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The All Canadian Story Book
Right from the first story, The All Canadian Story Book hooked me. It’s a collection of deeply human, often funny, sometimes heartbreaking short stories, each one a snapshot of a person, a place, or a moment that feels achingly real. Some tales are memoir-like and nostalgic; others are quirky, surreal, or poetic. But what ties them all together is the voice—sharp, emotional, and unapologetically honest.
The opening piece, “My Hysterical Friend,” resonated with me personally. It’s the kind of story that sneaks up on you. It starts with banter and dark humor and ends in quiet devastation. The friendship between Bobby and Ben unfolds with such raw, unfiltered intimacy that you feel like you’re eavesdropping on something sacred. That final moment at the hospital, with the “flat” line on the monitor mysteriously rising upward, hit harder than I expected. It left me staring at the wall for a minute. And when Jenny dies exactly six minutes after Ben, you almost believe in fate—or magic—or at least in the kind of love that bends time.
The writing isn’t polished in a flowery way, but that’s part of what makes it sing. It’s got this unpretentious rhythm. You can feel the characters breathing, scratching their heads, and breaking down quietly in the dark. “Mentors” is another standout. It’s gritty and painful and packed with rough edges and sharp truths. Jay Smith’s story, especially his time with Franklin, a lonely old man with a goitre and a heart full of ghosts, was strangely touching. There’s humor too, like in “Chicken of the Sea.”
“The Permanent Robin” is one of those quiet little stories that sneaks in near the end of the book and catches you off guard. It’s tender, short, and full of that bittersweet kind of magic that lingers. The robin—stubborn, loyal, maybe a bit symbolic—refuses to migrate, sticking around through the cold. And in that small, simple image, the author somehow captures themes of grief, memory, and holding on when everything else has moved on.
This book is for folks who’ve lived a little—or a lot. If you’ve ever watched someone you love fall apart, or disappear, or come back different… this book might feel familiar. It’s perfect for readers who like their stories with some bite, a lot of soul, and just enough weird to keep things interesting. It’s messy. It’s tender. It’s beautifully Canadian in that understated, heartbreaking kind of way. Read it. Let it wreck you a little. Let it warm you back up.
Pages: 244 | ASIN : B0DPTVYKN5
Complex Beings
Heatseeker: A Story of the Vampire Alex Chance follows a former FBI agent turned vampire, investigating a gruesome serial killer who has to navigate the murky line between human law and vampire justice. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This story was greatly influenced by a short story I wrote in my writing group back in 2015 when I came up with an idea of a modern-day lawman hunting an elusive and brilliant serial killer and getting exposed to the secret world of vampires. That short story was only five pages long and featured only two main protagonists, Alex Chance, who was a police detective in that story, and vampire boy, Jake, who hunted down child molesters with lethal precision. I later modified the story several times, and many years later, came up with a broader tale involving more characters that had enough material to turn it into a novella. And so, the Heatseeker book was born.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
Emotional and moral guidelines in any story are important. I always loved the detective genre and introducing a supernatural element into it made it more interesting and added more depth to the story. Alex Chance is an FBI agent, trained to be strong, honorable, and devoted to his duty. The vampires are creatures of the night, who have their own codes of honor and justice system, only they operate without human bureaucracy and red tape, which makes them far more efficient. Alex Chance follows his personal and moral code even after he becomes a vampire, which I think makes him very likable. The vampire boy, Jake, on the other hand, is driven by an ancient hate for people who hurt and abuse children and his moral compass can only be affected by the elements of human law, which he breaks often in pursuit of justice.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
Horror and paranormal genres are very intriguing because as a writer, I do find them very stimulating for the creative process. There were movies and shows that played a great part in its development, such as the vampire series Forever Knight and Moonlight, where vampires and humans must find common ground and ways to coexist. The horror element derives from the vampires’ ability to instill in morals great fascination and fear. In traditional vampire stories, the immortals are often depicted as killers, who justify their way of life by their constant need for human blood. The supernatural genre is even more fascinating. In my vampire story, I described vampires as complex beings with their own secret civilization that had evolved alongside humanity in parallel evolution. So in a way, both human and vampire worlds mirror each other.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the following story?
Heatseeker is a stand-alone novella that features Alex Chance as the main protagonist. It is set in a world of vampires that were introduced in my previous vampire novels, Beyond Sunlight, Before the Dawn, and Eighteen Forever. Heatseeker is the fourth book that is related to them but follows its own path. My fans can expect a few more stories about vampires, which are currently resting on the development shelf, waiting to be picked up, analyzed and selected. Currently, I am at work on a new post-apocalyptic story that features human survival after a devastating asteroid impact.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Dangerous Shadows
Amanda Shittim’s novella, Dangerous Shadows, dives deep into the steamy and suspenseful world of New Orleans, weaving a tale of love, betrayal, and survival. At its heart is Tessa Lane, a private investigator with a knack for getting in over her head. When her simple surveillance job collides with the enigmatic Dominic Steele, Tessa is pulled into a web of deadly secrets and high-stakes danger. The narrative carries readers through the sultry streets of the French Quarter, where every shadow hides a potential threat, and every kiss feels like a gamble.
Shittim’s writing is sharp and evocative, particularly when describing New Orleans. The city itself feels like a character, alive with its juxtaposition of charm and menace. From the flickering gaslights to the tense alleys, the setting pulls you in, making every scene vivid. I found myself lingering over the description in Chapter 1: “The underbelly of the French Quarter smells like stiff bourbon, desperation, and cigarette smoke.” That line encapsulates the atmospheric grit of the story.
The chemistry between Tessa and Dominic is undeniably electric, but it often feels rushed. Their relationship pivots between hostility and passion so quickly it can feel like emotional whiplash. That said, their interactions are some of the story’s highlights. When Dominic warns Tessa, “You’re supposed to trust me,” the tension crackles, showcasing Shittim’s talent for writing compelling, charged dialogue. Yet, I wished for more gradual development of their bond to balance the fiery, impulsive moments.
The burner phone’s role as the catalyst for the chaos is a strong narrative device, but the frequent “safe house escapes” in later chapters started to feel repetitive. Still, Shittim excels in creating high-stakes action. The chase sequence in Chapter 3 had my heart racing, with descriptions so vivid I could almost hear the pounding footsteps and roaring engines. Dominic’s brooding past and Tessa’s headstrong recklessness sometimes felt more trope-driven than authentic.
Dangerous Shadows is an exciting, fast-paced read that fans of romantic thrillers will devour. It’s perfect for those who enjoy stories brimming with tension, danger, and fiery romance, even if they can overlook some melodramatic moments and familiar plot devices. If you love a mix of steamy romance and nail-biting suspense, this book will keep you entertained from start to finish.
Pages: 106 | ASIN : B0DR67BG3F
Cold Woods
Jerry Blaze’s Cold Woods stands as a quintessential example of splatterpunk horror, offering readers a raw, visceral experience. This gripping novella follows the Stone family, still reeling from the loss of their father, on a seemingly innocuous vacation to a secluded cabin in the woods. The mother, desperate to mend their fractured bonds, brings along her son and his best friend, as well as her daughter and her boyfriend. What begins as an attempt to heal quickly devolves into a nightmare of unimaginable proportions.
The woods, it turns out, have been home for centuries to a sinister family unlike any other—predators who kill, torture, and consume their victims with chilling ease. Their twisted way of life plunges the vacationing Stones into a relentless struggle for survival, forcing them to confront unspeakable horrors.
As a first-time reader of splatterpunk, I found myself both horrified and enthralled. Blaze doesn’t shy away from graphic detail, delivering grotesque scenes that lay bare the darkest facets of human (and inhuman) nature. The killers, far from being mere monsters, are portrayed with a disturbing complexity, complete with their own hierarchy and rituals. This depth adds an unsettling authenticity to their savagery.
Despite the brutal carnage, the Stone family’s characterization remains vivid and compelling. Small glimpses into their pasts and the nuances of their responses to the unfolding terror create a stark contrast to the killers’ depravity. Each member’s reaction—to fight, to succumb, to lose their grip on sanity—adds layers of tension and keeps the reader deeply invested. These moments of humanity amplify the stakes and heighten the emotional impact.
Blaze’s storytelling is relentless, balancing suspense and shock in a fast-paced narrative that grips from start to finish. Cold Woods is not for the faint-hearted, but for fans of unapologetic horror, it delivers in spades. The novella’s brevity only sharpens its edge, leaving readers disturbed, breathless, and craving more.
Pages: 110 | ASIN : B0DNWZQZK2
Dark Dreamcatchers: And Other Stories
Michael Stone’s Dark Dreamcatchers: And Other Short Stories delivers a chilling quartet of tales, each unraveling its own brand of paranormal unease. Across these pages, Stone invites readers into unsettling worlds where the line between reality and the extraordinary blurs, leaving behind an atmosphere thick with tension. The collection opens with Dark Dreamcatchers, where a family vacation descends into terror. Jonah’s family stumbles upon a quaint town seemingly frozen in the 1950s—a picturesque facade concealing something far more sinister. The story unfolds with mounting dread, setting a haunting tone for the rest of the book.
In Rattlesnake Dick and His Proposition, the Sierra Nevada mountains become the stage for a surreal encounter. Ethan’s hike takes a dark turn when he meets gold panners from a bygone era. Held at gunpoint and brought to their leader, he faces a grim choice that could determine his survival. Then, in The Rift, the discovery of a mysterious portal upends the lives of Nala and her owner. The portal offers the allure of time travel but exacts a perilous cost. Finally, Pear, Anyone? plunges into the disorienting depths of the human mind, exploring how extreme circumstances twist perception and fracture reality.
What makes this collection compelling is its refusal to lean solely on conventional horror tropes. Stone deftly blends psychological terror with supernatural intrigue, crafting tales that provoke both fear and fascination. Each story is distinct yet tied together by recurring themes of the uncanny and the unknown. The result is an emotional rollercoaster—relief, unease, and shock linger long after the final page. Stone’s gift for vivid detail enhances every story. His evocative descriptions bring eerie towns, time-bending portals, and unnerving encounters to life. The accompanying illustrations amplify this immersion, making each setting and character feel strikingly real.
Dark Dreamcatchers: And Other Short Stories is a fresh take on horror and the supernatural. With its creative storytelling and psychological depth, the collection will captivate fans of both genres. Whether you crave mind-bending twists or spine-tingling suspense, this book promises an unforgettable journey into the extraordinary.
Pages: 125 | ASIN : B0DLT8L4D8
Busted Flat
Busted Flat follows the harrowing journey of Hap, an orphaned teenager with no home or family, and Shriner, a troubled Afghanistan war veteran. Together, they traverse the United States, surviving through petty crime and theft, their lives steeped in chaos and uncertainty. Shriner, haunted by the scars of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, spirals into deeper turmoil, dragging Hap into an endless cycle of desperation and danger.
This is not just a story of survival but one of profound struggle. Busted Flat vividly portrays the bleak realities faced by Hap and Shriner, shedding light on homelessness, mental health, and the heavy toll of life on the fringes of society. The story’s raw intensity resonated deeply with me, particularly as someone familiar with the immense challenges of homelessness. The psychological burden, the loss of direction, and the constant fight to persevere felt strikingly authentic.
Hap’s character stood out as the emotional anchor of the story. His innocence and vulnerability were palpable, a stark contrast to the hardened circumstances he endures. His naivety and lack of purpose manifested through his descent into cellphone theft paint a poignant picture of the struggles faced by runaway, orphaned teens. Hap’s portrayal is not just genuine but heart-wrenching, offering an unflinching look at the emotional scars of abandonment and aimlessness.
Gray’s storytelling excels in capturing the bleakness of homelessness in America. The characters are painted with depth and nuance, making their pain and hardships achingly real. The depiction of Shriner’s PTSD adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. It showcases how trauma compounds the already immense challenges of survival.
For readers seeking an intense and thought-provoking crime thriller, Busted Flat delivers. It is a gripping, page-turning exploration of broken lives, raw emotions, and the relentless fight for survival. Highly recommended for those who crave a story that is as heart-pounding as it is deeply moving.
Pages: 92 | ASIN : B0DG9Z879R
A Place More Dark
Nathaniel M. Wrey’s A Place More Dark plunges readers into the grim and unforgiving world of Stalag XXa, a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp that serves as a brutal stage for the horrors of World War II. For Lance Corporal Jock Mitchell, survival is already an immense challenge, but his ordeal intensifies when he is forced to join the grueling march across the frozen plains of Central Europe. With the Red Army and Wehrmacht clashing close behind, Jock faces unimaginable trials. Yet, his journey gains significance when he risks everything to save another life from the merciless hands of the SS.
Wrey crafts a historical war story that spares no detail, confronting the barbarity of war with unflinching realism. His narrative recalls the raw intensity of Hemingway’s wartime prose and the methodical precision of Tom Clancy’s storytelling. Though this is the second novel in the series, newcomers will find it accessible, as the author deftly weaves essential backstory into the tale without slowing its momentum.
At its heart is Jock Mitchell, a stoic yet layered character whose resilience and humanity anchor the story. Initially hardened by his environment, Jock reveals unexpected depths of compassion and moral courage as the story unfolds. The novel’s tone is appropriately stark, yet Wrey’s prose has a way of shifting gears during pivotal moments. His descriptions become vivid and visceral when portraying the heinous acts of the SS, forcing readers to confront the raw brutality of these events. This deliberate contrast highlights the extremes of human cruelty and the fragile sparks of kindness and heroism that endure despite it.
Wrey’s careful attention to historical detail enriches the story, creating a backdrop that feels authentic and immersive. A Place More Dark is not a light or easy read. Its unflinching portrayal of war’s atrocities makes it a tough and sometimes harrowing experience. But for those willing to endure its darker passages, the book offers immense rewards. The character development is fantastic, the narrative is gripping, and the ending is satisfying. This is a story about the resilience of the human spirit in even the bleakest circumstances.
Fans of historical fiction, particularly those who appreciate stories steeped in wartime realism and moral complexity, will find much to admire. A Place More Dark is a powerful and unforgettable journey into the depths of humanity and the enduring light of courage.
Pages: 195 | ASIN : B0DJ7N9VT2
Lashings of Hunger
Lashings of Hunger follows Tyrese Randolph and Nikki White on what should have been a relaxing vacation with Nikki’s family in Alaska. Things quickly take a dark turn when people start disappearing, and it’s discovered that the local wolves have been infected with a parasite, making them dangerously aggressive and unafraid of humans or their weapons. As if that weren’t enough, Tyrese and Nikki find themselves up against something even worse: a group of men with sinister intentions, operating in the shadows of the Alaskan wilderness.
Miguel Angel Hernandez, Jr., author of Lashings of Hunger, does an impressive job of balancing character development and world-building. The story grips you from the start and keeps you hooked until the final page. The conflict unfolds as a three-way struggle between Tyrese and his allies, the vicious wolves, and the ruthless men exploiting the wilds for their illegal trade.
One impressive feature of Hernandez’s writing is how he never reduces female characters to mere damsels in distress. Nikki is a standout, strong, capable, and compelling in every scene. Her relationship with Tyrese is well-crafted, lending depth and heart to the story, making their dynamic as engaging as the action. The pacing of the story is wonderfully relentless, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat, especially as the stakes continue to rise with the introduction of the human traffickers.
In a genre where many mysteries bog down with overly elaborate plots or heavy-handed exposition, Lashings of Hunger stands out for its straightforward yet gripping storytelling. Miguel Angel Hernandez, Jr. offers a solid mystery, a fast-paced plot, and action scenes that are thoughtfully woven into the narrative. If you’re looking for a sharp, engaging read that won’t take days to finish, this book is a must-read for fans of mystery and thriller genres.
Pages: 151 | ASIN : B0DH69FFFY
LITERARY TITAN 