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Foundations
Showcasing a range of thrillers, horror and contemporary fantasy, Foundations brings together eleven previously published short stories, along with a brand new exclusive tale.
Delve into the minds of serial killers, confront vengeful ghosts, and face the very best and worst that humanity can offer.
Foundations is the third collection of short stories by Dale Parnell.
Delve into the minds of serial killers, confront vengeful ghosts, and face the very best and worst that humanity can offer.
Foundations is the third collection of short stories by Dale Parnell.
146 pages, Paperback
First published April 19, 2023
2 people want to read
About the author
Dale Parnell
32 books14 followersDale Parnell was born and raised in Norwich, and moved to Staffordshire in 1999. He has been writing for almost thirty years, but it wasn’t until 2017 that he self-published his first collection, “The Green Cathedral”, a selection of seven contemporary fantasy short stories.
This was followed by a second collection in 2019, “Bramble and other stories”, this time branching out to include horror and science-fiction as well as fantasy.
Dale’s first foray into poetry came in 2018, when he was fortunate enough to have three pieces accepted for the anthology “Further Within Darkness & Light” from Nothing Books. Since then, Dale has featured in over forty fiction and poetry anthologies from some of the best independent publishers around the world.
In 2022, Dale released his third collection, “Foundations”, featuring a variety of short (mainly horror) stories that have been featured in previously published anthologies, along with a brand new, exclusive tale.
In 2023, Dale published his first novel, a science-fiction space opera, PYR.
Dale lives in Staffordshire with his wife and their imaginary dog, Moriarty. He is currently working on a follow-up to PYR, and his strangest wish is to find a copy of one his books for sale in a second-hand bookshop.
This was followed by a second collection in 2019, “Bramble and other stories”, this time branching out to include horror and science-fiction as well as fantasy.
Dale’s first foray into poetry came in 2018, when he was fortunate enough to have three pieces accepted for the anthology “Further Within Darkness & Light” from Nothing Books. Since then, Dale has featured in over forty fiction and poetry anthologies from some of the best independent publishers around the world.
In 2022, Dale released his third collection, “Foundations”, featuring a variety of short (mainly horror) stories that have been featured in previously published anthologies, along with a brand new, exclusive tale.
In 2023, Dale published his first novel, a science-fiction space opera, PYR.
Dale lives in Staffordshire with his wife and their imaginary dog, Moriarty. He is currently working on a follow-up to PYR, and his strangest wish is to find a copy of one his books for sale in a second-hand bookshop.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 2, 2024
I got the honour of reading Dale Parnell’s short story collection Foundations. Starting the collection of 11 stories with Balloon, Curtis and Ellie set the tone with the story. The curious appearance of a balloon stuck in a tree in their garden. May not sound very exciting but piece by piece Dale adds more key elements to this story. Changing the aspects of the story as it proceeds, as we follow the changes in their relationship that so many others went through during lockdown. This story gives the reader an understanding of how trapped Ellie feels in the hopeless relationship. In a situation she cannot escape, as the man she loves slowly disappears in a haze of booze and broken trust. When the next balloon arrives with a message that shakes her to her core. It's only a matter of time before the glass ceiling finally caves in.
The Friends You Make on Holiday follows Dominic and an unexpected encounter. As someone with their own series based on the Horsemen I bloody enjoyed this one. Imagine coming to London for a visit from overseas and you find out you have Famine himself at the helm of the taxi. I won't lie I could not help but think, my version of Famine Caska and Dale’s would get on like a house on fire. Maybe literally in this case, I adored this reimaging and applaud Dale for his rendition in this funny and unique tale.
The collection has a bit of everything to offer. However there are a couple of stories that really stood out for me.
A Life Deserved was probably one of my favourites. As we follow a miserable Kira, unhappy with her life she decides to take matters into her own hands. I do love a ‘because what you wish for’ story, the reader can feel Kira’s resentment towards the new neighbours. There's one thing being jealous of another couple, or wanting the opposite of what you have. But Kira takes this to a whole new level with her disdain for Variety and her lust for Flynn, her husband. But little does she realise that her disregard for her husband Morgan will be her downfall. I thought Dale had an imaginative take with this one.
The Forbidden Banquet is another great story, it's the end of the world and everyone has just been told the earth is going to be destroyed. Dale decides to go an interesting route with this story, as Smith tells us of his last night. Working in a fine dining restaurant, Silver service with the highest paying clientele. Well they aren't going to be able to take their money with them, so why see the final moments out with the finest food. Well, the finest questionable food, I very much felt sorry for the kitchen staff doing the preparations for this. But that one definitely made my 2nd favourite of the collection.
The 3rd on my list, has to be A Dark Heart Wishes. Which has a very Don't Breathe vibe but becomes something a whole lot more when Tina and her partner hold an elderly couple hostage. Colm’s intense greed and dark personality become more apparent as the story continues, showing him as a big old red flag. But I did not see the ending coming at all, the tension and atmosphere gave nothing away. Which was the reason I enjoyed this roller coaster ride of a story.
The variety of stories range, from a pub that loses its Landlord and a lot more. To a man facing death row, there is a lot of versatility in this collection. As Dale does a great job at adding his own spin and creativity to tales, giving them a new and fresh approach.
The Friends You Make on Holiday follows Dominic and an unexpected encounter. As someone with their own series based on the Horsemen I bloody enjoyed this one. Imagine coming to London for a visit from overseas and you find out you have Famine himself at the helm of the taxi. I won't lie I could not help but think, my version of Famine Caska and Dale’s would get on like a house on fire. Maybe literally in this case, I adored this reimaging and applaud Dale for his rendition in this funny and unique tale.
The collection has a bit of everything to offer. However there are a couple of stories that really stood out for me.
A Life Deserved was probably one of my favourites. As we follow a miserable Kira, unhappy with her life she decides to take matters into her own hands. I do love a ‘because what you wish for’ story, the reader can feel Kira’s resentment towards the new neighbours. There's one thing being jealous of another couple, or wanting the opposite of what you have. But Kira takes this to a whole new level with her disdain for Variety and her lust for Flynn, her husband. But little does she realise that her disregard for her husband Morgan will be her downfall. I thought Dale had an imaginative take with this one.
The Forbidden Banquet is another great story, it's the end of the world and everyone has just been told the earth is going to be destroyed. Dale decides to go an interesting route with this story, as Smith tells us of his last night. Working in a fine dining restaurant, Silver service with the highest paying clientele. Well they aren't going to be able to take their money with them, so why see the final moments out with the finest food. Well, the finest questionable food, I very much felt sorry for the kitchen staff doing the preparations for this. But that one definitely made my 2nd favourite of the collection.
The 3rd on my list, has to be A Dark Heart Wishes. Which has a very Don't Breathe vibe but becomes something a whole lot more when Tina and her partner hold an elderly couple hostage. Colm’s intense greed and dark personality become more apparent as the story continues, showing him as a big old red flag. But I did not see the ending coming at all, the tension and atmosphere gave nothing away. Which was the reason I enjoyed this roller coaster ride of a story.
The variety of stories range, from a pub that loses its Landlord and a lot more. To a man facing death row, there is a lot of versatility in this collection. As Dale does a great job at adding his own spin and creativity to tales, giving them a new and fresh approach.
July 24, 2023
Foundations is an eclectic mix of horror, thriller, and fantasy short stories.
I’ve yet to read a “bad” story penned by Parnell, and I highly doubt I ever will.
Every story in this third collection of short stories is different to the one before it. And yet there’s a flow to them. They’re meant to be together in one place.
Another gem of an anthology by Dale Parnell.
I’ve yet to read a “bad” story penned by Parnell, and I highly doubt I ever will.
Every story in this third collection of short stories is different to the one before it. And yet there’s a flow to them. They’re meant to be together in one place.
Another gem of an anthology by Dale Parnell.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews