Bug Invasion!

by Paul David Sabu, Teri Melancon

Dangerous insects attack the whole city of Atlanta, Georgia. During this chaotic invasion, Alisha, her teenage son Gerard, Bailey, her fiancé Travis and Alisha’s Mom must find a way to escape immediately, or they’ll become their next meal!

Step into a world where the tiniest creatures become the greatest threat. Bug Invasion is an electrifying story that will make you see insects in a whole new light—whether you’re horrified or fascinated. Packed with thrilling twists, unsettling scenarios, and unexpected dangers, it dives into the bizarre and often terrifying possibilities of an insect uprising.

From swarming ants to monstrous beetles, this story brings a fresh, pulse-pounding narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Explore themes of survival, mystery, and the eerie power of nature’s tiniest creatures. Perfect for fans of horror, sci-fi, and the unsettling stories that make you question the world around you.

Bug Invasion is a must-read for anyone who has ever wondered what might happen if the balance of nature tipped and insects rose to take over. Ready to face the swarm? Get ready for a terrifying thriller that will haunt you long after the last page is turned.

Genres: Horror, Young Adult

16 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 17, 2025

Reviews

[Alan Loewen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads Like a SyFy Movie Channel Plot

… oh. Wait a sec. (I can’t comment anymore without giving spoilers).

The story is painfully simple. A family flees Atlanta that is under siege by trillions of man-eating insects.

The story was rushed into print too quickly. There were too many logic and formatting errors that jerked me out of the story. An editor could have helped.

[Andie Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Bug Invasion” by Paul David Sabu and Teri Melancon is a short horror and action adventure story about bugs invading Atlanta, Georgia, and the story plays out like a bug invasion story at first, and then there are two twists towards the end of the story.
Note to editor(s) and writers: There were some grammatical errors in this story:
Pg. 6: There should be a comma after “too” and before “Mom” in “I hope they made it too, Mom”.
Pg. 7: The word “plaque” should be “plague” in the first paragraph of this page.
Pg. 9: “I love you sis” should have a comma between “you” and “sis”.
Pg. 19: The word “intensely” should be “intently” as the actress is listening “with intent”.
Pg. 23: “I must still be filming…” and “COME ON!!” should be on separate lines.
I would have given this short story four stars if the grammatical errors weren’t an issue, and it there was more creativity with the language of this story. It has potential, and I loved the twist, but it needs some finessing.

[James · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only read the sample… but when the entire book is 16 pages, that sample ends up being a depressingly large percentage of the total product. Said sample was a page and a half wall-of-text with some of the worst formatting I’ve ever seen shoved onto Kindle.

The Amazon blurb (which was better formatted and arguably contained more narrative content than the sample) called this a “fresh, pulse-pounding narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat.” I assume that pulse belongs to the marketing copywriter, because it damn sure isn’t coming from anything in these pages. For a 16 page book, narrative real estate is at an absolute premium. There is no room for meandering or padding. If the blurb is to be believed (and that is a big “if”), I should’ve gotten at least a taste (I'd have settled for even a whiff) of those “thrilling twists, unsettling scenarios, and unexpected dangers.”

I got none of that. Not a single solitary hint.

And then I saw the price: $12.99 for a paperback. For sixteen pages. I’ve seen drive-thru menus with more content (and better editing.)

Hard pass. Avoid. Don't encourage this nonsense.

[Teresa Bateman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Suddenly, without explanation, massive swarms of insects attack the city of Atlanta, GA, consuming residents who cannot escape in time. Is a mysterious military project behind this tragedy? Is this even real? The author has a good idea here, but this is less a book than a short story (23 pages). It has potential, but you need to introduce the characters earlier and more completely, give us a reason to want them to survive, build suspense gradually through foreshadowing, and show not tell when it comes to plot exposition. Also, learn to use paragraph breaks appropriately, and the word you want on page 7 is either place or plague, not plaque. Again, I think this could, with work, be expanded into a good novel. Focus it on the younger character and make it a middle school or YA novel. Most authors write large and need to cut down. In this case do the opposite and add the details that will flesh out the story and make it sing.

[Melisa]

A short story that almost feels like it could be an outline. Definitely could be expounded upon at all points. I feel like we’re introduced to many things but nothing has enough backing or depth to be meaningful. The presence of all these bugs, the possible motivations and causes of this invasion.. I’m left with so many questions. The twist was unexpected, but it was so abruptly revealed. The latter part of the story was intriguing, but again I’m just kinda left bereft without really understanding anything that is happening. I have no sympathy towards the characters, but I also didn’t get any sense of who they are. I feel like I need more editing, structure, and substance to adequately rate/review.

[Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

2026
Goodreads giveaway winner

Okay, look, you cannot go into this book with high expectations; it's 25 pages long, keep your expectations realistic. But it had two major plot twists, the first one I had expected tbh but the second one took me by surprise. And here's the thing, I don't know anything about the author, but my assumption is that this is one of their very first works. I wrote almost exactly like this when I was in high school. If I'm right and this is one of their first works, they could easily, eventually, write the next Stephen Chboski or Stephen King. I have absolute faith that the author has nowhere to go but up!

[Andy Krahling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the author Paul Sabu, who sent me a signed copy from a Goodreads giveaway.

Yes, it's short, but short doesn't always mean bad. I appreciate that the two authors had the guts and the will to write a story, publish it and distribute it.

Some reviews have mentioned the book's formatting -- I agree, it is tough to read the way it was published. Having an editor make some suggestions would be a good idea.

To the authors: Keep writing and keep dreaming!

[Briann · Rating 1 out of 5]

Everything in Bug Invasion! feels underdeveloped. The book reads like a first draft from a creative writing class rather than a finished, polished work. The characterization, descriptions, imagery, and plot are all very basic and beginner-level. At times, it was cringeworthy to read and did not feel complete or professional. While I do applaud the authors for stepping outside their comfort zone and putting their passion on the page, the execution suggests they still need more practice developing their craft.

[Sruthi Priya G · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this would be a great book with some twist or something in it when I read the about and the title. But to my surprise, there is nothing in it to be that excited for. It kind of was building up the story to some point and totally dropped to the ground towards the end.
I am a bit disappointed with this book which I usually won't with any book.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, yet oddly terrifying

*won this through a Goodreads giveaway. This is my honest opinion*

If you have a fear of bugs stop now, this is not for you. This was a very short, quick read yet very interesting and descriptive. Anyone who doesn’t like bugs crawling on them you’re in for quite the treat with this one. This may give me nightmares.

[C J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this from Goodreads
I read the other reviews before I read the book. I expected terrible and it actually isn't.
I feel this could be the start of a really good book. It is extremely short. I also think Alisha lost her phone as she ran out of her house, so I am not sure how she was calling her mom. Add some chapters, give Alisha's mom an actual name. Expand what is here.

[Mama Of 2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, but not my favorite.

This was a quick read. It wasn't my favorite, but that doesn't mean it was bad either. I feel like the ending was so abrupt which I get if it's maybe a teaser for a linger book or series but I didn't see that anywhere in the description.

[Dee Anthony · Rating 2 out of 5]

The concept of the plot is interesting, but unfortunately it doesn't deliver. Every time I felt that the story was building towards a climax, the twist brought the excitment level down or the story just abruptly ended.

I won a copy in a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Yvonne_Marin’s Bookshelf · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won a kindle copy of this book via a Goodreads giveaway. This is a scary short story for someone who fears bugs. Was not a fan of the overall story. it was incomplete, felt more like a pitch for a book/movie and read like a high school assignment. Maybe even AI generated?

[Teri Melancon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exciting short story that leaves you on the edge of you seat from start to finish! It’s a heart pumping thrill ride!! I can’t wait to see what Paul Sabu comes out with next!!

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this in a giveaway

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short, but Confusing

This was an entertaining read, although it was a bit all over the place. Not sure what I was expecting. A lot of action with minimal details.

[Salad · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I did win this book in a giveaway and it was signed

I really didn’t care for the twist. Double twist? I’d love to see a longer version with a different ending.

[veronica Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I could give half ratings I would rate 3.5.

Not bad for a children/teen book. A little juvenile for adults but after looking up the recommended age (13-17) I think it’s perfect for them.