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

Body Horror | Extreme Horror Review | AstraDaemon

POWER by C.S. Alleyne centers on a young woman trying to improve her station in life without prostituting herself. Unfortunately, one customer refuses to acknowledge the no-touching policy after she models for some photographs. Maude decides then and there to take revenge for herself and all the other girls who have been victimized.

This short is full of brutal scenes, including rape and torture, so consider this a content warning. However, the author is careful not to go into detail about the violations against Maude and the other girls, but rather focuses on the fallout, after she makes the monster her prisoner.

This definitely qualifies as body horror, and I don't recommend this to anyone with a weak stomach or casual tourists of the genre. However, if extreme horror is your thing, you're going to love the ending.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Bram Stoker Winner | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

In this modern day retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, the wolf takes to the city streets to capture his prey, but the hunter is close behind him. With Grim Marie on the prowl, the hunter becomes the hunted.

LITTLE DEAD RED by Mercedes M. Yardley should have a trigger warning. While the author is careful not to go into details, hints of rape and domestic abuse set the foundation of the story. This is absolutely one of the most horrifying and traumatizing stories I've ever read, and so well-written, not a single solitary graphic scene was needed to convey the twisted evil of the wolves.

Readers are never shown the wolf attacks, but Yardley reveals the devastating outcomes and gut-wrenching emotions with such skill, one can easily imagine the hot breath and sharp teeth of the wolves, without witnessing the desecration of the flesh.

Absolutely no surprise this story won a Bram Stoker award. Recommending to all horror fans who can manage the content.

As always,

AstraDaemon

First to Make the 2022 List | Horror Review | AstraDaemon

SCARE CREW by D.W. Nathan has a really intersting author's note at the beginning, discussing a summer relase for a book pertaining to the short story PARK CLOSES AT DUSK, which happens to be my favorite Nathan story of all-time.

As for this short, the author offers the undead's perspective of the evolution of zombie movies, how the films moved on from shamblers to runners. Eventually, the zombified narrator shares the harassment of an elderly neighbor by some young hoodlums, and he comes up with a scare-them-straight plan...only it doesn't quite work out the way he expects.

The ending is freaking spectacular...I love how readers are given more information about the other undead in addition to the narrator. Highly recommend!

As always,

AstraDaemon

Hook Without Purpose | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

JASPER PEACOCK by Paula Cappa has a great hook, but didn't  really go anywhere with it. Mostly dialogue, little action, and even less of the centerpiece Rabbles. The ending gives the impression the author gave up on the storyline.

If you're looking for a horror story, look elsewhere. Even The Picture of Dorian Gray is far more thrilling, as far as stories about paintings.

As always,

AstraDaemon

One Minute Review 7 of 7 | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

IF ONLY LOVE COULD BE TAKEN AS A PILL by Julio Miranda centers on a woman battling her drug addiction, and failing.

As always,

AstraDemon

One Minute Review 6 of 7 | Flash Fiction Review | AstraDaemon

THE YUPPIE IN TAXI 469 by Julio Miranda features a cab driver sharing his worst experience with a customer, including a touch of supernatural horror, literally and figuratively.

As always,

AstraDaemon