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The Culling
In a post-apocalyptic world run by the demons of hell, it is time for the next Middle Born generation to leave their city and take a perilous journey to reach Nirvana.
Promised safety from the darkness of this world, they are not prepared for what they are about to face both as a group and as individuals.
Their worlds survival rests on their shoulders but all is not as it seems and they will be put to the ultimate test.
“Ms Claven definitely knows how to write a great horror story. The Culling being her 4th published book is the best so far, in my opinion. “ Karen – Kazza’s Books Blog and Reviews
Promised safety from the darkness of this world, they are not prepared for what they are about to face both as a group and as individuals.
Their worlds survival rests on their shoulders but all is not as it seems and they will be put to the ultimate test.
“Ms Claven definitely knows how to write a great horror story. The Culling being her 4th published book is the best so far, in my opinion. “ Karen – Kazza’s Books Blog and Reviews
- GenresHorror
219 pages, ebook
Published May 15, 2018
7 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Sian B. Claven
41 books320 followersBorn in South Africa, in the heart of Johannesburg, Sian Claven grew up with a vivid imagination. When she wasn't immersing herself in books, she was actively creating her own stories.
At 29 years old, left to her own devices after her sister immigrated, Sian, wrote her first horror book Ensnared and dared to publish it under the guidance of indie authors Toni Cox and Ashleigh Giannaccaro.
Now she has released more than ten books including a thriller and sci-fi fantasy.
In 2019, Sian took up the challenge of publishing 11 books in 11 months.
Sian came second place in the First Annual Indie Awards for Favourite African Author.
Sian's book, Sylvana, the final book in her Butcher series, made the Amazon top 100 best sellers list in several categories across three countries.
In her spare time, Sian is an avid Harry Potter fan, pop collector and Bingo addict. She resides in Johannesburg with her 2 best friends, their daughter, their 6 dogs and 2 cats.
At 29 years old, left to her own devices after her sister immigrated, Sian, wrote her first horror book Ensnared and dared to publish it under the guidance of indie authors Toni Cox and Ashleigh Giannaccaro.
Now she has released more than ten books including a thriller and sci-fi fantasy.
In 2019, Sian took up the challenge of publishing 11 books in 11 months.
Sian came second place in the First Annual Indie Awards for Favourite African Author.
Sian's book, Sylvana, the final book in her Butcher series, made the Amazon top 100 best sellers list in several categories across three countries.
In her spare time, Sian is an avid Harry Potter fan, pop collector and Bingo addict. She resides in Johannesburg with her 2 best friends, their daughter, their 6 dogs and 2 cats.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 27, 2018
Middle Child Syndrome finds perspective...and we discover there IS a purpose for having a Middle Child... in THE CULLING by Sian B. Claven. Demons have blanketed the Earth, their vile presence held at bay in small pockets or zones of followers of the Lord. Each year one zone will send all of the honored and cherished middle children to live with the Lord in Nirvana.
But how safe will their journey be once they have left the safety of the zone? Will only the truly faithful arrive in Nirvana? Will it be all they were taught by the Elder or will they discover a world beyond all the glory they were promised?
Dark, edgy and filled with raw tension and gore, Sian B. Claven knows how to create atmosphere and turn up the terror to spine-tingling proportions as we become part of the trek to Nirvana. A devilishly good read, unless you are a Middle Child, yourself!
I think I’ve just bagged another hidden gem in the reading treasure chest!
I received a complimentary copy from Sian B. Claven!
Publication Date: May 15, 2018
Publisher: Sian B. Claven
Genre: Horror
Print Length: 219 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
But how safe will their journey be once they have left the safety of the zone? Will only the truly faithful arrive in Nirvana? Will it be all they were taught by the Elder or will they discover a world beyond all the glory they were promised?
Dark, edgy and filled with raw tension and gore, Sian B. Claven knows how to create atmosphere and turn up the terror to spine-tingling proportions as we become part of the trek to Nirvana. A devilishly good read, unless you are a Middle Child, yourself!
I think I’ve just bagged another hidden gem in the reading treasure chest!
I received a complimentary copy from Sian B. Claven!
Publication Date: May 15, 2018
Publisher: Sian B. Claven
Genre: Horror
Print Length: 219 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
June 14, 2018
Many years ago, earth as we know it ceased to exist. Demons opened the gates of Hell, killing and possessing seventy percent of the population. No one was safe from the demons. It looked as if the world was coming to an end, but the Lord stepped forward and sent humans the Elders. The Elders created safety zones for the last remaining humans. Here, humans were allowed safety to rebuild and multiply, but every year one zone was to send all the middle born children, between the ages of six and twenty, to the Lord in Nirvana. These middle born children were known as the Reclaimed. They were taught from birth that they were special and cherished and that it was their job to reach Nirvana and ensure the safety of their zone from the demons. Now, the time has come for Rosemary Zone to send the reclaimed out to reach Nirvana. Elder Michelle made sure each middle child left lighthearted and with purpose so they could live happily in the light of the Lord.
Fifty eight children leave the zone, but is Nirvana all that it is cracked up to be or is something sinister lurking in the shadows ready to reclaim the children for its own evil intentions?
The Culling is horror at its finest. Every creepy horror movie you have ever watched has weaved its way through the pages of this story creating a masterpiece of evil and darkness like none other. I hate to say it and I probably have never said this before about a horror novel, but this book was quite disturbing on so many levels. Not only is The Culling a horror novel, but, in my opinion, it also touches on topics such as faith and religion. While reading the story, I couldn’t help but think of how cults are formed and how easily it is to sway another person into their way of thinking especially when it comes to young children. They are so impressionable and to grow up thinking one way of the world is a sure sign of a disaster waiting to happen.
The Reclaimed had faith in the Lord. This is what they were always taught. The Lord will guide you, they are the chosen ones who will bring safety to their zone. It is terrifying and frightening to even think that these children have been so easily influenced into believing what was told and taught to them. Once they left the zone, you can see how they tried to keep the faith on their journey to Nirvana. The obstacles placed in their way during this journey was downright evil. A few times even I jumped and was creeped out. Why I like horror so much is beyond me because I am definitely a scaredy cat and will sleep with the lights on after reading a horror novel or watching a movie. Let’s just say that I am glad I don’t live alone or I would probably be hiding under my bed with every light on in the house tonight after reading this! Ugh!
The plot is full of many twists and turns and I had trouble figuring out what was going on and many times I was tricked into believing in something that lo and behold took another twist. Sian B. Claven really knows how to keep you on your toes and to make sure your mind doesn’t ever waver in the slightest away from the story. I was totally engrossed and needed to know what happens next. I do have to say that the ending totally blew me away. I never would have even thought of that at all. Seriously, The Culling really needs to be made into a movie. With elements of M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village and the TV series Wayward Pines, Sian B. Claven is right on par to becoming a top contender in the horror genre.
The Culling has everything you ever want and need in a horror story. Be prepared to be terrorized and maybe even slightly horrified as you immerse yourself in this chilling tale of fright that will be sure to leave you completely freaked out looking out your windows like a total nut job thinking someone is out there watching you ready to pounce. Sian B. Claven, you are my new favorite horror writer. I bow to your evilness and wicked mind. You really got me all shook up!
Fifty eight children leave the zone, but is Nirvana all that it is cracked up to be or is something sinister lurking in the shadows ready to reclaim the children for its own evil intentions?
The Culling is horror at its finest. Every creepy horror movie you have ever watched has weaved its way through the pages of this story creating a masterpiece of evil and darkness like none other. I hate to say it and I probably have never said this before about a horror novel, but this book was quite disturbing on so many levels. Not only is The Culling a horror novel, but, in my opinion, it also touches on topics such as faith and religion. While reading the story, I couldn’t help but think of how cults are formed and how easily it is to sway another person into their way of thinking especially when it comes to young children. They are so impressionable and to grow up thinking one way of the world is a sure sign of a disaster waiting to happen.
The Reclaimed had faith in the Lord. This is what they were always taught. The Lord will guide you, they are the chosen ones who will bring safety to their zone. It is terrifying and frightening to even think that these children have been so easily influenced into believing what was told and taught to them. Once they left the zone, you can see how they tried to keep the faith on their journey to Nirvana. The obstacles placed in their way during this journey was downright evil. A few times even I jumped and was creeped out. Why I like horror so much is beyond me because I am definitely a scaredy cat and will sleep with the lights on after reading a horror novel or watching a movie. Let’s just say that I am glad I don’t live alone or I would probably be hiding under my bed with every light on in the house tonight after reading this! Ugh!
The plot is full of many twists and turns and I had trouble figuring out what was going on and many times I was tricked into believing in something that lo and behold took another twist. Sian B. Claven really knows how to keep you on your toes and to make sure your mind doesn’t ever waver in the slightest away from the story. I was totally engrossed and needed to know what happens next. I do have to say that the ending totally blew me away. I never would have even thought of that at all. Seriously, The Culling really needs to be made into a movie. With elements of M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village and the TV series Wayward Pines, Sian B. Claven is right on par to becoming a top contender in the horror genre.
The Culling has everything you ever want and need in a horror story. Be prepared to be terrorized and maybe even slightly horrified as you immerse yourself in this chilling tale of fright that will be sure to leave you completely freaked out looking out your windows like a total nut job thinking someone is out there watching you ready to pounce. Sian B. Claven, you are my new favorite horror writer. I bow to your evilness and wicked mind. You really got me all shook up!
April 23, 2018
Ms Claven definitely knows how to write a great horror story. The Culling being her 4th published book is the best so far, in my opinion.
We are given generous amounts of gore and enough images to make you sleep with the light on.
The terror and chills that the story evokes is off the charts.
I have enjoyed every book that S. Claven has written and will be waiting with bated breath for her next thrilling read.
We are given generous amounts of gore and enough images to make you sleep with the light on.
The terror and chills that the story evokes is off the charts.
I have enjoyed every book that S. Claven has written and will be waiting with bated breath for her next thrilling read.
May 15, 2018
Oh wow! I know I keep saying it... but Sian B. Claven keeps getting better with every book.
This one is a little darker, a little scarier, and a little more complex than her previous works, and I loved it.
This book also has a bit of a dystopian feel to it and deals with a rather dark and twisted future. Reason I liked it? Because it rings true on so many levels. Want to see true humanity and how it could all turn out if we do not amend our ways? Go ahead, pick up this book and let Sian's twisted sense of humour give you goosebumps right until the last page.
This one is a little darker, a little scarier, and a little more complex than her previous works, and I loved it.
This book also has a bit of a dystopian feel to it and deals with a rather dark and twisted future. Reason I liked it? Because it rings true on so many levels. Want to see true humanity and how it could all turn out if we do not amend our ways? Go ahead, pick up this book and let Sian's twisted sense of humour give you goosebumps right until the last page.
April 23, 2018
From the start, I knew there was something 'off' ... and of course that meant I scared the bejeezus out of myself in reading on! Had to find out the why, where, what and how! Absolutely scary, very clever and with a few twists that will have you breathless with anticipation.
Absolutely worth reading - grab a copy NOW
Absolutely worth reading - grab a copy NOW
December 17, 2018
On the edge of your seat
Middle borns are to go to Nirvana to be with the Lord. First borns have the family. Last borns are to care for the middle notes. Everyone has their place in the zones. Every twenty years the middle notes are sent out in search of Nirvana, but they must stay on the path.
Rosemary Zone is ready for their middle notes to leave. Elder Michelle has them all groomed and excited to go find Nirvana where they can go rest and be at peace. Along the way the group of middle born begin disappearing and they know they have lost their way and no longer a reclaimed. When they reach Nirvana everything is quiet until all hell breaks lose.
I loved everything about this book! Sian B. Claven has my vote for horror, thriller, and for keeping you on the edge of your seat. Just brilliant!
Only 4 stars because does need to be re-edited, it was a little brutal to understand a few things. I still overall loved the story.
Middle borns are to go to Nirvana to be with the Lord. First borns have the family. Last borns are to care for the middle notes. Everyone has their place in the zones. Every twenty years the middle notes are sent out in search of Nirvana, but they must stay on the path.
Rosemary Zone is ready for their middle notes to leave. Elder Michelle has them all groomed and excited to go find Nirvana where they can go rest and be at peace. Along the way the group of middle born begin disappearing and they know they have lost their way and no longer a reclaimed. When they reach Nirvana everything is quiet until all hell breaks lose.
I loved everything about this book! Sian B. Claven has my vote for horror, thriller, and for keeping you on the edge of your seat. Just brilliant!
Only 4 stars because does need to be re-edited, it was a little brutal to understand a few things. I still overall loved the story.
May 5, 2020
This book was dark and creepy right from the start. It had a mysterious feel and I was constantly wanting to know what was going to happen next to the Reclaimed. There were so many weird and freaky happenings, the story really kept me on edge. I liked the way it kept me guessing until the end. This was another great book by Claven.
January 4, 2019
This book has been told to be "The Horror book", but I was hoping to get something more than I got.
I´m a simple guy who likes to get back to reading, and was looking for something to set me off and really to sleep lights on.
The book is easy to read, the flow of the story is really straight forward. The skeleton of the story was good, but some more beef to the bone and it would have been 4 stars for me.
I´m a simple guy who likes to get back to reading, and was looking for something to set me off and really to sleep lights on.
The book is easy to read, the flow of the story is really straight forward. The skeleton of the story was good, but some more beef to the bone and it would have been 4 stars for me.
May 21, 2018
Wow!
First book read by this author, and I am totally speechless. It is an amazing horror story and I can't wait to see more from this author!
First book read by this author, and I am totally speechless. It is an amazing horror story and I can't wait to see more from this author!
August 29, 2018
It's no wonder she's earned the title of Queen of creep. Sian does not disappoint, she explores a depth of darkness that's both enthralling and terrifying. Her writing evoked terror and fascination. I highly recommend this book, to traditionally review, would be to spoil the experience. Five well deserved stars.
May 22, 2022
Different post apocalyptic story.
This was a good story. A different post apocalyptic take on the world. As demons rule the earth, humans are made to live in safe zones ruled by an elder. The middle born children in the safe zones are set out to join the lord in Nirvana. This ritual is what keeps the zones safe. But at what cost?
Without darkness there would be no light!
So glad this is fiction for I am a middle child!
This was a good story. A different post apocalyptic take on the world. As demons rule the earth, humans are made to live in safe zones ruled by an elder. The middle born children in the safe zones are set out to join the lord in Nirvana. This ritual is what keeps the zones safe. But at what cost?
Without darkness there would be no light!
So glad this is fiction for I am a middle child!
April 27, 2018
When it comes to post-apocalyptic novels, few manage to retain the mystery and leave the readers questioning. Even fewer manage to throw horror and desperation into the mix. This is exactly what The Culling has managed to do. Author, Sian B. Claven, leaves the author wanting more, even after the dramatic plot twist. It has everything a great horror needs; suspense, drama, creepy monsters and children. For days after finishing The Culling, I was haunted by the characters, their stories, and their (possible) early demise.
We do not get a post-apocalyptic government, a dystopian world controlled by humans, but instead monsters and a plot twist that will leave you rattled.
15th May 2018. The day you need to get your copy of The Culling.
We do not get a post-apocalyptic government, a dystopian world controlled by humans, but instead monsters and a plot twist that will leave you rattled.
15th May 2018. The day you need to get your copy of The Culling.
April 30, 2018
Well, I didn't expect that. I really wasn't sure what to expect when I start this book.
But I loved it.
The Author knows how to make you want more and more. The story was good I didn't see that twist coming.
I love how the author draws you in and doesn't let go even at the end you just want to keep turning the pages. It was a great horror book it was spine-tingling the stuff that could possibly keep you awake at night or need a light on. Written very well and I can't wait to see what is next from Sian.
But I loved it.
The Author knows how to make you want more and more. The story was good I didn't see that twist coming.
I love how the author draws you in and doesn't let go even at the end you just want to keep turning the pages. It was a great horror book it was spine-tingling the stuff that could possibly keep you awake at night or need a light on. Written very well and I can't wait to see what is next from Sian.
September 17, 2019
#currently writing the review
August 21, 2022
"Twenty Elders came to their rescue.
Twenty cities across the world were established.
Twenty cities across the world were safe.
Twenty cities middle children went to Nirvana.
In a world enveloped in darkness, where demons surround every inch of the globe. Twenty safe Zones have been set up and are protected by the Lord, and his Elders. Each year one Zone sends out their next generation of Middle Born Children to reach Nirvana and spend the rest of their lives with the Lord.
Only once outside the Zone, they are left to wonder if faith alone is enough to protect them from the darkness of the world."
Let me just say that Sian B Claven has yet to disappoint. I am a huge fan of her work. And The Culling is a wonderful addition to my collection.
From the first page of The Culling I was immediately drawn to the lives of the middle born children : Their unwavering faith in the Lord , in the elders, coolness in face of reaching their purpose in life as they ventured out of the safety of their home into a dangerous world to travel to nirvana. Sian B.Claven takes us along on a one hell of a twisted journey through the eyes of Middle born children as they travel down the path to Nirvana as every moment tests their faith. And the pressure of ensuring the safety of their fellow middle born and ultimately their zone envelopes around them like the dark , suffocating forest that lines their path.
This book is a definite favorite. I can see myself revisiting it for years to come and it is a must read for fans of supernatural horror , paranormal and the occult.
Twenty cities across the world were established.
Twenty cities across the world were safe.
Twenty cities middle children went to Nirvana.
In a world enveloped in darkness, where demons surround every inch of the globe. Twenty safe Zones have been set up and are protected by the Lord, and his Elders. Each year one Zone sends out their next generation of Middle Born Children to reach Nirvana and spend the rest of their lives with the Lord.
Only once outside the Zone, they are left to wonder if faith alone is enough to protect them from the darkness of the world."
Let me just say that Sian B Claven has yet to disappoint. I am a huge fan of her work. And The Culling is a wonderful addition to my collection.
From the first page of The Culling I was immediately drawn to the lives of the middle born children : Their unwavering faith in the Lord , in the elders, coolness in face of reaching their purpose in life as they ventured out of the safety of their home into a dangerous world to travel to nirvana. Sian B.Claven takes us along on a one hell of a twisted journey through the eyes of Middle born children as they travel down the path to Nirvana as every moment tests their faith. And the pressure of ensuring the safety of their fellow middle born and ultimately their zone envelopes around them like the dark , suffocating forest that lines their path.
This book is a definite favorite. I can see myself revisiting it for years to come and it is a must read for fans of supernatural horror , paranormal and the occult.
May 15, 2018
I love sain and her work
I wanted to be able to give this a 5 star review but it didn't keep me pulled in I am not sure however it was the book. I am not huge on things that praise "the lord" on either side and I think my lack of being pulled into this one is more the 7 commandment feel and not the writers lack of writing a great twisted story line which is why I kept it at a 4.
creepy factor also a 4.
I wanted to be able to give this a 5 star review but it didn't keep me pulled in I am not sure however it was the book. I am not huge on things that praise "the lord" on either side and I think my lack of being pulled into this one is more the 7 commandment feel and not the writers lack of writing a great twisted story line which is why I kept it at a 4.
creepy factor also a 4.
April 30, 2018
Ok wow what can I say about this book without giving to much away. It definitely was something so much going on that. I never imagine where the story was heading but I never see that ending coming either. I haven't read too many of horror stories the few I have I have not see this ability. I really don't know how to describe this book. The only thing I can say is Mrs Claven did an amazing job that I know the readers who love horror stories are definitely going to love this one.
February 24, 2020
The author’s story idea is definitely something unique and the stories are definitely interesting. But something that continues to bother me is the lack of proper editing. I’m not sure if that’s consistent in the other books but this one has MAJOR problems with how it’s edited layout and grammar wise. Although it may not be such a big problem to many people who read it, there are plenty people who would put the book right back on the shelf after skimming through the first few pages. She definitely needs someone willing and dedicated enough to analyse her work. If her writing skills were better in that sense I think it would definitely reel in more readers.
June 15, 2022
I loved the storyline and I am glad I am not a middle born. I loved reading about their journey to Nirvana and all the tribulations and obstacles they encountered. But when Nirvana was not what they thought it would be like and that plot twist at the end was epic!!!
Those demonic girls scared me to death literally. So much I was scared to get out of my bed. I would love to read a sequel to this story.
Those demonic girls scared me to death literally. So much I was scared to get out of my bed. I would love to read a sequel to this story.
February 1, 2019
What a brilliant book. I loved the plot and the characters, everything was so well described. This book is an amazing thriller/horror that kept me on the edge of my seat speechless at time! It constantly surprised me and then when I think I have it all figured out, there is another unexpected twist to it! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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January 31, 2019I really enjoyed this story. Really good plot to the story. Very well written. Would highly recommend it to anyone who likes this kind of stories. Can't wait to read more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2021
Another triumph! Claven is now firmly established as one of my favorite horror authors ever! The Culling was simple, easy to read, easy to understand, and downright terrifying! I feel a little stupid that I didn’t see the twist in it’s entirety before it was revealed, but what a twist! My jaw dropped! And it didn’t take long to set up the plot and then throw us into the scary woods with freaky demons and frightful days and nights! I was pretty dang petrified while reading! I can’t decide if I want to go to Nirvana cuz I’m weird like that, or if I should stay far far away because of my rather strong survival instincts. And my trust issues are probably from reading books like this ... and I’m strangely ok with that. I definitely rank The Culling as one of Claven’s best and I definitely recommend it to all horror fans!
November 27, 2019
Must read
Sian this book was amazing loved it was hooked from the start couldn't put it down once I started I highly recommend this book
Sian this book was amazing loved it was hooked from the start couldn't put it down once I started I highly recommend this book
July 8, 2020
Chilling
I liked the characters, but would have liked to have known them better. The story was original and the demons chilling. Would make a good movie.
I liked the characters, but would have liked to have known them better. The story was original and the demons chilling. Would make a good movie.
June 19, 2023
This post-apocalyptic story where demons run the world and humans live in a safe zone run by an elder. Middle born are ordered to join the lord in Nirvana. First borns have families and the last born take care of the middle born. I really enjoyed this horror fiction novel with all its twists and turns. I received this free book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews