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Daemon Academy

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Kemper Academy is over a hundred years old, but it has only recently reopened after a series of murders and stories of hauntings shut it down. Avlynn, a new student, refuses to let the rumors scare her, chalking them up to a bit of friendly freshman hazing. But when night falls and screams draw her from her room, she finds the truth is much more horrifying than any ghost story.


PLEASE NOTE: At just over 2,600 words, this is a HORROR short story.

14 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 27, 2015

2 people are currently reading
134 people want to read

About the author

Danielle Rose

27 books1,449 followers
Danielle Rose is the USA Today bestselling author of The Darkhaven Saga. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Southern Maine. When not writing, she can be found frolicking the woods of Wisconsin, where she lives with her husband and their dogs.

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5 stars
49 (52%)
4 stars
30 (32%)
3 stars
7 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Darque  Dreamer .
531 reviews68 followers
November 2, 2017
Her is heart pounding and gripping! This one is creepy and intense! For anyone who loves scary stories, this one is perfect!

I was unable to read any creepy books during October due to my schedule, so I was having a bit of Halloween withdrawal! This short story was perfect to quench my creepy thirst! It was well developed for its length. It kept building with the horror and suspense, and had a perfect ending. It definitely gave me the chills and raised my pulse a little!

My only negative is that it was too short and I was left wanting an entire book (so, not really a negative at all)! I was such a quick, fun read, that I already want to read it again! My Halloween/Creepy Reads withdrawal is now officially satiated! Make sure you read this story!

Thank you to the author for sending me this free e-copy in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Angela Cruz.
233 reviews7 followers
October 25, 2015
This is a paranormal horror short story. I would recommend this for young adults and older due to the graphic scenes. I really enjoyed the descriptive wording that the author used. A great read for Halloween! This book ended with me wondering what happens next? I see a wonderful series hopefully in the future.


Avlynn is a freshman at a new school, Kemper Academy. She is anxious about being the new girl. Everyone knows the rite of passages dwelt by the seniors but she refuses to show weakness. Well until eerie things start happening all around her. Seeing is believing, right? Well things just got real.

favorite passages:
"A few curls of chocolate brown hair escaped her wimple, and her piercing blue-grey eyes not only glistened next to the gothic shade of black from her habit, but they seemed to look straight into my soul."
"The smoke was suffocating."
"After admiring how her body was perfectly illuminated by a patch of moonlight,I turned on my heel and walked into the dormitory."
Profile Image for April.
237 reviews25 followers
July 4, 2016
A well-written short horror story that leaves the reader wanting more. (The reader in this case being me- and not only am I intrigued, but I want more! What happens next!? Maybe an expansion into a complete novel?! Yes please! ;) )
Profile Image for Miranda - Life Between Chapters☕.
311 reviews59 followers
October 24, 2017
What a great, spooky tale! Right from the start I got sucked in with Avlynn's story!

I loved the ghost story over a campfire introduction and the way it quickly turns from light-hearted fun to horror! The perfect book if you're looking for something spooky & quick! (Thinking about opening a full-fledged horror novel? Check this out first!) I highly recommend you dive into this one to get you in the Halloween, spooky-kind-of-mood!

Be prepared to want more of this wonderfully written horror story!
Profile Image for Donna (BookDragonGirl).
1,477 reviews9 followers
September 17, 2017
This was such a creepy, short little story. I found it really fun! If you're looking for some creepy books to read (and it's a short one too), I would definitely recommend this one!!

I would say something more about the story than the summary does, but because it's short I'm afraid I would ruin the story for you! But I recommend you read this for yourself!!
Profile Image for Laura  Hernandez.
802 reviews85 followers
October 26, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I made no guarantee of a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are my own.

This young adult short story was a fantastic read. Well written, paranormal story that was suspenseful and gave me goosebumps. I was definitely not prepared for the shocking and horrifying end.

This is a five star story that readers will love. Word of advice: if you hear ghostly whispers; pay them no mind.
Profile Image for Olga Miret.
Author 44 books250 followers
September 13, 2017
A solid short-story, scary and chilling, and a great introduction to the author’s writing. It is a bit difficult to write this review without sharing any spoilers, as the story is very short indeed. Blink and you’ve missed it. Despite that, it is atmospheric, intriguing, and fairly dark (although there’s no gore involved at all, so don’t worry if you’re squeamish).
The author uses many of the tropes of horror novels and films (an old gothic-looking property, a ghost story, night, cold, a daring young girl who refuses to show others she is scared) and puts them to good use.
The story is not long enough for us to get a great insight into the characters, although we easily identify with Avlynn, as we see all that happens from her point of view, we hear the screams, we realise our roommate is not there, we wonder which way we should go and we face… (No, I’m not telling you what). The twist at the end is perhaps not totally unexpected but it works very well and makes the story all the more chilling. Yes, we should remember that we ignore some warnings at our peril.
A solid short-story, scary and chilling, and a great introduction to the author’s writing. Recommended to anybody who enjoys ghost stories, especially to those who like short reads and don’t want to get bogged down in too much backstory.
I was given an e-copy of the story as part of a blog tour organised by Lady Amber’s Reviews & PR and I freely chose to review it.
Thanks to Lady Amber and the author, thanks to all of you for reading and remember to like, share, comment, click and REVIEW!
Profile Image for Steph.
121 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2017
A very fun, quick, and spooky read that's perfect for any campfire or sleepover experience
Profile Image for Dallas.
156 reviews5 followers
November 4, 2015
Title: Daemon Academy
Author: Danielle Rose
Genre: Horror
Age: Young Adult (although this will depend on the maturity of the reader to some degree)
Is This Part of a Series?: No

Summary: (*taken from the Daemon Academy page on Goodreads)
Kemper Academy is over a hundred years old, but it has only recently reopened after a series of murders and stories of hauntings shut it down. Avlynn, a new student, refuses to let the rumors scare her, chalking them up to a bit of friendly freshman hazing. But when night falls and screams draw her from her room, she finds the truth is much more horrifying than any ghost story.

Overall Impression:
This was a quick read with just the right amount of scariness to make me tense, but not induce bad dreams.

The Nitty Gritty:
I enjoyed this story from the very first sentence. Ms. Rose clearly put thought into finding heavy duty words. Almost all of the sentences in Daemon Academy do more than just one job: character building, world building, atmosphere building, etc. Which is a very good thing, in this short story. (In any short story, really).

My favorite part of this story was the way it fits within the horror genre. There was plenty of tension and atmosphere, a spooky setting and a great legend to go with it, and even a set of well-developed characters. Despite all of these elements that were appropriate to the horror genre, however, the gore level (and by this I mean level of description of blood, ghosts, hauntings, etc that make horror so horrifying) was at the perfect level for me. It was scary and other-worldly, but not graphic.

The worst part of this story is that it ends. While nothing is as thoroughly developed as in a novel, the perception is that the depth exists for them. And then ending to the story certainly leaves me wanting to know what happens next (although this is a complete story).

Special Considerations:
As this is a horror story, I believe it is important for parents to read this before letting their younger teenagers read it. It is a quick read, so won't take up too much of your time, and a read-through will allow you to gauge whether or not your child will enjoy this or be disturbed by this. You know your child best, after all.

My Rating: 5 Stars
Profile Image for Narrative Ink Reviews.
13 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2015
This story is just what I needed for a chilly October night! I love scary stories, especially at Halloween time, and this story did not disappoint! I won’t go into too much detail because I don’t want to give anything away, but let me just say this story has got it all: a creepy old school, screams in the night, murderous nuns, ghosts, demons, and an ending you will never see coming! I hope the author writes more stories in this setting – it would make a great series. Read this one with the lights on!
Profile Image for Andie.
246 reviews45 followers
October 27, 2015
As a major scaredy pants girl, I was a bit afraid to dive into Daemon Academy, but it was worth the read, however short, it's such an enjoyable little treat in the Halloween season.
Avlynn was a likeable character, someone I could sympathize with.
I huddled in my chair and looked over my shoulder quite a few times while reading this. I found myself kept poking my e-reader to continue reading on the last page, and I'm sure I won't be the only one who feels that way after finishing this story. I will probably sleep with the lights on for days, though...
Profile Image for Ari.
51 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2015
Danielle Rose's Daemon Academy is one of the best (in my own opinion, of course) short horror story, that came out just in time for Halloween.
Profile Image for Jess ✩.
522 reviews38 followers
September 2, 2020
I know this was a short story, but I was kind of expecting more tbh. Definitely not horrifying.
Profile Image for Lynn Reynolds.
1,698 reviews39 followers
September 28, 2017
This is the perfect treat to read leading up to Halloween. Avlynn is telling us our scary story. Her story reminds me of the sleepovers we used to have at summer camp. I can picture reading this story around the campfire. We get the perfect ending for this story but I felt that it was cut short. I want to know what happens to our narrator once this story concludes. Expect to have this book finished in no more than an hour – if you read real slow.

It’s listed as a horror book but I’ve read some that are much more frightening so adults may find it a little tame but for the teen in your life this may be just right – but don’t expect any nightmares. I’m not one that likes to have something that’s going to scare my socks off so this is just perfect for me. Maybe you have an older home like me and sometimes the stairs creak at night. What a perfect background noise or maybe even better is to put on a Halloween record as you read. Just don’t expect the ending to bring any closer to the story. To me it felt open ended.

I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Angela.
3 reviews
September 10, 2017
4.5★ for this short story!!
Well, I'm not a fan of horror fics because they always freak me out, and I got the same reaction when I read this.
BUT, it means that this story did a GREAT job because, obviously, a horror story was meant to be terrifying!!
This story's synopsis was so attractive that I couldn't help but asked for an ARC from the author, and I totally do not regret it.
The description was so vivid that you could image the scenes in your head, and you would definitely want to find out what might happen on Avlynn, who was brought to the forbidden tower.
I'm sad because this short story ended too quick : ( !!!
Looking forward to have a full fiction of HER from the author in the future!!
110 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2017
Her: A Horror Short Story
By Danielle Rose
*Disclaimer: I received this short story as an ARC from Lady Amber’s Reviews & PR. The following review is my own with no input, compensation, nor promises from either Lady Amber’s Review & PR or the author*.
This story is short, sweet, and to the point as the best ghost stories are. For being a short story there are many things I love about it, most I won’t share as I don’t want to ruin it for the other readers out there. This author brilliantly sets the stage from the very beginning and does not leave you hanging for long. It is a very quick and extremely entertaining read. One I will hold onto to read aloud at the next bon fire or ghost story telling. Loved it!
Profile Image for Denise.
496 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2017
"Her" is an awesome short story about a young woman in her first year of a private school at Daemon Academy. The Senior students tell all the freshman a ghost story about how the head Nun goes about killing all of the students in the old school years ago.to scare the underclassman... this story is to initiate the new students in to the school.. Does the story work... Check out Her and find out for yourself....
Danielle Rose is a super writer... When she wrote Daemon Academy now knows as "Her" Danielle pulls you into the story and when you are finished with the story she leaves you wanting more. I loved reading this short story.
a question for you..
Do you believe in Ghosts?
Read "Her" and make your own decisions
Profile Image for Movies, Shows, & Books.
335 reviews13 followers
September 14, 2017
Note: This review contains NO spoilers

For a short story, Her had the elements of horror and suspense all over it. From beginning to end, I got chills. I got spooked. Even more so, I wanted more! This would be a great and eerie start to a horror novel. Danielle Rose has an incredible knack for writing stories that can get "under your skin." Just in this short story, there is ample world building and character development to get a full-length novel going.

Reviewer: Jasmine

Disclaimer: I received a free/complimentary copy for an honest review, all is my own opinion
Profile Image for Rae Sontheyon.
263 reviews18 followers
September 20, 2017
Perfect Short Story For Halloween Time! . . .

"Her" was the first book I've read by Danielle Rose and it won't be the last. This novel is short but enthralling.

Centered on a Kemper Academy freshman named Avlynn, a student who refused to be frighten by firelight scare tactics, finds herself in a real life nightmare.

Honestly, I re-read the last few pages of story because I was like "wait what just happened?!" I couldn't believe the story ended like it did and I would so read more in a heartbeat.
Profile Image for Mcf1nder_sk.
600 reviews26 followers
March 1, 2018
I just finished reading a quick short story by @droseauthor, who is a supernatural romance author. This tale, however, is a cute little horror romp through the world of ghosts. The story only took me five minutes to read, so there wasn't much time for character development or backstory, but Rose does a wonderful job creating suspense rapidly and not letting the reader go until the final page.
.
Ms.Rose, if you ever want to switch genres, I would say you are more than qualified, and could hold your own with any horror writer out there.
Profile Image for Aanchal.
49 reviews25 followers
September 14, 2017
This was a short spooky story, only two thousand something words. It was beautifully written, however, it wasn't scary for me. One thing I really liked was that the main protagonist wasn't dumb like they are in most horror movies. Still, she got caught up in this whole ghost thing. Though, I found the ending predictable I'm glad that I read it.

** I received an ARC of this story for an honest review**
Profile Image for Julia Red Hatter Book Blog.
644 reviews33 followers
September 16, 2017
Her is a short story, says so on the book. Don't get snippy because it takes less than 10 minutes to read. This would be a good campfire story. It's got a creepy feel to it. Not what I call horror, horror is a word that is open to interpretation. I would literally define this as "scary campfire story", so I'm a bit disappointed it wasn't more horrorish. It's a cute, very quick read. Something to read to the kids during Halloween.
Profile Image for Whitney .
987 reviews31 followers
January 22, 2018
I have been provided with a copy of Her by the author for an impartial review. I have recently been introduced to this author and this will certainly not be the last book I read by her. It takes someone really special to be able to grab your attention with a horror short story because they only have a few pages to grab your attention. This author did a fantastic job with this short story and I absolutely can’t wait to read more by her.
Profile Image for Whitney .
987 reviews31 followers
January 22, 2018
I have been provided with a copy of Her by the author for an impartial review. I have recently been introduced to this author and this will certainly not be the last book I read by her. It takes someone really special to be able to grab your attention with a horror short story because they only have a few pages to grab your attention. This author did a fantastic job with this short story and I absolutely can’t wait to read more by her.
Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,681 reviews85 followers
September 10, 2017
Her is a short horror story that will have you wondering what is going on and leave you wondering what happens next. Kemper Academy was shut down long ago but newly reopened with a haunting tale of murder and ghosts walking the hallways. I recommend this for older YA and lovers of horror stories.

Review by Raychel
Profile Image for Monica Pose.
2 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2017
This is an incredibly frightening short story that I absolutely loved reading! I am a huge fan of horror and this author definitely does not disappoint! My only complaint here is that it ended so quickly and I cannot wait for more from this author. I highly recommend this novella and this author to anyone who is a fan of horror.
Profile Image for Amy.
153 reviews7 followers
November 25, 2017
A Short Story With A Bunch Of Spooky Character To It!

Wow! I really enjoyed this spooky little read. I am surprised at how quickly I was caught up in the story & its characters and then BAM...its over! I hope a fuller version of this story is released to readers one day soon. I need to know what happens next. Good read, just too short! I need more!😀
Profile Image for A Belle & A Book.
682 reviews28 followers
September 10, 2017
Wow! That was an intense, spooky read. Danielle Rose packs quite a punch in a few short pages. She has a great opening for a new horror novel should she decide to explore it. HER, is a perfect spine-tingling campfire story.
Profile Image for Ceres95.
505 reviews19 followers
September 16, 2017
It's a very short story I read in 20 minutes on the train. I will not tell you that I was afraid because it would be lying anyway it’s a very nice story.
I had a good time with Avlynn, I like the fact that she happens to take on her when the story is told. She’s afraid but tries not to show it because she’s convinced that it’s only a story destined to scare the new ones.
I will not go further so as not to spoil the surprise but know that I would have liked it to be longer in order to enjoy a little more fully this mysterious atmosphere.
Profile Image for Hauntedbybooks.
224 reviews17 followers
September 15, 2017

This short story definitely gave me goosebumps. This is a perfect read for Halloween! Very suspenseful, and spooky. I really enjoyed reading this story! I didn't want to end! Also, the ending left me wanting more! Definitely, read this story if you want a good scare!
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