Ellish vs. Evil | AstraDaemon

On their way home from a snack run at the local corner market, two best friends take the usual shortcut through the woods. Except this time something very unusual is waiting for them. At first they see it as a glow in the distance, but the closer they get, the more they realize it’s a fire. A campfire, in fact. Curious, the boys investigate... and soon discover there are other people here, too, all drawn to the same mysterious flame.

VAMPIRE CAMPFIRE by J.R. Rain is a flash fiction piece centered on a supernatural discovery in the woods, on an island. An unusual bonfire is hypnotizing people passing by and incinerating the helpless victims. Is the wailing of Billie Ellish enough to ward off the demonic force? Worth finding out...great action scene.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Docufiction | AstraDaemon

DEVOLUTION by Max Brooks is a docufictional novel told through a series of journal entries and interviews, not unlike World War Z. When a small community is cut off from the rest of the world by a volcanic eruption, they soon find themselves at war with another group of survivors.

Strangely enough, I was more concerned with the relationsips within Greenloop than the outside threat. Not sure if the pandemic has made me more sensitive to the cooperation between others, or the lack thereof, but Kate and her group seemed doomed as soon as the lack of emergency backup plans became obvious.

Brooks has not lost his touch for constructing a terrifying alternate reality. However, I think the most frightening aspect for many horror fans will be how relatable many of the scenes are. By the time the cryptids enter the story, there will be no escape for the characters or the readers.

As always,

AstraDaemon

P.S. If Brooks agrees to make this a movie, let's hope the film actually follows the book.

Inhabited | AstraDaemon

MAPPING THE INTERIOR by Stephen Graham Jones begins with a great hook: the main character sees his father's spirit crossing from one room to another. However, when he quickly reveals he's a sleepwalker, I began questioning how reliable the narrator really is. The build-up is slow, which doesn't usually work for me, but Jones lures his readers in with a tragic backstory and complicated family relationships.

Jones walks the reader down a trail of memories, holds back a branch to reveal a key detail, and he lets go just as the reader moves in for a closer look. When he reveals the true horror, the reader is sent flying backwards with terror and pain. I lost all hope for a happy ending when the 12 year old takes abeating from a naked man.

While not the most frightening story I've read by Jones, this is still high-quality storytelling. I also recommend the short story, THE NIGHT CYCLIST, by SGJ: a spectacular twist on a classic horror theme.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Fortune vs. Misfortune | AstraDaemon

KILLER'S CIRCLE by Joshua Scribner is a piece of flash fiction with an unexpected twist at the end. The story appears to be predictable, much like the pit itself, but both have a wicked surprise.

I recommend this one to readers who enjoy horror mixed with folklore.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Vietnam Cryptid | AstraDaemon

PRIMAL FORCE by Eric S. Brown is one of the stories I've been hoping the author would write. Brown has written about so many different cryptids, I wondered if he would include the one rumored to exist in the jungles of Vietnam. There are numerous reports from veterans about the creatures, named after their common method of attack. One could call this novella, historical horror.

The story is full of action, and not as predictable as some of the author's previous creature features. The ending caught me off guard, and left me wondering if the whole thing had been a fever dream or a waking nightmare. I'm recommending this one to horror fans who enjoy monster vs. man.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Getting Inked Up | AstraDaemon

CYANIDE by Emily Hagenbaugh is something I found through a search for horror. This is more of a YA supernatural drama, so this novella didn't live up to my expectations. HOWEVER, this is still a cool story I would recommend to younger readers.

The main character performs a ritual which merges him with his comic book creation. This concept alone makes me wish this could be made into a movie, especially since comic fans and supernatural fans tend to be the same people.

I wish there had been more fight scenes. The ending makes me think this has the potential for a series, but CYANIDE really should be marketed towards the YA fiction readers.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Small Town Beef | AstraDaemon

CHEATER CHEATER by Scott Donnelly is one of his older stories, and not quite as entertaining as his more recent work...which is a good thing because it means the author has been improving his craft with each publication.

This novella reads more like a movie script than a story. Not much character development, minimal backstory, and somewhat chaotic POV switches. However, if you enjoy 1980s slasher movies, you'll likely get a thrill from the mystery surrounding multiple murders.

If you prefer something with more filling, I recommend KILLER SCARECROW.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Revamping the Vampire | AstraDaemon

WITH TEETH by Brian Keene also includes two short stories, The Last Supper and Down Under. All three are great vampire stories. The author continues to display his talent for twisting a common horror theme into brutal and bloody ordeals for his characters.

WITH TEETH is making my Best Fiction 2021 list, and I'm recommending this one to all horror fans.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Self-Harm Warning | AstraDaemon

BEAUTY IS SKIN DEEP by Bradley Poage lacks any real suspense and appears to be gore for the sake of gore. Not for anyone with a weak-stomach.

On a side note: there should be some kind of warning for the self-harm within this story.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Backseat Driver | AstraDaemon

THE BLIND DATE by Bradley Poage has an unexpected ending. This is a suspenseful twist on the stranger danger theme.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Mama's Boy | AstraDaemon

THE TRAIN by Bradley Poage has a tiny bit of suspense, but this flash piece is just too predictable.

I recommend THE APARTMENT DOOR instead.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Dead On Arrival | AstraDaemon

THE CRAWLSPACE by Bradley Poage is far too short. The author could have done so much more with this one.

I recommend ALREADY DEAD instead.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Number Crunching | AstraDaemon

FROM WOLF TO WOLF and GO BACK by Joshua Scribner is a double-feature of flash fiction focused on specualtion surrounding death. Both stories are great! The first one is a very original concept of the afterlife process. The second one has an ending I was not expecting.

Scribner has been writing more and more about death and reincarnation, and I've really been getting into these stories, even if they're not exactly horror.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Nine Ways to Die | AstraDaemon

WHISTLING IN THE DARK by Christopher Motz is an excellent collection of nine horror stories filled with all kinds of terrifying and morbid action, with one exception: Record Store Day (I freaking bawled through this one...should be printed in Rolling Stone magazine). The author goes above and beyond to supply readers with an assortment of sub-genres. His writing style is as fluid as a cat moving from one container to another, never knowing what form the monsters will take.

I highly recommend this book to all horror fans.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Loophole | AstraDaemon

THE SUICIDE CLUB: YOU ARE NOT ALONE by Matt Shaw is a novella I had to approach with caution because of my own suicide attempt (over 20 years ago), but I can assure you the author did not act irresponsibly with his handling of this subject.

I love THE SUICIDE CLUB, particularly the scene with the chainsaw, but I think SKELETONS, the built-in sequel, is one of the best stories Shaw has ever written. Chris Hall is now one of my favorite anti-heroes.

Matt Shaw has done a brilliant job of mixing horror with the subjects of depression and suicide, and provided both an entertaining and thought-provoking punch-in-the-face to his readers, a lying twat whose name rhymes with Lamber Turd, quarantine hotels, and, of course, Death. Well done.

I'm recommending this one to all readers and adding this title to my BEST FICTION 2021 list.

As always,

AstraDaemon

---

For anyone wondering: twenty-three years and one month ago (April 1998), I swallowed an obscene amount of sleeping pills. I changed my mind soon after, and went to the emergency room. Since I was still awake, they told me to swallow a tube of liquid charcoal and keep it down or I would have to get my stomach pumped. The staff in the ER were all people I had worked with on various fundraisers, so the situation was extremely upsetting and shocking for everyone involved.

I had everything going for me at that point in time, such as graduating from college (paying my own tuition, mind you). However, I had gone through my own personal crucible (abuse, divorce, etc.) to reach that point in my life. For context, growing up, I had many people (including "family") tell me I wouldn't amount to anything. Nothing motivates me more than proving someone wrong...but the process was physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting. I was 23, and I didn't think I had anything left to give the rest of my life, so I took the pills.

What changed my mind? First of all, I didn't really want to die, I just wanted to sleep and not have to do anything ever again. I felt as if I had to fight one way or another to get from one day to the next, and I didn't want to anymore. Everything was always the hard way, and I wanted the easy way just once.

My only other reason: someone very close to me stopped by just to say "I love you." In that moment, when I realized someone did indeed have my back, I decided I wasn't ready to give up after all. So, please, let the people in your life know they matter to you because you never know what could be going through their minds.

Did my life turn out the way I planned? Hell, no. Did I have to deal with an absurd amount of crap over the years to follow? Hell, yes. While I wouldn't want to have to relive certain years of my life, I'm happy with who I am and the blessings I have now (ex: I'm the mother of a wonderful person who has already brought a lot of joy and kindness to many others).

For those who can't be bothered with the math, I'm 46 now. I'm more than ready for the next twenty-three years...

Don't give up,

Ursula K Raphael

Bedtime Tales of Horror 7 of 7 | AstraDaemon

THE NINTH GIRL by Bradley Poage is a flash fiction revenge story with an open ending, leaving many questions about the characters.

Poage has a lot of great story ideas, but they deserve longer formats.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Bedtime Tales of Horror 6 of 7 | AstraDaaemon

SPLASHBACK by Bradley Poage is extremely disgusting and nearly bad enough to be considered extreme horror.

I wouldn't be suprised if something like this happened in real life, and that's the most terrifying aspect.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Bedtime Tales of Horror 5 of 7 | AstraDaemon

ALREADY DEAD by Bradley Poage is another karma tale by the other (similar to SPARE CHANGE), but this one has more than one wicked twist. Very entertaining, with the potential to be a longer story focused on the "crusade" by Bill and Zach, or a mini-series. 

While there's little to no character development, Bill and Zach are absolutely intriguing. I'd love to see father and son in more Bedtime Tales. Maybe even a crossover with David...

As always,

AstraDaemon

Bedtime Tales of Horror 4 of 7 | AstraDaemon

SPARE CHANGE by Bradley Poage is a very brief flash fiction short about karma. I wish the story had been a little longer to include something more personal about David.

Too straight-forward for me.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Bedtime Tales of Horror 3 of 7 | AstraDaemon

THE APARTMENT DOOR by Bradley Poage is a flash fiction story about neighbors ignoring the domestic abuse going on in their apartment building.

Too bad they've all conditioned themselves to ignore any cries for help. Brutal ending.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Bedtime Tales of Horror 2 of 7 | AstraDaemon

SLUGS by Bradley Poage is okay, but the story begins with four judges and ends with a reference suggesting there were only three judges. I try not to get hung up on typos. However, the judges are a key element to this flash fiction piece.

If you're execting Night of the Creeps, don't. This is a quick revenge, nothing more, nothing less.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Bedtime Tales of Horror 1 of 7 | AstraDaemon

THE SPRING by Bradley Poage centers on four friends who go camping. David, who came up with the idea, is the poster boy of ignorance: "You don't even have to boil the water!"

If you have parasitophobia or vermiphobia, don't read this. Or, do read this...therapists have bills to pay too. In any case, be prepared to be grossed out.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Special Guests | AstraDaemon

ROOM 206 by Stories From The Attic is a well-written horror story, worthy of an episode on Tales from the Crypt. The choice of narrator is perfect... the character's background, as a college student struggling financially, makes his decision to stay on at the creepy hotel quite believable.

The big reveal at the end is surprising, as I expected a more classical explanation for the scratching noises. This is my new favorite from SFTA, but I also recommend SCARY MOVIES and BLODD AND INK.

As always,

AstraDaemon

The True Self | AstraDaemon

DRAGONKIN by Lavie Tidhar is a fantastic story which reminds me why I have loved folklore, mythology and fairytales all my life. This short is certain to speak to the souls of fantasy readers, but I am recommending this one to all fiction fans.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Follow The Rules | AstraDaemon

HUNGRY GHOSTS by Calvin Demmer is a frighteining ghost story, with a great mix of folklore and horror, but the ending seems rather abrupt. The author should consider lenghtening this into a novella.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Blood Price | AstraDaemon

Sometimes a game, even a sacred game, can have far-reaching consequences. In bear country young Skye learns just how far she is willing to go to play the game properly in order carry on the traditions that came before her and will most likely continue long after she is gone.

THE HANGING GAME by Helen Marshall is a terrifying tale, which should come with some kind of warning. I can imagine some ignorant kids attempting this "game" much like the teens who killed someone over the Slenderman urban legend.

As is, I'm recommending this mix of folklore and horror to all readers who are smart enough not to attempt this.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Needs More Story | AstraDaemon

PASSIVE by S.P Blake is an intriguing suspense story with a weak ending. The author hints at what could be happening, but never resolves the situation properly.

Blake should revisit this plot and write something in a longer format, such as a novella. Daniel and his affliction are a fantastic hook, and I would read more, if there had been more.

As always,

AstraDaemon

The Last Apple | AstraDaemon

MOTHER by Shawn Weaver is not as entertaining as many of his other stories. This would work better as flash fiction, rather than spending half the story explaining Mel's occupational habits.

The ending is a bit predictable. A flash back providing a backstory for the woman would have helped.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Rough | AstraDaemon

BILLY by Shawn Tucker is a great story idea, but written like a rough draft, with a sloppy ending.

It's a shame...as is, I can't recommend this. Even short stories and flash fiction should be edited properly.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Peek-a-boo | AstraDaemon

VODKA AND SPIRITS by Michael McKean has a slow setup and a meandering ending, but the moment Darren and Spencer are hellbent to get out of the pub, I was literally and figuratively on edge. I'm so glad I read this story during daylight hours because this is a chilling ghost story.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Forced Evolution | AstraDaemon

SOLUTION by Brian Evenson is a short about a scientist who uses his specialized knowledge to create a chance for humanity to survive what they've done to the planet. Unforuntately, the damage already done might alter his plans.

I didn't know what to expect from this author, but this story is so well-written, I'm recommending this one to all fans of dystopian fiction.

As always,

AstraDaemon