The Great Wide Open | AstraDaemon

GO OUTSIDE by Adam Vine is a brief piece of science fiction centered on a man's journey into space with another species. Very descriptive and held my interest, but I would have preferred more physical interactions, or a secondary POV from the Hosts.

GENE CATCHER is still my favorite sci-fi Vine story.

As always,

AstraDaemon

The Message | AstraDaemon

THE SWELL by Adam Vine is a strange flash fiction piece about a large number of children who go missing overnight at a pier. Not really a horror story as much as a cautionary tale with a supernatural element.

Not crazy about this one.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Surprise Gone Wrong | AstraDaemon

BIRTHDAY PICS by Adam Vine is a flash fiction piece centered on a couple who are given a link to a disturbing website. They try to dismiss what they find as some sort of sick prank...until they hear a young girl sobbing in the room next door.

The suspense is pretty good, although this is not as entertaining as Vine's other short stories. The ending also left me with unanswered questions, which is a little frustrating.

If this story isn't your cup of tea, I recommend reading Vine's short story, THE LICH.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Heavy is the Head That Wears the Crown | AstraDaemon

THE LICH: OR, THE CONFESSIONS OF A WITCH-KING by Adam Vine really stands out from his other stories. Most of his work is more sci-fi and/or dystopian themed, but this short is dark fantasy filled with supernatural suspense and told in the fashion of traditional folklore.

While somewhat predictable, with the power-corrupts storyline, the tragic life of the narrator is bewitching, much like the Crown of Whispers. Pia is more or less the real hero, as far as I'm concerned...she at least tried to make things right...everyone else is as guilty as the Coffin King for waiting so long to act on behalf of the Empire.

If you enjoy this story, I also recommend APRIL 29 by Adam Vine.

As always,

AstraDaemon

The One Who Slipped Away | AstraDaemon

DEATH COMES FOR THE PICKUP ARTIST by Adam Vine is a flash fiction piece about a guy who realizes too late what he has lost. At first, I thought Paul might be a vampire, but the truth turned out to be much worse. Great dialogue between characters.

One of my current favorites by this author is APRIL 29, which I highly recommend.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Ships Passing Through Time

THE GIRL IN THE BLUE DRESS by Adam Vine is a flash fiction piece about a Watcher falling for another Watcher, as they travel to various disasters throughout human history to observe the deaths of many.

This is an interesting twist on time travel, especially with the explanation of payment for "bricks."

As always,
AstraDaemon

So Much Action in So Few Words

APRIL 29 by Adam Vine is a sci-fi short about a young woman in a dystopian world. The format is in journal form, written by the main character, while she learns to read and write. The jarring style of the entries blends suspense and emotion to create a stunning coming-of-age memoir about a revolution.

I also recommend GENE CATCHER and THIS DOOR IS LOCKED by Adam Vine.

As always,
AstraDaemon

The Perfect Bluff

RUSSIAN ROULETTE by Adam Vine is a dark flash fiction piece, with two intriguing characters having an unusual conversation about how to win the game. I wouldn't mind a follow-up story set in Chicago with these two people.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Depressing Flash Fiction

TWENTY-FOUR AND A BOTTLE OF RYE by Adam Vine is one of the author's earlier stories, and I'm happy to say his writing has much improved.

The depressing tone doesn't bother me as much as the open ending. I feel sorry for Max's wife.

If you want to see how the author's writing style has changed, check out THIS DOOR IS LOCKED.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Sci-Fi Suspense

THIS DOOR IS LOCKED by Adam Vine is deep for a short story. David searches for an alien race called The Wanderers, traveling through Escher Doors. Comparing the unusual mode of travel to jazz is a great touch.

The ending isn't a complete surprise, but the story is still enjoyable. I would have liked to know more about the aliens, and why David is so obsessed with finding them, but those details aren't necessary.

I also recommend Vine's GENE CATCHER, another sci-fi short.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Tinder Terror

Gene Catcher by Adam Vine is a great mix of science fiction and horror. As a matter of fact, I think the author should write a follow-up full length novel because he's created a very original and intriguing monster. I also think many readers will be able to relate to the setting of an online dating nightmare. Paul, the main character, should've remember how dangerous some STDs can be...

Adam Vine is a talented writer, and I invite you to check out his other stories.

As always,

AstraDaemon