Inside Dweller: Book I, Genesis

by Kirsten G. Schuder

"A suspenseful, spine-tingly, tale of things that go bump, crash, and slash in the night and in the mind. A five-star page-turner!" –Patti Liszkay, author of The Equal and Opposite Reactions Trilogy Miranda Sheppard experiences a series of unexplainable phenomenon since her car accident. While unconscious and struggling for life, she sees a vision of a post- apocalyptic world. While she wafts in and out of consciousness recovering from her injuries, a tall stranger hovers over her hospital bed. All are dismissed, thinking that the accident and her physical difficulties are responsible for these visions, until the stranger from the hospital attacks her in her house... or so she thinks. When she awakens in the hospital and describes the physical events of the attack, there is no physical evidence. Is she hallucinating? Fearing she is losing her mind, she finally succumbs and agrees to see a specialist in memory recovery, Dr. Jack Gallagher. Together, they work to discover the source of the visions that haunt her since the accident.

Genres: Fantasy

355 pages, Paperback

Published September 14, 2023

Reviews

[Kurt Springs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was first published on Kurt's Frontier.

Synopsis:

After her car accident, Miranda Sheppard experiences several strange phenomena: seeing a post-apocalyptic world while unconscious and a tall stranger hovering over her hospital bed. These incidents are easy to dismiss at first. Then the stranger attacks her in her house, leaving her unconscious. However, no physical evidence supports her claim, leading her to wonder if she is losing her mind. Fearing for her sanity, Miranda turns to Dr. Jack Gallagher, a specialist in memory recovery. With his help, they unravel the source of the visions.

Review:

Inside Dweller: Genesis travels the borders of the realms of fantasy, horror, and paranormal. Dealing with the trauma of her parents’ deaths was something Miranda never really faced down until a car accident put her on a collision course with the paranormal world. Between visions of the end times and a dark stranger attacking her, Miranda wonders if she is losing her sanity. However, just because something is in your head does not mean it is not real. Miranda leaves her sane, rational world behind to explore the world of what Sigmond Freud called the Id to deal with something whose end game is the conquest of humanity.

Kirsten Schuder blends psychology, parapsychology, and fantasy into a well-paced tale of mystery and intrigue, with some modern technology acting as a backup, making for a delightful read.

[Wisconsin Alumni]

Kirsten Schuder ’91
Author

From the author:
"A suspenseful, spine-tingly, tale of things that go bump, crash, and slash in the night and in the mind. A five-star page-turner!" -Patti Liszkay, author of The Equal and Opposite Reactions Trilogy

Miranda Sheppard experiences a series of unexplainable phenomena since her car accident. While unconscious and struggling for life, she sees a vision of a post-apocalyptic world.

While she wafts in and out of consciousness recovering from her injuries, a tall stranger hovers over her hospital bed. All are dismissed, thinking that the accident and her physical difficulties are responsible for these visions, until the stranger from the hospital attacks her in her house ... or so she thinks.

When she awakens in the hospital and describes the physical events of the attack, there is no physical evidence. Is she hallucinating?

Fearing she is losing her mind, she finally succumbs and agrees to see a specialist in memory recovery, Dr. Jack Gallagher. Together, they work to discover the source of the visions that haunt her since the accident.

[Geraldine Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inside Dweller: Genesis by Kirsten G. Shuder contains several exciting elements to please a variety of readers. Fans of suspense, thrillers, paranormal, and metaphysics will be enthralled by this intriguing story of Miranda, a young woman battling an unseen and unexplained foe that threatens the planet. The enemy involved is unique and noteworthy, an original concept that challenges the imagination and showcases the author’s skill. Several scenes are dialogue-driven and portray another example of the author’s talent for setting the tone, atmosphere, and suspense through realistic and moving conversation. The psychological aspects involving the main character touch on a range of emotions that make Miranda relatable and someone to cheer for, all the way to the climactic and surprise ending. Overall, a great and well-recommended read.

[Marie-claire Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a five star story but it's 4am and I am afraid to sleep.

This is not your typical story arc. I have no idea why I got this book(maybe the kick-ass cover?)

BUT it caught me, it creeped me out, it would not let me put it down.

Yes it would qualify as a Paranormal story but it is to me a Thriller, a Mystery and a thorough breakdown of the Evil we possess.

Kudos to the writer. You made my mind all twisty turny and I plan to call my therapist in the morning.

You know, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

However, the way my mind is churning right now? The book should be classified as Horror.

[Lucille Guarino · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastical read that crosses between fantasy, science and horror. I found myself turning the pages quickly, wanting to know what was going to happen, what was tormenting the protagonist, and what the outcome would be. Kirsten Schuder spun a mysterious, terrifying tale of supernatural forces where nothing is as it seems. A fast-paced read!

[Robert Stowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is easy to be lulled into the belief that this story tells a story of a confused young lady, recovering from a severe car accident. But we should not jump to conclusions. A mysterious entity keeps appearing and it soon becomes evident that it is not imagined. This Sci-Fi Fantasy takes us on a paranormal adventure requiring an open mind and a brave heart. Fun read!

[Chas Funderburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

overcoming evil through mine spirit and body.

Although I do not necessarily agree, theologically with this book, it is a good book of a cat and mouse, evil and good. Good overcomes evil as it has throughout time and touches upon many things that are spiritual, but I think that at least because I it gives us hope.

[Janet E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Inside Dweller: Book I, Genesi" by Kirsten G. Schuder is a gripping fusion of psychological suspense, supernatural horror, and dystopian mystery. The novel follows Miranda Sheppard, whose life unravels after a devastating car accident. As she drifts between fragmented consciousness and chilling visions, she finds herself trapped in a reality where nightmares seep into waking life. When a shadowy figure from her hospital bed begins haunting her beyond its walls, Miranda is forced to confront the possibility that the horrors she sees may not be hallucinations—but something far more sinister.

Schuder skillfully blends mind-bending intrigue with unnerving tension, creating a story that keeps readers questioning the boundaries between perception and reality. The novel explores themes of memory, trauma, and existential fear, making it more than just a supernatural thriller—it’s an unsettling journey into the unknown. Miranda's struggle is balanced by the presence of Dr. Jack Gallagher, whose analytical approach serves as both a counterweight to her unraveling mind and a guide through the mystery unfolding around her.

With sharp prose, immersive world-building, and a relentless atmosphere of dread, "Inside Dweller" is a psychological puzzle that refuses to let go. Fans of Lovecraftian horror, psychological thrillers, and dystopian fiction will find themselves captivated by its chilling intensity and thought-provoking narrative.

[Cam Torrens · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stakes could not be higher in Genesis, Kirsten G. Schuder's first novel in her Inside Dweller series!

Miranda Sheppard's life takes an unexpected turn after a near-fatal car accident. She awakens from the accident with haunting visions of a hell-like Earth and giant of a man carrying the scent of rot. As the lines between reality and hallucination blur, she seeks the help of psychologist Dr. Jack Gallagher to uncover the truth behind these perplexing events. After discovering Miranda’s condition is something beyond the physical, Gallagher pulls together a team of experts—not just to rescue Miranda, but to save humanity.

Schuder masters the action and pacing in this non-stop tale of mystery and intrigue, leaving readers breathless as they follow Miranda and her team in their quest to unravel evil. Looking forward to more!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kirsten Schuder wrote an addictive book that I could not put down. The concepts are as old as time, such as ghosts, spirits, the supernatural, and even good vs. evil, but they are put together in a fresh new way. Miranda Sheppard must battle her way through her challenges, and I was rooting for her all the way. Kirsten's fascinating blend of psychology, spirituality, horror, sci-fi, and fantasy will keep any fan of the supernatural happy. Kirsten blends these together to create complex characters who find themselves in an improbable situation, but with the way Kirsten explains each layer of existence in the story, if it were possible, she explains how it could happen this way and makes it seem believable within our reality. I highly recommend this book. It will become one of your favorites.

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. Kirsten Schuder creates a page-turning story about resilience and overcoming trauma. Miranda lost her parents in a horrific accident as a child and was raised by her older sister. As an adult, mysterious things have been happening to her, and she, her sister, and her boyfriend work to discover their mysterious origin. Friendship, love, and the right mix of faith and technology save the day. For now

[A.J. McCarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fast-paced novel sets the bar for a series that explores the supernatural. Miranda Sheppard lost both her parents at an early age and relied on her older sister to get past life’s challenges. But, now, after a near-fatal car accident, she’s up against the ultimate challenge in the form of an evil entity, and it takes a team of experts and a lot of faith and love to guide her through. This book is a powerful mix of action, horror, sci-fi, and suspense.

[Mary Olar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inside Dweller Genesis by Kirsten G. Schuder is a dark, thought-provoking, and powerfully original novel that lingers with you long after the final page. Schuder masterfully blends psychological depth with elements of suspense and speculative fiction, creating a story that is as unsettling as it is compelling.

Highly Recommended

[Mary Bramwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing tale that grabs you and doesn't let go. You'll be happy with where this ends and eager for the next book in the series.