Manx-iety: A Collection of Disturbing Stories
by Daemon Manx
The stories in this book were inspired by real-life events. Some are loose interpretations of my nightmares and experiences, and others are dark memoirs.
All were designed to evoke emotion. Longing, fear, remorse, desperation, and of course, anxiety, are a few of the horrors we all face and the ones from which there is often no escape. These stories were written during the most difficult periods in my life. Addiction, incarceration, and depression are the demons of which I speak. Creating this compilation became the tool I used to overcome these demons. This is the product of that struggle. This is Manx-iety.
Robin's Review: I was captivated by the haunting tales woven together in 'Manx-iety,' this mesmerizing collection of short stories by Daemon Manx has elicited an incredible range of emotions, each story delves deep into the human psyche, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's soul. Manx's unparalleled gift for descriptive storytelling brings each character and setting to life in vivid, heart-wrenching detail, immersing readers in a world of dark, haunting nightmares. Pain and suffering are the haunting threads that bind each tale together, creating a chilling tapestry of horror that will leave you breathless. Don't miss this chance to experience the thrill of Manx's dark imagination in one spine-tingling anthology that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
First Alien
by Maddie Marzola
A mysterious landing.
A mind-controlling alien.
Two women battling each other for the fate of the world.
When an alien spaceship lands in Southwest England, there will be consequences for those caught in the web spun by the creature waiting inside.
Lucy Campbell, a sly and arrogant thief, quickly forms an alliance with the Skaara – but is she selfishly pursuing her own agenda, or is this a desperate attempt to keep herself and her brother safe?
Agent Stephanie Davis is sent to investigate, but she soon finds it hard to trust anyone with a mind-controlling alien on the loose.
First Alien is a fast-paced, enthralling alien encounter novel
Robin's Review: First Alien by Maddie Marzola is a thrilling tale of a mysterious alien landing and a freaky mind-controlling creature that makes alliances. Lucy and Agent Davis fight for the world's fate. With a fast-paced and enthralling storyline I couldn’t put it down. Maddie Marzola's writing is captivating and skillful, delivering an engaging and intriguing story. I highly recommend this book.
Other Books in Series:
The First Landing
Cadaverous
by Jay Bower
When the sun went dark, it was only just the beginning…
Gaige Penrod yearns for the light of musical greatness. A self-taught metal guitarist with a dream of being the greatest, he finds himself drawn to a concert celebrating an eclipse, where he is overcome by an otherworldly presence that changes him forever.
As Gaige searches for answers, he becomes obsessed with the idea of fulfilling his musical destiny, and he sets out to reunite his band on his quest for glory. But in his pursuit of fame, he makes a deal with a shadowy figure, and unleashes a sinister force that threatens to consume him and everyone around him.
Cadaverous is a chilling tale of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the horrors that leave us questioning the true cost of our own desires.
Robin's Review: I was not ready to dive into the twisted world in "Cadaverous" by Jay Bower. In this chilling tale, the main character, Gaige Penrod, will stop at nothing to achieve fame - even if it means going to the darkest corners of the human psyche and finding the answers in the occult. Hold onto your seats because this story will take you on a wild ride until the very end. Bower's writing is impeccable, making it impossible to put this book down after just one page.
This creepy tale is brought to life by Mr. Bowers' impeccable writing skills and accompanied by a Spotify playlist that adds extra vibes to every page. Cool songs Bro! A gripping story such as this one promises some sleepless nights but is definitely worth it!
Hey everyone! ☀️📚🌊
Summer is just around the corner and I couldn't be more excited! And what better way to celebrate the season than with some amazing books? That's why I want to invite you all to join me in the "Lazy Days of Summer: A Multi Genre Book Celebration" group!
This group is perfect for anyone who loves to read and wants to discover some new titles across a wide range of genres. Whether you're into romance, mystery, sci-fi, or fantasy, there's something for everyone here.
As we all unwind and enjoy the sunshine, let's take some time to indulge in our love for books. Let's share recommendations, engage in discussions, and celebrate all the amazing stories out there. This is the perfect group for book lovers to connect and share their passion for reading.
So, what are you waiting for? Come join the "Lazy Days of Summer: A Multi Genre Book Celebration" group and let's celebrate the season with some fantastic reads! 🏖️📖
Mask of Broken Things
by Tanya Lynn
Love shouldn’t hurt, but revenge can.
Stella has run for so long, haunted by her tragic past, until something snaps within.
Morally grey vigilante by night and café owner by day, she finds peace in the eyes of a regular customer.
Nick is a detective, searching for answers in two different horrific cases.
One is killing innocent women, the other is torturing questionable men.
He visits the café often and finds himself falling for the owner, not knowing she holds the clues he is desperate to find.
Everyone hides behind a layer of protective lies, unwilling to bare their true selves.
Love is found in an unlikely place, fear runs through the city, and hearts are tested.
Who’s mask will slip first to reveal the truth?
***Author Note***
Information and content can be found on authors website.
Robin's Review: The Mask of Broken Things by Tanya Lynn is a stunning read that I couldn't put down. This book is a thrilling tale that will keep you turning pages as fast as you can read them. The complex protagonist Stella, although flawed and morally gray, is impossible not to root for. I found myself invested in her journey despite this.
The writing is beautiful and doesn't rely on excessive gore to create suspense. I was so engrossed in the story that I found myself neglecting my responsibilities just to finish reading it. Tanya Lynn is an outstanding author who has crafted a masterpiece that I'm ecstatic to recommend to anyone who loves a gripping, emotional, and beautifully written story.
Multiple Trigger Warnings:
Childhood Physical, Psychological and Sexual Abuse
Death and Murder
Remember Us: A Post-Apocalyptic Novel
(The Odemark Series)
by E.T. Gunnarsson
What is it like to return to Earth a hundred years after its downfall?
Two years ago, Simon, a revolutionary from the Arcadis space station, fled to Earth. The alien planet he finds is backward and primitive.
While Simon struggles to adapt, his newfound friend Anna guides him through life in the new world. One day, a mysterious explosion in the sky compels Anna and Simon to take the journey of a lifetime.
Across the new frontier, they run into the Father and his fanatical cult, murderers, and zealots who will stop at nothing in their search for "the Vessel." In a desperate race for time, Simon and Anna battle to stop a conqueror from finding the key to tyranny.
Robin's Review: "Remember Us" by E.T. Gunnarsson is an epic post-apocalyptic novel that takes you on a thrilling journey through a world that has been devastated by disaster. Simon comes from space and finds himself stranded on Earth, a planet that has become primitive and backwards. But with the help of his new friend Anna, Simon can navigate this strange new world. When a mysterious explosion in the sky sets them on a dangerous path, Simon and Anna encounter many dangers. This book had it all with action and excitement around every turn, "Remember Us" is a gripping tale of survival, friendship, and the fight for freedom. I loved every gripping moment of it!
Book Series Order:
Forgive Us: A Post-Apocalyptic Novel (The Odemark Series)
Abandon Us: A Post-Apocalyptic Novel (The Odemark Series)
Remember Us: A Post-Apocalyptic Novel (The Odemark Series)
The Cannibal Peaks Unholy Slaying Agency
by Guy Quintero
In the vast uncharted terrain of the Jefferson Mountain range, hikers go missing all the time...
Within the dead of the night, deep in the most remote area, a young girl and her twin brother watch as their family is devoured by the things that move too fast. Now as adults, Artemis and Aristotle Coleman lead Raptor Team into the heart of an underground kingdom in Jefferson, that was once the prison of the darkest evil.
Survival is not guaranteed, and neither is your sanity. Welcome to the depths of shadow and madness.
Trigger warning: this novel contains graphic violence, adult language, and sexual situations.
Robin's Review: Step into the immersive world of Urban Fantasy with The Cannibal Peaks, the second thrilling installment in Mr. Quintero's Unholy Slaying Agency series. This captivating book takes readers on a gripping journey with the Raptor Team, as they embark on a perilous mission to the Jefferson Mountain range, where a malevolent force is preying on lost hikers.
Prepare to be swept away by the unparalleled mysticism and intrigue of this enthralling read, which will leave you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. With heart-pounding action sequences, dark secrets, and a suspenseful plot that will keep you guessing until the very last page. The Cannibal Peaks is a true page-turner that will leave you breathless.
As a reader, I found myself completely engrossed in the world that Mr. Quintero has created, and I was eager to follow the Raptor Team on their dangerous mission to uncover the truth behind the disappearances in the Jefferson Mountain range. The vivid descriptions and expertly crafted characters make this book a joy to read, and I can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who loves Urban Fantasy or just a great book in general.
Overall, The Cannibal Peaks is a thrilling, suspenseful, and highly entertaining read that I enthusiastically recommend to anyone looking for a great book to sink their teeth into. Mr. Quintero is a talented author, and I can't wait to see what he has in store for readers in future installments of the Unholy Slaying Agency series. The Next Book in the Series: Door To Darkness
Native American Herbalism
by History Brought Alive
Health, Wellness & Natural Healing with Earth's Medicine
In the last century, mortality rates have dropped in the developed world. However, as death rates fall, there appears to be a drop in well-being.
Health, Wellness & Natural Healing with Earth's Medicine
In the last century, mortality rates have dropped in the developed world. However, as death rates fall, there appears to be a drop in well-being.
Conventional medications usually consist of synthetic medicines which can cause various side effects and are often expensive. Herbal medications cost less and are much more gentle on the body. Not only this, but they conform with cultural practices and traditions that stretch back for thousands of years.
Robin's Review:
"Native American Herbalism" promises to enhance your health and wellbeing through the age-old healing practices and natural remedies of Indigenous communities. Unfortunately, History Brought Alive's attempt at bringing this knowledge to life falls flat. The content lacks depth and fails to deliver on its tantalizing premise. Nonetheless, the potential of learning about herbalism from ancestral traditions is certainly appealing.
I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
The Posh Prepper: An Apocalyptic Survival Thriller Paperback
by Todd KnightAn apocalyptic virus. A crisis consultant. A 24-hour head start.
In 2035, in a hopelessly broken world, Nick Ritter is The Posh Prepper, a gifted crisis consultant who sells disaster-survival plans to rich and powerful clients.
Haunted by corrupt clients and a tragic past, Nick lives a reclusive life in overcrowded Boston, counting the days until he can retire to his survival ranch in New Zealand.
But when he gets an insider tip that a deadly virus is tearing through Boston, Nick has 24 hours to escape the city and flee to New Zealand. He has the perfect survival plan, but there’s just one problem…it doesn’t account for company.
As he scrambles toward safety, Nick picks up a ragtag group of followers:
Abby Blackwell, a pregnant teen runaway, is hiding a dark secret. If she can outrun her troubled past, she can start a new life. But trusting anyone could put everyone in danger.
Brian Donahue, a washed-up Navy SEAL, is scraping by as an escape pilot. Torn between family and duty, he’ll risk everything to complete this final mission.
Dana Foster, an overworked ER doctor, is haunted by human suffering. As the outbreak spreads, she faces an impossible choice: who should they save?
Now Nick must call on his disaster-planning skills to survive, facing off against a collapsing society to protect his newfound family and save mankind from extinction.
The Posh Prepper is a dark, tense, slow-burn apocalyptic thriller with an unforgettable cast of complex characters. Perfect for fans of The Stand, The Road, Swan Song, A.G. Riddle, and Kyla Stone.
*This book includes strong language, graphic violence, and mature themes. *
Robin's Review: If you're looking for a new and fresh take on the post-apocalyptic genre, this book is it! The storyline was well written and suspenseful, with well-developed characters that readers can easily connect to - my favorite being Mikey-the perfect combination of humor and courage to see him through any trial he encountered. It's an easy, fast-paced, exciting journey filled with entertainment and informative advice for prepping before and after any global incident. In addition to making this book highly entertaining, the author also provides readers with invaluable tips and information in preparation for potential cataclysmic events, with sound advice mixed within its thrilling pages. This debut novel by this promising new author is downright amazing and did not disappoint! I am already hungry for more. An incredibly impressive start with lots of promise - I look forward to seeing what's next in store!
Extra Bits:
Box breathing: four counts in, four counts full, four counts out, four counts empty. Repeat.
“There are three stages to disaster reaction: denial, deliberation, and decision.
“I provide my clients with seamless escape plans, 24/7/365. No matter where they are, no matter what happens, I get them where they need to be—quickly, safely, comfortably, with everything they need to survive and thrive. To do that requires exhaustive threat analysis, a complex network of private contracts, extensive travel documentation, and hundreds of hours of scenario planning. I work alone, but I coordinate with dozens of partners to design an airtight survival package.” “I’m the planner who sees everything before it happens.”
“You want a bare bones escape or the luxury package?” “What do you mean?” “Bare bones is a 700-square-foot bunker in South Dakota. Luxury is a ten-acre ranch in Portugal with a swimming pool and helipad.”
“Arrive. Get there safely.” “Survive. Outlast the threat.” “Thrive. Live in the new world.” “
“I don’t. That’s the nature of prepping—you have to be early. To survive, you have to act before the threat is here, before it’s obvious to everyone. The only way to be one hundred percent certain is to wait and see what happens.”
“In a disaster, every person is added risk.”
“Arrive is about getting to your destination safely. Survive is about outlasting the crisis. And Thrive is about building a life in the new world. Our goal for the next forty-eight hours is to Arrive in New Zealand.” He turned to the window and began adding bubbles with little symbols. “There are eight categories we need to prep for: Transportation. Food and water. Shelter. Health and medical. Safety and defense. Currency and assets. Communication and continuity. Leisure and entertainment. We need to plan for two scenarios. Plan A is to wait here for forty-eight hours, then head to New Zealand. It’s a good plan, and it should work. But if something goes wrong with Plan A, and we can’t make it to New Zealand, we’ll be stuck here without food or supplies. So we need a Plan B, which is to stay here and outlast the virus. Anything can happen, it could be weeks, months, even years. So we hope for Plan A, and prepare for Plan B.”
His Bug Out Bag
“Umm five, no six, flashlights. Four sleeping bags. Four mylar blankets. Forty N95 masks. Two hundred surgical gloves. Two binoculars. Four butane torch lighters. Six packs of waterproof matches. Two flints. Six road flares. Two hatchets. Five permanent markers. Two gas masks. Two multitools. Six fishhooks with line. Two rolls of duct tape. Two first-aid kits. Two envelopes of cash.” “Should be ten thousand dollars in each.” Nick scribbled. “Two small bars of gold. Two dozen meal-ready-to-eat rations. Four water-filtration straws. A hundred water-purification tablets. Two camping stoves with six gas canisters. Two bottles of lighter fluid. Two hand-crank radios. Four walkie talkies. Two prepaid cell phones.” “Anddd…” Brian scraped the bottom of his bag. “A pink seahorse whistle.”
I will end here otherwise I will be quoting the whole book. This is truly my favorite read in 2023. I would give it 10 stars if I could.
This is a science fiction/horror/thriller/suspense/apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic genre book so of course it is not real, but I added some warnings just in case and so did the author.
Trigger Warning: Violence, Kidnapping, Death, Racial slur, Swearing, Mental Health and Illness, and Adult Themes
This debut novel by a promising new author is downright amazing! It promises to be the start of an exciting series, and readers can hardly wait for what's next. The promise in this first book has us on pins and needles - don't miss out; read it today!
In this exciting debut novel, the author presents a unique and engaging story that will leave readers eager for more. Already praised by critics as being brilliantly crafted with an engrossing plot line, it is sure to be just the start of a must-read series from this new talent in literature!
An absolute must read for fans of the post-apocalyptic genre or prepping. It’s commendable that this is the authors first book.
The plot zips along at a thrilling pace and the characters pop off of every page. My personal favorite was But beyond just being entertaining, readers will pick up sound advice how prepping before (and during) a global incident as well as absorbing factual information about what happens when society breaks down in its absence.
is highly imaginative and a thrilling read! The story line was captivating, with well-developed characters that readers can easily connect to - my favorite being Mikey. It's an easy, fast paced journey filled not only with entertainment but also informative advice for prepping before and after any end time event.
An absolute must read for fans of the post apocalyptic setting and it’s commendable this authors first book has been such a great success at tackling topics like these head on!
This extraordinary take on the Post Apocalyptic genre is a must-read adventure! It weaves together an imaginative, suspenseful plot with fantastic characters - Mikey being one of my favorites. In addition to making this book highly entertaining, the author also provides readers invaluable tips and information in preparation for potential end-time cataclysmic events. With sound advice mixed within its thrilling pages,
This is an interesting take on the Post Apocalyptic genre, it is highly imaginative, and, quite frankly, an all-around great read. The plot was well-written and exciting. The characters were well-written and relatable. My favorite was Mikey. It was an easy to read fast paced thrill ride of a read. It has excellent sound information on many various topics and what to do. The concerns and concepts on how to survive an end-time cataclysmic event both with prepping survival tips and informative concepts with the breakdown of society. It’s not just an entertaining book but also a how-to on prepping before and after an event, and it being the author's first, is quite outstanding.
Interesting take on the post Apocalyptic genre highly imaginative and highly quite frankly an all great read. Excellent and sound information on many various topics and concerns concepts to an end extending event both with h prepping survival the breakdown of society It’s just a very entertaining book all around and it being the authors first is quite outstanding. I look forward to more from this author and I am told this will be come a series and I will anxiously await the next book.
emergency conditioning’ or ‘battle proofing.’
box breathing: four counts in, four counts full, four counts out, four counts empty. Repeat.
makeshift sleeve mask.
“The first thing you do is call your operator. Always.
three stages to disaster reaction: denial, deliberation, and decision.
“Forty-seven minutes…that’s the average head start my clients have before everyone else figures out what’s happening.
“Second thing to remember, you have one job: Save yourself. Every member of your family has that same job. Don’t worry about anyone else, they’ll just slow you down. In a crisis, seventy percent of people freeze, twenty percent harm themselves or others, and ten percent save themselves. I’ve trained you to be in that ten percent.” “What do you mean they freeze? No one would just stand still in a burning building, right?” “Wrong.” Nick shook his head. “You have to understand, in a disaster, people don’t optimize for survival. They optimize for psychological comfort. They stand around and chat with each other. They groupthink up plans that don’t make sense. They irrationally follow social norms. They’re slow and they’re dangerous. The truth is most people would rather die with their group than survive alone. In a crisis, don’t be a hero. Save yourself. Everyone else is added risk.” “Umm, because the world is fucked and I don’t wanna die?” “Right. All my clients say the same thing. The world’s falling apart. Everything’s corrupt. People are fatally flawed, easily manipulated, selfish, lazy, dogmatic, barbaric…beyond hope.” “And?” “And if you want to survive, you have to go alone.”
“What would it take for you to be on call to me, 24/7/365? You don’t have to do a thing. Just coach me through whatever comes up, like my own personal 911.” “I’m sorry, Marty, but I don’t do live support.”
He’s the best in the business. Your one-stop-shop for high-end apocalypse insurance.”
provide my clients with seamless escape plans, 24/7/365. No matter where they are, no matter what happens, I get them where they need to be—quickly, safely, comfortably, with everything
design an airtight survival package.
“I’m the planner who sees everything before it happens.”
bare-bones escape or the luxury package?” “What do you mean?” “Bare bones is a 700-square-foot bunker in South Dakota. Luxury is a ten-acre ranch in Portugal with a swimming pool and helipad.”
of disaster response at the top of each, narrating as he worked. “Arrive. Get there safely.” “Survive. Outlast the threat.” “Thrive. Live in the new world.” In each window, he drew eight big bubbles and sketched a symbol in the center of each. Airplane. “Transportation.” Fork. “Food and water.” House. “Shelter.” Cross. “Health and medical.” Shield. “Safety and defense.” Dollar sign. “Currency and assets.” Phone. “Communication and continuity.” Book. “Leisure and entertainment.” His approach was simple: Prep for each of the eight categories in each of the three stages of disaster response. After all, Transportation prep for the
“I don’t. That’s the nature of prepping—you have to be early. To survive, you have to act before the threat is here, before it’s obvious to everyone. The only way to be one hundred percent certain is to wait and see what happens. I’m not taking that chance. I’m getting out,
In a disaster, every person is added risk
“This is what I do. If you break my rules, I will leave you behind. If you slow me down, if you put me in danger, I will leave you behind.”
“Primary mission?”
was common in a crisis—70 percent of people become overwhelmed by the combination of too many options, too many variables, very little time, and the high cost of a wrong decision. It was called “choice overload,” and the solution was to narrow the options and give the frozen person a simple justification for taking one particular path—then apply pressure to commit or be left behind.
Survivor guilt
solution was to release the person from their guilt by convincing them that saving themselves would also save others. The truth didn’t matter—what mattered was that you provided an altruistic justification for a self-preserving action, relieving their guilt and validating their decision to save themselves.
We don’t have time to sit around, and think, and debate, and make mistakes. We need to plan and execute with cold, hard precision.”
“Institutions that want to control the narrative.”
if we lose power, we lose water—that’s a big problem. If that happens, we need direct access to lake water.”
Arrive, Survive, Thrive. Arrive is about getting to your destination safely. Survive is about outlasting the crisis. And Thrive is about building a life in the new world.
“We need to plan for two scenarios. Plan A But if something goes wrong with Plan A, so we need a Plan B.
Go Bag
“Umm five, no six, flashlights. Four sleeping bags. Four mylar blankets. Forty N95 masks. Two hundred surgical gloves. Two binoculars. Four butane torch lighters. Six packs of waterproof matches. Two flints. Six road flares. Two hatchets. Five permanent markers. Two gas masks. Two multitools. Six fishhooks with line. Two rolls of duct tape. Two first-aid kits. Two envelopes of cash.” “Should be ten thousand dollars in each.” Nick scribbled. “Two small bars of gold. Two dozen meal-ready-to-eat rations. Four water-filtration straws. A hundred water-purification tablets. Two camping stoves with six gas canisters. Two bottles of lighter fluid. Two hand-crank radios. Four walkie talkies. Two prepaid cell phones.” “Anddd…” Brian scraped the bottom of his bag. “A pink seahorse whistle.”
“But better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.”
The Horror Collection:
The Lost Edition Kindle Edition
by Kevin J. Kennedy, Richard Chizmar, Edward Lee, Tim Curran, & 16 more
Book 14 of 14:The Horror Collection
Book 14 in The Horror Collection series brings you the best in new horror from, Russell James, Mark Towse, Tim Curran, Daemon Manx, Lex H. Jones , J.A. Sullivan, Konn Lavery, C.M. Forest, J.R. McConvey, Judith Sonnet, Mark Allan Gunnells, Edward Lee, John Pelan, Steve Stred, Richard Chizmar, Calvin Demmer, Candace Nola, Brian G. Berry & Matthew V. Brockmeyer.
Edited by Ann Keeran & Kevin J. Kennedy
Robin's Review:Looking for a thrilling read? Look no further than ‘The Horror Collection: The Lost Edition.’ Featuring a curated selection of 18 stories from talented indie horror authors, this book is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. What sets this collection apart is the wide range of plots and writing styles – there's something for everyone here. And don't worry about clunky language or awkward pacing, the writing is smooth and exciting throughout. I found myself completely engrossed in these stories and had a blast reading them. If you're a fan of horror or just looking for an awesome and fun read, I highly recommend giving this collection a try.