Dystopia

by David Kempf

144 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2026

About the author

David Kempf has written over fifty short stories, many of which deal with themes of horror fiction. He has won several writing awards including first place in the short story competition of Millersville University’s Lemuria magazine. Two of his short stories were selected in the 2007 publication of The Grackle, his graduate school’s literary magazine. David is featured on two short fiction websites, one American and one British. He holds an M.S. from Chestnut Hill College and a B.A. from Millersville University. Dark Fiction is his first novel. His novel Travel Bug combines dystopian science fiction and horror. His next novel Damned Fiction is a sequel to his first novel His latest book They Laughed at Me is a dark comedy. David resides in Dublin, Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not doing my traditional backstory as I am just going to give out thoughts.

Thoughts:

This is a collection of short stories that I barreled through as I became caught up in the different stories as I sat in my cozy chair. There are 11 short stories that lie within the pages of this book and I enjoyed all of them, but I have a couple of favorites:

The Pawn Lottery (three parts to this story) - different concept on being rich - after reading this story I wouldn't want to be one of the elite. :)

Dark Travels (three parts to this story) - this story is about a time traveler that is looking for Utopia and what he has to endure with finding it.

All in all the short stories captured my attention and kept me reading them as I wanted to see what all the stories were about. I always enjoy reading this author as he has some different ideas about the stories that he writes that keeps me glued to my kindle. Giving this book four "Suspenseful Stories" stars!

[Flutter By Night · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dystopia by David Kempf is a smartly conceptualized and well-written collection of 11 short stories which explore totalitarian and Machiavellian themes and regimes, oppression, grim realities, bleak prospects, social disparities, secrets, fear, and paranoia.

Aptly made allusions and references to Animal Farm and 1984; the clever incorporation of a very famous Sci Fi figure; pop culture references—especially stick the landing for Gen X and Earlier.

I was genuinely impressed by the nuance and depth captured in these tales considering their brevity.

Although each stands alone, a time traveler in search of Utopia intersperses the entire collection, which builds tension while holding everything together. I loved that.

Perfect bites for any dystopian short fiction lover, I highly recommend checking this one out.