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

Come Hell or High Water | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

HORRORICANE by Edward Newton (Grinning Skull Press) is the second installment in the Tempests of Terror series. However, this book and HORRORFROST function quite well as stand-alones, even though they take place simultaneously in two different US states.

While the residents of Montana are dealing with a monster in a blizzard, Florida survivors are attempting to escape from a hurricane with its own elemental Kaiju. The assortment of characters create several layers to the story, and, although the first few chapters are spent setting up the various POVs and backstories, the brutal action is nonstop once it kicks off.

I was so impressed with the first installment, I placed HORRORFROST on my Top 2020 list. With that in mind, HORRORICANE is much more thrilling. Newton has raised the bar yet again, and I'm looking forward to finding out what has been happening in California. Not only is the Tempests of Terror series making my Best of 2022 list, I am recommending this one to all fiction fans.

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

Not Like Old Shaw | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

THE DOOR TO EVERYWHERE by Matt Shaw held my attention from beginning to end, but I'm not impressed in any way. No character development, no real action...jarring ending without resolution. Not really horror, and pretty bland compared to what the author usually writes.

Shaw's recent stories are not nearly as entertaining as his creations from previous years. I hope he's not burning out. I miss his cosmic horror filled with supernatural creatures.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Compromised | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

When special investigator Cort Davies accepts a deliver for a local biker gang, he sets into motion the dangerous conclusion to a long-term undercover assignment. Every moment of the following twenty-four hours has been planned and plotted to insure success, but all it takes is one command from the gang leader to unravel months of planning. A move that will put both Cort and the package–a woman bound and gagged in the trunk of the car–into a life or death fight they never planned on.

INFALLIBLE by Ruby Ransom is a decent crime drama, but seems more like a few chapters of a bigger story.

I hope the author will consider writing a full-length novel.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Extended Warranty | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

DEBT by Joshua Scribner doesn't seem like a complete story, even for flash fiction...more like a brief chapter from a longer tale. Nothing to really make it stand out from the "sold my soul" trope.

As always,

AstraDaemon