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Hellscapes

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Journey into realms of darkness and explore the regions where angels fear to tread! Welcome to the Hellscapes, featuring tales of the infernal in settings where the horror never ends and the inhabitants experience the ultimate nightmare.

In “Blood Dreams” follow the tale of a woman who knew great political authority and influence in life, as she discovers the reward awaiting her in the next world.

“The Grove” welcomes a new arrival, a wealthy man who is looking forward to a weekend of indulging in lust and libation, as he has for many years in this secluded convocation for the elite. Something is different this time, though, and he soon finds that his visit will be taking a very different turn.

In “The Smallest Fish”, the story is told of a ruthless business mogul who finds himself in an abandoned, ruined version of the city he knew well, in life. This city won’t be remaining vacant for long.

“Drowning in Tears” tells the story of a young man’s unhealthy obsession for a suicidal girlfriend that leads him on a path of severe transformation.

The final tale of Volume 1, “Lords of War”, follows the story of a man who wielded military power on a worldwide scale as a Secretary of Defense, who now learns the deeper nature of war and what kinds of monstrosities it breeds.

Hellscapes, Volume 1 is the first release in an exciting new themed horror collection from Stephen Zimmer, the author of the Rising Dawn Saga and Fires in Eden Series.

129 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 3, 2013

21 people want to read

About the author

Stephen Zimmer

83 books96 followers
Stephen Zimmer is an award-winning author, filmmaker, and publisher of Seventh Star Press who resides in Lexington, Ky with his beloved and an office manager named Dubious the Cat. His literary work includes the epic fantasy Fires in Eden Series, the cross-genre Rising Dawn Saga, the sword and sorcery Rayden Valkyrie Tales, the horror genre Hellscapes short story collections, the cross-genre dystopian Faraway Saga series, and the steampunk Harvey and Solomon tales along with his new novellas featuring Rayden Valkyrie and Ragnar Stormbringer.

His movie credits include short films such as Swordbearer and The Sirens, and the feature Shadows Light. Forthcoming is Rayden Valkyrie: Saga of a Lionheart, a TV pilot project.

Visit Stephen online via his website at http://www.stephenzimmer.com
on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/stephenzimmer7
or twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/sgzimmer

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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Profile Image for Holly Phillippe.
8 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2018
This book can be read in one sitting and believe me you wont want to put this one down once you start. The visceral images Zimmer places in your head is not soon forgotten. The short stories blend to take you on a journey that flows together as you progress through the book. If your a horror fan and not faint of heart than I recommend you take this read for a spin and not at bedtime. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Jessica.
122 reviews67 followers
November 30, 2013
I’ve read one book by Stephen Zimmer that one being Crown of Vengeance book one in his epic fantasy series. I wanted to try something else by Stephen and having recently released a couple of books featuring short stories I thought it was a good way to see what else Stephen has written. He and I are big Clive Barker fans and as I was in the mood for some horror, his book Hellscapes seemed like the perfect fit.

At about 130 pages and featuring 5 short stories it is an excellent way to enjoy that horror fix. As I started it I was instantly reminded of the famous Books of Blood.

Tale one Blood Dreams awakens something frightful and takes our protagonist on a journey very different from one she is used to. Endless, barren, frightful her journey to realisation is bleak.

The Grove is all about indulgence and how delightfully self righteous some are only to have the table turned and to be consumed by the very deeds you’ve sown.

The Smallest Fish is an unnerving city so similar to what our business tycoon knowns yet in shambles and the rats are out for blood.

Drowning Tears was quite the creepy tale. All about how love can be distorted and so quickly becomes obsession and consumes you.

Lords of War, those with power quake so quick when having to face something out of their control. How quickly they forget the impact they have on the lives of so many. Stephen reminds here that you may not be able to out run what is waiting for you.



These short tales had me hooked and make me hope that Stephen will write more just like it. The antsy creepiness was ever-present and created that welcome mix of read because you must know what happens and omg what kind of messed up world is this. My one issue that I have would be the similar nature of some of these stories the head in the sand I have done no wrong finds out that judgement comes to find you. I still enjoyed myself and I would love to read Hellscapes Vol 2 once released. A job well done and highly recommended for those who enjoy a bit of creepiness in their reading.
Profile Image for Sharon.
396 reviews18 followers
November 24, 2013
I had no idea Stephen Zimmer could write horror so beautifully. I was also impressed with his grasp of language in choosing the right words to set the tone and describe the world he has created. There is a poetic flow to the prose that makes you feel as if you are entering an archaic world of nightmares. He uses the classic idea that hell would be one of your own making. In the case of these stories, the four people aren’t aware they are dead, and the story is about each individual’s journey of realization of why they are there, and what eternity holds for them. The stories take place in the same world, but these are four separate stories of different people. There is an omniscient entity that resides over this hell, but the only time we are aware of it is in the prologue and ending of the book. It doesn’t directly interfere.

My favorite story was The Grove. It had a Tales of the Crypt type of ending and I could feel the terror of the man experienced when he realized his fate. Chilling. The Smallest Fish was my least favorite only because the middle part was a little too long for my tastes.

This is a fabulous read for readers who like a classical type of writing and story. Definitely worth checking out.

4.5 “Where am I!” Sheep
http://www.ismellsheep.com/2013/11/bo...
Profile Image for Shan Winslow.
33 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2013
Ready to explore a macabre world full of many types of horror? Then look no further, since this might be the anthology for you. From the opening pages, you begin to immerse yourself in a world of nightmare and dread. Furthermore, since there are only five stories and the anthology isn't too long, readers should be able to have a quick read on their hands.

All of the stories are very good, but my favorites were probably Drowning in Tears and The Grove. Also, I enjoyed the way that the anthology comes full circle in the last story. As I said, if you're in the mood for some good horror tales, then check this one out.
279 reviews12 followers
March 30, 2015
Hellscapes is a well written short story collection by the same author visiting various Hellscapes and the people that are damned to suffer for eternity. I thought each story worked on it's own and together, it felt like they belonged together. I also liked that most of the stories had a single person that showed the people through hell and to the realization of where they were. I also thought it was great that the first character we meet is again in the last story of the book as well. Overall I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to future books by the author.
Profile Image for Linda.
428 reviews15 followers
June 13, 2016
I received this book free in return for an honest review. I enjoyed these stories. The author's ability to create scenarios of hell that fit the lives and actions of people is really good.The characters are really well done and make you hope that you are not listed among these them. I would recommend this book for anyone that enjoys horror.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews

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