It Started With The Eyes

by James Yates

Dr Adrian Nowak, a brilliant scientist in genomic research, has spent years unlocking the secrets of DNA - but never for the one who needed him most. His wife's battle with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) ended in tragedy, leaving him haunted by regret.

Now, fate has dealt him a cruel second chance. When his daughter is diagnosed with the same devastating condition, Adrian embarks on a desperate mission to rewrite the future. But as his research accelerates beyond ethical boundaries, he finds himself facing impossible choices - with consequences more terrifying than he ever imagined.

Science can heal. Science can destroy. And sometimes, the line between the two is razor-thin.

41 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2025

About the author

James Yates is a proud member of the Horror Writers Association. He writes horror fiction that blends the brutal, the supernatural, and the psychological. Focusing on working-class British settings and character-driven stories, his debut novel The Cleanse explores the monstrous in both man and myth. A lifelong devotee of horror in all its forms – from slasher to folk to the quietly unhinged – he draws from a background that understands just how grey the edges of humanity can be.

Join the mailing list for updates, chances to receive ARC copies and free giveaways.
https://james-yates-author.kit.com/18...

Reviews

[Beverly Laude · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well-written story, heartbreaking and thought provoking. How far would a parent go to save their child? Should you tamper with genetics in order to "make the world a better place"? Take a bit of Dr. Frankenstein, mix with scientific/genetic manipulation and maybe you can find a cure. Or, maybe your worst nightmare will come to pass!

Reminiscent of the O.Henry story, The Gift of the Magi, you will be heartbroken by the end of this one. Yes, it is horror, but it's also the tale of the love of a child and the wish to end their suffering. The narrator did a great job and added a lot to this memorable story.

[Crysta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way this was written. Seeing Adrain's desperate need to find a cure to save his daughter was heartbreaking to say the least. While I don't think if this book is an extreme horror novella, it's more of a warning. Despite it being fiction, the story holds so much truth. Genetic studies, especially those that could be used to cure chronic and terminal health conditions, can be a double-edged sword. I was left feeling heartbroken because the truth behind this story hits too close to home. I can't wait to read more by James Yates

[Rainbeaux Harvest · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short read will have your emotions all over the place. First, it was his wife. Now it's his daughter. What can be done? Is it worth prison? Is it worth the sacrifice? As a parent, what would you do if you had the means to fix something but you know you shouldn't? Fantastic story that will have you crying....are they tears of joy, tears of sadness, or tears of anger....give this a read to find out.

[Candis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rushed but...

Definitely a book about , "loving to death." As sad as the sacrifice was in this story. I'd be curious what happened to Pablo, and the conclusion of the discovery of bodies and note. The ending seemed a little bit too rushed.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting. Medical horror.

[Mallory Krebs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect short, modern combination of Pet Sematary and The Mist. The same emotional gut punch you get from those books, is found in this book as well. The writing and the narration are both excellent! I can't wait to read more from this author!!!