Neverlasting

by Johnny Daggers

"From the modern day Edgar Allan Poe, comes a piece of writing so capturing, enthralling and all consuming, its hard to stop reading. The darkened undertones which scream 'make me into a movie' and the quickened pace the quality story runs in all make for an amazing read, to us our 'must read' of 2016." - TE Magazine. Choosing where you wed is just as important as who you wed. Ultimately, the wrong choice can lead to certain death. Sadly, this was the case for Nora and Ned, a young couple who wanted nothing more than to build a life together, but when they said their vows in the old Herring Grove, "'til death do us part," took on an entirely new meaning. As their vows of sanctity echoed through the hollow, they awoke a century old curse which vowed to never let love enter its hills again. Now forced to confront both their inner demons and ghosts from the past, Nora and Ned must fight to uproot the seeds of lost love and despair and bring new life to the plagued, barren land.

64 pages, Paperback

Published July 16, 2016

About the author

Johnny Daggers was born October 7th, 1974, to John P. Ellenberger and Georgeann Graff, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, a small rural town located approximately 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. He became obsessed with the macabre at a very early age. At the young age of 4, Johnny recalls his mother finding him alone, crying on the kitchen floor. When she asked “what is wrong?”, Johnny sullenly replied, “I only have 70 years of life left to live”. Yes, by the age of 4, Johnny had already begun questioning his own mortality. This fascination with death only continued to grow the older Johnny got. He frequently and openly discusses his personal experiences with ghosts. By the age of 12, Johnny began to log his encounters in notebooks, and it was around this time that he began to undertake writing as a passion. Much of his early writings still exist in these personal notebooks that somehow managed to survive the past thirty some years. Perhaps we will see a collection of past and present work as an official anthology in the future?

Reviews

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comparing Johnny Daggers' Neverlasting to Edgar Allan Poe's poetry and storytelling are accurate. Johnny Daggers has managed to capture the atmosphere and overall feeling of Poe's work while remaining within his own voice. A very well done piece of art and highly recommended.

[Noelle Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

To my shame as a horror fan, I’d never come across Johnny Daggers until our Twitter paths met! Johnny is an interesting creative character and I jumped at the chance to review an audio version of his book Neverlasting. I couldn’t wait to listen to my very first audio book!

Neverlasting was dark and hauntingly beautiful. This Corpse Bride found it mesmerizing from the first word! I’m sure that fans of Tim Burton and Edgar Allen Poe will also love this – dark curses, stricken haunted graveyards, creepy mansions and neverlasting love. The book starts with the sad tale of Barron Victor Von Herring and the untimely death of his one true love, his wife Eva LaMoure. Driven to madness by the loss of his love the Barron puts a terrible curse on the land.

When love’s young dream Ned and Nora decide to wed at Herring Grove, spooky dramatic scenes unfold. The early scenes with Nora and Ned were intimate and lovely despite their love for the spookier side of life. The entwining of their souls and the descriptions of their graveyard wedding was delightful. The macabre romance spoke to my own dreadfully romantic side. The later scenes are action packed and wonderfully grim.

The reading of the book was poetic and downright beautiful. The accompanying sounds and evocative reading played through my phone like a wonderful melody. I could see all the scenes so vividly in my head. The tale reached its climatic and slightly dreadful ending, surprising me and leaving me slightly melancholy.

I adored Neverlasting. The only downside for me was that it ended too soon. I can’t wait to re-listen to this!! It introduced me to the joys of the audio book which has changed car journeys to work for me for nevermore!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvelous and macabre love-and-death story in the best Edgar Allan Poe tradition. Dark and haunting, Neverlasting shows brilliant inventiveness. The lyrical nature helps weave a spell that will stay with me for a long time. Johnny Daggers is an extraordinary talent.

[Zimmermans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am someone who appreciates everything about a book.. the way it looks, feels, smells.. This book is such a beautiful book. From the feel of the paper to the illustrations it was such a pleasurable experience. Beautiful, dark and unique tale of love, commitment, tragedy.. but you don't know how it will unfold as you read so it's truly a page-turner. This story is sure to be loved by fans of Tim Burton or Neil Gaiman. Also the audio book is really really good.. even though I read the paperback it was a whole other experience listening to the author tell the tale. Must read and listen!!