New Fave Author | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

AFTERTASTE & OTHER STORIES by Brett O'Reilly is one of the best short story collections I've ever read in my life. I can't really pick a favorite because every horror within these pages has something original and terrifying to offer the genre.

I didn't know what to expect...I've only read one other story by this author. However, this far exceeded any possible expectations I could have. The variety alone is impressive.

This will sound cliché, but, if you only read one book this year, make it this one. I can't wait to see what Brett O'Reilly writes next.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Best First Impression | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

CROOKED ANTLERS by J.G. Martin is one of the best collections I've ever read. When I find authors who can write like this, I don't understand why more readers aren't willing to try something new.

Not only are the stories terrifying and thrilling, but there are interlude stories featuring agents from The Facility who investigate Events...I freaking love this format, and I would love Martin to write a novel or novella centered on this concept.

Everything is so well-written, if I had the resources, I would produce an entire television series for Crooked Antlers.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Saxon Returns | Horror Book Review | AstraDaemon

THE ANUBIS EXPERIMENT: CAPTIVATING TALES by Richard Saxon includes a mix of cosmic and psychological horror, which is so dark, I had to up my anxiety meds to get through this without a panic attack. I'm not exaggerating when I say these stories will burrow into your mind in ways you'd never expect.

This is the second collection I've read by Saxon, and the author uses science fiction more heavily to deliver some hardcore pain and suffering amongst the characters and settings.

Recommending this one to all horror fans.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Great Assortment | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

WHEN THE CREATURES CALL by Clark Roberts is Volume 2 of Led By Beasts, a collection of short stories and essays influenced by the history of horror fiction. While the first installment featured children as the terrifying force behind the beasts, this time the beasts appear to be drawn by sacrifices: willing and unwilling.

I enjoyed reading every single story, and the essays offered some fantastic insight into Roberts creative mind. The last short, The Dog Creek Coven, is my favorite. I highly recommend this collection!

As always,

AstraDaemon

Wicked and Disturbing | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

HUNGER FOR DEATH by Joshua Marsella is one of the few collections I've read in which every story is an excellent example of horror. Usually, there's at least one or two I don't like, but I truly enjoyed this entire book from the first page to the last.

As much as I like his previous books Scratches and Severed, I'm even more impressed with this new release. As a matter of fact, this collection is making my BEST OF 2022 list.

As always,

AstraDaemon

BEST FICTION OF 2021 | End of Year Review | AstraDaemon

I decided to do something a little different with my end-of-year list, and categorize my favorite stories by theme. Four really stood out this past year, with most authors using houses, deaths, kids, or creatures. From there, I chose five titles for each theme, ranging from flash fiction to full-length novels. These are the ones which stayed with me, even though I read nearly 400 this year...

I present the BEST FICTION OF 2021 from the Lair, inlcuding horror, science fiction and supernatural suspense:

HOUSE THEME

THE HOUSE WHERE SHE DIED by Amy Cross is a very unique haunted house story with the narrator being the house itself. (novel)

HOUSE WITH ONE HUNDRED DOORS: AND OTHER DARK TALES by Travis Brown includes several house-themed horrors, but the one which gave me nightmares is THE WHISTLER. (anthology)

THE DOLLHOUSE by Bradley Poage tells the twisted tale of a house within a house. (short story)

THESE GHOSTS BLEED by Christy Aldridge is far more horrific than the revenge haunting of a dead wife.

BELOW DECK: HELL OR HIGH WATER by Matt Shaw technically takes place on a yacht, but is now home to a very depraved crew with a rather sick business venture. (novella)

DEATH THEME

A HOSTILE TAKEOVER by Christopher Motz first appears to be following the same formula as the movie, The Belko Experiment, but don't be fooled...this is far more brutal and sinister. (novel)

JUDGE DEE AND THE THREE DEATHS OF COUNT WERDENFELS by Lavie Tidhar centers on the vampire who serves as judge, jury, and executioner to make sure others of his kind are following their laws. (short story)

NAKED IN MY BEAUTIFUL CLOTHES and FOLLOW THE CROWS by Joshua Scribner are both told through the POVs of predators, with a supernatural element. (flash fiction)

THE REFLECTION by Dan DeLuise is my favorite of the Five-Minute Fright series. (flash fiction)

TOMB OF THE GODS by Brian Moreland is a terrifying mix of mythology, religion, horror and science fiction. (novel)

KIDS THEME

AUTUMN BLEEDS INTO WINTER by Jeff Strand is a coming of age story, under the most gruesome circumstances, and then some. (novel)

SCARY MOVIES by Stories From The Attic will definitely appeal to 80s horror movie fans. (short story)

HIDE AND SEEKER by Daka Hermon is a YA horror fiction novel centered on a group of friends who are marked by a demonic entity called the Seeker, after they break the rules of the game, Hide and Seek. (novel)

LORD OF PLAYGROUNDS by Brett O'Reilly is essentially cult versus cult, scam artists versus true believers. (novella)

OF MEN AND MONSTERS by Tom Deady follows a boy escaping an abusive father with his older brother and mother..he discovers his new sea pet is a vicious creature and finds out he's not the only one with a monster in his house. (novella)

CREATURE THEME

WITH TEETH by Brian Keene also includes two short stories, The Last Supper and Down Under. All three are great vampire stories. (novella)

TRAPPED by Armand Rosamilia centers on characters from his previous five Severed Press stories (OGROMNY, THE BEAST, FROZEN IN ICE, THE SEA WAS ANGRY and ABANDONED) snowed in at the same airport during a massive blizzard. (novella)

THE THING THAT CALLS by J.J. Mott is a collection of a dozen short stories by the author. My favorite is LITTLE ONES, and the specific reason this anthology made my list. (anthology)

THINGS UNDONE by Travis Liebert is a collection of 18 frightening tales, full of Lovecraftian nightmares. (anthology)

SEVERED by Joshua Marsella is an action-packed battle with an ancient demon in the jungle of Vietnam. (novella)

HONORABLE MENTION

THE NIGHT AIR by Kiran Revi is quite excellent...I'd love to see this one become a horror film. Revi has essentially mixed themes from the Twilight Zone's episode "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" and the movie Escape Room, but added a terrifying element of demonic hell.

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Perhaps these themes could be called the four horseman of 2021?

Annnywaaay...if you've never read any of these authors, you now have a list of great starting points.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Things Week | Wicked Woods | Horror Book Review | AstraDaemon

THE THING THAT CALLS by J.J. Mott is a collection of a dozen short stories by the author. There is a lot of variety in the themes, and the suspense is excellent. I enjoyed most of the tales, but there are few which rambled on more than necessary.

My favorite is LITTLE ONES. I don't know why, but this story gave me nightmares. When I think of all the gore, violence and grotesque abominations in the horror I've read over the years, I'm surprised Mott's forest creatures freaked me out so much. I'm going to chalk it up to his spectacular storytelling.

I highly recommend this collection to all horror fans. I'm also adding this one to my Best Fiction list for 2021.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Pandemic Casualty | Science Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

FIVE DIMENSIONAL DREAMS by John A Connor didn't entertain me as much as his previous collections. Unlike the others, which mix science fiction with horror, these stories are strictly sci-fi. They also lack the variety I've come to expect from the author. Instead, the common theme seems to be: humans are a disease.

I've always thought humans make the best monsters, so I don't have a problem with people being the bad guys in stories, but there's no character development within these shorts. They come across as very impersonal and apathetic. This is quite a departure from Connor's usual style...lacking his dark humor.

Instead of reading this, I highly recommend THE OCEAN OF SKY by John A Connor.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Perception | Anthology Review | AstraDaemon

 

FROM THE DEPTHS: TERRIFYING TALES by Richard Saxon is a mix of fan favorites and never-before-published exclusives...

THE OCEAN IS MUCH DEEPER THAN WE THOUGHT: terrifying creature feature with fantastic suspense involving the Tonga Trench

I WOKE UP DURING SURGERY. THEY WEREN'T TRYING TO SAVE ME: a sci-fi flash fiction piece

WE HAVE BEEN GUARDING AND EMPTY ROOM FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS. TODAY WE FOUND SOMETHING INSIDE: somewhat predictable with a rather dark ending

I'M A PSYCHIATRIST THAT DEALS WITH THE SUPERNATURAL: a unique twist on possession

MY JOB IS TO WATCH PEOPLE DIE: something much different than a grim reaper tale

THE RUSSIANS DUG THE WORLD'S DEEPEST HOLE. NOW I KNOW WHY: one of my favorites, a sinister combo of science fiction and horror

IF THE SKY GOES DARK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY, HIDE: another favorite, a mind-blowing mix of science fiction and horror, kind of like Ray Bradbury and HP Lovecraft tripping out together in the woods

THEY LOCKED DOWN THE HOSPITAL I'M STAYING AT: one of the most horrifying stories in the collection, with extremely grotesque abominations

STAY AWAY FROM THE OCEAN. IT ISN'T SAFE ANYMORE: a creature feature with a tragic ending

EVERY YEAR ON MY BIRTHDAY, I HAVE TO DIE: like an episode of Twilight Zone, not necessarily scary, but extremely disturbing

A MAN KNOCKED ON MY DOOR AT MIDNIGHT, HE GAVE ME A HORRIBLE CHOICE: this one made me really angry, not happy with the abrupt ending at all

MY FAVORITE TWITCH STREAMER JUST DIED. HE'S STILL ONLINE: one of the most frightening explanations of the afterlife

MY OLD HOME VIDEOS SHOWED ME A LIFE I NEVER LIVED: by the time I reached this story and finished reading it, I began to wonder how the author lives with such morbid creations in his head

I HAVEN'T SLEPT IN 3 MONTHS: a supernatural flash fiction piece, another favorite

RAINFALL: much longer than the others, depressing as hell and a terrible reminder of current events

I FREED AN UNKNOWN ENTITY FROM AN ABANDONED MINE. I'M SO SORRY: has a connection to one of the earlier stories and I freaking LOVE it

ANGELS AREN'T BEAUTIFUL: a coming of age story colored with pain and suffering

ARBOR VITAE: absolutely tragic flash fiction

LISTEN TO THE SOUNDS OF YOUR OWN EXTINCTION: another one connected ever so slightly to a previous story

Not strictly a horror collection, but every story is entertaining in its own way.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Relativity | AstraDaemon

In 'Sixty second eternity' you'll find the same intriguing mix of thought-provoking stories from the world just around the corner. Everything from the unforeseen problems of dealing with extra-terrestrials to the dangers of loosening the bonds between reality and possibility; from the drawbacks to instantaneous travel to just what does happen if you head out of the universe...and keep going. Twenty-two tales for people who thought they didn't like science fiction and for people who know that they do.

SIXTY SECOND ETERNITY by John A Connor is a mix of short stories and flash fiction with elements of science fiction, horror and drama. Once again, with this collection, the author provides an assortment of thought-provoking entertainment.

INCOMING stood out among all the others...this story alone is worth buying this book. Connor continues to be one of my favorite sci-fi authors. If you enjoy the likes of Ray Bradbury and David Brin, be sure to read SIXTY SECOND ETERNITY.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Buckle Up | AstraDaemon

THE PASSENGERS YOU CANNOT SEE by The Behrg is an entertaining mix of horror sub-genres, with terror taking many forms. The stories range from heart-breaking to frightening...a rollercoaster of nightmares.

While there are a few shorts I've read previously, most of these stories are new to me. This is definitely a collection I recommend to all horror fans.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Road Hazards | AstraDaemon

HIGHWAY 181 by D. S. Ullery is a collection of horror shorts, with an introduction by Terry M. West (The Devil's List). Fans of urban legends will most likely enjoy this collection, with common elements such as middle-of-nowhere settings, cursed land, and dark traditions, all centered on the highway which runs through each and every one.

The horror within these pages reminds me of Romero's TV series, Tales from the Dark Side. The stories have a kind of creepy simplicity which tricks readers into letting down their guard, only to be slammed face-first into the blood-soaked asphalt littered with the corpses of Ullery's characters.

I'm recommending this one to horror fans who value suspense over graphic violence.

As always,

AstraDaemon

No Sleeping With Brown | AstraDaemon

HOUSE WITH ONE HUNDRED DOORS: AND OTHER DARK TALES by Travis Brown grabbed my attention because of the author's reputation on Reddit's NoSleep (one of my guilty pleasures). I've read a few of the stories already on social media, but the author has such a chilling way of storytelling, knowing what would happen didn't make his creations any less terrifying. (For example: I had nightmares about The Whistler.)

This collection is one of the best I've ever read, and definitely making my Best Fiction of 2021 list. I look forward to reading more by Travis Brown, and I highly recommend this book to all horror fans.

As always,

AstraDaemon

TOP 2020 FICTION | AstraDaemon

The pandemic lockdowns gave me the perfect excuse to avoid other people and read hundreds of stories (780 Kindle titles, not counting paperbacks). I must say this year also brought out the best of many authors...I had a difficult time choosing which stories would make my Top Fiction list. I decided to include several categories, so I could include more variety.

In no particular order, I give you my TOP 2020 FICTION recommendations:

SHORT STORIES

SLEEPING BEAUTI by D.B. Green and A.K. Stein is a mix of science fiction, fantasy and horror, and more plausible than the backstory of the Matrix movies.

FEAR INCORPORATED by Hervey Copeland is a combination of The Belko Experiment, Escape Room and The Condemned, written with the flair of Stephen King and the intensity of Tom Clancy.

ELFRIC by S.O. Bailey is a mix fantasy and suspense to teach compassion for others, especially those who have suffered great loss.

BEST DAY OF SUMMER: THE KEEPER by Clark Roberts is an extremely terrifying short story, especially if you're a parent.

WAIT FOR NIGHT by Stephen Graham Jones is a fantastic twist on a popular legend.

NOVELS

THE GHOSTS OF DAVID BROOK by Amy Cross is a fantastic ghost story.

HORRORFROST by Edward Newton involves an unseen force hunting during a whiteout.

THE MONSTERS WITHIN by Kody Boye is a coming-of-age story with a Donnie Darko twist in a Dreamscape setting. 

SETH by Christy Aldridge introduces readers to an evil entity who wears a paper bag on his head.

THE CHILDREN OF RED PEAK by Craig DiLouie is an explanation of how the unraveling of the world can begin with just a small group of people.

NOVELLAS

TRANSFER by Terry M. West is frightening...The Slender Man and Sinister mixed together to form one hell of a creepypasta.

MELT by Christopher Motz is a mix of sci-fi and horror, and so much better than any version of The Blob movies.

ONE FOR THE ROAD by Wesley Southard is one of the few stories I've read which lives up to all the accolades. This really is a mix of Silent Hill, Jacob's Ladder and Lost Highway.

THE VAMPIRE NEXT DOOR by James Loscombe is the darkest story I've read by this author, thus far.

PIRANHA by Eric S. Brown is very much like a SyFy movie, but with the savage brutality the author regularly unleashes on his fans...not your daddy's piranha.

ANTHOLOGIES

NO REST by Joslyn Chase is a collection of fourteen short stories, ranging from crime drama to mystery-suspense, featuring the best and worst of human nature.

THE OCEAN OF SKY by John A Connor is a collection of twenty-three short stories and flash fiction pieces mixing sci-fi, horror and suspense.

LEADERS OF THE PACK is a fantastic collection of werewolf stories from twelve authors, such as Jeff Strand and Ray Garton.

BOOK SERIES

ROADS LESS TRAVELED is a five-book series by C. Dulaney. A young woman named Kasey actually has a "Z-plan" in place before the zombie outbreak in the story. While traveling, Kasey and her friends make some startling discoveries about the undead. The story arc is amazing and unlike any other end-of-the-world scenario I've ever read, but the evolution of the characters is what really stands out. Dulaney digs into her creations, tears them into pieces and scatters their remains across each novel.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

PAN by Christopher Ruz is a dark version of the Peter Pan story, mixing folklore and mythology from more than one source. I absolutely love all the sinister secrets revealed through the POV of a Lost Boy named Jimmy. Once the narrator's identity is revealed, this short story became one of my all-time favorites.

LITTLE FREE LIBRARY by Naomi Kritzer is a flash fiction fantasy story, and I am BEGGING the author to write more. I love this story. I love all the details, the suspense, but the ending is too abrupt...the interaction is too fleeting.

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There you have it...my list of must-read stories from 2020. Please share this list to give these authors the recognition they deserve. I sincerely hope 2021 is better for everyone. Stay safe and keep reading!

As always,

AstraDaemon

A Dark Version of Santa | AstraDaemon

THE HAUNTING OF THE NORTH POLE (AND OTHER FESTIVE HORRORS) by Matt Shaw is a very dark collection, and if you aren't familiar with the author's work, you should go read the OCTOPUS or FULL MOON trilogy first. Consider yourselves warned:

THERE'LL BE PEACE THIS CHRISTMAS - a man just wants to relax, but his family won't give him a moment of peace

SANTA'S SACK - absolutely heartbreaking; Shaw reminds readers monsters don't always have fangs or claws

SANTA'S GIFT - this story made me laugh, and I'll probably burn for it

DEAR SANTA - one of my favorites; I appreciate the perspective

THE COST OF COAL - one of Shaw's darkest stories

HE IS REAL! - frightening, with a bit of dark humor

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS - another favorite; this is why I'm a fan of Shaw

#METOO - a horrifying description of Santa's punishment

LAST CHRISTMAS - another interesting perspective on the holiday

THE COST OF COAL (PART 2) - a sinister ending to this collection

After reading these stories, I'm afraid to ask Shaw where he gets his inspiration from. The psychological horrors within are proof he is an excellent storyteller, and his reputation for vulgarity is just a small aspect of his overall talent. Shaw had such a productive year in 2020, I can't wait to see what he does in 2021!

As always,

AstraDaemon

Fireside | AstraDaemon

LED BY BEASTS by Clark Roberts is an assortment of horrifying bits and pieces, many featuring children as the terrifying force behind the beasts:

THE BOY: great intro to the collection, followed by some thoughts on Stephen King

VENGEFUL FANGS: a son avenges his father

BUFFOONVILLE: a woman discovers a twisted secret about her husband

THE WITCH'S MUSHROOM: brothers craving the same thing, followed by some Bentley Little chit-chat

CARNY BOB: marital issues are made worse by dragging up the past

CRAFTMANSHIP FOR FOOD: one of the weirdest stories I've ever read

COSTUMES: this is one of the best stories I've ever read, followed by a confession about Peter Straub

A LIFETIME OF DEVILISH HAUNTS: a deep story, with a bittersweet ending

THE CHOSEN DEATHS OF THE FACELESS: somewhat confusing, and quite sad

SOMETIMES: very sick and twisted, followed by a few memories of Clive Barker

A REUNION ON ZONBI PRAYA: ocean creature wrecks a marriage

THE PATH TO LUST: like being sober at a party where everyone is wasted

LILITH: karma, followed by an experience with Laird Barron

THE DEVIL'S FINGERS: mourning and murder

THE VDOVA GODDESS: a devil and a goddess

THE WHOLE WORLD IN THEIR HANDS: this one would make a frightening movie

EPILOGUE: the boy who grew up with stories

All of the stories are intriguing, some are terrifying, some are heart-breaking...my favorite is COSTUMES. Roberts has definitely leveled up with his storytelling.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Halloween Reading: Wolf Week | Pack Attack | AstraDaemon

LEADERS OF THE PACK is a fantastic collection of werewolf stories from twelve authors, such as Jeff Strand and Ray Garton. The variety is remarkable, including every possible scenario you can think of, and several which will surprise readers. This anthology is a great way to get a taste of the unfamiliar authors, as well as sinking your teeth into the ones who are very familiar.

I do think it's a shame there aren't any stories by female authors, but this is still one of the best assortments I've ever read.

As always,
AstraDaemon

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Barbara Waloven has been chosen as the winner for this week's prize. Please message me to make arrangements for the personalized autographed copy.

Go Through Hell For Charity

AT HELL'S GATES: BOUND BY BLOOD donates proceeds to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. This third volume focuses on the dark side of family:

LITTLE LOST LAMB by Patrick D'Orazio is a suspense story about a religious foster couple accepting a challenge.

THE MEEK SHALL INHERIT by C.T. Phipps is a post-apocalyptic tale about a diabetic father rescuing his wheelchair bound daughter from a cult.

MONSTERS by Sharon Stevenson recalls a father-son moment in an apocalypse.

THE RIDE by Sean T. Smith is a drama about breaking a vicious cycle of violence.

THE OLD MAN AND THE SEESAW by Stephen Kozeniewski is one of the freakiest zombie stories that I've ever read.

SPENCER FAMILY TRADITION by Stevie Kopas is the most disturbing family tradition EVER.

ROAD TRIP by Curran Geist is a fantastic sci-fi story filled with horror and is one of my favorites.

A MOTHER'S HEART by S.G. Lee is a twisted adoption story with a dramatic ending.

BEAUTIFUL SAVAGE by Devan Sagliani is an interesting perspective of a zombie outbreak.

PLANETOIDS, PRIVATEERS, AND OLDER THINGS by S.P. Durnin is a sci-fi story that would impress Lovecraft...with a touch of humor.

DAMAGED by Tim Marquitz is a story about domestic abuse with a supernatural twist.

THE MOTHER TONGUE by Terry Maggert is a vampire story with a religious theme.

THROUGH MOURNING by Brian W. Taylor is about a father missing his daughter.

NIGHTMARES DO COME TRUE by Suzanne Robb is a fantastic and horrific twist on werewolf lore.

LOVE THAT BINDS by Mikhail Lerma is a father-daughter moment in the apocalypse.

THE COFFIN IN THE REEDS by RJ Kennett warns that some things should be left unopen.

IN MINT CONDITION by David Sakmyster is a classic suspense story that is another favorite of mine.

ARM-RINGS AND HACK-SILVER by Christine Morgan is a tale about dysfunctional Norse family.

BLOOD TYPE by Paul Mannering takes the vampire genre to a new, scary place.

NEIGHBORS GOOD AND FAIR by Douglas Draa is a novella about a folklore nightmare.

FROM DARKNESS WE COME by Kerry Alan Denney is a frightening kidnapping.

DOMINIC by Shana Festa is a terrifying zombie short.

SACRIFICE by TM Caldwell is a great fantasy story about demonic possession.

A MATTER OF PERCEPTION by Lesa Kinney Anders is one of the best in the collection, with incredible narration from a young boy.

WE TAKE CARE OF OUR OWN by Sarah Lyons Fleming is a hellish homecoming.

THE MOTHER IN THE LAKE by Chris Philbrook has a Lovecraft element and is one of the most chilling stories in this anthology.

SUGAR AND SPICE AND SOMETHING NOT SO NICE by M. Lauryl Lewis shows how awful a dog bite can get.

NO MAN LEFT BEHIND by Timothy W. Long features a battle of epic proportions...great story to end on.

At Hell's Gates: Bound By Blood is an excellent assortment of both new and established horror authors who twist and distort several sub-genres to create numerous versions of Hell. This includes quality storytelling without the stereotypical genre gimmicks, and horror fans will enjoy this creative effort for a worthy cause.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Hell's Gates Look Inviting

AT HELL'S GATES: ORIGINS OF EVIL is the second volume of an effort to raise money for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. I have already read volume one, and whatever method they are using to choose the stories, it's working well. There is something for every horror fan, including science fiction and fantasy subgenres mixed with classical horror elements, and, if you're not normally a fan of the horror genre, you will be after reading this anthology.

This particular volume had numerous stories bordering on the bizarro genre, so, once again, the volume is unique:

PULSE BY MARK TUFO is a fantastic thriller about a bug zapper, kind of like Borne Identity meets the SyFy channel.

COOKIES FOR THE GENTLEMAN BY C.T. PHIPPS is a dark and hopeless tale about an unwanted visitor.

BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY BY EVIN AGER introduces an Army MP with a Lovecraft-type of deployment.

HISTORY'S END BY FRANK TAYELL is proof that even the smartest person can make a really stupid mistake.

A MOTHER'S NIGHTMARE BY J. RUDOLPH is a sad zombie story that will tear your heart out.

PATIENT 63 BY STEVE KOPAS is one of my favorites; this is an excellent outbreak story.

TYRANNICAL ASCENSION BY SHANA FESTA is a twisted apocalypse story that I enjoyed a lot.

INK BY JAMES CRAWFORD is another favorite of mine about the dark meaning of a tattoo.

THE MAN WITH FOUR SCARS BY STEPHEN KOZENIEWSKI is Clan of the Cave Bear meets Night of the Comet, and is one of the very best stories in this volume.

DADDY'S GIRL BY IAN McCLELLAN caught me off-guard with the twist; well-written.

OPERATION DEVIL WALK BY DAVID MIKOLAS is a personal holocaust.

THE INFECTED BY SG LEE shows how a zombie virus is born.

FORGET ME NEVER BY SHARON STEVENSON tells the tale of a starlet's dark secret to success.

MIRAGE BY SEAN T. SMITH is a story that Ray Bradbury would be proud of.

THE MILLSTONE BY LESA KINNEY ANDERS is another favorite in this collection; it's one of the best vampire stories that I've ever read.

GENESIS BY KIT POWER is an intense thriller-prequel to the novel "Godbomb!"

LOCKDOWN BY TIM CALDWELL features a zombie outbreak at a school.

COLLECTION NIGHT BY CURREN GEIST is a gut-wrenching sci-fi story...a damn good one.

THE COLD BY DEVAN SAGLIANI is one of the most unusual stories in the entire anthology.

A DIFFERENT COCKTAIL BY CLAIRE C. RILEY is about a cult meeting that goes horribly wrong for one young man.

A SONG TO SING IN BABYON BY BOBBY METEVIER & MATTHEW BAUGH is very weird...told from a demonic POV.

THE GOUGER BY PAUL MANNERING is a brutal ending to a brutal anthology.

The variety and originality of the stories makes this a perfect gift for horror fans, while contributing to a good cause.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Nine Horrifying Stories

SOMEWHERE IN THE SHADOWS includes a mix of authors and genres filled with suspense and horror:

ADAM'S RIBS by Andrez Bergen: Vampire flash fiction. Humorous in a good way.

BLOOD LINE by Amber Keller: Werewolf flash fiction. Sad, but entertaining.

D.A.V.E. by Dean Giles: One of the best in this collection - a sci-fi tale that would impress both Ray Bradbury and Stephen King.

ON THE AIR by Jonathan D Allen: One of the scariest stories in the book - I'm afraid of going into my own shed now.

THUMBING IT by Marissa Farrar: Great horror story with classic elements.

HIGHWAY by Andrew Cyrus Hudson: Wish it was longer - LOVE IT!!

GOING VIRAL by Craig Jones: Fantastic zombie story!

CHARLATAN by C.M. Humphries: Great mix of suspense, mystery, action & horror.

WORDS by Dan H. Kind: Made me nervous to read it on my Kindle.

I recommend this collection to any horror/sci-fi fan.

As always,

AstraDaemon