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Violent Hearts: A Haunted Journey
"A twisted masterpiece." From a shadowy realm not far from our own, dark beings have slipped unnoticed into the world. It started that cold night spent in the woods, all those years ago. Owen and Chloe had wakened something, something inside them both. But, for a while at least, they’d thought they could live normal lives… Here the blind Guitar Man gives insane advice on the brink between reality and nightmare; eerie clones known as umbriates sneak into the world with murderous intent; and the once-imaginary being called Ozy is gathering strength and followers in his effort to rip through the very fabric of reality with the intent of dominance and darkness. And only Owen and Chloe can stop him. A surreal tale of horror and heartbreak, rife with dark oddities, wonderfully realized characters, and terrifying nightmares. "Bradbury on acid." Greg Gifune, author of The Bleeding Season "A prodigious talent." Jon Bassoff, author of Corrosion "[Deininger's] tutelary spirits are Barker and Lynch, Carpenter and Cronenberg" Peter Tennant, Black Static Magazine
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2018
4 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Keith Deininger
24 books112 followersKeith Deininger is an award-winning dark fiction author. His titles include WITHIN, MARROW'S PIT and A GAME FOR GODS. He is best known for blending elements of fantasy with horror in his surreal, literary style. He grew up in the American Southwest and currently resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico with his wife and daughter.
www.KeithDeininger.com
www.KeithDeininger.com
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 13, 2021
I've been a Keith Deininger fan for many years. He's from Albuquerque, New Mexico. I'm from Carlsbad, N.M. Does that make me love him more? Well..kind of. But, Mr. Deininger writes some messed up stuff. That's a nice way of saying what I really think. That he is a scribbler of some fucked up shit! His tales bother me. Alot. He and Greg Gifune, and I realize some people may not have heard of either of these guys, but they both disturb me. I always start these stories with the best of intentions, but soon...quite soon, I enter a twilight, or gray zone. Almost a dream quality. Oftentimes, I come out the other end of a Deininger book wondering what the hell just happened? I'll admit that in most authors I hate this. Absolutely hate it! But, sometimes you want to walk away from something, and be entranced! This book actually wasn't the weird as crap end as I like with this author. That may have been the point with this book. I suppose that sometimes you have to write a normal ending. Mostly, I just wanted people to know that Keith is otherworldly good. This may have been more of his straight forward books that I've read. I loved it, and am so thankful to see Keith writing and publishing again! Recommend? Yeah, duh!
November 19, 2018
When I first started reading Violent Hearts, I thought it might end up in my pile of unfinished books. At 10% through the book I still didn't really have a clue what was going on, and the use of words like "umbriates" and smudgemutters" which even now my auto correct wants to change.. did not help me understand what was happening. I can't really say what made me stick with it, when I would normally move on to the next book on my list. Something about it managed to grab my attention I suppose, but it was not until 25% through the book that I began to understand that Owen and Chloe had opened up a doorway to a dark and deadly shadow world that was now hunting them down in this realm. It was more of a fantasy than a horror, which is not really my thing, but I did enjoy the story once it got going. It was worth sticking with to the end and I'm glad I didn't give up on it.
I received a complimentary copy for review.
I received a complimentary copy for review.
November 12, 2018
“I knew it was one of you. I should have let the trees do their thing.”
New Mexico author Keith Deininger blends elements of fantasy with horror in his surreal, literary style, a style described as disturbing, surreal and cinematic. Originally from Colorado, Deininger moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico and earned his BA in creative writing from the University of New Mexico. His novels and poems have been honored with awards and plaudits form well-known fellow writers.
This reader’s introduction to Keith Deininger writing was FEVER TRILOGY - FEVERED HILLS, BURIED SOLDIERS, and APOCALYPSE ARTIST – and having been impressed with that experience, jumping into VIOLENT HEARTS was an eager leap. His gift in writing horror stories that ring like Poe and Bradbury is obvious from the opening pages.
An aperitif is offered from the opening of the book – ‘She swung the garbage bag from her shoulder, let it fall heavily to the ground. It was tied securely, so she wasn’t worried. Its contents were not strong, only a nuisance, something she had to take care of from time to time. She gasped, stopped to catch her breath, leaning forward, gloved hands on her knees. She glanced over her shoulder. Behind her, she could see the footbridge that crossed the pond’s narrow tributary; beyond that, the gentle rise and fall of manicured hills, that teemed with energetic students during the day, now pale and empty beneath the moon’s glow; beyond that, the overcrowded maze of buildings that made up the college campus. Something rustled in the dark trees and she turned back sharply. Before her, the trees shut out the light. Had something moved amongst the shadows? The small grove was just large enough one might pretend one had found isolation in the pines if one stood at its center, with just enough low-hanging boughs to obscure view of the outside world, although a step in any direction brought one within view of the Student Union Building; another step, the trash-strewn parking lot; another, the pond itself, overpopulated with spotted goldfish grown grotesquely large, bobbing and bubbling as they competed for scum at the murky surface of the water. On the other side of the trees, there was a small bar of gravelly sand and an old bench so splattered with bird excrement it had been forgotten. There were other areas with other benches people preferred, which left this area mostly ignored. Privacy and seclusion were her reasons for being here, why she had come in the middle of the night. This spot was the closest place to her studio—which was just on the other side of campus—she’d found in the city where she could go to do what needed to be done without being seen. Of course, she had to be on the lookout for campus security, but once she crossed the bridge onto the island, she knew she was safe. And she’d only ever encountered a few harmless students, drunk boys who had lost their friends and gone wandering; once a couple having sex in the trees, their pale faces bobbing, watching her, too close to climax to stop on her account, and she’d hurried away to save them all the embarrassment. She’d heard them finish, then talk quietly, giggling as they dashed quickly through the trees and away. Again, a branch snapped. She turned to scan the trees, now at her back. It was a strange illusion, how the copse of trees seemed a deep forest from the outside, impenetrable in the dark, but that only a few steps and one could see the other side. She could see nothing: no movement. She was alone.’ Mood established.’
The synopsis provides the map for this haunted journey – ‘Years ago, in college, Owen, a man on the brink of suicide after losing his wife and baby daughter in a brutal drunk-driving accident, and Chloe, a dispassionate academic who believes in scientific research as a means to make the world a better place, took part in a ritualistic act in the woods. After, neither of them can remember exactly what happened that night, but darkness has since haunted them both. Now, as adults living separate lives, the once minor manifestations from that night have grown into threats not only malignant and dangerous to them, but to all of humanity. A surreal tale of horror and heartbreak, rife with dark oddities, wonderfully realized characters, and terrifying nightmares. Here the blind Guitar Man gives insane advice on the brink between reality and nightmare; eerie clones known as umbriates sneak into the world with murderous intent; and the once-imaginary being called Ozy is gathering strength and followers in his effort to rip through the very fabric of reality with the intent of dominance and darkness. And only Owen and Chloe can stop him.’
From there, dive deeply into a superbly crafted horror story. The door has opened to a new and important author in Keith Deininger. Recommended.
New Mexico author Keith Deininger blends elements of fantasy with horror in his surreal, literary style, a style described as disturbing, surreal and cinematic. Originally from Colorado, Deininger moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico and earned his BA in creative writing from the University of New Mexico. His novels and poems have been honored with awards and plaudits form well-known fellow writers.
This reader’s introduction to Keith Deininger writing was FEVER TRILOGY - FEVERED HILLS, BURIED SOLDIERS, and APOCALYPSE ARTIST – and having been impressed with that experience, jumping into VIOLENT HEARTS was an eager leap. His gift in writing horror stories that ring like Poe and Bradbury is obvious from the opening pages.
An aperitif is offered from the opening of the book – ‘She swung the garbage bag from her shoulder, let it fall heavily to the ground. It was tied securely, so she wasn’t worried. Its contents were not strong, only a nuisance, something she had to take care of from time to time. She gasped, stopped to catch her breath, leaning forward, gloved hands on her knees. She glanced over her shoulder. Behind her, she could see the footbridge that crossed the pond’s narrow tributary; beyond that, the gentle rise and fall of manicured hills, that teemed with energetic students during the day, now pale and empty beneath the moon’s glow; beyond that, the overcrowded maze of buildings that made up the college campus. Something rustled in the dark trees and she turned back sharply. Before her, the trees shut out the light. Had something moved amongst the shadows? The small grove was just large enough one might pretend one had found isolation in the pines if one stood at its center, with just enough low-hanging boughs to obscure view of the outside world, although a step in any direction brought one within view of the Student Union Building; another step, the trash-strewn parking lot; another, the pond itself, overpopulated with spotted goldfish grown grotesquely large, bobbing and bubbling as they competed for scum at the murky surface of the water. On the other side of the trees, there was a small bar of gravelly sand and an old bench so splattered with bird excrement it had been forgotten. There were other areas with other benches people preferred, which left this area mostly ignored. Privacy and seclusion were her reasons for being here, why she had come in the middle of the night. This spot was the closest place to her studio—which was just on the other side of campus—she’d found in the city where she could go to do what needed to be done without being seen. Of course, she had to be on the lookout for campus security, but once she crossed the bridge onto the island, she knew she was safe. And she’d only ever encountered a few harmless students, drunk boys who had lost their friends and gone wandering; once a couple having sex in the trees, their pale faces bobbing, watching her, too close to climax to stop on her account, and she’d hurried away to save them all the embarrassment. She’d heard them finish, then talk quietly, giggling as they dashed quickly through the trees and away. Again, a branch snapped. She turned to scan the trees, now at her back. It was a strange illusion, how the copse of trees seemed a deep forest from the outside, impenetrable in the dark, but that only a few steps and one could see the other side. She could see nothing: no movement. She was alone.’ Mood established.’
The synopsis provides the map for this haunted journey – ‘Years ago, in college, Owen, a man on the brink of suicide after losing his wife and baby daughter in a brutal drunk-driving accident, and Chloe, a dispassionate academic who believes in scientific research as a means to make the world a better place, took part in a ritualistic act in the woods. After, neither of them can remember exactly what happened that night, but darkness has since haunted them both. Now, as adults living separate lives, the once minor manifestations from that night have grown into threats not only malignant and dangerous to them, but to all of humanity. A surreal tale of horror and heartbreak, rife with dark oddities, wonderfully realized characters, and terrifying nightmares. Here the blind Guitar Man gives insane advice on the brink between reality and nightmare; eerie clones known as umbriates sneak into the world with murderous intent; and the once-imaginary being called Ozy is gathering strength and followers in his effort to rip through the very fabric of reality with the intent of dominance and darkness. And only Owen and Chloe can stop him.’
From there, dive deeply into a superbly crafted horror story. The door has opened to a new and important author in Keith Deininger. Recommended.
November 23, 2018
Violent Hearts: A Haunted Journey
The story is perfect for the reader who likes horror and thrilling stories. The plot of the book is filled with great ideas and characters and starts with a girl who prefers privacy and did things without getting noticed publicly. Once after completing work, while returning she was caught by tree’s roots and a wicked-looking woman came for rescue. Later on, she noticed the woman be her identical and horrified by the thought that her duplicate could invade her place, so she tried to contact with Owen. Owen is another main character who was running away from the past of spending in woods with Chloe. Though Owen now had friends and groups consisting Stoner, Ponytail, Carly, Wicked Paul and Larry The Freak and Skunk and a leader Deadeye Doug. Carly who was married to a businessman now was living with them after the divorce because of her multiple miscarriages and now was pregnant. Every day spent was an adventure for them and when Deadeye returned, he had brought canned beans, whiskey and chickens which they celebrated together. She gave birth to a baby girl and when the newborn baby did not cry, Owen took the girl in arms and remembered his past memories of wife Chloe and his daughter. The girl was named as Queenie after the celebration. I found the book very interesting and Violent Hearts is written with an idea to make the world a better place. Unforgettable and exhilarating things bound the reader. In some places, the story becomes scary in reality. The book is highly recommended and will keep the reader awake for few nights.
The story is perfect for the reader who likes horror and thrilling stories. The plot of the book is filled with great ideas and characters and starts with a girl who prefers privacy and did things without getting noticed publicly. Once after completing work, while returning she was caught by tree’s roots and a wicked-looking woman came for rescue. Later on, she noticed the woman be her identical and horrified by the thought that her duplicate could invade her place, so she tried to contact with Owen. Owen is another main character who was running away from the past of spending in woods with Chloe. Though Owen now had friends and groups consisting Stoner, Ponytail, Carly, Wicked Paul and Larry The Freak and Skunk and a leader Deadeye Doug. Carly who was married to a businessman now was living with them after the divorce because of her multiple miscarriages and now was pregnant. Every day spent was an adventure for them and when Deadeye returned, he had brought canned beans, whiskey and chickens which they celebrated together. She gave birth to a baby girl and when the newborn baby did not cry, Owen took the girl in arms and remembered his past memories of wife Chloe and his daughter. The girl was named as Queenie after the celebration. I found the book very interesting and Violent Hearts is written with an idea to make the world a better place. Unforgettable and exhilarating things bound the reader. In some places, the story becomes scary in reality. The book is highly recommended and will keep the reader awake for few nights.
November 10, 2018
I am impressed with the plot of the book! Great idea and heroes. I could not stop reading. From the first pages the book does not let you go, because with each page it is more interesting and more interesting.
Based on the author’s biography, it’s beyond doubt that Violent Hearts is a book written with talent. The story that the man who lost the most valuable thing in his life: his wife and child, and Chloe, an academic who believes in scientific research, decided to unite and make the world a better place, but can this pass without consequences? None of them had any idea that this could happen and that this could affect not only them, but the whole world. Unforgettable and exciting events take place. There is certainly a horror style and I was so immersed in the book that it was really scary in some places. Especially for someone who does not read a lot of horror books.
Based on the author’s biography, it’s beyond doubt that Violent Hearts is a book written with talent. The story that the man who lost the most valuable thing in his life: his wife and child, and Chloe, an academic who believes in scientific research, decided to unite and make the world a better place, but can this pass without consequences? None of them had any idea that this could happen and that this could affect not only them, but the whole world. Unforgettable and exciting events take place. There is certainly a horror style and I was so immersed in the book that it was really scary in some places. Especially for someone who does not read a lot of horror books.
November 12, 2018
Violent Hearts: A Haunted Journey by Keith Deininger will scare you to death. Of course that's what the author Deininger wants, and he succeeds on all fronts. The plot of the book is certainly unique, and brings together the two main characters unlike anything before. Owen and Chloe couldn't be more different, but a ritualistic act has bound them together, and continues to haunt their everyday lives. The writing is a marvelous example of astute creativity, with different creatures and oddities. Along with the creative bent, Deininger has a way of fully creating his characters, adding depth and humanity, giving them very real emotions. These elements all combine to render a scary yet highly readable story, one filled with horrific magic and implausible events that seem all too real. Highly recommend for a book that will keep you awake at night. A must read.
November 15, 2018
This was pretty frightening
I kind of regret reading this before bed. This is quite possibly one of the scariest books I have ever read. I was sucked in from the first pages though following Owen and Chloe after they perform a ritual in the woods and bring forth more terror than they were prepared to deal with, then must save the world from what their actions brought on.
This is a pretty action packed book but definitely scary. I had nightmares all night after reading it! So if your intent is to be scared then this is the book to immerse yourself into. The writing style is perfect for this type of novel, and the character and story building is fantastic. I’m interested to see what else the author has to offer! Though I probably won’t be reading another one right before bed!!
I kind of regret reading this before bed. This is quite possibly one of the scariest books I have ever read. I was sucked in from the first pages though following Owen and Chloe after they perform a ritual in the woods and bring forth more terror than they were prepared to deal with, then must save the world from what their actions brought on.
This is a pretty action packed book but definitely scary. I had nightmares all night after reading it! So if your intent is to be scared then this is the book to immerse yourself into. The writing style is perfect for this type of novel, and the character and story building is fantastic. I’m interested to see what else the author has to offer! Though I probably won’t be reading another one right before bed!!
November 9, 2018
An incredible read, it actually achieved the goal of freaking the pants off of me, and that’s not easy.
It’s written in such an incredible way that I couldn’t help but being drawn completely into the guys life, his insanities and the rollercoaster ride he goes threw as he questions how true his reality really is.
There were points where the hairs on my arms were literally standing on end and quite a few times I almost had a tear or two drop from my eye.
This I liked as well, the authors ability to mix horror and sadness in such a intricate and beautiful way.
I have nothing but good things to say for this, I’ll definitely be looking for more from the author.
It’s written in such an incredible way that I couldn’t help but being drawn completely into the guys life, his insanities and the rollercoaster ride he goes threw as he questions how true his reality really is.
There were points where the hairs on my arms were literally standing on end and quite a few times I almost had a tear or two drop from my eye.
This I liked as well, the authors ability to mix horror and sadness in such a intricate and beautiful way.
I have nothing but good things to say for this, I’ll definitely be looking for more from the author.
January 10, 2019
This is a terrifying love story and adventure with some pretty bizarre, scary characters, and lots of twists and turns that you don’t see coming. The main characters meet in college, become fast friends and lovers. They tell each other everything that has happened throughout their childhood and teenage years even if some of the stories sound like they are out of this world, and very bizarre. During their college years strange, eerie and sad things happen to this couple. They go through these incredible life changing events together, but the stress of the bizarre circumstances tears them apart. They go their separate ways but keep in touch with writing letters back and forth. They are connected in a very strong, and strange way, it’s more then just love, it goes deeper then that. She goes on to become a archeologist and teacher, after a couple odd jobs he goes on to have a successful restaurant and a family, until tragedy strikes. In college he was battling his own demon, alcoholism, this disease gets worse throughout his story, it’s a very moving backstory. The bizarre, strange and eerie circumstances that started in college start happening again in their present lives, and because of this they meet up again. But it’s not that easy though, he is broken hearted and is wondering around on foot. She is trying to catch up to him however she can. They are haunted by their past and even more worried about what the future holds for them and the world. Evil has ripped into their world and they need to work together battling this menace and try to send it back to where it came from. The terror in this love story is horror personified, the things that this horror brings with him from the other place are also frightening. He himself is terrifying. I really enjoyed this book, I would love to see other books with these characters. I think the love story and adventures could continue, and it seems like that is maybe the idea.
December 4, 2018
Dark and twisted. Owen is on the run. Chloe is fighting for her sanity and safety. They are both connected by one fateful night that neither of them can explain without sounding like they need to be institutionalized. Violent Hearts is scary to the point that you may question the odd sounds of things around you. The fear described is palpable yet there is the approach by the author that makes you not want to turn away. Just as Owen and Chloe, two tragic souls, are drawn into this dark world, so is the reader who will be in awe of the darkness and horror but can't fall asleep without having nightmares of their own. This story will stay with you for many nights after the last page. It is not all horror and doom. The other characters in the story are unique creatures in their own right. They earn their own level of sympathy when horror strikes their lives as well. Read before bed at your own risk.
November 17, 2018
Violent Hearts felt like an inside look into someone’s nightmare. This horror book was probably not for me, but I am sure it would hit a certain target perfectly. The story follows Owen and Chloe who have not had the best luck, but find themselves taking part in a night ritual that forever changed their lives. You follow what happens afterwards and the haunting experiences that follow. You meet additional characters that only add to the spooky feel.
In addition to the content, the author certainly has a specific writing style that takes a moment to get used to. Again, I am sure it is great for some readers out there, but not for me.
In addition to the content, the author certainly has a specific writing style that takes a moment to get used to. Again, I am sure it is great for some readers out there, but not for me.
December 8, 2022
I have to admit, I really struggled to get into this one. The first third of the story really seemed disconnected and listening to the audiobook made this even more obvious. When reading a physical or digital book one can easily flip back to check on details but that is much more difficult to do with an audio file. I did like the story line and the Lovecraftian leanings and would be interested in giving this one a re read with a physical copy.
November 15, 2018
I honestly did try to read this book. I just could not get into it. I want to thank the Author And Netgalley a thank you for letting me have a chance to read this book. I’m sorry it got moved to my did not finish book list.
November 6, 2022
It's been a minute since I have read Deininger. I like his stuff. This one was a bit different and took me a while to get into it but overall I enjoyed it. I am going with 3+ stars for now but need to let it gel a wee bit and reserve the right to change my mind at a later date.
September 24, 2019
I loved it
This is a really unique and awesome book which deserves far more love than its gotten so far! I'm hoping there will be a book 2 someday!
This is a really unique and awesome book which deserves far more love than its gotten so far! I'm hoping there will be a book 2 someday!
November 13, 2022
What the hell did I just read?! Reminded me a lot of Lovecraft, only you get to know exactly what the monsters look like. I would love to see this made into a movie.
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