Insomnia Week | Ugliness | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

UNCLEAN SPIRITS: HORRIFYING STORIES by Bikram Mann is an excellent mix of stories which focus on the ugliness of people. From riots to revenge, sadists and saviors, the author's writing style is absolutely enthralling. I especially enjoyed the cultural settings which offer a terrifying mix of folklore and suspense.

This is Mann's first book and I am eagerly hoping for more! Recommending this collection to everyone...even if you don't usually read horror, I think fiction readers will appreciate the various themes highlighting the light and dark sides of humanity.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Insomnia Week | Blurring the Lines | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

Have you ever wondered what dreams are? Are they only nonsensical narratives strung together by our brains as we sleep, or are they something else entirely? What if they are just as real as the waking world? The truth may surprise you.

When we fall asleep, we wake up in another, slightly different world. Dreams are memories of this other place--we just can't fully make sense of them. But what if we could?

With the help of an experimental medicine, one man can. But his newfound ability quickly becomes a burden. What exactly is real, and which one of his lives is worth dying for?

PARALLEL DUALITY by Christopher Maxim is a mix of sci-fi, horror and psychological suspense. I had no idea what to expect, or how the narrator would resolve his crisis of conscience. The ending is absolutely mind-blowing.

I can't wait to read more from this author.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Vengeance Week | Boy's Best Friend | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

ACTS OF REVENGE by James Loscombe is one of the most disturbing stories I've ever read. The trope of a kid bullied at school is pretty common, and I wasn't surprised when his beloved pet began whispering diabolical ideas into his ear. The ending, however, absolutely wrecked me.

If you enjoy this dark tale, I also recommend THE VAMPIRE NEXT DOOR by Loscombe.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Vengeance Week | Karma | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

"Vengeance is a monster of appetite, forever bloodthirsty and never filled." ~Richelle E. Goodlich

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NANG TANI by Lee Franklin is far better than any expectations I had. The author mixes brutal horror with folklore to create a shocking tale of a goddess who will not tolerate the evil inflicted upon women and children.

If you enjoy this story, I also recommend SANDGROPER by Franklin. The author has a serious talent for terrifying readers within a small amount of pages.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Vengeance Week | Bloody Déjà Vu | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

"Vengeance is in my heart, death in my hand,
Blood and revenge are hammering in my head."
~William Shakespeare

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CHEATER CHEATER by Scott Donnelly has been revised, and will soon be a film, so I have decided to revisit this one. Un-ironically, I had previously stated, "This novella reads more like a movie script than a story."

I originally took issue with the character development, lack of backstories, and the POV changes. This time, the POV changes are easy to follow, and, while I didn't notice any significant changes concerning the characters, I still enjoyed reading this crime-thriller.

I stand by my original assessment: "If you enjoy 1980s slasher movies, you'll likely get a thrill from the mystery surrounding multiple murders."

I'm super excited about the upcoming film!

As always,

AstraDaemon

Vengeance Week | Thumbs Down | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

"Vengeance never forgets to inflict." ~James Meikle

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HELLO, BOBBY by Matthew Whitney is written in an odd format, as if this is a proposal for a script, rather than something reader-friendly. Essentially a teacher is murdered during school hours, and the investigation reveals paranormal events.

Looking past the awful writing style, there is zero chracter development, and the author just randomly throws in shocking details about Bobby in an attempt to create suspense (spoiler: it doesn't work).

This is the kind of story which makes people reluctant to give indie authors a chance. What a shame.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Vengeance Week | Haunted by the Past | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

"Vengeance cannot abide the agony of grace." ~Anne Elisabeth Stenghl

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THE NOOSE by Jess Shira centers on a dying woman, visited by her darkest secret. At first I thought she was suffering from something connected to a past life, but it's far more sinister.

Shira is definitely on my radar after this flash fiction piece.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Vengeance Week | Next of Kin | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

"It was vengeance never satisfied, the empty place in my soul that justice should have filled was still and dark and cold." ~Faith Hunter

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FAMILY TO THE BONE by Bobbi A. Chukran kept me guessing from start to finish, and the big reveal is horrific. The narrator only tells events from his POV, leaving readers to wonder how much can be believed.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Vengeance Week | Keep Your Friends Close | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

"Vengeance is a form of reciprocity in which each deed begets another. Each act of vengeance is a response to a previous wrong." ~James T. Siegel

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THE WRONG SIDE OF ALBERT by Stories From The Attic is a story within a story. An inmate befriends the prison librarian and soon realizes his new friendship offers protection. However, a new cellmate reveals the terrifying reason everyone fears Albert.

The suspense is intense, and Albert's true nature is frightening. Although the ending is abit abrupt, I highly recommend this one.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Interview Week | Scott Donnelly | Horror Author | AstraDaemon

The last interview of the week brings Scott Donnelly into the Lair. Making his debut with THE WHOOL in 2020, the author is now crossing over from literature to film... 

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What was your first experience with the horror genre, and did that influence you as an author in anyway?

I read “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie in middle school and was hooked on the murder mystery. “Scream” had come out only a year earlier and I knew that was supposed to be quite a mystery as well, mixed with horror elements. So after I watched it, I had found my new obsession. The whodunnits paced the way for my love of Jason and Michael, and eventually branched out into every corner horror has to offer. I love to incorporate lots of mystery and dread in my stories. I love to build tension and have the reader question everything and everyone within the story. I get a thrill out of messing with the reader.

Why do you think the horror is so popular in both literature and films?

I think horror is so popular because fear is something everyone has in common. Everyone is afraid of something, even if they won’t admit it. Horror films and literature have a way of tapping into those fears and getting your heart racing. And that itself is a thrill.

What do you think of the alternative sources of horror, such as Reddit’s No Sleep stories?

I love the alternative sources. I love a good Creepypastas story, especially when it deals with the fear of something unknown. Those are the most powerful when they’re done correctly. I think a good chunk of the future horror classics will have origins in the Creepypastas or No Sleep realm.

What kind of horror do you prefer for your own entertainment?

I love slasher films. They’re my favorite sub-genre of horror. The old Friday the 13th and Halloween films are like comfort food to me. Toss in the whodunnit aspect with a shocking twist or reveal at the end, and I’m 100% in on that.

What is your favorite kind of horror monster and why?

Aside from the iconic slasher villains, I love a good giant animal movie. Alligator from the 80s is one of my favorites. Anaconda, Lake Placid…all really fun. I also love monsters that have a sympathetic backstory.

Do you do anything special for Halloween?

Nothing super crazy. I have three kids, so family friendly Halloween movies have become normal. Trick or treating is a must as well. And I try to squeeze in AMC Fear Fest whenever I can.

Name one of your horror stories you think fans should read.

I’ve been proud of quite a few of my horror stories in the last two years. I wrote a slasher thriller called Cheater, Cheater back in 2019 and just re-released it with a new ending this summer. It is also currently in pre-production as an indie horror film, so that’s better exciting to be a part of that process. Another one would be The Whool, which will be re-released through Raven Tale Publishing very soon under the title The Blood of Burrows. That story had gathered so much more positive attention than I ever expected it to.

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Special thanks to Scott Donnelly for giving us such a big update! I'll be revisiting CHEATER CHEATER next week.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Interview Week | Kody Boye | Horror Author | AstraDaemon

Kody Boye, author of THE MONSTERS WITHIN, is another returning visitor to the Lair...

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What was your first experience with the horror genre, and did that influence you as an author in anyway?

My first experience with the horror genre was watching Jaws when I was far too young (I believe I was about six or seven when I first saw it.) It was an undeniable influence on me, and still is. The raw fear, and creeping terror, that you feel when watching that film is something I feel all horror writers should reach for, no matter their subgenre.

Why do you think the horror is so popular in both literature and films?

I feel like horror is popular because we can experience scary things ‘safely’ (in the sense that we don’t have to worry about an immediate danger.)

What do you think of the alternative sources of horror, such as Reddit’s No Sleep stories?

I love all sorts of horror. Reddit’s No Sleep stories, and Creepypastas, are especially fun to stumble upon, or even hear narrated by someone with a good delivery.

What kind of horror do you prefer for your own entertainment?

I go for all sorts of things. I love aliens, zombies, vampires, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic stories. So long as it has a human element, I feel like any horror trope, or genre, or monster, can be effective.

What is your favorite kind of horror monster and why?

My favorite kind of horror “monster” tends to be the body snatcher (most specifically: demon possession.) I’ve always been fascinated with religious horror, and demons/the Devil are no different. I feel like the complete seizure of one’s person in body, mind, and, in some instances, soul, is probably the scariest thing of all.

Do you do anything special for Halloween?

I generally watch horror movies throughout the month, so I really don’t do anything different on Halloween. I miss the trick-or-treaters, though.

Name one of your horror stories you think fans should read.

If I were to recommend any of my horror-themed work, I would recommend my novel The Monsters Within. It draws upon many of my personal fears, which include “the unseen threat,” body horror, insanity, and hereditary curses. I’ve made it permafree due to it not performing well as a standalone, which gives readers the chance to try my work without commitment.

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Special thanks to Kody Boye for another great chat! I'm looking forward to his new series, THE PLAGUE BLOOM, as well as the third book in the DAGANA trilogy, so check back before the end of the year to catch those reviews.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Interview Week | Lori Titus | Horror Author | AstraDaemon

Kicking off the weekend with Lori Titus, author of BLOOD RELATIONS...

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What was your first experience with the horror genre, and did that influence you as an author in anyway?

As a kid, there were a lot of horror and paranormal movies and TV shows. But when it came to literature, I think the very first scary thing I had read to me was The Raven. I always wanted to write scary things after that.

Why do you think the horror is so popular in both literature and films?

Like action, scary movies and books create their own little illicit thrills. It’s such a great way to confront our fears without getting hurt.

What do you think of the alternative sources of horror, such as Reddit’s No Sleep stories?

I love little bites of horror. All these different ways of consuming the art just makes sure that the next generation is going to keep loving horror!

What kind of horror do you prefer for your own entertainment?

I’m a lover of Gothic type horror. I’ll take the occasional slasher or zombie film too. I just need something that gives me a few jump scares.

What is your favorite kind of horror monster and why?

It’s a cross between vampires and werewolves. Maybe because they were the first monsters I loved from movies.

Do you do anything special for Halloween?

I celebrate all of October by watching every scary movie I can get my hands on. I also try to start a new scary story every October when time permits.

Name one of your horror stories you think fans should read.

Blood Relations

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Special thanks to Lori Titus for returning to the Lair!

As always,

AstraDaemon

Interview Week | Christopher Motz | Horror Author | AstraDaemon

My fourth interview for this week takes place with Christopher Motz, author of WHISTLING IN THE DARK...

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What was your first experience with the horror genre, and did that influence you as an author in anyway?

Initially, I had started out with ‘Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark.’ It was a series of child friendly books with quick horror stories that made my young mind wonder if there really were ghosts and strange creatures hiding in the dark. Another favorite of mine was a short book entitled ‘The Haunting Of Grade Three.’ Once I reached the age of 10 or 11, I got my hands on the original ‘Amityville Horror’ book, and whether it’s real or not, it cranked the creepiness up a notch!

I would say that ‘Amityville’ definitely influenced me. For me, it was the blueprint of what a haunted could be.

Why do you think the horror is so popular in both literature and films?

Horror has always been an interesting genre. The main reason I see horror being so popular is that people like to be scared. Reading a novel or watching a movie are safe ways to peek beyond the curtain and witness things you can never see in the real world. It’s fun being scared as long as you can close a book when the chills get to be too much.

What do you think of the alternative sources of horror, such as Reddit’s No Sleep stories?

I’ll be honest, I don’t much follow many alternate sources. I’m a movie buff and have a house packed with novels. I’m not going to run out of material in this lifetime. As for Reddit and other popular Internet sources, I think they cater to a younger audience, and that’s what makes it so important. In a world where so many of us no longer sit down with a good book, it’s refreshing to know that horror is still getting into the hands of those who may not have been interested to seek it out for themselves.

What kind of horror do you prefer for your own entertainment?

This all depends on my mood. There are times I want something where my main concern is how many people are going to be tortured by some crazy madman. Am I in the mood for buckets of blood? Do I want to think about the deeper meaning in a story or just revel in a body count? There are so many facets of horror that there’s something there for everyone.

I generally go down a rabbit hole when I find something that hits all the right buttons. If I’m going to watch some nasty body horror, I’m going to find me a Cronenberg movie. Maybe ‘The Fly.’ Once that ends, I might end up watching 4 or 5 Cronenberg movies just to get my fill of nasty practical effects. The same goes with something like 1922’s ‘Nosferatu.’ It’s not a gore fest, but the atmosphere is absolutely terrifying. This can then lead me to ‘The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari’ or ‘Haxan.’

I could likely speak on this subject for hours, but the main point is that I don’t have any specific horror type. I enjoy them all for different reasons. While I mainly mention only movies, books are the same way for me. As long as the writer or director has put time into their story, and makes me identify in some way with the characters or plot elements, it’s a success. Variety if the spice of life, right?

What is your favorite kind of horror monster and why?

Again, this is something I have a tough time nailing down. Serial killers, werewolves, vampires, demons, evil sewer clowns, aliens, ghosts… where does it end?

If I had to absolutely pick my favorite kind of monster, it would be the guy next door. The woman who bags groceries at the local store. The mailman. The librarian. These are the monsters that blend in… the ones where you don’t immediately have the desire to run as fast as you can and hide under a bed. Humans are hiding in plain sight, and you have no idea which ones are the real monsters.

Ted Bundy? Jeffrey Dahmner? John Wayne Gacy? Pick your poison. A good-looking guy the ladies adore or a chubby dude in a clown outfit? The scariest monsters are the ones you don’t see coming.

Do you do anything special for Halloween?

Almost always a horror film marathon during the month of October. Each year, either my wife or I will decide on a specific topic – franchise films, early Hollywood, all Argento or Fulci, etc. We always go with a theme for the month of October and stick with it. This year happens to be focused on Vincent Price.

We have almost always opened the door to children for Trick or Treat. Maybe we’ll put some awful costume on our little dog? It really is a very fun time of the year for us, but most of what we do depends on busy work schedules and how much time we have together. The film marathon is always a safe and easy bet.

Name one of your horror stories you think fans should read.

In my opinion, I would say ‘Pine Lakes’ and ‘Tenants’ are my two favorite books. I had a lot of fun writing them, and that comes across in the stories. With these, I was able to breathe a bit more and blend genres, which is something I enjoy. It keeps the reader on their toes! I’ve always liked authors who have kept me guessing, and while that kind of story isn’t for everyone, those who like it tend to love it.

While horror is meant to scare you, the ride has to be a fun one, and the reader or viewer needs to feel that they’ve gone on the journey with you. With the two books I mentioned, I think I succeeded in dishing out the scares as well as giving you a much needed laugh now and then.

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I picked up a Kindle version of PINE LAKES after this interview...hopefully I'll get to read it before the end of the year, but my TBR list is still several pages long. I have read TENANTS and highly recommend it.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Interview Week | Dale Elster | Horror Author | AstraDaemon

Wednesday brings Dale Elster, co-author of DEADSVILLE, into the Lair...

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What was your first experience with the horror genre, and did that influence you as an author in anyway?

My father passed away when I was a toddler, so that horror of life introduced itself to me early on.

Beyond that, I was the youngest of five kids, and I’d watch a lot of the movies my siblings were watching, which definitely included horror. Carrie, John Carpenter’s Halloween, The Exorcist were early favorites!

Why do you think the horror is so popular in both literature and films?

Horror helps us deal with our emotions, and the oftentimes shocking nature of experiences we deal with in everyday life. It makes us wonder how we’d react in dire situations, and it helps us to be mentally prepared for those times.

What do you think of the alternative sources of horror, such as Reddit’s No Sleep stories?

I don’t spend a lot of times on those formats, but I’m fine with them. Again, those stories help us deal with real life horrors.

What kind of horror do you prefer for your own entertainment?

I love movies and books – short stories in particular. I actually prefer short stories to novels, but I love both.

What is your favorite kind of horror monster and why?

For decades, it was the zombie. The whole idea of losing our loved ones – and having them come back to attack us and try to eat us, really hit home with me! Then The Walking Dead came along, and I think weekly exposure to all those zombies cured me of my fear of them!

Do you do anything special for Halloween?

I like to set up scary decorations. My wife most definitely does NOT. She wins, what can I say? In the 25 years we’ve been married, I set up scary decorations a couple of years. One year we dressed up like vampires to hand out candy, and we really scared the hell out of some neighbor kids! One little girl screamed, dropped her candy bag and bolted off the porch! I felt a little bad about scaring her like that. Just a little, though.

Name one of your horror stories you think fans should read.

“Still Water,” from the Deadsville collection. It was the first story I wrote for that book. I love the characters, and the story holds up well – especially the ending. Powerful stuff.

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Special thanks to Dale Elster for popping in. Keep checking back for more author interviews!

As always,

Interview Week | Bowie V. Ibarra | Horror Author | AstraDaemon

Today, Bowie V. Ibarra, author of THE LEGEND OF ST. UVALDE, stops by the Lair...

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What was your first experience with the horror genre, and did that influence you as an author in any way?

I distinctly remember the trauma of watching Friday the13th at my neighbors house when I was around 6. The ax to the face scene totally messed me up. Watching ‘The Funhouse’ at my aunt’s house in my cousins room at around the same age was traumatizing, too. Still, it did create a fascination for horror movies that I dug into when I got older and was able to understand what was going on.

Why do you think the horror is so popular in both literature and films?

Because we’re all sick and twisted and need psychological help. But seriously, it's exciting to be scared. As an armchair psychologist, there’s a certain thrill making it through a horror movie, a feeling of exhilaration having placed yourself vicariously as the protagonist and making it to the end. Of course, we were never really in danger. But, we put ourselves there in our mind. It's definitely a fix folks develop.

What do you think of the alternative sources of horror, such as Reddit’s No Sleep stories?

Any venue that allows folks to be creative and express themselves through any artistic medium, I support. It’s incredibly beneficial for mental health to be able to express our feelings and products of our imagination through any art form.

What kind of horror do you prefer for your own entertainment?

I’m open to all horror, but I have always had an affinity for classic Romero/Fulci style zombie horror. The major 80s slashers are great, and also happen to be looked upon as great examples of female empowerment. I have personally written a supernatural horror story with “Alamo Rising”, 80s style creature horror with the popular “Big Cat”, as well as zombie horror titles which are the foundation of my writing career. I recently regained the rights to the ‘Down the Road’ zombie horror series. A re-release of the popular underground zombie horror series should be out in 2021, so keep an eye out for that.

What is your favorite kind of horror monster and why?

Its Romero/Fulci-style zombies all the way.

Do you do anything special for Halloween?

You would think I would, but I do not. Best I might do is dip into my horror movie library throughout the month.

Name one of your horror stories you think fans should read.

Truth is, it would depend of what they were in to.

If they’re into traditional Romero-style zombie horror, the Down the Road series would be best to check out.

If they like a zombie horror story with some depth and a lucha libre theme, then “Sword of the Angel” is a story they will love.

If folks are in to violent criminal atrocities with extreme zombie brutality, “The Texas Assassins” is an incredible story filled with some of the most disturbing passages of violence committed to the page.

If they like ghosts and supernatural horror in the tradition of ‘The Fog’ or “The Beyond”, “Alamo Rising” is a must.

If they like the 80s horror style like ‘Jaws’, ‘Alligator’, ‘Grizzly’, then they would love “Big Cat”, one of the most popular of my books, and a loving tribute to 80s horror.

If they like ‘Twilight Zone’, ‘Creepshow’, or other anthology-style horror stories, then they need to pick up “Asylum of Terror” today. Filled with short stories by some of the most talented underground writers, it’s a must-have.

As I look at this list, its clear the ax to the face of that lady really planted the seed of inspiration for the horror stories I write.

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Special thanks to Bowie V. Ibarra for stopping by on such short notice. Come back tomorrow for another visitor!

As always,

AstraDaemon

Interview Week | Armand Rosamilia | Horror Author | AstraDaemon

This week I'll be interviewing horror authors for their take on the genre...some are well-known names, others will be making their first appearance in the Lair. Today, we begin with Armand Rosamilia, author of the recently released TRAPPED.

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What was your first experience with the horror genre, and did that influence you as an author in anyway?

I imagine indirectly. I never really thought about it, but as a teenager I read a ton of Dean Koontz books, watched every 80’s horror movie I could find, and read a lot of horror comic books. That was my enlightenment in horror.

Why do you think the horror is so popular in both literature and films?

Horror is an emotion, first and foremost. No other emotion has their own genre. You know about romance, but they don’t call it lust or love. Yearning. Something cheesy like that. Anyhoo… it is emotional, and it helps us to cope with the world around us. When the pandemic reared its ugly head, people ran to horror movies and books. Especially ones about a pandemic. It helps us to figure things out, and the crazier the world is around us, the more horror we’ll read and watch.

What do you think of the alternative sources of horror, such as Reddit’s No Sleep stories?

I think any way for people to read, write and/or hear horror is a good thing. With so much technology today, it is quite easy to find some good horror to enjoy. To make you feel something. As a kid, I had books if I could find them, or had to wait for a movie to be released in the theater or later on cable. Today? I can read, watch and listen to whatever I want. And so can you.

What kind of horror do you prefer for your own entertainment?

I don’t really watch horror movies anymore. Haven’t in many years. I am a huge fan of quiet horror in literature. Not a fan of the slasher, serial killer madman stories with a lot of blood and guts and spilled intestines. I like horror that sneaks up on you, makes you think. Makes you believe it could really happen to you or someone you love.

What is your favorite kind of horror monster and why?

Humans. They are scarier than anything with fangs, demonic powers or claws. The human race is an awful monster, and when a person is the focus of a horror story… just sickening. But in a good way. Right?

Do you do anything special for Halloween?

My wife and I set up a table in our driveway, and we give out bags of candy as well as children’s Halloween books and comic books to the kids coming by. We live in a very large development, and people drive their kids in each year, so we’ll give out over 200 bags of candy. I have two Little Free Libraries on my property, and it gives the adults and children a chance to also grab a good book from there, too.

Name one of your horror stories you think fans should read.

Uh… all of them? One of my absolute favorites has to be one of the books I co-wrote with author Jay Wilburn: The Enemy Held Near. It’s a ghost story, a family struggle, and lots of fun twists in it. Then… go read all of the rest of my stories, too.

Thanks for the great interview!

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Special thanks to Armand Rosamilia for taking time out of his busy schedule.

Check back for more interviews!

As always,

AstraDaemon

Things Week | Bite-Size | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

THINGS UNBURIED by Caitlin Fortier are three bite-size stories:

BONES centers on a young girl messing around with a ritual...I skipped over the Latin parts (I watched Evil Dead too many times to fall for that trick). Love the ending!

LAST STOP is pretty straightforward with a predictable ending...wish the author had added a bit more detail about the drop off.

UNQUIET AS THE GRAVE kept me guessing...enjoyed this one more than Last Stop, but Bones is my favorite of the three.

Not a bad way to kill a few minutes...

As always,

AstraDaemon

Things Week | Shattered God | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

THINGS UNDONE by Travis Liebert is a collection of 18 frightening tales, some of which I've read previously as short story stand-alones (but they are remain as horrifying as the first read). The author adds an extra layer of terror by adding a verse from an ancient text about the Shattered God parts.

Many of these stories make me wonder why people spend so much time carrying on about HP Lovecraft and Stephen King, when there is so much gruesome entertainment to be had with this new generation of storytellers.

If you enjoy movies such as In the Mouth of Madness or creatures found in the films of Guillermo del Toro, I urge you to add this one to your horror shelf.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Things Week | Wicked Woods | Horror Book Review | AstraDaemon

THE THING THAT CALLS by J.J. Mott is a collection of a dozen short stories by the author. There is a lot of variety in the themes, and the suspense is excellent. I enjoyed most of the tales, but there are few which rambled on more than necessary.

My favorite is LITTLE ONES. I don't know why, but this story gave me nightmares. When I think of all the gore, violence and grotesque abominations in the horror I've read over the years, I'm surprised Mott's forest creatures freaked me out so much. I'm going to chalk it up to his spectacular storytelling.

I highly recommend this collection to all horror fans. I'm also adding this one to my Best Fiction list for 2021.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Things Week | Unexpected Company | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

The following mss has been extracted and collated from the letters of David Marr Henderson, Chief Engineer, Imperial Lighthouse Service, written while in the employ of the Chinese Imperial Maritime Customs Service, Shanghai, 1879.

Henderson has been tasked with building a remote island lighthouse in a politically sensitive spot.

Time is of the essence but something fights his every move.

Something monstrous.

Something BELOW.

THE THING BELOW by William Meikle is a flash fiction creature feature of sorts, written in a series of letters, from Henderson to his wife. Two teams are building on an island, one installing a lighthouse, the other installing a cannon. During construction, a sinkhole opens up a terrifying discovery, and the contents suggest the island may have been home to a Kaiju.

Once the lighthouse is completed, the beam reveals the thing which has been watching and waiting...highly recommended.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Things Week | Owl Thief | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

THE THING IN THE CORNER by Mitchell Crowe is a thrilling short story, and the strange connection between Bryce and the Thing is so fascinating, I wish the author would consider giving the two characters a novella.

The additional detail of Adam hits hard...at the very least, I'd settle for a brief sequel to see the three together one more time.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Things Week | Marital Woes | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

"The Thing on the Doorstep" is a horror short story by American writer H. P. Lovecraft, part of the Cthulhu Mythos universe. It was written in August 1933, and first published in the January 1937 issue of Weird Tales.

THE THING ON THE DOORSTEP by H.P. Lovecraft begins with a man confessing to having killed his best friend. The narrator, Upton, then goes on to explain the unusual change in his friend's behavior after Derby marries a woman named Asenath. Derby eventually confesses to Upton he believes his wife has been performing a ritual on him.

I thought this would be a zombie tale, but the turn of events is so much worse than an undead transformation. After reading this short story, I still can't believe Lovecraft's name continues to carry so much weight in the horror genre, and yet his storytelling leaves something to be desired.

I recommend reading modern stories inspired by Lovecraft instead of his poorly crafted tales.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Things Week | Sleeping Things | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

"All things were full of horror and affright,
And dreadful even the silence of the night."

Virgil
Aeneid (29–19 BC) - Book II

THE THING ON THE ROOF by Robert E. Howard is a flash fiction piece of classic horror, which appears to center around an ancient mummy, but the end reveals something much worse.

There's not much in the way of dialogue or action, but the suspense is well-done.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Monster Week | Island of Death | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

13 MONSTERS by Eric S. Brown is an oceanic creature feature packed with action and death. Billionaire Matt Drake has built his own aquatic complex to house his collection of sea cryptids, but his security team severely underestimated the dangerous intelligence of the monsters within.

A naval rescue team is sent onto the island without adequate intel, and they pay for this mistake with their lives. In fact, this novella is series of bad decisions made by the characters, resulting in a brutal variety of slaughter scenes.

If you're looking for a horror story set at sea, without the typical threat of sharks, I recommend this latest massacre from Brown.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Monster Week | Squid Vicious | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

OF MEN AND MONSTERS by Tom Deady is one of the very best stories I've read in 2021. A boy escaping an abusive father with his older brother and mother discovers his new sea pet is a vicious creature. As if this wasn't enough to deal with, he soon finds out he's not the only one with a monster in his house. Ryan eventually learns one problem can be a solution to the other, but the price will haunt him for the rest of his life.

Deady sinks his hooks into his readers and drags them below the surface of his characters, revealing the darkness each is hiding within. I highly recommend this novella to everyone, even if horror is not your preferred diversion. I would also like to add, the choice of cover illustration is perfect.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Monster Week | September Book Video | Recommended Reading | AstraDaemon

“We stopped looking for monsters under our beds when we realized they are inside us.” ~Charles Darwin



As always,

AstraDaemon