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1041: Not All Highways End
Jason wakes up being choked by something he can’t see.When he escapes, every clock reads 10:41.He doesn’t know where he is.He doesn’t remember how he got there.All he knows is that there’s a meeting he has to reach.The road makes no sense.Reality bends.Places feel wrong.People appear along the way, and each one makes the journey more unsettling than the last.Nothing behaves the way it should.Memory slips.Meaning fractures.And yet, somehow, everything feels disturbingly precise—as if this place knows exactly what it’s doing.
124 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2026
21 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 21, 2026
I believe this novella would be perfect for those who are new to body/surreal horror or enjoy psychological thrillers x gore.
The POV leaves you stumbling confused alongside our main character as we experience a multitude of events that don't quite make sense. Towards the end, everything comes together with vile scenes that will make your toes curl - not the good kind. The last 30% or so would be where the extreme horror comes into play and where trigger warnings need to be taken into account.
Subgenres: Surreal Horror, Body Horror, Gore, Extreme Horror
The POV leaves you stumbling confused alongside our main character as we experience a multitude of events that don't quite make sense. Towards the end, everything comes together with vile scenes that will make your toes curl - not the good kind. The last 30% or so would be where the extreme horror comes into play and where trigger warnings need to be taken into account.
Subgenres: Surreal Horror, Body Horror, Gore, Extreme Horror
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February 21, 2026I read splatterpunk the way other people read self-help. I am not new here. I am not fragile. I have seen things on page 40(iykyk @Aron or even a 8 page novella @Rob) that would make this book file a police report and probably want to be lobotomized to forget what happened…
So don’t look at me like I’m supposed to be impressed. You cannot just smear blood on drywall and call it atmosphere. You cannot commit fictional crime and then shrug like “idk vibes.” I need intention. I need psychological decay. I need chaos with a pulse. If you’re going to try and drag me through depravity, make it mean something.
I need the WHY to gut me and absolutely DESTROY MY ENTIRE SOULD..
Why the motel.
Why the murders.
WHAT was the motive.
Instead I got vibes and confusion. Goosebumps after dark. Entry-level edgy. Diet chaos. Horror with training wheels.
The part that makes me feral is the potential. This could have gone rabid. It could have chewed through bone and ruined my week. Instead it hovered safely at “mildly unsettling,” like it was scared I’d tell on it.
If you’re new to extreme horror, sure. This might feel shocking. But if you actually live in the filth of splatterpunk and extreme horror?
This is horror with a safety disclaimer. 🩸
So don’t look at me like I’m supposed to be impressed. You cannot just smear blood on drywall and call it atmosphere. You cannot commit fictional crime and then shrug like “idk vibes.” I need intention. I need psychological decay. I need chaos with a pulse. If you’re going to try and drag me through depravity, make it mean something.
I need the WHY to gut me and absolutely DESTROY MY ENTIRE SOULD..
Why the motel.
Why the murders.
WHAT was the motive.
Instead I got vibes and confusion. Goosebumps after dark. Entry-level edgy. Diet chaos. Horror with training wheels.
The part that makes me feral is the potential. This could have gone rabid. It could have chewed through bone and ruined my week. Instead it hovered safely at “mildly unsettling,” like it was scared I’d tell on it.
If you’re new to extreme horror, sure. This might feel shocking. But if you actually live in the filth of splatterpunk and extreme horror?
This is horror with a safety disclaimer. 🩸
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2026
What the f*ck?
This book felt like I was sat next to a drunk on a flight listening to him try and explain a scary story.. and I loved every minute! It’s weird, gross, funny, weird, graphic, and weird. But who doesn’t like a little weird from time to time
I’m not going to explain it too much as I’ll give something away. It’s a fairly short, quick read, so if you’ve got a long trip coming up, or hiding on the toilet instead of working, grab this for yourself and enjoy..? Experience..? Endure!!
This book felt like I was sat next to a drunk on a flight listening to him try and explain a scary story.. and I loved every minute! It’s weird, gross, funny, weird, graphic, and weird. But who doesn’t like a little weird from time to time
I’m not going to explain it too much as I’ll give something away. It’s a fairly short, quick read, so if you’ve got a long trip coming up, or hiding on the toilet instead of working, grab this for yourself and enjoy..? Experience..? Endure!!
February 13, 2026
Wowzers what a fever dream. I dont think I've ever read a book that fucked up David.
January 29, 2026
1041 is a dark, unsettling read that stuck with me long after I finished. The writing is so vivid it makes the world feel uncomfortably real you can practically smell the rot seeping off the page. The atmosphere is heavy and suffocating, and the tension builds slowly but relentlessly.
The diner scene was genuinely messed up in the best way. It was shocking, disturbing, and perfectly captured the cruelty of this world without feeling gratuitous. Gulasi doesn’t shy away from discomfort, and that’s what makes the story hit so hard.
If you enjoy bleak, immersive reads that linger in your head and make your skin crawl, 1041 is absolutely worth it.
The diner scene was genuinely messed up in the best way. It was shocking, disturbing, and perfectly captured the cruelty of this world without feeling gratuitous. Gulasi doesn’t shy away from discomfort, and that’s what makes the story hit so hard.
If you enjoy bleak, immersive reads that linger in your head and make your skin crawl, 1041 is absolutely worth it.
January 26, 2026
One man’s trigger warning is another man’s treasure! This horror novella wasn’t for me personally but may be exactly what you are looking for! It’s for you if you are looking for a fever dream of a story, full of dark twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. It is for you if you enjoy grizzly descriptions of blood and gore. It’s for you if body horror is your cup of tea! There were some truly shocking moments in this story that will stick in the brain for quite a while. So if these descriptions spark your darker interests, you should really pick it up for yourself!
January 27, 2026
I felt like I was in someone else's fever dream!
1041 by David Gulasi was the book equivalent of if Stephen King and Thomas Harris had a love child.
I can normally pick where a horror is going to go. This one I had no idea and I enjoyed the ride.
One of the characters reminded me of the painting by Grant Wood of the farmer and his wife with the pitchfork. The hellish surroundings and an apple tree with a snake is chefs kiss.
I cannot express how much this book is going to stick in my head for a very long time.
1041 by David Gulasi was the book equivalent of if Stephen King and Thomas Harris had a love child.
I can normally pick where a horror is going to go. This one I had no idea and I enjoyed the ride.
One of the characters reminded me of the painting by Grant Wood of the farmer and his wife with the pitchfork. The hellish surroundings and an apple tree with a snake is chefs kiss.
I cannot express how much this book is going to stick in my head for a very long time.
January 31, 2026
Firstly check your triggers. I’m not a horro reader at all but this one had me hooked from the moment I read the fist chapter I tried to take it slow and read a chapter a day because I was so new to horror. In the end I had a hard time putting it down in the end I just sat down and read the whole book. I will never think about how rotary phones work normally or ever not tho k about dinner the same way ever again!
Overall I loved 1041. It was a shocking yet fun read with twists and turns that literally made me want to come back for more!
Overall I loved 1041. It was a shocking yet fun read with twists and turns that literally made me want to come back for more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I saw a review that described this book as a fever dream, that probably was the best description. This novella is fast paced with great characters. With the way it's written, you really start to feel how the main character feels when everything starts to get gritty. And then the ending is a chef's kiss to how you would hope things like that would actually end.
February 6, 2026
This book reminded me of some of the reoccurring horrific nightmares ,, great little read for any horror readers !
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read this book in one sitting. It's all kind of messed up, so much so that you needed to keep reading to find out WTAF was going on. I had some theories but I was not expecting that ending. Very imaginative, intriguing and the title? Well that will make sense when you read it. If you love horror and psychological thrillers (aka screwing with your head) you will absolutely love this novella.
February 15, 2026
This was a good quick read, very eerie very atmospheric.
February 20, 2026
This was .....
Interesting. I am not the audience for this 🤣
But I follow David on TT and wanted to read it. So I did.
Do not use my rating as a guide for this one tho.
Interesting. I am not the audience for this 🤣
But I follow David on TT and wanted to read it. So I did.
Do not use my rating as a guide for this one tho.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This novella is a highly effective horror story. I truly enjoyed reading it. The story begins at 10:41, when a series of terrifying events start to unfold, creating immediate excitement for horror lovers.
The level of horror and violence is handled perfectly — intense enough to be thrilling without being excessive. What makes the book especially engaging is its strong sense of mystery, which deepens as the plot progresses and gradually builds toward a powerful climax.
One of the greatest strengths of this novella is its storytelling. Many small details are carefully planted throughout the story and are fully explained by the end, making the conclusion feel satisfying and well thought out. The balance between fear, suspense, and narrative structure is excellent.
Overall, this book delivers well-paced horror, just the right amount of gore, and a complete, well-crafted storyline, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
The level of horror and violence is handled perfectly — intense enough to be thrilling without being excessive. What makes the book especially engaging is its strong sense of mystery, which deepens as the plot progresses and gradually builds toward a powerful climax.
One of the greatest strengths of this novella is its storytelling. Many small details are carefully planted throughout the story and are fully explained by the end, making the conclusion feel satisfying and well thought out. The balance between fear, suspense, and narrative structure is excellent.
Overall, this book delivers well-paced horror, just the right amount of gore, and a complete, well-crafted storyline, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fever dream I couldn't look away from! What a wild ride. David Gulasi’s debut novella is creepy, deeply unsettling, and lingered in my head long after I finished it. 1041 reads like a bad LSD trip, (one you can’t snap out of).
The story unfolds like a nightmare. Jason wakes to the sensation of being choked, with no idea where he is or what’s happening to him. Driven by an unexplained compulsion, he heads down the highway toward a destination he doesn’t fully understand, encountering both people and monsters along the way.
The imagery hit me on a visceral level. If you’re sensitive to trigger warnings, this may not be the book for you since it feels like it touches on most of them. But if you enjoy horror that’s surreal, disturbing, and psychologically intense, 1041 delivers. It’s uncomfortable in the best way, and absolutely worth the ride.
The story unfolds like a nightmare. Jason wakes to the sensation of being choked, with no idea where he is or what’s happening to him. Driven by an unexplained compulsion, he heads down the highway toward a destination he doesn’t fully understand, encountering both people and monsters along the way.
The imagery hit me on a visceral level. If you’re sensitive to trigger warnings, this may not be the book for you since it feels like it touches on most of them. But if you enjoy horror that’s surreal, disturbing, and psychologically intense, 1041 delivers. It’s uncomfortable in the best way, and absolutely worth the ride.
Review of advance copy received from Author
★★★★★ Holy shit
Read this in one sitting last night. Started around 10 PM, couldn't stop until I finished.
This book is relentless. From page one you're stuck in this nightmare with Jason and it just keeps getting worse. The atmosphere is suffocating, the horror is visceral, and when the twist hits? I literally said "oh FUCK" out loud.
The 10:41 thing is brilliant. Won't spoil it but once you understand what's happening, everything clicks.
Fair warning - this is EXTREME horror. Graphic, disturbing, no punches pulled. If you're squeamish, skip it. But if you want horror that actually horrifies, this is it.
Only 109 pages, no filler, just pure dread from start to finish. Already told three people to read it.
Can't believe this is a debut. Definitely buying whatever this author writes next.
Read this in one sitting last night. Started around 10 PM, couldn't stop until I finished.
This book is relentless. From page one you're stuck in this nightmare with Jason and it just keeps getting worse. The atmosphere is suffocating, the horror is visceral, and when the twist hits? I literally said "oh FUCK" out loud.
The 10:41 thing is brilliant. Won't spoil it but once you understand what's happening, everything clicks.
Fair warning - this is EXTREME horror. Graphic, disturbing, no punches pulled. If you're squeamish, skip it. But if you want horror that actually horrifies, this is it.
Only 109 pages, no filler, just pure dread from start to finish. Already told three people to read it.
Can't believe this is a debut. Definitely buying whatever this author writes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5/5 stars but good reads doesn't allow .5 stars so 4 it is i suppose.
1041 is a short horror novella about a guy named Jason who wakes up in a literal nightmare. He doesn't know where he is, things don't feel right, and there's a glow in the distance that's calling out to him.
This book is fast paced, scary, vulgar, disturbing, and exhilarating all at the same time!
For a debut novel David's writing flows as smooth as butter and I couldn't put the book down once i picked it up. and that ending you will not expect. This is a very fun and quick read that will leave you thinking and questioning your own life choices.
1041 is a short horror novella about a guy named Jason who wakes up in a literal nightmare. He doesn't know where he is, things don't feel right, and there's a glow in the distance that's calling out to him.
This book is fast paced, scary, vulgar, disturbing, and exhilarating all at the same time!
For a debut novel David's writing flows as smooth as butter and I couldn't put the book down once i picked it up. and that ending you will not expect. This is a very fun and quick read that will leave you thinking and questioning your own life choices.
Review of advance copy received from Author
1041 is so f***ed up I don’t even know how someone could come up with this but I’m sure glad David Gulasi did. This book had me in a chokehold from the second I started reading it, and ever since finishing it I have thought about it every single day. You think you know what’s happening? No you don’t. Not even close. That’s what makes this so good, you’re constantly wondering wtf is going on, you’re freaked out and a little anxious about what’s coming next and then BOOM the ending hits. That ending has to be hands down one of the craziest scenes I have ever read.
I can’t recommend this book enough, definitely read this one at night for a scary good time!
I can’t recommend this book enough, definitely read this one at night for a scary good time!
February 17, 2026
One of the most gripping horror novella I have ever read. It’s captivating. Disturbing. Leaves you questioning from the very beginning “what is happening” and “why”. This novella gives the feel of reading a dark and sickly twisted horror movie with a major plot twist towards the end. At first you question if the MMC deserves everything that is happening to him and then come to realize it may be due to the consequences of their own actions. Karma if you will. It’s not for the light of heart but a read a recommend with caution. If you can stomach it the graphic imagery, you will love it the story.
January 24, 2026
This book is sooooo screwed I love it. Its the type of book that makes you say WTF and you just want to
Keep reading. The writer really captures the audience from the get go and you’re basically on the edge of your seat the whole read. There are trigger warnings, but it doesn’t tell you what those are, which makes the book more like what the F.
If you’re sensitive to animals, don’t read it. There’s just one scene in there that is not that great, but besides that I found the book to be insane. Loved it.
Keep reading. The writer really captures the audience from the get go and you’re basically on the edge of your seat the whole read. There are trigger warnings, but it doesn’t tell you what those are, which makes the book more like what the F.
If you’re sensitive to animals, don’t read it. There’s just one scene in there that is not that great, but besides that I found the book to be insane. Loved it.
February 3, 2026
This was a quick fun weird dark gory crazy horror novella that I enjoyed very much! The imaginative writing kept me engaged and the pacing was perfect. Short, but not rushed and just really enjoyable. Reads a lot like a movie and would make a great film. Some parts of the writing was different from what I’m used to, with how it was described what the mc was doing, but it didn’t take away from the story. Check it out for a quick easy fun horror read.
February 15, 2026
⭐️ 4.25
I finished this book at 10:00pm, and I’m glad I didn’t hang on for another 41 minutes, or I may not have slept.
1041 was a fever dream horror novella. A gruesome, vulgar journey on a highway to hell. And I bloody loved it!
Perfect for readers who want a little depravity in their stories.
Thank you to the author David Gulasi for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I finished this book at 10:00pm, and I’m glad I didn’t hang on for another 41 minutes, or I may not have slept.
1041 was a fever dream horror novella. A gruesome, vulgar journey on a highway to hell. And I bloody loved it!
Perfect for readers who want a little depravity in their stories.
Thank you to the author David Gulasi for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2026
Now that is an opening line. I read a lot of dark material so I'm somewhat numb to some content that would make others skin crawl. 1041 does a good job at drawing you into the intrigue and she's make you ask "...now what?"
A great novella for people that want to dip their toe into the genre without committing to chunky novels that are bogged down in exposition. Short, but delivering on the themes it promises.
A great novella for people that want to dip their toe into the genre without committing to chunky novels that are bogged down in exposition. Short, but delivering on the themes it promises.
February 23, 2026
This novella was absolutely insane! It felt like a fever dream. Fantastic rating. It kept me on the edge of my seat. Luckily it was a small book. I was able to finish it quickly because I needed to know how it ended. It was goryit was intense and they were scenes in this book that I will never forget. I cannot wait for book 2.! I highly recommend this book if you love twisted crazy Novelas that you won’t be able to put down until the very end!
February 23, 2026
I thought this was an excellent read. It was about 106pgs. It has such disturbing visuals but it really makes you think like “omg what is going on in this guys head”, which I love! I’m not a big horror movie person at all but I LOVE horror/gothic stories and this was great. If you like the show Twin Peaks or writings by Stephen King, I think you’d enjoy this. The plot itself and how it came together in the end to make everything make sense was fantastic. Definitely check TWs before reading.
February 14, 2026
New favorite!
Amazing!! Definitely messed up but it grips you from the start and holds you down.
I imagine this is what hell will be like.
Loved the complete mind **** that the story elicits with it's realistic imagery and prose.
Reminds me of Kings imagination and works.
Can't wait for more!!!
Amazing!! Definitely messed up but it grips you from the start and holds you down.
I imagine this is what hell will be like.
Loved the complete mind **** that the story elicits with it's realistic imagery and prose.
Reminds me of Kings imagination and works.
Can't wait for more!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A truly chilling read! This book pulls you in from the first page and doesn’t let go. The atmosphere is dark, intense, and genuinely scary, with twists that keep you on edge. A must-read for horror lovers — I couldn’t put it down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a very unhinged short story about a man who does not seem to know what is happening around him.
It was a very disturbing but interesting run!
I would give it 4.25stars if Goodreads allowed it.
Thanks to David for graciously providing the beta read of the novella!
It was a very disturbing but interesting run!
I would give it 4.25stars if Goodreads allowed it.
Thanks to David for graciously providing the beta read of the novella!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Truly horrific. I wasn't sure where the story was going, but it was crazy. I understood the book more towards the end, it ties everything together. Scary twists and turns throughout that left me gasping. CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS!
January 26, 2026
WTAF did I just read? I keep seeing fever dream but more like a fever nightmare. I loved it 😂. This was so disturbing and addicting. I read it in one sitting. The imagery is so unsettling but that ending was top tier.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews