Shallow vs. Deep

The depths are dark and treacherous for even the deadliest of predators, and what may appear to be prey may just be an even deadlier ruse.

A dark political thriller set in a feudalistic underwater kingdom. It is not a question of if, but when the madness will consume you.

Blood In The Water by Charles Hash is full of political intrigue, with characters making moves as if playing a game of chess. I had the strangest feeling of déjà vu while reading this story...I think this flash fiction drama is reminiscent of the fantasy fiction I loved so much in the 1980s. The use of non-human characters adds an extra depth, no pun intended.

This underwater family feud is very different from anything else I've read by Charles Hash. I'd like to see the author revisit this genre again. Perhaps a prequel novel revealing exactly how Agulia rose to power and the various ways his reign fractured the kingdom.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Enslaved by Aliens

A morality tale set in the not too distant future, after earth has been conquered and enslaved. Humans and other alien races are being used to deconstruct the earth for resources by the invaders.

How far would you go for the promise of Eden?

Promises of Eden by Charles Hash offers a frightening glimpse into an alien post-apocalypse. This scenario is worse than any zombie apocalypse I've read. Aliens have conquered Earth and enslaved the human race, as they have on countless other planets.

Slaves live under miserable conditions in the mining tunnels, and they don't even have the option of committing suicide, thanks to the scientific advances of the alien technology. Escape is impossible, or is it?

Hash has created a number of diverse alien races, with great detail. I felt the confinement of the slaves, as if I was suffering alongside with them. If you are claustrophobic, this story will leave you breathless.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Power Play

A twisted tragedy wherein the predator becomes the prey, set in ancient Mesopotamia.

Transcendence by Charles Hash is something I found while searching for zombie fiction. This isn't anything like a zombie story; in fact, this is more of a fantasy horror novella...kind of like something in the Warhammer universe.

A young girl refuses to be a virgin sacrifice, hoping for a better life with her secret love, only to suffer a fate worse than death. Somewhere in the darkness, a transformation ritual is carried out. An ancient entity grows in strength. A man wishes to be remembered always.

I liked the way the sections are divided by POVs. It really helps keep a steady buildup in the storyline. Loved the ending. I think this should have been a full-length novel.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Sunday Series: The Nightmare Virus

Desperation by Charles Hash is the first of a planned mini-series called The Nightmare Virus. The desolation and misery drips off every page. The monstrosities are terrifying. I'm not sure why anyone would want to survive. There is also a surprising amount of detail about this fallen world. When I first read this in 2015, it made me wish Hash would write another story based in this apocalyptic nightmare.
He did.

Slow Burn is the second story in The Nightmare Virus world. Readers are introduced to five survivors who managed to make it out of the city. It takes place about two years after the initial fall of the world. The problem with traveling in a group is that there is always the one person who has to ruin everyone's chance to live to see another day. I'm reminded of the crazy church lady in The Mist.

I can't wait for Hash to continue the series...

As always,
AstraDaemon