A Beast Within

by Aidan Lucid

Have you experienced true terror? For three criminals, they’re about to face it head-on!

Fresh out of prison, Jeremy vows to steer clear of a life of crime and clean up his act. But he quickly realizes that to the world, he will always be an ex-con and plunges back into his old ways. The perfect opportunity presents itself in the form of his best friend, Stephen, and his spunky girlfriend, Natalie.

After a failed bank robbery, Jeremy and his accomplices’ identities are made. So, they find refuge in the home of a typical Christian family. Their getaway should have been smooth sailing…after all it was three armed criminals against the wholesome Boyd family.

But the Boyds are hiding dark secrets of their own...

Get the latest pulse-pounding, thrilling novella by Aidan Lucid today !

A Beast Within received the Gold Literary Titan Book Award in April 2024 for its excellence in story-telling and character development.

"A Beast Within" ranked in 16th place in Malevolent Dark Horror Fiction's December 2023 Top 25 Horror Fiction List.

“I loved this story. From the first page I was hooked! There are twists and turns.” - Hanna (Booksirens reviewer).

"Lucid does it again with characters you can root for and action that holds you on the edge of your seat. Beware the beasts that prowl at night!" - Priscilla Bettis, author.

Genres: Horror

118 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2023

Reviews

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man…on a lonely road…trying to do a good deed. His family is attacked by werewolves, but they get away….

I love Prologues, and A Beast Within by Aidan Lucid hooked me opening page.

Jeremy wanted to go straight, put his criminal life behind him. He is determined to make it so his mother didn’t regret helping him…again. He hits all the pitfalls and discrimination of real life criminals. He was so dejected he made the call to Stephen. We all know this will end badly.

They are on the run, after a failed bank heist. A quiet farmhouse holds a dark secret, and these three criminals are going to get more than they bargained for.

So many scenarios ran through my mind. I had a feeling…maybe…but I had to wait for Aidan Lucid to finish his story. He kept me guessing, but I was very happy with the ending.

A Beast Within is a quick read, a novella filled with action that runs at a quick pace from beginning to end.

[Beth Roger aka Katiebella_Reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5⭐️
Summery

Jeremy has just gotten out of prison. With the help of his mother and his probation officer, he has landed a job and an apartment in a matter of days. This time, he promises to do better. Stay on the straight and narrow. But the life of an unappreciated janitor is not glamorous, and when an old friend tries to lure him back into his old life, Jeremy quickly takes the bate.

Malcolm Boyd is an ex army trying to enjoy his life back home with his family. But he is plagued by the nightmares he witnessed in war.

When Jeremy and his bank robbing accomplices seek refuge and a place to hide in the Boyd home, they end up getting more than they bargained for.

My Thoughts

Um, ok. I don't feel like there was ever or ever would be a point when this book needed to be read. It's lackluster, monotonous, and over descriptive.

The first few pages, cool werewolves. Good start. Then, when the story actually starts, its pages of useless diatribe of the mind. Who cares 😴 😒 I sure didn't. Not about Jeremy, his past, or the weird way her references his mother by her first name instead of mom while still holding onto almost childlike idolization of her.

The ultimate in absurd points in this book is that Jeremy is a master "tech guy/hacker." Able to within minutes hack into a banks security system. Yet he was convicted of holding up a convenient store at Gun Point?!?!? 🔫 OH yeah, let's not forget that he then forgets about one of the cameras in the bank heist. Resulting in them getting IDed and chased in a matter of minutes 🙄

I cared about zero of the characters. Every one of them felt flat and one dimetional. The author did try to create backstories for them all, but still, it felt like smoke with no fire. There are too many characters, with too many convoluted backgrounds to care. Each new "backstory" feels almost laughable.

The last 20% of the book was the best. When werewolves come back into the tale. I could have done without the rest. The whole thing could have been cut up and condensed. It might actually have made a decent 50pg story, maybe.

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

[Jerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the author’s writing style on this werewolf tale. There was no shortage of tension and character building and the pacing was great. There were some critical items missing however which are essential for this genre of book –werewolf mayhem, carnage, and history. Given that this is a short book the ending was a bit unsatisfying and rushed for my taste and maybe it took too long to “get there” as well in retrospect. Overall this was certainly worth reading, but I think this is one book that would have benefited from a longer length to include what I thought was missing. I definitely will follow this author and look forward to his future works.

[Cat B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful novella this was. A few very sympathetic characters and one especially truly evil to the core. This was a great ride. I knew there would be a werewolf, of course, by the cover. Did not expect what was to come though. A quick but marvellous little read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laura Ruetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast -paced book written with an engaging writing style that really pulled me into the story. The story, action, and dialogue feels organic and fluid, giving a great flow to the story as it feels more frantic as it progresses. The characters really shine here, with characters that are complex and well-rounded. Through words and actions, you discover the character more, instead of being heavy on narrative and that makes the story more engaging in my opinion because they aren't static, and you feel like you are on a journey of discovery with them as the plot unfolds. The action has mounting tension, and the ending, while not unexpected, was everything that a horror fan wants.

[Angel (Bookn.All.Night) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy this author's books. A Beast Within is another fast-paced and fun read. Perfect for Spooktober, especially for fans that love thrills without the gory chills.

I was surprised that I was actually rooting for the "bad guy". That doesn't happen often but in this instance it was a morally grey situation and that added to the story for me. I honestly wasn't expecting the layout as it happened at the end but I loved it.

I read this on a flight and it kept me engaged and before I knew it I was done and we were landing. Grab this one and add to those Spooky lists!

I sincerely appreciate the publisher for the review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Honey Dy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was a werewolf story with a difference! It had a lot of excitement, a lot of grunt, a lot of death, but most of all, a lot of heart. AND NOW I KNOW why this book won the Literary Titan Book Award!

This novella was amazing from start to finish. There was nothing but fast-paced action, and I couldn't put it down, i finished this book in a day!!!. If there was no action, it still held me captive as there were so many other elements in this book that I equally enjoyed.

The book was so easy to read, and I absolutely loved the characters Aidan created. Although the characters weren't deeply fleshed out, it was more than enough for me to get the full gist of what these characters were really like.

For starters, I knew that i wasnt a huge fan of Natalie, she was just a ruthless, cruel, emotionless individual who only cared about money, and I really didn't care too much for her partner Stephen,  who was someone completely smitten with Natalie, and later proved to be his weakness.  Aidan did a really great job with Jeremy because although he was a criminal, he was so relatable, showing that underneath that harsh exterior, he really did have a heart of gold.

Thank you so much, Aidan, for reaching out to me! It was an absolute privilege to read this book. It's another amazing read for the month of August, and I can't wait to read the other books you have in store for me. Show Aidan some love and check out his book available on Kindle and Paperback!!!

[William Bentrim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Boyd family has a terrifying experience that leads to an unknown future. Jeremy is an ex-con who can’t catch a break. He encounters his childhood best buddy Stephen who is accompanied by Natalie his girlfriend. The encounter leads to action and mayhem.
Lucid, paints Jeremy with compassion. Lucid seems to see the challenges of the incarcerated population reintegrating with the normal populace. He shows how both intentional and unintentional cruelty, even if verbal, can cause major injury to someone trying to change.
The Boyds have their morality play to contend with. David, their son, requires morally questionable or even abhorrent help to survive. Their solution has its own forboding knell.
Lucid provides scenarios that make you ponder on what your response might be in a similar situation.
A thought-provoking book that provides an entertaining read.

[Icy-Cobwebs-Crossing-SpaceTime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Release November 10

WHAT A READER'S HOOK!! I think my heart stopped! Here I was, admiring author Aidan Lucid's talent at an imagery-rife story, enjoying the characters' countryside...and WHAM! KAPOW! BAM! Blew me out of the water (metaphorically)! In addition, Mr. Lucid portrays his characters very sympathetically; he knows how to reach their core, and to identify what makes them tick, then sets them up in situations where they must grow and evolve...or lose.

[Leon Scheppink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeremy is trying to addapt to life outside of prison and although he's doing his utmost best to keep out of trouble and return to becoming a productive member of society, things turn out to be more complicated than he'd hoped. His best friend manages to convince him to take on one last job: robbing a bank. Things take a turn for the worse and on their way to escape from law inforcement, things soon get way more complicated.

This was a relatively short book, but it worked. The story is well written, the characters are fleshed out and the plot is played out nicely; things are never rushed. You won't get thrown into the horror aspect right away (well.... you'll see) but the rather in depth background story is needed and works. There's a tinge of underlying sadness in the story, that really offers an extra dimension. Thoroughly enjoyable.

[Christian Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping

I love a story that captures your attention right away and that was the case with A Beast Within. I found Jeremy to be a flawed character which made for an intriguing read. Although there isn’t as much mythology as I would’ve expected based on the title, the title actually perfectly fits the story. You need to read it for that to make sense. Overall, a fast and gripping read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I look forward to reading more from this author. Well done!

[Miguel Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun.

I enjoyed reading this novella. The prologue was fantastic, and the author switching POVs was brilliant. I liked the addition of scene breaks, and the descriptions were vivid. I fancied the twists and turns that this book utilized. I admire the decision to not stretch out this book longer that it had to be.

I highly recommend this book other book lovers, and I look forward to reading more from this writer.

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

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beast Within by Aidan Lucid intertwines the ordinary and the extraordinary, blending the lives of a quintessentially American family with a group of bank robbers, culminating in a suspenseful encounter with the supernatural. The narrative unfolds from two distinct perspectives, creating a dynamic and engaging storytelling experience. The book opens with a family - Malcolm, Helena, and David - who find themselves in a nightmarish scenario, encountering a werewolf on a desolate road. This traumatic experience serves as the reader's introduction to the paranormal elements that permeate the story. The narrative then shifts to Jeremy, a character freshly released from prison. Despite his aspirations to leave his criminal past behind, he finds himself drawn back into that world by his friend Stephen and Stephen's girlfriend, Natalie. This decision leads them to face unexpected and otherworldly consequences.

Lucid excels in pacing, crafting a narrative that is both brisk and captivating, making it an ideal read for those looking to immerse themselves in a story in one sitting. Jeremy, as a character, is particularly well-rendered, embodying a blend of vulnerability and resilience that makes him a compelling protagonist. His moral complexity adds depth to the narrative, presenting him as flawed yet fundamentally decent. The portrayal of trauma and its diverse impacts on individuals is a standout aspect of Lucid's writing. The characters' varied responses to their traumatic experiences are depicted with a sense of authenticity. For instance, while Jeremy grapples with lost self-confidence, Natalie turns to adrenaline-fueled activities for solace. These personal struggles inadvertently summon the supernatural forces that thrive on their fears and anxieties. While the novel effectively delves into these psychological themes, it leaves certain areas underexplored. The backstory involving Iraq, for instance, feels like a missed opportunity for deeper character development, particularly for Natalie, whose character at times feels limited in dimensionality. A more thorough exploration of this aspect could have enriched the narrative and offered a more nuanced understanding of her character.

A Beast Within is an engaging read for those who relish a blend of suspense, the supernatural, and psychological depth. Lucid's storytelling is marked by a compelling plot twist that adds to the book's overall entertainment value. Recommended for fans of thrillers and supernatural fiction, this novel is a testament to the exciting possibilities of genre blending.

[Dale Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of horror books, but haven’t really been into vampire or werewolf stories. Not sure why, but I had to add context first before I could explain why this story worked for me. “A Beast Within” isn’t your typical werewolf story. In fact, a large part of the story doesn’t have any monsters, more so villains who are the real life incarnation of evil.

The story focuses on a family and a trio of career criminals as they intersect paths. After a botched bank robbery, the band of villains escape to a remote house in the middle of the country occupied by the Boyds - Malcolm, Helena, and their anemic son, David. The villains hold the family captive as they wait for a lifeline to come through with passports and a quick exit out of the country with their loot.

Jeremy Pegg is the one sensible person in the trio of bandits who is conflicted by the whole situation. Meanwhile, Natalie and Stephen conspire to do horrible things in order to get away with their bag of loot.

Without revealing too much more, the story takes an unexpected twist. Even though the author laid breadcrumbs throughout the story with some foreshadowing, the curveball still came as a delightful surprise.

Other than a few minor typos and a potential issue - in the bank robbery, they all refer to each other by their actual names, implying they aren’t very smart - I found “A Beast Within” to be a gem in horror reads. The tension is great and the character development was brilliant.

I cannot recommend this book enough! It’s a strong four stars, bordering on five.

[Priscilla Bettis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malcolm and Helena Boyd have a ten-year-old son, David. Malcolm is a good-Samaritan type of man. I liked him immediately. Unfortunately, the family meets up with a werewolf, and David is never the same after that.

Jeremy is fresh out of prison, and he’s also a good-Samaritan type of man. It was easy to root for him. Life keeps throwing terrible circumstances in his direction, and I really hoped he could rise above. (Whether he does or not, I won’t say… spoilers!)

Of course, there have to be antagonists, too. Stephen and his girlfriend, Natalie, are Jeremy’s bad-news friends. They’re written well and add complexity to Jeremy’s character arc. They’re quite despicable people. Even so, we get a peek into their personalities, so we understand a bit why they do what they do.

The werewolf scene in the beginning of the book was nail-biting, but the pace of the story, the dangers, and the stakes only increase. It was impossible to put the book down when I passed the 50 percent mark. One of the most exciting (and scary) scenes is a chase scene in the woods near the end. Lucid knows how to keep high tension and suspense in a story.

A five-star read! I recommend A Beast Within to readers who enjoy likable characters, high stakes, and fast-paced thrills in their horror reads.

I received an ARC of A Beast Within from Lucid. The book is due out November 10, 2023. I can't wait to get my own copy!

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jeremy wants to lead a clean life after serving time in prison but his two friends tell him about plans for a robbery. Jeremy insists he doesn't want to commit further crimes having found a job to keep him straight. However, discovering he doesn't fit in, he decides to call his friends back and agree to the bank robbery job. After a failed attempt, they run and hide with the Boyd family. The chapters switch between both groups so readers can follow both sides of the narrative. The pace is slow at the beginning but picks up two-thirds of the way in. This is a quick read.


I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.

[Hanna Novotny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story.

The writing style catches me. From the first page I was into the story.

Reading along, I was wondering where this would go, who would come out as the winner. There are twists and turns.

I am happy with the ending. He deserves it, because he really tried to please his mom.

It is a short story and I am now curious about other books of this writer. Sure am going to follow this one.

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

[Elise Ballard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you love werewolves?

Is so this is the perfect story for you. It’s a novella of a family who’s life changed to worse when their son got stuck with anemia. They never expected that the anemia would be the highlight to the darkness that was to come. This family meets three friends in a very unexpected way. This is when the plot twist comes into play and it makes the story complete. This is a supernatural story. I recommend this read for YA up. There is gore and violence but it’s not detailed in a way that dark genre books are.

[JD · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free ARC, and this review is voluntary.

The synopsis highlights the plot well, and from start-to-finish it was a page turner for me. While I chose this book for my preference in werewolf mythos, what the author did well was establishing the atmosphere in each scene. The tension of the situation was always present, whether that was through the conflicting personalities of the robbers, or their interaction with the family held hostage. From the getgo, it's action-packed; does not waste time in getting to the point.

It was a fun, good read.

[deidra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Beast Within by Aidan Lucid reads like one of those cool B movies that were all the rage in the 60's. after a fast and furious prologue that hooked me right away. no good deed goes unpunished and Malcolm and his family soon discover this when they stop to help a stranded motorist beside the road. this good Samaritan act will have tragic consequences that will impact all their lives to the bitter end.

i really enjoyed this. it was quickly paced, the prose didn't drag and the characters were engaging, keeping your interest. very nicely done.

highly recommended.
4 stars out of 5.

[Christie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The prologue is amazing and really got me wanting to read the book. Then the story started, and it was slow going. we leaned about a lot about Jeremy and a little about Stephen and Natalie, not enough to care about them a lot. Once the family from the prologue is reintroduced, the story picks up and is really good. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Makayla Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting idea, I wasn’t expecting it to go that way. The dialogue at some points seemed unnatural. I also think the deputies POV wasn’t necessary. In fact ,I think omitting that would’ve been way better. I did really enjoy certain parts of it though.

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

[J R · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5ish rounded up. Good little horror. Problem biggie being that 1) it’s way too short for the context and… no? That’s basically it. It’s way too short so the development doesn’t work, the climax doesn’t work, yada yada yada it doesn’t build up enough intensity. But the core bones of it are great!

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

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. What lengths would u go to save your child?! I enjoyed this quick read. I loved the characters of Jeremy who was misunderstood and Helene and Malcolm even little David. The plot was certainly original. I even liked the ending although it was sad.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you BookSirens for this ARC. I enjoyed this novella - not overly complicated but still managed to squeeze in some twists AND a reality check about how difficult it is to fit back into society after serving time.

[Joan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank You Aiden Lucid and BookSirens

This novel brings out the Feels. It is edgy, gory, and curving. Love the book from page one to the last page. It gives homage to the Intruder type home invasion movies with a Twist. There is a red herring in the Prologue.

I highly recommend this story.

The Strangers Get Played.

Crime Fiction/ Horror Fiction

Creature Feature

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good short story written well and in a way to keep you interested. Enjoyed Jeremys story as well as David's. A good read for anyone who likes a bit of crime and gore. I received a free advance copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely enjoyed the book. My only reservation might be young minds thinking multiple wrongs making it right.



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

[Kimmey Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good plot and storyline.

[Stephanie Pineda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not expect the twist and turns in this story!!! I honestly thought it was 2 separate stories and when the characters come together it’s a wild ride! It’s a quick must read!!