Just A Puddle

THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE WATER by Simeon Gregory is a short story about contaminated water bringing about the apocalypse. Nothing is revealed about the organism in the water. The narrator mentions very little about the state of the world, after contaminating most of the population. No details about how the organism affects humans. Even for a flash fiction piece, there isn't much going on.

There is a moment of action, when the storyline finally picks up, followed by an abrupt ending. Gregory can do better than this.

As always,
AstraDaemon

You Can't See Beyond The Veil

The white one bedroom house on Stewart Street has many hidden secrets. An evil from within the basement is unlocked and begins to psychologically torture one of the residents. Sam is battling his inner demons and must face something perhaps even more sinister than losing his mind. It visits him each morning at 3 am. The Devil's Hour.

DEVIL'S HOUR by Simeon Gregory is full of suspense and terror, from a kid's POV. There is plenty of misdirection throughout the story, as well, but the one thing missing is anything resembling a backstory. As a result, there are definitely a few loose ends, once the story winds down.

I would have preferred to know more about Sam's family background, the history of the night visitor...seems like a lot of unrelated details are thrown in, when there could've been more focus on the basement (as an example).

Still a good story to read, especially before bedtime.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Mostly Glitter

Emma has only one wish for her 13th birthday; to follow a strange presence that greets her each time she visits a place with the name 'Devil' in it. As she gets closer, it begins to consume her and everything that she loves.

DEATH AND GLITTER by Simeon Gregory is filled with plenty of suspense and horrific imagery, but Emma is a very flat character, and nothing substantial is revealed about the entity she meets. This story is't my cup of tea, and, while it's not the author's worst story, Gregory is capable of writing much better stories.

I recommend the stories Cinema 9 or Wooden Nickel instead.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Snuffed Out

Sarah and Katie are best friends and live basic lives. Until one night, an unfortunate tragedy reveals that their lives are anything but ordinary. Their world is turned upside down and it is up to Sarah to shine light on what has happened—as she steps further—Into the Black.

Into The Black by Simeon Gregory is a flash fiction story about demon preying on the dying. The timeline is a little sloppy and there's zero depth to any of the characters. The idea is interesting, but Gregory rushed through this and failed to deliver any real horror.

I've read a few other short stories by the author, and I think this is the worst one. I wish Gregory would write more stories like Cinema 9 or Wooden Nickel.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Date Night

Cinema 9 by Simeon Gregory is the third story I've read by this author, and this is definitely my favorite of the three. Badger is okay and Wooden Nickel is brilliant, brutal story, but Cinema 9 has me in such a twist, I'm not sure I'll ever be able to go to a movie theater again. Not only did Gregory offer up a setting any reader can relate to, but he created an original monster with terrifying abilities. I have so many unanswered questions, but I always enjoy an author who leaves me wanting more.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Karma With A Coin Flip

Wooden Nickel by Simeon Gregory is a brilliant short story. The build-up is slow, but completely worth reading through as the true horror of the wooden nickel is revealed. I don't know if Gregory intended Stan's backstory to be funny, but I laughed myself into tears, only to be gut-punched, kicked in the face and stomped on by the ending. I felt thoroughly destroyed after discovering what the boys brought upon themselves. Moral of the story: be kind to others...you never know how a coin toss will turn out.

I reviewed Badger by Simeon Gregory back in August, and the stories are so radically different, it's hard to believe it's the same author. I'd love to see Gregory keep the writing style used in Wooden Nickel.

As always,
AstraDaemon