What do you think?
Rate this book
Manx-iety: A Collection of Disturbing Stories
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 Manxiety.
"Part memoir, part fever dream, the line between reality and fiction is blurred into an evocative slurry where both exist at once. It doesn't matter which is which, the emotions that remain are enough to ensure the tales within will linger long after the book is closed."
M Ennenbach – Author of Dreamwhispers
"Part memoir, part fever dream, the line between reality and fiction is blurred into an evocative slurry where both exist at once. It doesn't matter which is which, the emotions that remain are enough to ensure the tales within will linger long after the book is closed."
M Ennenbach – Author of Dreamwhispers
- GenresShort StoriesHorror
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2023
13 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Daemon Manx
38 books237 followersDaemon Manx is an author with a backstory. He is a recovering addict who spent nearly a decade in the prison system, where he focused on recovery and learned to perfect his horror writing craft. He has been featured in magazines in the US, the UK, and Germany and, in 2021, was nominated for a Splatterpunk award for his book Abigail. Daemon is the author of the Ojanox series, endorsed by Scream Queen actress, Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp). He was a bonus round winner on the gameshow Wheel of Fortune in 1999 and is infamously known for a motor vehicle accident involving President Ronald Reagan’s limousine. After struggling with addiction and incarceration, Daemon now uses his story to illustrate the positive outcome of sobriety and offer a glimpse at what life can be like when one receives a second chance.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 19, 2023
I’m very grateful to Daemon Manx for sending me an early copy of ‘Manx-iety’ (not Man-xiety!), his forthcoming collection of short stories. I’d read some of them before (the ones he published on Godless.) He’s obviously a supremely talented author. It’s quite refreshing to find someone who writes genuinely from the heart, out of personal experience, whose stories are full of realism, pervaded by a down-to-earth mentality and true grit. ‘Manx-iety: A collection of disturbing stories’ consists of sixteen stories, many of them inspired by real-life events, while others are non-fictional narrations of the events themselves (e.g., Manx’s hilarious bumping into President Ronald Reagan’s limousine, or his appearance in Wheel of Fortune!) The author’s personality shines through all his stories; his story-telling is compelling, often linear yet always emotional, authentic, never falling back to empty abstractions or easy solutions. He’s evidently aware that the everyday creates as many problems as it solves, and he’s given up asking what’s possible, preferring to wonder how we'll cope. His horrors are real horrors: a child in an accident, imprisonment, addiction, disease, domestic abuse, the loss of a loved one, peer pressure, and the cost of pride. That said, he doesn’t hesitate to call on the supernatural whenever the situation allows for it: you get monsters, mysterious objects crashing to the earth, a haunted asylum, and a beautiful and sweet ghost story, which is, incidentally, the edited version of Manx’s first ever short story. Personally, I enjoyed very much the subtle sense of humor and the rather well-hidden optimism underlying a lot of the narratives. ‘5:56pm’ and ‘The Dead Girl’ were my favorites; I felt they were deeply meaningful, describing experiences, not simply happenings, and they will stick with me for a long time.
Brace yourself, then, for the all too real horrors of Manx-iety!
Releases on April 27 by Last Waltz Publishing.
Brace yourself, then, for the all too real horrors of Manx-iety!
Releases on April 27 by Last Waltz Publishing.
April 18, 2023
I knew going into this collection it would be top tier. I've loved every piece I've read by this author previously, no reason to think this would be a different experience especially after I read in the description that it was part memoir. I have always loved a book/story that was sown from truth and that proved true with every single story in
MANXIETY.
Part of the fun each morning was trying to decide what was the truth and what was the fiction from each story. (The author has a section at the end that goes into detail about the stories, but don't cheat and read those ahead of the stories!! It's more fun my way, lol)
These stories feature either the author as the main character, or based off people he knew and that reflected so well in the writing of them. I connected emotionally with each story in some way, whether it was sharing a heartwarming moment, a spike of fear, sadness at trauma experienced and a whole lot of nostalgia. (I think the author and I must be close in age)
The writing style is impeccable. Good gravy it just sucks you right in! Some of the best atmospheric writing I've read, which I have to say must be incredibly hard with a short story. You have so little time to develop your characters, give us a plot and then to make readers feel as though they are there - wow! It's hard to describe, but you'll get my meaning as you read these.
I enjoyed the collection in its entirety. I read one each morning, as I like to do with my first cup of coffee, and I was so excited to flip to the next page and experience another story from the author's past. It felt like two people sitting together drinking coffee and telling stories triggered by something they saw or said in conversation with one another. I loved not knowing what kind of story I may be getting: horror, suspense, a day in the life - it's all here laid bare.
It was such a pleasure to read these stories, things that mean so much to the author who wrote them and was kind enough to share with readers. Thank you doesn't come close to expressing how I feel getting to share in this. It feels like the sort of things shared between lifelong friends and it gives me warm fuzzies being a part of it.
I was asked by the author if I was interested in reading this collection for review consideration. After having enjoyed what I've read by them previously, it was an automatic yes from me.
These stories feature either the author as the main character, or based off people he knew and that reflected so well in the writing of them. I connected emotionally with each story in some way, whether it was sharing a heartwarming moment, a spike of fear, sadness at trauma experienced and a whole lot of nostalgia. (I think the author and I must be close in age)
The writing style is impeccable. Good gravy it just sucks you right in! Some of the best atmospheric writing I've read, which I have to say must be incredibly hard with a short story. You have so little time to develop your characters, give us a plot and then to make readers feel as though they are there - wow! It's hard to describe, but you'll get my meaning as you read these.
I enjoyed the collection in its entirety. I read one each morning, as I like to do with my first cup of coffee, and I was so excited to flip to the next page and experience another story from the author's past. It felt like two people sitting together drinking coffee and telling stories triggered by something they saw or said in conversation with one another. I loved not knowing what kind of story I may be getting: horror, suspense, a day in the life - it's all here laid bare.
It was such a pleasure to read these stories, things that mean so much to the author who wrote them and was kind enough to share with readers. Thank you doesn't come close to expressing how I feel getting to share in this. It feels like the sort of things shared between lifelong friends and it gives me warm fuzzies being a part of it.
I was asked by the author if I was interested in reading this collection for review consideration. After having enjoyed what I've read by them previously, it was an automatic yes from me.
April 18, 2023
Manx-iety features 16 short stories that are sure to stir up your emotions. Infidelity, death, illness, and so much more wait inside these pages. I thought it was interesting that these stories were inspired by real life events. Reading the author’s notes at the end of the book highlights some info on each of the stories inside, which was great, so don’t skip over them!
The Devil’s Well, Devlin’s Manse, The Dead Girl, and Manxiety were my favorites. Manx offers such detail in each story. Some stories are chilling while others might tug at your heartstrings. I love the variety that is displayed in this collection and how well each of them is written, especially for short stories. I felt the settings were well captured and even some of the characters, particularly in Devlin’s Manse. If you haven’t picked up any of Manx’s work yet, you really should!
The Devil’s Well, Devlin’s Manse, The Dead Girl, and Manxiety were my favorites. Manx offers such detail in each story. Some stories are chilling while others might tug at your heartstrings. I love the variety that is displayed in this collection and how well each of them is written, especially for short stories. I felt the settings were well captured and even some of the characters, particularly in Devlin’s Manse. If you haven’t picked up any of Manx’s work yet, you really should!
April 19, 2023
I absolutely love the idea of this book, a collection of horrific, fun and chilling tales, inspired by true events. Events full of true horrors brought on by life experiences such as addiction, jail time, depression and just plain old life itself! Take heed of this whilst reading as I think it makes the stories all the more impactful!
This collection reads like someone's memories, fears, hopes and dreams, and that's exactly what it is! All brought to life by the descriptive narrative, leaving you feeling like you've just awoken from a very real dream! And the authors' notes are fascinating, I love finding out the inspiration behind the stories I've just read!
All of these stories were great, my favourites were, the title story MANXIETY, WITNESS, THE PARTY & THE WIDOWER. As always, I will write a few words for each….
THE BOY IN THE CENTER OF THE ROAD…. A boy has been knocked from his bike on the way to a friends and is now lying in the center of the road, broken, his life flashing before his eyes. This is a chilling tale of his recovery, and a wake up call for his father. All set in an eerie atmosphere.
RECALCULATING…. A terrifying look at the world we live in today, the need for everything to be new, instant, and done for you. How technology seems to be advancing whilst we are retreating into ourselves! This was a good, creepy read.
5:56PM…. Don Reed has cancer, and lots of regrets. He's full of guilt too, but he's determined not to punish himself anymore…
A beautiful love story….
THE DEVILS WELL…. A dark tale of peer pressure, with a tense atmosphere and a horrifying yet sad ending!
RONALD REAGAN AND THE OH JESUS CHORD…. Being a roadie in New York is great for rubbing elbows with the rich and famous, but nothing will compare to that one day in Manhattan, the day of “The Accident”. Maneuvering a piano is not easy, and when you hit that infamous “Oh Jesus Chord” you're not likely to forget it…. But there's more to this story..
A fun reminiscence.
SOMETHING IN THE AIR…. Idris and Burke are about to experience a change in routine, somethings up! On day release from their halfway house, they finally feel free, yet overwhelmed. People are sick, they don't want to get infected, so back to the halfway house, and quarantine, it is. But, they have a plan, kind of….
Fast paced, chilling horror.
THE OVERBROOK…. An asylum that led to many, many deaths then is left abandoned over time, with only its disturbing legends living on. A perfect place for a teenage right of passage, just don't overstay your welcome….
A tense, creepy tale.
DEVLIN’S MANSE…. Devlin’s Manse is a beautiful Victorian house that stands derelict, and has done for decades. But there are echoes, echoes of James and Mary and their chilling life together! Taut with tension, this one gave me goosebumps. Creepy, haunting, eerie and twisty!
THE DEAD GIRL…. A tale of addiction, overdose, ghosts and heartbreak. Beautifully haunting and emotional. An eerie love story!
MANXIETY…. One man's addiction to weed, from the very first toke, paired with some classic rock music, to the time the weed dried up….but that's cool, because he knows just where to go, and what luck, it has exactly what he needs…
A ‘high’ adrenaline rush of a story!
WITNESS…. Brianna and her dog, Max, are at the park on a hot summers day, when they witness a horrific incident. The police arrive to ask questions, but Max isn’t too keen on one of the officers, does he have good reason?
I was absolutely convinced I had this one worked out….I didn't!! Brilliant, intriguing fun.
THE PARTY…. Travis is off to a Halloween party, after several cancellations over the last few years, due to covid, and to say he is excited is an understatement. Set out in the middle of “buttfuck nowhere” his friend Christoph’s mansion is a foreboding yet magnificent setting…. But will they even make it there? Feeling the exhilaration of young, excitable children they proceed to the party. It seems someone has come up with one hell of a cure for covid, resulting in one hell of a Halloween party!
Tense and gripping!
THE WHEEL TURNS…. Robert is taking part in a game show called The Wheel of Fortune, it becomes like a surreal, out of body experience for him, like karma, fate, the universe at work…
A cool, fun little tale.
THE WIDOWER…. David has been suffering with vivid dreams since his wife, Penny, died of cancer. Is it the unrelenting guilt he feels for still living, or the deep, dark depression? Or could it even be the racoons? Are his dreams about to come true? And just what is that awful smell?
Haunting, eerie and moving!
THE LAST WALTZ…. Nancy is feeling the warmth of the sun as she sits on the beach, before fleeing further south, the events of the previous evening rushing back to her in vivid detail…
Beautifully haunting.
SCREAM IN THE DARK: AN EXCERPT FROM THE OJANOX….Sallys twins are running a fever, but not just any ordinary fever….
Holy shit, what a hell of a teaser!! I REALLY want to read more of this! Like yesterday!! 🖤😲
This collection reads like someone's memories, fears, hopes and dreams, and that's exactly what it is! All brought to life by the descriptive narrative, leaving you feeling like you've just awoken from a very real dream! And the authors' notes are fascinating, I love finding out the inspiration behind the stories I've just read!
All of these stories were great, my favourites were, the title story MANXIETY, WITNESS, THE PARTY & THE WIDOWER. As always, I will write a few words for each….
THE BOY IN THE CENTER OF THE ROAD…. A boy has been knocked from his bike on the way to a friends and is now lying in the center of the road, broken, his life flashing before his eyes. This is a chilling tale of his recovery, and a wake up call for his father. All set in an eerie atmosphere.
RECALCULATING…. A terrifying look at the world we live in today, the need for everything to be new, instant, and done for you. How technology seems to be advancing whilst we are retreating into ourselves! This was a good, creepy read.
5:56PM…. Don Reed has cancer, and lots of regrets. He's full of guilt too, but he's determined not to punish himself anymore…
A beautiful love story….
THE DEVILS WELL…. A dark tale of peer pressure, with a tense atmosphere and a horrifying yet sad ending!
RONALD REAGAN AND THE OH JESUS CHORD…. Being a roadie in New York is great for rubbing elbows with the rich and famous, but nothing will compare to that one day in Manhattan, the day of “The Accident”. Maneuvering a piano is not easy, and when you hit that infamous “Oh Jesus Chord” you're not likely to forget it…. But there's more to this story..
A fun reminiscence.
SOMETHING IN THE AIR…. Idris and Burke are about to experience a change in routine, somethings up! On day release from their halfway house, they finally feel free, yet overwhelmed. People are sick, they don't want to get infected, so back to the halfway house, and quarantine, it is. But, they have a plan, kind of….
Fast paced, chilling horror.
THE OVERBROOK…. An asylum that led to many, many deaths then is left abandoned over time, with only its disturbing legends living on. A perfect place for a teenage right of passage, just don't overstay your welcome….
A tense, creepy tale.
DEVLIN’S MANSE…. Devlin’s Manse is a beautiful Victorian house that stands derelict, and has done for decades. But there are echoes, echoes of James and Mary and their chilling life together! Taut with tension, this one gave me goosebumps. Creepy, haunting, eerie and twisty!
THE DEAD GIRL…. A tale of addiction, overdose, ghosts and heartbreak. Beautifully haunting and emotional. An eerie love story!
MANXIETY…. One man's addiction to weed, from the very first toke, paired with some classic rock music, to the time the weed dried up….but that's cool, because he knows just where to go, and what luck, it has exactly what he needs…
A ‘high’ adrenaline rush of a story!
WITNESS…. Brianna and her dog, Max, are at the park on a hot summers day, when they witness a horrific incident. The police arrive to ask questions, but Max isn’t too keen on one of the officers, does he have good reason?
I was absolutely convinced I had this one worked out….I didn't!! Brilliant, intriguing fun.
THE PARTY…. Travis is off to a Halloween party, after several cancellations over the last few years, due to covid, and to say he is excited is an understatement. Set out in the middle of “buttfuck nowhere” his friend Christoph’s mansion is a foreboding yet magnificent setting…. But will they even make it there? Feeling the exhilaration of young, excitable children they proceed to the party. It seems someone has come up with one hell of a cure for covid, resulting in one hell of a Halloween party!
Tense and gripping!
THE WHEEL TURNS…. Robert is taking part in a game show called The Wheel of Fortune, it becomes like a surreal, out of body experience for him, like karma, fate, the universe at work…
A cool, fun little tale.
THE WIDOWER…. David has been suffering with vivid dreams since his wife, Penny, died of cancer. Is it the unrelenting guilt he feels for still living, or the deep, dark depression? Or could it even be the racoons? Are his dreams about to come true? And just what is that awful smell?
Haunting, eerie and moving!
THE LAST WALTZ…. Nancy is feeling the warmth of the sun as she sits on the beach, before fleeing further south, the events of the previous evening rushing back to her in vivid detail…
Beautifully haunting.
SCREAM IN THE DARK: AN EXCERPT FROM THE OJANOX….Sallys twins are running a fever, but not just any ordinary fever….
Holy shit, what a hell of a teaser!! I REALLY want to read more of this! Like yesterday!! 🖤😲
March 25, 2023
Manxiety is a superb collection of horror stories from the mind of Daemon Manx!
Sixteen stories of horror ranging from subjects of childhood trauma, infidelity, depression, sobriety, spousal abuse, and gothic horror just to name a few.
I normally would highlight my favorite stories from the group, but this time, I can’t because I LOVED THEM ALL! Each story was unique and compelling. The reader gets pulled into the story with the vivid imagery and identifiable characters. This was one of those reads where I sat up at bedtime telling myself, one more chapter. Then it turned into another, then another because it was so hard to put down.
I really enjoyed the final pages of the book where Manx talked about his inspiration for each of the stories based on different points in his life. Manx is quickly becoming one of those authors that buying his books is a no-brainer because his writing is that good.
So, if you haven’t thought about picking this one up yet, please do! It’s totally worth the time and a great horror read without the extreme elements.
Sixteen stories of horror ranging from subjects of childhood trauma, infidelity, depression, sobriety, spousal abuse, and gothic horror just to name a few.
I normally would highlight my favorite stories from the group, but this time, I can’t because I LOVED THEM ALL! Each story was unique and compelling. The reader gets pulled into the story with the vivid imagery and identifiable characters. This was one of those reads where I sat up at bedtime telling myself, one more chapter. Then it turned into another, then another because it was so hard to put down.
I really enjoyed the final pages of the book where Manx talked about his inspiration for each of the stories based on different points in his life. Manx is quickly becoming one of those authors that buying his books is a no-brainer because his writing is that good.
So, if you haven’t thought about picking this one up yet, please do! It’s totally worth the time and a great horror read without the extreme elements.
April 28, 2023
A Horror Bookworm Recommendation
MANX-IETY by Daemon Manx
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
- A little boy makes a pact within himself to overcome his own fear and not succumb to peer pressure. An attempt to jump over a black abyss known as “the well” is his rite of passage in this horrific coming of age tale.
- While coping with a festering amount of anguish, a man discovers the source of his late wife’s cancer. It just so happens the disease dwells within the dark dank confines of his household’s crawl space.
- Travis & Darcy travel to a secluded Halloween bash. As darkness falls the two witness a strange object falling from the sky. A green glow as well as a pulsating vibration increases as they grow closer to their destination. This hallows eve will be one like no other.
Author Daemon Manx offers up his collection of nightmares, dark memoirs and anxiety ridden stories entitled Manx-iety. From a haunted asylum for the insane to a cheating husband that is forced to “recalculate” his life to a woman who witnesses a ghastly murder. These tension filled stories have secrets shared from troubled spirits, urban legends and haunted domiciles…all from the innovative mind of Daemon Manx.
Manx-iety is not just twisted tales, they are horrific terrors of the emotional kind which cut much deeper. Unsettling social alienation along with severe sorrow and sadness are underlying themes within these pages catering incurable tragedies. If you haven’t read Daemon Manx this is a perfect place to start. He somehow brings to life his thoughts and experiences that are bound to hit a sensitive nerve you never knew you had.
Expect sensations of rapid breathing, pounding heart rates and profuse sweating while reading Manx-iety. It truly is an emotional tour of the mind that the author wants to show you. Daemon Manx has built his own tortured asylum, and you the reader, have been committed. A highly rated Horror Bookworm Recommendation.
MANX-IETY by Daemon Manx
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
- A little boy makes a pact within himself to overcome his own fear and not succumb to peer pressure. An attempt to jump over a black abyss known as “the well” is his rite of passage in this horrific coming of age tale.
- While coping with a festering amount of anguish, a man discovers the source of his late wife’s cancer. It just so happens the disease dwells within the dark dank confines of his household’s crawl space.
- Travis & Darcy travel to a secluded Halloween bash. As darkness falls the two witness a strange object falling from the sky. A green glow as well as a pulsating vibration increases as they grow closer to their destination. This hallows eve will be one like no other.
Author Daemon Manx offers up his collection of nightmares, dark memoirs and anxiety ridden stories entitled Manx-iety. From a haunted asylum for the insane to a cheating husband that is forced to “recalculate” his life to a woman who witnesses a ghastly murder. These tension filled stories have secrets shared from troubled spirits, urban legends and haunted domiciles…all from the innovative mind of Daemon Manx.
Manx-iety is not just twisted tales, they are horrific terrors of the emotional kind which cut much deeper. Unsettling social alienation along with severe sorrow and sadness are underlying themes within these pages catering incurable tragedies. If you haven’t read Daemon Manx this is a perfect place to start. He somehow brings to life his thoughts and experiences that are bound to hit a sensitive nerve you never knew you had.
Expect sensations of rapid breathing, pounding heart rates and profuse sweating while reading Manx-iety. It truly is an emotional tour of the mind that the author wants to show you. Daemon Manx has built his own tortured asylum, and you the reader, have been committed. A highly rated Horror Bookworm Recommendation.
April 6, 2023
A compelling collection of short stories and I loved every single one of them. A few of my favorites were Witness, Recalculating, and The Last Waltz. I especially enjoyed reading the authors notes at the end regarding inspiration and where the stories originated. Read this book, you won't be disappointed.
February 17, 2023
"Manxiety" by Daemon Manx
ARC read - thank you @daemonmanx
A great collection of short stories. I love books which are creepy and unsettling but also have a deep meaning behind them.
Here is a sentence on each one..
💥 I have put a emoji on the ones which are my favourite 💥
💥 The Boy in Center of the Road
Every parents worst fear.
Very much "a way to terrify your mother, a way to get your father to finally look at you" behind it
- Recalculating
Interesting and smart short tale!
💥 5:56pm
"Don was addicted to his pain" - very short tale but a big impact
💥 The Devil's Well
A favourite for sure. Love stuff like this.
- Ronald Regan and the oh Jesus chord
This was entertaining!
- Something in the Air
Another interesting tale, something familiar about that one!
💥 The Overbrook
Loved it! Wish it was longer. These are my favourite kinda stories. Daring to walk the lonely corridors of an abandoned building. Dark. Eerie. Is someone watching us?
💥 Delvin's Manse
Very creepy but also kind of sad. Love stuff like this and particularly enjoyed the afterward part for some background.
💥 The Dead Girl
Tough one, but good. A real "The true horror is life" read.
- Manxiety
As the author says, everyone loves a good story.
- Witness
Intriguing thriller!
- The Party
That was one hell of a party!
- The Wheel Turns
Another entertaining read, deffo a once in a lifetime thing!
💥 The Widower
Lot of emotion in this. Depression and grief and what can happen when those two things hit us so hard in the face.
- The Last Waltz
Another excellent well written tale
I enjoyed the little afterword from the author explaining where these ideas came from.
ARC read - thank you @daemonmanx
A great collection of short stories. I love books which are creepy and unsettling but also have a deep meaning behind them.
Here is a sentence on each one..
💥 I have put a emoji on the ones which are my favourite 💥
💥 The Boy in Center of the Road
Every parents worst fear.
Very much "a way to terrify your mother, a way to get your father to finally look at you" behind it
- Recalculating
Interesting and smart short tale!
💥 5:56pm
"Don was addicted to his pain" - very short tale but a big impact
💥 The Devil's Well
A favourite for sure. Love stuff like this.
- Ronald Regan and the oh Jesus chord
This was entertaining!
- Something in the Air
Another interesting tale, something familiar about that one!
💥 The Overbrook
Loved it! Wish it was longer. These are my favourite kinda stories. Daring to walk the lonely corridors of an abandoned building. Dark. Eerie. Is someone watching us?
💥 Delvin's Manse
Very creepy but also kind of sad. Love stuff like this and particularly enjoyed the afterward part for some background.
💥 The Dead Girl
Tough one, but good. A real "The true horror is life" read.
- Manxiety
As the author says, everyone loves a good story.
- Witness
Intriguing thriller!
- The Party
That was one hell of a party!
- The Wheel Turns
Another entertaining read, deffo a once in a lifetime thing!
💥 The Widower
Lot of emotion in this. Depression and grief and what can happen when those two things hit us so hard in the face.
- The Last Waltz
Another excellent well written tale
I enjoyed the little afterword from the author explaining where these ideas came from.
April 22, 2023
So, Daemon asked if I wanted to read his latest collection. Of course, I said yes because it's Daemon fucking Manx! So I was happy to dive into his epic collection. Knowing full well that this would be something special, I was right.
We go into a world created by Manx that includes memories and personal emotions, the problem is you can't decide what is real and what is fiction. This collection just keeps you guessing throughout this journey into Manx's world. The Boy in the Centre of the Room is a dark and chilling start to the collection, he takes a horrific accident and we follow it from multiple angles. We follow the reaction of his parents before and after the boy is hit, the whole story is a play-by-play and shows the son's experience through the ordeal. It's a heart-wrenching piece full of emotion and some scenes are like a fever dream. This sets the tone for the collection, a mix of stories where reality and nightmare smooth together seamlessly enough. So that the reader cannot differentiate between the two. His writing style pulls you in completely, envelopes your senses, and captures your curiosity all at the same time.
He also knows I love my revenge stories and Re-calculating was no exception. I mean seriously, what ass hat cheats on his pregnant missus and thinks they can get away with it. The way the story starts builds your hatred for Paul Davis, but as soon as that sweet twist hits you know it's going to be good. To be honest with you I will be here all day if I had to talk about everyone. So, I picked out my top ones that left an impression on me, just so you can get an idea of this selection. 5.56 PM is a short but potent piece that will bring tears to your eyes. This one is heartbreaking and is a story of love that lasts forever, it is truly beautiful.
Something in the Air was an intense read, as we follow the lives of Burke and Idris. Both fighting their demons, I feel so much sadness for Idris's situation. Especially after all the blood, sweat, and tears he put in to not become another stereotype of his area. It breaks my heart to think that the system did not help this poor man. I mean, he fought the Gulf War, and fought for his education and to see it all go south so quickly was heartbreaking. So that feeling of freedom must have been incredible, but then to have it snatched away yet again. God, I can't even imagine what that must be like. But then I consider everything we went through during lockdown as well, not being able to see our families, not allowed to go out, shut away from everyone and only being able to leave for essentials. That is when I realised who brilliantly creative the stories take on the whole situation.
The Overlook speaks from a first-person observation of an old abandoned Asylum. The history and vibes of this one, sends chills down your spine from the onset. But it also left me wanting more. I would love to see some supernatural stories from Manx about this terrifying and spooky place. I love the variation in this collection because you never know what you are going to get next, whether it's a glimpse into Daemon's own past experiences or a work of fiction from his beautiful mind.
As well as his amazing way to create a story he has a brilliant way to articulate his work. He uses some beautiful metaphors and descriptions to convey emotion. Such as this very eloquent passage regarding trauma and its effects. "There is always a residue that lingers, like a bloodstain on the carpet, or the scar left from a wound." This gives the message in each story more impact and that particular line comes from Devlin's Manse.
Another incredible story in his arsenal of stories. We follow Mary and James in an almost childlike state of innocence, trying hard to regain their past. Trauma can affect people in many ways and this heartbreaking tale of the estate and its history. Will engage and intrigue you, the ending has a very M Night Shamlan vibe which is easy to love. Some incredible stories here stay with you. I especially enjoyed the story Manxiety which makes you want to avoid the wakey bakey, but also shows everyone has very different and sometimes intense reactions. The Witness was another great story by Manx, a seemingly normal day for Brie and her dog Max. Turns south when she witnesses a murder at the park, the level of anxiety this one gives me is insane. You never know what is going to happen next and you will be just as on edge as Brie. But the twists and turns of this story made it all worthwhile, plus who doesn't love a dog being the hero? This was fantastic, complex and a great showcase of Manx's writing ability.
We go into a world created by Manx that includes memories and personal emotions, the problem is you can't decide what is real and what is fiction. This collection just keeps you guessing throughout this journey into Manx's world. The Boy in the Centre of the Room is a dark and chilling start to the collection, he takes a horrific accident and we follow it from multiple angles. We follow the reaction of his parents before and after the boy is hit, the whole story is a play-by-play and shows the son's experience through the ordeal. It's a heart-wrenching piece full of emotion and some scenes are like a fever dream. This sets the tone for the collection, a mix of stories where reality and nightmare smooth together seamlessly enough. So that the reader cannot differentiate between the two. His writing style pulls you in completely, envelopes your senses, and captures your curiosity all at the same time.
He also knows I love my revenge stories and Re-calculating was no exception. I mean seriously, what ass hat cheats on his pregnant missus and thinks they can get away with it. The way the story starts builds your hatred for Paul Davis, but as soon as that sweet twist hits you know it's going to be good. To be honest with you I will be here all day if I had to talk about everyone. So, I picked out my top ones that left an impression on me, just so you can get an idea of this selection. 5.56 PM is a short but potent piece that will bring tears to your eyes. This one is heartbreaking and is a story of love that lasts forever, it is truly beautiful.
Something in the Air was an intense read, as we follow the lives of Burke and Idris. Both fighting their demons, I feel so much sadness for Idris's situation. Especially after all the blood, sweat, and tears he put in to not become another stereotype of his area. It breaks my heart to think that the system did not help this poor man. I mean, he fought the Gulf War, and fought for his education and to see it all go south so quickly was heartbreaking. So that feeling of freedom must have been incredible, but then to have it snatched away yet again. God, I can't even imagine what that must be like. But then I consider everything we went through during lockdown as well, not being able to see our families, not allowed to go out, shut away from everyone and only being able to leave for essentials. That is when I realised who brilliantly creative the stories take on the whole situation.
The Overlook speaks from a first-person observation of an old abandoned Asylum. The history and vibes of this one, sends chills down your spine from the onset. But it also left me wanting more. I would love to see some supernatural stories from Manx about this terrifying and spooky place. I love the variation in this collection because you never know what you are going to get next, whether it's a glimpse into Daemon's own past experiences or a work of fiction from his beautiful mind.
As well as his amazing way to create a story he has a brilliant way to articulate his work. He uses some beautiful metaphors and descriptions to convey emotion. Such as this very eloquent passage regarding trauma and its effects. "There is always a residue that lingers, like a bloodstain on the carpet, or the scar left from a wound." This gives the message in each story more impact and that particular line comes from Devlin's Manse.
Another incredible story in his arsenal of stories. We follow Mary and James in an almost childlike state of innocence, trying hard to regain their past. Trauma can affect people in many ways and this heartbreaking tale of the estate and its history. Will engage and intrigue you, the ending has a very M Night Shamlan vibe which is easy to love. Some incredible stories here stay with you. I especially enjoyed the story Manxiety which makes you want to avoid the wakey bakey, but also shows everyone has very different and sometimes intense reactions. The Witness was another great story by Manx, a seemingly normal day for Brie and her dog Max. Turns south when she witnesses a murder at the park, the level of anxiety this one gives me is insane. You never know what is going to happen next and you will be just as on edge as Brie. But the twists and turns of this story made it all worthwhile, plus who doesn't love a dog being the hero? This was fantastic, complex and a great showcase of Manx's writing ability.
April 18, 2023
Daemon Manx is hands down a wonderful and terrific writer.
In 'Manxiety: A collection of disturbing stories', his latest offering, he manages to craft 16 powerful and terrifying stories and I was fortunate enough to receive these stories for review.
Dear reader I guarantee these short stories are enough to evoke an array of emotions and stick with you for quite some time.
The author masterfully crafted stories that were inspired by real-life events. Some loose interpretations of his nightmares and experiences, and others dark memoirs.
All were designed to evoke feelings of longing, fear, remorse, desperation, and of course, anxiety and serve as a medium for the author to exorcise his own demons.
In the process he also managed to create some beautiful nightmares and the stuff that keep you up at night reading. Welcome to Manxiety.
16 beautifully written stories of horror that will keep you tangled in the wonderful atmospherics the author skilfully paints, both intense and shocking in their ending.
Hauntingly good, filled with emotions and tragic characters that brought the occasional tear to my eyes (I am a father and a husband 😉, no spoilers), this ultimately satisfying book is a must have for fans of horror. The afterword alone, is enough to take you on an emotional roller-coaster. Sublime in every possible way.
My favorite story? The chilling 'The Widower'. An unfortunate recently widower, writhing in pain from the loss of his wife, comes face to face with whatever still lingers in an empty dream home. Despair, love and loss, grief and pain collide in this delightful stab in the heart of a tale
Daemon Manx is a newly discovered author for me, but since the first time I've read one of his stories,I'm a devoted fan and I've devoured every story he puts out.
In 'Manxiety: A collection of disturbing stories', his latest offering, he manages to craft 16 powerful and terrifying stories and I was fortunate enough to receive these stories for review.
Dear reader I guarantee these short stories are enough to evoke an array of emotions and stick with you for quite some time.
The author masterfully crafted stories that were inspired by real-life events. Some loose interpretations of his nightmares and experiences, and others dark memoirs.
All were designed to evoke feelings of longing, fear, remorse, desperation, and of course, anxiety and serve as a medium for the author to exorcise his own demons.
In the process he also managed to create some beautiful nightmares and the stuff that keep you up at night reading. Welcome to Manxiety.
16 beautifully written stories of horror that will keep you tangled in the wonderful atmospherics the author skilfully paints, both intense and shocking in their ending.
Hauntingly good, filled with emotions and tragic characters that brought the occasional tear to my eyes (I am a father and a husband 😉, no spoilers), this ultimately satisfying book is a must have for fans of horror. The afterword alone, is enough to take you on an emotional roller-coaster. Sublime in every possible way.
My favorite story? The chilling 'The Widower'. An unfortunate recently widower, writhing in pain from the loss of his wife, comes face to face with whatever still lingers in an empty dream home. Despair, love and loss, grief and pain collide in this delightful stab in the heart of a tale
Daemon Manx is a newly discovered author for me, but since the first time I've read one of his stories,I'm a devoted fan and I've devoured every story he puts out.
April 27, 2023
Bibliophilia Templum review at https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/2023/04/27/manx-iety/
Manx-iety is a phenomenal and evocative collection that takes us into the mind of author Daemon Manx. All of the pieces are a reflection of his journey both through life and as an author. Not every story is horror per se; “Ronald Reagan and the Oh Jesus Chord” is more humorous (to me) than horrifying, for example, though it was likely a horrifying experience for those involved at the time. But each piece is dark and impactful in its own right, in its own way.
One of the stories that really stands out for me is “The Devil’s Well.” This is an ultimately powerful story. It speaks heavily to the inner turmoil of peer pressure and how one can be thus bullied into a disregard of self and personal safety. But it’s also a horror story full of terror.
Another particularly impactful story here is “The Dead Girl.” This is a brutal and haunting story about addiction, fear, and regret. It’s a masterfully written tale that lingers and haunts your thoughts for a long time.
There’s also “The Widower.” This is a gut-wrenching, gripping horror story that wrung my emotions. From one-liners that made me snicker out loud, to character memories and thoughts that made me physically frown, to suspense that made my muscles tense, to the unpredictable twist that slapped a gasp from me, this story is a full mind and body experience.
Daemon Manx is an excellent wordsmith. He skillfully draws you in to his stories, and once there, you discover nothing is quite what it seems.
Manx-iety is a phenomenal and evocative collection that takes us into the mind of author Daemon Manx. All of the pieces are a reflection of his journey both through life and as an author. Not every story is horror per se; “Ronald Reagan and the Oh Jesus Chord” is more humorous (to me) than horrifying, for example, though it was likely a horrifying experience for those involved at the time. But each piece is dark and impactful in its own right, in its own way.
One of the stories that really stands out for me is “The Devil’s Well.” This is an ultimately powerful story. It speaks heavily to the inner turmoil of peer pressure and how one can be thus bullied into a disregard of self and personal safety. But it’s also a horror story full of terror.
Another particularly impactful story here is “The Dead Girl.” This is a brutal and haunting story about addiction, fear, and regret. It’s a masterfully written tale that lingers and haunts your thoughts for a long time.
There’s also “The Widower.” This is a gut-wrenching, gripping horror story that wrung my emotions. From one-liners that made me snicker out loud, to character memories and thoughts that made me physically frown, to suspense that made my muscles tense, to the unpredictable twist that slapped a gasp from me, this story is a full mind and body experience.
Daemon Manx is an excellent wordsmith. He skillfully draws you in to his stories, and once there, you discover nothing is quite what it seems.
April 29, 2023
Manxiety is just what I needed in my life right now and it honestly blew me away.
I laughed (a lot), gasped, was grossed out and even got emotional while reading some of these stories.
The way that Daemon writes is just so relatable and witty. I can’t say enough about how you need to check this out. Not a horror fan? That’s ok, there’s something for everyone here and I wouldn’t call this ‘scary’ horror. It’s the kind of horror with a message. There are even a few memoir type stories and all of these relate to the author’s life, hence the title wordplay on his last name - brilliant right?
Here’s a few of my faves:
Recalculating - Be careful technology can bite ya, especially if you are a basic shitbag. This one was my absolute fave! It takes place in my neck of the woods too. It was fun to see the locations I am familiar with and a great coincidence. My name was even mentioned a few times also IN a story in my area. Coincidence at its best.
5:56 - Have regrets? Who doesn’t. This one touched my heart - yes really!
Something In The Air - You thought Covid was bad? This is Covid on steroids.
The Dead Girl: Wow- just wow. Sad, touching and creepy.
The Witness: Such a fun mini murder mystery…with a dog!
The author notes at the end of the book explains a lot of these stories and how they relate to Daemon’s life. Everything from Ronald Reagan to Wheel of Fortune. So fun!
Daemon is truly the nicest guy that writes the craziest stuff. Everyone needs an outlet I suppose right?! This is sooo worth the read. Do it! I need more.
Thanks Daemon for my gifted copy and happy (late) pub day! You deserve all the hype my friend.
I laughed (a lot), gasped, was grossed out and even got emotional while reading some of these stories.
The way that Daemon writes is just so relatable and witty. I can’t say enough about how you need to check this out. Not a horror fan? That’s ok, there’s something for everyone here and I wouldn’t call this ‘scary’ horror. It’s the kind of horror with a message. There are even a few memoir type stories and all of these relate to the author’s life, hence the title wordplay on his last name - brilliant right?
Here’s a few of my faves:
Recalculating - Be careful technology can bite ya, especially if you are a basic shitbag. This one was my absolute fave! It takes place in my neck of the woods too. It was fun to see the locations I am familiar with and a great coincidence. My name was even mentioned a few times also IN a story in my area. Coincidence at its best.
5:56 - Have regrets? Who doesn’t. This one touched my heart - yes really!
Something In The Air - You thought Covid was bad? This is Covid on steroids.
The Dead Girl: Wow- just wow. Sad, touching and creepy.
The Witness: Such a fun mini murder mystery…with a dog!
The author notes at the end of the book explains a lot of these stories and how they relate to Daemon’s life. Everything from Ronald Reagan to Wheel of Fortune. So fun!
Daemon is truly the nicest guy that writes the craziest stuff. Everyone needs an outlet I suppose right?! This is sooo worth the read. Do it! I need more.
Thanks Daemon for my gifted copy and happy (late) pub day! You deserve all the hype my friend.
May 1, 2023
Apparently, my initial review never posted (blame it on my now ancient laptop it's not easy being a 3 year old piece of tech these days), so here I am, again, to tell you how much I loved this book.
Seriously, this could have been written just to please the exact type of reader I am, and it wouldn't have been more spot on, see this collection exists at the precise intersection of my 2 favorite genres, non-fiction and short form horror.
The collection starts with an emotionally devastating story and just keeps throwing things at you that are sure to make you feel something.
Every story felt polished and stood well on its own. Even though Manx used his life and his feelings as inspiration/source material there's still a good variety of themes and tones so it never got boring or flat.
Disclosure: I received a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Seriously, this could have been written just to please the exact type of reader I am, and it wouldn't have been more spot on, see this collection exists at the precise intersection of my 2 favorite genres, non-fiction and short form horror.
The collection starts with an emotionally devastating story and just keeps throwing things at you that are sure to make you feel something.
Every story felt polished and stood well on its own. Even though Manx used his life and his feelings as inspiration/source material there's still a good variety of themes and tones so it never got boring or flat.
Disclosure: I received a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2023
I was captivated by the haunting tales woven together in 'Manx-iety,' this mesmerizing collection of short stories by Daemon Manx. The stories have 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.
April 23, 2023
Absolute banger of a book! Manx-iety is a short story collection from Daemon Manx that's part memoir - part horror fiction. The 15 stories within encompass a huge range of emotion. Manx evokes every feeling, from dry humour to grief, with huge doses of terror in between! Each story is written with honesty and a refreshing approach to the genre that left me wanting more. Many of the stories would make amazing novellas, or even full length novels. Personal favourites were Witness, The Devils Well and The Widower 🖤 I look forward to checking out other works by Daemon Manx and, honestly, if you haven't read this one yet then get it on the TBR pile yesterday! If it's already on your TBR pile then get it into your hand and thank me later 🙃
April 17, 2023
Manxiety features 16 short stories that are told as either memoirs or as fictional narratives inspired by true events from the author’s life. There’s themes that explore pain, sorrow, loss, remorse and dangerous impulses. But there’s also a few lighthearted and entertaining tales to be found amongst the darker ones, such as the time the author was on Wheel of Fortune and the time he hit Ronald Reagan’s limousine.
There’s a lot to like about the writing as it flows beautifully and paints emotions and experiences in a way that’s relatable and engaging. While I didn’t connect with all the stories, I appreciated this book as a whole since I know it couldn’t have been easy to share some of these experiences.
The ones that stuck out to me the most were:
- 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐲 𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 (horrible car accident lands boy in hospital, father finally comes around to show him love)
- 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 (A car has a mind of its own and teaches a man consequences for his actions)
- 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥’𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥 (Boy is peer pressured to Jump the Devils Well and into the depths of black water with something lurking within)
- 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥 (A sad story about drug overdose and the ghosts that remain)
- 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 (dog lovers will enjoy this one as some of the story is told from a Labradors POV)
- 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 (A husband grieves the death of his wife and in turn manifests a giant spider)
- 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐳 (A Wife gets rid of her abusive husband)
Highly recommended reading the afterword to learn about what each story was inspired by.
Content Warnings: Car Accidents, Murder, Mentioning of infant deaths, Addiction, Drug Overdose, Themes of Covid, Arachnophobia, Spousal Abuse
There’s a lot to like about the writing as it flows beautifully and paints emotions and experiences in a way that’s relatable and engaging. While I didn’t connect with all the stories, I appreciated this book as a whole since I know it couldn’t have been easy to share some of these experiences.
The ones that stuck out to me the most were:
- 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐲 𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 (horrible car accident lands boy in hospital, father finally comes around to show him love)
- 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 (A car has a mind of its own and teaches a man consequences for his actions)
- 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥’𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥 (Boy is peer pressured to Jump the Devils Well and into the depths of black water with something lurking within)
- 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥 (A sad story about drug overdose and the ghosts that remain)
- 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 (dog lovers will enjoy this one as some of the story is told from a Labradors POV)
- 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 (A husband grieves the death of his wife and in turn manifests a giant spider)
- 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐳 (A Wife gets rid of her abusive husband)
Highly recommended reading the afterword to learn about what each story was inspired by.
Content Warnings: Car Accidents, Murder, Mentioning of infant deaths, Addiction, Drug Overdose, Themes of Covid, Arachnophobia, Spousal Abuse
April 22, 2023
There is a LOT to unpack here. The stories in this collection range from truly horrifying to deeply moving. there's a brief love story that tugs at your very heartstrings. There's a dramatic piece about a boy recovering from being hit by a car that just leaves you in awe. Then, there is my favorite story, Witness. This was a perfectly crafted murder mystery that blew my mind and had me shocked at the end since I was completely wrong as to who done it. This collection was my introduction to Manx, and I feel confident in saying the man is a master storyteller. Each and every story was perfectly crafted, from the characters to the stories themselves. This not only put him on my radar but has made him a must read and follow author. Manx-iety was a true pleasure to read, and I can't wait for the next look I have into his psyche.
June 2, 2023
I finished this over a month ago and apparently forgot to write a review! Whoops!
This collection of short stories are very personal and just plain phenomenal. You get to know a little bit about the author through them and boy can he weave a great yarn! His prose is engaging and his stories can hit you like a sucker punch if you're not careful.
You will want to keep an eye on this author!
This collection of short stories are very personal and just plain phenomenal. You get to know a little bit about the author through them and boy can he weave a great yarn! His prose is engaging and his stories can hit you like a sucker punch if you're not careful.
You will want to keep an eye on this author!
April 24, 2023
Just finished Manxiety by Daemon Manx and loved it! It's so we'll written and diverse! My favorite story was 'The Dead Girl' because it felt like a story that would be very relatable to anyone in that situation. A great collection of stories, highly recommend!
April 17, 2023
This is a unique collection of stories. They range from the weird to the horrific to the heartfelt. But they all have one thing in common: they're all based on the real life of the author.
They say you should write what you know and these tales feature addictions, grief, bad choices, and the author has lived quite a life!
The very first story is about a boy who gets hit by a car while riding his bicycle and sustains some pretty bad injuries. We see and experience things from his perspective which gives this story an overall creepy feeling.
There are stories in here about a GPS system that seems to have a mind of its own, a childhood rite of passage that doesn't go as planned, an extremely creepy haunted building that proves to be true, and a woman who breaks free from an abusive relationship in the most horrific way possible.
There are also a couple of non-fictionalised stories that have happened to the author. While not "horror" related, they are very entertaining and I enjoyed those in between the creepy ones.
The writing style is smooth and easy to read with an emphasis on moving each story forward. And this is one of those authors who really knows how to use an ever increasing sense of tension in their work. You'll want to keep the pages turning to get some relief!
Overall, this is a fantastic book of short stories and it's an anthology I can, and do, highly recommend.
They say you should write what you know and these tales feature addictions, grief, bad choices, and the author has lived quite a life!
The very first story is about a boy who gets hit by a car while riding his bicycle and sustains some pretty bad injuries. We see and experience things from his perspective which gives this story an overall creepy feeling.
There are stories in here about a GPS system that seems to have a mind of its own, a childhood rite of passage that doesn't go as planned, an extremely creepy haunted building that proves to be true, and a woman who breaks free from an abusive relationship in the most horrific way possible.
There are also a couple of non-fictionalised stories that have happened to the author. While not "horror" related, they are very entertaining and I enjoyed those in between the creepy ones.
The writing style is smooth and easy to read with an emphasis on moving each story forward. And this is one of those authors who really knows how to use an ever increasing sense of tension in their work. You'll want to keep the pages turning to get some relief!
Overall, this is a fantastic book of short stories and it's an anthology I can, and do, highly recommend.
April 18, 2023
Thank you to Daemon for allowing me to read this wonderful anthology early! I really enjoyed this collection of short stories. A few of them didn’t grab me right off the bat like I wanted them too, but most of them sucked me & had me speeding through because I wanted to know what would happen. I really love how Daemon can set the scene so viscerally right away—which is an absolute must in my opinion if you’re going to be writing short stories. The best thing about this collection, though, is that every story has a purpose & lets you get to know Daemon a little, as well as connecting to such emotional human experiences that we all go through at one point or another.
October 10, 2023
“The massive structure was abandoned and left to rot at the top of the mountain for decades afterwards. But the memory of the pain was left behind.
The empty husks of the old hospital buildings were never entirely empty, at least that’s what the rumors would have you believe.”
A collection of thrilling tales inspired by the author’s own life experience and perspectives.
Some of the stories were so good & at the end of the book the author discussed his inspiration for each twisted tale. This really helped to give each story more of its own life and spark, knowing they were inspired by real life events/interpretations.
My favourites of this collection were “Witness”, “The Overbrook”, and “The Party”.
The empty husks of the old hospital buildings were never entirely empty, at least that’s what the rumors would have you believe.”
A collection of thrilling tales inspired by the author’s own life experience and perspectives.
Some of the stories were so good & at the end of the book the author discussed his inspiration for each twisted tale. This really helped to give each story more of its own life and spark, knowing they were inspired by real life events/interpretations.
My favourites of this collection were “Witness”, “The Overbrook”, and “The Party”.
June 28, 2024
This felt like the tastiest literary buffet I could have imagined!
And as I do when I visit my favorite buffets in restaurants, I took my time, savoring each selection and actually re-reading them (going back for seconds and thirds!). Not because they couldn't be understood in the first pass, but rather the polar opposite, they are such satisfying stories that I wanted the experience of them again and again.
Horror story lovers- this collection is for you!! These stories span the entire spectrum of horror and are organized in such a pleasing way. I was very taken by how well they flow from one to another. In musical terms, you could say that some of them were written in the same "key signature" and that was very moving. Amplifying the mood he created, these stories touched my imagination because of the brilliant world building and three dimensional characters.
Such is the case with two stories set in Newark, NJ: Something in the Air and The Dead Girl.
These two stories are absolute masterpieces, (though the entire volume is a masterpiece!), but these two have to be singled out for high praise.
They were first published in the Green Shoes Sanctuary magazine, with The Dead Girl winning 3rd Place in their 2021 Summer Writing Prompt Contest. I think 3rd Place is absolutely the wrong decision-I would think this short story could win any competition on the planet due to its immense power.
In The Dead Girl, Mark encounters Lizzy's ghost and these two characters are so vividly drawn and their relationship so poignant. that they felt absolutely real to me.
In Something In the Air, we are taken back to those super scary first days/weeks/months of the Covid pandemic and he reminds us of the out-sized impact the virus had in the prison system.
Devlin's Manse, his first short story, as told to us in the Author Notes in the back, has all the hallmarks of what the Manx style is about. Breathtaking imagination, impactful characters, superior world building and an original story that is a page-turner.
His stories are all page-turners. Like all expert entertainers, Manx knows how to keep you riveted-I am not powerful enough to put his book down to go get a snack, let alone honor my bedtime. NO! He draws you in and makes you so invested in the story and the ending that all his works become "unputdownable"!
Ronald Reagan and the Oh Jesus Chord is hands down the funniest story I have read in recent memory. I laughed so hard, I literally started hyperventilating-something I have actually never done while laughing. His recollection of his time as a roadie in NYC showcases his absolutely devastatingly hilarious dry wit to perfection! Manx has perfect comic timing. He builds up the scene about dropping a piano with one wry observation after another until you burst forth with a belly laugh that can likewise be heard throughout the Tri-State area (and probably can startle the same pigeons discussed in the story)
I am just stunned at the immense talent of Manx, unsure if it is his breathtaking imagination or his writing style that I am impacted by more. He has a captivating style of dialog and shockingly good and powerfully original story plots. In his author notes in the back, he mentions quite frequently that some of these stories are inspired from real life events and experiences he has had. That he then takes these memories and fictionalizes them to create these unforgettable stories proves he is a writer of the finest caliber.
I feel whatever his personal process might be in creating these gems, the effect feels effortless. From a memoir style, to humor, to good old-fashioned haunted houses, his range is limitless and he is a master of them all.
This is a MUST READ-HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!!!
And as I do when I visit my favorite buffets in restaurants, I took my time, savoring each selection and actually re-reading them (going back for seconds and thirds!). Not because they couldn't be understood in the first pass, but rather the polar opposite, they are such satisfying stories that I wanted the experience of them again and again.
Horror story lovers- this collection is for you!! These stories span the entire spectrum of horror and are organized in such a pleasing way. I was very taken by how well they flow from one to another. In musical terms, you could say that some of them were written in the same "key signature" and that was very moving. Amplifying the mood he created, these stories touched my imagination because of the brilliant world building and three dimensional characters.
Such is the case with two stories set in Newark, NJ: Something in the Air and The Dead Girl.
These two stories are absolute masterpieces, (though the entire volume is a masterpiece!), but these two have to be singled out for high praise.
They were first published in the Green Shoes Sanctuary magazine, with The Dead Girl winning 3rd Place in their 2021 Summer Writing Prompt Contest. I think 3rd Place is absolutely the wrong decision-I would think this short story could win any competition on the planet due to its immense power.
In The Dead Girl, Mark encounters Lizzy's ghost and these two characters are so vividly drawn and their relationship so poignant. that they felt absolutely real to me.
In Something In the Air, we are taken back to those super scary first days/weeks/months of the Covid pandemic and he reminds us of the out-sized impact the virus had in the prison system.
Devlin's Manse, his first short story, as told to us in the Author Notes in the back, has all the hallmarks of what the Manx style is about. Breathtaking imagination, impactful characters, superior world building and an original story that is a page-turner.
His stories are all page-turners. Like all expert entertainers, Manx knows how to keep you riveted-I am not powerful enough to put his book down to go get a snack, let alone honor my bedtime. NO! He draws you in and makes you so invested in the story and the ending that all his works become "unputdownable"!
Ronald Reagan and the Oh Jesus Chord is hands down the funniest story I have read in recent memory. I laughed so hard, I literally started hyperventilating-something I have actually never done while laughing. His recollection of his time as a roadie in NYC showcases his absolutely devastatingly hilarious dry wit to perfection! Manx has perfect comic timing. He builds up the scene about dropping a piano with one wry observation after another until you burst forth with a belly laugh that can likewise be heard throughout the Tri-State area (and probably can startle the same pigeons discussed in the story)
I am just stunned at the immense talent of Manx, unsure if it is his breathtaking imagination or his writing style that I am impacted by more. He has a captivating style of dialog and shockingly good and powerfully original story plots. In his author notes in the back, he mentions quite frequently that some of these stories are inspired from real life events and experiences he has had. That he then takes these memories and fictionalizes them to create these unforgettable stories proves he is a writer of the finest caliber.
I feel whatever his personal process might be in creating these gems, the effect feels effortless. From a memoir style, to humor, to good old-fashioned haunted houses, his range is limitless and he is a master of them all.
This is a MUST READ-HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!!!
January 5, 2024
🚬⚰️Book Review: Manxiety by Daemon Manx ⚰️🚬
~ Tragedy has a memory that cannot be purged by time. Although it can be displaced for a moment, it is never entirely forgotten. There is always a residue that lingers like a blood stain on the carpet or the scar left from a wound. This is not only true with people but for houses as well. ~
For fans of:
⚰️ Short Story Collections
⚰️ Horror & Mystery
⚰️ Stories about trauma & loss
⚰️ Quick Reads
⚰️ Unique mix of stories
🚬 My thoughts: I started this book with the wrong expectations. I assumed this to be a horror collection like I'm used to and when the first story got introduced that I wouldn't describe as horror, I was confused. "What the hell am I reading?" I asked myself...and at first I didn't like it. 😅 I was simply thrown out of my comfort zone.
Turned out that this book is much more than what I thought it would be. It's a collection of personal events and disturbing stories that have meaning for the author, that have weight and carry emotion. And the moment I understood that, I just went with it and it turned into such a fun, eerie and inspiring adventure.
Because all stories are so different from each other, you never know what's waiting for you but that's what makes this book so fun to explore. I loved how even the writing style changed significantly from story to story, sometimes rough and matter of fact, sometimes intricate and poetic but always a great fit for what was happening on the pages.🩷 There's this section where Manx explains the meaning and inspiration behind all those stories and it felt like an honor, learning about him in such an intimate way.
I liked many of the stories but my favorites were definitely"the widower" and "the devil's well" - the second one because I have a weird fear of not knowing what's lurking below and the one got me good. 😱
What can I say, this reading experience pushed me from confusion to acceptance to excitement and now I can confidently say - I LOVED IT!
Special thanks for the author who was kind enough to gift me this book. I so appreciate it. ❤️ You rock!
~ Tragedy has a memory that cannot be purged by time. Although it can be displaced for a moment, it is never entirely forgotten. There is always a residue that lingers like a blood stain on the carpet or the scar left from a wound. This is not only true with people but for houses as well. ~
For fans of:
⚰️ Short Story Collections
⚰️ Horror & Mystery
⚰️ Stories about trauma & loss
⚰️ Quick Reads
⚰️ Unique mix of stories
🚬 My thoughts: I started this book with the wrong expectations. I assumed this to be a horror collection like I'm used to and when the first story got introduced that I wouldn't describe as horror, I was confused. "What the hell am I reading?" I asked myself...and at first I didn't like it. 😅 I was simply thrown out of my comfort zone.
Turned out that this book is much more than what I thought it would be. It's a collection of personal events and disturbing stories that have meaning for the author, that have weight and carry emotion. And the moment I understood that, I just went with it and it turned into such a fun, eerie and inspiring adventure.
Because all stories are so different from each other, you never know what's waiting for you but that's what makes this book so fun to explore. I loved how even the writing style changed significantly from story to story, sometimes rough and matter of fact, sometimes intricate and poetic but always a great fit for what was happening on the pages.🩷 There's this section where Manx explains the meaning and inspiration behind all those stories and it felt like an honor, learning about him in such an intimate way.
I liked many of the stories but my favorites were definitely"the widower" and "the devil's well" - the second one because I have a weird fear of not knowing what's lurking below and the one got me good. 😱
What can I say, this reading experience pushed me from confusion to acceptance to excitement and now I can confidently say - I LOVED IT!
Special thanks for the author who was kind enough to gift me this book. I so appreciate it. ❤️ You rock!
April 27, 2023
I love a collection of short stories and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. This anthology is unique and different in the respect that the author used his real life events, nightmares and dark memoirs (his words) to write these stories. He states in the opening that he wanted the stories to evoke emotions and I can definitely attest to that. There were a few stories that I was definitely on edge and I was teary eyed in a few. At the end of the book he gives author notes where he explains each story, where it came from and what he was going through during that time. I really liked this feature and it gave each story a more personal feel.
Although I really liked each story and there isn't a bad one in the bunch. Here is a list of the ones that are my favorites.
*The Boy In The Center of the Road- As a mom this story really made me anxious. But it's a great story nonetheless.
*Recalculating- I loved this one, felt very science fictiony but glad the guy got it in the end.
*The Overbrook- I love a good ghost story, especially in a place that is real and I can google, lol.
*Devlins Manse- Again, I love a good ghost story and in particular a period piece. But the story behind how it came about was equally interesting.
*The Dead Girl- I do not personally have any experience with addiction in this sense but I really felt this story.
*Witness- This story had me on the edge of my seat and I was certain who the killer was and then was wrong but I really enjoyed this story.
*The Last Waltz- A fantastic story of survival.
Overall, this is an incredible collection of personal stories that draw on the reader in and pull them into his world. Many of the emotions he wanted to extract came out while I was reading it. I highly recommend this book if you also a fan of short stories. Thank you to the author for sending me a review copy to read.
Although I really liked each story and there isn't a bad one in the bunch. Here is a list of the ones that are my favorites.
*The Boy In The Center of the Road- As a mom this story really made me anxious. But it's a great story nonetheless.
*Recalculating- I loved this one, felt very science fictiony but glad the guy got it in the end.
*The Overbrook- I love a good ghost story, especially in a place that is real and I can google, lol.
*Devlins Manse- Again, I love a good ghost story and in particular a period piece. But the story behind how it came about was equally interesting.
*The Dead Girl- I do not personally have any experience with addiction in this sense but I really felt this story.
*Witness- This story had me on the edge of my seat and I was certain who the killer was and then was wrong but I really enjoyed this story.
*The Last Waltz- A fantastic story of survival.
Overall, this is an incredible collection of personal stories that draw on the reader in and pull them into his world. Many of the emotions he wanted to extract came out while I was reading it. I highly recommend this book if you also a fan of short stories. Thank you to the author for sending me a review copy to read.
March 19, 2023
Daemon Manx explains that the stories contained in this book are inspired by real-life events, his personal nightmares, and dark memoirs, and readers — especially fans of horror — are in for a surprising treat.
Manxiety: A Collection of Disturbing Stories is really a book that is as disturbing as any can be, evoking some of the dark emotions we feel. The author navigates some of the painful emotions that readers experience in the stories, deftly writing about themes of addiction, depression, and prison. The writing is filled with symbolism and imagery that explores the dark side of the human psyche.
The stories take readers on a journey to the dark, deep recesses of their hearts where they experience brokenness, fear, anxiety, longing, and regret. Written in clear and hugely descriptive prose, they have strong psychological underpinnings, are emotionally rich, and infused with realism without lacking the sense of horror for which they are written. Man can surprise himself by the things he sees, does, and experiences.
Manxiety: A Collection of Disturbing Stories is really a book that is as disturbing as any can be, evoking some of the dark emotions we feel. The author navigates some of the painful emotions that readers experience in the stories, deftly writing about themes of addiction, depression, and prison. The writing is filled with symbolism and imagery that explores the dark side of the human psyche.
The stories take readers on a journey to the dark, deep recesses of their hearts where they experience brokenness, fear, anxiety, longing, and regret. Written in clear and hugely descriptive prose, they have strong psychological underpinnings, are emotionally rich, and infused with realism without lacking the sense of horror for which they are written. Man can surprise himself by the things he sees, does, and experiences.
April 27, 2023
So in all honesty I'm not a fan of short stories generally, that being said I loved this collection of short stories. I found that each story evoked a different emotion ranging from horrific to hilarious. Every story was a delight to read but I did have a couple of stand out stories such as 'the witness' I mean I always love a doggo, and he's such a good boy! 'Manxiety' which was a hilarious turn of events and 'the party' which was super fun but starts out creepy, I loved the complete u-turn. All in all I love this book and daemon manx is a truly fantasic and gifted writer who has a wonderful way with words and would 100% recommend this to everybody and more of his work has been added to my tbr. Thank you so much for alowing me early access in exchange for an honest review
May 22, 2024
I wasn't sure what I was going to think before going into this short story collection. I definitely loved it and especially where the author talks about the history or inspiration for the short stories. The author has really had an interesting life and shares those experiences openly and creatively. I think my favorite story in this collection would be "The devil's well" and a close second is "The boy in the center of the road". The devil's well has some phobias and also what I consider to be classic horror elements and the boy in the center of the road is IMO real life horror. The first book I read by this author was Ojanox and I loved it so much, I picked up two of his other works (Arcranium and this story) and I can't wait for the remainder of the Ojanox series.
April 23, 2023
One of the biggest horrors we face is our own minds. Depression and anxiety can eat you alive and turn the sunniest of days into the darkest. We live in a society where mental health is not talked about enough. The stories in this book are wonderful. I love how these reflect Manx's life and experience. The stories are wonderfully paced and the attention to detail is exceptional. There are so many different topics featured that there is a story for everyone. It takes great courage to share a piece of yourself with the world and Mr. Manx knocked it out of the park. Thank you so much for allowing me to read this story.
June 12, 2023
I loved this. This is a book composed of several short stories, but these stories are based on real life events. The first story, was incredibly written- a boy was hit by a car and the author went into great detail on what was happening inside the body, it was intense. Theres really great detail in all of the stories, however I did feel like a few of them missed the ending. It was like eating a nice juicy steak, but before you got to finish it, it was taken away and you were given another delightful dish.
What I really loved is the ending, the author wrote about each story and how it effected his life.
What I really loved is the ending, the author wrote about each story and how it effected his life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews