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.

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

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

A Rose By Any Other Name

Before the attacks, Rose’s life was simple.

Before there was mass violence in America, she was a university student in Liverpool.

Before her roommate was savagely attacked, she wanted to make the world a better place.

That was before the zombie outbreak.

Now, Rose and her best friend Lyra are forced to flee their flat and find refuge onboard a yacht with a group of armed survivors. Although safety seems likely on the open sea, it’s only a matter of time before a new outbreak occurs.

First Light by Kody Boye is Book 1 in The Daylight Cycle Series. The story is told from Rose's POV, giving readers the personal experience of survival across two continents and one ocean. Her quest to feel safe takes her farther away from everyone and everything she's ever known, and Rose suffers a great deal mentally and physically, even when she isn't fighting for her life. The author does an excellent job of detailing the main character's progressive PTSD, as well as the way her inner struggle complicates her interactions with other survivors.

Rose is someone I can respect, but Lyra is another story. I am not happy with the way she takes credit for keeping Rose alive, even when Rose is obviously capable of taking care of herself. Granted, the two young women needed each other to stay alive in their initial escape from Liverpool, but Rose appears to have a better grasp on their new reality than Lyra does. It's almost as if Lyra attempts to punish Rose for becoming independent and deciding to join the militia at Fort Hope.

Even though I am impressed with Rose's journey, literally and figuratively, I am concerned with her current attitude. I'm afraid she's going to create more problems for herself, if she doesn't get a grip on her emotions. Hopefully, she will find comfort in the key information revealed at the close of the first book.

As always,
AstraDaemon