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The Storm Creature
At eighteen, Lucy had everything going for a supportive family, a rapt audience, and her dream of becoming a published author about to be realised. A single moment in time on a dark, rainy road changes things forever. That was then, but this is now. Lucy has suffered through eight years of haunting visions and thoughts with every raging storm thanks to a tempestuous storm creature who torments her. What does the baleful creature want with Lucy? Will the troubled woman ever be able to let go of the past and forgive herself? Or will she sacrifice everything she holds dear?
- GenresParanormal
74 pages, Paperback
Published May 14, 2016
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Maria Gibbs
12 books117 followersMaria Gibbs is a multi-genre author whose passion for reading and writing has been a lifelong affair. From an early age, she found solace and adventure in the pages of books, a love that naturally evolved into crafting her own compelling stories. Maria's works are known for their emotional depth, often leaving readers with a heart-wrenching, tear-jerking experience.
Her debut publication, the novelette As Dreams are Made on, introduces readers to a young woman trapped in a dream world, saved by a mysterious man with hidden motives, while her husband battles to save her in reality. This gripping tale set the stage for Maria's distinctive storytelling style.
To date, Maria has published three novelettes and seven novels, with a treasure trove of over forty story ideas waiting to be brought to life. Among her impressive repertoire, the most acclaimed is the Children from the Streets series. Set in Brazil, this six-book saga was inspired by Christina Lamb’s Small Wars Permitting, which Maria discovered while researching for another series. What began as a standalone novel, A Boy from the Streets, evolved into a series as the characters demanded their stories be told.
By day, Maria manages properties in West London, but her true aspiration is to make writing her full-time career. With a growing collection of published works and a multitude of stories yet to be written, Maria Gibbs continues to enchant readers, one heart-rending tale at a time.
Her debut publication, the novelette As Dreams are Made on, introduces readers to a young woman trapped in a dream world, saved by a mysterious man with hidden motives, while her husband battles to save her in reality. This gripping tale set the stage for Maria's distinctive storytelling style.
To date, Maria has published three novelettes and seven novels, with a treasure trove of over forty story ideas waiting to be brought to life. Among her impressive repertoire, the most acclaimed is the Children from the Streets series. Set in Brazil, this six-book saga was inspired by Christina Lamb’s Small Wars Permitting, which Maria discovered while researching for another series. What began as a standalone novel, A Boy from the Streets, evolved into a series as the characters demanded their stories be told.
By day, Maria manages properties in West London, but her true aspiration is to make writing her full-time career. With a growing collection of published works and a multitude of stories yet to be written, Maria Gibbs continues to enchant readers, one heart-rending tale at a time.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 15, 2016
‘You may well shiver as you experience this stormy short.’
At eighteen years of age Lucy is following her dreams. Her first book is published ‘As Dreams are Made on’ which has been warmly received. Her family are supportive, she is happy, with a wonderful life ahead of her.
Then one dark and stormy night, as Lucy makes her way home, along the quiet wet, winding country lanes, one tiny decision she makes, sees her dreams washed away in the lashing rain.
Eight years on and Lucy has turned into a recluse, her family once close, barely know how to deal with her. She now lives alone in a small cottage in the woods; barely ever does she venture out, and she hardly ever sees anyone.
This troubled young woman is tormented by the events of that stormy evening and is constantly taunted by the presence of the ‘Storm Creature.’ Lucy is petrified by thunder and lightning but this crazed creature revels in it. She dances in the lashing rain, as the author says
‘… laughing and spinning, her arms waving like an Indian goddess… possessed of multiple limbs.’
Maria Gibbs has a wonderful way with words, almost lyrical at times. Check out the opening lines:-
‘The rain danced against the pane of glass, wild and wicked until the tempo changed, curling and writhing into a beautiful sensual rhythm.’
The atmosphere is set so you become embroiled within the story, you may well shiver as you are drawn in, experiencing the stormy nights with the rolling thunder. I sat tense on the edge of my seat wandering what was to come next upon the turn of the page. I was not disappointed.
For a short story this psychological thriller sure packs a lot in, with unexpected twists as you near the end. I don’t wish to share anymore because it is a story you need to experience for yourself, and in my view the author certainly does make you experience every event.
Very Highly Recommended.
At eighteen years of age Lucy is following her dreams. Her first book is published ‘As Dreams are Made on’ which has been warmly received. Her family are supportive, she is happy, with a wonderful life ahead of her.
Then one dark and stormy night, as Lucy makes her way home, along the quiet wet, winding country lanes, one tiny decision she makes, sees her dreams washed away in the lashing rain.
Eight years on and Lucy has turned into a recluse, her family once close, barely know how to deal with her. She now lives alone in a small cottage in the woods; barely ever does she venture out, and she hardly ever sees anyone.
This troubled young woman is tormented by the events of that stormy evening and is constantly taunted by the presence of the ‘Storm Creature.’ Lucy is petrified by thunder and lightning but this crazed creature revels in it. She dances in the lashing rain, as the author says
‘… laughing and spinning, her arms waving like an Indian goddess… possessed of multiple limbs.’
Maria Gibbs has a wonderful way with words, almost lyrical at times. Check out the opening lines:-
‘The rain danced against the pane of glass, wild and wicked until the tempo changed, curling and writhing into a beautiful sensual rhythm.’
The atmosphere is set so you become embroiled within the story, you may well shiver as you are drawn in, experiencing the stormy nights with the rolling thunder. I sat tense on the edge of my seat wandering what was to come next upon the turn of the page. I was not disappointed.
For a short story this psychological thriller sure packs a lot in, with unexpected twists as you near the end. I don’t wish to share anymore because it is a story you need to experience for yourself, and in my view the author certainly does make you experience every event.
Very Highly Recommended.
July 6, 2016
The Storm Creature by Maria Gibbs is the first of her works that I have read, but I can assure you, it will not be the last. Although this is just a short-story at only 60 odd pages on Kindle, it is a wonderful story that captured me from the very first paragraph.
Lucy is haunted by the ghost of a woman she killed in a car accident a few years earlier. She is convinced Adele's death was her fault and has never forgiven herself for the accident. Lucy has cut herself off from society and lives alone in the woods, where she works as an editor. Her isolation, however, does not stop Adele's visitations to her whenever there is a storm. I won't give any more of the plot away at this point, but we are taking on a journey inside Lucy's troubled mind.
I personally, found Gibbs' writing style to be very poetic and compelling. Even though it was only a short story, I found once I started reading this tale, I couldn't put it down until I was sure what would happen to the characters Lucy and Adele. For me, this is the sign of a class author and one that I want to read more of. An excellent, excellent story and one I can only highly recommend to anyone. No question about the five stars for The Storm Creature. Fully deserved.
Just as a small aside - what a truly magnificent cover. I love it - it's so evocative.
Lucy is haunted by the ghost of a woman she killed in a car accident a few years earlier. She is convinced Adele's death was her fault and has never forgiven herself for the accident. Lucy has cut herself off from society and lives alone in the woods, where she works as an editor. Her isolation, however, does not stop Adele's visitations to her whenever there is a storm. I won't give any more of the plot away at this point, but we are taking on a journey inside Lucy's troubled mind.
I personally, found Gibbs' writing style to be very poetic and compelling. Even though it was only a short story, I found once I started reading this tale, I couldn't put it down until I was sure what would happen to the characters Lucy and Adele. For me, this is the sign of a class author and one that I want to read more of. An excellent, excellent story and one I can only highly recommend to anyone. No question about the five stars for The Storm Creature. Fully deserved.
Just as a small aside - what a truly magnificent cover. I love it - it's so evocative.
March 18, 2016
This story had a great opening and hooked me in immediately. It was well written, easy to read, and the evocative descriptions created a creepy and intriguing atmosphere. I enjoyed reading the story as it unfolded, telling the tale of Lucy’s tragic past and how it has affected her years later. I especially loved the huge unexpected twist at the end. This story goes to show how one tiny mistake can drastically alter so many people’s lives. This was a fantastic paranormal short story and I found it to be an engrossing read. I really enjoyed it!
Lesson of the story – never try to use your mobile phone while driving ……
Lesson of the story – never try to use your mobile phone while driving ……
March 2, 2017
An intriguing short story that hooked me on page one and kept my attention to the end. I was glad to be able to read it in one sitting, as I didn't want to put it down.
The descriptive, and almost poetic, writing created a creepy and tense atmosphere. It was an emotional book, with a tragic ending, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
This is the first book by Maria Gibbs that I've read and I'm certain it won't be the last
The descriptive, and almost poetic, writing created a creepy and tense atmosphere. It was an emotional book, with a tragic ending, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
This is the first book by Maria Gibbs that I've read and I'm certain it won't be the last
August 20, 2016
This is the second book I have read from Maria Gibbs, and what a great story it is.
I have to be honest that it was nothing like I expected it to be...but saying that I loved it nonetheless.
The Storm Creature tells the tale of Lucy - an author who's life turns upside down in the blink of an eye.
What this book does is make you think.
Maria Gibbs has certainly packed a large punch with a short story, and I will certainly be recommending this book to everybody.
I have to be honest that it was nothing like I expected it to be...but saying that I loved it nonetheless.
The Storm Creature tells the tale of Lucy - an author who's life turns upside down in the blink of an eye.
What this book does is make you think.
Maria Gibbs has certainly packed a large punch with a short story, and I will certainly be recommending this book to everybody.
November 16, 2016
Another excellent story by Ms. Gibbs. There was something in the text that prompted a strange deja vu for me. I could not stop reading.
I devoured it in one sitting even though I was terribly jet lagged in a hotel devoid of air conditioning. The weight behind the words spoke to me and I love how this story not only gives a cause and effect, but implements supernatural elements as well. I continue to enjoy and read her work. You should check her out.
I devoured it in one sitting even though I was terribly jet lagged in a hotel devoid of air conditioning. The weight behind the words spoke to me and I love how this story not only gives a cause and effect, but implements supernatural elements as well. I continue to enjoy and read her work. You should check her out.
July 25, 2016
An emotional rollercoaster; probably just as well it is a short story as we would be emotionally drained. The author uses a devastating tragedy, of the sort we hear about regularly in the news, to take us into a psychological and supernatural drama. The writing is very rich, but the pace quickens as we hope there may be some way for Lucy to move on, if only she was listening to her readers....
July 8, 2019
I loved this, this books ticks all the boxes and then some! Well worth a read
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews