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HauGHnt: Dark Shapes
A creepy fast read of desperation and fate, magic and murder.
A terrifying story with nail-biting suspense, HauGHnt delivers a non-stop thrill ride with twists and turns from start to finish. Sit back and enjoy this modern retelling of the classic tale of a deal with the devil—with a stunning climax that is sure to shock you.
We’re all damned.
It’s just a question of when.
As his estranged father lies on his deathbed, horror novelist Paul Steele is stunned by the old man’s admission: Many years ago, he committed a ghastly crime and was never caught, his freedom bartered in a black-magic spell. On his last breath, he warns Paul that he should expect a visit from a mysterious stranger. “He’ll be coming son. A dark man. A man from the shadows.”
Soon, a chilling figure appears outside Paul’s home during a late-night thunderstorm—the vile and sinister Haughnt. When Paul confronts him, he is horrified to learn that not only does Haughnt possess unimaginable magic, but has come to collect on his father’s debt. Given two choices, both unspeakable, he must find a way to break an unbreakable contract, a curse sealed in his family’s bloodline. Stifled at every turn, as time ticks away and Haughnt’s relentless grip tightens, Paul faces a cold reality: We’re all damned. It’s just a question of when.
A terrifying story with nail-biting suspense, HauGHnt delivers a non-stop thrill ride with twists and turns from start to finish. Sit back and enjoy this modern retelling of the classic tale of a deal with the devil—with a stunning climax that is sure to shock you.
We’re all damned.
It’s just a question of when.
As his estranged father lies on his deathbed, horror novelist Paul Steele is stunned by the old man’s admission: Many years ago, he committed a ghastly crime and was never caught, his freedom bartered in a black-magic spell. On his last breath, he warns Paul that he should expect a visit from a mysterious stranger. “He’ll be coming son. A dark man. A man from the shadows.”
Soon, a chilling figure appears outside Paul’s home during a late-night thunderstorm—the vile and sinister Haughnt. When Paul confronts him, he is horrified to learn that not only does Haughnt possess unimaginable magic, but has come to collect on his father’s debt. Given two choices, both unspeakable, he must find a way to break an unbreakable contract, a curse sealed in his family’s bloodline. Stifled at every turn, as time ticks away and Haughnt’s relentless grip tightens, Paul faces a cold reality: We’re all damned. It’s just a question of when.
106 pages, ebook
First published February 6, 2017
4 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
David C. Cassidy
5 books151 followersDavid is an award-winning author, the twisted mind behind several chilling books of horror and suspense. A busy little bee, this Canadian writer is also an accomplished photographer and Photoshop wiz—and a half-decent juggler. An avid amateur astronomer, he loves the night sky, chasing the stars with a telescope. Sometimes he eats.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 25, 2017
A deathbed confession, a family curse, a dark and stormy night complete with a mysterious stranger; really, what more could you ask for in a horror story?
HauGHnt by David C. Cassidy
As his father lies on his deathbed Paul Steele finds he can barely look at the man let alone offer him any comfort as he takes his last breaths. His father’s life-long quest to find peace in the bottom of a bottle destroyed Paul’s mother and alienated Paul. What the old man has to say before he dies does nothing to change Paul’s feelings, but now Paul may understand his never ending drinking. Paul’s father committed an unimaginable crime and avoided prosecution by making the proverbial deal with the devil. “We’re all damned. It’s just a question of when”. For Paul Steele the mysterious “when” turns out to be “right now”.
This short story is the first of Mr. Cassidy’s “Dark Shapes, Dark Shadows” series and after reading “HauGHnt” I am looking forward to what’s to come. Mr. Cassidy seems to enjoy taking an ordinary person with an ordinary life and putting them in the most extraordinary situation. It certainly makes for a chilling read.
Short stories are not my usual go-to read because, by their very definition, they are – well – short. It’s difficult to come to care for characters in the few pages allotted to the read but Mr. Cassidy packs a lot into this one, so I found myself totally involved in Paul’s dilemma. I couldn’t get to the end fast enough – in the good way! And the end? Paul shocked me as did HauGHnt and that’s always a good thing in a horror story.
I admit to wishing the story were just a tad longer, but taking the “creep” factor into consideration I’m giving this one 4 ½ stars.
* I’d like to thank the author for providing me with this book at no charge in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my opinion. *
HauGHnt by David C. Cassidy
As his father lies on his deathbed Paul Steele finds he can barely look at the man let alone offer him any comfort as he takes his last breaths. His father’s life-long quest to find peace in the bottom of a bottle destroyed Paul’s mother and alienated Paul. What the old man has to say before he dies does nothing to change Paul’s feelings, but now Paul may understand his never ending drinking. Paul’s father committed an unimaginable crime and avoided prosecution by making the proverbial deal with the devil. “We’re all damned. It’s just a question of when”. For Paul Steele the mysterious “when” turns out to be “right now”.
This short story is the first of Mr. Cassidy’s “Dark Shapes, Dark Shadows” series and after reading “HauGHnt” I am looking forward to what’s to come. Mr. Cassidy seems to enjoy taking an ordinary person with an ordinary life and putting them in the most extraordinary situation. It certainly makes for a chilling read.
Short stories are not my usual go-to read because, by their very definition, they are – well – short. It’s difficult to come to care for characters in the few pages allotted to the read but Mr. Cassidy packs a lot into this one, so I found myself totally involved in Paul’s dilemma. I couldn’t get to the end fast enough – in the good way! And the end? Paul shocked me as did HauGHnt and that’s always a good thing in a horror story.
I admit to wishing the story were just a tad longer, but taking the “creep” factor into consideration I’m giving this one 4 ½ stars.
* I’d like to thank the author for providing me with this book at no charge in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my opinion. *
February 7, 2017
When a story gives me goosebumps as Haughnt did,it is a "horror" story. A clever horror story. Be cautious and fearful of magic,especially dark magic.Beware of who you make deals with.No one ever wins.
February 9, 2017
David C. Cassidy has done it once again with his short story HauGHnt. On the surface this is a pretty good, horror-suspense book. But on another level it's a story about how a son judges his father, and what lengths a father will go to protect his son. It's a short story, so it's a quick read, but no way is this a "toss away" book. If you like, horror-suspense type stories, by all means give HauGHnt a shot.
February 7, 2017
A chilling thought provoking story. Makes you question yourself and what you would do. The possibilities will raise the hair on the back of your neck.
February 7, 2017
Though short this book is packed full from the start. Scary, thrilling & page turning. I can highly recommend this author to any horror fans.
February 7, 2017
If you Love books that you can't put down .... This is the best couple of hours you'll spend reading this week.
February 7, 2017
Short but not so sweet! Left me wanting more, much more.
This was a superb read and I loved the title, very clever.
I was so hoping Paul Steele would find a way out from his father's deal with the devil but that was never going to happen.
This was a superb read and I loved the title, very clever.
I was so hoping Paul Steele would find a way out from his father's deal with the devil but that was never going to happen.
February 9, 2017
Love this book! So well written! I felt like I was living this terrible nightmare with him! What a terrible revelation made on the old man's deathbed!
Can't wait for the next book!
Can't wait for the next book!
February 9, 2017
Creepy good read!! Can't wait for more!
February 23, 2017
Dark, gritty, suspenseful are three words to describe this superb short story of horror. It just goes to show that suspenseful horror isn't dead compared to hack and slash. There is an overt sense of dread throughout this story that you know it can't end good. David Cassidy has done it again with his unique and macabre style of writing.
February 8, 2017
Cracking and pacy read! This Faustian tale kept me on the edge of my seat through its all too brief read - am definitely looking forward to more of Cassidy's work!
February 7, 2017
Excellent!!
February 8, 2017
"We're all damned, Mr. Steele. It is only a question of when."
These words are all too real for Paul Steele. Because of a decision made by his father many years ago, the Steele family must live under a curse that saved Paul's father from serving a life sentence. However, it can be argued that the alternative gave Paul's father and his descendants another kind of life sentence.
It is up to Paul Steele to try and rid his family of this evil curse, but time is limited.
This story is a quick read, but it is far from disappointing! Because of the author's excellent attention to detail, the reader is easily taken in and can feel the anxiety and fear right along with Paul as the story progresses.
We can feel the overwhelming sadness when Paul weeps in despair. We can feel the fear when Paul glimpses the image of an act of savagery in an ancient book--an image that possibly depicts his future. We can feel the hope and excitement when Paul makes his biggest plan.
This short story is a page-turner for sure! Also aside from being a suspenseful tale, it powerfully demonstrates how humans are affected by high stress and desperation.
I enjoyed this read very much, and I definitely look forward to getting lost in another of Mr. Cassidy's books!
These words are all too real for Paul Steele. Because of a decision made by his father many years ago, the Steele family must live under a curse that saved Paul's father from serving a life sentence. However, it can be argued that the alternative gave Paul's father and his descendants another kind of life sentence.
It is up to Paul Steele to try and rid his family of this evil curse, but time is limited.
This story is a quick read, but it is far from disappointing! Because of the author's excellent attention to detail, the reader is easily taken in and can feel the anxiety and fear right along with Paul as the story progresses.
We can feel the overwhelming sadness when Paul weeps in despair. We can feel the fear when Paul glimpses the image of an act of savagery in an ancient book--an image that possibly depicts his future. We can feel the hope and excitement when Paul makes his biggest plan.
This short story is a page-turner for sure! Also aside from being a suspenseful tale, it powerfully demonstrates how humans are affected by high stress and desperation.
I enjoyed this read very much, and I definitely look forward to getting lost in another of Mr. Cassidy's books!
February 10, 2017
Short but yet again an excellent Horror from David C Cassidy looking forward to part two
July 22, 2018
Horror in it's finest hour.
I have been a fan of all things horror since age 5, when my parents decided that it would not warp me too much to allow me to watch Saturday night horror movies. Not since then have I slept with the light until now. HauGHnt is so deliciously scary. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes looking over their shoulder from time to time. I loved this book!
I have been a fan of all things horror since age 5, when my parents decided that it would not warp me too much to allow me to watch Saturday night horror movies. Not since then have I slept with the light until now. HauGHnt is so deliciously scary. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes looking over their shoulder from time to time. I loved this book!
February 9, 2017
A chilling, eerie and thought-provoking short story. The characters jump of the page and the pace never lets up. The horror genre is very difficult to master but this author has hit it out of the park with this scary story. Stephen King would be proud.
February 8, 2017
David C. Cassidy takes you first hand on a journey into the darkest depths of humanity in Haughnt Book 1. You'll feel every emotion as Paul Steele seeks release from a curse before it's too late. Well written, storytelling at its best!
February 9, 2017
Another fantastic offering by the undisputed master of horror and suspense, David C Cassidy. The book clearly demonstrates that not all horror stories need to be laden with blood and gore. The best are those of a psychological nature. The author here masterfully crafts the story plot in just that way and builds it to a crescendo. Even though a short book it leaves the reader wanting for more .. a common theme with Mr. Cassidy'books. If you've never read one of this author's books .. start here and I know you won't be able to stop.
February 8, 2017
Loved this book from first page to last. A psychological thriller that has you looking over your shoulder as you read. I've notw read it twice, and it just gets better in the re-reading. All I can say is MORE, MORE, MORE, please Mr. Cassidy.
Currently reading
February 8, 2017This is a great read. I could not stop reading it. This is a great author who is just great at keeping you hooked right to the end.
If you haven't read anything by him give this book a try as a little taste of what you can get.
If you haven't read anything by him give this book a try as a little taste of what you can get.
September 15, 2021
Couldn’t put it down
HauGHnt is a “freaking you out so bad you want to stop reading but you just can’t” kinda book! This thing keeps you guessing, with an adrenaline filled ride that doesn’t disappoint! I recommend it wholeheartedly!
HauGHnt is a “freaking you out so bad you want to stop reading but you just can’t” kinda book! This thing keeps you guessing, with an adrenaline filled ride that doesn’t disappoint! I recommend it wholeheartedly!
July 5, 2018
Creepy
This was a very good creepy story. I just wish it was longer!
This is one of the best descriptive writers ever
This was a very good creepy story. I just wish it was longer!
This is one of the best descriptive writers ever
November 18, 2024
The characters grab you right away and you need to continue to read to find out how they are
February 18, 2017
Creepy but tame!
This story did not creep me out at all. I would have liked it to be "meatier" so to speak and for it to affect my "fear factor".
I AM A BIG FAN OF DAVID'S writing but this one just didn't grab my imagination. I have read this plot before...raining, dark, and a mysterious stranger in the woods. However, the end result is left to your imagination.
This story did not creep me out at all. I would have liked it to be "meatier" so to speak and for it to affect my "fear factor".
I AM A BIG FAN OF DAVID'S writing but this one just didn't grab my imagination. I have read this plot before...raining, dark, and a mysterious stranger in the woods. However, the end result is left to your imagination.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews