Cathedral of the Damned: It's One Hell of a Ride - a YA horror short story

by Matt Mememaro, William Burkhardt (Editor)

It was supposed to be the field trip of a lifetime. Instead, it became a fight for survival.

Carter is ready for an unforgettable adventure with his classmates. But when their bus breaks down in an unfamiliar area, everything spirals into chaos. The students and their teacher are forced to watch as their driver is attacked by something terrifying and unseen.

Stranded and afraid, the group is soon approached by mysterious figures offering help. But as fear sets in, Carter begins to wonder if these strangers are saviors or something far more sinister.

This gripping short story by Matt Mememaro introduces a chilling new supernatural horror world where monsters are real and nothing is as it seems.

44 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 5, 2025

About the author

Hailing from the enchanting landscapes of Australia, Matt Mememaro is a distinguished fantasy author who has recently ventured into the realms of romfantasy, seamlessly blending magic with matters of the heart.

Immersed in the rich tapestry of Australian culture, Matt's upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for the mystical and the extraordinary. This fascination with the fantastical, coupled with a love for storytelling, laid the foundation for his journey into the world of fantasy literature.

As Matt Mememaro ventures into the uncharted territories of romfantasy, he brings his signature blend of magic, adventure, and heartwarming romance to captivate readers. His works transport audiences from the sun-kissed landscapes of Australia to realms where love and magic intertwine, creating a literary experience that is as enchanting as the author himself.

Click "FOLLOW" to be notified about new releases, or follow Matt on his social media outlets.

Reviews

[Ajay Howarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unforgettable Terror in a Brilliantly Built World

Absolutely gripping from the very first page. Cathedral of the Damned delivers a masterclass in tension, atmosphere, and YA horror. Matt nails the eerie buildup and then doesn’t let go, pulling the reader into a nightmare that feels all too real. The world-building is sharp and immersive, as usual. The pacing is spot-on, the scares are smart and suspenseful, and the overall experience is one of breathless unease in the best possible way. It’s short, but it packs a serious punch. If you're a fan of chilling YA horror with depth and imagination, this is a must-read.

[Sarah Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't get off the bus!

A quick read, filled with good world building and suspense. I'd love to read this as a full length novel for the history and the reason behind the cathedral and its inhabitants, but it was just enough to give you a taste, leaving you desperate for more. It's a short story so dont want to give any spoilers, but its worth the read. It would make a good movie!

[Momma T's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page, you're hooked and again wondering why there aren't seatbelts on a school bus. Even though it's short, it's what nightmares are made of. Mememaro gives you just enough to let your imagination run wild. It's definitely what goes bump in the night.

[ems_booknook · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice quick horror short, I actually really enjoyed this! I kind of had a suspicion on how it was going to end I will admit, but it was so eerie and kind of reminded me of those freaky horror dreams you have as a child.

Great for a nice little palette cleanser!

[David Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty decent quick read but a bit mish mashed in terms of describing the scenery and action particularly around everyone exiting the bus. Not bad but not enough horror aspects even for a YA.

[Mr. Elex Icon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great short story. It has all the elements of a great tale. Good characters, an interesting premise, and dramatic tension. I wish that it had more to it, or another chapter/follow up.

[Aussieindiereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

"When the bus caused, we went through a portal to another world."

I need more! This novella was everything you needed for a horror YA story.

if you ever thought a school camp could go wrong, well it has. And maybe, just maybe that girl you had a crush on isnt who you think she is.