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Sinister Stories and Twisted Tales: The Ultimate Anthology of Sci-Fi & Cosmic Horror
Sinister Stories and Twisted Tales delivers an electrifying collection of cosmic horror and darkly imaginative short stories. Fourteen haunting narratives come to life within these pages, weaving a spell of terror and fascination. From a little boy who encounters a deceptively innocent yet malevolent dog on his birthday to a father driven to desperation in a realm of dark trade and a young girl fighting to escape sacrifice in a dystopian world, the tales plunge deep into the human psyche.
Author Anthony Abraham’s writing has an eerie tone that is skillfully employed, keeping readers enthralled and teetering on the edge of their seats. His storytelling is infused with suspense and dread. The author’s skill lies not only in crafting vivid and terrifying plots but also in his ability to give each story a unique voice while maintaining an interconnected universe that binds the anthology together.
The variety in this collection is remarkable. Abraham seamlessly navigates through genres like sci-fi, cosmic horror, philosophy, and dystopia, ensuring there’s something to unsettle every reader. Yet, the real brilliance is in how each story connects to the next, creating a tapestry of terror that is as cohesive as it is unpredictable.
Characters come alive with depth, from compelling protagonists to memorable side characters. Each conversation is sharp and purposefully written. World-building is intricate but never overwhelming, striking a balance that leaves room for the imagination to fill in the dark corners. A unique feature of this anthology is the inclusion of video links, which elevate the reading experience. These multimedia elements add another layer of immersion, drawing readers even deeper into Abraham’s twisted universe. The result is a sensory experience that is both thrilling and unsettling.
With mind-bending twists and heart-stopping surprises, Sinister Stories and Twisted Tales is a horrifying adventure that challenges boundaries. Abraham succeeds in building fourteen distinct worlds that are well-paced and spellbinding. His anthology stands out as a must-read for horror enthusiasts and those looking for an immersive experience in the dark corners of fiction.
Pages: 222 | ASIN: B0D2S3Y62N
Searching for the Origins of Halloween
Facing Demons: An All-Hallows’ Eve Tale follows the town constable who is approached by a young girl accusing an esteemed family of being involved in witchcraft, leading to an investigation that reveals a darker truth. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I enjoy watching horror films each year in October and I’m a big fan of the “Halloween” franchise. I was up late one night watching AMC and they had “Halloween III: Season of the Witch” airing. I had never seen the film before because many of my friends told me it wasn’t that great. I decided to watch it and I thought the concept was very interesting. After it caught my interest, I began researching the origins of Halloween which go back to the ancient Celts. I thought if I set the prologue in Ireland and used some aspects of Samhain, it would be a great way to pay homage to the ancient roots of Halloween even though much of it is still debated to this day.
Was there a reason why you chose this location as the backdrops for your story?
When I write the stories for the “All Hallows’ Eve Tales” series, I try to base them on old legends that I heard growing up. Most of the time, my stories are loosely based so I can take liberties with the storyline. In regards to “Facing Demons,” the story is loosely based on South Carolina’s forgotten witch trials which occurred almost 100 years after the Salem Witch Trials. Several of the towns I use in the story reference the final case of witchcraft in South Carolina. In this case, a woman from Chesterfield named Barbara Powers was accused of witchcraft around 1813-1814.
What draws you to the horror genre and makes it ripe for you to write such a great mystery story in it?
I think what drew me to the horror genre was the mystery surrounding local legends in the Southeast. For example, “The Beast of Talbotton” is loosely based on a werewolf legend that took place in Talbotton, Georgia. From the first time I learned about it, I always wondered what started the legend. Did someone see a wild animal that they could not identify? Was this just an accusation to smear someone? Or was there something we truly can’t explain? I tried to portray the same thing in “Facing Demons.” If a magical or mysterious event occurred, I wanted a possible rational explanation as well. Like many mysteries, who knows what really happened.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m currently working on a western-style story that takes place in south Florida in the 1850s. It involves outlaws, gunmen, soldiers on assignment from the Florida Militia, and the wilds of south Florida in an era sometime around the 3rd Seminole War and just before the American Civil War. I’m hoping to have it out in 2-3 months. I’m also working on a new addition to the “All Hallows’ Eve Tales” series which will be released by next October.
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At the start of the nineteenth century, a girl approaches the town’s constable, William, and accuses the powerful O’Neill family of witchcraft. She is quickly dismissed, but Bridget, a bright nurse and William’s love interest, soon convinces him that the girl is telling the truth. An investigation commences, and William and Bridget join forces to unravel the mystery.
As they navigate the increasingly sinister facts, the duo finds out what evil is. They are soon forced to keep secrets to stay safe…only to learn that others will pay the price. Confronting their own terrors, William and Bridget discover that not everything is what it seems-sometimes, it’s darker.
This haunting story revels in our fears and the strange things we can’t explain.
Recipient of the Literary Titan’s Book Award in October 2024.
Facing Demons: An All Hallows’ Eve Tale
Set in the early 1900s in a quiet South Carolina town, Facing Demons: An All-Hallows’ Eve Tale by Kevin Matthew Hayes offers a gripping blend of gothic horror, mystery, and historical detail. The story opens when a young girl approaches William, the town constable, with an alarming accusation: the esteemed O’Neill family is involved in unspeakable satanic rituals. Skeptical at first, William dismisses her claims. However, his companion Bridget, more attuned to the unusual, urges him to investigate. What begins as a reluctant inquiry soon spirals into a terrifying descent into the darkest corners of their seemingly peaceful community. William and Bridget, drawn ever deeper into the investigation, uncover a sinister reality lurking beneath the town’s façade. The evil they face is no fleeting malevolence—it is ancient and pervasive, threatening to unravel the very fabric of their world. As they inch closer to the truth, the stakes become higher, revealing secrets that could forever alter the town’s tranquil existence.
Hayes masterfully weaves this chilling narrative with a rich gothic atmosphere reminiscent of H.P. Lovecraft and Ray Bradbury. His writing evokes the eerie charm of the era, with echoes of Poe’s C. Auguste Dupin stories adding a layer of mystery. The horror builds subtly but relentlessly, grounded in the detailed depiction of period-specific dialogue, accents, and mannerisms that lend authenticity to the characters. William, the level-headed, pragmatic constable, provides a steady contrast to Bridget, whose intuitive curiosity drives much of the investigation. Their dynamic keeps the story engaging as they confront not only external dangers but also their own doubts and fears. Together, they uncover unsettling truths about the O’Neill family, an aristocratic clan whose behavior might not be so far removed from the power-hungry elites of the modern world. While their methods may be different, the underlying thirst for control and secrecy rings disturbingly familiar. The novel’s strongest asset lies in its atmospheric detail and the tension that mounts as the investigation unfolds. The O’Neill family, with their aura of decaying grandeur, serves as the perfect embodiment of hidden corruption. Hayes ensures that each element, whether it be the gothic horror, historical setting, or creeping dread, coalesces into a gripping narrative. The final twist is both satisfying and haunting, delivering a payoff sure to please fans of horror, history, and mystery alike.
In Facing Demons, Hayes captures the essence of classic gothic storytelling while offering fresh, unsettling insights into the darker sides of human nature. The result is a richly layered tale that will leave readers both unnerved and enthralled.
Pages: 56 | ASIN : B0DCDKM3GH
The Beast of Talbotton: An All Hallows’ Eve Tale
In The Beast of Talbotton by Kevin Matthew Hayes, Captain Dave’s return to Talbotton, Georgia, stirs up a storm of unresolved pasts and supernatural dangers. Once, he left Elizabeth, Mr. Baron’s daughter, at the altar to elope with his true love, a decision that defied family expectations and broke hearts. Now, as he heads back to intercept a supply wagon before joining the Confederate army, he’s forced to face the ghosts of his past. But his homecoming coincides with a series of gruesome werewolf attacks, raising questions about whether this is mere coincidence or part of a darker, more personal sabotage.
Hayes masterfully weaves together themes of love, duty, and the supernatural, creating a narrative that explores how fate, past mistakes, and personal redemption intertwine. The story’s depth lies in Dave’s emotional journey as much as the external horror. As he grapples with the terror of the werewolf threat, he also comes to a painful realization: the hurt he inflicted on those he left behind runs deeper than he ever imagined. This internal reckoning sets the stage for whether Elizabeth and her father can offer him forgiveness, adding a layer of emotional complexity that enriches the plot. One of the standout elements of The Beast of Talbotton is the seamless blend of historical and horror elements. Hayes strikes a perfect balance, allowing both aspects to enhance the story without one overshadowing the other. The result is a tale that feels immersive and engaging, where the Civil War era provides a rich backdrop for the chilling werewolf narrative. The novel’s twist is another highlight. Hayes keeps it hidden until the very end, delivering a shocking and satisfying conclusion that lingers long after the final page. It’s this unexpected turn that elevates the book, leaving readers with a memorable experience.
Short and easy to read, The Beast of Talbotton is packed with intrigue, historical richness, and spine-tingling suspense. Fans of horror, fantasy, and historical fiction alike will find this book to be a gripping, enjoyable read. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a captivating blend of the supernatural and historical drama.
Pages: 50 | ASIN : B0DDW5Y4DZ
Reckonings: An All Hallows’ Eve Tale
Reckonings: An All-Hallow’s Eve Tale delivers a captivating horror story that lures readers into the eerie depths of a seemingly innocent Halloween party. Jessica, a college student, craves a night of escape from the pressures of school and decides to attend an off-campus celebration with a Western theme. The ranch setting, complete with horses and a lively host, promises lighthearted fun, but the night soon spirals into a nightmare. As the revelry unfolds, Jessica and her friends are horrified to discover that some among them have transformed into the undead. What starts as a carefree evening turns into a desperate fight for survival. Time is running out, and Jessica finds herself thrust into a battle not only against a rising tide of evil but also with the shadows of her own unresolved past. With danger closing in, she must confront the traumatic events she’s long buried, discovering a resilience she never knew she had.
While the theme of vampires may feel familiar, Hayes infuses the narrative with fresh energy, evoking comparisons to classics like The Lost Boys or Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot. The undead menace, while a staple of the genre, is handled with an urgency and dread that quickly escalates from discomfort to outright terror. Hayes doesn’t simply rely on the lore of vampires, he uses them as a springboard for a deeper exploration of personal demons and unresolved grief.
At the heart of the story is Jessica, who initially appears well-adjusted but is soon revealed to be carrying emotional scars from a tragedy she hasn’t fully faced. Her personal journey, intertwined with the horrific events of the night, is both compelling and transformative. The terror she witnesses becomes a catalyst for her to confront her inner turmoil. This makes her evolution feel both natural and powerful. Over the course of the night, Jessica undergoes a striking metamorphosis. Once introverted and hesitant, she emerges as a fierce protector of her friend Ashley. This transformation feels earned as a result of both the physical horrors she endures and the emotional catharsis she experiences. Her unexpected clash with the supernatural forces on the ranch becomes a metaphor for her own emotional reckoning and forces her to confront the pain she’s been avoiding. Hayes deftly balances action with introspection, crafting a story that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant.
Reckonings has written a horror story that takes readers on a journey of personal growth. A journey that is wrapped in an intense and nerve-racking battle against supernatural forces. Hayes combines psychological depth with classic horror elements to create a gripping and multi-layered tale that will leave readers scared and satisfied.
Pages: 45 | ASIN: B0DCCLZLHH
A Monster Hunt Story
Jabberwocky: Scary Stories For Kids takes the classic poem by Lewis Carroll and illustrates it in a way that new readers will be drawn into the adventure the young boy goes on. What led you to retell this classic for children?
I have always very much enjoyed this poem. The fact that it contains so many nonsense words inspired me to create a retelling of it that attempts to make sense of each of these made up words to add to the base story. I thought a monster hunt story was perfect for my Scary Stories for Kids series of books. This is the second book in the series. The first book in this series is called Alien Farm, a wordless story about an alien invasion that happens one night on a farm.
Both books use a limited color approach, in this case a black and white book with blue-green accents and for Alien Farm also a black and white book with yellow accents.
I loved the idea of taking this 19th century poem and updating it for kids today.
What was your process for illustrating this poem to give it a scary feeling but not too scary so it still appeals to younger children?
My art has always appealed to kids. Most of my illustration work has been in the children’s market (kids magazines, websites, text books, and other products). I was worried about this story because the main character parades back with the head of the Jabberwocky, which is pretty dark. However it’s all so unreal and it’s certainly less violent than children are seeing in their video games every day.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing and illustrating?
Having my own kids has definitely impacted my writing and illustrating. Once I had a baby I read children’s books 5 or 6 times a day every day-sometimes more. Since I had three daughters that meant a decade of reading children’s books aloud all the time. It becomes a study of the genre whether you intended to or not. I was already interested in children’s books and studied children’s book illustration for years at The School of Visual Arts in New York City, so having kids narrowed my focus and made children’s books a central part of what I was doing with my art.
In 2001 my first children’s book was published from Pentland Press and I haven’t really slowed down since. I’ve written and illustrated 17 books and had my art and writing published in Highlights for Children Magazine and Hopscotch magazine and for years did a matching game feature in Whimsy Magazine. I’ve also illustrated numerous books with other authors and have created four comic book series for children.
Do you plan to write similar books using other poetry from Lewis Carroll?
I had a great time creating this book, but not as great a time publishing it. Amazon and other online bookstores have numerous restrictions in place that make listing a book with public domain content more difficult. I doubt I will want to go through the process of creating a book based on Lewis Carroll’s work again only to have a limited reach once it’s published. However, it was fun to do and I don’t regret it.
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Winner of the 2023 Gold Literary Titan Book Award!!
LITERARY TITAN 