A Mother's Wrath | AstraDaemon

Desron 22 was on standard shakedown maneuvers when the squadron discovered the Pleasure Bound. The massive cruise liner was adrift, everyone aboard her, dead except for a single survivor. The man’s wild tales of monsters from the deep were hard to believe until those very monsters came after the squadron itself. Now a desperate battle for survival rages on the waves as the firepower of the United States Navy goes head to head with unspeakable terrors no human was ever meant to see and live.

KRAKEN by Eric S. Brown is another brutal creature feature taking place in the middle of the ocean. True to the author's killing style, many of the characters don't last long enough to make much of an impression, but their individual reactions to the attacks kept me hooked. Some have given up all hope, others are willing to fight tooth and nail. As a result, the action scenes are thrilling...my favorite is the deck battle involving Diana and Fox.

If you enjoy movies such as Deep Rising or The Meg, I recommend reading this novella.

As always,

AstraDaemon

March Book Video | AstraDaemon

Better late than never...here are the horror highlights from March 2021:

As always,

AstraDaemon

Taking Work Home | AstraDaemon

PASSED ON by Joshua Scribner is a flash fiction short centered on a lawyer and his family. Something is obviously eating away at him, as he grows distant from his wife and daughters. Soon, his wife discovers something is indeed feeding on the situation, but not in the way she imagined.

The ending is horrifying on more than one level, so I'm recommending this one.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Fears and Foulplay | AstraDaemon

AFTER THE MIDNIGHT HOUR: MURDER WARD by Chad Wannamaker reminds me of The Grudge, but with a hospital setting. This short is full of terror and suspense, and I love the concept built around the coma patient.

There are a few sections, which seem unnecessary, such as the doctor's description of her education, and I would have enjoyed more POVs from the various victims. However, I'm recommending this one to all horror fans.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Run | AstraDaemon

FORBIDDEN FRUIT by Calvin Demmer is a short story centered on a group of three poachers in Africa. As rangers close in on them, they run into a region they do not recognize. Their guide tries to warn the other two about the area they are passing through, but the men ignore him.

Eventually, one of the poachers realizes the hunt has gone terribly wrong. The descriptions are quite creepy. While the story is entertaining, the setup is too long. I wish the author had writte more action scenes instead.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Consequences | AstraDaemon

Owing to its latitude and position close to the desert, the town of Lacksmouth rarely gets any precipitation. Rain is unusual. Big storms, incredible. But snow? Snow is not just unusual, it is impossible.

When Alan Warner wakes up from a coma and hears about the snow over Lacksmouth, he immediately becomes suspicious. When he is stopped by a local before arriving in town and told strange tales of what the snow did to people, he stops being suspicious and starts being certain.

Certain that his parents are dead. Certain that it was the snow that killed them and certain that the coming of the snow was in no way an accident.

SNOW OVER LACKSMOUTH by Stories From The Attic is a fantastic tale of terror...once you get past the long diatribe about conspiracy theorists. The narrator could have begun his confession at the moment of the car accident, and the heart of the story would still be just as horrifying.

I'm sincerely glad I did not read this during the winter season. This one will be giving me nightmares for a good long while.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Mind Tricks | AstraDaemon

SANDY DUNES by Charles Jonathon Truax is a flash fiction piece centered on three soldiers lost in a desert. Readers will wonder if they can trust the narrator's POV or not. More bizarro fiction than horror though.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Relativity | AstraDaemon

In 'Sixty second eternity' you'll find the same intriguing mix of thought-provoking stories from the world just around the corner. Everything from the unforeseen problems of dealing with extra-terrestrials to the dangers of loosening the bonds between reality and possibility; from the drawbacks to instantaneous travel to just what does happen if you head out of the universe...and keep going. Twenty-two tales for people who thought they didn't like science fiction and for people who know that they do.

SIXTY SECOND ETERNITY by John A Connor is a mix of short stories and flash fiction with elements of science fiction, horror and drama. Once again, with this collection, the author provides an assortment of thought-provoking entertainment.

INCOMING stood out among all the others...this story alone is worth buying this book. Connor continues to be one of my favorite sci-fi authors. If you enjoy the likes of Ray Bradbury and David Brin, be sure to read SIXTY SECOND ETERNITY.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Throwback Thursday: Brom | AstraDaemon

The acclaimed artist Brom brilliantly displays his multiple extraordinary talents in The Child Thief—a spellbinding re-imagining of the beloved Peter Pan story that carries readers through the perilous mist separating our world from the realm of Faerie...Brom takes a classic children’s tale and turns it inside-out, painting a Neverland that...is darker, richer, more complex than innocent world J.M. Barrie originally conceived. An ingeniously executed literary feat, illustrated with Brom’s sumptuous artwork, The Child Thief is contemporary fantasy at its finest—casting Peter Pan, the Lost Boys, even Captain Hook and his crew in a breathtaking new light.

THE CHILD THIEF by Brom explores the darker perspectives of the tale that Disney turned into a "happy fairytale." Peter lures runaways - usually kids who have already been through hell (abuse, rape, etc) - by offering them sanctuary away from the grown-ups that have hurt them...but he doesn't tell them about the dangers of the Mist, or the war he is waging for his Lady (Brom's version of the Lady of the Lake). He promises them a new family, but he doesn't discuss how brutal their new life will be, or how many lost children have died before them.

If I didn't know any better, I would think that the "pirates" are supposed to be the lost colonists of Roanoke. In any case, they are New World colonists who were trapped on Avalon by the Mist. During their time on the island, they have been twisted both physically and mentally, so that there's barely any humanity left among the Flesh-Eaters.

Even the fairies associated with Peter are not creatures of light and joy, but mean-spirited pixies that torment anyone who lets his or her guard down. For example, Peter's Devils have to sleep in cages to protect themselves at night from the pixies.

It's tempting to think of Peter and the inhabitants of the island as evil tricksters, but when we catch glimpses of Peter's past, such as his separation from his mother, you soon realize that nothing is as simple as good or bad.

Most of the story is told through the experiences of Nick, a kid who thinks he has no choice but to follow Peter into the Mist. However, the longer he stays in Avalon, the more Nick wonders if his previous life was as bad as he thought. I recommend The Child Thief to anyone who likes a dark fantasy.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Death Trap | AstraDaemon

Forbidden Island. For nearly fifty years it has been deserted, left to crumble into the shark-infested waters. Until a greedy businessman decides to reopen the mining operation abandoned all those years ago.

What evil lurks in the dilapidated buildings, in the tunnels and passages of the cement structure?

ABANDONED by Armand Rosamilia takes place in Japan, with two scheming business men playing a brutal game of financial chess over the future of an island. Both ignoring the history of the isolated death trap, people arrive only to be hunted and killed by something from the abandoned mine.

This creature-feature is a stand-alone novella, but I wouldn't say no to a sequel. I'd love to know more about the mine's inhabitants.

If you'd prefer a sci-fi story, I also recommend FROZEN IN ICE by Rosamilia.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Power of Secrets | AstraDaemon

Bret's kids are afraid to take out the trash. He dreams of them being hurt. Are these things connected? Can he protect his family?

TRACES OF YOU by Joshua Scribner is a flash fiction story centered on the desperation of a father to protect his two children. While I love this story, I hate the way the secret-keeper manipulates the children to do his will.

The author includes a great twist at the end, but this short should serve as a warning to parents: tell your children they can tell you anything without getting in trouble AND MEAN IT.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Skin Trade | AstraDaemon

As a long-term drug addict, Danny had hit some extremely low points in his life. What made this time different, however, was that when he hit rock bottom, someone was waiting to meet him there.

Someone who would offer Danny a huge sum of money, enough to pay for rehab and perhaps a second chance, if only he is willing to sell the only thing he had to offer.

Blood and Ink follow Danny’s strange deal as seen through the eyes of his friend. It is a tale of addiction, desperation, and horror, that explores not only the price some are willing to pay for second chances but the evil forces that are waiting for the chance to sell them.

BLOOD AND INK by Stories From The Attic is dark thriller about the desperation of a drug addict, and the loyalty of his friend. I don't want to give away any spoilers, so please just read this one for yourself. This short is one of the very best from SFTA this year, with a theme similar to SCARY MOVIES.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Muddy Waters | AstraDaemon

Chase comes to in complete darkness. He hears a voice. He has to remember how he got here.

IN AND OUT OF HELL by Joshua Scribner is a story of reincarnation/rebirth, which is eventually explained by one of the characters. Until then, the short is confusing.

SOMEWHERE ELSE TO BE by the same author is a much better story with a similar theme.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Jungle of Death | AstraDaemon

Dr. Maran Gannon ventured into the unknown of the Andes Mountains in August of 1922, only to return to England in September of that same year with an enigmatic madness about him. He fell into ruin, committing horrible acts in the name of his mysterious lunacy, and has never been found. Inside this publication are his journal contents, such as they were upon their recovery in October of that year. What the doctor saw during those months in the jungle filled his very soul with a fear so deep that it nearly killed him. Only in his own words can the horror of his discoveries be visualized.

THE CHAMBER OF EYES by Matthew Davenport is told through letters and journal entries. The mix of native folklore and supernatural suspense creates a horrifying experience for the doctor. The ending is terrifying.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Submersed in Darkness | AstraDaemon

This three part short horror story follows an unnamed narrator as he revisits the most fateful and terrifying dicovery of his submarine career, and reveals that Atlantis is not the wondrous discovery we believe it will be.

THE SHADOW OF ATLANTIS by Kyle J. Durrant is written in the style of Lovecraft, an would make a great SyFy movie.

The first section is mostly setup, and the second section is almost as slow-paced, but the last section has a fantastic action scene. Based on the final part, I recommend this short to readers who enjoy a mix of steampunk and horror.

As always,

AstraDaemon

A Burning Rage | AstraDaemon

This detective watches the same video, over and over. The body hits the ground. The birds fly away. He's seen it thousands of times. Why does he keep watching? What's he looking for?

SOMEWHERE ELSE TO BE by Joshua Scribner is an unusual version of reincarnation mixed with the revenge element. The author has given this flash fiction piece a folklore-feel.

I also recommend IT NEVER DIED by Scribner, with a similar theme.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Buckle Up | AstraDaemon

THE PASSENGERS YOU CANNOT SEE by The Behrg is an entertaining mix of horror sub-genres, with terror taking many forms. The stories range from heart-breaking to frightening...a rollercoaster of nightmares.

While there are a few shorts I've read previously, most of these stories are new to me. This is definitely a collection I recommend to all horror fans.

As always,

AstraDaemon

A Cheese Sandwich For A Swan | AstraDaemon

Madness is relative...

Jonathan Dupree knows this all too well. He’s moved in with his mother to look after his uncle, a life-long sufferer of mental illness.

When school kids target Jonathan, he makes a pact with a local gang to fit in, a pact that will see him betray his family and seek redemption from a most unlikely source.

FINDING JERICHO by Dave Jeffery is a story I could relate to as someone who has lived with and cared for someone afflicted with mental illness for decades. In my younger years, I was Jonathan, now I am more like his mother. I wish I could have read this book in my teen years, when I was struggling to develop empathy for others. By the end, I couldn't stop sobbing...but it was a good cry.

The author uses fictional characters to highlight several issues which many of us have experienced in one form or another, such as depression, bullying, and our perception of others. Through Jonathan's personal experiences, Jeffery illustrates the stigma surrounding mental illness, and the need for more understanding and compassion...not just the ill, but everyone we come into contact with. We are often connected in ways we fail to realize.

Of course, Jeffery uses his slight-of-hand storytelling to create a few surprises which will leave a lasting impression on readers. I'm recommending this novella to everyone.

If you'd like another example of Jeffery's food-for-thought writing style, check out A QUIET APOCALYPSE, which features the hearing-impaired.

As always,

AstraDaemon

The Puzzle Piece | AstraDaemon

HIDE AND SEEKER by Daka Hermon is a YA horror fiction novel centered on a group of friends who are marked by a demonic entity called the Seeker, after they break the rules of the game, Hide and Seek. In an effort to save themselves from being trapped in the Nowhere realm with their worst fears, they track down someone who was once a prisoner of the Seeker for seven years. When they realize how they were found by the evil monster, the strength of their friendships is put to the test.

The author has taken the fear factor of horror to a new level without graphic violence or exploitation of characters. The captured children are tormented by the physical manifestation of their worst fears, but they quickly learn how to fight back. Justin and Duke form an alliance, giving hope to everyone trapped with them.

This is so much more than a coming-of-age story. Hermon has taken basic elements of childhood mixed with the supernatural to explore the concepts of family, loyalty and acceptance. Not only do I recommend this to all readers, but I'm adding this novel to my Best Fiction 2021 list.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Pinned Down | AstraDaemon

CITY OF THE DJINN by Stories From The Attic is a terrifying suspense-thriller centered on a well-known dark entity. Even though I had an idea how the story would end, I love the unique way the author ties everything together.

As always,

AstraDaemon

The Sixth One | AstraDaemon

THE WENDIGO DOLL by Stories From The Attic is an intimate family persepctive of the Wendigo lore. Lengthy setup, but satisfying ending. Not as good as SCARY MOVIES, but better than many of the Attic shorts I've read this week.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Picture Perfect Horror | AstraDaemon

SCARY MOVIES by Stories From The Attic is making my Best Fiction 2021 list. This one will definitely appeal to 80s horror movie fans, who found their love of the genre through VHS tapes at their local rental store.

This needs to be made into a film!

As always,

AstraDaemon

Oops, Wrong Date | AstraDaemon

THE GAWKERS by Stories From The Atticis essentially a list of historical events tied to the same future date. Intended to build suspense, only to reach the end with very little taking place on the big day.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Fight Fire With Fire | AstraDaemon

FLAMES by Stories From The Attic pits a research scientist against a chemical engineer. The setup takes up most of the pages, but the ending is absolutely worth it. Great revenge plan.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Silver Lining | AstraDaemon

THE VAMPIRE'S PRICE by Stories From The Attic reveals the backstory of a museum piece known as the "Tooth of Judas." The story does more telling than showing, with little to no action. Disappointing.

As always,

AstraDaemon

The Trouble With Neighbors | AstraDaemon

THE BEAST OF ELDERTON by Stories From The Attic begins with a town hall meeting about the local werewolf problem. The story is essentially one long setup, just for a shocking final sentence. This would have made a better flash fiction story without all the uneccessary filler.

As always,

AstraDaemon

The Gray Boy | AstraDaemon

WHISPER DOWN THE LANE by Clay McLeod Chapman is told through two different POVs, one taking place in 2013, the other set in 1983. Richard's life begins to unravel after finding a ritualistic killing on school property. Sean's life explodes after confessing to being victimized in a satanic ritual. When the two storylines begin to merge, the result is absolutely devastating.

This crime-thriller illustrates the consequences of exploiting people's fears through deception and manipulation. McLeod effortlessly blends a horrifying secret of one man's past with the psychological terror of a little boy, adding a layer of small-town paranoia to create a sensational tragedy involving several families. Both Sean and Richard could have avoided their fates, if they had simply been honest...but sometimes doing the right thing seems damn near impossible.

While this is not the horror novel I expected, if you enjoy stories such as THE CHILDREN OF RED PEAK (Craig DiLouie) or UNPAVED SURFACES (Joseph Souza), I think you will enjoy this one as well.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Purgatory-Horror | AstraDaemon

FROM THE FLAMES by Matt Shaw is absolutely brilliant. Everything from the presentation to the variety of characters is well-written. He has taken common themes such as amnesia, a backwoods family, and more (no spoilers), and blended them together so flawlessly, I believe Shaw has created his own sub-genre of purgatory-horror with this novella.

Despite having read dozens of stories by this author, I still had no idea where he would take his readers with this one. This is what I enjoy most about Shaw's storytelling: he always finds a way to surprise his fans. I never know what bodily fluid will be spewed across the pages, or what kind of mental trauma I'll experience while reading his work.

This is defiinitely my new favorite Shaw story, and I'm hoping the ending means there will be a sequel about life (and death) behind the wall.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Blood, Tears and Ashes | AstraDaemon

KILLER SCARECROW by Scott Donnelly is a suspense-thriller for horror fans of all ages. In this novella, a young man dies in an accident as the result of bullying on Halloween. A year later, everyone involved in the tragedy is still struggling to recover from the night's deadly events.

Cash is not only left grieving for his best friend, but he has to face the bullies alone now. He also has to deal with a jealous boyfriend, and somehow stay safe while his classmates go missing and a neighbor is murdered.

Donnelly has cleverly mixed two common themes, coming of age and deadly revenge, into a terrifying crime drama which ends in blood, tears and ashes. I highly recommend this twisted creation by the author of THE WHOOL.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Cast Out the Demons | AstraDaemon

Father Fernando Lopez de Ugalde is a catholic priest who developed his ministry at the Vatican under the watchful eye of Pope Pius VII. The pope reveals to Father Ugalde the secrets of the Vatican library, hoping the arcane knowledge contained within can provide a new age of Christian worship through secret arts. For decades, Father Ugalde develops his knowledge and collects it in a grimoire to serve him in times of need.As Father Ugalde and his acolytes fight a supernatural curse in south Texas ending up in the small town of Encinal, the current pope, Pius IX, learns of the magic being wielded by the priest. He and several leaders of the church begin to study in the Vatican library to try and develop the same magical arts as Ugalde. The pope travels to Texas with his own team of Christian magic-users to bring Ugalde to his side. His goal: To take over the world with the new magic.Will Father Ugalde and his acolytes be able to overcome the magical death squad lead by Pope Pius IX? Or will Ugalde submit to the power of the Pope and take over the world? Discover now the true Legend of St. Uvalde.

THE LEGEND OF ST. UVALDE by Bowie V. Ibarra is not anything like his DOWN THE ROAD series, or his creature feature BIG CAT. This novella is a mix of legend, theology and magic...everything from demons and witches to priests and zombies. Told as a story being passed on from father to daughter, the pace is somewhat slow, but contains plenty of action along the way. The last battle is absolutely fantastic. (You can find out more about one of the characters in THE CRUEL FATE OF DR. BREWSTER McGILL.)

I love this direction Ibarra is taking with his writing, blending fact and myth with history and current events, calling into specualtion the nature of faith. I hope he will continue with this cultural sub-genre of supernatural horror.

As always,

AstraDaemon