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As It Unfolds

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As It Unfolds is the chilling, highly anticipated sequel to As It Stands—a return to the dark corners of fear you thought you'd left behind. This gripping collection features 18 brand-new short stories that dig deep into the primal, the twisted, and the unknown. From psychological terrors and blood-soaked nightmares to creatures lurking just out of sight, As It Unfolds delivers horror in every form. Whether you're drawn to mind-bending suspense or unrelenting gore, this collection has one to haunt you long after the last page.

Featuring (In Order of Appearance):

Drive- What happened to Doug after the end of "Something Even Worse"? Why can't he remember anything, and what is he doing driving through the endless countryside in his baby blue sedan?

Farmer, Werewolf, Vampire, Mummy Part 1- Cletus Planchuck has the worst possible night imaginable. Surely an encounter with one supernatural beast would suffice, but what about three?

Cave- After the end of the world, Linus finds himself holed up in a cavern with his only continual supply of food. A man whom he has renamed "meat."

Quinn's Quilt Part 3- Quinn is back after being trapped in her family's grimorie for hundreds of years. Angry and ready for vengeance, she will stop at nothing to find justice.

Evangelists/ Hush Part 3- Simon Wullers has adjusted to being the vessel for Vol' Dun in the Earthly plane. He is poised to bolster the number of his worshippers and spread his message.

Farmer, Werewolf, Vampire, Mummy Part 2- The thrilling conclusion to Cletus Planchuck's misadventures.

Perfection- Starving and desperate, Andrew Wyst has nearly given up on his dream of becoming a famous artist, until he has a revelation. As he strives to create a masterful piece of art that every living human can relate to, how far will he push himself to achieve perfection, and what will it cost him?

Tyler's Ghost Part 3- Tyler Morris has spent the past few years in a behavioral health facility, trapped with the ghost that continues to haunt him from a Halloween dare long ago.

In Cold Blood Part 2- Emmanuel Baskins wakes up in his coffin after miraculously surviving the attempt on his life by Winston. Much to his initial horror, he is no longer a vampire in the traditional sense.

The Chittering Part 2- After the untimely deaths of Sam and Yule, The Chittering continues to move further into the depths of the concrete jungle of the city. Stumbling into a mass gathering of partygoers, The Chittering has only one thing on its satiating its uncontrollable hunger.

Merger- A corporation is acquired by another, and its employees are terminated. The newly unemployed office workers are promised a killer severance package, on one condition.

Of Fish and Man- What would you do to reclaim everything you've lost? One man goes on a fishing trip with his friends with only one thing on his mind.

Mitchell's Mishap- A silly high school hazing goes awry and leaves Mitchell Mallardson permanently altered, a body horror and creature feature story at its finest.

Cold Static- Teenage romance is rough, but when an old family secret between two families comes to light, Ralph realizes love is the last thing he needs to worry about.

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2025

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About the author

Matthew Salinas

37 books49 followers

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Lia's Haunted Library .
321 reviews39 followers
October 13, 2025
(3.5 rounded down)

As It Unfolds continues the threads of As It Stands with eighteen interconnected horror stories with a lot of range. Salinas continues to excel at blending cosmic unease, emotional torment, and surreal violence into a cohesive world that somehow feels familiar and otherworldly at once.

I liked the variety here: monsters, cults, end-of-the-world scenarios, and callbacks to earlier stories. The tone shifts between gruesome, tragic, and absurd, but it never loses its edge. The author clearly understands the rhythm of horror storytelling, delivering both shocking imagery and character-driven moments.

Ratings:
• Drive - 4
• Farmer, Werewolf, Vampire, Mummy Part 1 - 3.5
• Cave - 3.5
• Quinn’s Quilt Part 3 - 3.5
• Evangelist / Hush Part 3 - 4
• Farmer, Werewolf, Vampire, Mummy Part 2 - 3.5
• Perfection - 4
• Tyler’s Ghost Part 3 - 3.5
• In Cold Blood Part 2 - 4
• The Chittering Part 2 - 4
• Merger - 4.5
• Of Fish and Men - 3.5
• Mitchell’s Mishap - 4
• Cold Static - 4
• The Well - 3.5
• The Dark Table Part 2 - 3.5
• Home - 3.5
• As It Unfolds - 4

Profile Image for Daniel Nobles.
121 reviews4 followers
August 31, 2025
The amazing next chapter to As It Stands! Matthew Salinas’ ability to write short stories that intertwine to an unforgettable ending is unmatched and hard to put down. A touch of so many different elements that come together for a true horror masterpiece!
Profile Image for Janalyn, the blind reviewer.
4,526 reviews137 followers
September 4, 2025
As It Unfolds by Matthew Salinas is a short story collection with many original stories but also sequels to one started in As It Stands. it starts out with a bang in the nightmarish story called Drive, we also get a farmers worst night ever in Farmer, Vampire, Werewolf, Mummy part one, Cave, involves a man at the end of the world who gets his own meat source by kidnapping another man he calls meat. The stories go on and on we also get to see Tyler again quills part three is also in this book but there’s so many others and it’s so worth reading I love this author books and have read almost all of them and this one I must say was up there with his best. There’s monster stories ghost stories nightmare scenarios and so much more. If you love short stories like I do then you will absolutely enjoy this book. I do want to say although some of these stories are part two and part three of stories from other collections you don’t necessarily need to read those stories to enjoy the ones in this book. #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestreview, #MatthewSalinas, #AsItUnfolds,
Profile Image for Kiirstyannee.reads.
482 reviews18 followers
October 11, 2025
Thank you Matthew Salinas for another great read. I feel that Matthew really knows how to write a collection of short stories that has a bit of something for everyone!

Some of these stories connect to those in the previous book As It Stands, so I definitely suggest checking that out first.

This book was a mixed bag for me, with absolute stand outs and then some that just weren't fully my style, however just about every one packed a punch with the ending! The Stand outs for me were Drive & Merger. I have been thinking of these ever since I read them! It really exactly what i needed - spooky ir action packed with an ending that was just fantastic.

I binged this book in one short sitting, which is really a testament to how well Matthew writes. Overall I had some favs in here and some that didn't quite hit the mark but were so close! However, I promise you that picking up Matthew Salinas books is a MUST during spooky season (and all year around for us horror lovers)!! The stories are short but will have you thinking about them for days after!!
Profile Image for Michelle.
113 reviews29 followers
October 13, 2025
As It Unfolds is a short story collection that is the sequel to As It Stands. This book contains 18 new stories that cover multiple forms of horror. From psychological horror to cosmic horror and creature features this book as it all.

Each story seamlessly leads into the next but could still stand on its own. I though As It Unfolds would be a great introduction to Matthew Salinas' works. Some of these stories directly connect to As It Stands so reading that beforehand might with understand some stories, but I didn't think it was necessary although that is a great story and well worth your time

Matthew Salinas is a must-read author for me, and I can't wait to see what's next.

Thank you to Matthew Salinas for graciously giving me this free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Shannon Reviews.
273 reviews14 followers
September 12, 2025
As It Unfolds the sequel to As It Stands. Is just as good if not better then the first book! As It Unfolds is a collection that features 18 new stories. I would recommend to read As It Stands as some stories in this collection is part 2 or 3 to the stories in the first collection. Overall this was a great collection and I cannot wait to read the next book by Matthew Salinas.
Profile Image for Bambi Ortiz.
118 reviews19 followers
September 15, 2025
As It Unfolds is the sequel to As It Stands, and it continues with some hair-raising stories.

Matthew Salinas knows his way around creepy, chilling, thrilling, and psychological. The way he writes, the words have a tendency to sink deep into your bones.
Profile Image for Gabbi.
150 reviews2 followers
October 1, 2025
“As It Unfolds” is a fun, very gruesome, very horrific short story collection. Salinas really outdid himself with the horror throughout. There was multiple times where I was nauseous or just thinking something like “DAMN” or “YUCK” - in a good way.

I thought this was a great sequel to “As It Stands” and I enjoyed seeing how almost all the stories connected in the end. I do think you could read this collection without reading the first book, but you’d definitely miss out on some fun details and references. One of the best parts about “As It Unfolds” is the sheer amount of creativity throughout. There’s some really unique ideas for the gore, the scares, and the world-building. I was pleasantly surprised throughout each of the stories even if I could picture the ending. There was always something new that I couldn’t have thought of myself and I really enjoyed that.

For really the only flaw in the collection, I wasn’t the biggest fan of how comedic the dialogue was. It wasn’t poorly written, but I don’t think it fit the vibe of how gruesome and wild the rest of the collection was. The more jokey tone in the “Quinn’s Quilt” and “Tyler’s Ghosts” stories really stood out in comparison to how disturbing the rest of the writing was. I think for a horror story to be campy, there needs to be something comedic and scary in the dialogue, the descriptions, and the plot. Lots of stories in this collection had pretty darkly funny concepts (a company-wide fight to the death, a round table meeting of the world’s villains) but I don’t think the dialogue had enough horror to it and I don’t think the descriptions/non-spoken text had enough humor in order to be balanced enough for my taste.

I definitely recommend giving “As It Unfolds” a read if you’re a fan of gruesome blood and guts and original stories.

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for a review/rating, but all opinions are my own.

Date Read: 09/29/25 - 09/30/25


STORIES:
Profile Image for Bradford.
137 reviews11 followers
August 30, 2025
Thanks Matthew for providing me with an ARC of your new collection in exchange for an honest review. You're the best!

The follow-up collection to As it Stands is here!!! So make sure you have read the first collection first or some of these stories might be a little confusing for you. I think even if you haven't read the original it will still be an enjoyable read.

Much like the first collection, most of these stories are intertwined or at least have references to other short stories in the book. There are a couple of continuing stories from the original collection that I really enjoyed.

My favorite short stories were Evangelist/Hush pt III, Perfection, Merger, Mitchell's Mishap, and Cold Static. I really enjoyed the continuing stories with multiple parts, but these new stories really shined!

These short stories include psychological horror, cosmic horror, action, cults, and anything else you are into. Matthew Salinas continues to display the wide breadth of his writing skills in this collection.

I have included my ratings for each story below and overall I believe the score averages to a 4.7! So, I'm giving this a 5⭐️ rating and would highly recommend reading both collections. It would be even better if one were to read them consecutively.


Drive 4.5
Farmer, Vampire, Werewolf, Mummy Part 1 4.5
Cave 4.5
Quinn's Quilt pt. III 5
Evangelist/Hush pt III 5
Farmer, Vampire, Werewolf, Mummy Part II 5
Perfection 5
Tyler's Ghost pt III 4.5
In Cold Blood pt II 4.5
The Chittering pt II 4.5
Merger 5
Of Fish and Men 4.5
Mitchell's Mishap 5
Cold Static 5
The Well 4.5
The Dark Table pt II 4
Home 4.5
As it Unfolds 4.5
Profile Image for Kaela.
45 reviews11 followers
September 26, 2025
As It Unfolds is a great follow-up to Salinas' previous anthology, As It Stands. Definitely read that before diving into this one, as a lot of the stories are sequels to ones in As It Stands. It was great to follow the narratives as they expanded and wove together to connect in one way or another. There are also new stories in between the sequels that were great additions to this collection. My personal favorites in this one were

Cave: two men dealing with the end of the world in very different ways.

Perfection: a tortured artist finally creates his masterpiece.

Tyler's Ghost Part 3: Tyler and his ghost are back for more fun.

Merger: thunderdome in the corporate world.

Of Fish and Men: ancient sea god grief horror.

As It Unfolds: the climactic end to all the intertwined stories.

This collection leans a little more cosmic than the last, but there is still a little something for everyone in here! Thank you, Matthew Salinas, for the free arc in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Marissa Armstrong.
2 reviews
October 15, 2025
I enjoy how Matthew Salinas can write stories that connect in a way reminiscent to the way American Horror Story seasons do. I had not read As it Stands prior to reading As it Unfolds so I read them in conjunction to each other so I could read the stories with multiple parts in order.

I felt that As it Unfolds was a bit wordier in some of the stories than it's predecessor, but also felt that the each story stuck the landing for me.

Many of the stories have really stuck with me in the same way Salinas's other books have and for that reason alone, I look forward to any future works.

ARC provided for an honest review

P.S. I would love a full length novel about Quinn!
Profile Image for Maggie Rogers.
313 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up. If you read As It Stands, this is a must read! It expands on a lot of the stories and characters from the first book, while getting deeper into the horror. If you are familiar with other short stories by Salinas, you know that you can expect a variety of horror genres, a healthy splash of humor, and a satisfying dose of gore. There is something for everyone in this collection, but my favorite stories were:

-Merger
-Vampire, Werewolf, Mummy
-Cold Static
-Perfection

The last line had me dying to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Jim Donohue.
Author 6 books16 followers
October 4, 2025
First of all, I must apologize to Matthew Salinas, author of As it Stands, and now the sequel collection, As it Unfolds. Matthew, I didn't thnk you could top As it Stands, but I believe you have, sir. Sorry for doubting you. As a relatively new writer of short stories myself, I really appreciate when a writer can, in just a few pages, grab you and hold onto you, while filling your mind with fear, tension, or any other emotion. Matthew Salinas has a rare talent in doing that in these 18 stories and I, for one, will no longer doubt his ability to outdo himself.
Kudos to the Master! Great job!
Profile Image for Robin Fuchs Brumfield.
94 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2025
As It Unfolds by Matthew Salinas is a mix of horror stories that all feel different but connect through this lingering sense of unease. Some are quiet and unsettling, others are more intense, but they all stick with you after you finish.

I loved the atmosphere. Salinas has a great way of building tension without overdoing it. A few stories were stronger than others, but even the slower ones had something interesting going on.

If you like horror that’s more about creeping dread and emotion than cheap scares, this one’s definitely worth picking up. It’s haunting in the best way.
Profile Image for Keith M..
Author 1 book2 followers
August 29, 2025
As a short story writer, I have a deep appreciation for the art of the literary "gut punch." In this collection, Salinas proves to be a master of the form, delivering chilling and effective stories with remarkable ease. But what truly sets this book apart is how he expertly pieces these tales together, building a cohesive world of creeping dread and unease. This is a wonderfully compiled collection that horror fans will not want to miss.

***ARC Reader***
Profile Image for Rena.
191 reviews24 followers
October 13, 2025
The more I read from this author, the more I love him.

Now, I'm going to admit that at first I wasn't a huge fan of this author but the more I read from him the more I found myself liking him alot.

This book is a testament of that. Each story was different and you'd have no idea what you'd be reading next. Our author has an insane talent to writing creepy buildups with a sense of heavy dread.

I loved this book. It was a fun ride that made me admire this author even more.
Profile Image for Leighah.
309 reviews6 followers
September 13, 2025
This series just gets better and better. Not only does it have fresh new tales of terror, but it also has new stories from characters from the first book. Thank you for bringing back the uni fanged vampire he is my favourite. I also loved how the stories are starting to come together and create a larger story. Both this book and its predecessor need to be read by everyone.
254 reviews8 followers
September 25, 2025
Matthew has done it again. In this anticipated sequel to As It Stands, we get 18 more horror shorts. Some all new and some continued from part one. They are all fast reads that keep you on the edge of your seat. More vampires, werewolves, mummies, and all other types of creatures coming at us hard and fast in only the style that Matthew can bring to the table. Can't wait for his next one.
Profile Image for Andrea.
153 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2025
*** ARC review ***

Another very good collection of stories in this series. I loved that some were completely new, while others followed on from As It Stands.

All the stories are so very different, characters and worlds separated easily from each other. It’s definitely the variety in these books that makes them so readable.

Here’s hoping this isn’t the last in this series.
Profile Image for LADY BUGG.
231 reviews5 followers
August 24, 2025
4.5

The amount of growth between As It Stands and this is PHENOMENAL!!
WELL DONE MATTHEW!
I'm only halfway through so far and loving every bit.
I enjoyed oold stories coming back with even MORE than before.

***ARC READER***
Profile Image for Amanda Elizabeth Myers.
228 reviews4 followers
September 18, 2025
Another great collection of original stories by Matthew Salinas. This book contains the continuing stories of some of the originals from As It Stands. Like always, these stories are gruesome but so good.
2 reviews
September 27, 2025
Excellent writing and storytelling as always!! So lucky to get to be one of the first for a sneak peak!
10 reviews6 followers
October 4, 2025
I very much enjoyed the characters and storyline, made me feel like I was in the story
13 reviews
October 15, 2025
Fantastic follow up to As It Stands. Another amazing collection of short stories with familiar faces from the past.
Profile Image for Sammi Dyer.
389 reviews16 followers
October 12, 2025
“As It Unfolds” is a collection of short stories and the sequel to “As It Stands”. This collection features a total of 18 spine-tingling stories with some of them continuations from the last book. I highly recommend reading “As It Stands” first since there are continuations in this collection. Matthew Salinas has done a good job keeping the two books connected and leaving you wanting more.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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