Election Retrograde: A Cosmic Horror Tale

by P.D. Alleva

In the shadowy recesses of Cara's mind, an ancient power has always lurked—a telepathic ability that both blessed and cursed her existence. For years, she shunned the whispers that echoed through the corridors of human consciousness. But when her twin brother Craig, a cog in the vast government machine, stumbles upon a plot so insidious it threatens to unravel the very fabric of reality, Cara is forced to confront the true nature of her gift.

As the twins descend into the labyrinthine depths beneath the Pentagon, they discover a truth far more terrifying than any earthly conspiracy. Here, in the suffocating darkness, writhe entities beyond human comprehension—monstrosities that defy the laws of nature and sanity.

With each step deeper into this realm of cosmic horror, Cara and Craig realize they've become pawns in a game played by forces older than time itself. The creatures that dwell below are not mere monsters, but the architects of a reality-bending scheme that makes the government's plot seem like child's play.

As Election Day looms, the boundary between our world and the realms beyond grows thinner. Cara and Craig must navigate a nightmarish landscape where flesh warps, minds fracture, and the very concept of humanity becomes fluid. Their desperate attempt to thwart both earthly and otherworldly machinations will lead them to the brink of madness—and beyond.

Prepare to question your sanity in this mind-bending fusion of cosmic terror, grotesque body horror, and dark humor. "Election Retrograde" plunges readers into an abyss where the lines between reality and nightmare blur, and where the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. Election Day is coming, and with it, a reckoning that will shatter the foundations of existence itself.

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Lovecraftian

121 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2024

About the author

PD Alleva writes thrillers. Whether those thrillers are Sci-Fi Fantasy’s about Alien Vampires attempting to subjugate the human race, or steeped in a haunting mystery, or an urban paranormal fantasy, PD always provides readers with a profound, entertaining, and satisfying reader experience, in a new genre he has coined as alternative fiction. His novels blend mystery, conspiracy, psychology, and action with the supernatural, horror, fantasy, and science fiction. Alternative fiction is PD's attempt at describing what readers uncover in any one of his books, a new discovery towards mainstream storytelling. He's been writing since childhood, creating and developing stories with brash and impactful concepts he describes are metaphors for the shifting energies that exist in the universe. PD lives inside of his own universe, working diligently on the Sci-Fi/Fantasy series, The Rose Vol. II, the urban paranormal fantasy series, Girl on a Mission, and Jigglyspot and the Zero Intellect, PD’s upcoming horror novel.

To receive the latest updates, sales, beta reading opportunities, book fairs, and giveaways, join PD’s mailing list: http://eepurl.com/gxKH7P

Reviews

[Kate Victoria RescueandReading · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wish I could’ve liked this story more, but it definitely wasn’t a read I enjoyed.

The concept: cosmic horror and an upcoming election mix in terrifying ways.

The main characters just didn’t feel developed enough for me to care about them. The reader is also slingshotted right into the action which is great in a way, but I couldn’t help but feel like I’d fallen into the middle of an existing tale. A little lost and confused at first and that dislike of the start did give me an “off” vibe as I continued to read.

So, not for me, but don’t let me deter fellow readers from checking this one out.

[Horror Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cosmic horror novella which takes place the day before the elections. A brother and sister are caught in the middle of something horrific as a government organisation is about to release a code through the internet which will subjugate the population to their whims.

But it's also about the parasites and symbiotes which feed on fear and anger and the collective conscience. It sounds like stuff from a sci-fi novel but if this "source" code is allowed to be released, the population will be nothing but slaves to it and the government.

The sister has the ability to read minds and her and her twin brother are targeted by this group because they know too much. It's up to them to stop this lovecraftian evil before election day.

This novella gets into the action almost right away after meeting the twins and, once it starts, they find themselves facing danger around every corner, not to mention the monstrous horrors waiting and feeding underground.

It's a solid blend of action, horror, and some political commentary while not coming off as preachy. I highly recommend it if you want a frightening fast paced read!

[Brandon Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audioook Review
Title: Election Retrograde
Author: PD Alleva
Narrator: Clara Galloway
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Audio rating: 4 Stars
Genre: Cosmic Horror

PD Alleva is on of my favorite authors out there right now. So when he asked for reviews on an audiobook i had to jump on it! Thanks for the Audible code in exchange for an honest review.

With all the political craziness going on in the world right now, this book definitely fits the climate and gives some Cosmic answers to what could be going on. To quote Fox Mulder, "I want to believe." *Queue X-files theme song*

This story follows a pair of twins, Cara and Craig. Cara was born with telepathic abilities, and Craig works for the government. They soon stumble upon a vast conspiracy that would leave America...and possibly the world... a former shell of itself.

This story was brutal and believable, tentacles and all. I would say this is right up the alley for anyone who is a fan of conspiracy theories and shows like The X-files.
Clara Galloway did an excellent job with the narration. She brought every character to life with distinct voices that left no confusion as to who was speaking.

If you're in the mood for a quick read that packs a punch, grab Election Retrograde by PD Alleva! You'll have a hell of a time.

[Angel Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

P.D. Alleva has never let me down and this is an interesting story that takes place before the election. It starts off fast and doesn't really let go. This is a great formula for reading the story in one day. There's no slow burn here. While the story takes place before the election, politics is not the main driver of the story. Instead, it's one of my favorite tropes, parasites and symbiotes who feed on our fears to control us. It touches on a fear some of us have, which is being controlled by 'big brother'. The action is non stop in this ons.

It's a horror story that has thriller and cosmic horror elements. I hope P.D. is planning to expand the story further because there is room for that!

I was a bit worried about the setting taking place during election season. However, it's not preachy at all. Most of the focus is on the action, where it belongs. Well done!

[Robin Ginther-Venneri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Election Retrograde by P.D. Alleva

This fast-paced horror story follows twins Cara and Craig as they uncover creepy creatures and a government plan to control everyone with a secret code. With the election coming, they have to stop both monsters and powerful people before it’s too late. Cara’s mind-reading powers add to the excitement as they face danger at every turn.

It’s packed with action, spooky creatures, and twists that keep you hooked. If you like scary stories with monsters and conspiracies, this is a fun, quick read!

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw Election Day, I thought of current events. How could it be worse than what is going on now? Well, all I can say is, IT IS! Does that make you curious? What can possibly be going on?

I will say P D Alleva takes no prisoners and the ending left me with my jaw hanging open.

P D Alleva writes some off the wall novels and I have loved each and every one that I have read. If you are looking for something different, something to get your brain jump started, look no further. P D Alleva is your guy.

See more at http://www.fundinmental.com

[Louise Storey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 2nd book by this author and it didn’t disappoint. A cosmic horror story that is fast paced and keeps you enthralled until the end.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Election Retrograde starts off with a blast and never lets up. The action just keeps rolling out page after page keeping me hooked from beginning to end as I followed Cara and Craig as they tried to stop the government from taking over everyone’s mind and the world.

Cara can read people’s minds but tries not to as she doesn’t want to invade their privacy. But of course, she does on occasion. I mean, after all, she is only human.

The government wants to send a code to everyone’s mind that will give them control. When Cara and Craig try to stop them they find something horrible underneath the Pentagon.

Things heat up even more when the monsters underneath the Pentagon are discovered. The battles rage on one after the other. The scenes become horrific at times. These were the times when I couldn’t tear my eyes off the page.

Election Retrograde may be a short story but it packs a big punch. I couldn’t take my eyes off the page as I raced to the end I had no choice as the story compelled me to do so. I didn’t want it to end but couldn’t help myself as I had to keep going.

Fighting the monsters and rooting for Cara and Craig kept me hanging on for more. The suspense of not knowing who was going to come out on top kept me on the edge of my seat as I waited to find out.

I recommend that whoever likes a good horror story grab a copy of Election Retrograde today!

[Ali O · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting and unique short Cosmic Horror story! Underneath the Pentagon there are some crazy things taking place!! There are parasites/symbiote creatures that are forming to take over human minds, and just in time for the election! This book has a good amount of gore and even beheadings! For a short story, there’s a lot of excitement and action that takes place. A few parts of the story, I was confused about, but if the book was longer, I think the explanations would have been a bit more clear. The ending was a shocker too!

Thank you to P.D. Alleva for an arc copy of this exciting cosmic horror story! This book comes out Aug 27th!

[Gail Clouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craig and Cara are twins and basically have wonder twin powers, like mind reading. Craig has spent most of his life trying to block Cara from reading his mind. Until he discovers what his boss has been doing and he needs her help to save him and the world from evil. I loved it!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're not already paranoid about the American government then this book will definitely take you to that level! Fast paced and pretty creepy! A fun read!

[Jennifer Tooker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Election Day

Election day is approaching, and the stakes are high. Craig knows the dangers better than anyone due to his work with the government. He knows about the tactics that will be employed to secure the chosen candidate’s victory, and he is afraid. But when his handlers get wind of his betrayal they unleash their wrath not only on Craig, but also his twin Cara. Cara has a gift that the government wants and will stop at nothing to harness even if it means death for the twins. Mere hours before the polls’ opening, the twins head into the lion’s den within the bowels of the Pentagon to locate and destroy the government’s secret weapon. On the way, they encounter horrors like they have never imagined including some that have only been spoken of in whispers or as conspiracies. If they succeed, there is no guarantee that anything will change, but they know that for the sake of everyone in the country, they must try.

Election Retrograde is the newest cosmic horror novella by author P.D. Alleva. Set in Washington DC on the eve of a pivotal election day, tensions are high. Alleva’s reimagining amps up the pressure by incorporation of the expected conspiracies and biases, but with many more surprises. As the twins each discover the manipulations at play and venture into the heart of the Pentagon the horrors that await them seem to never end. Around each corner and down each new corridor they encounter scenes more bizarre than the one before.

The timing of Election Retrograde coinciding during the most recent US Presidential Election cycle makes it easy for one to imagine the overall anticipation and feeling of impending dread. With a country divided, there also appears to be an unseen third element – government officials and top-secret types working to ensure that their chosen person is awarded the title of President. With tactics ranging from psy-op mind control to harnessing the very essence of evil itself this group will not stop until they obtain their goals. But at what cost? From the opening scenes, Alleva sets the tone, and the breakneck pace of the ensuing events only helps to propel the reader deeper and deeper into the subterfuge. While the developments can, at times, take a rather unbelievable turn this only serves as a reminder that with the “Cosmic Horror” genre anything truly can happen and with a master storyteller such as P.D. Alleva at the helm, they usually will.

If you are a fan of dark horror with mind blowing twists and turns Election Retrograde could be a fun diversion for an evening. After reading, you will most likely not view the current American Political climate in the same way

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a chilling tale, sure to send shivers down your spine once you get deep enough into the story. My only real issue was this wasn't as intense as I was expecting, given what else I've read from Alleva. This is a fairly slow-burn horror story, but the overall elements were well done. The concept of a universal mind of sorts was interesting, and delved into a bit of science meets philosophy. I wish we'd had a bit more of a clue as to what Craig's job was earlier, as it would've helped build tension earlier. Cara was an interesting character, and watching her struggle with her gift, the ethics around using it, etc. made her feel more human. The story itself moves slowly at first, but gains speed eventually to go at a much better pace. Overall, an enjoyable horror story.