Filler Time | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

THE INHERITANCE by S.L. Puccini begins with some interesting backstory, and then drags on and on, until the reveal of a dark family secret. Not impressed.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Dumb Decisions | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

THE JIGSAW by Brett Howard Nelson has a long setup, and by the time the action takes place, the ending is predictable.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Spectacular World War | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

FORTRESS OF FLESH is the third book in the Hissers series by Ryan C. Thomas, co-written with Anthony Tervino. Connor and Am managed to escape Castor, form a survivor group with Doug and Olive, and find a scientist to share the top secret data with...and the military finds them. When a familiar face greets the group with promises of safety and a plan of action, the teens are not willing to trust the man who failed to save their loved ones.

The characters are some of the best I've ever encountered in an apocalypse series, but the scene stealers in FOF are definitely the Hawk brothers. At some points, their behavior seems over the top, but, considering their unique upbringing, their choices are not surprising.

The are three major developments in the storyline: the Hissers have mutated several times over and are showing intelligence, the rest of the world is blaming the U.S. for the global spread of the virus, and, last but not least, the survivors have less than a week to field test the serum designed to kill the monsters.

There are no dull moments, and, while I wouldn't change anything about the ending, I feel the Hawk brothers need a short follow-up story of their own, perhaps including Doug.

I'm highly recommending this series!!

As always,

AstraDaemon

Apocalyptic Coming of Age | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

DEATH MARCH by Ryan C. Thomas is the sequel to HISSERS. (I've been re-reading the series, since the third book was released in May.) Only two of the original characters make it out of Castor alive, but this installment introduces several adult characters, emphasizing the generational differences in attitudes and survival tactics. The inclusion of music references adds a fantastic layer to many scenes.

The author's monsters have also changed since the night of the plane crash, from mutant zombies to undead leviathans, and, of course, people have gone crazy and then some. The survivors are faced with a choice of journeying further into the new hellscape or taking their own lives. The theme in this book appears to be finding something or someone to keep living for, when it would be much easier just to stop running.

If you'd like more details, check out my original review here.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Teenage Crucible | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

HISSERS by Ryan C. Thomas is the first of a series I have recently read once again because the third book finally came out this year. Despite having read this installment more than once, I still enjoyed every moment. The story centers on a group of teens speculating about their first year of high school, until a plane crash changes their lives and transforms the world around them. Their hometown of Castor is the first to fall to mutated undead created by a military experiment. Even after all this time has passed, I still haven't read any horror novels with abominations such as these.

As I stated in my original review, "These aren't 14 yr olds forced to grow up fast, or any other cheesy cliché...they are children who are desperate for the help of an adult - any adult...children who feel abandoned by the people who were suppose to protect them...children who can't drive a car, and pee themselves from fright." The ending is absolutely devastating. (You can read more about my first impressions here.)

If you haven't begun this series yet, I highly recommend it.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Guess Again | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

PIECES by Matt Shaw is not necessarily extreme, just sexually graphic in a few places. In fact, I would describe this as more mystery-thriller than anything else, and the author does a great job of mixing crime-drama and suspense into a traumatic rollercoaster for both readers and the main character.

Not only does the story flash back and forth in time, offering some insight into Billy's way of thinking, but the POV also offers a glimpse into the thoughts of those who know Billy. I'm not a fan of jumping around on a timeline, but Shaw's transitions are easy to follow, while keeping the ending unpredictable.

If I had to compare this to any of his previous stories, I'd choose FROM THE FLAMES. The two have similar writing styles. Definitely recommending this novella.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Morbid Retelling | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

A provocative retelling of the Greek myth, in which Orpheus, the musician son of Apollo and Calliope, successfully rescues his wife Eurydice--dead of a snake bite-- from Hades.

L'ESPIRIT DE L'ESCALIER by Catherynne M. Valente is a modernized version of the ancient myth, but with a morbid twist. Very graphic way of saying, careful what you wish for.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Bad Choice | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

CLAIRE'S APOCALYPSE by K.T. Rose is more of a suspense drama than a sci-fi horror story, and the undead are barely part of the story. Very little action, and not much character development either. Not what I've come to expect from the author.

I recommend A TRINITY OF WICKED TALES: JILTED instead.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Annoying | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

THE RUNNER by Carol Culver Rzadkiewicz is apparently part of a trilogy, which would have been good to know beforehand. The setup is incredibly lengthy for a story this size, and there is very little action. the ending is predictable.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Crossover Into Hell | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

Forget the conspiracy theories about Denver International Airport... this just got real.

When a massive snowstorm shuts down the airport and forces a plane carrying exotic and deadly cargo, those trapped inside the terminal have no idea what's in store for them.

Can a group of passengers and airport workers band together to face the onslaught, or will they be ripped apart?

TRAPPED by Armand Rosamilia centers on characters from his previous five Severed Press stories (OGROMNY, THE BEAST, FROZEN IN ICE, THE SEA WAS ANGRY and ABANDONED) snowed in at the same airport during a massive blizzard. I absolutely love their speculation of how they ended up in the same place, at the same time.

The action and suspense are well-balanced. Never a dull moment, and full of surprises. The author doesn't take it easy on his characters, and the ending is extremely sinister. I highly recommend this one to horror fans, and I hope the author will consider writing another story with returning characters from his cryptid world.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Zombie Dust Rave LOL | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

A MORBID DISTURBANCE by Amanda Lawrence Auverigne begins with a strange guy named Jason punching his walls, followed by a discussion with his friends about a rave. This setup is excruciatingly slow.

The writing is chaotic, and the storyline is difficult to follow. Jason doesn't know why he woke up in his apartment injured, he's lost time, and there appears to be a zombie outbreak.Halfway through the story, Jason finally remembers the events of the Zombie Dust Rave.

Zero character development, and couldn't get into the writing style at all. Struggled just to finish it.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Missing Proper Ending | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

RED SCRIBBLE by JT Lawrence is a fantastic and tragic paranormal story, but the ending is too abrupt, even for a flash fiction piece.

This could've been the author's best work, if only the story continued a little longer.

As always,

AstraDemon

It Crawls | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

DEEP SNOW by Justin Montgomery has a slow setup, but once Richie leaves his plow, the story kept me hooked. I started screaming when he dropped his gun, and pretty much kept screaming at Richie until the end. Then I began screaming at another character.

While the story left me with more than a few questions, this flash fiction piece is frightening.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Another Version of Hell | Sci-Fi Book Review | AstraDaemon

Hired to investigate a violent, vampiric attack on a distant mining planet, Grayson and his fellow Vagabonds ship offworld to fulfill a desperate contract.

Regulated by glo, a super human substance injected into all Vagabonds, the team believes they are more than capable of handling the attack on their own.

Little do they know that what awaits them is beyond anything they've ever encountered, and the horror of their discovery takes them to places of unimaginable terror.

VAGABONDS by Elias Witherow claims to be the author's first science fiction novel, and, while this story is heavy with the sci-fi element, the author still delivers the nightmare landscape and hellish creatures fans have come to expect from him. In fact, if you've read THE LAST TOWER and THE FINAL SKY, you're going to love this one.

The characters have some rather dark backstories to them, and the alternating POV keeps the suspense steady from beginning to end. This is so much more than a simple invasion story, and "vampiric" doesn't even begin to describe the horrific nature of the off-worlders.

I'm quite happy with the ending as-is, but I would love a sequel focused more on the glo. Maddie tosses in an unexpected angle I'd like to see Witherow explore.

Even if you're not usually into sci-fi, I'm still recommending this one to horror fans.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Tried Something Different | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

The language of the originators defines reality, every word warping the world to fit its meaning. Its study transforms the mind and body, and is closely guarded by stodgy, paranoid academics. These hidebound men don't trust many students with their secrets, especially not women, and more especially not "madwomen." Polymede and her lover Erishti believe they've made a discovery that could blow open the field's unexamined assumptions, and they're ready to face expulsion to make their mark. Of course, if they're wrong, the language will make its mark on them instead.

THE WORD OF FLESH AND SOUL by Ruthanna Emrys is well-written, and I love the concept of words transforming flesh, but I'm left with more questions than answers.The setting may be fantasy, but the center of the story is the relationship between the two women. I love how Rish describes herself...so much more creative than calling herself autistic.

This is so very different from the stories I usually read...I'd recommend this to linguistic lovers.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Tangerine Nightmare | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

ORGY: A SHORT STORY OF SEX, SITOPHILIA AND SLAUGHTER by Ryan Wyness is far better than I expected. While this short might considered extreme horror by some, I don't think any particular scene is too graphic. The author balances the sex and violence quite well, with the tangerine scene being a special terrifying treat.

If the main character, Hercules, were to have another "adventure" written for him, I would likely read that story as well.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Insta-Garbage | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

INSTA-SCARE by Stories From The Attic is one of the first shorts released by the author and it shows. The writing style is sloppy, and the "horror" is cheesy at best.

Instead of reading this, I recommend THE BEES by SFTA.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Terribly Written | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

THE EDGE OF HOLLY FIELD by Stories From The Attic is an absolute mess. The writing style is jumbled, the ending is chaotic and abrupt, and the author even left editing notes at the end.

This is nowhere near the quality of storytelling Ive come to expect from SFTA. This one should be taken down.

If you want to read a great horror short from this author, read CLOWN EATER instead.

As always,

AstraDaemon

When the Hunger Comes | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

SHUT IN by Stories From The Attic is horrific because of the realism. I live in the States, and I've experienced several natural disasters. However, I believe we have a better chance of survival here than many people do in other countries. Reading the narrator's frightening flashback has me counting my blessings.

Even though I knew the narrator and his mother obviously didn't die, my mind imagined a horrifying outcome just the same. Much to my surprise, the author's ending is not what I expected.

The writing style is excellent and one of the main reasons I keep reading Stories From The Attic. This is one I'm recommending to all readers.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Finally...A Runner | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

MR. STRINGS by Stories From The Attic is a horrifying twist on the doll sub-genre. A guy is looking for something special to feature in his strange exhibition...something with a backstory. The shopowner has the perfect item, but..."he's bad."

I love the narrator's reaction. Great breakaway from the typical horror story.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Jingle Bells | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

CLOWN EATER by Stories From The Attic is so freaking awesome, I recommend this to all horror fans, even if you have a fear of clowns. I promise this won't trigger your phobia, although it might give you a new one.

The narrator provides a fantastic build-up of suspense with minimal effort, with the scrapbook and portrait being perfectly terrifying details.

This is definitely my new favorite from SFTA.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Genetically Predisposed | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

MONSTERS by Stories From The Attic has a long setup, but it's absolutely necessary in this case. The flashbacks seem harmless enough, until Grandma finally reveals a secret she's been keeping for decades. The ending tosses an extra twist into the mix of folklore and horror.

I highly recommend this one.

As always,

AstraDaemon

July Book Video | Recommended Reading | AstraDaemon

Still trying to catch up on posts...been pretty damn sick...enjoy:



As always,

AstraDaemon

Headache | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

THE YELLOW BUG by Erik Williams is a very strange short about a doctor who can relate to his patient on a rather sick level. More psychological than horror...in fact, this might be considered bizarro fiction by some.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Shaw-Lite | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

Over the last few months a series of earthquakes have been rumbling from deep within the trench. Curious to know why, and the impact they are having, a team of scientists start an expensive expedition down into the depths. Funded by a billionaire - who is going along for the ride in his specially designed submarine - the team head beneath the ocean's choppy waves with the world watching.

Little do they know that 7 miles beneath the ocean's surface, their nightmares await and their world will never be the same again.

THE MARIANA TRENCH by Matt Shaw is not nearly as shocking or graphic as his other stories, such as FROM THE FLAMES or OCTOPUS. This story is more of a creature feature, and this author usually does better with people being the monsters. However, the ending gave me legit nightmares. (For context, OCTOPUS 3 is the last Shaw story which traumatized me.)

There are references to his other novella, BELOW DECK, which is far more entertaining and horrific, in my opinion.Maybe I would feel differently, if I had read this one first. In any case, I'd love to see more stories surrounding the major event in this novella.

As always,

AstraDaemon

She's A Tank | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

GIVING UP THE GHOST by Dean Rasmussen is a chilling story about elderly dementia patient convinced someone from her past is there to kill her. Let me just say, I freaking love Edith's fighting spirit, "I won't put up with his s--t." She stole every scene.

Edith the Tank makes the story worth reading.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Nuclear Revenge | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

LUCKY STRIKE by JT Lawrence is a flash fiction story which could've benefitted from a longer format. The narrator remains a mystery from beginning to end, with hints of multiple identities. We never really learn the true nature of her relationship. The only thing which is obvious is how determined she is to get revenge for what she considers an offense, but there's no telling if she is truthful to even herself.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Web Cam Nightmare | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

ZOOM HORROR by Stories From The Attic is a great tech-horror story. The suspense is well-written, and the ending isn't as predictable as you might think.

I've really been enjoying reading the shorts from SFTA, and I recommend following the author on Amazon.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Wuzzles | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

STOLEN LIVES by Joshua Scribner is a flash fiction piece about a guy who takes in a stray cat...and the cat tells him when his loved ones die nearby. Eventually he meets a woman with psychic abilities, and she helps him make sense of his past.

On the surface, the story seems fairly predictable, but the ending still held more than one surprise.

This is a good creepypasta, but Scribner has written much more terrifying tales. I strongly recommend Scribner's short story AWOKEN, but, if you're looking for something longer, read his novella IT NEVER DIED.

As always,

AstraDaemon

No Idea | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

LAST OF THE DINNER GUEST by E.P. Hasan is in need of some serious editing. The author's attempt at suspense results in confusion. Not sure if Shane or Hayden died, not sure if one of them is currently being eaten by the other. Not sure if there is an element of the supernatural or just murder.

As always,

AstraDaemon

June Book Video | Recommended Reading | AstraDaemon

Only a handful of stories impressed me enough this month to make the video cut:

As always,

AstraDaemon