If you only buy one horror book this year, make sure its The Daemonia Anthology. September 19, 2014 By Horror Author Shaun Hupp R F Whittaker is definitely a writer to watch. There is not a bad story in this collection. Whittaker says that hes almost making his own separate genre in the writing world. He combines so many different elements into each story. This makes each story take on its own personality while still feeling cohesive. Move over, Stephen King. Whittaker is gaining momentum in being the master of horror short stories. Jesse: 5 Stars As I read this story, I couldnt help feel for Michael. This brother, Jesse did some horrible things and the whole family had to move and start over. Now, Jesse has been released and their mother has appointed Michael to keep an eye on him.These three characters are extreme fleshed out and you can totally see the different emotion connections between them. You can totally feel the jealousy as Michael sees his younger brother has grown and in some ways, surpassed him. He desperately clings to the idea that his brother is a horrible person, while at the same time, begins to see him as a brother once again. For Jesse, his backstory gives him an extra dimension that most villains in short stories are missing. You empathize with him, but at the same time along with Michael, do not trust him. You can really feel their mother struggling as a single mother and to maintain this new family unit, while trying to start over in a new town. All this different elements come together nicely and paint a picture, but with any horror story, in the back of the mind of this reader, I had that feeling dread. This now-functioning family unit is heading towards trouble. Something bad is going to happen. The ending did NOT disappoint.R. F. Whittaker hit a climax with his story and continued to throw red herrings and suspense at the reader. By the time I finished, I was satisfied and ready to take on another tale. Massacasm: 4 Stars This was quite a different story. Im not really sure Ive read anything similar. R. F. Whittaker certainly has a good imagination. He answers the question: What would happen if a Sadist and Masochist got together? Would it work for Mary and Nathan or would it end badly? In the beginning, we get introduced to each character separately and see how they dont quite belong in a normal society.Then, everything changes when they meet in Marys aunt Rheas hotel. Mary thinks shes finally found someone she can be herself with, but Nathan has a much darker side and Aunt Rhea might be onto him. Who will survive in the end? Youll have to read it to find out. The only reason I give this story four stars is that I thought the ending could have been a page or two longer. It was a bit abrupt, but still shocking and not at all what I expected to happen. Limestone Pillow: 5 Stars Where most authors would have a crime solving hero-type, that is not the case with this story. This story ends where most authors would choose to begin, letting us, the readers, enjoy the crime and action as it happens rather than a detective try to solve the case afterwards. The story centers around two criminals that are not your typical evildoers. They are simple flawed characters that have made some bad choices in life. They take a job to beat up a guy and the story spirals out of control from there. R F Whittaker throws twist after twist after twist at us until you hit the end of the story and it all makes sense. I didnt see it coming and it was a satisfying ending. Filial Loyalty: 5 Stars Edward has a problem at home. His father is an abusive, loudmouthed, obsessive compulsive cripple that makes everybody, including Edwards mother, miserable. Edward cant even turn to his brother because he joined the military. Something has to be done. The old man has to go. This story started out a little slow, but all the little details really build on each other. We learn about Edwards job. We learn about his relationship with his grandma and her caregiver. Edwards father becomes more abusive and more secrets are revealed. As the reader, I couldnt wait for someone, anyone to off this guy. Edward knows he has to do something and he might have found his answer lying on a bench. And then, I got to the ending. WOW. Just wow. I was definitely shocked and satisfied with the ending. It was worth the wait. This is one of the best short story Ive read from R F Whittaker and one of the best stories Ive read all year. The Jacker: 5 Stars The Jacker is quite the interesting story. It is anything but a simple car jacking short story. Oliver and Chloe leave their child with a sitter and finally have a chance to be alone...or so they think. What was going to be a chance to rekindle their relationship turns into a night of terror. They are taken hostage by a madman that cant be reasoned with. While the couple drives to some unknown destination, they each think about their dark pasts they tried to forget. Theyve hidden their true selves from each other and some secrets are dying to get out. This story went in a totally different direction than I could even imagine. Its a great single story and a fitting end to the Daemonia Anthology. Also, Whittaker adds author notes, which I always love to read. I cant say enough about this collection. Its that damn good.
Posted on: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 09:30:33 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015