Motz Nailed It

MELT by Christopher Motz is a mix of sci-fi and horror, and so much better than any version of The Blob movies. Imagine if John Carpenter and H.P. Lovecraft made a film together, and you'll have a pretty good idea what kind of epic nightmare the author has unleashed upon the residents of Ditchburn.

Greg is a fantastic character. If you weren't Greg at some point in your life, you knew someone just like him. As a result, his POV reveals a more personal level to this creature feature. The ending is unpredictable, kind of like falling down a rough hillside and hoping you survive the fall.

As is, I'm fine with this novella as a stand-alone, but I wouldn't say no to a sequel. I hope we see more work from Motz in 2020.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Crossings and Choices

BROKEN by Christopher Motz is a well-written personal drama about a man who has suffered so much personal loss in his life, he finds himself drowning in the pain. Essa tries to show him a way to survive, but he isn't having it. He's so focused on his suffering, he's forgotten what is worth living for.

I wasn't expecting anything like this from Motz, but I'm impressed nonetheless. This is the perfect example of something I once wrote in a Facebook post in 2011:

"...many peeps involved in the horror industry are not in it just for gore, nor or they dark or depressing...they just have a unique view of social commentary & appreciate detailed realism, even in the surreal; most of them are caring peeps who do a lot for their communities, & because they work in the horror genre, they appreciate their blessings, since their imaginations have seen how easily we could lose it all."

I recommend this story to everyone.

As always,
AstraDaemon

A Cold Day In Hell

THE FARM by Christopher Motz centers on an old man remembering some horrific childhood events which changed him forever...his last night on the farm is the only secret he ever kept from his late wife. Knowing he lived a long life doesn't offer much comfort as he reveals his terrifying memories through the voice of his much younger self.

This is a coming of age story about a boy who loses his innocence fighting demons, while trying to keep his family together. When a huge snowstorm isolates the family farm from the rest of the community, all hell breaks loose, literally and figuratively. After Emery discovers the secret his alcoholic father has been keeping, he realizes too late how much he has left to lose.

For full effect, read this during a snowstorm at night...

As always,
AstraDaemon

Deadly Cravings

THE FARM by Shahema Tafader is a flash fiction piece about a woman reliving an awful experience while she shares the memory with a group of women. As Nadia continues to describe the memory of the nightmare she endured while she was pregnant, my anxiety shot through the roof.

I enjoyed this short so much, I wish the author would consider writing a longer version. The ending is devastating.

As always,
AstraDaemon