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Nightbird
On the night a strange and beautiful woman captured Isaac’s virginity, something happened. It was something dark, unsavory, and unexplainable. On that night, the mysterious woman captured much, much more than a first.
Sixteen-year-old Isaac just wanted to see a midnight movie. He didn't expect to meet the woman of his more beautiful, mature, and intelligent than any of Isaac's high-school crushes, and (best of all) willing to fulfil his fantasies! So what if she didn't have a computer, a phone, a car, or a job? So what if she shares an isolated farmhouse with a half-dozen insatiable, love-crazed people, all aching for her attention? She was ready and willing.
That one night was enough, perhaps too much. Isaac resigned himself to never seeing her again and moving on.
But is that possible? Will he ever be rid of her? Can he love another? Will she ever release that hold?
Or will she be there forever, especially at night, when the wind whistles through the forest and the screech owls cry…
Sixteen-year-old Isaac just wanted to see a midnight movie. He didn't expect to meet the woman of his more beautiful, mature, and intelligent than any of Isaac's high-school crushes, and (best of all) willing to fulfil his fantasies! So what if she didn't have a computer, a phone, a car, or a job? So what if she shares an isolated farmhouse with a half-dozen insatiable, love-crazed people, all aching for her attention? She was ready and willing.
That one night was enough, perhaps too much. Isaac resigned himself to never seeing her again and moving on.
But is that possible? Will he ever be rid of her? Can he love another? Will she ever release that hold?
Or will she be there forever, especially at night, when the wind whistles through the forest and the screech owls cry…
- GenresHorror
81 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2018
6 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
David Busboom
11 books20 followersDavid Busboom was raised in a castle his father built in the woods of Champaign County, Illinois. He began writing at age nine, and hasn't stopped yet. He lives in Central Illinois.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 22, 2018
A portentous tale of first love, the story begins long before the lovers meet. Based on legend and embodied by woodlands and mist, the perfect woman appears to the young narrator, who will follow her for the rest of his life. The writing style is somewhat classical, adding credence to a haunting that may continue still. Images are brought to life and turned to ruin with the finesse of language, while the sound of owls in flight echoes in the gloaming.
February 17, 2018
A sexy and surreal gothic ghost story with atmosphere as thick as pea soup, what I really latched onto was Busboom’s command of language, which effortlessly pulls you into this short novella and doesn’t relinquish you until the murky end.
September 14, 2018
Like many writers, I love to read and review the work of other writers. “What have you been up to, fellow writer? What’s going on in your heart and mind?”
I love it so much that I rack up the books I’m supposed to review until they strain against my ceiling and I feel the crushing longing of each text for an evaluation I put off giving it while I dive into my brand-new copy of Knausgaard’s My Struggle Volume Six, which sits at 1200 pages, with so many words on them.
Well I got 300 pages into that then set him aside for a bit because I’m worried my metaphorical ceiling will cave in. (I’m one of the few reviewers who prefers PDFs. PDFs!)
(Hope that little confessional memoir piece was cathartic to you, fellow reviewer, because as you can imagine I’m also supposed to get in writing hours and do a full-time job so I have very little catharsis per day to offer you.)
WHICH BRINGS ME TO this book from dark-fiction-publisher-on-the-rise, Unnerving.
The author’s authorial confidence lured me into this tale and got me to slow down, as only great writers can. And then he unnerved the crap out of me.
The writing itself flows wonderfully. Busboom takes his time to build the story and its setting. There are a multitude of beautiful phrases, with “anorexic trees” and “mist the color of an old man’s beard.” The senses are brought alive, first with the enticing and then with the disgusting which intermingle like the protagonist’s lust for a nubile demonic beauty in his area.
Also deals with complex themes which I’d spoil if I gave away, but rest assured, this novella has a delicious moral ambiguity.
I just have the ebook version but the interior design, as with all Unnerving books, is done quite lovingly.
Unnerving has cleverly marketed itself as the place to go for established and emerging names in the world of accessible scares.
So get involved!!
I love it so much that I rack up the books I’m supposed to review until they strain against my ceiling and I feel the crushing longing of each text for an evaluation I put off giving it while I dive into my brand-new copy of Knausgaard’s My Struggle Volume Six, which sits at 1200 pages, with so many words on them.
Well I got 300 pages into that then set him aside for a bit because I’m worried my metaphorical ceiling will cave in. (I’m one of the few reviewers who prefers PDFs. PDFs!)
(Hope that little confessional memoir piece was cathartic to you, fellow reviewer, because as you can imagine I’m also supposed to get in writing hours and do a full-time job so I have very little catharsis per day to offer you.)
WHICH BRINGS ME TO this book from dark-fiction-publisher-on-the-rise, Unnerving.
The author’s authorial confidence lured me into this tale and got me to slow down, as only great writers can. And then he unnerved the crap out of me.
The writing itself flows wonderfully. Busboom takes his time to build the story and its setting. There are a multitude of beautiful phrases, with “anorexic trees” and “mist the color of an old man’s beard.” The senses are brought alive, first with the enticing and then with the disgusting which intermingle like the protagonist’s lust for a nubile demonic beauty in his area.
Also deals with complex themes which I’d spoil if I gave away, but rest assured, this novella has a delicious moral ambiguity.
I just have the ebook version but the interior design, as with all Unnerving books, is done quite lovingly.
Unnerving has cleverly marketed itself as the place to go for established and emerging names in the world of accessible scares.
So get involved!!
March 8, 2018
Nightbird is a compelling short story with vivid, sensual imagery. I was captivated from start to finish. Busboom’s writing style truly brings this haunting story to life. It portrays a darker side of a magnetic and obsessive compulsion that love (or lust) can create.
May 9, 2018
Delicious! I couldn't put it down, and it was over way too soon. I think this book should be made into a movie!
July 13, 2019
Holy crap. I can't believe this was Busboom's first novel. I read the whole thing in about 3 hours because nothing was more important than turning pages. The way he writes reminds me of A River Runs Through It but sexy. He literally paints a picture with words that I can only wish to recreate. This novel is about Lilith but its reminiscent of a Baba Yaga story. I've never read anything like it and that was so refreshing.
September 24, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It's a quick read and Busboom's prose is just lovely. The descriptions of scenery and setting in particular are wonderful. Nightbird uses elements from the Lilith myth in a compelling way. There are familiar elements there, but what is known becomes mixed intimately into the protagonist's (Isaac) life in a really intriguing way -- a way that makes the book hard to put down. Also, I'm a fan of erotic horror so I just enjoyed the sexy, bloody moments when they cropped up.
What I liked most about this book is how well the characters are written, especially Elizabeth. She is such a raw and real character who gets the short end of the stick, not really knowing what Isaac has got himself into, but her arch and especially the epilogue were what really made me invested in this very fine book by Busboom. Definitely recommend.
What I liked most about this book is how well the characters are written, especially Elizabeth. She is such a raw and real character who gets the short end of the stick, not really knowing what Isaac has got himself into, but her arch and especially the epilogue were what really made me invested in this very fine book by Busboom. Definitely recommend.
January 5, 2019
Well, that was unsettling and enjoyable! I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen the Lilith myth used in horror writing, something that (like Busboom’s marriage of Lilith with Lovecraft) seems like a no-brainer. Overall, this is a quick, easy read that stays with you after the last word is read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2018
A nightmare-inducing debut novella from my one and only brother! This is the best book I will read all year. Though, I may be a bit biased. ;) I was very impressed with the writing style and descriptions of the scenery. I definitely felt uneasy while reading it. I was half expecting to hear an owl screech when I finished reading it, but luckily that wasn't the case. I am very proud of David Busboom for producing such a creepy and thrilling novella as his first book. I'm looking forward to reading many more.
May 21, 2020
Decided to review this for High Fever Books, so here's the beginning of that article...
If at the age of sixteen a beautiful mysterious woman came up to me and asked me to meet her at some house on the outskirts of town, I don’t think I would have said no. Now, after reading David Busboom’s Nightbird I think I might have reconsidered, but at the time, much like the main character, I totally would have been on board. This little hookup is the crux that carries us through the strange haunting world of harpies and owls in Busboom’s debut novella.
I wasn’t sure what I was expecting when I started reading this, something with vampires probably, due to the cover. Of course, as the saying about covers goes, that was a mistake. Though I guess there is a creature in here that does drain the blood out of humans, hypnotizes people into worshipping her, lives in a spooky house, and is usually most active during the night. But, trust me, it’s not about vampires. Instead we get a monster we haven’t seen very much, and in turn was a complete joy to see get its due. All of this is to say I applaud Busboom for going in a different direction and introducing the harpy back into the fold of horror stories and reminding us that they can be sexy and haunting just as much as some of the other monsters out there.
If at the age of sixteen a beautiful mysterious woman came up to me and asked me to meet her at some house on the outskirts of town, I don’t think I would have said no. Now, after reading David Busboom’s Nightbird I think I might have reconsidered, but at the time, much like the main character, I totally would have been on board. This little hookup is the crux that carries us through the strange haunting world of harpies and owls in Busboom’s debut novella.
I wasn’t sure what I was expecting when I started reading this, something with vampires probably, due to the cover. Of course, as the saying about covers goes, that was a mistake. Though I guess there is a creature in here that does drain the blood out of humans, hypnotizes people into worshipping her, lives in a spooky house, and is usually most active during the night. But, trust me, it’s not about vampires. Instead we get a monster we haven’t seen very much, and in turn was a complete joy to see get its due. All of this is to say I applaud Busboom for going in a different direction and introducing the harpy back into the fold of horror stories and reminding us that they can be sexy and haunting just as much as some of the other monsters out there.
September 5, 2019
A really cool contemporary gothic horror tale with well drawn characters and a dark/sensual atmosphere that held my attention til the last word, and lingered in my mind for a long while after.
November 25, 2018
Ah, those pesky succubi, eh? Sexy demon monsters seducing hapless fools. It’s a story that’s been told since stories have been told, I think. We’ve all heard about them, whether it be the seductive succubus or the psexy psiren; tales of men thinking with their weeners have been around forever.
But Nightbird by David Busboon doesn’t fall into similar tropes of this myth (or legend?). This succubus story is more of a coming of age tale set in the modern era. And is frightfully good.
Isaac sees the most beautiful girl of his life and his simply dumbfounded by her deliciousness. He’s instantly besotted with her. And before he knows what’s going on she is inviting him over to her place. Is he dreaming? He can’t be as even his imagination couldn’t make up this girl’s perfection. It’s all a bit too good to be true, but Isaac doesn’t think about any of this. She’s hot, remember?
So Isaac travels to the seductress’ home; a weird place in the woods inhabited by lots of odd people. It’s a little off-putting for him but he’s here for one thing and one thing only. We know something’s not right with her, her name’s Lilith for a start, erm, alarm bells??!! Her whole demeanour is certainly a little ‘other-worldly’ but Isaac puts this aside because, well, he wants to get laid.
When he awakes the next morning he sees his conquest in her true form lying next to him in bed. The view is not exactly the one he had last night. Her bird-like and frightening demon form is creepy as hell. And Isaac agrees. He wants nothing more to do with her.
He moves on in his life and meets a girl, but she has her own personal troubles. Isaac has kind of forgotten about Lilith, but there’s something deep in his mind that will never let him forget her completely.
The urge to see her again rages inside, almost taking control of him. He can resist no longer. Summoning a demon is never a good thing to do, and when you make a pact with such an evil being, things are unlikely to go well for you.
I really enjoyed this quick-fire novella, the constant threat of Isaac’s weakness for Lilith really kept me gripped. ‘Be strong, Isaac,’ was my mantra. You have to read this yourself to really appreciate how tight her hold on him is, such is the tense mood created. We just know he’s going to succumb to the succubus and are with him all the way on his perilous journey.
Just try and resist picking up a copy, I bet you can’t!
But Nightbird by David Busboon doesn’t fall into similar tropes of this myth (or legend?). This succubus story is more of a coming of age tale set in the modern era. And is frightfully good.
Isaac sees the most beautiful girl of his life and his simply dumbfounded by her deliciousness. He’s instantly besotted with her. And before he knows what’s going on she is inviting him over to her place. Is he dreaming? He can’t be as even his imagination couldn’t make up this girl’s perfection. It’s all a bit too good to be true, but Isaac doesn’t think about any of this. She’s hot, remember?
So Isaac travels to the seductress’ home; a weird place in the woods inhabited by lots of odd people. It’s a little off-putting for him but he’s here for one thing and one thing only. We know something’s not right with her, her name’s Lilith for a start, erm, alarm bells??!! Her whole demeanour is certainly a little ‘other-worldly’ but Isaac puts this aside because, well, he wants to get laid.
When he awakes the next morning he sees his conquest in her true form lying next to him in bed. The view is not exactly the one he had last night. Her bird-like and frightening demon form is creepy as hell. And Isaac agrees. He wants nothing more to do with her.
He moves on in his life and meets a girl, but she has her own personal troubles. Isaac has kind of forgotten about Lilith, but there’s something deep in his mind that will never let him forget her completely.
The urge to see her again rages inside, almost taking control of him. He can resist no longer. Summoning a demon is never a good thing to do, and when you make a pact with such an evil being, things are unlikely to go well for you.
I really enjoyed this quick-fire novella, the constant threat of Isaac’s weakness for Lilith really kept me gripped. ‘Be strong, Isaac,’ was my mantra. You have to read this yourself to really appreciate how tight her hold on him is, such is the tense mood created. We just know he’s going to succumb to the succubus and are with him all the way on his perilous journey.
Just try and resist picking up a copy, I bet you can’t!
June 9, 2018
Took me a while to get into this one, but a variety of outside factors may have been the cause, because the writing is excellent. Once I did get into it, I read Nightbird in one sitting. The atmosphere and imagery in this book are vivid and haunting. Probably my favorite part of the entire story was the way I was drawn into the scenes and the characters subtly, but thoroughly. (SPOILER: I may have cried a little over Baby, but let's not tell anyone.) While not scary, this sad tale of desperation, lust and love is definitely unsettling and, in a strange way, beautiful. Highly recommend this debut from an obviously talented author. I look forward to more from Busboom.
May 23, 2019
*Spoiler free review*
CONTEMPORARY URBAN MYTHOLOGY
I’m a huge fan of mythology and I love when an author imparts a new take on a mythology that makes it urban and contemporary. This novella did that and did it exceptionally. I was intrigued by the premise and I enjoyed reading it. I thought that I would find it missing something because of its size but it was exactly the length it needed to be. Busboom is a great storyteller who tells a lot of story with an economy of words. This story is proof of his skill. I recommend this work to readers interested in mythology, horror, fantasy, and suspense.
CONTEMPORARY URBAN MYTHOLOGY
I’m a huge fan of mythology and I love when an author imparts a new take on a mythology that makes it urban and contemporary. This novella did that and did it exceptionally. I was intrigued by the premise and I enjoyed reading it. I thought that I would find it missing something because of its size but it was exactly the length it needed to be. Busboom is a great storyteller who tells a lot of story with an economy of words. This story is proof of his skill. I recommend this work to readers interested in mythology, horror, fantasy, and suspense.
November 12, 2020
Nightbird is an amazing debut from an author who I'd love to see more work from. It captures a very specific essence of teenage sexuality and how those early experiences can make an indelible mark on the rest of your life, sometimes to the point of obsession.
A highly recommended quasi-vampiric tale of a crumbling (adult) relationship and the lengths some will go to find passion again.
A highly recommended quasi-vampiric tale of a crumbling (adult) relationship and the lengths some will go to find passion again.
September 27, 2022
This was not my normal read, but it was great for Halloween. The characters are very vivid, easily coming to life on the page. There is the ever present struggle of wanting to yell, "Stop, you idiot," to the protagonist and knowing he will not listen to you. This book kept me up at night, but only because I was spooked and wanted to know where the story would go.
November 1, 2018
I saw this praised by the lit community on Twitter and decided to give it a try. So far it's 2/2 with finding good books that way.
Nightbird won't be keeping you up at night, necessarily, but it has a slow, creeping dread and a building sense of impending doom. There isn't a lot of gore here, the creeps are much more psychological.
The prose is very good, and Isaac is believable and likeable, while being flawed at the same time. I look forward to more from this author.
My only complaint is that I felt like it was a little too short, but the scarcity of explanations or backstory to "the girl of his dreams" does add to the creepiness and mystery a bit.
Nightbird won't be keeping you up at night, necessarily, but it has a slow, creeping dread and a building sense of impending doom. There isn't a lot of gore here, the creeps are much more psychological.
The prose is very good, and Isaac is believable and likeable, while being flawed at the same time. I look forward to more from this author.
My only complaint is that I felt like it was a little too short, but the scarcity of explanations or backstory to "the girl of his dreams" does add to the creepiness and mystery a bit.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews