Samuel Brower Is Scary AF!!

Samuel Brower is an author that I stumbled upon a couple of years ago, and I became an instant fan. Here at the Lair, I've written about his work a couple of time in the past, Works of  Short Fiction and The Rail Yard Apparitions. I finally had time to look him up again to see what he's been writing...

There's Something In The Walls is a fantastic novella which needs to be made into a horror movie ASAP. Brower first draws the reader in with a humorous introduction to the tenants of the Perkins Building, during an earthquake evacuation. At least, I think it is meant to be a funny hook...I laughed so hard at David in his Ambien haze, I peed myself. Then Brower lets the terror flow, or, rather, ooze from one page to the next.

Something old and ancient has made its way into the walls. Nothing as complicated as Lovecraft's Cthulhu, but a reminder that mankind is not the top of the food chain. Pay attention to the discussions about the people who live in the building because, when everything goes to hell, you'll be devastated when you realize who never made it out.

It's less than 100 pages, so I strongly recommend horror fans add this story to their collections!

As always,
AstraDaemon

Saturday Shorts: Worst. Nightshift. Ever.

The Rail Yard Apparitions
by Samuel Brower
59 pages
FREE for limited time!

I enjoyed Works of Fiction so much, I decided I would just go ahead and feature Brower in another Saturday post. He has a way of telling a story that makes readers feel like they are experiencing the story, not just reading about it. Brower's stories also evoke a wide range of emotions, ranging from fear and revulsion to curiosity and amusement.

The Rail Yard Apparitions had me completely enthralled from one page to the next, and it has a clever ending which is a bit of a teaser. I could completely relate to Ben Suarez, a college student who needs the job, even if it's not the ideal work environment. However, Ben has bigger problems than an asshole for a boss or complaining customers - he has to face the horrific past events of the rail yard.

This novella has all the elements of classic horror, as well as the writing style I've come to expect from Brower. (I only recently started reading his short stories, but I have yet to be disappointed.) I wouldn't mind a follow-up. In the meantime, I look forward to more short stories from Samuel Brower.

As always,
AstraDaemon

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Saturday Shorts: Samuel Brower

Works of Short Fiction
by Samuel Brower
192 pages
$1.49 Kindle version

"Nine works of short fiction by speculative fiction author Samuel Brower, spanning the sub-genres of horror, fantasy, science fiction, and magical realism, and also including a few mashups of these. Brower’s fast-paced and action-packed style of writing will keep you on the edge of your seat during the action scenes, while the more dramatic scenes will warm your heart."

What I love most about this collection is the different locations, time periods and genres among the stories:

A HUNTING IN BALTIMORE, featuring a paranormal investigator, has some frightening moments, and I really liked the character.

A PECULIAR BREW is my favorite in this anthology. It's a beautiful story about a grouchy old man with cancer and his young autistic neighbor.

TARA'S GRAVE is a great piece of vengeful flash fiction.

BENEATH THE WEAVING HILLS SANITARIUM is a supernatural story that didn't interest me as much as the others.

AMONG THIEVES is a very clever and original story about justice.

APRIL FOOLS is another story with paranormal investigator H.H. Horowitz.

LOT 113: BUDDHA STATUE IN LOTUS POSE is a story that I read before, and it's still creepy the second time around.

THE TERROR AT RED RIVER GORGE is about camping gone horribly wrong.

OAF is another one that I've read before, and it is an excellent way to end the anthology.

I already have another of Brower's anthologies on my reading list, so I definitely think horror fans should read his work.

As always,
AstraDaemon