It Came From Hell and Smashed the Angels

by Gregor Xane

Thanks to his big ugly mug, Ben Coburn always played the heavy in Hollywood. Yeah, his name was in the credits of a bunch of low-budget B-movie horror shows, but at least he could say he was in the movies.

That was a long time ago.

Now Ben sits alone in a trailer park listening to an old married couple across the way argue about money, just nursing a beer, waiting for something to happen.

But nothing ever happens. That pisses him off.

No, Big Ben Coburn isn't going to wait around anymore. He jumps on his motorcycle and tears off into the night.

Intent on escaping into a new life, he races past a field of scarecrows, barreling headlong down the highway toward a blazing inferno and a bottomless pit.

This short story is FREE to download from the following locations:

Amazon (US) | Amazon (Canada) | Amazon (UK)
Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple iBook | PayHip (Mobi & ePub)

Note: This story originally appeared in TWO: The 2nd Annual Stupefying Stories Horror Special.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Thriller

14 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 5, 2014

About the author

I prefer science fiction, fantasy, and horror without the spaceships, dragons, and zombies.

Add your e-mail address to my New Release Mailing List. I'll send you a short story.

The Kindle edition of The Hanover Block is now only 99¢!

Order Now!

Reviews

[Richard Derus · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know why I gave a horror shorty four stars? Because Xane understands the strengths of the form he's using to tell you this story. Most short fiction I've consumed on my Kindle has been satisfying enough but relied on something outside itself to finish me off, so to speak.

This story doesn't rely on one damned thing except the format of the short story to get your response. I like that. It's a smile. Xane doesn't need my kudos, he's got fans, but if you're a noob to the horror shorty world this one's a good gateway drug.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This story has EVERYTHING - bikers, trailer trash, a big scary monster and a nightmare of an ending.

This was a 3.5 read for me, but I'll bump it up a notch because I enjoyed Xane's other story, The Riggle Twins: A Selection from Bad Apples: Five Slices of Halloween Horror so much.



It's still FREE, people. What are you waiting for?

[Janie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this short story on my Kindle this morning and read it. When I got to G.R. to post my rating, I found that that I had already marked this story as "Read" and had given it one star. I honestly don't remember reading it, and I am changing the rating to fours stars. This was a quick read with a great twist!

[Char · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
You're reading along and everything is cool and then, BAM! Punch in the face!
This was a well written short story about being yourself. I highly recommend it.
If you're interested, this story is free for your Kindle here:
http://www.amazon.com/Came-Hell-Smash...

[Gregor Xane]

This short story is FREE everywhere!



Pick an online store:

Amazon (US) | Barnes & Noble (Nook) | Kobo | Apple iBook | Smashwords (ePub)

[Trudi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, pulpy fun. Effective, evocative writing, very vivid and visual. And a twist ending (which I'm not sure I totally understood LOL, but enjoyed nevertheless). Still, this little diddy is a definite recommended read that's available for FREE from your preferred book retailer. This flavourful free taste has only whetted my appetite for more Xane.

Becky, that little minx, turned me onto this story tonight with her wily reviewing skills

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique story by an author I've come to "expect the unexpected from"! I'm afraid to write up a review in fear of giving away too much.

Just pick this one up and read it for yourselves. :)

[Scot · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Review) It Came from Hell and Smashed the Angels by Gregor Xane Synopsis:
Thanks to his big ugly mug, Ben Coburn always played the heavy in Hollywood. Yeah, his name was in the credits of a bunch of low-budget B-movie horror shows, but at least he could say he was in the movies.That was a long time ago.Now Ben sits alone in a trailer park listening to an old married couple across the way argue about money, just nursing a beer, waiting for something to happen.But nothing ever happens. That pisses him off.No, Big Ben Coburn isn't going to wait around anymore. He jumps on his motorcycle and tears off into the night.Intent on escaping into a new life, he races past a field of scarecrows, barreling headlong down the highway toward a blazing inferno and a bottomless pit.My Review:
Gregor Xane is a powerful writer. What he just did here in 10 pages is nothing short of stupendous. In this brief story, Xane gives the reader what they want, mental whiplash. The imagery just pulls the reader in. Like a mouse in a trap, I didn't see that one coming.
Run to Amazon and read this.

[Pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gotta love that title!
A short yet very effective story. Gregor Xane shows skill and style to led you down one path and then knock you over for a loop.
Bikers, monsters, a dazed and confused main protagonist, and a twist ending.
All that is needed for a fun ride! Plus a great title!
Good one, Mr. Gregor Xane!

[Evans Light · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely superb storytelling, with that special certain kind of mindf*k ending I adore. Highly recommended.

[Adam Light · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent short story that went from 0 to 100 in a nanosecond. This is a short story that lingers like the rosy palm print and the burning sensation left behind by a slap to the face. Loved it!

[Mark Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivid descriptions painted with big, bold strokes about a big, bold character. An intelligent, cool twist that blends art and reality makes it shine.

[Jess ❈Harbinger of Blood-Soaked Rainbows❈ · Rating 3 out of 5]

YAY! SPOOKTOBER!


fulfilling my shortie Spooktober challenge to read one spooky short story a day.

Day one: The Magic Shop by H.G. Wells
Day two: Everything's Fine by Matthew Pridham

I received this shortie for free several years ago after I read and enjoyed Xane's story I Will Tell You About Knoist. First thing's first, Gregor Xane can write. He is one of the best indie authors I've read in terms of writing. He has beautiful sentences, and knows how to pack a punch in a very small space. There were no misspellings or grammatical errors in sight, and the writing itself is polished, clean, and full of power.

What this story lacked for me was length. It was just too short to do anything for me. This story should have been triple its length. Because this story is so short that to me, it crosses the line from short story to flash fiction. And I know a lot of writers who do fast fiction well. Except that I wanted more from this one. He began setting up a great character, but the ending came too fast and I was left with a big giant WTF. And not "WTF, I don't know what I just read," but "WTF, I feel cheated out of a story."

If this had been longer, and the character of Ben more fleshed out, then the ending, which was mostly just shock value for me, could have had real lasting power. I read a lot of short stories. I love short stories as a medium and I always try to read several a year. And fortunately, the interwebz have made it so easy to get a hold of freebies, from tor.com to many of the literary magazines of scifi, fantasy, and horror variety that offer tons of original and reprinted fiction online. Because I read so much short fiction, I have just come to have higher standards by which I read short stories. Flash fiction isn't just enough to really get me anymore, and if I have a criticism of indie authors, it's that I haven't found any who have been able to really write a fantastic and complete short story which to me should be short enough to read in one sitting but long enough that it feels like a complete work. I don't know that I have rated many indie short stories higher than a three (I think Ed Lorn's Christmas stories are the only exceptions to that rule) It Came From Hell and Smashed the Angels does not feel like a complete work. And that is why (a low) three stars is all I'm able to give it. I can appreciate a lot about it, but I was disappointed in the end.

I received this free from the author several years ago and never read it cause I am a jerk. But good news is this freebie is free on amazon right now. I'm the one of my friends who read this wrong, so don't take my word for it.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this today while running some errands and I didn't have my main book with me. It was short enough to read while waiting in the car for the Boy to finish his business, but man, it packs a punch! I did NOT see that ending coming.

I'm beginning to learn that Gregor's stories are nothing if not unpredictable. This is the second short story of his that has taken me by surprise. I like it.

Full disclosure - Gregor Xane is my friend on Goodreads, but this has no bearing on my review. This is my honest reaction.

[Nefariousbig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes, being yourself just isn't enough. Zane does a great job doling out action in a very short story. I really liked this one a lot.

[The Shayne-Train · Rating 4 out of 5]

This quick little read was great. Well-written and surprising.

Plus, it succeeded with what I suspect is the purpose of "Kindle freebies":

It made me want to read more by the author.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a quick hit from Gregor Xane, but nonetheless a punch to the gut as big Ben springs into action to bring down a powerful beast. Can he be the hero that he has been in the movies? Damn right. Maybe...

[Paul Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess every authors aim should be to capture (not literally) his audience as quickly as possible, keep them wanting more so to speak. Well the author certainly did that with a flourish and I'd certainly pick up more of his work.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Ctgt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this a couple of weeks ago and forgot to add it to my list.

As for a review.......I'll have to read this again, probably several times and there's a very real possibility that I still won't know exactly what happened.

All I can say is.......hey Gregor......WTF!?

[Thomas Stroemquist · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good writing, gritty and brutal at a relentless pace. Effective and fun twist that works kind of well. About as good as they come in this very short format and with that said, I felt it way too short! I'll be sure to read something more though.

[The Behrg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have had this one sitting on my kindle for a few years, glad I finally got to it. A cleverly constructed story, well worth the trip. And still free on Amazon, so grab it.

[Stuart Keane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initially, this book was a little bizarre. Rhino men? Sinkholes appearing from nowhere? This isn't your average ABC novella but a twisted, thoughtful play on the readers brain. It's not a bad thing though, this book had me rereading and checking my thoughts, ensuring I was correct. When a book can do that; it's either a bad thing or a very good thing.

In the case of ICFHASTA, it's a very good thing. The pages are few, the story simple, and the premise could fit on a Christmas cracker joke but, despite the chance of it flying over a few heads, this was very entertaining reading. I don't want to spoil it for anyone but if you take the time to read this, think it through, and throw caution to the wind, you'll be rewarded. It's weird, it's crazy and grand in its scope considering the length.

For those who are stuck? The first page gives you all the information to know what is going on. For those who get it first time, congratulations. Overall, this book made me chuckle in it's simplicity and I will definitely read something from Gregor Xane again. Bravo!

[Shandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars. No spoilers.

That was a very short story, but quite enjoyable!!! That wet my palate, and now I'm craving more of Gregor's writing. I will have to pick up Six Dead Spots soon now! I enjoyed the writing style, the horror, and the plot!!

P. S.
Thank you, Gregor, for telling me where to pick up this short story for free!!!!

The author is one of my GR friends. Neither that nor the fact I picked this copy up for free influenced my rating.

[Still · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now what I have on Kindle I've read before & it's just the one story.
And it's great.
This guy should be conning the hell out of Netflix for an anthology series like Black Mirror.
Another home grown writer who should be worth millions.
But in my life nobody really great ever makes it big time.

HIGHEST POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATION!

[Jason Parent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heh... I liked that. Actors sometimes become their roles. Well written, with a strong voice, kept me wondering what was up. Can always count on Mr. Xane to throw me for a loop.

My only misgiving: I would have loved to have seen this character get feature roll treatment.

4.5 stars

[Rodney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff here, with a nice surprise ending. I really like the author's work thus far and am anxious to get my hands on his next book, the Hanover Block, when it comes out.

[ᴥ Irena ᴥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whatever you might think this story is about at first, you'd be dead wrong. Great story. 3.5

[Shelby *trains flying monkeys* · Rating 3 out of 5]

This quick story sneaks up on you and BAM smacks you right up side the head. Bravo!

3.5 stars.

I do want more of Gregor Xane's writing.

[Mafalda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un finale eccezionale