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Ashley's Tale #1
Ashley's Tale
Ashley, a young college student with a horrific past, is immediately thrust into a living hell when she is kidnapped. In the lair of her captor, she will be forced to choose between submission and defiance, between folding under his punishment or finding the strength to endure and escape. But Ashley will also have to face the horrors of her past in this twisted game. Can she prevail against the demons that made her weak, as well as the tortures the sadist set before her? If so, what could she become in the process?
80 pages, Paperback
Published July 21, 2018
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151 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 27, 2018
For a short novella, this story made me think a great deal. To start with, I’m not a fan of slasher movies or extreme horror, but I do like some psychological horror and character-driven horror like Stephen King’s books. Well, this little tale walked the line between those near perfectly. It was psychological, but it was also graphic and creepy in parts. The graphic components weren’t gratuitous, they were necessary for the plot and character development. It made me uncomfortable and I was constantly questioning motivations – e.g., would this event really drive this character to do that. I’m not sure I completely bought into the characters reactions, but I feel like I need to read the following two books in the series to really decide.
This story is a fast read, not only because it’s short, but also because you must know how things turn out. My challenge was that I felt like I was supposed to come to support or understand Jake, but I couldn’t. I think this is one of those stories where you must decide if the ends justify the means, and while I get the thinking, I couldn’t get behind his methods. I won’t dive into that anymore as I don’t want to leave a spoiler, and again, I need to read the next two in the series to see where I fall out with these well developed characters.
If you can handle graphic violence and psychological horror, this little tale will get you thinking. I’m going to rate it 3.5 stars and round up as it intrigued me to read the follow-on stories.
This story is a fast read, not only because it’s short, but also because you must know how things turn out. My challenge was that I felt like I was supposed to come to support or understand Jake, but I couldn’t. I think this is one of those stories where you must decide if the ends justify the means, and while I get the thinking, I couldn’t get behind his methods. I won’t dive into that anymore as I don’t want to leave a spoiler, and again, I need to read the next two in the series to see where I fall out with these well developed characters.
If you can handle graphic violence and psychological horror, this little tale will get you thinking. I’m going to rate it 3.5 stars and round up as it intrigued me to read the follow-on stories.
August 11, 2022
ASHLEY'S TALE is my first read by Mike Duke, but it won't be my last!
One night Ashley is kidnapped and her life changes forever, but not in the way you think.
When I began this story, I didn't think it was going to be for me, honestly. But as I continued on, the ARC of the story twisted and it changed the meaning of everything that happened.
I don't want to say much else, but I ended up enjoying this quite a bit, in spite of the rough beginning. I will be reading more from Mike, not only because our group, Horror Aficionados is hosting Mike for a group read event, but because I want to see what else the man can do.
Recommended!
*I bought this Kindle book with my hard-earned cash! *
One night Ashley is kidnapped and her life changes forever, but not in the way you think.
When I began this story, I didn't think it was going to be for me, honestly. But as I continued on, the ARC of the story twisted and it changed the meaning of everything that happened.
I don't want to say much else, but I ended up enjoying this quite a bit, in spite of the rough beginning. I will be reading more from Mike, not only because our group, Horror Aficionados is hosting Mike for a group read event, but because I want to see what else the man can do.
Recommended!
*I bought this Kindle book with my hard-earned cash! *
January 24, 2021
“I assess the power of a will by how much resistance, pain, torture it endures and knows how to turn to its advantage.” — Friedrich Nietzsche
This novella was not what I was expecting...but in a great way. I would love to explain myself more, but fear spoilers. Suffice it to say, if you love empowerment and revenge stories, Ashley's Tale just might be your jam.
Like everything I've read from Mike Duke thus far, the writing was superb. Dude has a way with words.
I do want to mention a trigger warning - there is a fairly graphic, long-lasting animal death scene, which is the reason I didn't rate this story higher.
"It's horror, Bridgett...get over it."
Trust me...I wish I could, but I hate reading about animal deaths and suffering. It's a personal thing, and one I can't shake. Since I know many of you feel the same, I feel I must include the warning in my review.
Still, I hope you won't let that deter you from reading this immensely satisfying novella. (Just skip over the animal death scene). This really is a clever plot, and I genuinely look forward to reading the rest of the series.
AVAILABLE NOW!
My sincere thanks to Mike Duke for my review copy.
This novella was not what I was expecting...but in a great way. I would love to explain myself more, but fear spoilers. Suffice it to say, if you love empowerment and revenge stories, Ashley's Tale just might be your jam.
Like everything I've read from Mike Duke thus far, the writing was superb. Dude has a way with words.
I do want to mention a trigger warning - there is a fairly graphic, long-lasting animal death scene, which is the reason I didn't rate this story higher.
"It's horror, Bridgett...get over it."
Trust me...I wish I could, but I hate reading about animal deaths and suffering. It's a personal thing, and one I can't shake. Since I know many of you feel the same, I feel I must include the warning in my review.
Still, I hope you won't let that deter you from reading this immensely satisfying novella. (Just skip over the animal death scene). This really is a clever plot, and I genuinely look forward to reading the rest of the series.
AVAILABLE NOW!
My sincere thanks to Mike Duke for my review copy.
June 11, 2022
ASHLEY'S TALE, by author Mike Duke was a book that seriously threw me off guard. I have to admit that I absolutely hated it in the beginning, and wasn't sure I wanted to finish.
DO NOT make that mistake.
This novella was something else entirely. It took me from hatred, to curiosity, and finally a standing ovation at how well it was engineered. I seriously can not stress enough how the beginning was worth getting through, and necessary to complete the emotional structure.
Highly recommended.
DO NOT make that mistake.
This novella was something else entirely. It took me from hatred, to curiosity, and finally a standing ovation at how well it was engineered. I seriously can not stress enough how the beginning was worth getting through, and necessary to complete the emotional structure.
Highly recommended.
September 28, 2023
Trigger Warnings for Rape, Abuse and Harm.
Ashley's Tale is NOT an easily digestible short story whatsoever. If you can't cope with graphic then this isn't for you. It's in-your-face stuff and not a comfortable ride.
Imagine this option. Beaten cruelly or raped coldly? What would you choose? Not nice options. Ashley finds herself in a really shit situation quite frankly with a rather twisted individual.
What he wants from her won't be what you expect however and this is not a run of the mill plot. It is harsh, unexpected but by God, my nerves were a jangled mess during it. Tense is an understatement.
My favourite bit of the whole story? The very end. Now I'm unsure if there is a follow-on journey for Ashley but as a cliffhanger regardless I was impressed. It was surprising, somewhat shocking and then in a bizarre, sick way made sense. I even liked just letting my imagination drift to what came next.
So, did I enjoy the tale? Well - no. But not because it's not decently written or a bad story but because it was hard to digest, visualise, process, it was extreme. This horror fan was stretched sticking with it.
If you are not afraid to dabble in extreme moments then Ashley's Tale will be a story for you.This is my first taste of Mike Duke's writing and it didn't disappoint. 4 stars.
I read a copy of this story shared with me kindly by the author. All review opinions are my own and totally unbiased
Thanks so much for reading my review of this book. Join me as a friend or follower and feel free to browse my shelves for your next great book! I love to connect with other readers.
Ashley's Tale is NOT an easily digestible short story whatsoever. If you can't cope with graphic then this isn't for you. It's in-your-face stuff and not a comfortable ride.
Imagine this option. Beaten cruelly or raped coldly? What would you choose? Not nice options. Ashley finds herself in a really shit situation quite frankly with a rather twisted individual.
What he wants from her won't be what you expect however and this is not a run of the mill plot. It is harsh, unexpected but by God, my nerves were a jangled mess during it. Tense is an understatement.
My favourite bit of the whole story? The very end. Now I'm unsure if there is a follow-on journey for Ashley but as a cliffhanger regardless I was impressed. It was surprising, somewhat shocking and then in a bizarre, sick way made sense. I even liked just letting my imagination drift to what came next.
So, did I enjoy the tale? Well - no. But not because it's not decently written or a bad story but because it was hard to digest, visualise, process, it was extreme. This horror fan was stretched sticking with it.
If you are not afraid to dabble in extreme moments then Ashley's Tale will be a story for you.This is my first taste of Mike Duke's writing and it didn't disappoint. 4 stars.
I read a copy of this story shared with me kindly by the author. All review opinions are my own and totally unbiased
Thanks so much for reading my review of this book. Join me as a friend or follower and feel free to browse my shelves for your next great book! I love to connect with other readers.
May 18, 2016
Short, but not sweet. The kind of horror that is smart and sinister.
Well, this short story was ingenious. Mike takes the rules of cat and mouse and gives it a makeover. Gone are the days when there is nothing more to the tale than a psychotic man who loves chasing and killing women. This author gives us much more than a surface horror, we go deep down into the darkness that dwells within the minds of the characters.
We have a girl with a horrible past, kidnapped and held hostage by a questionable man whose intentions are confusing. At first, we suspect this man simply wishes to rape and kill her, as is the common motive for men who kidnap women. Yet as we delve deeper, he has a completely different agenda in mind. One that I personally loved and could not have predicted.
We explore the psyche of the poor girl, and how she is forced to either fight or accept punishment. But he doesn't stop there. This man has an entire schedule planned out, for her benefit. The characterisation of Ashley is insanely important in this story. It is a character driven piece of fiction. So without masterfully creating a character that we can relate with and like, the story would collapse. Fortunately, that is not the case. Although a short story, we feel as though we know Ashley, her past and present struggles, and are praying she survives this. We feel a connection to this woman.
In the same respect and of equal importance, we do not trust this mystery man. Although as the tale continues his darkness lightens subtly, there is still a huge doubt in the reader's mind. Mike Duke did a superb job with these characters.
Yet the question still remains, when he is bored of playing with this woman, will he inevitably kill her? How does such a story climax? Trust me on this, it is a climax you won't see coming. It is bittersweet and unexpected.
This story was unsettling yet empowering, gross yet addictive. The ultimate tale of a damaged woman with a difficult past, using her experiences to mold and shape her into a stronger more defiant woman. But she needs to hurry up, the man could kill her at any moment....
Well, this short story was ingenious. Mike takes the rules of cat and mouse and gives it a makeover. Gone are the days when there is nothing more to the tale than a psychotic man who loves chasing and killing women. This author gives us much more than a surface horror, we go deep down into the darkness that dwells within the minds of the characters.
We have a girl with a horrible past, kidnapped and held hostage by a questionable man whose intentions are confusing. At first, we suspect this man simply wishes to rape and kill her, as is the common motive for men who kidnap women. Yet as we delve deeper, he has a completely different agenda in mind. One that I personally loved and could not have predicted.
We explore the psyche of the poor girl, and how she is forced to either fight or accept punishment. But he doesn't stop there. This man has an entire schedule planned out, for her benefit. The characterisation of Ashley is insanely important in this story. It is a character driven piece of fiction. So without masterfully creating a character that we can relate with and like, the story would collapse. Fortunately, that is not the case. Although a short story, we feel as though we know Ashley, her past and present struggles, and are praying she survives this. We feel a connection to this woman.
In the same respect and of equal importance, we do not trust this mystery man. Although as the tale continues his darkness lightens subtly, there is still a huge doubt in the reader's mind. Mike Duke did a superb job with these characters.
Yet the question still remains, when he is bored of playing with this woman, will he inevitably kill her? How does such a story climax? Trust me on this, it is a climax you won't see coming. It is bittersweet and unexpected.
This story was unsettling yet empowering, gross yet addictive. The ultimate tale of a damaged woman with a difficult past, using her experiences to mold and shape her into a stronger more defiant woman. But she needs to hurry up, the man could kill her at any moment....
June 7, 2022
I wanted to like this, but it really didn't do anything for me. Not my brand of horror.
March 11, 2021
“...now you’re a carnivore instead of a lowly old herbivore.”
As I was reading “Ashley’s Tale,” I had a moment of déjà vu thinking I was reading the female version of the movie “Wanted” and aspects of “Kill Bill” combined. This novella was brutal, empowering and brilliant. As a reader, you grow with Ashley as she overcomes vulnerability, fear and self-doubt through the strenuous training her captor puts her through daily. Just as Ashley is, the reader is baffled by this abduction but gains an understanding of the motive and drive for Ashley to overcome childhood obstacles. You can’t help but cheer at her accomplishments and facing her past.
Like every novella, I needed more. More of Ashley’s story prior to her abduction. More as to how or why she was abducted. More to how her captor knew of her past. Luckily this is book one of a trilogy.
“Ashley’s Tale” by Mike Duke gets 4 out of 5 stars!
Please visit my GoodReads profile or website for more reviews. Thank you!
As I was reading “Ashley’s Tale,” I had a moment of déjà vu thinking I was reading the female version of the movie “Wanted” and aspects of “Kill Bill” combined. This novella was brutal, empowering and brilliant. As a reader, you grow with Ashley as she overcomes vulnerability, fear and self-doubt through the strenuous training her captor puts her through daily. Just as Ashley is, the reader is baffled by this abduction but gains an understanding of the motive and drive for Ashley to overcome childhood obstacles. You can’t help but cheer at her accomplishments and facing her past.
Like every novella, I needed more. More of Ashley’s story prior to her abduction. More as to how or why she was abducted. More to how her captor knew of her past. Luckily this is book one of a trilogy.
“Ashley’s Tale” by Mike Duke gets 4 out of 5 stars!
Please visit my GoodReads profile or website for more reviews. Thank you!
September 20, 2018
This was so good and different! Knowing this is part 1 in a trilogy helps because I want to know more! 5 stars! Im thinking I will review the trilogy as a whole instead of each standalone novella/novel.
November 18, 2017
"The living always have a chance the dead never get."
This is a story of survival.
So I must admit, this did not turn out at all as I expected it to. When I read the synopsis, I thought "Oooh, this sounds like it would be a really good short story". Once I started reading it I even had high hopes, as the start was really on to something I thought.
It starts out as every woman's nightmare, Ashley is kidnapped and taken captive by a man who gives her the option between physical pain, or emotional pain in the form of rape. "That which breaks the spirit, pierces the heart and crushes both. That's real hurt." Ashley faced with the impossible, chooses physical pain; she can't go back, she can't relieve the years of rape that she endured as a little girl. It all sounds enticing right? Well, the story takes a drastic turn. I'm not going to go into how. I'll leave this for you all to figure out, but I'll just say that while it wasn't disappointing, it wasn't at all what I had expected. This is not the dark tale I thought it was going to be based on the synopsis, I'll just say that.
In the end, it was an interesting story, and the writing was good, so it was worthy of 3 stars. I'm not familiar with this author, so I may have to check out some of his other work and see if there is anything else that may spark my interest more.
So I must admit, this did not turn out at all as I expected it to. When I read the synopsis, I thought "Oooh, this sounds like it would be a really good short story". Once I started reading it I even had high hopes, as the start was really on to something I thought.
It starts out as every woman's nightmare, Ashley is kidnapped and taken captive by a man who gives her the option between physical pain, or emotional pain in the form of rape. "That which breaks the spirit, pierces the heart and crushes both. That's real hurt." Ashley faced with the impossible, chooses physical pain; she can't go back, she can't relieve the years of rape that she endured as a little girl. It all sounds enticing right? Well, the story takes a drastic turn. I'm not going to go into how. I'll leave this for you all to figure out, but I'll just say that while it wasn't disappointing, it wasn't at all what I had expected. This is not the dark tale I thought it was going to be based on the synopsis, I'll just say that.
In the end, it was an interesting story, and the writing was good, so it was worthy of 3 stars. I'm not familiar with this author, so I may have to check out some of his other work and see if there is anything else that may spark my interest more.
March 13, 2019
This was a very quick, but very dark read and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I will say that, in the beginning, I was a little confused because it just immediately jumped into Ashley's kidnapping. Like the moment you start reading, the kidnapper is there and attacking her. At first, I had thought that there were some pieces missing, but I just kept reading and I am really glad I did.
I think the thing about this book is it messes with you more mentally thank anything else. To him, it really is a game, but to her it's the difference between submitting or rising to the occasion. The mental games he plays with her all circle around one goal, to make her strong enough to take him out and escape. The entire time I was reading it, I kept asking myself, what the heck is he playing at? Why is he training her, helping her? What's his goal? These are the kind of books I absolutely love, the ones that keep you guessing.
This is the first book I have read from this author but, thankfully, I have more of his books that I'm planning on digging into very soon. His writing style is smooth and fluid. He uses just enough description to set the stage and the rest you fill in with your own mind. You can see it, like a movie playing inside your head.
I'm a huge fan of everything horror/gore/thriller and this one definitely messed with my head. I was NOT expecting that ending and I can't wait to see what the second book has in store for me!
5 out of 5 stars!
I will say that, in the beginning, I was a little confused because it just immediately jumped into Ashley's kidnapping. Like the moment you start reading, the kidnapper is there and attacking her. At first, I had thought that there were some pieces missing, but I just kept reading and I am really glad I did.
I think the thing about this book is it messes with you more mentally thank anything else. To him, it really is a game, but to her it's the difference between submitting or rising to the occasion. The mental games he plays with her all circle around one goal, to make her strong enough to take him out and escape. The entire time I was reading it, I kept asking myself, what the heck is he playing at? Why is he training her, helping her? What's his goal? These are the kind of books I absolutely love, the ones that keep you guessing.
This is the first book I have read from this author but, thankfully, I have more of his books that I'm planning on digging into very soon. His writing style is smooth and fluid. He uses just enough description to set the stage and the rest you fill in with your own mind. You can see it, like a movie playing inside your head.
I'm a huge fan of everything horror/gore/thriller and this one definitely messed with my head. I was NOT expecting that ending and I can't wait to see what the second book has in store for me!
5 out of 5 stars!
November 25, 2022
This book was sent to me, by the author in exchange for an honest review.
As someone who is a fan of movies like “I spit on your grave” or of the genre “Female fights back” this book was right up my alley. It kind of reads like I spit on your grave which I admired. But something interesting that I didn’t expect is how the two main characters are handled. They’re handled in a way, without spoilers, that provided a lot of character development for the very short novella. The author has a skill for the fast paced action with high stakes and it was done well! Ashley came off as someone who has fight in her and Jake is a dude who you hate for how vile he is, but you also want to know more about where he came from. I was also sent the prequel to this that details how Jake came to be how he is and with how this one set his character up, I’m excited to know more because the ending indicates there is a lot more at play here than just what we’ve read!
Thank you, Mike Duke for sending me this one!
As someone who is a fan of movies like “I spit on your grave” or of the genre “Female fights back” this book was right up my alley. It kind of reads like I spit on your grave which I admired. But something interesting that I didn’t expect is how the two main characters are handled. They’re handled in a way, without spoilers, that provided a lot of character development for the very short novella. The author has a skill for the fast paced action with high stakes and it was done well! Ashley came off as someone who has fight in her and Jake is a dude who you hate for how vile he is, but you also want to know more about where he came from. I was also sent the prequel to this that details how Jake came to be how he is and with how this one set his character up, I’m excited to know more because the ending indicates there is a lot more at play here than just what we’ve read!
Thank you, Mike Duke for sending me this one!
December 27, 2022
I'm speechless. This book was nothing like I thought it was going to be. I don't want to give anything away, but not unlike his other novellas, this book is a great big punch to the breadbasket. Looks like I'll be looking for the rest of the trilogy!
Read
May 6, 2016The grittiness of girl power in Mike Duke’s Ashley’s Tale makes the most of unsettling visuals, and the grotesqueness of the human heart.
Ashely is haunted by a terrible memory from her past. When she is kidnapped and taken to a dark and gritty layer, she comes face-to-face with a brutal stranger. In order to survive she must make a choice, to relive her dark past or face her fears and fight back.
Duke is an excellent writer who demonstrates his in-depth knowledge of fighting and survival in this novelette. If you are a fan of Final Girl, or the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, you must read Ashley's Tale.
Ashely is haunted by a terrible memory from her past. When she is kidnapped and taken to a dark and gritty layer, she comes face-to-face with a brutal stranger. In order to survive she must make a choice, to relive her dark past or face her fears and fight back.
Duke is an excellent writer who demonstrates his in-depth knowledge of fighting and survival in this novelette. If you are a fan of Final Girl, or the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, you must read Ashley's Tale.
July 12, 2016
ASHLEY'S TALE is a well-written dark tale and a short read that I highly recommend. Emotional. Psychological. Detailed ... but not grisly. Welcome, Mike Duke, to my circle of authors. I hope to read something else from you ... Soon.
July 18, 2016
Wow!!! Just...wow!
A great, quick, but satisfying, read! I don't want to spoil it for anyone else by giving too much away, so I will only say one final word: YEAH!!!
A great, quick, but satisfying, read! I don't want to spoil it for anyone else by giving too much away, so I will only say one final word: YEAH!!!
August 15, 2017
Reviewed by: Demetrius Svette
*This book was provided for an honest review
Ashley’s Tale by Mike Duke is beyond remarkable and perfect for its size- there’s really no need for any more or less. From the beginning to the end, it is the mortifying tale of Ashley. This tale teaches you to have the strength and courage to lay down your weak side to gain access to something inside the human spirit that you always push to the deepest, darkest recesses of your mind only to be locked away but never fully forgotten; seeming to never push the boundaries once it is set in motion. Duke presents the sharp terror of Ashley, the main character, and the twisted game that her abductor, Jake, has induced upon her.
The struggle from the low succumbed life she has almost messes with your mind and the feelings you feel towards the main characters; this story line leaves you with a sense of defeat giving way to a rise and questioning the bounds of restraint that we face in our normal, pathetic, everyday lives. Ashley’s Tale brings forth the strongest female character we have seen since Jennifer Lopez in Enough, imparting this darkness that surrounds this tale of extreme survival. Will Ashley rise above the situation at hand and survive? Will she be the same person if she does?
Mike Duke is officially a force to be reckoned with- he is the master of terror. First, I read his Warm, Dark Places Are Best but this is entirely different in every aspect and still terrifying to the soul. Duke surprised me again and seemed to make my mouth drop in this page turning success. He gets to a personal level with his audience and brings forth the realities that most people do not want to see come into physical existence. I bow down to the craft of his writing skills to say we simply are not worthy. Duke will rise from the sea of authors as unique, creative and masterful in his craft; it would be a sight to see his books transformed into screenplays and played out for everyone to see.
*This book was provided for an honest review
Ashley’s Tale by Mike Duke is beyond remarkable and perfect for its size- there’s really no need for any more or less. From the beginning to the end, it is the mortifying tale of Ashley. This tale teaches you to have the strength and courage to lay down your weak side to gain access to something inside the human spirit that you always push to the deepest, darkest recesses of your mind only to be locked away but never fully forgotten; seeming to never push the boundaries once it is set in motion. Duke presents the sharp terror of Ashley, the main character, and the twisted game that her abductor, Jake, has induced upon her.
The struggle from the low succumbed life she has almost messes with your mind and the feelings you feel towards the main characters; this story line leaves you with a sense of defeat giving way to a rise and questioning the bounds of restraint that we face in our normal, pathetic, everyday lives. Ashley’s Tale brings forth the strongest female character we have seen since Jennifer Lopez in Enough, imparting this darkness that surrounds this tale of extreme survival. Will Ashley rise above the situation at hand and survive? Will she be the same person if she does?
Mike Duke is officially a force to be reckoned with- he is the master of terror. First, I read his Warm, Dark Places Are Best but this is entirely different in every aspect and still terrifying to the soul. Duke surprised me again and seemed to make my mouth drop in this page turning success. He gets to a personal level with his audience and brings forth the realities that most people do not want to see come into physical existence. I bow down to the craft of his writing skills to say we simply are not worthy. Duke will rise from the sea of authors as unique, creative and masterful in his craft; it would be a sight to see his books transformed into screenplays and played out for everyone to see.
February 15, 2020
In the first and namesake book of the Ashley’s Tale trilogy, we are thrust right into the action with the abduction of Ashley Wendell. Immediately you can tell that the abductor isn’t a run-of-the-mill criminal. The way he talks and things he says are different. The man takes Ashley to a remote location where he begins submitting her to a series of brutal events.
The plot of Ashley’s Tale is certainly not what I expected. Rather than the classic revenge tale that I was expecting, Duke takes the story in a whole different direction. In such a short novella, it’s hard to discuss much without giving away key elements of the plot. But I can certainly say that this story was far from what I was expecting, in a very good way. Perhaps the most captivating and different aspect of Ashley’s Tale is the overarching theme. Many horror stories are tales of normal people struggling through a terrible situation and barely surviving, often by luck. Ashley’s Tale is a story of personal growth, strength, and overcoming adversity. While the situation is incredibly dark, the themes portrayed are those of hope, persistence, and inner strength.
Another markedly interesting aspect is the inclusion of a lot of self-defense, fighting and survival knowledge. Without making the story seem like an instruction manual, Duke displays his extensive knowledge on the subjects. It adds a depth of realism to the narrative.
Ashley’s Tale is a quick read with no lulls or wasted space. Every scene advances the story and adds valuably to the narrative. With an expert balancing of adrenaline-pumping action and character development, Duke has crafted an intense experience. With an ending that leaves you craving more, I can’t wait to check out the next two books in the series.
The plot of Ashley’s Tale is certainly not what I expected. Rather than the classic revenge tale that I was expecting, Duke takes the story in a whole different direction. In such a short novella, it’s hard to discuss much without giving away key elements of the plot. But I can certainly say that this story was far from what I was expecting, in a very good way. Perhaps the most captivating and different aspect of Ashley’s Tale is the overarching theme. Many horror stories are tales of normal people struggling through a terrible situation and barely surviving, often by luck. Ashley’s Tale is a story of personal growth, strength, and overcoming adversity. While the situation is incredibly dark, the themes portrayed are those of hope, persistence, and inner strength.
Another markedly interesting aspect is the inclusion of a lot of self-defense, fighting and survival knowledge. Without making the story seem like an instruction manual, Duke displays his extensive knowledge on the subjects. It adds a depth of realism to the narrative.
Ashley’s Tale is a quick read with no lulls or wasted space. Every scene advances the story and adds valuably to the narrative. With an expert balancing of adrenaline-pumping action and character development, Duke has crafted an intense experience. With an ending that leaves you craving more, I can’t wait to check out the next two books in the series.
August 14, 2018
Amazing!
There is literally no book I have read by Mike Duke that I didn't love. Ashley's Tale had me right in from the start.
This story brings us on a journey with Ashley, who is kidnapped by a man whose intentions are extremely confusing. He pressures her to make a decision to be raped or to be beaten. At this point you suspect that he is just going to rape and kill her. But, he has a whole different agenda in mind.
He plays around a lot with her psyche and gives her an option to fight or take punishment. He has everything all planned out to what he wants to teach her. Why is he teaching her many ways to defend herself but continues to keep her captive is still a mystery.
She is going to have to become brave and strong to face her fears and to quite possibly be able to fight to get out of her current situation.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It kept me intrigued and I found it to be very suspenseful. You never knew what was going to happen next and what new situation was Ashley going to be placed in.
I really look forward to continuing reading about Ashley and where things are gonna go. I believe it's going to be a adventurous ride that Mike Duke will take us on.
There is literally no book I have read by Mike Duke that I didn't love. Ashley's Tale had me right in from the start.
This story brings us on a journey with Ashley, who is kidnapped by a man whose intentions are extremely confusing. He pressures her to make a decision to be raped or to be beaten. At this point you suspect that he is just going to rape and kill her. But, he has a whole different agenda in mind.
He plays around a lot with her psyche and gives her an option to fight or take punishment. He has everything all planned out to what he wants to teach her. Why is he teaching her many ways to defend herself but continues to keep her captive is still a mystery.
She is going to have to become brave and strong to face her fears and to quite possibly be able to fight to get out of her current situation.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It kept me intrigued and I found it to be very suspenseful. You never knew what was going to happen next and what new situation was Ashley going to be placed in.
I really look forward to continuing reading about Ashley and where things are gonna go. I believe it's going to be a adventurous ride that Mike Duke will take us on.
October 22, 2018
Mike Duke Never Fails Me!
I was blown away, and even that is an understatement! Emotional, psychological, suspenseful, thrilling, and adrenaline-packed, Ashley's Story keeps you on your toes, keeps you from wanting to put it down - guess it is very fortunate that it's a short story, otherwise my children would have suffered from neglect HAH!
I was torn between wanting to hate Jake, Ashley's captor and tormentor, and applauding him (can't reveal the reasons as to why because that would serve as a spoiler!). I grew to empathize with Ashley, cheering whenever she mastered a new skill (again... no spoilers!), cringing when she failed, but having full confidence in her abilities.
The one thing I loved the most is Mike Duke's very descriptive and detailed ways of teaching Ashley how to fight. I mean, if I weren't so old now, I could almost swear I can learn how to fight just going by this book alone! It's almost like a self-help thing....
Anyway, I cannot wait to read the next two novellas, plus a full-length book that's supposed to have been written.... PLEASE TELL ME THAT'S NOT JUST A RUMOR!!
I was blown away, and even that is an understatement! Emotional, psychological, suspenseful, thrilling, and adrenaline-packed, Ashley's Story keeps you on your toes, keeps you from wanting to put it down - guess it is very fortunate that it's a short story, otherwise my children would have suffered from neglect HAH!
I was torn between wanting to hate Jake, Ashley's captor and tormentor, and applauding him (can't reveal the reasons as to why because that would serve as a spoiler!). I grew to empathize with Ashley, cheering whenever she mastered a new skill (again... no spoilers!), cringing when she failed, but having full confidence in her abilities.
The one thing I loved the most is Mike Duke's very descriptive and detailed ways of teaching Ashley how to fight. I mean, if I weren't so old now, I could almost swear I can learn how to fight just going by this book alone! It's almost like a self-help thing....
Anyway, I cannot wait to read the next two novellas, plus a full-length book that's supposed to have been written.... PLEASE TELL ME THAT'S NOT JUST A RUMOR!!
June 5, 2022
This novella was not at all what I expected when I first picked it up. I expected just an extreme horror blood and torture fest. Which I sometimes enjoy. But this little story has a psychological twistiness that I didn't see coming and really found fascinating. The very beginning was tough to read, but as I got along further into the story, I realized that these beginning scenes were not just there to be gratuitous. It was setting up the rest of the tale in a way that made it more visceral.
The characters are completely mesmerizing, I am obsessed with finding out the backstory on Jake. Thankfully there is another novella dedicated to that exact thing so I will definitely be reading that soon.
As always, I'm thankful to the mods at Horror Aficionados for setting up these author reads. They are always a blast and Mike Duke has been such a kind and involved participant.
The characters are completely mesmerizing, I am obsessed with finding out the backstory on Jake. Thankfully there is another novella dedicated to that exact thing so I will definitely be reading that soon.
As always, I'm thankful to the mods at Horror Aficionados for setting up these author reads. They are always a blast and Mike Duke has been such a kind and involved participant.
September 6, 2019
Mike Duke takes us on a non-stop journey of self discovery and perseverance with Ashley's Tale that I was not prepared for. There is no polite introduction into the uneasy and terrifying life that Ashley is forced into, but rather you are thrust into it with no mercy. We meet Ashley as her world is forever turned upside down, being kidnapped by a man we come to know simply and hauntingly as Jake. Jake pushes Ashley to the very limits of human capability mentally, emotionally, and physically in such a way that you will feel what Ashley feels every step of the way. Don't be deceived into thinking you know how this story will end. When you finally close the book and pause to collect your thoughts your mind will be reeling and, more importantly, you'll be begging Mike Duke for more.
April 12, 2020
Take a drag of you cigarette and let the smoke fill your lungs! The beginning alone was incredibly intense. I read the entirety in one sitting, which might have been a mistake because I got legitimately anxious. Beyond that first scene, there were several more creepy and downright disturbing moments throughout the rest of this bone-chilling novella! It was fun to read The writing was great with a good balance of description and action. The narrative moved along at a fast pace so I was able to fly through the story.Great fun!
I would highly recommend this novella l to any horror readers who can handle an intense story with plenty of body horror. Fast pace horror. Lots of fun to read!exhale.... and go grab a copy for yourself!
I would highly recommend this novella l to any horror readers who can handle an intense story with plenty of body horror. Fast pace horror. Lots of fun to read!exhale.... and go grab a copy for yourself!
March 26, 2024
GREAT SHORT STORY.. Side Note: reading the collected edition but GR does not have it so I have to mark each book separately.
Ashley's tale (1) is about Ashley, who gets kidnapped by a stranger. This story does not go the way you'd think it will go. I went in blind so that part was quite the surprise. A surprise that I welcomed since a lot of books are about a woman being kidnapped just to be tortured and raped. And then she escapes and she gets her revenge on her captor. Don't get me wrong, I love those stories, nothing better then a excellent torture/revenge story. This one takes a different tone. What a fantastic twist and turn. I cannot wait to read the other short stories of Ashley. I hope for more surprises down the line. SOLID story and characters.
Ashley's tale (1) is about Ashley, who gets kidnapped by a stranger. This story does not go the way you'd think it will go. I went in blind so that part was quite the surprise. A surprise that I welcomed since a lot of books are about a woman being kidnapped just to be tortured and raped. And then she escapes and she gets her revenge on her captor. Don't get me wrong, I love those stories, nothing better then a excellent torture/revenge story. This one takes a different tone. What a fantastic twist and turn. I cannot wait to read the other short stories of Ashley. I hope for more surprises down the line. SOLID story and characters.
June 17, 2024
Ashley's Tale by Mike Duke - Author is a harrowing tale of empowering women. But at what cost?
This book originated as two novellas and a novel, but it's now in one book. And it works really well that way.
Ashley is kidnapped and forced to make choices to survive her ordeal. She finds herself becoming a stronger woman, one who will fight for herself to survive.
This book collection is good. It really shows how strong women can become. There are strong relationships, the character development is good. My only issue was it needs a bit of editing. But it's definitely worth a read.
If you have any triggers for SA, DA, drug abuse, or any type of violence, you may want to reconsider.
Mike's a great author and you don't want to miss this.
This book originated as two novellas and a novel, but it's now in one book. And it works really well that way.
Ashley is kidnapped and forced to make choices to survive her ordeal. She finds herself becoming a stronger woman, one who will fight for herself to survive.
This book collection is good. It really shows how strong women can become. There are strong relationships, the character development is good. My only issue was it needs a bit of editing. But it's definitely worth a read.
If you have any triggers for SA, DA, drug abuse, or any type of violence, you may want to reconsider.
Mike's a great author and you don't want to miss this.
October 1, 2017
This short story was brutal and brilliantly astonishing.
A girl with a tragic past. Kidnapped and thrust into a seemingly impossible situation. Her lessons of survival...and her resolve to stop being the victim. Can she persevere?
This debut novella was enticingly dark with an intricate and startling evolution.
The characters in this tale were tangible and intriguing. I fully enjoyed this savage and grisly story as it unfolded.
Read in a single sitting, I recommend this story only to the staunchest of readers. I would love to see this become a movie!
Very well done!
A girl with a tragic past. Kidnapped and thrust into a seemingly impossible situation. Her lessons of survival...and her resolve to stop being the victim. Can she persevere?
This debut novella was enticingly dark with an intricate and startling evolution.
The characters in this tale were tangible and intriguing. I fully enjoyed this savage and grisly story as it unfolded.
Read in a single sitting, I recommend this story only to the staunchest of readers. I would love to see this become a movie!
Very well done!
June 3, 2022
TRIGGER WARNING - Bondage, Kidnapping, Threat of Rape, Child Abuse Backstory
This book was not what I thought it was going to be. I didn't want to like it at first because it had such a crazy beginning and I felt Ashley was beginning to take on a Stockholm Syndrome type of role by her captor (still not sure that's not an aspect of what's going on here) however I finished the book eager to read the next in the series to see how far left this goes.
It was a quick read but I devoured it during a nasty storm so I'm kinda hungry for more now. Starting next in the series today!
This book was not what I thought it was going to be. I didn't want to like it at first because it had such a crazy beginning and I felt Ashley was beginning to take on a Stockholm Syndrome type of role by her captor (still not sure that's not an aspect of what's going on here) however I finished the book eager to read the next in the series to see how far left this goes.
It was a quick read but I devoured it during a nasty storm so I'm kinda hungry for more now. Starting next in the series today!
May 23, 2023
Just finished this one by Mike Duke - Author, as a first from him for me and wow! I absolutely loved it! This took a different path than I expected and was blown away!
I love the main character, Ashley and rooted for her every step of the way. As a reader, we are there with Ashley, going through her emotions and it is a roller coaster ride! 5 ⭐️! Can’t wait to read the next one! Well done Mike! So glad I reached out to you to get my own signed copies! Can’t wait to read more of your work!
FYI- Beware of your triggers as there are a few scenes that are brutal but necessary to Ashley’s Tale.
I love the main character, Ashley and rooted for her every step of the way. As a reader, we are there with Ashley, going through her emotions and it is a roller coaster ride! 5 ⭐️! Can’t wait to read the next one! Well done Mike! So glad I reached out to you to get my own signed copies! Can’t wait to read more of your work!
FYI- Beware of your triggers as there are a few scenes that are brutal but necessary to Ashley’s Tale.
October 10, 2021
The prey becomes the predator…
Ashley is abducted and taken by an unknown assailant to his home, but could never anticipate in her darkest nightmares what happens to her next.
For her kidnapper has a plan for her…and before he is done with her, Ashley will be a very different person to the one that he abducted.
A great story with plenty of neat little twists and turns.
Don’t want to say any more as don’t want to spoil it, but a deliciously nasty little read.
Ashley is abducted and taken by an unknown assailant to his home, but could never anticipate in her darkest nightmares what happens to her next.
For her kidnapper has a plan for her…and before he is done with her, Ashley will be a very different person to the one that he abducted.
A great story with plenty of neat little twists and turns.
Don’t want to say any more as don’t want to spoil it, but a deliciously nasty little read.
August 30, 2019
Absolutely fantastic little piece of horror. This is a fast-paced twist on every young woman’s worst nightmare. The plot was unpredictable and exciting while including scenes that made my heart race and made me NEED to find out what happens next.
My only complaint is how short it was 👏🏻 great job Duke, I can’t wait to binge the rest of the series.
My only complaint is how short it was 👏🏻 great job Duke, I can’t wait to binge the rest of the series.
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