Halloween Reading: Undead Week | DEAD TIDE | AstraDaemon

The DEAD TIDE series by Stephen A North is kind of like a zombie soap opera: lots of characters, a rotating POV, and plenty of dramatic scenes...with the undead. I never knew who was going to live or die, and I never knew what particular obstacles each character would face.

This week, the giveaway prize will be autographed copies of Books 1-3 in North's series (RAGE, Book 4, is currently undergoing a revision process).

In order to enter, just leave a comment on one of the Undead Week posts. A winner will be chosen the evening of October 27th (later than usual), due to a family emergency.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Another Step, But In What Direction?

WHERE ARE YOU? by Stephen A North is a flash fiction piece is more prose about a moment than a story, although the description does say "Book 1."

I don't even recognize North's writing anymore. I feel I've been witnessing an author making a self-discovery journey through short stories for the past year or two.

I have no idea who his target audience is supposed to be.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Third Time's The Charm

Okay...so...this is the third time I've read Means To An End and The Stupid Train by Stephen A. North (have a look). To his credit, the author has reworked the two stories based on some harsh criticism from yours truly. I have to admit, MEANS TO AN END is much better this time around. I love how Vic didn't realize Mark came first, literally and figuratively.

My issue with THE STUPID TRAIN was always the ending. I always felt Lou deserved better. Not necessarily a happy ending exactly, just something better. I dig the new ending, and I wouldn't say no to another Lou story. Maybe he should meet Tammy? (I would definitely pay to read that encounter.)

FORGOTTEN and NOBODY'S HERO are North's most recent short stories. FORGOTTEN caught me off guard: nothing supernatural. Yet, somehow, the story kept me enthralled from beginning to end. The author has always had a flair for well-developed characters and settings.

NOBODY'S HERO also has a sharp hook with a surprise ending. As much as I enjoy North's horror and sci-fi, his drama has really impressed me this round.

Stephen A. North is one of the few authors who can create something captivating in multiple genres.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Ronald Jeremy

DOWN IN THE GUTTER LIKE ME by Stephen A North is nothing like his previous work. Apparently, the author has decide to try his hand in erotica. The sex scenes aren't to over-the-top, but the lack of story is disappointing.

In fact, this reads more like fan-fic written by a guy with a threesome fantasy than anything else. Maybe if the main character had been a serial killer or something, anything to give depth to this novella, there would've been more suspense.

If this is the direction North is headed with his writing, he should consider using a pen name or risk alienating some of his fan base.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Sci-Fi Dystopian Future

REPLICA by Stephen A North is a devastating sci-fi dystopian future, with a dark revelation and a satisfying ending. I've read this once before, but I enjoyed reading this flash fiction piece as much as the first time.

I'd really like to see North write more sci-fi shorts.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Some Win, Some Lose

Ruth Miranda, author of the Blood Trilogy, has spoken, and she has chosen S.O. Bailey for our winner this week. (You can read the monster post and comments here.) I'll be giving away autographed books throughout the month. Check back every Monday to find out what the next contest and prize will be. There will also be horror reviews every day to help get you in the mood for Halloween. You'll find every kind of monster, here in the Lair.

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Here's a trick or treat for readers:  UNDEAD IN VEGAS by Stephen A North is the author's latest release. North throws readers across a highway and straight into zombie hell. I had a difficult time feeling any sympathy for Wallace. His desire to please people trumped any common sense he could muster.

The level of denial among the characters is mind-blowing. Even if they couldn't accept a zombie outbreak happening, they could at least acknowledge something very bad is going down. I will give North bonus points for creating such realistic idiots.

The action is the best part of this story. Everything goes wrong for Wallace, which isn't much of a surprise, since his decision-making leaves something to be desired. The ending made me roll my eyes.

I love the Dead Tide series by North, and he's written some great short stories, such as Like A Man and Purchase Order #2113-21A, but I'm not impressed with this novella. I'd really like to see the author return to his original writing style, or try his hand with more sci-fi themes. To be blunt, I'm tired of the broken-down ex-husband characters.

As always,
AstraDaemon

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

No Self-Respect

Means To An End:
When one restless spirit meets an indifferent one: Tammy's boss, Vic, is a married guy who likes a little variety. Tammy's husband is never around. Vic may get more than he bargained for. Tammy may be in denial about her true nature, but who knows the truth for long?


The Stupid Train:
Lou's hurt, angry, and probably not the sharpest tool in the shed. One night he decides to even things out with those who betrayed him.

MEANS TO AN END AND STUPID TRAIN by Stephen A. North is another double feature by the author:

Means To An End is one of those stories which makes you wonder what in the hell the author was thinking when he wrote it. I was expecting some sort of twist, but the story is limp like Vic.

The Stupid Train is a story I read once before, but I don't remember the first impression I had. This time however, I felt nothing for Lou. He spends far too much time standing in the yard, throwing a pity party for himself. The author could've cut out most of it, and made this a flash fiction piece instead. The ending is so abrupt, I'm wondering, again, why North wrote this one.

Neither story is as good as North's other short stories, and I would hate for someone to form their opinion of the author's talent based on this duo. I can only assume North was working out some demons when he wrote these two.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Treasures Buried Soul Deep

Toothsome Tales:
Tusk---He's a dentist who likes a little adventure in his free time. She's his sexy neighbor with a thirst for the macabre stories behind the treasure he's collected over the years. It all starts with the words, "At heart, I am a collector of things..."
Sedation Dentistry---The zombie virus is loose and Doctor Ost's next patient has a little problem with tooth decay...

TUSK AND SEDATION DENTISTRY by Stephen A. North are two stories with a tooth theme. Tusk is a short story with one hell of a flashback to a frightening tale of exploration. Sedation Dentistry is a flash fiction piece about an appointment gone wrong.

I didn't think much of the second story...it's not the quality of story-telling I've come to expect from North. However, the author has something horrifying and amazing with the first story. I would love a longer version. The discovery in the cave is absolutely captivating.

If you're looking for more short stories from North, I recommend his other double-feature,Like A Man and Purchase Order #2113-21A.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Riding On The Tide [Interview]

Recently, I reviewed RAGE, the fourth book in the DEAD TIDE series by Stephen A. North. I began my journey with North and his undead series back in 2013, when I was still writing for The Zombiephiles. You can read the first interview here.

I can't emphasize enough how Rage is the best book in the series! Not only has the author continued to keep outcomes unpredictable, while revealing more personal details about the mentality of each character, but he also creates unforgettable connections between the survivors. (Ex: there is a major reveal about Trish's past, concerning her husband's murder.)

North has come a long way as an author, and I wanted to give readers another reason to begin the Dead Tide saga. I invited the author to the Lair this weekend, for our second interview together...

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I know I asked you this once before, but would you elaborate on where the idea/inspiration for your Dead Tide series came from.

Stephen A. North, author of Dead Tide series

I was sixteen or seventeen when I saw the original Dawn of the Dead at the Midnight Movies. Blew me away.  Not a perfect movie, but there was a lot of good in there. My friend Dave was there with me, and at the time I wondered what adventures I might be able to explore in that world. Literally decades later, I discovered a publisher who was actively seeking zombie novels. I was forty years old at this point (roughly 14 years ago now), and I wondered if I could write a zombie story. I’d written one novel and self-published it at this point (Beneath the Mask). I decided to go for it, and wrote it with the express purpose of trying to be published with Permuted Press.

I am a great admirer of the present tense style of writing used so effectively (to me) by Richard Monaco (in his Parsival series). He’d alternate POV characters (in 3rd person in some of the books) and I loved it so much I used in it Dead Tide. I wanted to be different, and think I succeeded.

The sad part was the previous owner of Permuted Press rejected my book (Dead Tide), and said that it didn’t really excite him. I was crushed, but didn’t give up. A man named Michael West (Dr. Pus) was starting up his own publishing house (The Library of the Living Dead) and he wanted Dead Tide for his first book! The book did well, and I went on with the series.

My friend, Dave, a real life homicide detective, helped me by being my beta reader, and giving me insight that helped me portray certain elements of the story realistically. Bottom line is Dawn of the Dead inspired the story, Richard Monaco provided the framework I’d use, and Jacob Kier gave me a reason to take a chance. The story was published elsewhere first by a wonderful man who believed in me (Michael West, aka Dr. Pus and The Library of the Living Dead), and later by Jacob.

So glad I took the journey.

Do you have a specific number of books in mind for the series, or are you letting your characters decide how to continue the Dead Tide saga?

There should be at least one more book. I’m also considering a possible spin-off. So, the answer is there will be at least five books. If any surviving characters still have a story to share, there could be more. I’ve also entertained the perhaps strange notion of exploring what would have happened to these characters if the zombie apocalypse had never happened. I suppose many of them would never enter the story if this happened.  

Within the last year, Mel Smith, author of the zombie comic, Dead Ahead, filed a lawsuit against Fear The Walking Dead for having an “identical premise” of a group trying to survive the zombie apocalypse via boat. Considering that Dead Tide has characters battling over a yacht, how do you feel about an author claiming infringement over a common bug-out plan?

I have only seen an episode or two of Fear the Walking Dead, and I’ve never heard of Mel Smith. I think I’d have to see the second season of FTWD and read Smith’s book to judge. Without doing either, I’d lean towards no infringement. Are the two stories that similar, or is it just escaping the Zompocalypse by boat? In my story, it just makes sense to me. Zombies have a hard time getting to you out on the water.

What do you think sets your Dead Tide series apart from other zombie series?

Well, it is the only zombie series I know of set in Tampa Bay, and it alternates POV characters with each chapter. There is a large cast of characters.

When the books were sold to Permuted Press, the decision was made to ditch the present tense in favor of the more common past tense narration. Initially, it had that difference also. The present tense is immediate, and I still use it when I feel it’s appropriate, but not any longer in the Dead Tide series.  

For the sake of continuity, I have self-published Dead Tide Rage in the past tense to go along with the three published by Permuted. The books are also famous/infamous for having short chapters (but I tried to transition away from that due to ‘some’ reader complaints).  

Is there a specific message or theme you’re trying to impress upon your readers?

My many years of retail, and in six years in the Army Reserve left a indelible imprint on me that people aren’t just one thing.

The guy who cheats on his wife still loves his kids and his wife, but for whatever reason he just can’t resist temptation, or the outraged woman consumed by hate may one day find her way back to letting go, or the lonely little boy might give his all for a friend who loves him.

People aren’t just one thing.  

How do you keep track of so many characters? When I picture you writing, I imagine you have a board filled with post-it notes connected by yarn…or a white board with a flow chart…

Every time I wrote these books I’d work in a circular fashion. I’d re-read what I wrote previously then come back around. I was constantly re-reading what I’d written to keep it straight.

I did keep track of when to come back to a character with a list that would show when to return to that character. For instance it might show this progression: Tracks; Keller; Trish; Daric; Julie; Foster; Mills; Sid; Johnny; then come back around to Tracks.

I also tried to stay in the same time frame. It was a challenge at times, but a joyous one. I really had fun writing these books!

What can we expect from you in 2019? Any conventions coming up?

There will be a short story collection for sure, and I’ll see if I can get paperback versions out for both the collection (tentatively titled ‘Laments of the Damned’) and Dead Tide Rage.  I’d also like to finish ‘Undead in Vegas.’  I suspect that it may reach novel length.

I’m guilty of having too many ideas and not enough time. For the first time in my adult life I’m in the position of doing whatever I want (when not working my real-world job), and sometimes I take time to do things I wasn’t in a position to do before.

I look at these distractions in a positive light. New experiences may help my writing. I hope my readers will find that to be true. I certainly have more projects than I have time for.

I would love to go to Texas Frightmare. Never been, and many of my writer friends seem to enjoy it.  So far, I have no definitive plan for any convention. I’m open to suggestions or requests.

Thanks for coming to Lair! I can't wait for the fifth Dead Tide book!

Thank you, Ursula.

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If you're still not sure you want to commit to an ongoing series, I encourage readers to check out North's short stories. I'll be reviewing TUSK AND SEDATION DENTISTRY in March. In the meantime, you can find my other North reviews here.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Dark Is The Heart: The Dead Tide Series Rages On

The Dead Tide series by Stephen A North is kind of like a zombie soap opera: lots of characters, a rotating POV, and plenty of dramatic scenes...with the undead. Usually, I struggle with a cast this size, and I have to write down notes just to remember the individual survivors and their backgrounds, but somehow North manages to create several unforgettable personalities within the multiple storylines. Also, the drastic change in settings with each POV switch makes every book more exciting, creating the sense of total chaos surrounding the survivors through spectacular action scenes. The best part is the unpredictable nature of the series. I never knew who was going to live or die, and I never knew what particular obstacles each character would face.

In the first book, DEAD TIDE, the focus seems to be more on the police officers forced to choose between helping the citizens of their city and assisting the politicians in their attempt to escape via a luxury ship. Although, there are other storylines which include both civilians and soldiers, as well as the controversial orders given to the military to ensure that the outbreak is contained. In the second book, DEAD TIDE RISING, it becomes obvious the worst is yet to come when the characters meet monsters who are more threatening than zombies.

The series continued to divulge more about the background of the surviving characters, revealing their own individual experiences within the same outbreak area. The human strengths and weaknesses are more than plausible, with North giving extra attention to the details, as the story progressed. Many people behave egotistically, but it's those moments when someone chooses to do the right thing, even when it's the hardest thing to do, which creates a strong bond between the survivors and the reader.

In the third book, DEAD TIDE SURGE, the multiple storylines finally converge, making it easier to navigate. I enjoyed the action scenes far more - not your typical slash 'n' dash that readers often find in horror novels. North has become rather creative with the death and despair surrounding the survivors. Take a deep breath because North's Dead Tide pulls readers in further with a fourth installment...

DEAD TIDE RAGE begins with a list of the characters from the entire series, which is a great way to refresh the memories of readers. The main theme throughout the book is the loss of sanity. Everyone is falling apart, literally and figuratively, doubting themselves and doubting others. Some are ready to end their lives, others are ready to kill everyone around them.

There is an ensuing battle for Tanglewood Island and almost everyone involved with the island wants to kill Sid. The crime lord has been a huge hindrance for the survivors, but Sid buys more time for himself by claiming to have a cure. The various groups are slow to realize they have similar goals, and lose many friends due to a lack of communication.

The original Black Ops group from the first book, which had been split up in the beginning, find themselves reconnecting, if only to acknowledge they will never be a team again. There is also the matter of the line of succession for the presidency, pitting politicians against soldiers. In his attempt at a military coup, General Kyler grossly underestimates Candace Fiore's determination to salvage the remaining government. The battle for power between the two results in a massacre.

North kills off many main characters. Some die heroically, some die tragically, but some characters die in small, random moments, and those unexpected deaths are the most shocking. With the remaining survivors scattered once again, the story appears to be winding down, until the Naval fleet survivors reappear with tremendous firepower.

This is most definitely the best novel in the series. North has gone above and beyond with his character development. Even if readers don't remember every detail from the first three novels, the pain and suffering of the survivors, both physically and mentally, highlights the price they've had to pay in order to continue living. The question remains, how much is enough?

If you haven't read this series yet, make the time. At first glance, Dead Tide may seem like just another zombie series, but North has created something far more complicated and devastating. Anyone who loves a suspenseful drama will enjoy this series. Allow yourself to feel the Rage.

As always,
AstraDaemon

The End of Life

Horror author Stephen A North recently released a double-feature, Like A Man and Purchase Order #2113-21A, two short stories about apocalyptic and dystopian survivors. North is best known for his Dead Tide series, but he has also written a few science fiction stories as well.

Like A Man begins like a scene from Scarface and evolves into an action-packed invasion unlike anything I've read in a any horror or sci-fi story. While not much is revealed about the character Rudy, he is someone I still rooted for. The description of the enemy is fantastic and I wish North had saved such a creation for a novel, or even a novella, rather than such a brief thriller.

Purchase Order #2113-21A is a mystery, right up to the very end, but fascinating the entire time. Usually, I'm frustrated when I only know what the main character knows, but, in this case, the lack of information makes the fight scenes feel more desperate. I think fans of Warhammer 40K might get a kick out of this sci-fi story.

If you haven't read the first three books in the Dead Tide series, I suggest you do so soon because the fourth book will be featured at the Lair in the near future.

As always,
AstraDaemon