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Four From Below
Four From Below tells the tales of ordinary people -or so they seem- thrust into extraordinary circumstances:
Ray Deet lives a life of shame. His mother abandons him, and the school bullies single him out for abuse. A chance encounter with a denizen of a world below changes the timid young boy, but are these changes for the better?
Charlie Vos has a scoop. Aging actress Victoria Manwell, his teen fantasy, is now a recluse. She has a tale to tell. But is Charlie ready to hear it?
Alexi Zachas has inherited his grandfather's mansion, and the hidden lab below. Aided by an eager young assistant, this practitioner of the "sideways sciences" hopes to turn back the clock on the human body.
Apri Saluzar has a problem. Several problems, in fact: a domineering mother, insomnia, an unsatisfying job. Oh, and the occasional body part appearing in her home.
Ray Deet lives a life of shame. His mother abandons him, and the school bullies single him out for abuse. A chance encounter with a denizen of a world below changes the timid young boy, but are these changes for the better?
Charlie Vos has a scoop. Aging actress Victoria Manwell, his teen fantasy, is now a recluse. She has a tale to tell. But is Charlie ready to hear it?
Alexi Zachas has inherited his grandfather's mansion, and the hidden lab below. Aided by an eager young assistant, this practitioner of the "sideways sciences" hopes to turn back the clock on the human body.
Apri Saluzar has a problem. Several problems, in fact: a domineering mother, insomnia, an unsatisfying job. Oh, and the occasional body part appearing in her home.
260 pages, ebook
First published July 7, 2013
468 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 10, 2013
For a first timer, I'm above and beyond impressed with author Daniel P. Coffman's work. You never know quite what to expect when you open that virgin novel, especially when it's a collection of short stories. I was surprised and delightfully horrified.
I love a book to creep me out. It reminds me of being that young reader sneaking Stephen King novels inside of my science books. "Four From Below" is that kind of novel. It made me feel like that teenage girl again, knees up to my chest and a blanket up to my chin trying to get through "It" without sleeping with the lights on. I highly recommend at least reading the first short story. The ending, of course, I had ALL figured out....nope. I thought I did! That's what made it all the better. I almost threw up my hands and yelled, "You got me, Coffman!" at the surprise.
I did win this book through the Goodreads give-away, but if I were you, I'd find a way to get your hands on a copy.
I love a book to creep me out. It reminds me of being that young reader sneaking Stephen King novels inside of my science books. "Four From Below" is that kind of novel. It made me feel like that teenage girl again, knees up to my chest and a blanket up to my chin trying to get through "It" without sleeping with the lights on. I highly recommend at least reading the first short story. The ending, of course, I had ALL figured out....nope. I thought I did! That's what made it all the better. I almost threw up my hands and yelled, "You got me, Coffman!" at the surprise.
I did win this book through the Goodreads give-away, but if I were you, I'd find a way to get your hands on a copy.
February 10, 2015
As the name implies this is a collection of four stories, all with a different horror theme. There's an uneven quality from readable to superb so I'll cover each story individually.
The first story stood out for me. The young boy trying to survive being bullied along with home life problems tugs on the heart strings. It's novella length and would have made a strong offering in its own right. The quality of the writing is superb and transformation described really makes the story stand out. My only issue is that while I guessed how it would end when it arrived it felt abrupt. In fairness that's a minor complaint.
The second story has a more traditional feel to it with it being a faustian tale. It's told well and does have a unique angle that elevates it. A strong story and well written.
The third story was the weakest of the four for me. It was well written, but just didn't grab me.
The form returns for the final story with an excellent body horror tale. While the first story was my favourite this one from a purely horror perspective really hits the creepiness meter! It's an unusual story that has some decent menace. Once the story gets going it's not too difficult to figure out where it's going to end. But the twists and turns along the way make the journey more than worthwhile.
All in all it's a worthwhile collection that any horror fan should try.
The first story stood out for me. The young boy trying to survive being bullied along with home life problems tugs on the heart strings. It's novella length and would have made a strong offering in its own right. The quality of the writing is superb and transformation described really makes the story stand out. My only issue is that while I guessed how it would end when it arrived it felt abrupt. In fairness that's a minor complaint.
The second story has a more traditional feel to it with it being a faustian tale. It's told well and does have a unique angle that elevates it. A strong story and well written.
The third story was the weakest of the four for me. It was well written, but just didn't grab me.
The form returns for the final story with an excellent body horror tale. While the first story was my favourite this one from a purely horror perspective really hits the creepiness meter! It's an unusual story that has some decent menace. Once the story gets going it's not too difficult to figure out where it's going to end. But the twists and turns along the way make the journey more than worthwhile.
All in all it's a worthwhile collection that any horror fan should try.
June 5, 2014
Two I liked, and two I didn't like. Here is my breakdown:
Parts: 3 stars
This one had the whole "person eats their twin in the womb" theme, and the storyline was similar to Stephen King's THE DARK HALF.
Generations: 1 star
Interesting concept, but it was too short and rushed!
Faces: 4 stars
I thought this was a great idea and the whole buildup worked in favor of the story. The only thing was the ending could have been explained or shown a little more, because I felt like I missed something at the beginning with the boss.
Help from Below: 1 star.
This was terrible, with almost too many terrible things happening to an innocent boy. People hate him just for the sake of hating him, it seems. The story dragged with just one bad thing happening after another without going anywhere. The ending should have been the climax...and it could have turned into a sweet story of revenge.
Parts: 3 stars
This one had the whole "person eats their twin in the womb" theme, and the storyline was similar to Stephen King's THE DARK HALF.
Generations: 1 star
Interesting concept, but it was too short and rushed!
Faces: 4 stars
I thought this was a great idea and the whole buildup worked in favor of the story. The only thing was the ending could have been explained or shown a little more, because I felt like I missed something at the beginning with the boss.
Help from Below: 1 star.
This was terrible, with almost too many terrible things happening to an innocent boy. People hate him just for the sake of hating him, it seems. The story dragged with just one bad thing happening after another without going anywhere. The ending should have been the climax...and it could have turned into a sweet story of revenge.
August 4, 2013
the 1st story was too long. I just kept waiting for it to end. I didn't make it past that
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews