Checkmate | AstraDaemon

BUG OUT by Charlie Dalton is a dark science fiction story, set in a dystopian future. Based on the description, I expected something like Starship Troopers, but this is nothing like the other. In fact, this battle with Bugs is far better, in my opinion.

The POV switches between two timelines: one begins with the discovery of the new alien species, and the other takes place after the war between humans and Bugs. In this way, readers will learn how the corporate decisions led to a nightmare mission on a planet with missing colonists.

The big reveal towards the end is absolutely horrific, and the very end is bittersweet. I highly recommend this one. I also recommend the author's short story, TYPHOID MARY.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Estranged Family | AstraDaemon

ON SAFARI IN R'LEYH AND CARCOSA WITH GUN AND CAMERA by Elizabeth Bear is a fascinating short story, written in a mixed style of Lovecraft and Bradbury. I love the hook at the beginning, and the delivery of the timeline. The author doesn't bog down readers with too many details, and yet manages to create more than one unique creature within a captivating setting.

I recommend this one to all readers, regardless of genre preference.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Love You to Death | AstraDaemon

DANCE WITH ME by Rocky Alexander centers on a young woman preparing to leave for college, while dealing with an obsessed ex-boyfriend. Luckily for her, she has an uncle in the police department. Unfortunately, he makes everything much worse.

The suspense is great...plays out kind of like a Tales From the Crypt episode.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Last Story, Last Breath | AstraDaemon

BURIED ALIVE by Ben Stevens is one of the most fantastic short stories I've ever read. The description had me thinking this would be some kind of escape suspense-thriller, instead, the author has created a powerful horror tale of self-discovery, redemption, rage and revenge.

There is not one dull moment in this story. From the first moment the narrator discovers he is trapped to the moment his story ends, every page had me on edge. I think this one could even be made into a movie.

Highly recommend to all readers, even if you're not normally horror fans.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Space Trash | AstraDaemon

UPDOWN by Simon Haynes is a sci-fi flash fiction piece about a visit from CPS to an abode which is no longer safe. After all, Daniel's dad fell through the floor, froze, and smashed like a plate.

The ending is horrific and shocking, and I love the setting so much, I wish Haynes would write a longer story about the planet.

I highly recommend this one.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Distracted Driving | AstraDaemon

Driving down a quiet, pitch black road in the middle of the national park, Emily concentrated as much as she could. Lost in her thoughts she had to frequently remind herself that she needed to concentrate. Clasping the steering wheel and fighting back emotions she breathed deeply to stay focused. It was the dead of night and the cars headlights illuminated nothing but tarmac and the foot of trees lining both sides of the road. She glances over at the passenger seat and looks at the supermarket shopping bag sitting there. Rapidly blinking and wrestling with her thoughts she puts her hand on the bag. Her hand shaking as she starts to rummage through the bag, then suddenly there was a dull thud underneath the car.

LYING IN WAIT by A.M. Dawkins is a flash fiction story filled with a rather disjointed storyline. Emily is distracted by her need for whiskey. Something has happened to her husband, but readers never find out why he's missing, which is a huge distraction. The description of her attackers is somewhat vague. The ending seems unfinished.

I think the author should have chosen a different format for this story idea. Fifty pages or more would have worked better than ten pages.

As always,

AstraDaemon

What Else Could Go Wrong | AstraDaemon

Tom Fellman doesn’t ask questions, he just buries the bodies. But this night he is sidetracked by his bumbling crew, and it can cost him his own life.

BURY IT DEEP by D.E. Michelle is a strange story, which begs to ask: how many thugs does it take to bury one body? Four is not enough in this case, especially when they have to deal with everything from crazies to the supernatural.

I wouldn't call this humorous...more bizarre than anything. The suspense is pretty good, especially in the end.

As always,

AstraDaemon