Forced Migration | Horror Book Review | AstraDaemon

THE BREEDING SEASON by Kody Boye is the third book in the Dagana series. In the first installment, THE LAST MERMAID, Jessica's parents are both found dead, their bodies savagely mutilated by some unidentifiable creature. Jessica and her friends realize they are dealing with a blood-thirsty mermaid. The three teens decide to battle the deadly creature. In the sequel, THE SECOND SPAWN, Jessica and her friends learn a wealthy man with misguided "good" intentions has undone everything the the three friends accomplished, making their shorelines a hunting ground once again.

This book centers on betrayal. Despite all the evidence, there are still attempts to cover up the deadly threat the creatures pose to the residents of Mermaid Cove. Someone close to Jessica takes credit for the discovery of the mermaids, and lies about the events leading up to big reveal. As if the situation couldn't be more out of control, an enemy from the past threatens to kill Jessica and anyone who tries to protect her.

This installment is definitely a rollercoaster compared to the previous two books. The ending left me wondering if there might be another book. Highly recommend this series.

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

No Fairytale Ending | AstraDaemon

DAGANA: THE SECOND SPAWN by Kody Boye is the second installment in his cryptid-thriller series for YA and new adult fiction readers. In the first book, Jessica's parents are brutally killed by what others assume is a shark. After more deaths, and an up-close encounter, Jessica and her friends realize they are dealing with a blood-thirsty mermaid. The three teens decide to battle the deadly creature.

In the second book, they discover Dagana was not the last of her kind. They also learn a wealthy man with misguided "good" intentions has undone everything the the three friends accomplished, making their shorelines a hunting ground once again. Jessica is no longer the only one on a revenge mission, but Samantha and Chase are refusing to risk their lives to rid the cove of the new predator.

I thought I knew what to expect from this sequel, but Boye speared me in the gut more than once. The action is intense, and the ending unleashes a horrifying realization for Jessica and her loved ones. I'm looking forward to the final story in this trilogy.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Supernatural Thriller

THE MONSTERS WITHIN by Kody Boye is a coming-of-age story with a Donnie Darko twist in a Dreamscape setting. Dean flees his hellish life to carve out a new future, only to find himself doing battle with his boyfriend’s demons. While struggling with trauma from his past, Dean discovers Brad’s suffering stems from a hereditary curse, binding both young men to an ancient entity, The Watcher.

Dean must risk his own sanity in order to free them both, or he will lose everything to the darkness. As he journeys into world filled with fear and death, he wonders if he has enough faith to triumph.

Boye carefully blends romance, mental illness and the supernatural to create a sinister mystery-thriller, which begs the question: what would you be willing to do to save a loved one?

This novel will definitely be on my Top 2020 list.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Revenge vs. Justice

DAGANA: THE LAST MERMAID by Kody Boye is a cryptid-thriller for YA or new adult fiction readers. During Christmas break, Jessica's parents are both found dead, their bodies savagely mutilated by some unidentifiable creature. Unfortunately, the beach is not closed and more people die.

The transition from teen to adult is difficult enough, but with the murders and the nightmares overwhelming Jessica, she begins having panic attacks. In addition to the multiple deaths, she is also dealing with a new relationship, as well as some violent mean girls tormenting her at school. After having her fear confirmed by two others who have witnessed the sea creature, Jessica feels she is the only one who can make the waters safe again.

While I did find Jessica's thoughts and feelings well-developed, I think Boye missed a great opportunity to create a more complicated and unpredictable storyline. The author could have revealed the source of Dagana's fury through her own POV, forcing readers to decide for themselves who is or isn't a victim. If anyone could pull off such opposing viewpoints from two characters, it is Boye.

If you're looking for a different coming-of-age story, this novel will definitely pull you into the darkness.

As always,
AstraDaemon