Texas Terror | Kindle Vella Review | AstraDaemon

Yesterday, I posted a review about a Vella serial with zombies...now we move on to a werewolf story...

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THE BEAST OF SETTLER'S POINT by Kody Boye is a mix of western horror and supernatural folklore. The story takes place in 1845, told from the POV of a young girl who soon discovers war is not the only thing killing people in the wilds of Texas.

I've read many stories by this author, but Boye still surprised me with the interaction between characters and the ending. Every episode had me changing my guess about the details of the werewolf threat.

I'm recommending this one to Young Adult and New Adult fiction fans.

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

Plague Bloom Book Two | New Apocalypse Series [Review]

We have finally done it. After twenty agonizing years, we have finally reached the lands promised to us by our great god.

But we are not the only ones meant to be here.

The sweeping valley—known to us as the Promised Lands, but to others as the Dudak Wastes—is home to not one, and not two, but three different peoples, all of whom have been struggling to coexist since the plague bloom’s beginning. The first of these people, the Kakadar of the Low Wastes, are quick to offer us refuge within their lands, under the condition that we obey their laws, maintain order, and never, ever, go beyond where the red flowers grow.

It is only when the Bone People appear that a grim declaration is made.

Their living god—who dwells within the mountains to the valley’s east—is watching, and will do anything to drive us away. Even if it means bringing the plague to the Wastes.

A WICKED WIND by Kody Boye is the second book in the Plague Bloom series, and full of revelations about the Promised Lands. Obviously, discovering there are multiple communities is a shock to the Kirans, but the history between the different groups is particularly disturbing. This story arc is another great example of Boye's skill with character development. Even if you skipped the Prequel and Book 1, you would still have a good idea what everyone has been through based on their current thoughts and feelings.

I do have one issue with this installment: I can't understand, for the life of me, why Bryce doesn't demand more information about the horn. I sincerely hope readers will find out what is so special about the freaking relic.

Once again, Boye offers some resolution with the ending, but, of course, the hardships the Kirans must face are far from over. I'm looking forward to the third book, and I recommend this series to all readers (especially if you happen to be a fan of Fred Saberhagen).

As always,

AstraDaemon

AstraDaemon

Plague Bloom Book One | New Apocalypse Series [Review]

My name is Bryce Song, and for my entire life, I have lived in the shadow of a deadly Bloom that not only kills, but raises the dead. Since the plague’s beginning, my people have journeyed toward our God’s Promised Lands atop the backs of the Guardians. I have always wondered if we would reach our destination and felt helpless against the seemingly insurmountable odds.

A great valley, filled with its Fallen peoples and their undead protector, separates us from our salvation. The only chance of killing our monstrous enemy is to find a weapon, once wielded by our God. During the long journey, our heroes have been slain, and few are willing to embark on a quest to retrieve the holy relic.

There’s no question what I must do. I must journey to the last resting place of our God, and reclaim the weapon that will save my people from certain destruction.

A DEADLY BLOOM by Kody Boye is the first book in the Plague Bloom series (although there is a prequel). While there is a lot to take in, the storyline is easy to follow. Bryce's people, the Kirans, are finally nearing the Promised Lands, but they have three major problems to solve first: find the holy weapon of their goddess, fight through a sea of Fallen, and defeat the undead Guardian.

The situation becomes more complicated, as the Kirans and the Elves don't see eye to eye on how the weapon should be used, if it is recovered. Bryce's people have lived in relative peace for nearly twenty years and do not have enough warriors to face the Fallen, so they need help from the Elves. However, the two races, with their Earthwalkers and Sky Whales, might not be enough to destroy a Guardian infected by the Bloom.

I want to emphasize, I appreciate the way the author completed this story arc, instead of leaving readers with an abrupt cliff-hanger. Of course, the future of Bryce's people is still unknown, but I'm glad all the major issues were addressed, for better or worse. When Ziara's form was revealed towards the end, I nearly lost my mind over the implied history of Boye's Bloom world. Last but not least, I love how the author uses Bryce to connect the two races and offer insight into the personalities of the various characters. I was hoping for a romantic relationship to form between a Kiran and one of the Elves, but no such luck.

I can't wait to read the second book, and I highly recommend this series!

As always,

AstraDaemon

Plague Bloom Prequel | New Apocalypse Series [Review]

In this prequel to Kody Boye's Plague Bloom Series, discover what happens when the undead take to the air, and attack a small settlement questing toward the Promised Lands.

SMOKE AND BONE by Kody Boye great flash fiction introduction to Bryce and her post-apocalyptic world. The survivors of a global plague are traveling to the promised land on the back of an Earthwalker. While attending a prayer service, the settlement is attacked by flying death predators. Most people outside of the temple are killed.

The creatures alone are enough to make me want to read this series, but I'm intrigued by the idea of a plague originating from flower pollen. Boye has fashioned elements of fantasy, horror and science fiction into a terrifying new world, and I can't wait to experience Bryce's struggle to save her community.

As always,

AstraDaemon

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

The Price of a Gift | AstraDaemon

Society has reached its peak within the walled city of Utopia. While the outside world lies in inhospitable ruins, the city within brims with technological marvels—all thanks to a benevolent god that appeared during humanity’s darkest hour. But with the city on the verge of overpopulation, and the world outside not promised to be safe, time is running out for the Utopian people, and it’ll take one brave young woman to change the course of history.

UTOPIA FALLS by Kody Boye begins with scattered details about the dystopian way of life in this isolated society, hooking readers into the story like hidden thorns. Once you've peered into the thicket of dark secrets, you'll find yourself entangled with Ember, until she is able to light the way for her people's future.

I have always enjoyed Boye's complex characters and his particular way of portraying both the best and worst of human nature, and UTOPIA FALLS is another great creation by this author. I highly recommend this one to science fiction fans of all ages.

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

The Beautiful Ones Rise From The Ashes

THE BATTLE WITHIN by Kody Boye is the final book in THE BEAUTIFUL ONES trilogy. This book begins exactly where the second one ended, with Kelendra joining up with The Southern Saints. The Countess is planning to use nuclear weapons against the North, which will likely trigger a similar response, but the three surviving Beautiful Ones have a plan to give the country back to the people.

The author has created such a detailed dystopian drama featuring eugenics and civil war, readers might be slightly disappointed with the lack of resolution in the ending. However, I would like to remind everyone, this series has always been Kelendra's coming-of-age story. From an unknown country girl to an ambassador of a revolution, from daughter to wife and more, she has discovered something more powerful than beauty: faith.

With faith in her friends, her allies and, most importantly, herself, Kelendra is determined not only to save her people, but she hopes to save the world from nuclear fallout. This young woman's personal battle is a trilogy I can recommend to readers of all ages.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Aliens, Undead and Terrorists [Interview]

Kody Boye is the author of many series such as When They Came, The Daylight Cycle and The Beautiful Ones. His monsters range from aliens to zombies to terrorists. The author has always had a special talent for taking relevant social issues and stirring up discussions about those real-life problems using a combination of horrifying creatures, complex characters and dystopian storylines.

Being no stranger to the Lair, I thought Boye would be a perfect guest to chat about the relevance of monsters in the horror genre, as well the significant role horror plays in the celebration of Halloween.

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Why do you think people enjoy reading stories with monsters?

I think people enjoy reading stories with monsters because it gives them a chance to escape the realities of the real world. With aliens and zombies, there’s a certain disconnect that allows us to enjoy the fear “safely.” The fantasy of it is fascinating because most super apocalyptic events, such as zombie uprisings and alien invasions, aren’t likely to happen. 

Many readers think people are the most frightening monsters because of the evil humans are capable of inflicting upon one another. Do you agree, or do you think “bad guys” are just easier to accept than aliens or supernatural creatures?

I think people can easily be the most frightening monsters. When we look at history, we see that it is people who have committed some of the greatest acts of cruelty. That isn’t to say periods of famine or disease aren’t terrifying (consider the height of the Bubonic Plague for instance,) but it’s far easier to trust people than we lead ourselves to believe, which leaves our ability to be hurt by them even more unsettling.

What do you consider the most frightening aspect in your series, The Beautiful Ones?

I think the most unsettling aspect of The Beautiful Ones is the eugenics program the girls are selected for. We’ve always had stories of “Perfect” or “Master” people, and we’ve even had versions of them throughout history (Hitler’s “Perfect Race” is one I can reference quite easily.)  So, to think that in a dystopian future, people—especially young people—would be selected based off any number of physical traits is terrifying. It lends to the elitist idea that some people are better (or more important) than others, which is a sad and startling strand of thought.

Tell us about your latest series, The Plague Bloom. How is it different from any other undead series?

The Plague Bloom begins with A Deadly Bloom, and tells the story of a young woman named Bryce Song, whose people are journeying to a Promised Land to escape a deadly bloom whose spores raise the dead. It is my return to the high/dark fantasy genre, and is unique in that the undead return to life by way of pollen inhalation rather than viral infection.

The horror genre seems to be more prominent in the last year or two, as far as books, TV and film. Could this be because horror is also a commonly used element in other genres?

I feel that horror is experiencing a resurgence because it is a common element in other genres. People love to be scared (so long as it’s in a safe environment.) They love the rush of adrenaline in their veins, the what ifs? in their minds. Fact is: most of the subgenres of horror are safe to enjoy because they’re not likely to happen.

Is science fiction becoming the new horror?

I think science-fiction has always been a gateway to horror. Movies like The Thing are prime examples of how science-fiction concepts can be terrifying without being explicitly “horror” films. Ideas rooted in reality, or at least touching on reality, are always scary, which is why it’s not uncommon to see the two genres mashed together.

Do you think the horror genre has become commercialized like Halloween, or do you think the darker aspects are making a comeback?

I think anything that can be commercialized can and will be. I do, however, think that darker aspects have been making a comeback as of recent years, especially as it becomes more acceptable to like horror movies.

Why do you think people enjoy Halloween? What do you enjoy about the holiday?

I think people enjoy Halloween because it allows them a sense of escapism, the same as horror movies in general. For me, I personally enjoy the mainstream acceptance of ‘the dark’ things in life. Plus, there’s candy, AWESOME decorations at all most of the major chain stores, and dressing up!

Any more new releases coming in 2019? How can readers keep track of your new projects?

The last project(s) that will likely see release in 2019 will be the final Beautiful Ones novel, called The Battle Within, as well as a re-release of my second Kingsman Online novel Alt Control Save. Readers can always follow me on social media (Facebook is my primary social media haunt.) Or, if you prefer to just get release news, you can subscribe to my mailing list on my website, KodyBoye.com.

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The Lair is giving away autographed paperbacks of the first two books in The Beautiful Ones series. To enter, just leave a comment below. A winner will be chosen on Halloween.

Favorite Monster??

October is easily my most favorite month. The weather is cooling down, the insects are dying, and the Autumn colors come out. Of course, October also has my favorite holiday: Halloween. What better way to celebrate than to dive into the horror genre? This week we will begin with the monsters.

I remember a time when the most popular creatures were vampires, mummies and zombies. Over time, all three have evolved in so many different ways, there are no set rules, making many horror stories unpredictable in the most savage and entertaining ways. "Preternatural" has become its own subgenre, with cross-breeding between the various species, including fae (ex: BLOOD series by Ruth Miranda).

We have also witnessed the urban legends, such as Bigfoot, become one of the top killers of both humans and other predators. For example, HUNTERS by Eric S. Brown, which features a battle between two famous forest fiends. Another great twist on a legend is NIKOLIS COLE by Richard Black, centered on a headless horsemen who hunts down street thugs.

Many others have broken into horror from science fiction and crime drama, and twisted entire communities into a monster mash. K.B. Knight has put the town of Greenwood through hell in his series with aliens, hauntings and, coming soon, a serial killer. Lori Titus has created multiple nightmares within the town of Chrysalis. Other authors, such as Stephen A. North and Suzanne Robb, have abandoned the land and unleashed their monsters into the water.

Last but not least, are the stories which brought us new horror icons. Elias Witherow brought horror fans Tommy Taffy, who makes Freddy and Jason look like kittens. Kody Boye introduced readers to the Grays and their pets, and they aren't the kind you'll find in Area 51.

So, which monster is your favorite? Are you a fan of a classic creature or a new abomination?

As always,
AstraDaemon

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In order to win an autographed copy of Zombies Inside by Rebecca Besser and Courtney Rene (unfortunately, only signed by Besser), leave a comment on this post before October 5th. Tell us why you like a particular fiend. Someone will be randomly selected by horror author Ruth Miranda and the winner* will be announced on Sunday, October 6^th.

*giveaway is only open to those living in the U.S., Canada and the UK, due to shipping & handling costs

Sequel to The Beautiful Ones

THE WAR OUTSIDE by Kody Boye is the second book in his series, The Beautiful Ones. The story follows the POV of a sixteen year old girl, Kelendra, chosen to keep up genetic standards for the Glittering City. The society Boye has crafted contains elements similar to the Hunger Games and The Handmaid's Tale, while retaining the author's skill in using personal drama to draw readers into his disturbing creation.

The sequel begins right where the first book left off, with Beauty and Grace in hiding for security reasons, and Kelendra has her mind set on her Purpose. There is far more action in this sequel, with multiple attacks from both known and unknown enemies. Beauty and Grace are reunited with loved ones briefly, while more upsetting details are revealed about the Process.

I've been reading stories by Kody Boye for years, including several different series in various genres, and I'm really impressed with how much his character's dialogue and inner thoughts have improved over time. The author has always had a gift for creating relatable characters with complex relationships, but this is the first time I didn't have any issues with any of the conversations within. I also think this storyline will appeal to readers ages 14 and up.

I'm really looking forward to the third book in this trilogy, as well as Boye's new Plague Bloom series.

Check back in October for my interview with Kody Boye, which will also include a giveaway of autographed books by the author.

As always,
AstraDaemon

The Daylight Cycle Needs One More Book

In this conclusion to Kody Boye’s DAYLIGHT CYCLE, winter is falling, and bringing with it even more dangers. With the undead hordes still present, and the need for supplies growing each passing day, Dakota Travis and Rose Daniels decide to enlist within the Runner’s Corps: the infamous supply running gang that scours the city for anything of use. Fortunately for them, they are skilled survivors, and have the chance of living outside the fort’s protective walls. Unfortunately, their predicament is only growing worse. 

As their first supply run ends, and a chance encounter with an infamous plant walker brings Rose and Dakota into the limelight, the powers that be decide to orchestrate a task for the survivors—one that may save humanity, or potentially destroy them all.

NIGHTFALL by Kody Boye is the fourth and final book in The Daylight Cycle series. While I am happy Rose and Dakota had many interactions throughout the book, there never seemed to be a real connection formed between the two, other than moving within the same social circle. Other characters from earlier books are reintroduced, but it's more like literary cameos, just to let readers know they're still alive. The series has a solid conclusion, but the author ends Nightfall in way which leaves an opening for one more book.

I am, however, quite disappointed with the Plant Walker storyline. The mutation is a great addition to the zombie genre, but Boye doesn't do much with his own creation. I think he should write a fifth book, call it Midnight, and center the novel on the Plant Walkers. I'd like to see one of the main characters form a personal connection to one of the mutated creatures. Hell, I'd even settle for Annabelle to become a main character, and join ranks with Rose and Dakota.

I've read several books by Kody Boye, encompassing three very different series, and he has a great talent for creating relatable characters and giving them incredible depth. Unfortunately, this series is not his best work, and pales in comparison to his science fiction series, When They Came. I'd like to see the author focus more on dystopian-scifi stories in the future, but I think the author owes The Daylight Cycle fans one more book.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Onward With The Daylight Cycle Series

Months after the zombie outbreak that decimated the world’s population, Rose, Dakota, Erik and Ian embark on a routine supply run only for it to end in disaster. Ian is killed instantly. Erik, meanwhile, is scratched.

Unaware if such a wound will leave their companion helpless to the zombie virus, the party waits to see if Erik will succumb to infection. When he doesn’t, it seems too good to be true. But Erik isn’t out of the woods yet. With fever symptoms leaving him bedridden, it’s obvious that he’s going downhill—and fast. And only a chance communications with an infectious disease specialist in the capital offers their only chance of hope.

AFTERNOON by Kody Boye is the third book in The Daylight Cycle series. Sunrise ended with the virus mutating, creating two versions of undead. This installment introduces a hybrid experiment, as well as a convergence of the various survivor storylines. While there is plenty of drama to go around, there isn't as much action as the first two books.

More about the zombie virus is revealed, as well as the name of the blackened undead, but the nature of the mutation is still a mystery. There have also been changes among various animal species, making scavenging and traveling even more dangerous for Rose, Dakota and the rest of their group. Last but not least, the survivors discover some hopeful news about Canada.

Rose seems to have taken a backseat to Dakota. I wish the author had included more of her POV in this installment. In fact, I'm disappointed Rose and Dakota don't interact more often, considering they are the two central characters. The members of the group get along surprisingly well, which tends to provide a lot of ho-hum conversations. I can't believe I miss in-fighting in an apocalypse story.

The ending is brilliant, although a little predictable, but I'm hoping this will mean more challenging scenes in the final book. I can't wait to see how Boye wraps this up.

As always,
AstraDaemon

The Daylight Cycle Continues

With a dwindling food supply, a lawless gang, and the encroaching dead threatening their existence, Dakota Travis and his best friend realize they may no longer be safe in their abandoned apartment building. They flee into the wasteland that was once South Dakota to find safety. There, they encounter the last remnants of the United States military and take shelter within a converted asylum. But their safety is anything but guaranteed. Now, surrounded by the undead, tensions run high between these two friends and the soldiers. Food is in short supply, and shelter may only be temporary. The commanding officer is quickly succumbing to insanity, while his right-hand men rule indiscriminately with iron fists. And once Corporal Jamie Marks begins to make advances, Dakota realizes the undead may be the least of his worries, especially amongst men who already hate him.

SUNRISE by Kody Boye is the second book in The Daylight Cycle series. At the end of the first book, Rose crosses paths with a new group of survivors in Idaho. Sunrise is essentially the backstory of how the new group formed, the challenges and discoveries of their multi-state journey and how Rose eventually joins them. The second book also includes the introduction of what may be a second transformative virus, as well as a new player in the field of zombies and men.

Dakota is a young gay man realizing some people are still close-minded and hate-filled, even with the undead hunting all of them. The author does a great job showing how prejudice and bigotry can be more of threat to survival than any virus or supply shortage. The dynamics between the characters is extremely well-developed. Once again, Boye shows his skill at portraying the intensity and pain of the trauma each survivor carries within them, from both the outbreak and their personal histories.

These characters are not the perfectly adept characters one might usually find in an apocalypse series. These are some very damaged individuals trying desperately to function as a cohesive group, hoping to eventually call themselves a family. Their attitudes and inner reflections are some of the most realistic and poignant portrayal of apocalypse survivors I've ever read.

Having lived in South Dakota for a number of years, I cringed a little at some of the details provided by the author, but the novel is too good for me to drag the author over a few liberties taken with the SD references.

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I don't normally care what other reviewers have to say about a story, but I've read some homophobic comments from others which are misleading and one that is absolute BS. Let's get the BS out of the way: stories with a man and woman falling in love don't come with warnings (except maybe for sexual content), so I don't see why an author has to warn readers about two gay characters falling in love. THERE ARE NO SEX SCENES. The only intimacy between characters are when any of them reveal their feelings for one of the other survivors, whether it's a civilian crushing on a soldier, a gang-banger wondering if he's worthy of a second chance, a father mourning the loss of a child or a friend worried sick about another friend.

As for the accusations of this being "gay propaganda" -- NEWSFLASH: gay people exist in the world and they are just as likely to become survivors in a zombie apocalypse as anyone else. I can't help but wonder if some of the readers bashing this storyline bothered to read the first book in the series. The Daylight Cycle is not so much about zombies as people from different walks of life attempting to put aside their differences in order to increase their chances of surviving as a species.

Honestly, if you need your characters to be the same cookie-cutter "safe" types to avoid offending your ideas about what is appropriate, you probably shouldn't be reading horror fiction.

As always,
AstraDaemon

TOP 2018 STORIES

I read hundreds of stories in 2018: horror, science fiction, romance, crime drama and many other genres. I read short stories, stand-alone novels, series, novellas and anthologies. I read stories by authors I have been reading for years, and I discovered many new authors as well. Looking back, I have to admit, the short stories were usually the ones which often left me feeling gut-punched, kicked in the face and dragged into a shallow grave...filled with spikes.

With pleasure, I present to you fine folks (in no particular order),

AstraDaemon's Top 10 Stories for 2018

Psychopomp by Erik Lynd is a great addition to the zombie genre. Lynd manages to blend horror and mythology in a chilling tale about a mortician who is confronted by a talking corpse.

Bones by Howard Odentz is nothing like what I expected. I thought it would be the story of a troubled young man haunted by a ghost. Instead, Odentz has created a family drama with a supernatural twist. While I suspected there was a hidden layer, the depth of Cooper's pain is a horrifying surprise.

The Fire of Night by Brad Lenaway is an excellent short story and, if the author reads this, please consider making this a novel or even a series. The setting is in the future, after a war between the U.S. and North Korea. Although briefly mentioned, the political backstory is fascinating. I'm not sure I've ever read something so devastating and believable. This is a story I recommend to all readers, regardless of your genre preference.

Ruined by Kiersten Knighting is the telling of a popular Greek myth through the eyes of a rape victim. Considering how victim-blaming has been rampant throughout history, I think it's great to see someone give a voice to this iconic person. Knighting does an excellent job giving the character a voice, as well as drawing attention to the bias of the original myth.

No Thanks by Antonio Simon Jr. is a very original flash fiction story about a man who is clearly fed up with everything about his life. His explanation of events leading up to his office shooting spree is an excellent example of a narrator who can't be trusted and, yet, Simon's disgruntled worker is very convincing.

The Quay Avenue Bridge by Phillip Garcia is an excellent ghost story, worthy of being made into a horror movie. Garcia does a fantastic job of laying out the history of the bridge and the freak accident which begins everything. As the author transforms the tragedy into an urban legend over the generations, Garcia masterfully reveals another devastating accident to continue the curse of the bridge.

Queen Joanna by Kate Danley is a short horror story full of suspense and drama, with a touch of the supernatural. Both Joanna and King Stephen are tormented by the darkness looming over their arranged marriage. I am impressed with how well-developed the characters are. Danley's writing style is best described as a blend of Phillipa Gregory and Bram Stoker.

Three Seconds by Kane Banway is the best piece of science fiction I've read in 2018. In fact, I don't think I've been this horrified and fascinated since I read A Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury. Banway took a common scifi theme of teleportation and turned it into a pre-apocalypse of the human race.

Blood by Ruth Miranda is so much more than a horror story with supernatural creatures. This novella is a family drama centered around a young man named Caius, who has recently survived an extremely traumatic experience and he now requires therapy. During his sessions, Cai reveals he is suffering from brutal visions...memories of life he's never lived. He soon realizes his family has been keeping several secrets from him, the kind of secrets that tear apart loved ones and destroy lives.

The Beautiful Ones by Kody Boye is the first book in a new series centered on a dystopian society. Essentially, those deemed Beautiful and Handsome are expected to marry and bear children to keep up genetic standards for the Glittering City. The story follows the POV of a sixteen year old girl, Kelendra, chosen from one of the outlying settlements to be one of the Beauties.

Honorable Mention (published in 2017, but read in 2018):

Blood Relations by Lori Titus is the author's best work yet. While fallen angels, religious fanatics and supernatural creatures have been quite common in the horror genre for decades, Titus has found an original way to incorporate these themes into story filled with murder, drama, mythology and the metaphysical.

Additional authors to look for in 2019: Phil Rossi, S.O. Bailey, Rebecca Besser, Alan Sessler, Thom Brannan and Suzanne Robb.

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I'd like to make it crystal clear, most of the stories I read throughout 2018 were very impressive. The Top 10 are the stories which stayed fresh in my mind, even after reading all the hundreds of others. The past year has been an awesome year for fiction readers.

I would also like to add, many of these authors have many other great titles to choose from, so, please, click on the links and see for yourself.

Happy New Year! I look forward to bringing you more amazing stories in 2019!

As always,
AstraDaemon

The High Cost of Beauty

My mother once said that only the Beautiful Ones survive. This is because, in the war-torn Great South, beauty is a currency, and to have it means you will never have to worry about a thing. 

The only problem is: beauty is judged by our capital’s Gentlewomen, and there is no guarantee that we will past their test.

Every year, the Gentlewomen of the capital leave the Glittering City to oversee the annual Procession. They travel settlement to settlement selecting girls, aged sixteen and older, to become Beautiful Ones. If chosen, we will be lifted into a life of luxury, but the cost is our free will.

The Beautiful Ones by Kody Boye is the first book in a new series centered on a dystopian society. Essentially, those deemed Beautiful and Handsome are expected to marry and bear children to keep up genetic standards for the Glittering City. The story follows the POV of a sixteen year old girl, Kelendra, chosen from one of the outlying settlements to be one of the Beauties.

From the day of her departure to her time in the Spire, the Process is overwhelming and becomes life-threatening when Kelendra realizes the War is now at her front door. The society Boye has crafted contains elements similar to the Hunger Games and The Handmaid's Tale, while retaining the author's skill in using personal drama to draw readers into his disturbing creation. The Beautiful Ones is full of ugliness lurking below the surface of all the pleasantries.

I read this novel in one sitting and I can't wait for the sequel. Kody Boye has once again created original characters that reflect the ongoing social issues in the real world, cleverly disguised as suspense and tragedy in his fictional society.

As always,
AstraDaemon