Asylum I: Some Things Should Not Be Forgotten

Asylum #1

by Sian B. Claven

Welcome reader, if you have stumbled upon this diary, then it has survived, and we can only hope that you learn from the mistakes that it contains. I combined both of these in the hopes that someone would shut the asylum down, that someone would know of its evil. First, you will read of Hans, a brilliant man in his own right though eventually, he should have been a patient rather than a doctor. Then there’s sweet Karen, whose own entries show how the asylum got to her too.
If you’re reading this get out now and read it somewhere far from the asylum lest you would descend into madness as well.

Genres: Horror

217 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2019

About the author

Born 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.

Reviews

[Kim Friant · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my video review here:


https://youtu.be/Nn1X3EEoj6o

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Criminally Insane

Wow, I feel insane, after reading this book. This story takes you through years of craziness, from a doctor and nurse. The mental state of these two people, from different years is outstanding. I didn't think I would've been so into this story, but I was from this beginning, and I love, love, love the images. They give you the sense of every scene, to be in the mind of the great doctor and to see what he has done was amazing. Sian, your mind is diabolical and I can't wait for the next book.

Asylum is about Dr. Brock Hans, who believes he can cure patients with different types of science and research, that he's been working with. But when he seem to be out of control with what he's doing, he goes and makes a choice that's not good.

Jump two decades, Karen is a nurse who is excited to be working at the asylum. When she gets more into the duty of her job, she becomes fascinated with Dr. Hans and his research. But by the end, she is going through some of the same things the good doctor has been through.

[✰ Charlie ✰ Chisholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

All I can say is I loved it and please tell me there will be more.
From the first page, I was hooked I was so invested into the story the world around me didn't exist/ what a story it was. I don't want to go into details but great characters and writing Sian I think this is one of your best books to date and I love everything you have written.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to start this book. I loved the diary style writing and being able to be in the mind of the mad doctor. The first chapter was creepy, chilling, and horrorific in all the correct ways. The second chapter upped the ante of terror even more and had me eager to continue reading to see what other frightening things Claven would come up with for this book. By the end, all I could think was that this book was one incredibly wild mind-tripping ride. I can't wait to dive into Book Two!

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I like reading about hauntings and the insane. Cleverly written and the author kept me hooked.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really fascinating book to read. It’s written in diary form which makes it very easy to follow a time-line. I don’t want to give too much away, but I shall say the plot is never-ending. The author has done a wonderful job with this plot, the characters are all well described. Thankfully, medicine and medical procedures have moved on since the time this book is set in however, some of the beliefs such as the feeling of being superior and special remain with us today! It’s a wonderful read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness what a freaky read!! I had with this one. Oh my oh my oh my!! I just can't express myself with what I had just read. The thing I can say it was one of the most craziness story I have enjoy reading it just blow my mind this doctor Hans. I don't have words to say what kinds of madness this asylum went through. I just can say it was one of the crazy best I have read in awhile.

[Shelby W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this beauty with only the light from the kindle on, probably wasn't my smartest idea, but I did it anyway. The space around me became so spooky, the inhabitants of the asylum came alive as I read because the writing for this one is so vivid. Before the night was over, I was covering my head and reading under the covers.

I am coming for you Asylum II, but this time with all the lights on!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I 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.

[Liesl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Sian B Claven has quickly become one of my favorite authors!!

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book !!

[Esme · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Asylum was a glimpse into a dark and dirty underworld of mental health. This story is gritty with some scenes that made me feel a little uncomfortable. Don't get me wrong, the writer is a talented storyteller. This one was just maybe a little too dark for me.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the story was fine, and I do look forward to reading other works by this author. This book reminded me a lot of the bizarro books that I like to read sometimes. Detailed and over the top, just like it's meant to be. I was vividly imagining every barbarity that occurred behind those walls. Total chaos is what was going on in this asylum! It reminds you how treatment of patients in mental institutions really sucked in the past. You can tell how true the author is to the horror genre by how she took that knowledge and turned it into a horror story. The world of Asylum is a very messed up one.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book begins as the journal of a German doctor in 1950 with radical ideas about treating the mentally ill. Sick ideas. Revolting treatments with a Hospital administrator who ignored it all. His evil treatments based on absurd concepts end up in deaths, mutilations and eventually, devastation. The book then jumps to a reopened Asylum being built to be the best in 1970 (ironically all the treatment ideas were still barbaric and repulsively evil) and is told by the journal of a new idealistic nurse, Karen. Eventually we see the ghosts of those killed before, seducing Karen into her own depravity also ending up in mass death. Creepy and sad like so many asylums are.

[Karen - Kazza's Books Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time to delve back to a time and place when anything goes for the patients of the Asylum. Sian gives you a glimpse into the working of a madman (my thoughts) and his unique ideas in which he believes he can cure the insane. This is a true horror story in all its glory. Heaven help those who enter through the doors of the Asylum.
I have read every book that Sian has written and with each story her writing has evolved and she is one of only a hand full of horror authors that I will read.

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review to follow