Abigail: The Terrible Twos

by Daemon Manx

Two years have passed since the night Adrian Billard found baby Abigail left on his front steps.
Unlike any child he had ever seen, Adrian devoted his life to protecting Abigail. But she's so different, lined with gray scales, violet reptilian eyes, and tiny horns on the top of her head, Adrian was instantly drawn to her. But her appearance wasn't the only thing different about Abigail. In the blink of an eye, with a flash of silver, Abigail is able to lull others into a hypnotic state, essentially altering their personalities, replacing bad intentions with good ones.

Now a toddler, Abigail is getting into everything, running through the house, breaking whatever she can get her hands on, but ever more concerning ... her powers are growing stronger by the day. Adrian has done his best to care for her, but Abigail is different than other children and that's only the beginning of their problems.

Someone is watching the family. Someone who knows about Abigail's peculiar gifts and will stop at nothing to possess them.

The characters you loved from the original story and a few new ones come face-to-face with the realization that ...

Strange Things Really do Come in Small Packages

"Daemon Manx raises holy terror with The Terrible Twos -- a horror hybrid with heart (and horns). We're talking twice the terror, twice the annihilation, and twice the amount of absolute batshittery since the first go around the nursery, further testifying that there's nothing more frightening than parenthood... except, perhaps, a succubus's love." -- Clay McLeod Chapman, author of Wake Up and Open Your Eyes

Genres: Horror

179 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 16, 2025

About the author

Daemon Manx is an author with a backstory. He is a recovering addict who spent nearly a decade in the prison system, where he focused on recovery and learned to perfect his horror writing craft. He has been featured in magazines in the US, the UK, and Germany and, in 2021, was nominated for a Splatterpunk award for his book Abigail. Daemon is the author of the Ojanox series, endorsed by Scream Queen actress, Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp). He was a bonus round winner on the gameshow Wheel of Fortune in 1999 and is infamously known for a motor vehicle accident involving President Ronald Reagan’s limousine. After struggling with addiction and incarceration, Daemon now uses his story to illustrate the positive outcome of sobriety and offer a glimpse at what life can be like when one receives a second chance.

Reviews

[Angel Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first book of Abigail. The ending shocked me and it left me saying I needed more. Well, my call was answered. Abigail: The Terrible Twos is here and I couldn't wait to read. Let's say the terrible twos for Abigail are not the usual experiences. There is a conspiracy plot to use Abigail's and other of these special kids abilities for their own good. While Abigail is a 'strange' little girl, there are plenty of tender and cute moments in this one.

Abigail and her family are easy to cheer for. Once I got to the middle, I needed to see what would happen. There is plenty of action in this one, but hidden is a message about love and prejudice. However, love will always overcome prejudice. Another home run by Daemon. I'm so glad he continued the Abigail story!

[Shannon Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sequel to Abigail proved to be a riveting read that I simply could not put down. With its unique blend of character-driven horror and high-stakes family drama, this book is an absolute must-read for fans of the genre. I hope that the story of Abigail is far from over. I am excitedly anticipating the next installment in the series.

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh sweet sweet Abigail. I just love this little lady, she definitely isn't your ordinary toddler... and if the two's are terrible for normal babies.... I can only imagine.

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

Title: Abigail: The Terrible Twos
By: Daemon Manx
Publisher: Last Waltz Publishing
Published Date: December 16, 2025
ASIN: B0G2MYBLKL
Page Count: 129
Triggers:
Child endangerment, medical and government style experimentation, abduction attempts, violence, bigotry and prejudice, grief, mild body horror, references to homophobia.
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Skull Dread Rating:💀💀💀

What Did I Just Walk Into?
A chaotic, heartfelt, slightly unhinged toddler horror story where the kid can hypnotize you, the parents are exhausted, and the villains have clearly never heard the phrase “leave that baby alone.” It is Firestarter energy in tiny pajamas with a very sharp emotional core.

Here’s What Slapped:
Abigail as a toddler is perfection. She is putting phones in toilets, breaking things, and occasionally rewriting your entire personality. The contrast between normal two year old chaos and terrifying psychic power is delicious.

Adrian and Michael are the soft emotional center of the book. Two dads doing their absolute best to love and protect their not quite human child while the world tries to turn her into a weapon. Easy to root for, easy to ache for.

The conspiracy angle with other special kids and the people who want to control them adds great tension without losing the focus on family. When the danger hits, it feels personal, not just plot noise.

Mr. Manx keeps the pace snapping along. It is a short book, but it never feels thin. By the time you hit the midpoint, you are locked in and there is no “just one more chapter,” it is “apparently I am finishing this tonight.”

The horror sits right beside tenderness. One minute you are laughing at a very on brand toddler mess, the next minute you are in a scene that whispers “you are not ready for what is coming.” It works.

The ongoing thread about love, difference, and prejudice sneaks up on you. It never turns into a lecture. It just lives in the choices these characters make for each other.

What Could’ve Been Better:
This is absolutely a sequel. You can read it on its own, but the emotional punch hits harder if you have already met Abigail and watched Adrian fall for her in book one. Consider that required homework.

A few side characters are so interesting that I wanted just a bit more page time with them. Not a dealbreaker, more of a “please sir, may I have another” situation.

Perfect for Readers Who Love:
Found family horror with queer parents and strange kids
Short, punchy reads that mix heart with creeping dread
Stories where the monster might be the system, not the child
Firestarter, Carrie, and every “special child versus the people who want to own them” tale, with more warmth and a lot more heart

Pre-Order Link
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2MYBLKL


Book Series:
Abigail: Strange Things come in Small Packages
Book 1 of 2: Abigail
Abigail: The Terrible Twos
Book 2 of 2: Abigail

Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review

[Brandon Reviews Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Review *

Author: Daemon Manx

Title: Abigail: The Terrible Twos

Rating: 5 Stars.

Genre: Horror/Thriller?

So I really don't know what to call this genre. I think I'm going to coin the term "cozy horror." Abigail: The Terrible Twos was just a nice, fun story that had elements of horror and thriller mixed in. It was action packed with absolutely no slow points in its entire 130 pages.

Here is where I would normally share my own synopsis of the story, spoiler free, but it would be super hard with this book. If you haven't read the first book in the series yet, you definitely need to pick that up first, and then jump into The Terrible Twos right after.

Daemon Manx is a great author who consistently puts out banger after banger, and Abigail: The Terrible Twos is no exception. As a father of a toddler who just turned two, I really feel for Adrian and Michael and can almost understand what they are going through, except for the fact that...spoilers.

This was a quick and fun read, and I laughed out loud through most of it. I love watching little Abby walking around, interacting with the world around her, all while driving her parents crazy. Something all parents can understand.

Pick up Abigail: The Terrible Twos December 16th on Amazon and KU. You will really enjoy this story, I promise.

[Jyl Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abigail: The Terrible Twos is exactly the kind of sequel I was hoping for. Manx picks up the story without losing any of the tension or heart from the first book, and somehow makes everything feel even sharper this time around. Abigail’s little flashes of power show up in the funniest, strangest, and most unsettling ways. Half the time you’re thinking, “okay, that’s just a toddler being a toddler,” and the other half you’re wondering if the walls are about to start bleeding.

What follows is a fast, tense story that balances real warmth with creeping dread. Abigail’s family is so easy to root for, and watching her powers shift from a problem to something she can actually use is one of the best parts. The danger feels close, the stakes keep rising, and the quieter emotional moments land exactly where they should.

If you like character-driven horror with high stakes, strange kids, and families fighting like hell to stay together, this is absolutely one to pick up. I really hope we’re not done with Abigail. I’m already ready for whatever comes next.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars*

(Make sure you read Abigail before starting this one!!!)

Two years after finding a strange baby on his doorstep, Adrian is getting used to life with a toddler - a toddler with powers that seem to grow stronger with every passing day. He and his boyfriend continue to try to hide their special girl from the world, but how much longer will they be able to do so?

This was an excellent continuation from the first story. I loved getting to see how Abby interacted with the world around her, how protective parents react to different threats. It had me stressed for this little family at times, characters that you can't help but love and root for. It had genuinely tense moments where I was scared for their safety and the safety of the other little strange beings.

I'd love to see more from this universe in the future!

[Wendy Nastasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abigail: The Terrible Twos is an amazing follow up to the original Abigail by Daemon Manx. Manx does not disappoint by continuing the story with all of our favorite characters. I was hoping that there would be so much more after I read the first book, and there is! Without giving up any of the twists and turns that I am used to with Manx, you will love the direction he takes this story. The messages are always for acceptance and love of diversity. We can feel it even more urgently in this new adventure as Abigail faces some major challenges happening in her world. I would say that this book will satisfy readers of all genres, and maybe even wanting a little more. Hopefully Manx has another installment for us. Abigail is pure love.

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book was a great introduction to Abigail and her family. Now some people want to use her as a weapon. The problem is; I am not sure they know what her power actually is. She can sway someone to her way of thinking until you make her cry then lookout! I feel like her cry could make one’s ears melt. We all know how difficult human toddlers so I can only imagine how a succubae toddler would act. Her behavior is similar to a human child only with powers. That alone would be enough for nightmare fuel. A child like Abigail would consist of behavior us humans would have no clue as to how to handle such a child. Luckily Abigail has dads who love her. They seem ready to accept the challenge. Now all we need are some more info on Mary.

[Beverly Laude · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Where there is evolution, there is change. And where there is change, there is hope."

This short book picks up when the strange, special child, Abigail, is in her terrible twos. But, her terrible twos are much different than those of a "normal" child! The story reminded me a lot of "Firestarter", but had its own unique twists. Adrian and Michael are trying to make a family with Abigail, but some evil villains (of course!) have other things in mind!

The book is action packed and has some special, tender moments along with the tension of what's happening. If you are looking for a quick read that will give you some thoughts about prejudice and love, give this one a chance.

[Indieterror13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abigail: The Terrible Twos by Daemon Manx

It's about time, Daemon. I've been waiting for more Abigail for years. Abigail was my first Manx book, and I absolutely loved it. This sweet little succubae baby just needed a safe home, and she found one.

Well, now she's two and we know two year olds are awful (but not as awful as three year olds). She's still sweet, but she's two. And there are others who might not think so much of her.

Adrian and Michael have their hands full with her, but I have a feeling she can handle her own. Yes, even at two.

🖤🖤🖤🖤 little black hearts from me to Abigail. I can't imagine what teenage Abigail will look like...

[Danny C · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read the first part of this story (or any other books by Daemon Manx) you already know you will be in for a treat with this one. After the surprise twist in Abigail, I was eager to see how this book could continue the story in a satisfying way. I was not disappointed. This sequel brought more depth and world building to an already intriguing story. The action is amped up, the stakes are higher, there is a huge looming threat to humanity (demonity?), and yet I still felt grounded in a story about a family just trying to protect their daughter. I won't say if they accomplish this, but I will say the ending made me hopeful for more Abigail.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun to read. I loved the first one in the series and this was was just as good. Abigail is adorable and I love her! I can’t really say much about the story for fear of giving too much away but I’ll try my best to set the scene.

In “Abigail,” the first book in this series, Adrian finds baby Abigail abandoned on his doorstep one night and she changes his life completely. These two stories take a new look on the trials of parenthood and had me chuckling all the way though. I never knew how much I needed fun horror until now.

I absolutely love Daemon’s writing and these stories are definitely tbr-worthy!

[Pam Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abigail: Terrible Twos by Daemon Manx takes a familiar phrase and twists it into something wonderfully eerie. Abigail’s tantrums and strange behaviour blur the line between normal childhood chaos and something far more unsettling. Manx’s writing is sharp, atmospheric, and darkly humorous. A quick, clever read that turns everyday moments into creeping dread. Perfect for fans of subtle, character-driven horror. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and hope her tale continues. Thumbs up for this tale and recommend highly.

[Indie Horror Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Abagail 1, but it left me with a NEED to know more, so I was looking forward to Abigail 2, The Terrible Twos, and it did NOT disappoint! I was dropped right back into the story, and the action just took off and swept me along. There’s more character development, more danger, more world building, and more of society’s deplorable depths exposed. Oh, and Abigail! If this is the terrible twos, I can’t imagine her sassy at six, or her terrifying teen years! And I can’t wait to find out! Highly recommend!

[Kathy Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this sequel. It has supernatural vibes, thrills and suspense to name a few.
The book is well written, as all of the books he has written.
Abigail is now 2 years old, and she is definitely mischievous.
Now being hunted by some very bad horned creeps.
Her dad’s are doing their best to protect her, which is fairly difficult.
Please don’t hesitate to read this book. It’s coming out tomorrow

[Diana | Indie Book Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to revisit Abigail and her story! I feel like we learned more about her and her current family. Still a little mystery surrounding her mom which leaves me hopeful that maybe there will be more to this story. I absolutely love the characters in this book. Abigail and her parents are just the best little family. I also enjoyed all the action this one brought as secrets are uncovered and brought to the surface. Loved this one just as much as the first book!

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s back!! Well they’re back.
Abigail is definitely a toddler but she’s her kind of toddler. The usual, you know phones in toilets, breaking stuff.
Then the Abigail stuff. No spoilers here. But read the first one then this one.
They’re quick reads. Fun with quirky parts & a touch of the Manx horror, as in what now, no way, ooooh ok.

Loved it.

[Danielle Buchino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I loved the character development and how the author intertwined typical terrible two behavior with a far from typical Abigail. As with a toddler, you never knew what new ability may pop up when you least expect it. The author left no small detail out while immersing you in the chaotic life of a toddler’s parent.

[Lisa Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Daemon Manx didn't disappoint. It was great to catch up with Adrian and Abigail! There was even more character development as we got to know Adrian, Abby, and Michael better. The plot was fast paced and suspenseful. I hope we get another book in the series. I want to know what happens next in Abby's life!

[Amanda Elizabeth Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having a toddler is tiring and messy and filled with laughter. However our dear Abigail isn’t your normal 2 year old. I love this little girl and was so excited to get this ARC! It was well worth the wait. I don’t want to give anything away but it’s a must read and make sure you read book 1 first.

[Michael Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent short read, book 2 in the Abigail series. The storyline is fast paced but doesn't feel rushed. The characters are interesting. Daemon handles several sensitive subjects really well. This is well worth reading and I highly recommend it.

[Crystal DeBoard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abigail: The Terrible Twos was even better than I had expected, and I already had high expectations. Author Daemon Manx once again nailed it on all aspects. This is well-written, excellent character development, and this is a can't put it down read.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I’m loving the Abigail stories and hope we keep getting more! This time, Abigail is a typical 2 year old, full of mischief and laughter. But what happens when people figure out just how special she is? Reading this one is a must!

[Ann Keeran · Rating 5 out of 5]

And Then There Were Two

Abigail is two years old now and still thrilling to live with or read about. Daemon Manx portrays life in a family with a stunning child with powers unknown. An amazing second installment in what I hope is a very long-running series.

[Chelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

£7.99 on Amazon.
A must read.
Daemon Manx has once again absolutely smashed it with the follow up to Abigail, who doesn’t love a cheeky toddler with a twist. Get and read it, make sure you have the first one too. I couldn’t put it down once again!

[Kelly Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love

[Trisha Tropiano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abigail is not your average mischievous two year old. Her powers are growing, and it’s becoming more difficult for Adrian and Michael to contain them. If the wrong person discovers them …

This is actually quite an emotional read, with some humorous moments, plenty of action, twists, and of course, horror. I loved Abigail as a two year old, and I really hope we see more of her as she grows!

[Emily Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abigail is no ordinary toddler. She is very a powerful little girl with unique abilities. Powerful people are after her. Who will win?