time, while the wife fools around on him. The pile of presents is classic Shaw, but the sappy memories attached to each gift are the most painful parts to read.

The ending is pretty good in a gruesome, don't-eat-before-reading-Shaw sort of way. Unfortunately, this is not the level of horror I've come to expect from Shaw. I recommend Octopus instead.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Deadly Triangle

STALKING YOU NOW by Jeff Strand is an unusual novella about a man who makes a critical mistake while stalking someone. The turn of events makes for a fascinating storyline, and the dialogue is slightly amusing.

However, the explanation for the change in one of the characters is a bit too convenient for me. This is one of his older stories, and I definitely prefer his more recent work. Strand's use of suspense has gotten much better in the past couple of years.

As of right now, my favorite Strand story is COLD DEAD HANDS.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Monster vs. Monster

MONSTER UNDER MY BED by Bishop Weaver caught me completely off guard. I knew there would be a twist with the monster, but the author created one hell of a shocker. The ending surprised me as well, and left me with several questions.

I wish Weaver would consider expanding this story into a novella because the monster is too original to leave in a short. I need to know more about the source, more about the parents...

As always,
AstraDaemon

Sunday With Scribner: Luck

FOREIGN OBJECTS by Joshua Scribner is a flash fiction piece about a boy cruelly nicknamed, Joel the Troll, since he has an unfortunate appearance. I can't help but wonder if the size of his head is somehow linked to the life-changing objects.

There is something so damn intriguing about this character, I wish Scribner would consider writing a novella about Joel's adult life.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Touched by Madness

THE REALITY CONTAGION by Travis Liebert is a mix of horror and family drama, which emphasizes the tragic ending. The Lovecraftian theme works well, as Jason's mother unwittingly allows something awful to dwell with her. While the entire story is creepy and intense, most of the action takes place at the very end.

If you are a fan of In the Mouth of Madness, you should read this short story.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Death by Drinking

THE CONFESSION OF CLAIRE HANSON by Michele Freeman is not what I would consider a horror story by any means, but it is a dark piece about a woman dealing with her husband's alcoholism. The descriptions are so vivid, I had some bad memories surface...which is why I found Freeman's writing style so captivating.

Even though the story is brief, the author does a fantastic job of expressing the strong connection between wife and husband. I think Claire's POV deserves to be extended into a novella. No doubt in my mind, Freeman could write an excellent family drama.

As always,
AstraDaemon

YA Horror Fiction

THE WITCHING WELL by S.D. Hintz (Grinning Skull Press) is definitely what I would consider YA horror fiction, but I think readers of all ages will enjoy the suspense. The story is told from a young boy's POV, after his mother is murdered. While the very first sentence is shocking, there is nothing graphic in the rest of the book. As an adult, I read the story in one sitting, and I think this would make a great PG-13 movie.

After his mother's funeral, Murray begins his new life at his grandmother's house. He soon finds out her neighbors are the absolute worst bunch of elderly people, save one kind man by the name of Cab. Hintz includes a few scenes which seem unnecessary to the main storyline, but they are most likely intended to misdirect readers. I also thought there are too many details about meals, clothes and other insignificant background. I would have preferred more information about Murray's ancestors, specifically, the source of his genetic anomaly.

Assuming the target audience is a younger group of readers, some may lose focus, before the big neighborhood secret is revealed. Once Murray figures out what is about to befall the small town, the ending is a bit rushed. Despite my criticism, if Hintz decided to write a sequel about Murray searching for his father, I would absolutely read it. Murray is definitely a character worthy of another story.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Only Skin Deep

THE GIRL WITHOUT A FACE by Rebecca R. Pierce left me with mixed feelings. First of all, I love the fairytale elements of the story, which is the reason I'm a fan of Pierce's stories. Veila's inner thoughts about her relationships with those around her kept me interested, especially with the introduction of her new friend, and, of course, the fae twists throughout the story.

Unfortunately, while this began as a coming-of-age-story, it ended as a love story, and I would have preferred one or the other. Either have Veila find her own way out of the curse, or spend more time on the romance, perhaps revealing more about her mysterious suitor. Seems almost sad Veila would be so desperate for someone to love her, she would accept a stranger without a backstory.

Normally, I would never get so hung up on the details of a short tale, but I've come to expect far more from the author. Strangely enough, I think the missing horror element Pierce usually mixes in would have given the story more depth.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Picnic of Death

Dave is a middle aged waste of space. His days drip away in a haze of drinking, smoking and stealing from his mother. But one night the sound of screams disturbs Dave’s habitual living, and everything changes. Something evil is on the loose, snatching people from the comfort of their own homes. Dave’s neighbour’s, his family, his friends are suddenly vanishing. No one is safe. Unfortunately for Dave, it’s up to him to put a stop to it. Even if it kills him.

A LIFE TO WASTE by Andrew Lennon is another example of the author leading readers down a specific path, and then brutally shoving them off the path, straight into hell. I should have remembered Lennon never writes in a straight line, and every twist has a jagged edge to it.

Even though I had read the book's description first, I became so lost in the ruin of Dave's life, I forgot the story is about something other than Dave. As his personal drama unfolds, I wondered what it would take to undo the damage. Nothing could have prepared me for Dave's late night visitor. If I see an ice cream truck at night, I will likely crap myself.

As always,
AstraDaemon

YA Science Fiction

HEART OF A SOLDIER by Rebecca Besser is a YA science fiction story about a couple falling in love, and risking their lives to help a loved one. Definitely a story for a younger audience. Besser has created such a fascinating setting, I think the author should consider writing a mini-series around the JMB.

FUELING A JOY RIDE is told through the POV of two young aliens stranded on Earth. The story is a bit of science fiction humor. Again, written for a younger audience.

While these stories are not what I'm used to reading by the author, they are a solid starting point for future fans. I recommend following up with the Re-Civilize novellas by Besser.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Sunday With Scribner: Redirection

EXTERNALIZE by Joshua Scribner is a supernatural tale about a girl's coming of age...sort of. Veronica is very hard on herself, and lacks the ability to stand up to the people making her life miserable. However, after a visit with the school counselor, Veronica learns to stop hating herself and focus her anger on those who mistreat her.

The twist is unusual, but set up well and explained perfectly. The ending is satisfying, knowing justice would be served.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Suicide or Murder?

THE OTHER ANN by Amy Cross is a dystopian story about a rift opening between two worlds, almost identical, but one has suffered an apocalypse. The survivors come through the rift, seeking refuge, and they're placed with their counterparts under the Rutherford Act. Ann, who is used to living in solitary is forced to take in her other self.

All goes well, until reports reveal some of the others are snapping and killing their host selves. Ann notices The Other Ann is acting strangely, and their case worker lets a secret slip, causing greater concern for the situation. Are their differences so significant, they are not nearly alike as they think? Or is the problem the two versions of Ann are too much alike?

The story flows quickly between the dialogue and action, and the ending, seemingly predictable, turns into one hell of a shocker. The very last scene is the most disturbing of all, in my opinion. Quite different from the paranormal stories Cross usually releases, but one of my new favorites.

As always,
AstraDaemon

*SPOILER WARNING*

ON TIME DELIVERY by Jason Davis is a somewhat confusing story. I get the premise: truck driver must stick to strict delivery timetable or face dire consequences, but-- oh,no! --family emergency. I could also piece together the "meat" eaters weren't exactly human, and I enjoyed the suspense. Unfortunately the storyline lost me a couple of times.

The driver remained on schedule, so why did his employers go to elaborate lengths to set him up to fail? I don't understand if they were testing him or if they never planned to keep him as a driver to begin with.

Also, what exactly happened at the end? I could not follow the author's descriptions very well. I tried rereading the ending three times, but it simply didn't make sense. I suspect I know what kind of creature Davis attempted to describe, but I can't be certain. This is the first time I couldn't visualize what the author wrote.

If you haven't read anything by Davis yet, do NOT read this one. Go read his Invisible Spiders series instead.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Move Aside, Indiana Jones

Craig Sheehan is known by many names, but his profession is universally reviled: he's an antiquities plunderer, one who pawns his finds off to the highest bidder. After receiving a tip on the whereabouts of the Ark of the Covenant, he embarks on an expedition into Africa from which he never returns. His mysterious disappearance has left the world wondering: where did you go, Craig Sheehan?

WHERE DID YOU GO, CRAIG SHEEHAN? by Antonio Simon Jr. is a theological story told through multiple interviews and video. The story is full of suspense, although predictable in some places, full of shocking surprises in others. I found the video quite disturbing, and I wonder what in the hell Sheehan was thinking on approach. The ending is the perfect touch.

If this were made into a movie, I'd watch it.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Remote Road Rage

BELTWAY BASHER by Abe Evergreen is a flash fiction piece which takes road rage to a new level. I don't want to sound sympathetic with Ben, but I would have liked to see him take on a lane merge with drivers who don't know how to zipper.

For a few pages, there are a lot of sociological and psychological aspects in this story to discuss. Very interesting, especially with the driverless vehicles becoming more common.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Wet and Lonely

DARK ON THE WATER by Erik Lynd centers on a grieving husband who lost his wife to a drowning accident near their lake house. There's more focus on his feelings than the past events with his wife. There is a moment with the neighbor, who has also lost his wife to suicide, when the lake appears to have a sinister secret. Unfortunately, the author lets the moment pass without any follow-through.

This is not a horror story. At best, one might be able to call it paranormal-suspense, but the lack of action is disappointing. Lynd has written much better stories than this.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Cold and Lonely

SALEM by Shawn Weaver is not like anything else I've read by the author. While there is nothing wrong with the writing itself, I found this love story quite dull. It would be better off in a collection of some sort, rather than a stand alone short.


As always,
AstraDaemon

Sunday With Scribner: Score

SCREENED by Joshua Scribner centers on a football player obsessed with thoughts of getting laid. A voice in his head is trying to help him achieve the best possible outcome.

Leave it to Scribner to create a ghost with one hell of a story.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Must-Read Sci-Fi Thriller

EMILY ETERNAL by M.G. Wheaton is one of the best science fiction novels I've read in a long time, and one of the most creative stories I've read this year. This thriller is told from the POV of the artificial consciousness, which is fascinating all on its own, but the idea of a five-year science experiment attempting to save humanity in some form is just wild. Basically, the author has combined a crime drama in an E.L.E. setting with a sci-fi coming-of-age battle for survival. I never expected this level of drama in any way.

I read the book in one sitting -- could not put it down. Not only did I enjoy learning about Emily and her personal growth, but the thought of all life on Earth ceasing to exist in a matter of weeks kept me hooked. Humankind possibly being wiped out without a trace of existence already made the situation extremely intense, but when terrorists attack the laboratory just as Emily discovers a secret hidden in the coding she is recording and filing, I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next.

As if all that wasn't enough, Wheaton throws in yet another shocker towards the end. I began to think the author would need to write a sequel because I couldn't imagine how everything could be resolved before the last page. I knew better than to expect a tidy ending, but I couldn't have predicted the turn of events, even if I had Emily's capacity to solve problems.

On a side note, I appreciate the author's way of describing the technology within the novel. Sometimes I avoid science fiction because some authors throw in so much detail, I feel like I need a PhD to sort it all out. Wheaton avoids overly complex explanations, while keeping everything feasible. This is definitely a novel I can recommend to a wide range of readers.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Heads Will Roll

WITCH ISLAND by David Bernstein has the setting and characters one would usually find in an 80s horror-thriller. While not even close to the outstanding level of writing Bernstein is capable of, this novel is still quite entertaining. Anyone looking for a deep meaning or complex relationships need to look elsewhere, but horror fans looking to pass a few hours on a plane, train or bus will not be disappointed.

The concept of the witch cursing her murderers and damning their descendents is somewhat similar to The Grudge. The way in which she exacts her revenge is more like the action in Freddy vs. Jason, where everyone is screwed.

I wasn't crazy about the ending. After all the pain and suffering on all sides, I would have preferred some resolution for the witch. In any case, I read this book in one sitting, and, as I stated earlier, this is a great way to pass some time.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Hopeless Hope

EDEN by Andrea Kleine begins with two sisters, Hope and Eden, kidnapped as teenagers. As adults, Hope finds out the man who assaulted them is up for parole. She then searches for Eden, who became a stranger almost immediately after they were found. Everything is told through Hope's POV, but she flashes back and forth between the kidnapping, her past and her current search.

At first, Eden appears to be the damaged one, but eventually Hope's life seems so much worse. At one point, when her father essentially told her to get over it, I wondered why she didn't just kill herself. Everyone seemed so focused on Eden's well-being in the beginning, and supportive of her Bohemian lifestyle later on, while Hope was left to twist in the wind for the rest of her life.

However, there is the possibility Hope is an unreliable narrator and her take on events could be extremely inaccurate. Upon closer scrutiny, Hope continues to play the victim in her interactions with pretty much everyone in her life (i.e., all her problems are the result of someone else's actions, she takes zero personal responsibility), yet she criticizes Eden for not dealing with what happened to them. Hope tends to be self-destructive, but she judges Eden for her life choices.

The end of the novel is extremely anti-climactic, and any sympathy or concern I had for Hope had dissipated into apathy. I really wish readers would have been given Eden's POV as well. As the novel stands, I did read the story in one sitting, and I never lost interest in the unraveling of events. I just find it ironic Hope seems so hopeless. Eden, in contrast, seems to have found her namesake.

As always,
AstraDaemon