Alone

by Brian Keene

When Daniel Miller wakes up one morning, something has gone terribly wrong. The power is out. The phones are dead. The house is silent. The street is shrouded in fog. Both his partner and their adopted daughter are missing. So are their neighbors. And so is everyone else in the world. Daniel Miller is the last person left on Earth.

...or is he?

Thunderstorm Books is proud to present this all-new, original novella of quiet, supernatural horror from Brian Keene.

Maelstrom Volume 2, Book 2

Genres: Horror, Thriller, Short Stories, Ebooks, Audiobook, Fiction

63 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2011

About the author

BRIAN KEENE writes novels, comic books, short fiction, and occasional journalism for money. He is the author of over forty books, mostly in the horror, crime, and dark fantasy genres. His 2003 novel, The Rising, is often credited (along with Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead comic and Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later film) with inspiring pop culture’s current interest in zombies. Keene’s novels have been translated into German, Spanish, Polish, Italian, French, Taiwanese, and many more. In addition to his own original work, Keene has written for media properties such as Doctor Who, Hellboy, Masters of the Universe, and Superman.

Several of Keene’s novels have been developed for film, including Ghoul, The Ties That Bind, and Fast Zombies Suck. Several more are in-development or under option. Keene also serves as Executive Producer for the independent film studio Drunken Tentacle Productions.

Keene also oversees Maelstrom, his own small press publishing imprint specializing in collectible limited editions, via Thunderstorm Books.

Keene’s work has been praised in such diverse places as The New York Times, The History Channel, The Howard Stern Show, CNN.com, Publisher’s Weekly, Media Bistro, Fangoria Magazine, and Rue Morgue Magazine. He has won numerous awards and honors, including the World Horror 2014 Grand Master Award, two Bram Stoker Awards, and a recognition from Whiteman A.F.B. (home of the B-2 Stealth Bomber) for his outreach to U.S. troops serving both overseas and abroad. A prolific public speaker, Keene has delivered talks at conventions, college campuses, theaters, and inside Central Intelligence Agency headquarters in Langley, VA.

The father of two sons, Keene lives in rural Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[LTJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Alone” by Brian Keene is a 54-page novella that is short, sweet, and straight to the point. This book gave me serious “The Mist” by Stephen King vibes, with a unique twist at the end that I enjoyed very much. There were a few scary parts, and it delivered nicely for a perfect night or weekend read.

Before I begin my review, I did find a few trigger warnings while reading. They were…

- 9/11
- Self-harm
- Homophobic slurs
- Suicide

If any of these trigger you, please do not read this book. I’ve been a massive fan of Keene for many years now, as his style of writing and horror are fantastic. In this novella, I loved the creepy horror mystery unfolding right at the start. I was hooked and couldn’t wait to see where this all ended up going.

A few instances of super creepy horror here felt so real and made me wonder what I would do in such a freaky and dire situation. Don’t worry, I won’t spoil anything for you, but the incredible sense of dread, isolation, and desperation by the main protagonist, Dan, was wild. If I were in his shoes, it would freak me out with everything he endured, especially towards the end. I couldn’t wait to see how this all would end, and once I got there, the plot twist was great. I didn’t expect that at all and was pleasantly surprised.

I give “Alone” by Brian Keene a 4/5 for being a unique, straight-to-the-point horror novella with some solid horror moments and an overall memorable read. I wish there were a bit more horror or maybe even a final horror twist at the end, but this was an enjoyable read. I’d highly recommend this to anyone looking for a quick little horror novella that will forever make you second-guess fog.

[Zain · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Different Kind of Scary.

Dan is having a nightmare. When he thinks he has awakened from his sleep he discovers that he is still asleep and is dreaming.

He is unable to locate his boyfriend, Jerry, or their daughter, Danielle. Where are they? Why can’t he find them?

And by the way, where is everyone else? Is he alone in the world? Cause he’s alone in the house. He finds the world scary.

Four stars. 💫💫💫💫

[David Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alone by Brian Keene was a nicely crafted short read.
The story introduces us to the plight of Dan Miller, who wakes up one morning to find both his partner and young daughter missing from their home. The situation quickly spirals into one of desperate frenzy, and Dan soon realizes his family aren't the only ones to have gone missing. Upon investigation he learns his neighbors' houses also lie empty, and a thick fog has seeped through the streets blanketing the entire neighborhood.

Dan finds himself unable to phone for assistance. Then he learns the power grid is down, and he soon becomes convinced that something is moving outside, concealing itself within the burgeoning smog.

Even in his own home things seem 'off'. Sounds within his environment seem out of sync with reality, and food becomes tasteless almost to the point of being unpalatable. Dan fears himself abandoned and alone, except for whatever lurks hidden in the haze. He may be the last person on Earth, or certainly the last left in this neighborhood. Then again, maybe not...

This was a fine short read from Brian Keene, and its primary strength was the sense of isolation and desperation experienced by Dan Miller. I would guess that the author looked deep within himself before settling down to craft Alone, because the character of Dan felt very 'real' with regards how he reacted and the concerns he expressed. Nice work, Mr. Keene.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good short from Mr. Keene. The behind the scenes details in the afterword really added to the enjoyment of the story for me. Well done and recommended.

[Jack Haringa · Rating 4 out of 5]

*FULL DISCLOSURE* This book is dedicated to me, and Brian is a long-time friend.

Brian Keene is rarely given enough credit for his characters. Those who like his novels speak frequently of plots and monsters, ghouls and gore, but not as much about the people who inhabit his landscapes. I think this is unfair. Whatever its faults as a first novel, The Rising works especially well because of the characters, because the protagonist's love for and need to protect his son is believably rendered and rooted in honest emotion. Keene's novelette ALONE strips away MacGuffins and monsters to focus on the psychology of a man isolated in a situation he cannot comprehend, and as such explores the inner turmoil of the character.

Keene does a fine job of rendering the situation, giving it an eerie palpability. It's tricky business writing a long piece with a single character--one must avoid repetition of both experience and language--but ALONE works as a study of plausible action and reaction in the face of the impossible. It's a slender work for a reason, and while I sussed out the ending ahead of the character, the resolution remained affecting.

[Alina · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting short story, with a good twist and a solid ending, 3.5★ rounded up.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gripping and heart-wrenching novella is Brian Keene's first attempt at self-publishing digitally (I purchased the Nookbook edition), and I certainly hope it isn't his last. At just under 60 pages, Alone is about Dan Miller, who wakes up one morning to find his partner and adopted daughter gone, his neighbors missing, and his street shrouded in a mysterious gray haze. Nothing works, the phones, TV, computers, cars, and even food and drink has no taste. He searches for clues to his loved ones' disappearance and finds nothing, and fears he might be caught in a dream state, if only he could wake up. But the reality of his situation is compelling, frightening, and sweetly sad. Not the usual fare from an author notorious for his in-your-face, gritty and raw horror, but I found myself pleasantly surprised by this more quiet, mature side of his immense talent.

[Leftbanker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basically, this is an episode of The Twilight Zone, and not one of the great ones. Should have been even shorter as he spends too much time describing the guy's solitary existence. And what kind of sissy is afraid of a shadow?

I think I may write a humorous version of the last man in the world.

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is copy 297 of 300 signed numbered copies.

This is book 2 of 3 of Brian Keene’s Maelstrom Series 2

[Paulo "paper books only" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brian Keene is one of my favorite horror writers and here is on top form. A man wakes up in solitude whereas before he had a family. Due to some mystery everyone was gone. Neither on home, or in the street. No soul. The food is bland and nothing electronic works and he is becoming a bit crazy... So where is ? What it that being that he sees far beyond like a mist...

Everything in this story works perfectly. The despair, the sorrow , the confusion and the final confrontation... Perfect.

I don't know if anything here connects to the Mythos he created but there may be - like the existence of other worlds.

[Kim Napolitano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewing a novella is very difficult to do because it’s to easy for spoilers to slip out so I’ll be brief. Daniel Miller wakes up to find his husband and daughter gone, completely vanished. In a panic he tries to get someone to help him, anyone! There is no one. The world has changed, no electricity, no working cell phones and air isn’t right, a strange fog has formed and something lurks within. Daniel tries to make sense of what has happened and why he’s the last living person on earth.. or is he? Mr. Keene never fails to build tense atmosphere and you feel the grief and panic. You are in the story! If you have never read Brian Keene? Correct that immediately! This story will be a great place to start. Enjoy!!

[Mustakim · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5

[Alex | | findingmontauk1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, fun, and well-written short from Brian Keene. ALONE took a twist I did not expect (in my mind there was going to be a different one) and that made it even more enjoyable. I think the main character was written well, but as a gay man myself... SILK boxer shorts? Hmm... lol but everything else from features to reactions made total sense to me given the wild situation at hand. I was engaged the entire time.

This one definitely had some creepy vibes and imagery + a dash of Twilight Zone thrown in there. I am here for all of it! And while the main character is in this place he does not understand and seems to disobey all rules of our conventional world (i.e. electricity and power, sound, etc), I could almost hear the silence based on the way Keene wrote certain paragraphs. It's that good!

[Lyle Boylen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great little novella here by Brian Keene. If you like a spooky tale, this should do the trick. Also with a little twist at the end. I recommend it.

[Chuck Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply another superior story of WTF is going on from Brian Motherfucking Keene!

[Alex Bright · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars, rounded down

🙄

So, so obvious and tropey. There were also some logical errors within the rules of the story which annoyed me. Not a bad story, exactly, just underwhelming.

[Neil · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmm, it wasn’t very mysterious! Unfortunately, by 1/2 way thru, it was kinda obvious what was happening!

[Jonathan Echevarria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start things off by saying I did enjoy reading this story. Part of it was a little slow for me, but for the most part I was left with chills in the end. Not the scary type of chills but the feel good sentimental shivers from reading a satisfying conclusion. Honestly what more could you ask for from a talented author? I will admit that a part of this book was annoyingly predictable, perhaps because I am a jaded fan of horror who has "seen it all." Yet the fact that Brian Keene could still entertain me in the mist of knowing where it will all lead speaks volumes for the creative voice of the writer. If you are looking for a short paranormal novella you can't honestly go wrong with Alone

This is definitely something "different" from Brian Keene.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was more of a 3.5 but I decided to round up. I enjoyed the story but it is not original at all, despite that it was one of the better tellings of it that I have read. I read this tonight because I needed something that would be a one night read and this was perfect for my 8 hour work shift. Every time I read a Brian keene book I get on a kick and read about five or six before I move on, I don't have to many of his titles left that are readily available but I think I'm about to burn through the rest of them.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alone is a good well written quick read. It starts with a man named Dan wakes up and finds out he is alone. His partner Jerry and daughter Daniella are gone. He looks for them around the house and notices that things have changed. Noises sound different, food has no taste and this fog. Then he decides to go the neighbors to find out where his family is. I'll stop here, don't want to say to much. I'm a big fan of Brian's work, if he writes it I'll read it. I enjoyed reading this a lot and liked the way it ended. I gave it 4 stars.

[Martin Belcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dan wakes up one morning to find his partner Jerry and their adopted daughter Danielle have disappeared, there is no power or mains water, the sky is a strange colour and every noise he makes seems muffled. The whole world has simply gone overnight leaving Dan alone.....
This is a nice short story by horror author Brian Keene, it reminded me very much of a novel called The Silent Land by Graham Joyce which seems to share similar themes, it's worth a try if you enjoyed this book.

[Daniel Drago · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is always a pleasure reading a new Brian Keene story. Brian has so much talent that a story with one character never gets boring and stale. This is a type of story where you not really sure what is going on with the main character and your constantly playing a guessing game. The ending was a nice payoff that I didn't see coming (you got me Brian). Very quick and exciting read and like most of Brian Keene's novels this is highly recommended.

[Thomas Hobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short novella kept its secret mystery almost to the very end

This story reminded me a lot of the book/movie The Langoliers. Dan a mystery character wakes up to find, he is the last man on earth, nothing works and every edible or even drinks are very bland/flat. Just like the characters in the Langoliers when they were in the airport everything was bland. You didn't find out Dan true story until the last chapter.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great short story about a man that wakes up and his family has disappeared. I read it in a day. The plot reminded me a little bit of a horror movie I had watched a couple of years ago. The ending was a surprise to me. Definitely a five star read!

[Danny Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian Keene is an author I'm fond of, however, whilst I fall in love with most of his stories for some reason or other aside from Ghoul and Urban Gothic, they don't quite reach the level of greatness I would come to expect from the author. But I keep reading his stories regardless because their always incredibly fun, meaningful, violent, and imaginative. Alone is a novella he wrote that I managed to pick up from Amazon. Not sure what to expect, but I'll give it a go!

Daniel Miller is a man who lives in a quiet neighborhood with a loving husband and adopted daughter, but when he wakes up to find his neck of the woods consumed by a deafening silence and a thick fog he finds himself alone. His family, friends, and neighbors are all gone. But he isn't entirely alone for a shadowy figure walks in the mist and it's after him. Daniel has a mystery to solve, but not all mysteries have a happy ending.

Brian Keene has written a very atmospheric and chilling story that is calm, gentle, creepy, and most of all meaningful. It's a story that's hard to discuss, considering its short length and eventual twist. I'll admit I did manage to guess what the twist was going to be before the story came to its inevitable conclusion. But it's one that's handled incredibly well and with sincerity that I can't help but love it.

Overall: Alone is an incredible novella that is emotional, chilling, atmospheric, and full of heart. 10/10

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

( Format : Audiobook)
"I am a!one."
Dan Miller wakes up one morning to find himself alone. His partner, Gerry, is nowhere to be found and neither is their adopted daughter, Danielle. At first annoyed that he'd been left to sleep and then worried that they are actually missing, Dan finds that the power is off, too. The growing sense of alarm, then fear, generated in this short story is admirable: not the sharp thrust of adrenaline horror but the slow eradication of of hope.

This idea is not totally original and at least one other something very similar has preceded it. But this story is well presented and well worth the read. Especially this version, read by Scott Weinberg, who plays with verbal displays of emotion as he relates his story. Great pacing, good inflection and traces of humour make this a fine performance of a tale worthy of the Twilight Zone.

I was very fortunate in being freely gifted with a complimentary copy via Freeaudiobookcodes, at my request. Thank you. It was a good read and definitely recommended.

[Craig Jex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a fan of Brian Keene’s work and prefer his longer novels over some of his shorter novellas, which to me feel quite rushed. This is a short novella but Keene creates an intriguing situation and using a fog within the plot evokes the works of King’s The Mist, Herbert’s The Fog and John Carpenter’s film The Fog. The twist towards the end, was a good one and it’s to Keene’s credit that I didn’t see it coming and that’s pretty impressive as I’ve read enough horror and seen enough horror films to at least get an inkling of where the story is going. Well worth a read, if you want a creepy tale on a stormy night.

[Jesse Able · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clocking in at just under 2hrs on Audible this novella packed a powerful punch. The twist although fairly predictable still left me with chills. The only complaint I have with this was with the narrator chosen. There was a very distinctive lisp that took almost the entire runtime to get use to. But the bad choice in narrator aside the story was impactful and did what it was intended to and did it very well. Brian Keene has quickly become one of my if not my favorite author of all time. I highly recommend this novella.

[Douglas Ogurek · Rating 3 out of 5]

A man wakes up alone. His partner and daughter are missing. Everyone in his neighborhood is missing. There is no electricity. The food has no taste. This is just another story in a pack of stories with a similar premise. It builds to a conclusion that has been done many times before. Good writing, but a stale idea.

[Sheldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dan Miller wakes up one morning to find his partner and daughter missing from their home. A short tale from Brian Keene; my first read of his and won’t be the last. I’m a sucker for these “people have up and gone” stories and this is no exception.

*copy of the audiobook, read [well] by Scott Weinberg, provided by the publisher for honest review*