Evil Trinity

HOUSE OF THE GOAT by A.P. Sessler is a collection of three stories. The first, House of the Goat, would make a great horror film, especially if Rob Zombie directed. The second, Death in Black Light, is even more terrifying, with a Tales From The Darkside feel. The third story, Aquarius Working, confused me to the point where I needed to re-read several passages. I still don't understand it.

Death in Black Light is definitely my favorite, and reason enough to buy a copy of this book.

I also recommend BRAIN ATTACK by Sessler, with the feel of an 80s chiller-thriller and the drama of a modern scifi-horror flick.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Splattered With Horror

OUT OF THE CAVE created by MacKenzie Publishing is an anthology of stories by several talented authors:

Foreword by Steve Vernon - discusses how scary stories are good for kids

Preface by Cathy MacKenzie - mentions mix of fantasy, supernatural and suspense stories geared towards readers as young as 13

OUT OF THE CAVE by Cassandra Williams - young boy is determined to discover a troll (this legitimately freaked me out)

PROPER METHOD by Stephen Millard - a young man is given more responsibility on the family farm (this one is terrifying)

I WAIT by Chiara De Giorgi - teen runs away from home (ending is confusing)

BECOMING CLARISSA by A.W. Powers - great coming of age story

DANGER STREET by Rod Martinez - better than Tron (veggie scene made me LOL)

THE GRIP by Val Muller - horrifying curse (would make a great movie)

DOWN THE MYRTLE TREE by A.P. Sessler - exploring on Halloween night (sweet & sad)

TAKERS by Paul Stansbury - interesting folklore piece

THE LEGEND OF POUTINE by Randy Whittaker - another folklore story with an amusing ending

THE MONSTER OF BEINN LEITIR by Kristin Roahrig - horrifying folklore

BEARING WITNESS by Alan Kemister - should be required reading by teens (mind-blowing ending)

THE GRAVEDIGGER by Tom Robson - gruesome discovery

IN TENTS by Heron Greenesmith - my favorite story (needs to be made into a novel) *clever title*

THEY CAME FROM OGIJIMA by S.L. Kerns - very original (great descriptions)

UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES by Kathy L. Price - a grisly tale

THE FOURTH FLOOR by E.F. Schraeder - very freaky (would love a full-length novel about the school)

NO DEEPER by Chantal Boudreau - terrifying Lovecraftian story

TIM AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD REANIMATED ANIMAL ATTACKS by Katherine Sanger - strange ending (left me wanting more)

THE STONE FOUNTAIN by Matthew D. Laing - spooky

MEASURED IN MINUTES by Jeff C. Stevenson - very different

BEAT WELL by Steve Vernon - damn, Steve...just, damn

This anthology deserves far more attention than it has received. Even though the stories are "safe" enough for young adult readers, the twists will entertain even the most seasoned readers. I recommend this one to all my viewers.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Melt the Cerebrae

DANIEL REGINALD LEWIS.

For years he had been known only as Head-Explode Guy because of his iconic death in the cult scifi/horror film Brain Attack. But a convention organizer has finally succeeded where all others failed, tracking down the elusive actor and securing his appearance at this year's Horr-Onto Con, surely to go down as one of the greatest cons in history.

But someone doesn't want Lewis to make that appearance. Someone afraid of what he might expose. Secrets a shadow organization never meant to go public and will go to any length to make certain they stay buried. Will this mysterious actor be able to expose the truth behind Brain Attack, or will he be silenced—again?

BRAIN ATTACK by A.P. Sessler is a story which should be made into a film. This story has the feel of an 80s chiller-thriller, but with the drama of a modern scifi-horror flick. While the originality is mind-blowing (pun intended), there are times where keeping track of the plot gets a bit difficult. There's nothing wrong with the story, I just think the details would work better in a movie.

I've read three stories by this author, and this is my new favorite. In the future, I'd like to see Sessler write stories with more science fiction worked into his horror creations. Anyone who has ever attended a horror and/or scifi convention needs to read this story!

As always,
AstraDaemon

Wicked Wednesday: Marital Issues

Marrying above your station is never easy. The money, the great house, the gorgeous wife, and the mind-blowing sex, they all come with a price tag. That was something Howie didn't realize when he entered into this relationship. But now it's time to pay the piper and the price is more than he is willing to pay. Is there an out, or will Howie find out what happens when he refuses to make the expected payment?

The First Suitor by A.P. Sessler should be considered a warning about marrying someone for a reason other than love. Sessler deftly uses little details as a trail of crumbs for readers to follow along, until they are hopelessly trapped within the story, along with Howie. Unfortunately those crumbs weren't filling enough.

While there is plenty of foreshadowing and frustration to go around, the only action in the story takes place in the bedroom. With the introduction of Nicholas and his "marital counseling," I thought Howie would become the new Elise, or maybe "Lily" would be short for Lilith, but no such luck. The author kept the storyline fairly simple, which is a shame because Sessler's work is so much better when it's complicated.

I recommend readers instead pick up a copy of The Stain in the Stairwell to see the real horror Sessler is capable of delivering.

As always,
AstraDaemon

The Parents Never Believe The Kids

The Stain in the Stairwell by A.P. Sessler is such an excellent, original short story, I would LOVE to see it made into a movie. Sessler mixed in all the elements crucial to a truly terrifying nightmare: mystery, suspense and children...of course, the "monster" is exceptional. In hindsight, Sessler is quite clever with his use of seemingly insignificant details. I strongly recommend that everyone reads this twice to truly appreciate the author's writing style.

Reading The Stain in the Stairwell is much like falling down the stairs: the beginning is slow, at first, but, as you pick up speed, you know the ending is going to mess you up.

As always,
AstraDaemon