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Trapdoor: a short story
An Apocalyptic Christmas Short Story
Giant trapdoor spiders have launched an assault against the human race and appear to be winning the war. Civilization crumbles, and all hope begins to fade.
Nonetheless, even during these terrible times, Christmas still manages to arrive. John, trapped on a farm with his only surviving daughter, desperately tries to find a way to give his little girl some type of holiday joy. To his surprise, John soon discovers Christmas miracles might, in fact, be real as the perfect present arrives on their front doorstep.
The only problem is, he may have to race against time to salvage this miracle before the spiders snag it in their deadly traps...
Giant trapdoor spiders have launched an assault against the human race and appear to be winning the war. Civilization crumbles, and all hope begins to fade.
Nonetheless, even during these terrible times, Christmas still manages to arrive. John, trapped on a farm with his only surviving daughter, desperately tries to find a way to give his little girl some type of holiday joy. To his surprise, John soon discovers Christmas miracles might, in fact, be real as the perfect present arrives on their front doorstep.
The only problem is, he may have to race against time to salvage this miracle before the spiders snag it in their deadly traps...
- GenresHorror
10 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2017
About the author
Roma Gray
135 books95 followersRoma Gray is the author of a multitude of horror short stories, novellas, and novels.
Please check out my series of anthologies, novels, novellas and shorts in the Trick-or-Treat Thrillers series. From horror to ghosts stories to backyard monsters to tales of science fiction, you can count on a variety of topics, all with a Halloween flair.
Sign up for news on new releases and free books: Mailing list: http://eepurl.com/dcAI5P
Please check out my series of anthologies, novels, novellas and shorts in the Trick-or-Treat Thrillers series. From horror to ghosts stories to backyard monsters to tales of science fiction, you can count on a variety of topics, all with a Halloween flair.
Sign up for news on new releases and free books: Mailing list: http://eepurl.com/dcAI5P
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 29, 2017
3.5 stars
This is the first story ( I use the term lightly, given this is only 11 pages) I've read by Roma Gray, and what you see is what you get. I can't say much without giving away spoilers, but the story delivers what is promised, a short horrifying read. If you need fluff, keep looking.
What I liked the most about this story was it gave me an insight to the authors writing style, and with that said, I'm running off to check out her other books.
I grabbed one of ten copies offered via InstaFreebie. A review wasn't requested, but I wrote one anyway.
This is the first story ( I use the term lightly, given this is only 11 pages) I've read by Roma Gray, and what you see is what you get. I can't say much without giving away spoilers, but the story delivers what is promised, a short horrifying read. If you need fluff, keep looking.
What I liked the most about this story was it gave me an insight to the authors writing style, and with that said, I'm running off to check out her other books.
I grabbed one of ten copies offered via InstaFreebie. A review wasn't requested, but I wrote one anyway.
November 30, 2023
Well... that was a bit of a Debbie downer of a Christmas tale.
August 14, 2018
Arachnophobia suffers beware (an audio review)
Roma Gray’s imagination never ceases to amaze me. I swear the woman must have vivid nightmares and often reading her stories, I have bad dreams myself. This story occurs in a world where giant spiders have taken over the world. Although a bit different in execution, the story reminded me of ‘A Quieter Place’ where you don’t want the creatures to hear you or know you’re there.
John has survived in this horrifying world with his daughter as they are protected from the insects. The decision to try to get a Christmas tree in order to create a special day proves disastrous.
This short story fits with Ms. Gray’s horror oeuvre and I enjoyed it. Terry F. Self narrates many of Roma’s stories and he does a great job. I enjoy his work and look forward to listening to more of these books.
Roma Gray’s imagination never ceases to amaze me. I swear the woman must have vivid nightmares and often reading her stories, I have bad dreams myself. This story occurs in a world where giant spiders have taken over the world. Although a bit different in execution, the story reminded me of ‘A Quieter Place’ where you don’t want the creatures to hear you or know you’re there.
John has survived in this horrifying world with his daughter as they are protected from the insects. The decision to try to get a Christmas tree in order to create a special day proves disastrous.
This short story fits with Ms. Gray’s horror oeuvre and I enjoyed it. Terry F. Self narrates many of Roma’s stories and he does a great job. I enjoy his work and look forward to listening to more of these books.
January 2, 2018
I was given a free copy of this audiobook for an honest review.
While it was sad, it was also a cool short story. It was a different take on the post-apocalyptic theme with the human race being killed off by spiders. I could see this being rewritten into a longer story and I'd be interested in listening/reading that! I'd recommend this to others.
While it was sad, it was also a cool short story. It was a different take on the post-apocalyptic theme with the human race being killed off by spiders. I could see this being rewritten into a longer story and I'd be interested in listening/reading that! I'd recommend this to others.
December 8, 2024
This short story revolves around the mutation of the trapdoor spider. The main character is the father of a child who has managed to keep them both alive. The narrative is sparse, relying on minimal description. It unfolds simply, detailing a sequence of events: this happened, then that happened, someone else showed up, and so on, leading to the conclusion. While I didn't dislike the story, it felt too brief, and I found it challenging to connect with the character or care about his struggles.
In this tale, giant trapdoor spiders have launched an assault against humanity, appearing to win the war as civilization crumbles and hope fades.
Despite these dire circumstances, Christmas arrives. John, trapped on a farm with his only surviving daughter, is determined to bring his little girl some holiday joy. To his surprise, he soon discovers that Christmas miracles may indeed be real, as the perfect present unexpectedly arrives on their doorstep.
However, he may have to race against time to salvage this miracle before the spiders ensnare it in their deadly traps.
In this tale, giant trapdoor spiders have launched an assault against humanity, appearing to win the war as civilization crumbles and hope fades.
Despite these dire circumstances, Christmas arrives. John, trapped on a farm with his only surviving daughter, is determined to bring his little girl some holiday joy. To his surprise, he soon discovers that Christmas miracles may indeed be real, as the perfect present unexpectedly arrives on their doorstep.
However, he may have to race against time to salvage this miracle before the spiders ensnare it in their deadly traps.
January 26, 2018
Another quality story by Roma Gray.
TrapDoor is a small short story with a big ending.
Give it a read/listen, you will be happy you did.
TrapDoor is a small short story with a big ending.
Give it a read/listen, you will be happy you did.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews