Harvesting the Dead

NURSE BLOOD by Rebecca Besser is the author's best work, and I don't say that lightly. She's written all kinds of stories ranging from zombie horror to science fiction. This time, Besser has combined suspense, horror and drama to create one hell of a crime thriller!

The story is told through multiple POVs, but mainly alternates between the FBI investigating dozens of missing person cases and a group of organ harvesters. Sonya has been with the group since day one, baiting and kidnapping victims, while Agent David is finally making headway in his twin brother's case. (Having the brothers be identical twins is a great detail!) Sonya's group are going after an entire family this time, and David is successfully connecting the puzzle pieces.

The dynamics of the harvesting group is better than any soap opera, with deadlier consequences when in-fighting begins. David's personal connection to the investigation reminds readers of how lives are destroyed, not saved, as Sonya often rationalizes. The ending is like a sudden drop after several wicked curves, and will likely have readers screaming long-after the ride is over.

I can't wait for the sequel!!

I am very excited to announce this week's prize is an autographed copy of NURSE BLOOD. To enter, just leave a comment below about this book/author/review. A winner will be chosen on Sunday, October 27th.

As always,
AstraDaemon

The Guessing Game

THE ARBORIST by P.T. Phronk is a mix of sci-fi and horror, packed with suspense. Told through the POV of Wesley, a father obsessed with the appearance of a strange red tree, readers are sure to feel as frustrated as Wesley's wife and son.

I enjoyed the story until I reached the ending, and realized the author never explains anything about the tree. He uses his main to character to offer some lame excuse about unsolved mysteries, and, honestly, I can't believe Phronk copped out like this.

Not as bad as his short story, Chad, but not nearly as good as Phronk's Strangers at a Funeral.

As always,
AstraDaemon

YA Science Fiction

HEART OF A SOLDIER by Rebecca Besser is a YA science fiction story about a couple falling in love, and risking their lives to help a loved one. Definitely a story for a younger audience. Besser has created such a fascinating setting, I think the author should consider writing a mini-series around the JMB.

FUELING A JOY RIDE is told through the POV of two young aliens stranded on Earth. The story is a bit of science fiction humor. Again, written for a younger audience.

While these stories are not what I'm used to reading by the author, they are a solid starting point for future fans. I recommend following up with the Re-Civilize novellas by Besser.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Upgrade

When Ford wakes up to find his favorite arm missing, he knows he doesn’t have long before years of progress slip through his fingers. Can he get it back? On one hand, the grumpy cop in charge of the investigation doesn’t believe Ford had a third arm in the first place. On the other hand, his young partner has a good grasp on the latest tracking technology. All they need to gain the upper hand is to point out who would want to steal Ford's God damn arm in the first place.

GIVE ME BACK MY GOD DAMN ARM by P.T. Phronk is a science fiction short story, with a bit of social commentary and humor mixed together. To be honest, I thought it sounded like a dumb idea for a story, but I enjoyed reading it, and I LOVED the very last sentence.

As always,
AstraDaemon

STAAAHHP

Chad has a secret. They’ve been best friends for a while now, but if the hesitation in Chad’s voice is any indication, that could all be over. Trying to figure out what’s wrong may drive him crazy, but soon they will meet, and Chad’s secret will be revealed.

This book also has a secret. See if you can figure out what’s unusual about this story before you get to the end.

CHAD by P.T. Phronk isn't the worst fiction I've ever read, but it's terrible compared to the author's other stories. If you've never read Phronk before, don't start with this story or you might be turned off completely.

I hope the author returns to his previous writing style.

As always,
AstraDaemon