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Apocalyptish: A Collection of Short Stories: Suspense, Horror, Sci-Fi, and Dark Humor
It’s not quite the end of the world. It’s Apocalyptish. A dark, surreal collection of 20 speculative stories about reality coming apart—sometimes slowly, sometimes all at once.
• “Apocalyptish” The world learns that a black hole will swallow the entire solar system in ten minutes. There’s no time to run, no time to panic—nothing left to do but sit and watch the sky swallow everything we’ve ever known.
• “The Life and Death of Gemma Gleason” The company she works for has figured out how to charge people for every breath they take. In a world where humans are valued only as ad impressions—tracked, controlled, and charged extra to breathe without commercials—Gemma discovers that dying quietly is the only thing that doesn’t come with a subscription fee.
• “Connor’s Story” A father suspects the boy in his house is an imposter pretending to be his son.
• “Where the Red Catnip Grows” Fluffy gets her first taste of freedom—and seeks revenge.
• “This Little Piggy” A million years from now, the Bahamas’ famous swimming pigs tourist trap has spawned descendants that have evolved into the most formidable creatures left to hunt in the ocean. A desperate crew sets out in pursuit of the elusive giant sea pig—200 feet of proof that even a novelty can become a nightmare when nature’s left to finish the story.
Twenty stories. Zero guarantees.
Worlds end all the time. Most of them just go unnoticed.
• “Apocalyptish” The world learns that a black hole will swallow the entire solar system in ten minutes. There’s no time to run, no time to panic—nothing left to do but sit and watch the sky swallow everything we’ve ever known.
• “The Life and Death of Gemma Gleason” The company she works for has figured out how to charge people for every breath they take. In a world where humans are valued only as ad impressions—tracked, controlled, and charged extra to breathe without commercials—Gemma discovers that dying quietly is the only thing that doesn’t come with a subscription fee.
• “Connor’s Story” A father suspects the boy in his house is an imposter pretending to be his son.
• “Where the Red Catnip Grows” Fluffy gets her first taste of freedom—and seeks revenge.
• “This Little Piggy” A million years from now, the Bahamas’ famous swimming pigs tourist trap has spawned descendants that have evolved into the most formidable creatures left to hunt in the ocean. A desperate crew sets out in pursuit of the elusive giant sea pig—200 feet of proof that even a novelty can become a nightmare when nature’s left to finish the story.
Twenty stories. Zero guarantees.
Worlds end all the time. Most of them just go unnoticed.
- GenresShort Stories
434 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2024
80 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 8, 2024
“Apocalyptish” is an eclectic mix of dark and thrilling tales. Seriously bizarre and weird at times, but then you’ll be hit by a story that makes you really stop and ponder life.
From giant evolved sea pigs, to the POV of a SIMS- like game character, to the end of the world, and so much more. Honestly some of these tales are hard to even give a description to haha.
I think my favourite had to be “The Life and Death of Gemma Gleason”. As someone who is also in their 30s, typically a rule follower, but has been seriously questioning the state of the world and the cost of living… I totally related to Gemma. It’s sad and scary, and probably a future we aren’t so far off from.
Close seconds were “The Grand Prize” (I’d probably do the same thing as the family if I’d won), “This Little Piggy” (uhhhh what did I just read?! Regardless, it was quite the adventure), and “Employee of the Month” (another tale that stayed in my mind, and got me thinking).
I’ve only read Johnny’s horrifying adventure thriller, “Isolation Island” prior to this collection, but I knew that he could certainly tell a tale. I was so pleased to see his short stories are just as awesome! Check out “Isolation Island” and “Apocolyptish”; you won’t be disappointed.
From giant evolved sea pigs, to the POV of a SIMS- like game character, to the end of the world, and so much more. Honestly some of these tales are hard to even give a description to haha.
I think my favourite had to be “The Life and Death of Gemma Gleason”. As someone who is also in their 30s, typically a rule follower, but has been seriously questioning the state of the world and the cost of living… I totally related to Gemma. It’s sad and scary, and probably a future we aren’t so far off from.
Close seconds were “The Grand Prize” (I’d probably do the same thing as the family if I’d won), “This Little Piggy” (uhhhh what did I just read?! Regardless, it was quite the adventure), and “Employee of the Month” (another tale that stayed in my mind, and got me thinking).
I’ve only read Johnny’s horrifying adventure thriller, “Isolation Island” prior to this collection, but I knew that he could certainly tell a tale. I was so pleased to see his short stories are just as awesome! Check out “Isolation Island” and “Apocolyptish”; you won’t be disappointed.
July 19, 2024
Okay so first what the fuck.
I loved it and I wish I could do half stars ( Goodreads -. -)
So this is really a 4.5.
Second.. Isolation Island has been on my TBR for awhile and after reading this, is getting bumped waaay up my list this was a wild ride.
Being John Smith was insanity.
I'm going to be 100% honest here, I haven't enjoyed a scifi-ish collection like this since I found Axiomatic by Greg Egan, I said what I said, fight me lol.
Do yourself a huge favor and check out this dark, twisty, scifi horror cake bake, your going to devour the whole thing. ( was that corny? Yes but I giggled)
John Moscato
Apocalyptish: A Collection of Short Stories
4.5/5 stars
I loved it and I wish I could do half stars ( Goodreads -. -)
So this is really a 4.5.
Second.. Isolation Island has been on my TBR for awhile and after reading this, is getting bumped waaay up my list this was a wild ride.
Being John Smith was insanity.
I'm going to be 100% honest here, I haven't enjoyed a scifi-ish collection like this since I found Axiomatic by Greg Egan, I said what I said, fight me lol.
Do yourself a huge favor and check out this dark, twisty, scifi horror cake bake, your going to devour the whole thing. ( was that corny? Yes but I giggled)
John Moscato
Apocalyptish: A Collection of Short Stories
4.5/5 stars
October 25, 2024
Johnny Moscato hits us with a collection of strange, interesting, creepy, and at times humorous horror stories with Apocalyptish! This collection is a really fun variety act where you never really know what to expect, both in subject and tone. You have a satirical look at a person in the future who lives for fame, to the eerie Where the Red Catnip Grows, to the intriguing discoveries of an afterlife on the Moon or the parents who don’t trust that their little kid is who he says he is. Moscato captured everything I love about speculative horror, where some things can be thought-provoking while others make you uneasy. I really enjoyed the variety that made Apocalyptish feel like a more lighthearted version of The Black Mirror. If you’re looking for a collection of horror stories that I would put in the category of ‘different’ (in a good way), definitely come spy black holes and mutant animals with Apocalyptish!
August 21, 2024
Apocalyptish is a captivating and thrilling anthology
Apocalyptish is a captivating and thrilling anthology that takes readers on a journey through a realm of horror, suspense, and dark humor. The collection features a diverse range of stories, each with its own unique tone and setting, showcasing the unpredictable imagination of Johnny Moscato. From the eerie and bizarre 'Where the Red Catnip Grows' to the satirical and commercialized 'The Life and Death of Gemma Gleason,' this anthology offers something for every horror fan. Interspersed throughout are tales of astrophysics, the afterlife, and identity, providing a depth and complexity that will keep readers engaged. With its fast-paced narratives and compelling characters, Apocalyptish is a must-read for anyone looking for a thrilling and entertaining anthology.
Apocalyptish is a captivating and thrilling anthology that takes readers on a journey through a realm of horror, suspense, and dark humor. The collection features a diverse range of stories, each with its own unique tone and setting, showcasing the unpredictable imagination of Johnny Moscato. From the eerie and bizarre 'Where the Red Catnip Grows' to the satirical and commercialized 'The Life and Death of Gemma Gleason,' this anthology offers something for every horror fan. Interspersed throughout are tales of astrophysics, the afterlife, and identity, providing a depth and complexity that will keep readers engaged. With its fast-paced narratives and compelling characters, Apocalyptish is a must-read for anyone looking for a thrilling and entertaining anthology.
July 30, 2024
Excellent
This turned out to be an amazing read. The plot lines are wonderful and new. It's one of those books that you think about even when you aren't reading it at the time. I'm very impressed.
This turned out to be an amazing read. The plot lines are wonderful and new. It's one of those books that you think about even when you aren't reading it at the time. I'm very impressed.
July 15, 2024
A wonderful collection of short stories. Some horror, some sci-fi and dark humour - something for everyone.
September 28, 2024
Different
A good collection of stories. Some were better than others, but we may have to agree to disagree on which ones are which.
A good collection of stories. Some were better than others, but we may have to agree to disagree on which ones are which.
July 30, 2024
From the author:
"The Life and Death of Gemma Gleason" started as three separate stories. One was going to be about the future of commercials. The other was going to be about Rivver, a company that conquers the world by monopolizing resources. The third was supposed to be a story about how people figured out how to charge money for every breath we take.
"Being John Smith" was originally meant to be a series of shorts stories, novellas, and full-length novels from the POV of different John Smiths, including JD.
"The Life and Death of Gemma Gleason" started as three separate stories. One was going to be about the future of commercials. The other was going to be about Rivver, a company that conquers the world by monopolizing resources. The third was supposed to be a story about how people figured out how to charge money for every breath we take.
"Being John Smith" was originally meant to be a series of shorts stories, novellas, and full-length novels from the POV of different John Smiths, including JD.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews