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Inner Demons
Somewhere past the edge of morality is the gray area of life. It’s a place where the shadows seem darker. It’s where people whisper about things hidden from the light of day, and it’s where the underbelly of society converge .It’s best if you don’t walk there alone.Inner Demons collects four novellas written by Robert Ford—fiction from the wrong side of town. A man driven by revenge and lost love. Legends come to life in a backwoods town. A family vacation becomes a nightmare at a highway tourist attraction. A mid-level gangster knows things he can’t possibly know, but at a very high cost.With story notes from the author, these four novellas will make you question what takes place behind the veil of the world you know.
The Last Firefly of Summer
What would you do for love? The man simply known as “Just” is in a bloody line of work. He chooses marks that mean something to him, but this time, it’s personal. It’s been years since he has set food in the town where he met his first and only love, and his patience is about to pay off.
Ring of Fire
Murph’s morning started off by discovering his girlfriend is having an affair with a local good ol’ boy. The day that follows is a hellish journey through the town of Bakersfield, Kentucky, where Murph comes face to face with the backwoods residents, including a nightmare he thought was only a childhood legend.
Bordertown
It was a family vacation for David, Molly, and Kirsten. The trip was going well until they hit a traffic jam and decided to rest for the night at Bordertown—a tourist attraction along the highway. What awaits them will test their belief in what exists and their very will to survive.
Big Stakes
JackieBig Stakes Jackie is a mountain of a man organizing his crew for heists. He knows things, somehow, to make the scores go just the way they’re supposed to. But there’s something people don’t know about Jackie, a secret that’s slowly but surely taking its toll on him.
The Last Firefly of Summer
What would you do for love? The man simply known as “Just” is in a bloody line of work. He chooses marks that mean something to him, but this time, it’s personal. It’s been years since he has set food in the town where he met his first and only love, and his patience is about to pay off.
Ring of Fire
Murph’s morning started off by discovering his girlfriend is having an affair with a local good ol’ boy. The day that follows is a hellish journey through the town of Bakersfield, Kentucky, where Murph comes face to face with the backwoods residents, including a nightmare he thought was only a childhood legend.
Bordertown
It was a family vacation for David, Molly, and Kirsten. The trip was going well until they hit a traffic jam and decided to rest for the night at Bordertown—a tourist attraction along the highway. What awaits them will test their belief in what exists and their very will to survive.
Big Stakes
JackieBig Stakes Jackie is a mountain of a man organizing his crew for heists. He knows things, somehow, to make the scores go just the way they’re supposed to. But there’s something people don’t know about Jackie, a secret that’s slowly but surely taking its toll on him.
- GenresHorror
244 pages, Paperback
Published September 17, 2019
58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 20, 2020
INNER DEMONS is the collection of four novellas from author Bob Ford. Believe me when I say that anyone who doesn't buy this book right now, will be intentionally choosing to miss out on hours of quality storytelling.
First of all, the foreword by Matt Hayward is so perfect; setting the stage perfectly for Ford's stories,
"I like it here. These characters are real. They're complex and genuine. I relate to them the most."
Second, this collection has Author's Notes at the end. I don't know a single reader that doesn't love some author's notes; some insight into the stories we just enjoyed. A little glimpse behind the curtain.
THE LAST FIREFLY OF SUMMER- This novella is told in four parts. It would be easy for me to imagine readers finishing this story and saying, "I just wanted more". Not because there is anything underdeveloped about it but because readers will never want to leave its pages. This is a tale about love; the never-ending, magnetic, powerful grip love can have on people-especially if it's cut short or unrequited.
There's no way to expect the unexpected. Bob Ford has woven one of the best revenge stories I have ever read. This one is worth the price of admission. In just a few pages, Bob Ford struts his skills; captivating and breathtaking it demands readers become insta-fans.
RING OF FIRE- Oh my god. If the first story proves Ford's worth as a master craftsman of character development, this story boasts his talent for humor. Being inside the protagonist's head, Murph, is hysterical; laugh-out-loud funny. Again, some unexpected horror tucked into the nooks and crannies of one of the grittiest, greasiest "day-in-the-life" stories readers will run across. This one has some colorful imagery that will linger for days!
BORDERTOWN- what happens when a family on their way to Disneyland, takes a detour in order to avoid traffic? They wind up at BORDERTOWN, the most godawful, backward clusterfuck of a destination run by some real weirdos. I love that Ford showcases his knack for straight-up horror with this story. There were moments here where I was legitimately worried about what I was going to read next. Fast-paced, high energy, the edge-of-your-seat style horror. Loved it!
BIG STAKES JACKIE- Whew! This was one of those stories where the tension just keeps mounting like a slow and steady torture device. Readers will read about a young guy in his twenties who meets a gangster named Big Stakes Jackie. The rest is a downward spiral into "nothing good". The ending is INTENSE! Of course, I enjoyed this one as well.
4 solid stories all lined up, one right after the other, that prove-without a shadow of a doubt- that Bob Ford is top shelf. This book is his A game.
First of all, the foreword by Matt Hayward is so perfect; setting the stage perfectly for Ford's stories,
"I like it here. These characters are real. They're complex and genuine. I relate to them the most."
Second, this collection has Author's Notes at the end. I don't know a single reader that doesn't love some author's notes; some insight into the stories we just enjoyed. A little glimpse behind the curtain.
THE LAST FIREFLY OF SUMMER- This novella is told in four parts. It would be easy for me to imagine readers finishing this story and saying, "I just wanted more". Not because there is anything underdeveloped about it but because readers will never want to leave its pages. This is a tale about love; the never-ending, magnetic, powerful grip love can have on people-especially if it's cut short or unrequited.
There's no way to expect the unexpected. Bob Ford has woven one of the best revenge stories I have ever read. This one is worth the price of admission. In just a few pages, Bob Ford struts his skills; captivating and breathtaking it demands readers become insta-fans.
RING OF FIRE- Oh my god. If the first story proves Ford's worth as a master craftsman of character development, this story boasts his talent for humor. Being inside the protagonist's head, Murph, is hysterical; laugh-out-loud funny. Again, some unexpected horror tucked into the nooks and crannies of one of the grittiest, greasiest "day-in-the-life" stories readers will run across. This one has some colorful imagery that will linger for days!
BORDERTOWN- what happens when a family on their way to Disneyland, takes a detour in order to avoid traffic? They wind up at BORDERTOWN, the most godawful, backward clusterfuck of a destination run by some real weirdos. I love that Ford showcases his knack for straight-up horror with this story. There were moments here where I was legitimately worried about what I was going to read next. Fast-paced, high energy, the edge-of-your-seat style horror. Loved it!
BIG STAKES JACKIE- Whew! This was one of those stories where the tension just keeps mounting like a slow and steady torture device. Readers will read about a young guy in his twenties who meets a gangster named Big Stakes Jackie. The rest is a downward spiral into "nothing good". The ending is INTENSE! Of course, I enjoyed this one as well.
4 solid stories all lined up, one right after the other, that prove-without a shadow of a doubt- that Bob Ford is top shelf. This book is his A game.
February 7, 2022
The old cartoons I used to watch had a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other. But what if the devil starts to win more than lose? How long could the angel deal with that? How long could anyone?
Robert Ford
A collection of four very different Robert Ford novellas that are only linked by the quality of the writing and a touch of the extreme. It’s a mixed bag. I enjoyed the first, didn’t like the second, really liked the third, and adored the last one. ‘Big Stakes Jackie’, that last one, has such a beautifully slow build up and growing tension that I just couldn’t put it down. Worth the money just for that story!
Robert Ford
A collection of four very different Robert Ford novellas that are only linked by the quality of the writing and a touch of the extreme. It’s a mixed bag. I enjoyed the first, didn’t like the second, really liked the third, and adored the last one. ‘Big Stakes Jackie’, that last one, has such a beautifully slow build up and growing tension that I just couldn’t put it down. Worth the money just for that story!
June 7, 2020
I’m glad I sprung for the holy shit edition! EXCELLENT.
September 27, 2019
INNER DEMONS :
FOUR NOVELLAS BY ROBERT FORD
THE LAST FIREFLY OF SUMMER:
What an absolute knockout, terrifying love story. Proper edge-of-the-seat stuff the whole way. Loved every second of it. Only wished it was longer. And that ending... man.
It's one of those stories that stays with you. Absolutely fantastic.
Probably my favourite of the lot. But I'm a big ol' softy.
RING OF FIRE
Starting with a good old rant, swiftly moving into his current situation, sets the tone beautifully. The story continues to be pretty wild throughout. Bit of humour dotted around here and there. Great fun.
Certain people show up from one of his previous books, SAMSON AND DENIAL, not saying who, in case of spoilers, but I do love when authors do things like that. Just brings you that bit more into their world.
BORDERTOWN
Quite a bit of humour running through this one, too. Well, at the start anyway. I was creasing up at the maddest family banter in the car. So good.
One thing that got me a little confused was all the "M" names floating around if I'm being honest: Mabel, Margot, Miranda and Molly, so I had to pay a bit more attention there. I also had a similar problem with the names that sounded the same, Tristan and Kirsten. And it doesn't matter whether the characters are completely different, it just seems to throw me for some reason. But once I got my concentration in check I was fine. It didn't spoil the story for me whatsoever, though. Don't let me put you off.
I actually think it might have been done intentionally just to get folk like me to pay closer attention... Sneaky? Clever?
Wouldn't surprise me.
But whatever... That Sheriff Walden character though, wait til you read about him, he's a bit of a nutter to say the least... Oaft!
So yeah, things quickly take a diversion, in more ways than one, as you've probably guessed. It gets pretty nasty, fast.
One thing I want to mention, that stood out for me, was that every character stayed true to themselves, especially Kristen's little moment, or should I say... moments. They kind of got me, brought things right back to who she was at heart.
Brilliant.
I'm trying my best not to give anything away here, but there's a terrific heroic scene that made me catch my breath. It's not with Kristen, it's with someone else.
One more quick thing to add. Every character in Robert Ford's stories has a purpose. Nobody is throw away. They all have their own little story going on. You genuinely care.
Achieving that in a short space of time is pretty damn good if you ask me.
BIG STAKES JACKIE
Jeez... This one gets pretty brutal. It began with a nice slow build which was a pleasant welcome from the other stories. (I'm not complaining by the way) The gentleness kept me thinking something was about to happen soon, but it kept going like that, and I got pure lost in it.
When the tension eventually ramps up, it does so in the same gradual way.
Really good pacing.
I'll not lie, some things happened that I wished hadn't, but I understand things have to stay real in this kind of world. That's just how it is. It's ruthless.
Conclusion:
Robert Ford doesn't mess about with his stories whatsoever. They are fast, funny, heartfelt and ferocious.
In fact, don't forget that, because just when you are settling in, you'll be quickly reminded what you are reading. And you'll be like holy...
At it's very core THIS IS HORROR.
Robert Ford is a damn good writer.
I'll be checking out more of his work.
Looking for a fantastic horror novella collection?
Look no further.
Seriously, this deserves to sell by the truckload.
Easy five stars. Loved it.
FOUR NOVELLAS BY ROBERT FORD
THE LAST FIREFLY OF SUMMER:
What an absolute knockout, terrifying love story. Proper edge-of-the-seat stuff the whole way. Loved every second of it. Only wished it was longer. And that ending... man.
It's one of those stories that stays with you. Absolutely fantastic.
Probably my favourite of the lot. But I'm a big ol' softy.
RING OF FIRE
Starting with a good old rant, swiftly moving into his current situation, sets the tone beautifully. The story continues to be pretty wild throughout. Bit of humour dotted around here and there. Great fun.
Certain people show up from one of his previous books, SAMSON AND DENIAL, not saying who, in case of spoilers, but I do love when authors do things like that. Just brings you that bit more into their world.
BORDERTOWN
Quite a bit of humour running through this one, too. Well, at the start anyway. I was creasing up at the maddest family banter in the car. So good.
One thing that got me a little confused was all the "M" names floating around if I'm being honest: Mabel, Margot, Miranda and Molly, so I had to pay a bit more attention there. I also had a similar problem with the names that sounded the same, Tristan and Kirsten. And it doesn't matter whether the characters are completely different, it just seems to throw me for some reason. But once I got my concentration in check I was fine. It didn't spoil the story for me whatsoever, though. Don't let me put you off.
I actually think it might have been done intentionally just to get folk like me to pay closer attention... Sneaky? Clever?
Wouldn't surprise me.
But whatever... That Sheriff Walden character though, wait til you read about him, he's a bit of a nutter to say the least... Oaft!
So yeah, things quickly take a diversion, in more ways than one, as you've probably guessed. It gets pretty nasty, fast.
One thing I want to mention, that stood out for me, was that every character stayed true to themselves, especially Kristen's little moment, or should I say... moments. They kind of got me, brought things right back to who she was at heart.
Brilliant.
I'm trying my best not to give anything away here, but there's a terrific heroic scene that made me catch my breath. It's not with Kristen, it's with someone else.
One more quick thing to add. Every character in Robert Ford's stories has a purpose. Nobody is throw away. They all have their own little story going on. You genuinely care.
Achieving that in a short space of time is pretty damn good if you ask me.
BIG STAKES JACKIE
Jeez... This one gets pretty brutal. It began with a nice slow build which was a pleasant welcome from the other stories. (I'm not complaining by the way) The gentleness kept me thinking something was about to happen soon, but it kept going like that, and I got pure lost in it.
When the tension eventually ramps up, it does so in the same gradual way.
Really good pacing.
I'll not lie, some things happened that I wished hadn't, but I understand things have to stay real in this kind of world. That's just how it is. It's ruthless.
Conclusion:
Robert Ford doesn't mess about with his stories whatsoever. They are fast, funny, heartfelt and ferocious.
In fact, don't forget that, because just when you are settling in, you'll be quickly reminded what you are reading. And you'll be like holy...
At it's very core THIS IS HORROR.
Robert Ford is a damn good writer.
I'll be checking out more of his work.
Looking for a fantastic horror novella collection?
Look no further.
Seriously, this deserves to sell by the truckload.
Easy five stars. Loved it.
October 1, 2019
Inner Demons is a wonderful collection that features 4 novellas, each of which is unique and memorable. These stories had all of my favorite elements—unforgettable characters, laugh-out-loud humor, and heartfelt moments.
THE LAST FIREFLY OF SUMMER was a moving tale of love and revenge. This was a perfect starting point, drawing me into the pages and making me tear up a time or two.
RING OF FIRE was an action packed and hilarious adventure, with scenes and characters I’ll likely never forget.
BORDERTOWN was very fun as well, and possibly the most unsettling tale for me. It’s a tie between this one and the first in the collection for my favorite.
Last, but certainly not least, we have BIG STAKES JACKIE. This story grabbed my attention and never let go, up until the end (at which point I’m pretty sure my jaw was slightly agape).
Aside from the amazing stories, this collection contains author notes, which I absolutely love. Meeting and interacting with authors has deepened my reading experience, and having author notes for each novella is icing on the cake.
I also can’t stop myself from raving about the other aspects that make this entire package a true gem. Thunderstorm books put together a visually stunning piece. (Have you seen those end papers?) I think that other readers will marvel at this collection, from the gorgeous cover to the foreword from Matt Hayward, through Bob’s wonderful words that will be savored to the end. If you can get your hands on this book, you will not be disappointed!
(Note: The book I described in this review is the Limited Edition from Thunderstorm Books.)
THE LAST FIREFLY OF SUMMER was a moving tale of love and revenge. This was a perfect starting point, drawing me into the pages and making me tear up a time or two.
RING OF FIRE was an action packed and hilarious adventure, with scenes and characters I’ll likely never forget.
BORDERTOWN was very fun as well, and possibly the most unsettling tale for me. It’s a tie between this one and the first in the collection for my favorite.
Last, but certainly not least, we have BIG STAKES JACKIE. This story grabbed my attention and never let go, up until the end (at which point I’m pretty sure my jaw was slightly agape).
Aside from the amazing stories, this collection contains author notes, which I absolutely love. Meeting and interacting with authors has deepened my reading experience, and having author notes for each novella is icing on the cake.
I also can’t stop myself from raving about the other aspects that make this entire package a true gem. Thunderstorm books put together a visually stunning piece. (Have you seen those end papers?) I think that other readers will marvel at this collection, from the gorgeous cover to the foreword from Matt Hayward, through Bob’s wonderful words that will be savored to the end. If you can get your hands on this book, you will not be disappointed!
(Note: The book I described in this review is the Limited Edition from Thunderstorm Books.)
June 5, 2021
Ford writes with a level of emotional conviction that I really struggle to find in the horror genre. There is so much life & meaning in his work, and each trip into his literature leaves me feeling sad when the book ends.
My two favorites in this collection are The Last Firefly of Summer & Big Stakes Jackie. One is filled with nostalgia and young love, and such captivating descriptive language, and the other features something I see often in Ford's work, characters that explore the criminal underbelly of the world, and Ford clearly has fun writing cutthroats, hitmen, and unsavory individuals. Those sort of people make for the best stories.
Highly recommend this one
My two favorites in this collection are The Last Firefly of Summer & Big Stakes Jackie. One is filled with nostalgia and young love, and such captivating descriptive language, and the other features something I see often in Ford's work, characters that explore the criminal underbelly of the world, and Ford clearly has fun writing cutthroats, hitmen, and unsavory individuals. Those sort of people make for the best stories.
Highly recommend this one
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews