Shaw-Lite | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

Over the last few months a series of earthquakes have been rumbling from deep within the trench. Curious to know why, and the impact they are having, a team of scientists start an expensive expedition down into the depths. Funded by a billionaire - who is going along for the ride in his specially designed submarine - the team head beneath the ocean's choppy waves with the world watching.

Little do they know that 7 miles beneath the ocean's surface, their nightmares await and their world will never be the same again.

THE MARIANA TRENCH by Matt Shaw is not nearly as shocking or graphic as his other stories, such as FROM THE FLAMES or OCTOPUS. This story is more of a creature feature, and this author usually does better with people being the monsters. However, the ending gave me legit nightmares. (For context, OCTOPUS 3 is the last Shaw story which traumatized me.)

There are references to his other novella, BELOW DECK, which is far more entertaining and horrific, in my opinion.Maybe I would feel differently, if I had read this one first. In any case, I'd love to see more stories surrounding the major event in this novella.

As always,

AstraDaemon

She's A Tank | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

GIVING UP THE GHOST by Dean Rasmussen is a chilling story about elderly dementia patient convinced someone from her past is there to kill her. Let me just say, I freaking love Edith's fighting spirit, "I won't put up with his s--t." She stole every scene.

Edith the Tank makes the story worth reading.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Nuclear Revenge | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

LUCKY STRIKE by JT Lawrence is a flash fiction story which could've benefitted from a longer format. The narrator remains a mystery from beginning to end, with hints of multiple identities. We never really learn the true nature of her relationship. The only thing which is obvious is how determined she is to get revenge for what she considers an offense, but there's no telling if she is truthful to even herself.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Web Cam Nightmare | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

ZOOM HORROR by Stories From The Attic is a great tech-horror story. The suspense is well-written, and the ending isn't as predictable as you might think.

I've really been enjoying reading the shorts from SFTA, and I recommend following the author on Amazon.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Wuzzles | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

STOLEN LIVES by Joshua Scribner is a flash fiction piece about a guy who takes in a stray cat...and the cat tells him when his loved ones die nearby. Eventually he meets a woman with psychic abilities, and she helps him make sense of his past.

On the surface, the story seems fairly predictable, but the ending still held more than one surprise.

This is a good creepypasta, but Scribner has written much more terrifying tales. I strongly recommend Scribner's short story AWOKEN, but, if you're looking for something longer, read his novella IT NEVER DIED.

As always,

AstraDaemon

No Idea | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

LAST OF THE DINNER GUEST by E.P. Hasan is in need of some serious editing. The author's attempt at suspense results in confusion. Not sure if Shane or Hayden died, not sure if one of them is currently being eaten by the other. Not sure if there is an element of the supernatural or just murder.

As always,

AstraDaemon

June Book Video | Recommended Reading | AstraDaemon

Only a handful of stories impressed me enough this month to make the video cut:

As always,

AstraDaemon