If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Supernatural Horror

The Better Off Dead Series #2

by R.E. Sargent, Steven Pajak

Be afraid. Be very afraid.
That noise in the dead of night. The shadow that slips by almost unnoticed. The fear that pulverizes your sense of reasoning and pushes you deep down under seven layers of covers. There is no escaping it, and when the dark forces of the universe come after you, the world will know exactly what you are made of. Will you run? Will you fight? Maybe you’ll join forces with the darkness that rips through your quiet little life. Everyone’s dying to find out.


The Better Off Dead series delves into the farthest corners of your mind, where your deepest, darkest fears lurk. These masters of horror will haunt your dreams and stalk your nightmares, taking you to the edge of sanity before pushing you to the brink of madness!

Genres: Horror, Amazon, Suspense

380 pages, ebook

First published March 29, 2020

About the author

R.E. Sargent, the author of Relative Terror, One-Star Review and the Fury series, lives in Oregon with his wife, Sandi and their two fur children, Mason, a Bernese Mountain Dog, and Riley, a Chocolate Lab.

Born in California, R.E. spent most of his life living and working in Arizona, where he met his wife. Between them, they raised four sons. Talk about a lot of testosterone in the house!

An avid reader, R.E. fell in love with books when he was a child and the bug never went away. It was his love for the written word--and his admiration for authors such as Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Gregory Mcdonald, Paul Gallico, Donald Westlake and Roald Dahl--that persuaded him to write novels himself. Currently, he is working on the latest novel in the Fury - Scorned series.

When not working or writing, R.E. and his wife enjoy making trips to the coast and taking in the ocean air. Life doesn't get much better than watching the waves crash on the shore as the sun sets below the horizon. Well, maybe one of those drinks with the little umbrellas would make it better. You know what I mean, right?

Reviews

[Jayme C (Brunetteslikebookstoo) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was K L L R
KILLER

As in, K L L R Radio, 102.9 FM- my favorite in the second installment of the “If I Die Before I Wake” series (Better Off Dead #2)

The theme in the first was “Tales of Karma and Fear”, and this time it’s “Tales of Supernatural Horror”.

Now, I have been a FAN of R. E. Sargent’s work since I read his novella,”One-Star Review” so, I wasn’t surprised that his contribution to this compilation of Short Stories would be my favorite.

And, I have been to Cottonwood, AZ where this fictional radio station was located, and let me tell you...it really hasn’t changed much since 1983.
(Other than the fact that the Gas station, is now an awesome microbrewery, but I digress.)

Now, anyone who knows me, knows that I am a
W M P
WIMP

So, the more macabre of these tales (or those where animals are harmed) were not necessarily what I would normally read, but I was surprised by how many of these horror short stories, I enjoyed!

I’ll round out my top 5 (with difficulty and in no particular order) to:
At The Core of Darkness-Steven Pajak
I.O.U-Kayla Krantz
Kunk-Alan Derosby
AND
Never Have I Ever-Red Lagoe (After all, what could go wrong in a storm when a book club meets to discuss their latest selection-“Tales of Karma”?)

I’m just sayin!

I can hardly wait for Volume 3: Tales of Deadly Women and Retribution, due out on Oct. 26, 2020 just in time for Halloween! 🎃

[Bridgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Karma and Fear was one of my favorite reads of 2019. Going into the second volume, I wasn't sure the story-telling could match the stark talent of the first selections. I was wrong. Lightning has struck twice, friends. I dare say these stories might be even better.

A few of my brief thoughts about each story in If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Supernatural Horror.

At the Core Lies Darkness - Steven Pajak - This creative little roller coaster of a story covered a spectrum of emotions for me--happiness, sadness, and my body cringing in disgust. I loved every minute. (If you haven't read it yet, I also highly recommend his novel, Project Hindsight.)

Dead Pics - Gerald Dean Rice - I was in it! Super fun, a little disturbing, and a lot creative. But hey...haven't we ALL looked at grisly death pictures/videos before? I know I have.

Finders Keepers -Jane Alvey Harris - Any mother could relate to this story. Incredibly creepy and effective.

Carnival of Lust - Mike Duke - If only we could keep those powerful teenage lusts and desires our entire lives. Of course, then we'd get absolutely nothing else accomplished. 😂 Such a fun story.

I.O.U. - Kayla Krantz - A story full of revenge and vindication. Enjoyable!

Dead and Buried - Matthew A. Clarke - This was such a cool, genuinely scary story, but there is a trigger warning--animal torture/death. A huge no-no for me.

Until That Day Arrives - R.J. Roles - Gotta give my fellow West Virginia Mountaineer some kudos...this was a freaky, crazy-good story.

Harvest of Truth - L.K. Pinaire - A sad, reflective story about the injustices those who are different face...even in past centuries.

Kunk - Alan Derosby- A deliciously creepy, macabre story. Kunk needs to stay far, far away from me.

Withered - Cassandra Angler- This is one twisted ride! Disturbing on so many levels. I was thoroughly entertained.

It Happened on State Street - Peter Rocha - Heavy on religious themes, but a very well-written, engaging story.

Never Have I Ever - Red Lagoe - Okay, I kinda loved this story. So much fun!

Killer Radio - R.E. Sargent - He's done it again! The author who gave us the epic Karen Carter series also wrote my favorite story of the bunch. Sargent has a knack for short stories that absolutely suck you in. Even better...all that 80s music. Loved his creativity.

Hmmm...if I had to pick a top 3, I'd choose At the Core Lies Darkness, Never Have I Ever, and Killer Radio, but I wholeheartedly enjoyed each and every story.

Available April 20, 2020. Make sure to get a copy!

**Many thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

[preoccupiedbybooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of supernatural horror stories, which had me enthralled, horrified, scared and cackling with glee!

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

The world is in absolute chaos at the moment, and its a very scary time, making me feel extremely anxious. But I thought to myself, it could be worse, I could be one of the characters in the second volume of If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Supernatural Horror….

I really enjoyed the first volume, but this follow up was EVEN BETTER! Some really excellent tales, which made the hairs on my arms stand up, and shivers go up my spine. It was perfect for me right now, with my lack of concentration, short stories that I could read, one or a few at a time!

At The Core of Darkness' by Steven Pajak
OMG that was dark... I loved it! Definitely one of my favourites!

Dead Pics by Gerald Dean Rice
Well that was disturbing! 😬

Finders Keepers by Jane Alvey Harris
I'm so glad I didn't read that one right before bed!! 😱👀

Carnival of lust by Mike Duke
Roll up, roll up, the circus awaits you...
Creepy, uncomfortable and strange

I.O.I by Kayla Krantz
Revenge is so sweet!

Dead and buried by Matthew A Clarke
Heartbreak and horrifying!

Until that day arrived by RJ Roles
This was so sad, creepy and pretty terrifying!"

Harvest of Truth by L. K. Pinaire
A sad and eerie tale with slow building tension.

Kunk by Alan Derosby
Ahhhh! So creepy! It's like this author tore one of my worst nightmares from my brain! And yet I enjoyed it immensely!

Withered by Cassandra Angler
So wrong and disturbing... Eek

It happened on State Street by Peter Rocha
Classic religious theme

Never have I ever by Red Lagoe
Wow that was wild! An extreme version of the game that's for sure!

Killer Radio by R.E.Sargent
Deliciously evil with a nostalgic 80's vibe! Loved it!

I highly recommend this series! Published 20th April 2020!

Many thanks to R.E. Sargent for my digital ARC, in exchange for an honest review!

[Bren fall in love with the sea. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We are 102.9 , KLLR...killer radio”

Killer radio R. E. Sargent, If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Supernatural Horror (The Better Off Dead Series Book 2)

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


So it is a world of locked doors, social isolation and the Corona Virus. Not great stuff. But, for GR fanatics like us, at least we have some time to read, while stuck in our homes, waiting for the zombie apocalypse to end.

And being the "slightly" dark soul that I am, I started the weekend off with a horror anthology. And it's scarier and way better than anything we folks are living through now, trust me on that.

So, I have been in my happy place with some of these stories. They thrust me back in time to the wonderful world of "Twilight Zone". I started this Anthology last night and finished tonight..or should I say this morning. Utterly addicting.

So there are so many stories to choose from. And like, part one I have my favorites. I am going to list two of them here because they just blew me away..though honestly? There was not one story in this group that wasn't hard hitting and good. But I have to say..this anthology scared me more than the first for some reason. There are some twisted takes here!

So, my two faves are:

Killer radio R. E. Sargent..as a former metal head, it just does not get any wilder than this.

Carnival of lust by Mike Duke-I have always found something deliciously mysterious and creepy about amusement parks and with this story, you will too!

Honorable mention to :

At the corner of darkness by Stephen Pajak.. Ever read Stephen King's Thinner? Well..that is my favorite King book and this story has stuff in common with that, which virtually guaranteed it would be a favorite of mine.


So this is a definite recommended read. I know many of my GR friends have been following this series and it seems a part three is in the works and I can't wait!

[Kayla Krantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I have a story in this set.
My rating, however, is for the other stories.
They are fantastically chilling, perfect for people who are looking for quick reads.

[Saundra Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderfully eerie bunch of horror stories from a talented group of authors. Below are brief reviews of just three. There is much more!
At the Core of Darkness by Steven Pajak
What would you do if given a medical death sentence? How would you spend your last brief time? If you were offered a way out would you take it? What if the only way was to pass it on to another?

Nick is far too young to die from cancer. That is exactly the news his doctor gives him. He has just a few short months left. He hasn’t even had time to build a life. What will Nick do?

I.O.U. by Kayla Krantz
As serial killer, could you come up with a safer way to find your targets? Marcus may have come up with an ingenious idea! Or will it be his downfall?

Marcus is worried after his sixth kill. He has disposed of the body, covered his tracks well, as always. But he is sure he was seen. Even changing his license plate doesn’t set his mind at ease. There must be a safer way, because he knows the urge will return.

While drunk, Marcus thinks of the Dark Web. Why not look for a willing victim? He places his ad, signs it X and waits for a reply.

Killer Radio by R. E. Sargent
Have you ever tried to win one of the numerous radio contests in your area? After reading this I challenge you not to hesitate the next time!

About a year ago, Ricky Jepson bought a radio station in a small Arizona town and rebranded it K-L-L-R radio. It has taken a lot of hard work but he has slowly built a listener base. And he gets to do what he loves, spread a bit of heavy metal music out into the world.

He has had opposition from the start. Some in the community don’t appreciate his taste. He has regularly received hate filled mail for playing “the Devils music!” He never suspected they would go so far as to burn his station with him inside.

Thirty-five years later, people all over the country start winning a contest they never entered, on a station they have never heard of. Is this private concert an unexpected gift or something much more sinister?

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE EXTRAORDINARY ANTHOLOGY!!!
Fantastic! This talented, impressive and compelling group of authors presents an electrifying approach, ratcheting up the thrill of the chase, fusing this gem together flawlessly. One non-stop, action packed, hard hitting, pulse racing, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, nailbiting, spine tingling, block busting bombshell, blasting this bad boy to staggering heights. Maneuvering through intimidating trials and challenging tribulations, noting the explosive twists and wicked turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. Satisfaction is an understatement, this baby comes packing a punch that'll bring you to your knees, keeping you riveted on a razors edge. A raging vortex chocked-full of baffling circumstances and stunning mishaps, propel those swirling emotions into play front and center. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, blowing this jewel into a churning tempest, bursting it into a hissy with an mind-blowing culmination. The characters are authentic and original with qualities and traits that blend and flow, transforming into beautifully charismatic personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions, as to give you a full understanding and realism that flows smoothly. Amazing job guys, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are into horror, these tales should satisfy your craving over a weekend. Adult supervision urged.
At the Core of Darkness by Steven Pajak: NC17, about cancer, 5*
Dead Pics by Gerald Dean Rice: X, too gross to read
Finders Keepers by Jane Alvey Harris: PG13, scary, 4*
Carnival of Lust by Mike Duke: PG15, well written, 5*
I.O.U. by Kayla Krantz: a serial killer using the Dark Web, thoroughly satisfying and best of the bunch. 5*
Dead and Buried by Matthew A Clarke: REALLY creepy, 4*
Until That Day Arrives by RJ Roles: involves an orphanage, 4*
Harvest of Truth by L.K. Pinaire: involves a curse, 5*
Kunk by Alan Derosby: an invisible friend, 4*
Withered by Cassandra Angler: foster care, 4*
It Happened on State Street by Peter Rocha: possession, 4*
Never Have I Ever by Red Lagoe: Truth & Consequence, 4*
Killer Radio by R.E. Sargent: a tale of vengeance, 4*

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series. There hasn't been a bad story in either volume. Each story is quite interesting. I'm already looking forward to vol 3. I highly recommend this book.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this twice now. It was entertaining overall, and as with anthologies such as this, some stories were better then others.

[Lisa Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice!

This was the 2nd book in this series and it was as good as the 1st! So good in fact, that I pre ordered the 3rd book! I can’t remember how many stories were in this one but, let’s say there were 12, I would say I enjoyed 10 out of the 12. There were only a couple of stories that didn’t thrill me but, I loved the rest of them! I liked that most of the chapters were only about 30 mins long too! I read one or more stories everyday! Really enjoyed this book! Can’t wait to start #3 in October! These books are also a great deal for only $.99!

[Heather Daughrity · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been working my way slowly through this one this month and finished it up tonight.
.
A solid little collection of horror, thirteen unique stories covering a variety of themes: from a man with a sick secret fetish that comes back to haunt him, to a tale of strange holes in the ground that speak with the voices of dead loved ones. There are horrific cannibalistic creatures, diabolical imaginary friends, phone apps to die for, and even a couple of tales of wicked revenge and a tribute to the Elder gods.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of the stories just fell flat for me, either in their entirety, or just because of the ending. I really only enjoyed maybe two of them, though I can’t remember which (I think I kind of liked the last one).

[Eileen Black randall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like short stories

I always enjoy short stories. This was a pretty good compilation of stories, some better than others of course. Enjoy!

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

well written stories that are not using gore to sell books. Incites the imagination and great short stories to read before bedtime

[Laronza Wiley-moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book...I liked the last story the best. Good quick read.

[B. Petrocelli]

Meh.....