Saint Nicholas: A Holiday Horror Story

by Bryan James

If you thought you knew Saint Nicholas, you thought wrong. The origin of one of history's most iconic figures is not a fairy tale. It is not a story for children, to be told by the fire on a cold night. It is a story of pain and fear, of death and rebirth. But most of all, it is a story from a nightmare. Nicholas was a farmer before the war, when he lost everything he ever loved. Now, riddled with the emotional consequences of his own actions, and the remorse of a father who failed his child, he exists from drink to drink, making his way through life in a small village in Prussia. Every day, he regrets his life and wishes for a death he cannot accept. Until death came for him. Mythical creatures spring forth from legend, and Nicholas is thrust into the middle of a nightmare of death and destruction as he battles the legendary Draugar, and struggles with his most dangerous himself.

Genres: Zombies, Horror

73 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 28, 2013

Reviews

[annette williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my idea of horror

This was not really my idea of horror but there was an element of surprise, that kept me reading until the end.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scary!

It's too bad that this was a short story, because I think it would have made a great horror novel!

[Gwen Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different!

I will never think of Saint Nicholas in the same way again. Interesting short story, told very well. This is definitely not a story for children.

[Shawnae Aiu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saint Nick

Delightfully dark tale. I was on an emotional roller coaster as Nick went through a night of hell. Hero’s come in all shapes and sizes.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I really enjoyed this short story. It had Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, children, toys, and zombies. Great plot by the author. I highly recommend this book.

[Kia (kiastillreadsandwrites) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun short story to read close to Christmas. I enjoyed reading a back story for Santa Claus that is darker and paints him in a very different light. There were a few editing issues, but none that detracted from the experience. I can see it easily leading to more stories, but it works well as a standalone work. If you're looking for a Christmas story with good horror and a unique take on a familiar character, this is a great option.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have one major gripe with this book. It's a short novel. Having said that, Messir James has set the scene for (hopefully) a sequel to this tome and it would only get better, I think. If you liked James' writing in the zombie series LZR-1143 (the only zombie trilogy that has ever made me think about prepping, haha) you will enjoy this book, even though it could have done with some more pages, as I said. (This book reminds me of Greig Beck, another fine author who works with historical fact and myths then turns them into novels). Yoo Hoo! I'm waiting for a sequel, Mr. James!

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really quick and enjoyable read!