The Price of a Gift | AstraDaemon

Society has reached its peak within the walled city of Utopia. While the outside world lies in inhospitable ruins, the city within brims with technological marvels—all thanks to a benevolent god that appeared during humanity’s darkest hour. But with the city on the verge of overpopulation, and the world outside not promised to be safe, time is running out for the Utopian people, and it’ll take one brave young woman to change the course of history.

UTOPIA FALLS by Kody Boye begins with scattered details about the dystopian way of life in this isolated society, hooking readers into the story like hidden thorns. Once you've peered into the thicket of dark secrets, you'll find yourself entangled with Ember, until she is able to light the way for her people's future.

I have always enjoyed Boye's complex characters and his particular way of portraying both the best and worst of human nature, and UTOPIA FALLS is another great creation by this author. I highly recommend this one to science fiction fans of all ages.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Self-Preservation | AstraDaemon

On an isolated island in the Philippines, it patiently waits. A mysterious terror lurks in the shadows, stalking the poor stranded souls who visit the island. When a group of four tourists find their vacation quickly turning into a nightmare, the terror taunts them and comes for them one by one. The sandy beach and crystal waters of the lagoon will run red with blood if they can't find a way off this savage island.

SAVAGE ISLAND by Brian Moreland pleasantly surprised me with the multiple layers of horror at play: a slumber party gone wrong, marriage to an abuser, sexual exploitation, a shipwreck, and a brutal battle for survival. With one man's final journal entry alluding to the deadly force occupying the mysterious island, the author sets a frightening tone for this shocking thriller.

The main POV belongs to Amy, happy to be reunited with her best friend Jasmine, but readers are also offered glimpses into the thoughts and feelings of the other characters. The story fluctuates between a creature feature and psychologcial terror, with Ted providing a dark twist to the future of the island's inhabitants. The imagery is vivid and detailed, compelling me to read this novella in one sitting. Moreland's jungle nightmare would make a great movie, and I highly recommend this book.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Allen's Reality Check Bounced | AstraDaemon

THESE GHOSTS BLEED by Christy Aldridge begins with the suicide of an abused wife. Once I entered her house occupied by her late husband Allen, I couldn't leave anymore than Anna's spirit could. I expected this to be some kind of revenge haunting. However, the author has created something far more horrific than a vengeful ghost. Just as she did with SETH, Aldridge peels off the mask Allen wears to expose just how monstrous he really is.

I read this in one sitting, racing from page to page, hoping someone would finally catch on to Allen's facade. The ending is absolutely brutal, and left me wondering how much could be blamed on Anna, and what color is the sky in Allen's world.

Not only do I recommend this novel, but I also look forward to reading more by Aldridge.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Dream A Little Dream | AstraDaemon

BAKER: DEMONS AND OTHER NIGHT THINGS by Terry M. West includes the previous four installments, as well as an additional short titled THE DARK ALP, which is my new favorite Baker story. The author mixes folklore and metaphysics for a unique horror twist.

Even if you already have the other stories, I still recommend getting this collection.

As always,

AstraDaemon

When Worlds Collide | AstraDaemon

Baker Johnson is a psychical researcher, demonologist and exorcist living in 1930s New York City. Brilliant but deeply flawed, Baker has an otherworldly perception that allows him to read people with but a glance. In "Things the Dark has Always Held", Baker is approached by a dangerous mobster known as Johnny Stücke. Baker's black room, a place where haunted items are cataloged and kept, holds an ancient item that Stücke is determined to possess. Baker is introduced to the secret society known as the Night Things. And he may be the only thing standing between the world of man and the most dangerous threat it has ever known.

THINGS THE DARK HAS ALWAYS HELD by Terry M. West features a return character from SERVANT OF THE RED QUILL, followed by more than one revelation. This is definitely my favorite installment in the series, and I'm now looking forward to reading the Magic Now series.

If you're a fan of Terry M. West, and you enjoy crossovers, make sure you read this one!

As always,

AstraDaemon

Lovecraft Is A Jerk | AstraDaemon

Baker is summoned to Providence by dying author of the macabre, H.P. Lovecraft. Lovecraft makes a confession that threatens Baker's life and sanity.

DARK DREAMS AND WEIRD TALES by Terry M. West is perfectly horrific, but you don't have to be a fan of Lovecraft to appreciate his appearance in this story. Up to this point in the series, Baker seemed somewhat closed-off, but his deep terror of the curse visited upon him has certainly changed my view of him.

I enjoyed this tale far more than the previous two installments.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Better Than The First | AstraDaemon

The year is 1927. The place is New York city. Baker Johnson is reluctantly pulled into a case involving a troubled family in Yonkers. Jeremiah Simms, a wealthy collector of haunted objects, has acquired a rare tome penned by the infamous Marquis de Sade. Titled Servant of the Red Quill, this cursed book unleashes an evil spirit that threatens to destroy the Simms family. Baker must face a cunning and powerful demon to save the innocent. But the deadliest demons of this battle lie within Baker.

SERVANT OF THE RED QUILL by Terry M. West picks up a couple of years after the first installment. In my experience, if you've read one possession story, you've read them all, but the author sets this story apart from the others with an intriguing dynamic between the characters. The ending did not disappoint either.

As always,

AstraDaemon