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As It Stands
In the chilling anthology 'As It Stands,' readers are ushered into a realm shadowed with horror, where thirteen uniquely terrifying tales of existential dread converge. Each story, a masterfully crafted vignette, delves into despair and entrapment, exploring the dark corners of the human psyche with a claustrophobic intensity that is as compelling as it is unsettling.
These pages will lead you through labyrinthine nightmares, where walls whisper haunting truths and the air is thick with the tension of impending doom. Experience the foreboding descent of a man into madness, the relentless haunting of a child in a world where time preys, and more. These stories weave a tapestry of terror, pulling taut the strings of primal fear.
'As It Stands' plumbs the depths of what it means to be truly alone, trapped not only by physical confines but by the limits of our minds. Encounter existential dread, face horrors that are not just monsters lurking in the dark, but the profound terror of existence itself. Witness characters bound in situations that stretch the very fabric of their sanity, from the surreal to the eerily plausible.
Each tale serves as a grim sometimes, the most inescapable prisons are the ones we build for ourselves, and the most haunting ghosts are those of our own making. This collection is a must-read for those who dare to confront the abyss and peer into the parts of themselves that flicker dimly in the half-light of the soul.
'As It Stands' is not just a book; it is an experience—a series of invitations to walk through doors that may never be closed again. It stands as a beacon for enthusiasts of psychological horror and new readers alike, offering a mosaic of fear that resonates long after the final page is turned. Discover why this gripping anthology is being hailed as a seminal work of modern horror, one that will echo in the chambers of your mind.
These pages will lead you through labyrinthine nightmares, where walls whisper haunting truths and the air is thick with the tension of impending doom. Experience the foreboding descent of a man into madness, the relentless haunting of a child in a world where time preys, and more. These stories weave a tapestry of terror, pulling taut the strings of primal fear.
'As It Stands' plumbs the depths of what it means to be truly alone, trapped not only by physical confines but by the limits of our minds. Encounter existential dread, face horrors that are not just monsters lurking in the dark, but the profound terror of existence itself. Witness characters bound in situations that stretch the very fabric of their sanity, from the surreal to the eerily plausible.
Each tale serves as a grim sometimes, the most inescapable prisons are the ones we build for ourselves, and the most haunting ghosts are those of our own making. This collection is a must-read for those who dare to confront the abyss and peer into the parts of themselves that flicker dimly in the half-light of the soul.
'As It Stands' is not just a book; it is an experience—a series of invitations to walk through doors that may never be closed again. It stands as a beacon for enthusiasts of psychological horror and new readers alike, offering a mosaic of fear that resonates long after the final page is turned. Discover why this gripping anthology is being hailed as a seminal work of modern horror, one that will echo in the chambers of your mind.
- GenresHorrorShort Stories
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2023
3 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
August 10, 2024
I loved the variety and intricacy of tales in this collection! You’ve got a wide range from hauntings to witches to splattery incidents to cosmic horrors. What the author has accomplished is really remarkable- nailing so many sub genres of horror.
My favourite stories were the titular “As It Stands”, “Conduit”, and “The Chittering”. I felt these showcase the author’s skill as you have a man trying to survive eldritch beings, a sinister government experiment gone haywire, and a disturbing visitor to a homeless encampment.
Some of the tales were a bit lengthy- there was some repetitive descriptors and paragraphs (fluff that could be cut down to the meat of the short stories), and two different stories used the traumatic experience for a character which I didn’t really understand (stuck in a thorn bush- does this really happen to people?).
All-in-all if you’re looking for a collection of scary stories and want to dip your toes into different types of horror this is a great book to check out.
My favourite stories were the titular “As It Stands”, “Conduit”, and “The Chittering”. I felt these showcase the author’s skill as you have a man trying to survive eldritch beings, a sinister government experiment gone haywire, and a disturbing visitor to a homeless encampment.
Some of the tales were a bit lengthy- there was some repetitive descriptors and paragraphs (fluff that could be cut down to the meat of the short stories), and two different stories used the traumatic experience for a character which I didn’t really understand (stuck in a thorn bush- does this really happen to people?).
All-in-all if you’re looking for a collection of scary stories and want to dip your toes into different types of horror this is a great book to check out.
June 21, 2024
3.5* rounded up
This was a collection of short horror stories, all with vastly different stories. They weren't my usual choice of horror, as I usually steer more towards darker stories and more gore. However, each story was well written, and I did enjoy this book. As is often the case with anthologies, some of the stories were more enjoyable than others.
This was a collection of short horror stories, all with vastly different stories. They weren't my usual choice of horror, as I usually steer more towards darker stories and more gore. However, each story was well written, and I did enjoy this book. As is often the case with anthologies, some of the stories were more enjoyable than others.
November 29, 2023
This book consisted of many different stories within it. The author did very well on writing this book, but unfortunately for me I’m more into extreme horror and I couldn’t enjoy it as much as I wanted to. I give it that it is horror, and while I did enjoy some of the stories more than some of the others. Also a lot of the stories are about witches and I usually don’t read much on them. But if you like horror stories then this is a good book to read, not too extreme.
October 12, 2025
As It Stands is a diverse horror anthology featuring thirteen stories that mix psychological dread, cosmic unease, and emotional despair. Each story explores a different shade of fear, making it a solid pick for anyone wanting to sample various subgenres of horror. Salinas excels at mood and atmosphere.
Story ratings:
• As It Stands - 3.5
• The Fourth Wall Blues - 3
• Conduit - 4
• Tyler’s Ghost, Part I - 3.5
• In Cold Blood - 4
• Quinn’s Quilt, Part I - 3
• Keeper of Secrets - 3
• Hush, Part I - 3
• The Chittering - 4
• Tyler’s Ghost, Part II - 3.5
• Quinn’s Quilt, Part II - 3
• Hush, Part II - 3
• The Dark Table - 3.5
Story ratings:
• As It Stands - 3.5
• The Fourth Wall Blues - 3
• Conduit - 4
• Tyler’s Ghost, Part I - 3.5
• In Cold Blood - 4
• Quinn’s Quilt, Part I - 3
• Keeper of Secrets - 3
• Hush, Part I - 3
• The Chittering - 4
• Tyler’s Ghost, Part II - 3.5
• Quinn’s Quilt, Part II - 3
• Hush, Part II - 3
• The Dark Table - 3.5
November 19, 2023
“As It Stands” written by Matthew Salinas is 13 uniquely hellish glimpses into the shattered minds of vastly different isolations of others. Although you may catch subtle allusions from a previous stories/or characters within those previous stories as you continue to read. Making some of these stories richly enhanced as a whole. You may also notice some appearances from H. P. Lovecraft characters as well.
Some of my personal favorite were:
Quinn’s Quilt pt1 and pt2
In Cold Blood
Tyler’s Ghost pt1 and pt2
I dare you to experience the madness for yourselves. Then again you may not be able to handle the chitters contained within these pages.
Some of my personal favorite were:
Quinn’s Quilt pt1 and pt2
In Cold Blood
Tyler’s Ghost pt1 and pt2
I dare you to experience the madness for yourselves. Then again you may not be able to handle the chitters contained within these pages.
January 24, 2024
I am a sucker for horror anthologies and short stories. I can honestly say I enjoyed the stories in this book so much. Some stories had multiple parts that continued later on in the book and I love that this was done. The first parts made my jaw drop and when I got to the continuation I was on the edge of my seat needing to know what happened next. There’s something in here for everyone! “In Cold Blood” is my favorite of them all because anything with vampires grabs my attention. I was pleasantly surprised that I felt so many emotions while reading through this. I cannot tell you how much I love when horror can do that to me. I felt anger, sadness, fear, confusion, and frustration just to name a few. If you want an anthology to just read and enjoy, this is it!
January 10, 2024
Once I was able to get through the first story, I was hooked. There are 13 short stories within this book. Matthew Salinas did an amazing job painting a picture of each story as you read along. I did have a hard time reading the set up of each story, as I read a copy given to me from Matthew on my kindle. I will be purchasing a hard copy and rereading. It was THAT GOOD!
January 8, 2024
As it Stands
By Matthew Salinas
I want to first thank the author for graciously providing me with an ebook in exchange for an honest review!
This was an excellent collection of short stories! Although each of these was a standalone story, they were all connected in some way. They also had the common themes of isolation, abandonment, despair, and entrapment.
These stories dealt with psychological horror and existential dread. The author did a great job conveying what the characters were going through in these stories. It's so difficult to make characters you get attached to in short stories due to the limited time. The author was able to do this, and I really liked his characters!
My favorites out of the bunch were: As it Stands, Quinn's Quilt, and The Chittering. I loved that the author revisited several of the stories with the inclusion of "Part 2" for 3 of the stories. I wish this was done more often in collections like these!
As with all collections, I rated each story individually and got an average rating of just over 4.6, which I will round to 5⭐️s! None of the stories were under 4 stars! I would definitely recommend this collection. It was original, creepy, and thought-provoking!
By Matthew Salinas
I want to first thank the author for graciously providing me with an ebook in exchange for an honest review!
This was an excellent collection of short stories! Although each of these was a standalone story, they were all connected in some way. They also had the common themes of isolation, abandonment, despair, and entrapment.
These stories dealt with psychological horror and existential dread. The author did a great job conveying what the characters were going through in these stories. It's so difficult to make characters you get attached to in short stories due to the limited time. The author was able to do this, and I really liked his characters!
My favorites out of the bunch were: As it Stands, Quinn's Quilt, and The Chittering. I loved that the author revisited several of the stories with the inclusion of "Part 2" for 3 of the stories. I wish this was done more often in collections like these!
As with all collections, I rated each story individually and got an average rating of just over 4.6, which I will round to 5⭐️s! None of the stories were under 4 stars! I would definitely recommend this collection. It was original, creepy, and thought-provoking!
August 12, 2024
This collection was so different from any I've read before. I don't really know what to classify this collection as since there were many different themes. We have witches, evil cults, vampires, ghosts, crazy medical experiments, and more! I'd honestly say there is something for anyone in this great collection. The writing was great, and I enjoyed all of the stories, but my favorites were
The Fourth Wall Blues: Every person has a story, but who is the one telling it?
I'm Cold Blood: What ever happens to the families of people who fall prey to a vampire? This story answers that question for one man on a mission.
The Chittering: I personally hate this subject matter (gives me the heebie-jeebies), but it was such a good story that it sucked me in and was one of my favorites.
Tyler's Ghost Parts 1 and 2: When Tyler encounters a ghost in a graveyard, he'll do anything to save his soul, even if it means sacrificing someone else's.
Some of these short stories were actually quite long, and others were even broken up into two parts. I actually enjoyed this because it gave a little extra time for world-building, and none of the endings felt rushed. Each one felt like a complete story, even though it was still less than 50ish pages. Overall, this was a great read, and I highly recommend it! Thank you to the author for the ebook in exchange for an honest review.
The Fourth Wall Blues: Every person has a story, but who is the one telling it?
I'm Cold Blood: What ever happens to the families of people who fall prey to a vampire? This story answers that question for one man on a mission.
The Chittering: I personally hate this subject matter (gives me the heebie-jeebies), but it was such a good story that it sucked me in and was one of my favorites.
Tyler's Ghost Parts 1 and 2: When Tyler encounters a ghost in a graveyard, he'll do anything to save his soul, even if it means sacrificing someone else's.
Some of these short stories were actually quite long, and others were even broken up into two parts. I actually enjoyed this because it gave a little extra time for world-building, and none of the endings felt rushed. Each one felt like a complete story, even though it was still less than 50ish pages. Overall, this was a great read, and I highly recommend it! Thank you to the author for the ebook in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2024
As It Stands by Matthew Salinas is a short story horror collection unlike most short story horror collections. In this book you will get not only part one of Quinn‘s quilt and Tyler’s ghost but you’ll also get part 2. 2 stories I thoroughly enjoyed there’s also a story about a one fanged vampire who’s days are numbered but these are just a few of the great in original stories you get in the story collection I had never heard of this author before but I will definitely be on the lookout for his books in the future. I found these stories to be as I said so original so quirky and oh so interesting not to mention every story is unlike the one before this is truly a great collection for any short story horror fan.
November 30, 2023
I was given this book as an ARC, in return for an honest review.
Here are my honest spoiler free thoughts.
Matthew Salinas is certainly a good writer and he shows his versatility throughout this collection of short stories.
Although the stories are quite varied overall, there is a feeling of loneliness that ties them together. I would say that they all have quite a classic horror feel to them, with modern sensibilities.
While there is a strong sense of dread in many of the stories, the main selling point for me was not the scares within, but more the cleverness of the writing.
I'll definitely be on the lookout for any future novels by Mr Salinas.
Here are my honest spoiler free thoughts.
Matthew Salinas is certainly a good writer and he shows his versatility throughout this collection of short stories.
Although the stories are quite varied overall, there is a feeling of loneliness that ties them together. I would say that they all have quite a classic horror feel to them, with modern sensibilities.
While there is a strong sense of dread in many of the stories, the main selling point for me was not the scares within, but more the cleverness of the writing.
I'll definitely be on the lookout for any future novels by Mr Salinas.
December 9, 2023
As It Stands consists of 13 tales masterfully written by Matthew Salinas. Each story left me with a cacophony of deafening thoughts and feels tightly wrapped in despair, isolation and entrapment. The writing style weaves tales of creepy perfection that kept me enthralled and deeply contemplating “stories are only as real as the beliefs we put into them...” My absolute favorites were Tyler’s Ghost part 1 & 2, In Cold Blood, Quinn’s Quilt part 1 & 2 and The Chittering. This was my first read written by Matthew Salinas and I am undeniably a fan! I recommend this book. Seriously, read this book and discover the “root of your darkest nightmares.” 5⭐️
January 7, 2024
This was a fantastic collection, a blend of the macabre and the magical, the dreadful and the demonic. Here you will find a bit of everything: A man watches from his attic window as his town encounters Lovecraftian horrors, a vampire picks the wrong victim, a demon meets his match, a misanthropic bookworm gets more than he bargained for when he finds a demonic diary, a community is ravaged by invasive insects and a young woman must make a dire decision to claim her birth rite and more. I give this collection a 5/5 and I am excited to see what he comes up with next.
January 3, 2024
Bravo, Matthew Salinas. Bravo. I've attempted to read books full of short stories before and for whatever reason I can never get into them. But this.....this was remarkable. As it Stands is made up of 13 short horror stories. My favorites were The Chittering and The Dark Table. It kinda gave me a little bit the Black Mirror vibes where each story is its own creepy episode. Look forward to reading more by this author and adding this to my "would read again" list.
August 8, 2024
Matthew Salinas' As It Stands anthology takes readers on a journey through the human psyche's darkest corners via thirteen interconnected tales. It explores themes of despair, entrapment, and existential dread, pushing the boundaries of psychological horror. The characters are trapped in surreal and plausible situations that test their sanity. The anthology examines the idea that self-constructed prisons are the most inescapable and self-made ghosts are the most haunting.
December 9, 2023
This is a collection of many different stories! Some were very intriguing and kept my attention the entire time!
I loved the story about the vampire! Soooo good!
I did not enjoy different parts of the same story being split up with other stories between them as the stories didn't go together.
Writing was well done. I enjoyed this book
I loved the story about the vampire! Soooo good!
I did not enjoy different parts of the same story being split up with other stories between them as the stories didn't go together.
Writing was well done. I enjoyed this book
December 30, 2023
An extraordinarily bizarre, grim read. Each story grabs at you in its own unique way. From desolation and pure hectic darkness to inner madness and isolation. Salinas spins stories that prey on human weakness and emotions, that's what makes it horrifying. This was well written and I'm glad I got a chance to read and review it.
January 13, 2024
An excellent collection of short stories filled with spine tingling chills, creepy, and suspenseful. The author cleverly weaves stories that are versatile, terrifying, and grim. Exceptionally well written for any horror fan. This was my first book by Matthew Salinas and certainly not my last. Captivated me til the very last page.
February 16, 2024
As It Stands by Matthew Salinas
A book of short stories….
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had a lot of fun reading this, it was disturbing, dark and full of dread……
I can’t recommend it enough!!!
I started taking notes on the individual stories but got so involved in it that I had forgotten and I really shouldn’t spoil the sweets…..
A few of the stories are revisited a second time and we are given more insight into what happened after the story…. Very well done 👍
I really enjoyed every story in this collection and if you want to read something dark and creepy that fills you with dread then this one is for you!!!
5 wicked witch’s out of 5 from me…..
A book of short stories….
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had a lot of fun reading this, it was disturbing, dark and full of dread……
I can’t recommend it enough!!!
I started taking notes on the individual stories but got so involved in it that I had forgotten and I really shouldn’t spoil the sweets…..
A few of the stories are revisited a second time and we are given more insight into what happened after the story…. Very well done 👍
I really enjoyed every story in this collection and if you want to read something dark and creepy that fills you with dread then this one is for you!!!
5 wicked witch’s out of 5 from me…..
June 17, 2024
Every story in this anthology was unique and made you not want to put the book. Effortlessly written, I throughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read more from this author
February 19, 2024
I can not recommend this book enough. Each story was so well written and really engulfed me into the atmosphere of each. I don't give out 5 stars, but this book absolutely deserves it!!
November 25, 2023
“As it Stands” by Matthew Salinas is a collection of short stories ranging from cosmic horror, to supernatural horror, to the horror of everyday life. Although this is a series of shorts, the stories manage to be emotional and engaging. There are a few connections between the stories including characters and an underlying theme of loneliness. I don’t read a lot of anthologies, but I did really enjoy this one.
February 13, 2024
This is a great read. It's been a while since ive read a book that kept me hanging in a good way. Quite a few of the tales had me guessing the outcome only for me to be completely wrong. Matthew Salinas has a clever knack of connecting seemingly random story's which was highly enjoyable. It's hard to pick just one favourite story but if I had to then Quins Quilt was the winner for me. Will definitely be watching this author from now on.
November 8, 2024
Wow, this book has so many genres in one, from sci-fi to horror. I’m not much for short stories, but this is definitely something different. It may take a bit in spots, but is overall worth it!
February 13, 2024
As It Stands was a collection of 13 short stories. I had a little bit of a hard time getting into the first one but overall they were all good. Matthew did a great job writing these and I’m glad I read it.
December 16, 2023
"As It Stands" is a captivating collection of short horror stories that defies the conventional expectations of the genre. While short stories aren't typically my preference, Salinas's masterful storytelling drew me in effortlessly. His descriptive prowess brings each tale to life, creating vivid mental images that linger long after the book is closed. Salinas's writing, almost poetic in its beauty, adds an extra layer of depth to the chilling narratives, making this collection a standout in the realm of horror literature.
"As It Stands" proves that brevity can indeed be the soul of horror when crafted with the finesse exhibited by Matthew Salinas.
"As It Stands" proves that brevity can indeed be the soul of horror when crafted with the finesse exhibited by Matthew Salinas.
November 18, 2023
An incredible collection of short stories designed to warp your mind and dig at your most deep seated fears. The author did an outstanding job at crafting the stories in a way that kept you hanging on until the very end. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
December 20, 2023
As It Stands
Matthew Salinas
I absolutely love books full of short stories and this one did not disappoint.
The first story was a little too sci-fi for me but I have a good feeling that sci-fi fans would really enjoy it!
These creepy little tales will keep you entranced and until the final story.
The Fourth Wall Blues was my favorite of all the stories as well as The Dark Table.
I can’t wait to read more from Matthew Salinas!
This was a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 for me!
February 4, 2024
If you love psychological horror/thrillers then this book is for you! It includes 13 unique skin crawling stories. If you don't like extreme horror then this is perfect. It has just the right amount of terror to give your heart a good racing but nothing very graphic. I had the pleasure of reading it on a rainy and stormy day which made it more fun to read. Each story is started and ended very nicely! I enjoyed this read and encourage anyone who loves horror/thrillers to give this book a go.
January 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this book of 13 different creepy and horror filled stories. It had great writing, and I love how descriptive his scenes were. I look forward to reading what Matthew writes next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews