Worse Than Potholes

Every road has its price; every choice has its consequences: a professional kidnapper gets more than he bargained for when his latest abduction leads to terrifying supernatural encounters on the Florida Turnpike.

TOLL ROAD by Antonio Simon Jr. is a short story about a kidnapper battling supernatural creatures after his latest job goes horribly wrong. There is a lot of action and the ending surprised me in more ways than one, but there's also a lot of unnecessary details. If the author removed the filler and cut it down to flash fiction, the horror scenes might have more of an impact.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Waste

Late one night, a stranger wanders into a diner off the interstate highway. He orders coffee, takes a refill, and steps back out into a downpour. The waiter knows there’s something off about his visitor, but he has no way of knowing just how otherworldly this stranger is until the authorities call him in for a recorded statement the next day. Just who – or what – is the mysterious Company Man?

COMPANY MAN SIGHTING #1 by Antonio Simon Jr. is a flash fiction piece in the style of a transcript, and it is the worst thing I've ever read by this author. I don't see a point to this story, at all.

To be fair, this was written years before the other Simon stories I've read, so at least I know his writing style has greatly improved.

As always,
AstraDaemon

There's Something Wrong Up Here

Built at the turn of the century, Stratosphere Heights Amusement Park had seen more than its share of grisly—bordering on supernatural—events before being torn down to make way for the highway interchange. But when the person who knows the place best can't be trusted to keep his story straight, who can separate fact from fiction? A dark fantasy from the anthology: Postcards From The Void.

STRATOSPHERE HEIGHTS, NEW JERSEY by Antonio Simon Jr. is a clever piece of flash fiction. This story provides the perfect example of an unreliable narrator. I love how the story variations overlapped slightly, hinting at a bit of truth here and there, with a plausible explanation of the narrator's mental state.

If you enjoyed the author's short story, NO THANKS, you'll enjoy this one as well. Both stories emphasize a questionable state of mind.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Hyena, Take Your Role

A man fights to survive on an island inhabited by a monstrous female with an insatiable appetite for lust. Reader discretion is advised.

DOGFACED EVE by Antonio Simon Jr. has a mind-blowing hook for the first sentence:

"The moment he perfected the angles he was falling headlong through the sigil he'd drawn."

I never guessed the island would exist in another dimension, but that and the she-creature gave the story an instant cosmic horror theme. There are other Lovecraftian elements as well: misanthropy, isolation, and, most of all, helplessness. The author uses those elements to create a nightmare which leaves the character broken, literally and physically, and drags readers into one man's personal hell.

I've never been a fan of using rape as plot device, whether the victim is male or female, but Simon does not use the violence as a means to an end. Rather, the author uses it as the beginning of the end, for both the man and the hybrid.

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.

---

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

A Reason for the Season

DO NOT CROSS THE BRIDGE. The stories are real. It has been years since his accidental death, but the body of Denny Dennison will not leave, terrifying unsuspecting travelers and haunting the locals who dare go to the bridge at night. Now two kids fresh from their high school graduation decide to tempt fate and venture to the bridge one last time to see the dead boy.

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.

Perfect story for this time of year!

As always,
AstraDaemon

How Long For The World To Fall Apart?

Jack is a loving father.  And as a perfect husband, he must please his wife who doesn't want to spend 7 hours in a car when they could use a T-Gate and reach their destination in exactly three seconds.
Except that Jack doesn't like T-Gates... But he loves his wife, so...
What wouldn't a man do, for the love of his life?
A short story without pretension other than to entertain you for a little while...

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.

The foreshadowing is excellent, but nothing could prepare me for Jack's terrifying discovery or the tragedy which befalls his family. The ending is anything but happy. I say this about a lot of stories I love, but this needs to be made into a movie. ASAP.

Of all the possible apocalypse scenarios to affect the human race, this is absolutely the most frightening, in my opinion. Even if you're not a fan of this genre, make an exception and read this story.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Another One For The Top Ten List

A meek employee perpetrates a workplace massacre, knowing he can dispel away the consequences with the two most powerful words in the universe.

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.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Saying Goodbye To The Past

You can go home again, but sometimes you really, really shouldn't. 

Jessica Bates is a successful paranormal investigator with a new network TV deal, a boyfriend she loves, and no idea of the trouble she's about to find herself right smack in the middle of. 

Nobody told her the location of their latest episode and investigation site. Because they knew she'd never come with them if they did. Twenty years ago, Jessica's high school burned to the ground, killing all her friends while she watched. Now there are reports of strange noises and odd activity in the abandoned school, and the town has hired Jess's crew to figure out what is causing the disturbances. 

What they find is worse than they ever imagined. 

Reunion by John G. Hartness is the best ghost story I've read in a very long time...it has EVERYTHING! The setup has a steady pace, increasing the suspense as the backstory is revealed in pieces. When the paranormal activity kicked in, I was genuinely on edge, wondering if anyone would make it out alive. There is more than one twist in the plot, before the story ends. I wasn't able to predict any of it, and it's increasingly difficult for me to find stories which surprise me anymore.

Hartness writes with such a thrilling style, it's easy to visualize everything in the story...I think Reunion would make a fantastic horror movie.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Perfect Architecture

After finding a journal left behind by his new home's previous owners, a young man finds himself questioning reality itself based on the chilling events he finds detailed within.

The Journal by J Humes is a horror story told through journal entries, contained in a farewell letter. Readers never learn much about the letter writer, aside from how the person has come into possession of the round house. The suspense is well-paced, particularly when the mirror is brought to attention.

Normally, unanswered questions would drive me crazy, but the mystery surrounding the journal's author and the strange observations about the mirror accentuate how truly horrific the unknown can be.

Humes has definitely captured my attention...

As always,
AstraDaemon

Fighting Tooth And Nail

Aatu is eighteen years old, a respectable landowner, and about to marry the girl he loves. The south coast of Finland provides everything his little village requires.

It’s a peaceful life, until a band of ex-Crusaders land on the shore. With the harsh winter and lean times approaching, they cannot be allowed to stay for long. When their priests disturb things best left alone, Aatu fears a minor annoyance will become a disaster.

Aatu’s people turn to the old ways to fight the enemy, to teeth and claws instead of swords and spears. Though they are outnumbered and unused to fighting, Aatu is about to discover that wild wolves are not the most fearsome predators in this land, and even the most peaceful people can become ferocious in defense of the ones they love.

By the Light of the Moon by Blake Smith is a mix of historical fiction and the supernatural, although the author does take huge liberties with the historical part. I'm reminded of both movies Pathfinder and Kingdom of Heaven, with an original version of a familiar creature included. The story is not as predictable as one might think.

In addition to surprising readers with some rather dramatic scenes, Smith fleshes out her characters with details about personal relationships, as well as family history. By the time the end battle is over, readers will be left breathless and torn.

I will be adding this story to my Top 2018 list.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Powerful Imagery and Emotions

A peaceful weekend for four college students at the lake ends when the country is thrown into war. A woman is visited in her kitchen by an invisible man. A man wakes up and finds he is the last person left on the planet – because of faith. 
29 short stories about tears and scares, about watching horror movies with yourself in the movie, burning down houses and getting a message from your dead child via cell phone. 29 short stories about darkness and light, about love and death, about everything you might find in the borderland between being awake and dreaming...

Dreams and Awakenings by Claus Holm begins with a lengthy introduction from the author and would've been better placed at the end of the anthology as an "author's note." Holm's writing is so well-crafted, I recommend just skipping straight to the stories and read the intro afterwards.

Many of the stories are relationship dramas with supernatural twists. Some of the stories are flat-out terrifying. A few are filled with dark humor. All of them are exceptional storytelling.

I've read at least three of Holm's collections, and this is my favorite...definitely making my Top 2018 list for anthologies. I would love to see the author write another volume of Dreams and Awakenings.

As always,
AstraDaemon

The Grand Finale [When They Came Trilogy]

When They Fell by Kody Boye is the third book in his alien invasion trilogy, which includes When They Came and When They Saw. The story begins where the second one left off, with Asha asking "Are you okay?" over and over and over. I can't even get into this installment without first emphasizing how much I looked forward to watching her die or get her tongue cut out, or something...anything to get her to shut the hell up. While Asha's skill with a rifle improved over time, her social skills did not.

Aliens have been raining hell on Earth for about seven years, with all manner of death and dismemberment, while survivors find themselves fighting each other as well as the invaders. Yet, Asha feels compelled to question the well-being of Ana Mia every five damn minutes. Her brilliant contribution to the war is to ask through out ALL THREE BOOKS, "Are you okay?" because, you know, she cares so much.

Not much has changed for Ana Mia. Not only does she have Dr. Phil for a girlfriend, but she is continually abused by the human survivors. They force her to use her special gift to lure the enemy into various traps, put her into life and death situations, and then accuse her of being a traitor because she used her gift. Damned if she does, damned if she doesn't. As if that isn't bad enough, Ana Mia is like a walking kiss of death, with her loved ones dying left and right.

Her alien contact, Grayson, appears to have his own agenda in this war, passing messages to Ana Mia about the alien Queen. Since she can't even trust her human companions, Ana Mia has given up on the idea of peace for either species. She has accepted her way of life will always be fighting, which is exactly what she does...right to the very end.

Anyone who is a fan of the TV series Falling Skies will appreciate the detail Kody Boye puts into the continued suffering of his characters. I'd love to see this trilogy optioned into a movie.

---

I am such a huge fan of Kody Boye's writing style, I plan on reviewing another one of his book series in April.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Sci-Fi Sunday: Abandon All Hope

Deep Space Dead by Edward Chilvers is an entertaining mix of horror and science fiction. I expected a story about zombies in space, but this novella is so much more. Not only is there a brutal loss of one colony, but the second attempt also fails as the colonists deal with alien mutants, food shortages, rioting and betrayal. In addition to the tragedy in the community, the main characters are struggling with failed relationships and family drama on a personal level. Difficult decisions have to be made and all of them will cost more lives.

I'm satisfied with the ending if this is a stand-alone, but Chilvers could continue the storyline into another book if he wanted to. I would definitely look forward to reading more about Hearthstone...perhaps the next story could be told from Guya's point of view?

---

I'm moving on from short stories to the full-length novels on both my request list and my personal reading list, but I've been struggling to find time to write reviews. I'm hoping I can catch up on posting this week.

I can't stand to admit this, but I have authors who have been waiting over a year for review requests. However, I'm determined to catch up on all the new sequels for each series in my collections for each genre.

Keep checking back!

As always,
AstraDaemon

Modern Fable

Be Careful What You Wish For by A.C. Hutchinson is a fantastic short story with dark humor. I thought it was funny...David had a gift, abused his gift and paid for it. Envisioning his table visitor as Samuel L. Jackson made it even better. The author did a fabulous job describing the characters. Hutchinson took a couple of common themes and twisted them together to form a modern fable.

---

This story is going to be added to my nominee list for Top 2018 Short Stories. We need more modern tales like this. While I love the classics, Aesop's Fables aren't as popular as they once were and sometimes adults need reminding of those valuable lessons.

As always,
AstraDaemon

A MUST-READ FOR ZOMBIEPHILES!!

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. Del is one hell of a character and I think Lynd could write a mini-series centered on the guy and his occupation.

This short story is one of the best I've read so far in 2018.

---

It's been a long time since I read a zombie story with such an original twist, although, some may argue that the mythological element is not a new concept, I still think Lynd should get major props for bringing the two genres together in this story.

Even if zombies aren't your usual cup of tea, horror fans really need to check out Lynd's creation!

As always,
AstraDaemon

Reflecting On Reflections

Mirror Lake by Craig Milton recalls the terrifying moment a young boy realizes the reflection in the lake is something more, something sinister. Unfortunately, as an adult, Carl has forgotten the childhood horror and he pays a severe price for losing his grasp on that memory. The setting, the pace, the suspense...everything is well-written, and the ending is so mind-blowing, I sincerely hope the author turns Mirror Lake into a novel.

---

This story reminded me of the many bad dreams I used to have about dark water, usually in the form of lakes. One in particular stands out because there were other dream people involved. They were enjoying typical water sports, such as water skiing and riding jet-skis. The entire time, I'm freaking out on shore because I just know something dangerous is lying on the bottom of the lake...many somethings...bigger than boats. Sure enough, people were getting dragged below so fast, everyone else just thought they had fallen into the water. Until the screaming began...no one ever pays attention until the screaming begins...

As always,
AstraDaemon

Mirrors Might Be The 2018 Theme

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. I'm definitely interested in reading more from this author.

---

I've read horror stories for so many years, I've noticed a pattern among the frightening creatures and evil objects in fiction. Not only have I noticed common themes rise and fall in popularity, but I've also observed authors seizing classic elements and twisting them into their own disturbing visions, much like mad scientists spawning monstrous new life in their towers and dungeons.

There have been the changes between traditional monsters: vampires, werewolves and zombies, all vying to be the top threat, but, thanks to modern day authors, vampires can walk in daylight, werewolves can control their shape-shifting and zombies can have relationships with the living. An unfortunate side effect to these changes has been a softening of these monsters' images, such as glittering vampires, teen werewolves playing sports and zombie comedies.

With this domestication of the big three, it's not surprising that other monsters rose up to take their rightful place in modern horror: Bigfoot, Cthulhu and Pennywise, just to name a few. Soon the monsters gave way to evil objects, often possessed: cars, dolls and mirrors...again, just the tip of the deadly iceberg.

Of course, literature moves in waves and cycles, and, thanks to the creative sick minds of horror authors, even when a familiar theme returns, it's usually more disturbing than the last encounter with readers...which is what makes horror my favorite genre.

As always,
AstraDaemon

When Memories Haunt You

You're Not Welcome Here by Jill Van Den Eng is a fantastic ghost story. I didn't think too much of it at first, but as soon as I reached the major plot twist, I sat straight up and rushed to see how it would end. Without giving anything away, this is so much more than a simple haunting. Having the story narrated by the dead mother/wife is the perfect choice. This might make my top ten list for 2018.

---

I am one of those idiots that was warned repeatedly not to screw around with a Ouija board, but I did it anyway. During my college year, there was a night my curiosity got the best of me. It didn't help that I had a friend who was obsessed with the movie The Craft. To this day, I'm grateful we used the board at her place and not mine.

We attempted to contact any random spirit, but nothing happened. This is when I have another attack of stupid: I decided to try to use it myself...I felt the centerpiece pull away from me and screamed bloody murder. Adding to my horror, every book and movie my friend owned proceeded to spill forth from her living room shelves, surrounding us in chaos.

We fled from the room, running into her bedroom, jumping on the bed and holding onto each other like frightened little children. It remained quiet and uneventful for several minutes, so we ventured back into the living room, threw the board into the outside garbage and never spoke of it again.

Nothing more ever happened, but I've been fearful of those boards ever since.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Damn. Just...damn.

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.

---

I really don't want to get into politics, especially on my blog, but considering the current political climate, this story is frightening in ways I don't want to dwell on. I'm old enough to remember the Cold War, so the threat of a nuclear attack has always been in the background of my life.

I am so used to picturing myself in the middle of an apocalyptic event, I'm not sure I've ever considered what it would be like to hear and see events unfold from a safe distance. I do remember how surreal it felt to watch the 9/11 attacks unfold on live TV, but the attacks were limited in targets and affected area.

If you were in space, would you even bother to complete the mission, knowing NASA probably didn't exist anymore?

As always,
AstraDaemon