Two Evils

DEMON ENERGY by Anthony Renfro is inspired by a biblical story about a legion of demons sent into a herd of pigs. The author didn't do much to make the concept more original, and, with little to no dialogue, this piece is a little dull.

The bonus story, THE DRAGON, also included with Gas Station of the Dead, is a combination of Alexa and the Necronomicon, and much better than the first story.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Scribner in September: Day 7 of 7

THE WORST SIN by Joshua Scribner is a family drama with a supernatural twist. Mitchell's daughter is in a coma, his wife is wasting away, his brother is being hunted by some bad men, and Mitchell is about to be charged with murder. A random old woman stops by his house, and tells him how he can make their worst sins go away.

Mitchell has the best intentions, but his attempts at helping his family, leads to yet another series of tragedies. However, Scribner ends the story with something quite unexpected. While I enjoyed the storyline, I wish more had been revealed about Mitchell's worst sin.

With that said, this is a clever take on redemption and paying it forward.

As always,
AstraDaemon

P.S. Make sure to come back to the Lair on October 1st, for the first book giveaway.

Scribner in September: Day 6 of 7

A NEW LEGEND by Joshua Scribner is centered on bar with a secret which has spanned generations. The story is very original, and the ending is entertaining. Unfortunately, there is also a lot of repetitiveness, which I will chalk up to this being an older Scribner piece.

If you like ghost stories, check this one out because the author definitely gets creative. Be sure to check out Scribner's 2019 short story releases, which are far superior to his previous work.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Scribner in September: Day 5 of 7

CURSED HIGHWAY by Joshua Scribner is a short story about a guy who is thinking about all the major changes in his life as he drives, when he begins to see two different kinds of entities. He assumes one must be good, and one must be bad, but towards the end, he realizes the truth is more complicated than black and white.

The story held my attention from the first page to the last page, but vague ending disappointed me. I don't care about the very last sentence, I just don't like the way the author teases readers with the nature of the curse.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Scribner in September: Day 4 of 7

THE CREEK AND THE RATTLESNAKE by Joshua Scribner is a short story about a boy named Trevor who is able to escape into his head. He is given a warning several times within his fantasies, but he ignores the red flags.

What happens to Trevor is so astounding, I wish Scribner would give the boy a sequel. I feel strangely confident Trevor could ultimately defeat Curtis.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Scribner in September: Day 3 of 7

LOUD ENOUGH TO WAKE THE DEAD by Joshua Scribner is a flash fiction story about a young single mother, struggling to balance school and work. Her studies are constantly being interrupted by some punks with loud car stereos...then she begins to see a ghost.

Scribner is being modest by calling this a ghost story. He has added one hell of a twist via the spectral visitor. I love the outcome.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Scribner in September: Day 2 of 7

GRANDMA'S ECHO by Joshua Scribner is a flash fiction piece about a young man anxious to stay on schedule for the day. His routine begins with a workout at the gym, but he keeps seeing accidents happening on his way.

Some words of wisdom from his deceased grandmother echo in his mind, causing him to question his priorities. The ending is a huge surprise, and this is now one of my favorite Scribner stories.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Scribner in September: Day 1 of 7

UNSELF REFLECTION by Joshua Scribner is a short story about an RN struggling with what she believes to be a hallucination. Anyone fooling around with mirrors in a dark room should know better.

Interesting, but somewhat predictable.

As always,
AstraDaemon

FUBAR

During a blustery winter night, two retired Navy Seals transporting a top secret cargo to NORAD are besieged by an unexpected blizzard. A terrible car accident unleashes a creature with unparalleled killing capacity. Within hours dozens of people are carved up and dismembered in the town of Mangas Pass, Colorado with no end in sight to the carnage. Police Chief, Don Girard pairs up with retired Green Beret Colonel, Elliot Harmon to try to stop the creature from decimating the entire town. Harmon will be forced to face the sins of his past, while Girard helplessly agonizes over every death in an effort to protect the town and his own family. As the bloody body count rises, both men become consumed by a horrifying sequence of events that will forever change their lives.

THE NIGHT IT GOT OUT by Patrick James Ryan begins with a military briefing about an incident resulting in the deaths of well over one-hundred people. The story then slides back in time to reveal the brutal details of an attack launched on an entire town in the name of revenge. The author creates an easy timeline to follow by marking the date and time of events, with each change.

The action is horrifying and soul-crushing. Ryan does an excellent job of describing the carnage without getting overly graphic. I am especially grateful the author spares readers the details of the rape scene. The Vietnam flashback is excellent, and one of my favorite scenes is the moment between Jerry and Harmon. The story took on a completely different outlook for me after that, for the rest of the novel.

The ending is freaking magnificent and far more disturbing than anything else which takes place. This novel is fine as a stand-alone, but I would not say no to a sequel. This is definitely my favorite story by Patrick James Ryan.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Getting Freaky With Cthulhu

WARNING: Matt Shaw stories are only for serious horror fans. Maybe you think you're a serious horror fan because you've read all of Stephen King's novels, but you're not. Matt Shaw makes Stephen King look like C.S. Lewis. Proceed with caution.

OCTOPUS 2 by Matt Shaw begins eight months after the first novella ends. The author uses flashbacks to emphasize the madness which has increased ten-fold, since Helena's pregnancy began. Shaw then takes this story into a surprising direction.

While I prefered the first installment to this one, I'm hoping the author might write one more to follow-up with the loose end. Hopefully, Shaw will have less feelings and more action. (Max really bored the crap out of me in this one.)

As always,
AstraDaemon

Bigfoot Wants You For Jerky

THE SQUAD by Eric S. Brown is another battle royale with Bigfoot. This time a group of soldiers on a weekend exercise join forces with some young hunters, with everyone being trapped on a mountain and hunted by a tribe of Sasquatch. The author still manages to create new ways for people to die at the hands of the beasts, while keeping readers guessing which characters might survive, if any.

At this point in time, I think it would be interesting to see the survivors from some of Brown's novels form a support group, and, of course, the support group comes under attack. Think: Escape Room with Sasquatch.

As always,
AstraDaemon

The Guessing Game

THE ARBORIST by P.T. Phronk is a mix of sci-fi and horror, packed with suspense. Told through the POV of Wesley, a father obsessed with the appearance of a strange red tree, readers are sure to feel as frustrated as Wesley's wife and son.

I enjoyed the story until I reached the ending, and realized the author never explains anything about the tree. He uses his main to character to offer some lame excuse about unsolved mysteries, and, honestly, I can't believe Phronk copped out like this.

Not as bad as his short story, Chad, but not nearly as good as Phronk's Strangers at a Funeral.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Sequel to The Beautiful Ones

THE WAR OUTSIDE by Kody Boye is the second book in his series, The Beautiful Ones. The story follows the POV of a sixteen year old girl, Kelendra, chosen to keep up genetic standards for the Glittering City. The society Boye has crafted contains elements similar to the Hunger Games and The Handmaid's Tale, while retaining the author's skill in using personal drama to draw readers into his disturbing creation.

The sequel begins right where the first book left off, with Beauty and Grace in hiding for security reasons, and Kelendra has her mind set on her Purpose. There is far more action in this sequel, with multiple attacks from both known and unknown enemies. Beauty and Grace are reunited with loved ones briefly, while more upsetting details are revealed about the Process.

I've been reading stories by Kody Boye for years, including several different series in various genres, and I'm really impressed with how much his character's dialogue and inner thoughts have improved over time. The author has always had a gift for creating relatable characters with complex relationships, but this is the first time I didn't have any issues with any of the conversations within. I also think this storyline will appeal to readers ages 14 and up.

I'm really looking forward to the third book in this trilogy, as well as Boye's new Plague Bloom series.

Check back in October for my interview with Kody Boye, which will also include a giveaway of autographed books by the author.

As always,
AstraDaemon

The Other Side

THE LINES by The Behrg is about a girl who keeps trying to kill herself. There is so much imagery, I felt a little lost at times. I thought maybe the girl had survived some kind of apocalypse, not realizing the apocalyptic event in her life is depression.

The story horrified me for personal reasons I don't feel like sharing in a review. "A Dark Literary Story" is very accurate.

I love the author's note at the end. I truly appreciate the thought he put into this publication. This is why I love horror authors.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Desert Hunter

THE HIKE by Sarah Gribble is far better than I expected. I thought it would be a group of people getting attacked by a werewolf, but it's so much worse, and there's far more to the story.

The author does a fantastic job of developing her characters in just a few pages. Andy is an alpha male who thinks he's an expert, Jay is a people-pleaser, and Katy is a groupie. I almost felt bad for Dee, but it's hard to feel sympathy for someone willingly going into a desert with a wicked sunburn from a previous outing.

So many things go wrong during their hike, by the time the group realizes they are being followed...let's just say, there are worse things than dying, as Gribble creates a pain and suffering which is sure to get under your skin.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Sunday With Scribner: Evil Thoughts

TAKE ME WITH YOU by Joshua Scribner is a short story about a high school boy named Toby, who recently found out his girlfriend cheated on him. The guy, Bryce, humiliates Toby in a very disturbing way. No one does a damn thing to help him.

Toby later decides to go on a midnight walk, thinking some dark thoughts about revenge. Along the way, he has a supernatural experience. Toby's reaction pleasantly surprised me, and I enjoyed the ending. #TeamToby

As always,
AstraDaemon

Fantasy, Folklore & Fate

THE FOREST by Julia Blake centers on the villagers of Wyckenwode and the Forest, filled with secrets which have affected the lives of every generation. Lords go missing, and when the White Hind is seen, three village deaths follow. Everything is tied together by love and jealousy, murder and suicide, and, of course, an ancient magic.

This generation, cousins Sally and Jack, and their friend Reuben, form the tragic triangle, but they refuse to let a curse decide their fates. Armed with clues from stories passed down by their elders, the three try to survive the evil which has fallen upon them. Time is running out as they struggle to make sense of the words given to the village from the Green Man through a young girl driven mad by her experience in the Forest.

Blake has skillfully woven folklore, suspense, drama and romance together to create a detailed coming-of-age tapestry. I haven't been this moved by a fantasy novel since the last time I read Ursula K LeGuin. I never knew what to expect, especially with Sally, and the ending left me breathless. Blake deftly ties up the various storylines with a rather intricate finale, spanning yet another generation beyond the main characters, while remaining firmly rooted to the Forest.

I discovered this novel through Instagram of all places, knowing nothing about Julia Blake or her writing style, but I will definitely be reading more of her stories in the coming months.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Friday the 13th Full Moon Announcement

I thought this would be the perfect time to share my plans for the month of October. Not only will the Lair feature a variety of stories in the horror genre (including my favorite Stephen King novel), but I will also be interviewing several authors, as well as doing a few book giveaways.

The stories will feature all kinds of monsters: werewolves, zombies, witches, vampires and serial killers. There will even be a creature or two not normally seen in the horror community. I will leave it up to readers to decide if they are tricks or treats.

Interviews will include a few new guests to the Lair, and a few favorites from the past couple of years. I'll be asking the authors to share their thoughts about Halloween and the other things that go bump in the night.

Last but not least, I will be giving away several autographed books from the authors featured in October. The giveaway will also be conducted through my AstraDaemon page on Facebook. Details will be posted there too, beginning October 1, 2019.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Lethal Infestation

BED BUGS by Jason Davis is exactly what one would expect: a bed bug infestation. In this case, a truck driver wakes up in his sleeper with what he thinks is a rash. The situation quickly devolves into a waking nightmare. As I wondered how much worse could Davis make this, the author delivers a savage shocker at the end.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Postcard From the Future

LARRY'S LAST COMPANION by Abe Evergreen is not a story as much as a glimpse into a future with flying cars and androids mistaken for humans. Larry reminisces about his late wife as he revisits the Grand Canyon with his companion. Ironically, the old man uses ground-breaking technology to hold onto memories of more simple times in his past.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Apocalypse Parenting

DAHMER FLU by Christopher Cox is a continuation of a short story previously published in an anthology. The storyline follows Brad's attempts to get his family to safety, even though he never really has a specific plan in mind. In fact, he rarely seems motivated to do anything, until he has the undead breathing down his neck. Unfortunately, his lack of action costs him dearly.

Many readers might find themselves frustrated with Brad, and I will admit he qualifies as one of the more ignorant apocalypse survivors featured in a novel, but I think his experiences are more realistic than the usual suburban cubicle slave-to-the-grind who miraculously becomes a survival expert overnight. Brad makes mistakes, but he learns from them, although his internal dialogue is often causes a delay in his ability to properly assess a situation.

Brad faces the typical obstacles: initial outbreak, overrun safe zone, scumbag survivors, and misogynistic militia. While his approach is stands out somewhat from other zombie stories, it's his daughter Madi who makes this a great survival tale. In a way, it's just as much her story, and I get the feeling she will be far more competent than Brad as an adult. I'd love to see Madi get her own follow-up novel.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Deadly Fertilizer

IN THE GROUND by Shawn Weaver is a short story I originally read in 2015, before I became hooked on the author's work. I decided to revisit this piece, since I didn't post the review in the Lair, after the first time.

A janitor at the University of Wisconsin is being interviewed about illegally disposing the lab's waste and being paid to keep quiet. He thought the students were studying the anatomy of dogs, and the waste appeared to fertilize the nearby garden. Over time, he discovers the professor's horrific secret.

While the ending is somewhat predictable, the interview format is fantastic. This is definitely one of my favorite Shawn Weaver stories.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Sunday With Scribner: Windows To The Soul

GHOST EYES by Joshua Scribner is not a ghost story, but a waking nightmare. Kristy is switched to third shift, hears whispers, and has to deal with some very strange customers. Sounds like a typical night working at a convenience store, until she picks up a new habit.

The ending is disturbing. Very disturbing. The plot seems sloppy and rushed, even for a short story, but Scribner gets points for having a freakish imagination.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Sisterly Secrets

SISTER OF MINE by Laurie Petrou centers on a secret between two sisters, Hattie and Penny: Penny's abusive husband is killed in a fire deliberately started by one of the sisters. There are many flashbacks to their childhood, as well as Penny's marriage, in an attempt to explain their relationship and interaction as sisters. Eventually, Hattie convinces Penny to be her surrogate, but another secret surrounding the child, Elliot, threatens to destroy an already fragile bond between the two women.

Honestly, the book description ought to be, "Two sisters from a broken home can't maintain healthy relationships, blame each other for their emotional instability, and damage their lives and the lives of those around them."

Maybe it would have been more interesting and thought-provoking if the story offered more than one POV. There didn't seem to be anything more to the story than Penny's lifelong bitterness. I wish I had never wasted my time reading this novel.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Teddy Bear vs. Monster

I'M ALL ALONE AND IT'S GETTING DARK by Brandon Lee Hayes is a story told from a child's POV. He wakes up from a nightmare to pee and finds the babysitter missing.

I freakin' love the teddy bear talking to the kid! (This story made me think of the illustration of a toy bear using a sword to defend the sleeping child from a monster.) Even though I thought the monster might be the child's perception of an intruder, the description is truly frightening. Roosevelt is the kind of bear I'd want my kid to have.

The news story at the end is a great touch, making me question everything about the child's experience. I recommend this story to all readers.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Never Ignore A Barking Dog

THE PERFECT SCAM by Cecil Hansson is a strange short story about a man pretending to be a medium and trying to con an elderly widow out of her jewels. She claims the spirit of her departed dog is trying to warn her about danger, so he suggests her jewels are cursed.

The story could have easily been told as a flash fiction piece, instead of spending so much time on background details. The ending is a bit rushed, and I wish the story centered more on the dog, rather than the medium's greed.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Twisted Sister

LITTLE SISTER by Isabel Ashdown is a family drama which centers on the disappearance of a baby girl named Daisy. Jess, after reconnecting with her sister Emily, moves in with her older sister's family, but on New Year's Eve, she wakes up to paramedics and police in the house. Chloe, Emily's teen stepdaughter, comes home drunk in the morning to find out her baby sister has been kidnapped. James, Emily's husband, has already lost his first wife and now he fears he has lost a child as well. Even though Emily is the one who ties them all together, she is also the one tearing apart the family with her jealousy, lies and manipulation of past events.

The story is told through rotating POVs of multiple characters, mostly Jess and Emily. I read this novel in one sitting, even though some of the chapters absolutely dragged, bogged down with insignificant details. Despite the slow pace of the storyline from beginning to end, I attempted to race through the chapters, horrified at Emily's treatment of the people around her. I correctly guessed the family secret Emily kept from Jess for over a decade, but the truth behind Daisy's abduction still shocked me.

I like the ending, but I wish Emily had suffered more. Emily is one of THE most toxic characters I've ever come across in novel. I sincerely hope the author doesn't know anyone like that in real life. If you like Gone Baby Gone, you might enjoy this novel as well.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Savage Survival

One morning the residents of Walden, Virginia, woke up to find the rest of the world gone. Just . . . gone. Surrounding their town was a wall of inky darkness, plummeting Walden into permanent night. Nothing can get in - not light, not people, not even electricity, radio, TV, internet, food, or water. And nothing can get out. No one who dared to penetrate the mysterious barrier has ever been seen again. Only their screams were heard. But for some, the darkness is not the worst of their fears. Driven mad by thirst, hunger, and perpetual night, the residents of Walden are ready to explode. The last few sane prisoners of this small town must prepare a final stand against their neighbors, themselves, and something even worse . . . something out there . . . in the darkness.

DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN by Brian Keene is one of the most depressing novels I've ever read, mostly because the darkness is the only fictional aspect. People losing their minds, throwing laws and morals out the window, and rampaging around town like a bunch of savages is not only believable, but a recurring theme in human history. In fact, you could probably find something similar happening in the news right now.

I don't choose stories like this for the violence, and Keene doesn't get very graphic with his descriptions in this story, in any case. However, I love how thought-provoking horror can be, particularly when it comes to survival themes, and the author provides a banquet within this book. I wish I could be as proactive as Robbie. Unfortunately, I'd likely off myself like so many of the residents. I think about the way my neighbors attack each other on our local Facebook page over dog poop and lawn mowing, and I know my town would be totally screwed in Walden's situation.

If you enjoy horror with evil taking the form of a familiar face, or if you're entertained by characters attempting to problem-solve in the middle of a waking nightmare, this is a story you need to read. The ending might frustrate many people, but such is the author's style. Keene doesn't wrap things up neatly, he leaves the story soaking in a puddle of blood and ash.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Aztec Battle: Undead vs. False God

THE DEVIL'S BAG MAN by Adam Mansbach is the sequel to The Dead Run. The story picks up about three months after the first book ends. Nichols and Cantrell are in a relationship, and they have guardianship of Sherry. Galvan is staying clear of people, living in the middle of nowhere, and fighting one hell of an internal struggle. Meanwhile, Sherry is on a downward spiral of her own.

Cucuy may be temporarily trapped, but he still has a couple of loyal followers alive. A fanatic by the name of Valentine is attempting to maintain appearances in Ojos Negros while finding a way to help the Ancient One overtake Galvan. Knowles, leader of the True Natives, is looking to settle the score with Cantrell and the others for ruining his club business with Seth.

More is revealed in detail about the atrocity Cucuy visits upon his bride, and much of the sequel involves the Dominio Gris, as well as the imprisoned Tezcatlipoca. The action is incredible, and many of the characters function as wild cards, creating unexpected twists in the storyline, right down to the last page. I am hoping the ending means the author will write one more installment.

If you're into supernatural thrillers with gritty characters and a horrific origin story, I highly recommend this series. Even if Mansbach doesn't write a third book, I don't think readers will be disappointed when all the players make their final move.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Summer Screams With Scribner: Day 7 of 7

ATTIC by Joshua Scribner shocked the hell out of me. I don't know what I was expecting, but it certainly wasn't all the supernatural layers rolled up into one crawl space.

I'm good with the ending, but I wondered why on earth anyone would ignore a cat freaking out, especially three of them...never mind what Rick finds in the attic, or the one who leads him there.

As always,
AstraDaemon