Not Deep Enough | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

DWELLER OF THE DEEP by Sally Parker has a Lovecraftian theme and a lot of potential, but more time is spent on descriptions rather than action. There isn't much to the characters either.

I think if the author lengthened the story, and included more with the cult, perhaps through flashbacks, this could be so much more suspenseful.

As always,

AstraDaemon

In Vitro | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

DON'T WAKE UP by L.J. Hachmeister appears to be a typical sci-fi horror trope, but the ending is shocking and terrifying.

I think fans of the Alien franchise will appreciate this one. Also, sales from this story are donated to the Lifeline Puppy Rescue.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Blood of the Covenant | Psychological Horror Review | AstraDaemon

THE PALE WHITE by Chad Lutzke is centered on three girls who are sex trafficking victims, their escape, and the psychological fallout after the nightmare they have endured for years. Throughout the novella, there are flashbacks to key moments which have defined the way each girl copes with the ongoing violence and exploitation. The author avoids graphic details by focusing on the emotions of the three victims, as well as their different reactions to the freedom they've won for themselves.

Just knowing that this is a very real issue makes this one of the most horrific and tragic stories I've ever read, despite this being a work of fiction. Lutzke goes deep into the sickness by including confrontations with three of the men who have victimized the three girls. As the youngest girl's backstory is revealed, I felt absolutely broken.

I've noticed a captivity theme in the stories I've read by Lutzke, but this time he takes his writing to a new level, highlighting the very human side of horror. The author also avoids the tropes of a tidy ending filled with joy and/or revenge, and reminds readers, we might defeat the monsters, but they always leave scars.

If you only read one story by Lutzke, make it this one.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Rehab in Hell | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

After the death of his father, Robby Boulder found himself in the throes of addiction. Then, one morning, he woke up to a figure in his room, a figure that claimed a week in the woods would set him straight. But, once Robby and his fellow teen addicts hit the trail, the promise of salvation turns to a lie. Although Robby began his journey trying to better his life, the mission changes after one fateful night — make it out alive.

OUTWARD by Dan DeLuise is the second installment in The Witching Hour series, and it doesn't require a stretch of the imagination to believe something like this could take place in the States (I don't know if this happens in other countries). Building on a frightening reality, and incorporating a familiar horror theme, the author has created a terrifying form of rehab.

Not only do I recommend this series, but I also recommend DeLuise's collection FIVE MINUTE FRIGHTS.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Trust No One | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

On an October evening in 2002, Abby Fletcher went missing. Everyone in town joined the search to find her, but it was useless. The only clue was her bike, found in a roadside ditch. Slowly, people forgot about the case, but Charlie Roland never did. After 17 years of false leads and conspiracy theories, Charlie never gave up. Just when it seemed like all hope was lost, Charlie discovered something on his way to work. Abby, perfectly preserved, was standing at the end of his driveway. In a tale of nostalgia, delusion, and abandoned houses, “The Girl Who Reappeared” is a new, horrific twist on the time travel story.

THE GIRL WHO REAPPEARED by Dan DeLuise is the first book in The Witching Hour series. I'm not necessarily a fan of time travel stories, so I'm glad I gave this one a chance. I felt sorry for Charlie, thinking of how much he must be traumatized by Abby's disappearance. However, when he finds her standing by the mailbox, I began to wonder just how much Charlie's mental health had degraded.

I thought I knew what was going, but I underestimated the situation. DeLuise has created quite a horrific tragedy, and I can't wait to read the second installment.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Wicked and Disturbing | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

HUNGER FOR DEATH by Joshua Marsella is one of the few collections I've read in which every story is an excellent example of horror. Usually, there's at least one or two I don't like, but I truly enjoyed this entire book from the first page to the last.

As much as I like his previous books Scratches and Severed, I'm even more impressed with this new release. As a matter of fact, this collection is making my BEST OF 2022 list.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Hill Jack Secrets | Supernatural Horror Review | AstraDaemon

APPALACHIAN DRUID: BOOK ONE - THE MASH by Samuel Brower is one of the best stories I've read in a long time, and I don't remember reading a storyline quite like this. There's a slight Pumpkinhead tone to the setting, with a touch of Last Man Standing, but the characters are the element which kept me captivated: brothers with a moonshine business, a friend with a talent for getting into trouble, an exploitive corporation, big city gangsters, and, last but not least, three generations of shape-shifting druids.

Erin is a freaking rockstar as far as I'm concerned, and I love Grandpa constantly showing up skyclad...I am looking forward to seeing what charisma Sean brings to the table.

The next installment can't come out fast enough, and I highly recommend the first of this new series by Brower!

As always,

AstraDaemon

Chill and Thrill | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

THE BODYBUILDER'S CLUB by Eric Fomley is a flash fiction horror story about a guy who is talked into selling cadavers illegally to a mysterious group. Curiosity gets the best of him, and when he realizes who he's been supplying and why, there's no where left to run.

Great suspense and terrifying ending.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Price to Pay | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

THE GIFT OF TIME by Bradley Poage is a flash fiction piece centered on a young writer who discovers his close friend is dying from cancer. He has a family heirloom which could change the outcome, but the change requires a sacrifice. Someone from his past arrives to show the young man exactly what the sacrifice will cost, before his final decision is made.

I was expecting a horror short, but this is more science fiction than anything. However, this is well-written and captivating from beginning to end.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Nerve-Wracking | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

MISSING by Ruth Anna Evans is terrifying, especially if you're a parent. The way Ben's parents dismissed his concerns left me extremely aggravated. I didn't know what to expect, and the ending came as a complete surprise.

Shocking, disturbing and highly recommended.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Hijacked Cloud | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

THE HOST by Brandon Massey is an entertaining psychological thriller, which is certain to bring out the paranoia of many readers. The characters are realistic and not over-the-top, which makes their situation even more terrifying.

As much as I enjoyed this story, the ending is too rushed for me...too neat and tidy. However, I still recommend this one to readers who enjoy tech-based horror.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Desperate Measures | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

THE AFFLICTED by Chris Stone is an intense short. I didn't know what to expect, and for the first half, I began to wonder if this was mislabeled as horror. Turns out the author is carefully crafting the reason for the shocking medical procedure the main character chooses for himself.

The procedure itself seems like something out of dystopian science fiction, but the possibility of this occurring provides the frightening aspect of Stone's story.

As always,

AstraDaemon 

Repetitive and Predictable | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

30 MINUTES OR LESS PART 3 by Matthew Vaughn is pretty much a repeat of events in the second installment. The first story in this mini-series is full of surprises, but the author changed up his writing style for the next two shorts. I wish Vaughn had continued being unpredictable.

Once again, the graphic violence is the plot device, lacking in suspense and character development. Bella appears to have transformed throughout the ongoing storyline, but she's not enough to carry the entire mini-series.

I hope Vaughn returns to his thrilling twists instead of relying on rape and torture to keep readers hooked.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Violent for the Sake of Violence | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

30 MINUTES OR LESS PART 2 by Matthew Vaughn is far more graphic and violent than the first in the mini-series. Some time has passed since the events of the first installment, and the detective informs Bella the killer has appeared to have attacked again, five hours away.

However, the killer strikes again because no one wants to take Bella's advice, which is aggravating on a horrific level. Worse yet is the moment she realizes the detective isn't going to rescue her this time.

The ending is a cliff-hangar.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Pizza Slasher | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

30 MINUTES OR LESS by Matthew Vaughn is a short with a typical slasher theme...teens planning to watch movies order pizza, but instead of the real delivery, a psycho forces his way into the house. After torturing, raping and killing all but one, he chases the survivor down to the police station, eating pizza throughout the story.

Despite the plot, Vaughn manages to surprise readers here and there, creating one hell of a roller coaster night, to be continued in another short. Looking forward to finding out what happens next.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Undead Train Trap | Horror MOVIE Review | AstraDaemon

I have a limited amount of free time, so I almost always choose books over movies. However, there have been many great horror releases in the last five years or so, and I've been trying to catch up with my watch list. I am happy to say, I finally viewed TRAIN TO BUSAN and everything about this film is awesome!

First of all, the Infected and the speed of the virus are frightening. I've always enjoyed zombie films, but this one managed to give me nightmares. Second, the train is a great setting because you have the feeling of being trapped, while showing glimpses of what is happening around the country...so much better than showing the usual news clips in the background. Last but not least, the characters are the perfect mix of survivors.

While there are a few obvious stereotypes such as the evil executive and the clueless parent, some of the others really stole the scenes they were in. For example, Dad-To-Be is like a freaking super hero, throwing down to save others, instead of just saving his pregnant wife and himself...he also provides comedic relief...definitely the kind of person I'd want in my survivor group. The baseball player and the cheerleader gave a coming-of-age touch to the situation, transforming from hormonal teens to responsible adults and rising to the occasion instead of giving up.

One of my favorite scenes is the face-off between the two groups of survivors: the ones who don't give a damn about anyone but themselves and the ones who refuse to leave anyone behind without a fight (not to be confused with survivors who throw away their lives in a wasted effort).

If you haven't watched this movie yet, you really need to make the time. I truly think this is the greatest zombie film ever made!

As always,

AstraDaemon

Tribute Novella | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

Thirty years ago, a progressive rock band called The Yellow Kings began recording what would become their first and final album. Titled “The Final Reconciliation,” the album was expected to usher in a new renaissance of heavy metal, but it was shelved following a tragic concert that left all but one dead.

The sole survivor of that horrific incident was the band’s lead guitarist, Aidan Cross, who’s kept silent about the circumstances leading up to that ill-fated performance—until now.

For the first time since the tragedy, Aidan has granted an exclusive interview to finally put rumors to rest and address a question that has haunted the music industry for decades: What happened to The Yellow Kings?

The answer will terrify you.

THE FINAL RECONCILIATION by Todd Keisling reminded me a bit of Lucifer Sam by Leo Darke, but Keisling's rock horror was published first...so now I'm wondering if The Yellow Kings were inspiration for the band Cat O' Nine Tails. In any case, presenting the story as an interview with Aidan Cross is the perfect format for this occult thriller.

The author reveals just enough about each character to evoke an emotional response from readers whenever Camilla manipulates the band members for her hidden agenda. I clung to the fact Aidan was alive to share the events with the interviewer, but the downward spiral of the band still devastated me. I felt as though I was reading an article in Rolling Stones, and sincerely mourned the fallout from the creation of the album.

Keisling's real skill shows through the clever way he weaves in elements from the various short stories in THE KING IN YELLOW by Robert W. Chambers, while creating an original cosmic horror mixed with intrinsic musical details. The imagery is terrifying and grotesque. By the very end, I found myself screaming as much Aidan.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Revisit When They Came Series | Science Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

THE LAST MOMENT by Kody Boye is a short story set in the WHEN THEY CAME series. The prequel, THAT FIRST HOUR is told through the eyes of Jason Parks, an eleven year old running from a waking nightmare, and introduces readers to an alien species that breaks away from the traditional black-eyed, grey creatures. The first book, WHEN THEY CAME, takes place six years after the initial invasion. The main character, Ana Mia, has decided to join the Midnight Guard, to protect Fort Hope. She takes an insane amount of abuse from the other human survivors throughout the trilogy. Ana Mia has accepted her way of life will always be fighting, which is exactly what she does...right to the very end.

Which brings us to this new addition to the series...another prequel revealing how Ana Mia came to be a resident of Fort Hope. The way her parents her react to the attack in their home explains her warrior spirit. As for the rest, I think there's enough to tempt new readers into this series, while giving a nod to those who loyally followed Ana Mia through her apocalyptic journey.

I'm recommending this story and the others to readers who love a good mix of horror and science fiction. These are not your parents' aliens...

As always,

AstraDaemon

Body Horror | Extreme Horror Review | AstraDaemon

POWER by C.S. Alleyne centers on a young woman trying to improve her station in life without prostituting herself. Unfortunately, one customer refuses to acknowledge the no-touching policy after she models for some photographs. Maude decides then and there to take revenge for herself and all the other girls who have been victimized.

This short is full of brutal scenes, including rape and torture, so consider this a content warning. However, the author is careful not to go into detail about the violations against Maude and the other girls, but rather focuses on the fallout, after she makes the monster her prisoner.

This definitely qualifies as body horror, and I don't recommend this to anyone with a weak stomach or casual tourists of the genre. However, if extreme horror is your thing, you're going to love the ending.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Bram Stoker Winner | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

In this modern day retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, the wolf takes to the city streets to capture his prey, but the hunter is close behind him. With Grim Marie on the prowl, the hunter becomes the hunted.

LITTLE DEAD RED by Mercedes M. Yardley should have a trigger warning. While the author is careful not to go into details, hints of rape and domestic abuse set the foundation of the story. This is absolutely one of the most horrifying and traumatizing stories I've ever read, and so well-written, not a single solitary graphic scene was needed to convey the twisted evil of the wolves.

Readers are never shown the wolf attacks, but Yardley reveals the devastating outcomes and gut-wrenching emotions with such skill, one can easily imagine the hot breath and sharp teeth of the wolves, without witnessing the desecration of the flesh.

Absolutely no surprise this story won a Bram Stoker award. Recommending to all horror fans who can manage the content.

As always,

AstraDaemon

First to Make the 2022 List | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

SCARE CREW by D.W. Nathan has a really intersting author's note at the beginning, discussing a summer relase for a book pertaining to the short story PARK CLOSES AT DUSK, which happens to be my favorite Nathan story of all-time.

As for this short, the author offers the undead's perspective of the evolution of zombie movies, how the films moved on from shamblers to runners. Eventually, the zombified narrator shares the harassment of an elderly neighbor by some young hoodlums, and he comes up with a scare-them-straight plan...only it doesn't quite work out the way he expects.

The ending is freaking spectacular...I love how readers are given more information about the other undead in addition to the narrator. Highly recommend!

As always,

AstraDaemon

Hook Without Purpose | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

JASPER PEACOCK by Paula Cappa has a great hook, but didn't  really go anywhere with it. Mostly dialogue, little action, and even less of the centerpiece Rabbles. The ending gives the impression the author gave up on the storyline.

If you're looking for a horror story, look elsewhere. Even The Picture of Dorian Gray is far more thrilling, as far as stories about paintings.

As always,

AstraDaemon

One Minute Review 7 of 7 | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

IF ONLY LOVE COULD BE TAKEN AS A PILL by Julio Miranda centers on a woman battling her drug addiction, and failing.

As always,

AstraDemon

One Minute Review 6 of 7 | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

THE YUPPIE IN TAXI 469 by Julio Miranda features a cab driver sharing his worst experience with a customer, including a touch of supernatural horror, literally and figuratively.

As always,

AstraDaemon

One Minute Review 5 of 7 | Flash Fiction Review

SWORD SWALLOWIN' LIZZY by Julio Miranda is basically a circus performer giving her last performance for a captive audience.

As always,

AstraDaemon

One Minute Review 4 of 7 | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

THE GIRL-THING AT THE TRAIN STATION by Julio Miranda is one of my favorite stories from the Horror You Crave series. I wish all characters were as quick-thinking as the narrator. Highly recommend this one.

As always,

AstraDaemon

One Minute Review 3 of 7 | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

YOU EVER BEEN SO HIGH YOU SAW UNICORNS? by Julio Miranda is a terrifying drug trip with a touch of dark humor. Loved the baskeball intervention.

As always,

AstraDaemon

One Minute Review 2 of 7 | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

MY SISTER'S GRINNING STALKER by Julio Miranda is a creature feature tease...as soon as the sinister reveals takes place, the story ends.

As always,

AstraDaemon

One Minute Review 1 of 7 | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

THE HAIRY GIRL by Julio Miranda takes a shocking turn, which I didn't expect...a mix of horror and folklore.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Stranger in a Strange Land | Bizarro Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

HOLLOW HEART by Ben Eads is like walking into a movie which has already begun and feeling like I missed some important details in the beginning. I was about halfway through before the story made any kind of sense to me, reminding me of bizarro fiction (something I'm not really into). There doesn't seem to be much to the characters either: vets with PTSD, methhead, teen with attitude, etc....not much in th eway of backstory, even with the flashbacks here and there.

However, the concept is very original, and I did remain hooked throughout the story, eager to find out more about The Architect and his project. While not my cup of tea, I think there are many other horror fans who will enjoy this.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Fight Fire With Fire | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

WHAT DID NOT DIE by Ruth Anna Evans is told through the POV of a reporter covering a house fire. While on the scene, Jordan sees a little girl in the fire, only to be told no one was left in the house. From that moment on, people connected to the reporter found themselves victims of fires.

Jordan discovers the little girl had died in the hospital, but she deliberately started thehouse fire. Soon the reporter realizes the spirit has latched onto her, but doesn't understand why. The ending is an asbolute roller-coaster of action and emotion.

The assortment of characters keeps the story interesting, although I wish there had been more dialogue. I also would have preferred more detailed flashbacks to Jordan's past.

If you enjoy movies such as The Grudge and The Ring, you should read this novella.

As always,

AstraDaemon