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All Roads Shattered: A Collection of Dark Fiction Short Stories and Poems
Shattered lives... without each other they were nothing.ALL ROADS SHATTERED, the third book of Lisa Diaz Meyer's All Roads Collection contains two short story sagas, five multi-genre, dark fiction short stories and twelve macabre poems. Other books in this dark fiction collection are ALL ROADS HOME and ALL ROADS DESTINED. ALL ROADS SHATTERED has received 5 Star reviews from Readers Favorite and Literary Titan.ALL ROADS SHATTERED received Medalist Winner in SHORT STORY FICTION from New Apple Literary 2018.
252 pages, Paperback
Published April 19, 2017
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13 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Diaz Meyer
7 books127 followersALL ROADS HOME, ALL ROADS DESTINED and ALL ROADS SHATTERED are Long Island author, Lisa Diaz Meyer’s current works of multi-genre, dark fiction short stories and poems. The author/poet uses several controversial topics and awarenesses in her collection of speculative fiction. She has received 5 Star Reviews for all three of her books from Readers Favorite and Literary Titan, including Literary Titan’s Gold Book Award for each and Distinguished Favorite Awards from Independent Press. For her book ALL ROADS DESTINED, she was nominated for a 2017 CIPA EVVY award and also received a New Apple Official Selection in Poetry 2017. ALL ROADS SHATTERED received New Apple Literary’s Solo Medalist Winner in Short Story Fiction 2018 and was a finalist in TopShelf Magazine 2019/2020. Readers can also find her work in several Red Penguin Books publications by JK Larkin, WHAT LIES BEYOND, I CAN’T FIND MY FLASHLIGHT, STAND OUT vol 1, TIS THE SEASONS, and THE OCEAN WAVES. She’s also featured in Long Island poetry publications, THE BARDS ANNUAL 2020 and THE BARDS ANNUAL 2021 and VOICES IN VERSE 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 2, 2020
All Roads Shattered by Lisa Diaz Meyer is a collection of dark fiction short stories and poems. I stumbled upon this author at a book fair last fall and decided to learn more about her. After locating this collection, knowing it had dark elements with a variety of writing styles and formats, I thought it'd be a great way to become familiar with her literary style. What a great find! Let's chat about this book's content...
In the first section, The Outposts III, we have a saga of short stories, all revolving around a common cast of characters who will delight and frighten you. From the beginning, when it appears someone is buried alive, I was hooked to the plot. When it took a slightly more macabre and chilling turn, I found myself intrigued by the possibilities. Dealing with different phobias, family issues, and outside impacts, the Mitchells are in need of help... well, at least some of them. What a clever, dark set of creations to entertain readers. Meyer is a strong, intense writer with a compelling use of vocabulary and writing styles. While some of the plots fall into non-traditional genres (meaning that I don't normally read), the quality of the writing easily captivated me.
People of Gods and The Enduring are two other sagas / stories included in this book. They are each about ~50 pages, broken into chapters or parts that are connected but not necessarily serial. Consider this an overview of a world the author's created with mesmerizing settings and creatures. I enjoyed both of these, as well as the final section, The Oddities, which covers Preachers, Crooks and Helge. Poor Helge... or should I say her family. I'm still uncertain exactly what happened there, but it was definitely intriguing and made me want to read more.
My favorite in this collection, which is not the norm for me, is the author's poetry section, entitled Fragments. I like poetry, but I don't always easily connect with it. Here, I thought it was brilliant. Meyer doesn't just throw emotions at you, pushing you to interpret and imagine the world she's created. The lines and words creep inside your body and compel you to feel the presence of the characters in the room beside you. Between The Bride, Graveyard, and Guilt, I found myself eager to re-read the poems over and over again. But when I got to Yesterdays, the repetition and and hidden messages truly had a positive impact on me. It is by far my favorite in her collection, and I would love to share this one in my review. Maybe she's posted it on her website... will have to check, but definitely a thriller.
So... definitely a high recommendation for those who love poetry and dark fiction. It's a stand-out, and I am eager to read more in the future from this author. I'd love a full-length novel from her, simply to see what plot twists she'd come up with. A great find, and I'm glad to say... this was my last book read in 2019. I enjoy ending the year on a stellar note!
In the first section, The Outposts III, we have a saga of short stories, all revolving around a common cast of characters who will delight and frighten you. From the beginning, when it appears someone is buried alive, I was hooked to the plot. When it took a slightly more macabre and chilling turn, I found myself intrigued by the possibilities. Dealing with different phobias, family issues, and outside impacts, the Mitchells are in need of help... well, at least some of them. What a clever, dark set of creations to entertain readers. Meyer is a strong, intense writer with a compelling use of vocabulary and writing styles. While some of the plots fall into non-traditional genres (meaning that I don't normally read), the quality of the writing easily captivated me.
People of Gods and The Enduring are two other sagas / stories included in this book. They are each about ~50 pages, broken into chapters or parts that are connected but not necessarily serial. Consider this an overview of a world the author's created with mesmerizing settings and creatures. I enjoyed both of these, as well as the final section, The Oddities, which covers Preachers, Crooks and Helge. Poor Helge... or should I say her family. I'm still uncertain exactly what happened there, but it was definitely intriguing and made me want to read more.
My favorite in this collection, which is not the norm for me, is the author's poetry section, entitled Fragments. I like poetry, but I don't always easily connect with it. Here, I thought it was brilliant. Meyer doesn't just throw emotions at you, pushing you to interpret and imagine the world she's created. The lines and words creep inside your body and compel you to feel the presence of the characters in the room beside you. Between The Bride, Graveyard, and Guilt, I found myself eager to re-read the poems over and over again. But when I got to Yesterdays, the repetition and and hidden messages truly had a positive impact on me. It is by far my favorite in her collection, and I would love to share this one in my review. Maybe she's posted it on her website... will have to check, but definitely a thriller.
So... definitely a high recommendation for those who love poetry and dark fiction. It's a stand-out, and I am eager to read more in the future from this author. I'd love a full-length novel from her, simply to see what plot twists she'd come up with. A great find, and I'm glad to say... this was my last book read in 2019. I enjoy ending the year on a stellar note!
March 13, 2019
What is evil? The answer to that question has an awful lot to do with perspective. What some people consider to be evil, others see as heroic. With that thought in mind, have you ever wondered if there is a capacity for all of us to engage in dark and lurid conduct? It can certainly be argued that nobody begins life with evil in their heart. It is a conditioned behavior. We all rely upon one another in some fashion, and when it all goes sideways… so do our actions. Pretty controversial and thought-provoking stuff! In her book All Roads Shattered, author Lisa Diaz Meyer explores such a human dynamic. This is a must read for all lovers of intelligent and fascinating prose- which will take you deep into the inner depths and disturbing psyche of the human mind!
Essentially, All Roads Shattered is the third book in Lisa Diaz Meyer’s All Roads collection. It includes two short story sagas, twelve macabre poems and five multi-genre dark fiction stories.
The two sagas are entitled “Outpost III” and “People of Gods.” The former is a continuation of the Outposts saga which appears in Meyer’s previous work. It is a dark, dystopian Science Fiction tale which picks up where the previous installment left off. The latter is similar in the sense that it is another great piece of Science Fiction. However, it is more than this. It inexplicably studies the human experience. In this particular case, what actually happens when a particular group is persecuted to the point of virtual extinction. How far will individuals go to maintain their own quality of life? Would this include turning on those who are closest to them? We all may have this in us depending upon the conditions. Considering the countless analogous circumstances throughout the history of human civilization… this is a haunting story indeed!
The two sagas which Meyer includes in her impressive anthology would have been more than enough to ensnare this particular reader’s complete engagement. Nevertheless, she is by no means finished. The book also includes a number of macabre poems and various pieces of dark fiction. I personally find these to be the strongest and most gripping segments of the entire collection. The term “macabre” does not even do them justice. It is more like soul-sucking! For instance, I absolutely loved the tragic and forlorn nature of the Graveyard poem. Life certainly has a way of sneaking up on you, and none of us are immune to its clutches. Further, the five stories in the Enduring and Oddities collections were horrifyingly delightful! For example, while “Helge” is frightening and gruesome, The Clearing is equally fearsome and utterly harrowing-yet heartbreaking,
There is no question that the plotting and overall theme of these stories is superb. The reader has no choice but to become engrossed and entirely emotionally invested in the work. The human condition is explored, but in a way which makes us question ourselves. These are not particularly heroic or nefarious characters. Indeed… they are us. Living each day the best we can and depending upon other people for what we need. What happens when it all goes astray? Read on and find out! The irony and paradoxical nature of this anthology is brilliant!
While the plot and overall theme of these stories are captivating, the characters and world building are enthralling as well. The various players are complex and grow a great deal throughout the pages. As readers (and human beings), we cannot help but feel akin to their various plights and emotions. Even the horrific doctor in “Helge” will inspire some form of sympathy and understanding…despite the overall feeling of repugnancy. How is that possible considering his evil and gruesome deeds? The answer to this question is provided by Meyer herself. She cleverly provides pertinent background, detail an ample growth in her characters so that the reader can easily identify with them. Character development at its best!
There is little doubt that this is a top-notch anthology. Meyer’s pen has a poetic flow and her writing is morbidly beautiful. Everything is supported by a creepy and well fleshed out setting. This lets the reader easily visualize and become lost in the worlds which Meyer has created.
I give this anthology my highest recommendation. There are dark and graphic scenes so be forewarned. As such I recommend it only to adult readers.
5 out of 5 Ghastly Stars for this one! *****
Essentially, All Roads Shattered is the third book in Lisa Diaz Meyer’s All Roads collection. It includes two short story sagas, twelve macabre poems and five multi-genre dark fiction stories.
The two sagas are entitled “Outpost III” and “People of Gods.” The former is a continuation of the Outposts saga which appears in Meyer’s previous work. It is a dark, dystopian Science Fiction tale which picks up where the previous installment left off. The latter is similar in the sense that it is another great piece of Science Fiction. However, it is more than this. It inexplicably studies the human experience. In this particular case, what actually happens when a particular group is persecuted to the point of virtual extinction. How far will individuals go to maintain their own quality of life? Would this include turning on those who are closest to them? We all may have this in us depending upon the conditions. Considering the countless analogous circumstances throughout the history of human civilization… this is a haunting story indeed!
The two sagas which Meyer includes in her impressive anthology would have been more than enough to ensnare this particular reader’s complete engagement. Nevertheless, she is by no means finished. The book also includes a number of macabre poems and various pieces of dark fiction. I personally find these to be the strongest and most gripping segments of the entire collection. The term “macabre” does not even do them justice. It is more like soul-sucking! For instance, I absolutely loved the tragic and forlorn nature of the Graveyard poem. Life certainly has a way of sneaking up on you, and none of us are immune to its clutches. Further, the five stories in the Enduring and Oddities collections were horrifyingly delightful! For example, while “Helge” is frightening and gruesome, The Clearing is equally fearsome and utterly harrowing-yet heartbreaking,
There is no question that the plotting and overall theme of these stories is superb. The reader has no choice but to become engrossed and entirely emotionally invested in the work. The human condition is explored, but in a way which makes us question ourselves. These are not particularly heroic or nefarious characters. Indeed… they are us. Living each day the best we can and depending upon other people for what we need. What happens when it all goes astray? Read on and find out! The irony and paradoxical nature of this anthology is brilliant!
While the plot and overall theme of these stories are captivating, the characters and world building are enthralling as well. The various players are complex and grow a great deal throughout the pages. As readers (and human beings), we cannot help but feel akin to their various plights and emotions. Even the horrific doctor in “Helge” will inspire some form of sympathy and understanding…despite the overall feeling of repugnancy. How is that possible considering his evil and gruesome deeds? The answer to this question is provided by Meyer herself. She cleverly provides pertinent background, detail an ample growth in her characters so that the reader can easily identify with them. Character development at its best!
There is little doubt that this is a top-notch anthology. Meyer’s pen has a poetic flow and her writing is morbidly beautiful. Everything is supported by a creepy and well fleshed out setting. This lets the reader easily visualize and become lost in the worlds which Meyer has created.
I give this anthology my highest recommendation. There are dark and graphic scenes so be forewarned. As such I recommend it only to adult readers.
5 out of 5 Ghastly Stars for this one! *****
September 2, 2019
Dark indeed! But within that blackness there is the light from the beautifully crafted words that lets us, the reader, see and feel the evil and malevolent forces that exist in not just this world, but in worlds that the highly skilled author and word-spinner, Lisa Diaz Meyer, creates for our enjoyment.
I was wowed from the the first few paragraphs of her opening story, right through to the final word of this book. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting, but certainly not this
truly eye-opening, exquisitely written collection. In truth, I wanted more. More of these stories that entrapped me. I wished that these stories were full ten course meals that one could savour and digest at length.
The poetry is a wonderful, mid-course, breather. Allowing us to take stock of what we have just read, and prepare us for the final, sumptuous offerings. They are dark and raw, letting us rediscover and re-examine those feelings and emotions that we all have, but keep bottled inside.
This is indeed a five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read that makes me NEED to read the other two books in the “All Roads” series.
I was wowed from the the first few paragraphs of her opening story, right through to the final word of this book. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting, but certainly not this
truly eye-opening, exquisitely written collection. In truth, I wanted more. More of these stories that entrapped me. I wished that these stories were full ten course meals that one could savour and digest at length.
The poetry is a wonderful, mid-course, breather. Allowing us to take stock of what we have just read, and prepare us for the final, sumptuous offerings. They are dark and raw, letting us rediscover and re-examine those feelings and emotions that we all have, but keep bottled inside.
This is indeed a five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read that makes me NEED to read the other two books in the “All Roads” series.
April 10, 2018
All Roads Shattered: A Collection of Dark Fiction Short Stories and Poems by Lisa Diaz Meyer is the third installment of the author's All Roads series, an anthology of work that includes The Outposts III, a continuation of Meyer's popular saga, The Outposts, from book one, All Roads Home, and book two, All Roads Destined. The anthology also offers a second saga, People of Gods, five additional independent short stories and a collection of twelve poems. The work is, in true Meyer fashion, ominous, morbid, and brilliantly fleshed out (especially in her short story The Preacher, where this becomes something of a double entendre).
I have personally become an instant fan of Lisa Diaz Meyer, hooked from the first paragraph of The Outposts III saga, which can be read on its own but became far more enjoyable after dipping back into the first two installments. The other short stories pack a huge punch for their size, not an easy feat when elements of world building are also required. Her poetry is equally intriguing. My favorite is The Collection with lines that dance in tune with devilish, lyrical depictions: "A small rib cage floats in a jar, half a skull, a demon's head, a portrait - of a killer, no less - reminds us to keep wary of who our neighbors really are." I highly recommend All Roads Shattered by Lisa Diaz Meyer to any reader who is looking to escape into stories and poetry that are a bit sinister, dished out in bite-sized pieces that still fill the darkest corners of the mind.
Review written for Readers' Favorite.
I have personally become an instant fan of Lisa Diaz Meyer, hooked from the first paragraph of The Outposts III saga, which can be read on its own but became far more enjoyable after dipping back into the first two installments. The other short stories pack a huge punch for their size, not an easy feat when elements of world building are also required. Her poetry is equally intriguing. My favorite is The Collection with lines that dance in tune with devilish, lyrical depictions: "A small rib cage floats in a jar, half a skull, a demon's head, a portrait - of a killer, no less - reminds us to keep wary of who our neighbors really are." I highly recommend All Roads Shattered by Lisa Diaz Meyer to any reader who is looking to escape into stories and poetry that are a bit sinister, dished out in bite-sized pieces that still fill the darkest corners of the mind.
Review written for Readers' Favorite.
May 7, 2018
What a pleasant surprise! I read the book in less than two days and could not put it down. The book, which has won a 5 Star Readers Favorite Award from New Apple Literary, is divided into parts: two sagas "Outposts III" and "People of Gods," five multi-genre, dark fiction short stories and twelve macabre poems.
Lisa describes herself as "a voice for the sad and lost, isolated and abandoned, desperate and different"..." (Lisa) relates to the odd, macabre, and funereal." You might be afraid that these tales are extreme. To be honest, I thought yeah, I know people like this. People who are willing to sacrifice even their loved ones so their lives play out according to their own agendas.
Lisa uses irony to repeat the same themes throughout: governments and the general population, as well as individuals within families, are in constant power plays for control; people cannot be trusted; what goes around comes around; the world is filled with shape- shifters, liars, manipulators; nothing is as it seems; always be suspicious to protect yourself and your loved ones; many people have horrible dark souls that even those closest to them are unaware.
I was reminded of Edgar Allan Poe. Remember how his characters deceived their victims, setting them up for "the kill" with elaborate plans and smiles on their faces? Yes, it's all the rage to be positive and apply Law of Attraction principles, but yet...
I especially enjoyed The Oddities , The Clearing , Dinner With Myles, and the Graveyard poem. Life has a way of sneaking up on you even when you're looking.
Lisa describes herself as "a voice for the sad and lost, isolated and abandoned, desperate and different"..." (Lisa) relates to the odd, macabre, and funereal." You might be afraid that these tales are extreme. To be honest, I thought yeah, I know people like this. People who are willing to sacrifice even their loved ones so their lives play out according to their own agendas.
Lisa uses irony to repeat the same themes throughout: governments and the general population, as well as individuals within families, are in constant power plays for control; people cannot be trusted; what goes around comes around; the world is filled with shape- shifters, liars, manipulators; nothing is as it seems; always be suspicious to protect yourself and your loved ones; many people have horrible dark souls that even those closest to them are unaware.
I was reminded of Edgar Allan Poe. Remember how his characters deceived their victims, setting them up for "the kill" with elaborate plans and smiles on their faces? Yes, it's all the rage to be positive and apply Law of Attraction principles, but yet...
I especially enjoyed The Oddities , The Clearing , Dinner With Myles, and the Graveyard poem. Life has a way of sneaking up on you even when you're looking.
December 16, 2018
This is the third of Lisa Diaz Meyer's "Roads" collection of dark fiction that I've read. I loved the first two books, but this one is my favorite. It showcases Ms. Meyers' talent to write a variety of absorbing scenarios that grip the reader and pulls them into different dark places from a witch's house to a 1950's German gynecologist's lab to an 1800's English dinner engagement between two cousins, and many other unique and unusual times and locations.
I enjoyed the next installment of the Outpost sag that I've been following from the beginning, but I also liked the the other longer short stories especially the Enduring that moves back and forth in time between 1927 and 1942. The "People of Gods" story features a nice mix of religion, science fiction, and horror.
I highly recommend this collection of tales you won't easily forget.
I enjoyed the next installment of the Outpost sag that I've been following from the beginning, but I also liked the the other longer short stories especially the Enduring that moves back and forth in time between 1927 and 1942. The "People of Gods" story features a nice mix of religion, science fiction, and horror.
I highly recommend this collection of tales you won't easily forget.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews