House of Crows Book 4 | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

What’s drawn four damaged people back to Merle House? The answer could destroy them all in a gripping short story of the truths we bury and the lies we tell ourselves.

Matthew, Claire, Ian, and Mason haven’t set foot on the Merle family property since the summer they were sixteen. They tried for years to put their history behind them, to forget the mystery of the girl who vanished so long ago. But a powerful force from their past is still at play. This time, there’s no hiding from it.

LOVE THE WAY YOU LIE by Lisa Unger is an interesting ending to the series. Still not sure if the author intended this as a crime thriller or a story with a supernatural twist. Easy to blame one character in particular for events, and yet, thinking back on details in the three previous installments, the Dark Man's origin/status is debatable.

I honestly don't know if readers can trust the POVs of the characters, as one or more might still be hiding something.

As always,

AstraDaemon

House of Crows Book 3 | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

Is it a hoax, or is it something unspeakably real? In this short story about evil games and spiraling secrets, whatever bargain you strike, there’s a price to be paid.

Mason Brandt dropped out of seminary and found a job at a spiritual center offering guidance to troubled teens. Mason was one himself years ago—a suspect in a young girl’s disappearance. When a female student is found murdered, Mason is dogged by suspicion and flees. He hopes Merle House will offer him sanctuary once again.

CIRCLING THE DRAIN by Lisa Unger is the third installment of the House of Crows mini-series. This one centers mainly on Mason, one of Matthew's childhood companions, now an adult struggling to keep his life stable. His connection to Amelia and her disappearance is revealed, but the Dark Man and his intentions remain unknown. History repeats itself, and Mason has no choice but to reconnect with his past.

As the pieces fall into place, there is an obvious pattern to events. However, the main characters are either in denial, hiding secrets or both. I really hope the last book will answer all my questions.

As always,

AstraDaemon

House of Crows Book 2 | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

A grief-stricken spiritualist thought his faith in life after death was broken. Until the ghosts of his past come calling in this short story of believing in what can’t be seen.

Driven by an uncanny mystery from his youth, Ian Randall became a “spiritual cleanser,” ridding disturbances from homes. But his belief in the beyond was challenged by his wife’s death. Merle House, the root of Ian’s obsession, could change that. The woods are restless again. Maybe here, Ian will find what he needs—if he’s willing to make a deal with the dark.

FOG DESCENDING by Lisa Unger is the second installment of the House of Crows mini-series. I was already hooked on this series after reading Book 1, but the flashbacks in this installment have me completely freaking out. I can't wait to find out who the Dark Man is, how he is connected to the Merle House and why he seems fixed on the four friends.

I love Unger's writing style...even with the alternating POVs and flashes to the characters' childhood discovery, the story flows quite smoothly. I hope the rest of the series is as horrifying as the first two books.

As always,

AstraDaemon

House of Crows Book 1 | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

For disgraced professor Matthew Merle, the inheritance of his grandfather’s crumbling mansion is both a burden and an offer of safe haven. His childhood friend Claire, a psychiatrist, desperately needs a haven of her own after one of her patients unleashes his dark side. At turning points in their lives, it’s inevitable that they should return to the past. And to Merle House. It’s been waiting for them.

ALL MY DARKEST IMPULSES by Lisa Unger is essentially the setup for the rest of the series, but I'm already hooked. The tone is a mix of AHS Haunted House with the writing style of Stephen King's It. However, Unger does a great job creating new twists on the common trope of the past catching up to the present.

So far, I dislike Matthew, feel sorry for Samantha, couldn't careless about Jewel, and Claire is the only character I care about. I don't know if any of that will change as the series progresses. With the cliff-hanger of the first installment, I'm looking forward to Fog Descending.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Rehab in Hell | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

After the death of his father, Robby Boulder found himself in the throes of addiction. Then, one morning, he woke up to a figure in his room, a figure that claimed a week in the woods would set him straight. But, once Robby and his fellow teen addicts hit the trail, the promise of salvation turns to a lie. Although Robby began his journey trying to better his life, the mission changes after one fateful night — make it out alive.

OUTWARD by Dan DeLuise is the second installment in The Witching Hour series, and it doesn't require a stretch of the imagination to believe something like this could take place in the States (I don't know if this happens in other countries). Building on a frightening reality, and incorporating a familiar horror theme, the author has created a terrifying form of rehab.

Not only do I recommend this series, but I also recommend DeLuise's collection FIVE MINUTE FRIGHTS.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Trust No One | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

On an October evening in 2002, Abby Fletcher went missing. Everyone in town joined the search to find her, but it was useless. The only clue was her bike, found in a roadside ditch. Slowly, people forgot about the case, but Charlie Roland never did. After 17 years of false leads and conspiracy theories, Charlie never gave up. Just when it seemed like all hope was lost, Charlie discovered something on his way to work. Abby, perfectly preserved, was standing at the end of his driveway. In a tale of nostalgia, delusion, and abandoned houses, “The Girl Who Reappeared” is a new, horrific twist on the time travel story.

THE GIRL WHO REAPPEARED by Dan DeLuise is the first book in The Witching Hour series. I'm not necessarily a fan of time travel stories, so I'm glad I gave this one a chance. I felt sorry for Charlie, thinking of how much he must be traumatized by Abby's disappearance. However, when he finds her standing by the mailbox, I began to wonder just how much Charlie's mental health had degraded.

I thought I knew what was going, but I underestimated the situation. DeLuise has created quite a horrific tragedy, and I can't wait to read the second installment.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Revisit When They Came Series | Science Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

THE LAST MOMENT by Kody Boye is a short story set in the WHEN THEY CAME series. The prequel, THAT FIRST HOUR is told through the eyes of Jason Parks, an eleven year old running from a waking nightmare, and introduces readers to an alien species that breaks away from the traditional black-eyed, grey creatures. The first book, WHEN THEY CAME, takes place six years after the initial invasion. The main character, Ana Mia, has decided to join the Midnight Guard, to protect Fort Hope. She takes an insane amount of abuse from the other human survivors throughout the trilogy. Ana Mia has accepted her way of life will always be fighting, which is exactly what she does...right to the very end.

Which brings us to this new addition to the series...another prequel revealing how Ana Mia came to be a resident of Fort Hope. The way her parents her react to the attack in their home explains her warrior spirit. As for the rest, I think there's enough to tempt new readers into this series, while giving a nod to those who loyally followed Ana Mia through her apocalyptic journey.

I'm recommending this story and the others to readers who love a good mix of horror and science fiction. These are not your parents' aliens...

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.

---

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

Spectacular World War | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

FORTRESS OF FLESH is the third book in the Hissers series by Ryan C. Thomas, co-written with Anthony Tervino. Connor and Am managed to escape Castor, form a survivor group with Doug and Olive, and find a scientist to share the top secret data with...and the military finds them. When a familiar face greets the group with promises of safety and a plan of action, the teens are not willing to trust the man who failed to save their loved ones.

The characters are some of the best I've ever encountered in an apocalypse series, but the scene stealers in FOF are definitely the Hawk brothers. At some points, their behavior seems over the top, but, considering their unique upbringing, their choices are not surprising.

The are three major developments in the storyline: the Hissers have mutated several times over and are showing intelligence, the rest of the world is blaming the U.S. for the global spread of the virus, and, last but not least, the survivors have less than a week to field test the serum designed to kill the monsters.

There are no dull moments, and, while I wouldn't change anything about the ending, I feel the Hawk brothers need a short follow-up story of their own, perhaps including Doug.

I'm highly recommending this series!!

As always,

AstraDaemon

Apocalyptic Coming of Age | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

DEATH MARCH by Ryan C. Thomas is the sequel to HISSERS. (I've been re-reading the series, since the third book was released in May.) Only two of the original characters make it out of Castor alive, but this installment introduces several adult characters, emphasizing the generational differences in attitudes and survival tactics. The inclusion of music references adds a fantastic layer to many scenes.

The author's monsters have also changed since the night of the plane crash, from mutant zombies to undead leviathans, and, of course, people have gone crazy and then some. The survivors are faced with a choice of journeying further into the new hellscape or taking their own lives. The theme in this book appears to be finding something or someone to keep living for, when it would be much easier just to stop running.

If you'd like more details, check out my original review here.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Teenage Crucible | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

HISSERS by Ryan C. Thomas is the first of a series I have recently read once again because the third book finally came out this year. Despite having read this installment more than once, I still enjoyed every moment. The story centers on a group of teens speculating about their first year of high school, until a plane crash changes their lives and transforms the world around them. Their hometown of Castor is the first to fall to mutated undead created by a military experiment. Even after all this time has passed, I still haven't read any horror novels with abominations such as these.

As I stated in my original review, "These aren't 14 yr olds forced to grow up fast, or any other cheesy cliché...they are children who are desperate for the help of an adult - any adult...children who feel abandoned by the people who were suppose to protect them...children who can't drive a car, and pee themselves from fright." The ending is absolutely devastating. (You can read more about my first impressions here.)

If you haven't begun this series yet, I highly recommend it.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Re-education | Book Review | AstraDaemon

THE SAMARITAN by Dave Jeffery is the third installment in a series about a meningitis mutation which causes deafness. Those born deaf (Harbingers) are blamed for the virus, and those who retain their hearing (Harks) are forced into slavery for those survivors who have become deaf after contracting the disease. Cathedral is one of the settlements which victimizes both Harbingers and Harks, while forbidding the use of sign language. Last but not least, the Samaritans patrol beyond the walls for supplies and survivors. The first two stories can be read in any order, but I recommend reading both of them before this third novella.

This one hit me harder than the others in the series. You know you're going to be a mess by the end when you're covering your own mouth to stop the screams. The experiences of the main character are a study of coercive persuasion in multiple forms. Jeffery couldn't have shocked me more if he took a crowbar to my knees. The ending absolutely floored me.

I highly recommend this series to all readers, not just horror fans...and keep in mind, the author wrote the first book BEFORE the pandemic.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Roger Roger | AstraDaemon

SCARS OF THE BROKEN by Ryan C. Thomas is the third book in the Roger Huntington Saga. I'm really digging the person Roger has become, his dark sense of humor is an oasis in the sea of blood he calls his life. His roommates have a Cabin-in-the-Woods feel to them, and Fountain is shady from the very beginning. For several chapters, I worried this book would be the one to sink the series, but Thomas came through with a mix of horror, crime drama and the paranormal in the most unexpected way.

This story is radically different from the first one, even with the torture element, but I'm still hoping Thomas will continue with the Roger near-death experiences.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Learning the Hard Way | AstraDaemon

BORN TO BLEED by Ryan C. Thomas is the second book in the Roger Huntington Saga. I'm slightly aggravated by the character's choices, considering what he went through in the first book. I suppose Roger figured, "What are the chances THAT will happen again?" and decided he paid his dues for the rest of his life. Not a chance...

When he fails to see the warning signs of another possible threat, two people he knows are soon facing a similar hell to the one Roger barely survived. To his credit, he doesn't hesitate to attempt a rescue, but he doesn't appear to have learned much from his previous captor. Maybe it's the junk advice he receives in his therapy sessions, but I'm grateful he has the sense to involve Teddy.

As strange as the storyline becomes, I couldn't help but think of the Armie Hammer scandal in Hollywood, which makes a person wonder how likely this psycho stuff takes place, and how much could a group of elitists get away with.

While not as strong as the first installment, I'm definitely sticking with the series.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Roll of the Dice | AstraDaemon

THE SUMMER I DIED by Ryan C. Thomas is the first book in the Roger Huntington Saga. I've been a fan of the author for years, but somehow I missed this series, and I'm shocked to discover Thomas had this inside of him. So many times, I imagined myself in the place of the narrator, Roger, and there's no way I would have had his fortitude. I would have run away as soon as the screaming began.

The setup is slow, but absolutely brilliant, allowing readers to bond with all the characters, before the nightmare begins. Tooth and Roger are an unusual pair, but their individual issues seem to compliment each other. However, their personal histories beg the question, can you break someone who is already damaged?

While some may be tempted to call this torture porn, the story is not graphic for the sake of being shocking. Make no mistake, what Roger and Tooth endure is horrifying, but the details are necessary for the ending and the future installments to make sense.

If you are simply a visitor to the horror genre, this will definitely be too much for you, but I am recommending this one to hardcore horror fans who read other authors such as Matt Shaw or Armand Rosamilia.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Ultraviolence | AstraDaemon

KELSEY'S PLAYGROUND: THE STORY OF A SADISTIC KILLER by K.B. Knight is an excellent crime thriller, with such brutal violence, this novel should come with multiple trigger warnings. This story is so radially different from the author's GREENWOOD series, I wasn't mentally prepared for the savage perversion of Kelsey Masters' murder spree.

Knight drags his readers into the dark alley of Kelsey's life, guts them with the jagged edges of her teen years, and performs unspeakable horrors with his characters from one page to the next, as he reveals the sickness within Ms. Masters. Kelsey maneuvers through her life like a psycho playing chess with body parts for board pieces.

The worst part is finding myself on Team Kelsey. She's kind of a female Dexter, living as a corrections officer while victimizing the prisoners, her co-workers, and anyone unfortunate enough to cross her path. Unlike Dexter, her motives are selfish. Don't even get me started on her blackouts. The ending left me screaming for more.

I sincerely hope Knight writes another PLAYGROUND novel soon.

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.

---

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

It Can Always Get Worse | AstraDaemon

FROSTBITE 2: LABYRINTH by Dave Jeffery is a sequel to the author's original mix of sci-fi, horror and crime drama. The second installment picks up with Knowles and Sully in pursuit of their common enemy. The author introduces a new rescue team with some intriguing backstories, giving readers several reasons to wonder how Appleby Enterprises might be connected to the killers in the Himalayas.

However, as the various characters find their way inside a hidden scientific compound, they soon realize their treacherous employer is just a tiny variable in a horrific experiment. New alliances are made as the enemy races to meet contractual obligations, and Knowles and Sully eventually discover their bond is far more valuable than they could ever imagine.

The cliff-hanger has a real 2020 feel to it...I hope Jeffery doesn't make fans wait too long for the end of this trilogy.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Halloween Reading: Highway to Hell Week | ROADS LESS TRAVELED | AstraDaemon

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.

This week, the last giveaway prize will be autographed copies of all five paperbacks. In order to enter, just leave a comment on any of the Highway to Hell posts. A winner will be chosen on Halloween night.

As always,

AstraDaemon

P.S. Due to a family emergency, there has been a delay with the first three posts, but if you check back, everything should be posted before Wednesday (Oct 28th) night.

Halloween Reading | Toxic AF | AstraDaemon

THE UNDEAD RUINS by Eloise J Knapp is the final book in the Undead Situation trilogy. As I write this, the Kindle edition suddenly went missing from Amazon, so the link will connect readers to the paperback. I'm still recommending this series in any form.

There is a huge time jump of about five years, with a few Cyrus flashbacks to key moments. Cyrus seems to have reverted back to the same personality he had in the first book. Other characters don't seem to have changed at all, which is kind of ridiculous when you think of what they've endured and how much time has passed.

In any case, this installment has more action than the first two books combined, with battles against both undead and crazies. People are trying to rebuild and completely ignoring how quickly everything fell apart in the first place. History is about to repeat itself. Some people carry scars, others carry grudge, but the really insane ones carry both.

I'm going to miss Cyrus...

As always,
AstraDaemon