What do you think?
Viral Lives
Would your loved ones still love you if your darkest secret came to light?
Simon Hinch considers himself to be a Gore Reporter. He spends late nights in bad places hoping to record violence and disorder for a fee, selling this documented distress to the highest bidder. One night, Simon stumbles upon a man, bloody and dying in the street. Knowing that the video of this man’s death will go viral on the dark web – on the gore sites – he decides to film instead of help, using his phone to capture the moment the dying man’s spirit leaves his body.
The video is a sensation, and life is good for Simon. Except, something seems to be wrong with his phone. His alarm goes off when it hasn’t been set, text messages are sent to Simon’s loved ones without him having any memory of sending them. His closely guarded secrets are suddenly at risk of being exposed.
He convinces himself that his phone is glitching, that he has been hacked. Because the alternative would be too hard for him to face. The alternative being that he didn’t just capture someone’s death on that late night, he may have captured a dead man’s soul.
Simon Hinch considers himself to be a Gore Reporter. He spends late nights in bad places hoping to record violence and disorder for a fee, selling this documented distress to the highest bidder. One night, Simon stumbles upon a man, bloody and dying in the street. Knowing that the video of this man’s death will go viral on the dark web – on the gore sites – he decides to film instead of help, using his phone to capture the moment the dying man’s spirit leaves his body.
The video is a sensation, and life is good for Simon. Except, something seems to be wrong with his phone. His alarm goes off when it hasn’t been set, text messages are sent to Simon’s loved ones without him having any memory of sending them. His closely guarded secrets are suddenly at risk of being exposed.
He convinces himself that his phone is glitching, that he has been hacked. Because the alternative would be too hard for him to face. The alternative being that he didn’t just capture someone’s death on that late night, he may have captured a dead man’s soul.
115 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2020
About the author
Felix I.D. Dimaro
18 books115 followersBorn in Nigeria, raised in Toronto, Felix I.D. Dimaro is an author of allegorical, dark, psychological fiction often centering around morality, mental health, societal conditions, the environment, or the real-life issues he has experienced. He has released eleven books to date, including the eco-thriller, “Black Bloom: A Story of Survival,” the extreme horror novel, “Humane Sacrifice: The Story of the Aztec Killer," and the tale of cat cloning gone wrong, "In the Darkness, Eyes and Teeth.”
When not writing, Dimaro is usually reading, watching professional wrestling, or running even though no one is chasing him.
To find out more about Dimaro and his books, head over to https://www.thingsthatkeepmeupatnight...
When not writing, Dimaro is usually reading, watching professional wrestling, or running even though no one is chasing him.
To find out more about Dimaro and his books, head over to https://www.thingsthatkeepmeupatnight...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 13, 2022
So Simon is not the most desirable or upstanding person. He makes a lot of questionable decisions in his life, and is involved in some seedy dealings. But he's not an evil person, just really misguided, selfish, and inconsiderate (Enough character flaws?). He's trying to support himself and his girlfriend, but when some of his business dealings as a nightcrawler follow him home, things just go from bad to worse. And poor Simon is not only made a public spectacle, but is now public enemy number one to all those around him. I think that my biggest critique here is that it was paced way, way too fast. I liked everything else, but the story needed room to simmer a bit. I wanted some more filler material that just gave further depth and background to all of the characters. Things just seemed to happen and because the story felt rushed, I didn't necessarily resonate with any of it. But that's not to say I disliked any part of the story, but rather just wished it was written a little differently.
April 6, 2023
3.5 stars
This was my first of Dimaro's books, but probably won't be my last! While I wasn't fully in love with the writing, I really enjoyed the concept of this novella and was eager to see where each twist would go next. I love horror based around technology being used against us, and this was a great example of that. While I do love a horror protagonist worth rooting for, it's also a lot of fun to watch an awful main character finally get what's coming to them, which is what this story feels like as we quickly realize that Simon isn't just a desperate man in need of a paycheck, but pretty awful all the way around. If you're looking for a fun, quick read with a lot of action and you enjoy tech-based horror like I do, I definitely recommend checking this one out!
✨ Content warnings for:
———
twitter | booktok | bookstagram | blog
This was my first of Dimaro's books, but probably won't be my last! While I wasn't fully in love with the writing, I really enjoyed the concept of this novella and was eager to see where each twist would go next. I love horror based around technology being used against us, and this was a great example of that. While I do love a horror protagonist worth rooting for, it's also a lot of fun to watch an awful main character finally get what's coming to them, which is what this story feels like as we quickly realize that Simon isn't just a desperate man in need of a paycheck, but pretty awful all the way around. If you're looking for a fun, quick read with a lot of action and you enjoy tech-based horror like I do, I definitely recommend checking this one out!
✨ Content warnings for:
———
twitter | booktok | bookstagram | blog
December 9, 2020
Simon spends his days as a car salesman and his nights trolling the streets to record people in the most unfortunate of circumstances, the bloodier the better, to sell to gore websites. After making his biggest sale of that career his life goes sideways and bad things start happening. Is he losing his grip on reality or is karma rearing its ugly head?
This short novella will have you glued to the pages, turning them as fast as you can as the tension builds and builds. You can really tell Dimaro has grown as a writer since he published How To Make A Monster. I look forward to reading more of his work in the future and I hope all of you check out his work too!
This short novella will have you glued to the pages, turning them as fast as you can as the tension builds and builds. You can really tell Dimaro has grown as a writer since he published How To Make A Monster. I look forward to reading more of his work in the future and I hope all of you check out his work too!
August 18, 2023
I loved the eerie ghost story that this was! This book really focuses on the morbid curiosity of humans. As a true crime fan, I could understand where this novel was going with the extreme curiosities (although not my cup of tea!) Sadly, snuff sites are out there and people will pay money for them. I love how this book centers on the price you pay for selling your soul to the dark side. This was one POV and a very bingeable read! I read it all in one sitting and thought it was very unique. It also highlights nicely how technologically obsessed we are as a society.
April 13, 2022
'Viral Lives' proved to be a cracking good modern day mild-horror story that contained supernatural elements that fitted the storyline perfectly. It reminded me of being a super-clever tale that may have appeared in the old tv series 'Tales Of The Unexpected', but given plenty of twists and turns and a fantastic modern day plot and setting to match. I particularly enjoyed, without giving too much away, the symmetrical feel to the whole story and the wonderfully disguised big reveal that appeared approximately halfway through the sorry state of affairs...fantastic, didn't see that coming!
Entertaining from start to finish, just a shame that it was a bit on the short side.
Will definitely be reading more from this extremely talented author - thank you so much, FD.
Rating: 4.6 brightly burning hot stars.
Entertaining from start to finish, just a shame that it was a bit on the short side.
Will definitely be reading more from this extremely talented author - thank you so much, FD.
Rating: 4.6 brightly burning hot stars.
April 30, 2022
Simon got what he deserved. Extreme horror read at a severe risk to your mental health
November 22, 2020
As a huge fan of Dimaro’s style, I was hyped to dive into this novella he recently released, even before I read the intriguing synopsis.
The story follows Simon, a journalist who specialises in acquiring video footage for gore sites. Have you seen the movie Nightcrawler? Imagine if that had been a horror novella, and you’re almost there.
In the opening few pages, Simon manages to capture some insane footage in the aftermath of a car accident, footage that means a fat pay day and millions of hits on the website he supplies content for.
As with any great horror story though, this comes back to bite him in the ass.
There were a few moments in this one that were creepy as hell!
But aside from the creep-factor, the author does a wonderful job of exploring the mentality of not only the people who supply content to sites like this, but those who consume it.
Viewers aren’t just depraved maniacs looking for some awful video to jerk off to, the persona of this audience is layered and complex. Dimaro delves into this at various points, and does a bloody good job of it.
As with much of Dimaro’s work, this thing is sexually-charged too, he does an incredible job of exploring the various nuances of relationships, attraction and lust.
And the ending, wow!
I highly recommend this to everyone. It’s Dimaro’s 3rd release, but I’d say this is the best to pick up first if you’re still new to his work. It’s my favourite so far.
The story follows Simon, a journalist who specialises in acquiring video footage for gore sites. Have you seen the movie Nightcrawler? Imagine if that had been a horror novella, and you’re almost there.
In the opening few pages, Simon manages to capture some insane footage in the aftermath of a car accident, footage that means a fat pay day and millions of hits on the website he supplies content for.
As with any great horror story though, this comes back to bite him in the ass.
There were a few moments in this one that were creepy as hell!
But aside from the creep-factor, the author does a wonderful job of exploring the mentality of not only the people who supply content to sites like this, but those who consume it.
Viewers aren’t just depraved maniacs looking for some awful video to jerk off to, the persona of this audience is layered and complex. Dimaro delves into this at various points, and does a bloody good job of it.
As with much of Dimaro’s work, this thing is sexually-charged too, he does an incredible job of exploring the various nuances of relationships, attraction and lust.
And the ending, wow!
I highly recommend this to everyone. It’s Dimaro’s 3rd release, but I’d say this is the best to pick up first if you’re still new to his work. It’s my favourite so far.
November 3, 2020
Anybody who knows Felix ID Dimaro (@thingsthatkeepmeupatnight) knows the man can spin a yarn. He's taught us How to Make a Monster and introduced us to the dangers of Raid (😂), and with his latest work, Viral Lives, he brings us two morality lessons in one thrilling tale; karma always wins in the end, and you better be careful what you have on your phone.
Our main character (I refuse to call him a protagonist, because that assumes he's a good person), Simon, is a bit of a dirtbag in many different ways. When one of his activities goes sideways, the rest of his life starts spiraling out of control. I don't want to post a spoiler, so pardon the vagueness. This storyline is among the most original I've read in a while, and the author manages to keep the tension ratcheting up throughout the tale. The ending was satisfying, and the characters, while not all likeable, were all believable.
This novella just reinforces my belief that Dimaro may be among the finest new authors today. He's yet to write anything I find less than wonderful.
Our main character (I refuse to call him a protagonist, because that assumes he's a good person), Simon, is a bit of a dirtbag in many different ways. When one of his activities goes sideways, the rest of his life starts spiraling out of control. I don't want to post a spoiler, so pardon the vagueness. This storyline is among the most original I've read in a while, and the author manages to keep the tension ratcheting up throughout the tale. The ending was satisfying, and the characters, while not all likeable, were all believable.
This novella just reinforces my belief that Dimaro may be among the finest new authors today. He's yet to write anything I find less than wonderful.
December 28, 2021
Viral Lives is a commentary on the rising popularity of videos posted online of other people’s vulnerability and suffering. It’s an ugly business, but the main character, Simon, gets paid big bucks for filming and sharing his videos.
One of the things I love about Dimaro’s stories is that justice must be served (this is hardly a spoiler), often by supernatural intervention — read Bug Spray by this author, one of my favorite reads of the past year.
I read this in two sittings and really enjoyed its Twilight-Zone-style setup and pacing. If I had one nitpick, it would be the character of Jayne was underdeveloped and that made me care less about her situation at the conclusion. Overall, it’s a pageturner. There’s no fluff here. Highly recommended.
One of the things I love about Dimaro’s stories is that justice must be served (this is hardly a spoiler), often by supernatural intervention — read Bug Spray by this author, one of my favorite reads of the past year.
I read this in two sittings and really enjoyed its Twilight-Zone-style setup and pacing. If I had one nitpick, it would be the character of Jayne was underdeveloped and that made me care less about her situation at the conclusion. Overall, it’s a pageturner. There’s no fluff here. Highly recommended.
December 28, 2022
A very contemporary ghoststory exploring the theme of true gore videos without it ends up being moralizing imo, though I'm sure some will feel it comes with a moral lecture.
To me it's more "it is what it is" and if we take into account the possibility of another place hinside this life, this could be a version.
This was my second Dimaro, and I'm just as thrilled this time by his relevant and on point writing, as I was the first time. I'll definitely be reading more the year to come.
To me it's more "it is what it is" and if we take into account the possibility of another place hinside this life, this could be a version.
This was my second Dimaro, and I'm just as thrilled this time by his relevant and on point writing, as I was the first time. I'll definitely be reading more the year to come.
March 19, 2024
Another 5 star read!!! Mr dimaro cannot go wrong! Pretty soon I'll be having all his books in my collection
November 8, 2020
Simon is a car salesman by day and nightcrawler at night, for Simon if if it bleeds, it pays. Until a wicked dose of Karma bites him in the ass.
This is a very quick read but you get hooked immediately. Thats what I usually look for in a story. One that makes me want to read ahead just so I know what happens in the end. The only negative, and its barely a negative really but I honestly could have done without the man in the white coat. I dont think he was needed. It felt like the entire way we we're dealing with a particular entity and I think it should have continued that trajectory.
That said. I have read a few of Felix's story and I can definitely see the growth. And this way a great continuation in his writing journey. Go to Amazon and give this short story a try, you will not be disappointed!
Very pumped for "2022" sounds intriguing.
This is a very quick read but you get hooked immediately. Thats what I usually look for in a story. One that makes me want to read ahead just so I know what happens in the end. The only negative, and its barely a negative really but I honestly could have done without the man in the white coat. I dont think he was needed. It felt like the entire way we we're dealing with a particular entity and I think it should have continued that trajectory.
That said. I have read a few of Felix's story and I can definitely see the growth. And this way a great continuation in his writing journey. Go to Amazon and give this short story a try, you will not be disappointed!
Very pumped for "2022" sounds intriguing.
July 1, 2024
Další povedené Zrnko, se skvělou obálkou jako bonus. Proč auta zastavují, když míjí nehodu, proč člověk nedokáže odtrhnout zrak od rozlévající se krvavé louže, která se line z rozbité hlavy opilce, proč šokující titulky o morbidních záležitostech prodávají? Člověk ať chce či nechce, je fascinován smrtí, brutalitou, tomu, co se běžně vymyká všední realitě, co naboří tu poklidnou rutinu. Ať už živý zájem nebo neklidná a opatrná zvědavost, každý to v sobě má. A na to sází hlavní hrdina, který se označuje za gore reportéra. Když se vyskytne příležitost, natáčí vše, co by mohlo zaujmout publikum - krvavé rvačky, nehody... a za taková videa si slušně namastí kapsu. Morální kompas už dávno schoval do kapsy. Kde je poptávka, tam je nabídka. Zrnko je psáno stroze a úderně, žádné obkecávky kolem. Závěr příběhu se nabízí, ale zrovna tady trochu předvídatelnosti příběhu neublíží, spíš naopak - čtenář s vyčkáváním čeká, kdy všechno pro hlavního hrdinu půjde do kytek.
January 16, 2023
This is a very interesting novella that tackles some important topics that are topical right now, and probably will be for as long as humans have internet. The story takes us on a short journey with Simon, a questionable character who films brutal content for depraved souls in the internet who love to watch real gore. After a game-changing video, strange glitches begin to happen, and Simon's life turns into a complete nightmare.
This is a story that makes you think about how desensitized we are since the internet, and it forces you to think about the horrors and ramifications of that. Although all the characters are awful, there is enough in this story to continue being engaged and want to know the outcome.
This is a story that makes you think about how desensitized we are since the internet, and it forces you to think about the horrors and ramifications of that. Although all the characters are awful, there is enough in this story to continue being engaged and want to know the outcome.
April 16, 2022
Simon has quite a few secrets. But he finds himself in a strange and terrifying situation after filming the death of a car accident victim then selling the video online.
Not only is his phone hacked, but all of his secrets are suddenly being exposed for everyone to see.
This was a highly entertaining read with a haunting twist involving cell phones. It's quick, to the point and was binge read worthy.
The MC, Simon, was a bit of an a$$ and this novella goes to show that one day all of your crappy decisions may just come back to haunt you.
May 10, 2021
***3.5 stars ***
A fast paced revenge story with a supernatural twist. I enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to reading more of Dimaro’s work.
A fast paced revenge story with a supernatural twist. I enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to reading more of Dimaro’s work.
January 29, 2021
This is the second Felix I.D. Dimaro novel I've read, and as he warns the readers at the start of all of his books, it's not for everybody. He deals with the dark side of humanity, and the plot of Viral Lives certainly did that.
It follows Simon Hinch, a car salesman who's about to be engaged to his long-time girlfriend and is someone who has a hobby of making gore videos to sell online. One night, he comes across a car accident, and instead of helping the driver, he captures him dying. The video goes viral and Simon makes enough money to pay his rent for the next 6 months. He's flying high, making vacation plans, and plotting how to score a full-time job at the gore website.
He thinks all his dreams are coming true. But not everything is as it seems. Including Simon. He's cheating on his girlfriend (with whom is a brilliant plot twist you won't see coming until it's revealed) and his phone is suddenly replaying that video on its own, pushing it to his TV and keeping him up at night. He convinces himself it's a glitch, but as Simon--and the reader--finds out, it's a karmic twist in a story that looks at how we act as a society and what becomes headline-grabbing clickbait. Recommended if you like a well-written story with the perfect ending for the plot and characters.
It follows Simon Hinch, a car salesman who's about to be engaged to his long-time girlfriend and is someone who has a hobby of making gore videos to sell online. One night, he comes across a car accident, and instead of helping the driver, he captures him dying. The video goes viral and Simon makes enough money to pay his rent for the next 6 months. He's flying high, making vacation plans, and plotting how to score a full-time job at the gore website.
He thinks all his dreams are coming true. But not everything is as it seems. Including Simon. He's cheating on his girlfriend (with whom is a brilliant plot twist you won't see coming until it's revealed) and his phone is suddenly replaying that video on its own, pushing it to his TV and keeping him up at night. He convinces himself it's a glitch, but as Simon--and the reader--finds out, it's a karmic twist in a story that looks at how we act as a society and what becomes headline-grabbing clickbait. Recommended if you like a well-written story with the perfect ending for the plot and characters.
November 8, 2020
When I was young, my mother, fortunately, said often, "do not put anything in writing you don't want to end up in court." Due to her wise words, I've been fairly guarded about what I release on social media.
"Viral Lives" is a story that solidified that healthy fear I have of such things. Dimaro is a skilled writer, and a highly educated individual. He uses his real life training and education to reach deep into your insides and twist them around. It feels like meddling, but as though it is necessary. I have yet to read anything by him that didn't linger with me, or make my heart drum in my chest. An additional benefit to reading his books is that he always adds a point, or points, of education for his readers. He is not shy or afraid of the darker side of human behaviors and psyche, which layers depth and disturbing attributes to his works.
This novella is dark. It is twisted. It is wonderful. Snuggle up with this story, and plan to rid your home of electronics when you're through.
"Viral Lives" is a story that solidified that healthy fear I have of such things. Dimaro is a skilled writer, and a highly educated individual. He uses his real life training and education to reach deep into your insides and twist them around. It feels like meddling, but as though it is necessary. I have yet to read anything by him that didn't linger with me, or make my heart drum in my chest. An additional benefit to reading his books is that he always adds a point, or points, of education for his readers. He is not shy or afraid of the darker side of human behaviors and psyche, which layers depth and disturbing attributes to his works.
This novella is dark. It is twisted. It is wonderful. Snuggle up with this story, and plan to rid your home of electronics when you're through.
September 14, 2021
I went into this novella blind. I have previously read and loved two of Dimaro's works so I had to give this one a shot. I was instantly pulled in by Simon's incredibly morbid side job. I have seen videos in the same vein as those that Simon shot and they are quite disturbing. The thought of somebody profiting off of such a thing is reprehensible yet intriguing. The rest of the novella is a tense roller coaster ride that will make you second guess any desire to detach from your humanity for profit. Actions have consequences and sometimes those consequences are the perfect karma. I'm definitely a Dimaro fan and look forward to his future work as well as his back catalog that I have not yet read.
June 25, 2022
Dimaro can write about social topics with horrific flair. So when I saw this, I was very excited to read it!
This one is about Simon who records the most taboo events and then sells them. Being a passenger to Simon's thinking in this book is deeply disturbing. When things start happening to Simon, it's so satisfying. This is a short read and takes no time at all with how it will keep you reading "just one more chapter" to see what happens next. I also wondered, does this Simon have ANY redeeming qualities?
What would you do for likes, if likes equated to a few months rent for one pic? The scary thing is, some people really would be tempted to let a lot go. I think anyone would like this dark, modern read.
This one is about Simon who records the most taboo events and then sells them. Being a passenger to Simon's thinking in this book is deeply disturbing. When things start happening to Simon, it's so satisfying. This is a short read and takes no time at all with how it will keep you reading "just one more chapter" to see what happens next. I also wondered, does this Simon have ANY redeeming qualities?
What would you do for likes, if likes equated to a few months rent for one pic? The scary thing is, some people really would be tempted to let a lot go. I think anyone would like this dark, modern read.
November 1, 2020
This was great! A gruesome story of karma. I was hooked from the first sentence.
This is the story of Simon, a somewhat shady guy, who’s hobby/job is shooting videos to submit to Gore websites. He films the death of someone and it goes viral however it comes back to haunt him.
Loved it!
This is the story of Simon, a somewhat shady guy, who’s hobby/job is shooting videos to submit to Gore websites. He films the death of someone and it goes viral however it comes back to haunt him.
Loved it!
January 18, 2021
Outstanding.
One of the best horror I’ve ever read...
The final is of indescribable perfection and will leave you breathless.
Despite what I said before, I think I hate Simon.
Really.
Sorry Felix :*
One of the best horror I’ve ever read...
The final is of indescribable perfection and will leave you breathless.
Despite what I said before, I think I hate Simon.
Really.
Sorry Felix :*
January 7, 2021
One of the best horror novellas I've read. Highly recommended!
June 1, 2023
Simon considers himself a “Gore Reporter” and scours the streets late at night to document the carnage in the City undetected. He hopes to produce a valuable video he could send to his favorite website “The Gore Report” in exchange for a contract that will help him quit his day job. It’s his lucky break when he stumbles upon a man dying in the street after a car accident. Instead of helping, he begins to record every last breath and gurgle... Feeling good about the success the video brings him, he’s optimistic about the future. But ever since uploading the video, his phone has started glitching and sending sinister messages to friends and coworkers. His relationships and darkest secrets are at risk, and the man he captured on film seems to haunt his waking life…
This was my second book by the author and another easy five-star read. Viral Lives examines the ugly side of humanity and the horrible addiction to technology. What would you do if you saw someone hurt and in need of help? Would you call for help? Well, Simon doesn’t. He decides to film the entire thing instead! Simon is a vile and greedy character that makes a lot of uncomfortable decisions and as a reader you see the path of destruction he’s paved for himself. It’s extremely satisfying to see the hell he goes through and the conclusion put a big smile on my face. The supernatural element was well done and creepy enough to have you cautiously look around for a dead man peering at you 👀
If you love reading horror stories with a thought-provoking message, you’ll dig this novella. I can see this as an episode of “Black Mirrror” as it relates to the consequences of abusing technology and how far someone would go for fame and money. I highly recommend checking this out!
This was my second book by the author and another easy five-star read. Viral Lives examines the ugly side of humanity and the horrible addiction to technology. What would you do if you saw someone hurt and in need of help? Would you call for help? Well, Simon doesn’t. He decides to film the entire thing instead! Simon is a vile and greedy character that makes a lot of uncomfortable decisions and as a reader you see the path of destruction he’s paved for himself. It’s extremely satisfying to see the hell he goes through and the conclusion put a big smile on my face. The supernatural element was well done and creepy enough to have you cautiously look around for a dead man peering at you 👀
If you love reading horror stories with a thought-provoking message, you’ll dig this novella. I can see this as an episode of “Black Mirrror” as it relates to the consequences of abusing technology and how far someone would go for fame and money. I highly recommend checking this out!
July 24, 2022
"People liked to see other people die, but hearing the process made it real. Made the experience that much more personal."
Simon Hinch is a Gore Reporter. He spends his nights prowling for violence in hopes of recording something gruesome to sell to the highest bidder. One night, he comes across a dying man in the streets and, instead of helping, he records him. The video goes viral and life is good for Simon until a series of strange things start happening to his phone, effecting him and his loved ones.
It is a sad reality how much people focus on likes and being popular on the internet. Recording videos of tragedies to have the best post go viral instead of helping those in need or, in this case, someone dying. I liked how Felix took this concept and twisted it into a compelling story.
Everything about this novella was great - a selfish protagonist, death, strange occurences, karma, and a ghost. The supernatural aspect was perfect as it made for a gory and chilling story that had me glued to the pages until the end. I enjoyed the pacing of the book and the nonstop action. This definitely made for a great modern day horror story.
I don't want to say anything else as it is a quick read, but I highly recommend it. This was my first book by Felix and certainly not the last!
4.5⭐️ rounded up.
Simon Hinch is a Gore Reporter. He spends his nights prowling for violence in hopes of recording something gruesome to sell to the highest bidder. One night, he comes across a dying man in the streets and, instead of helping, he records him. The video goes viral and life is good for Simon until a series of strange things start happening to his phone, effecting him and his loved ones.
It is a sad reality how much people focus on likes and being popular on the internet. Recording videos of tragedies to have the best post go viral instead of helping those in need or, in this case, someone dying. I liked how Felix took this concept and twisted it into a compelling story.
Everything about this novella was great - a selfish protagonist, death, strange occurences, karma, and a ghost. The supernatural aspect was perfect as it made for a gory and chilling story that had me glued to the pages until the end. I enjoyed the pacing of the book and the nonstop action. This definitely made for a great modern day horror story.
I don't want to say anything else as it is a quick read, but I highly recommend it. This was my first book by Felix and certainly not the last!
4.5⭐️ rounded up.
August 17, 2021
Dimaro does a superb job of creating tension and fear in everything I've read by him, and this tale is no exception. However, it's not just the fear of the supernatural or the thing following you that you can't seem to get away from. Dimaro creates real world fear as well with Viral Lives. The kind that heats your flesh and almost stops your heart, like when you realize the messages you've thought were private between friends become very public. Both types of fears drive the novella along with the gruesome voyeurism the main character hopes to makes his living off of. A living with grave consequences.
November 11, 2020
Viral Lives is the story of Simon, a gore reporter who gets the bloody break he has been waiting for. Slowly, he starts seeing the things he has seen, and filmed for a profit, in a new light.
Viral Lives is a quick, but powerful read. There are elements from this story that have been clinging in my mind since I finished the story. The tension in this story just builds and builds and the ending is satisfying to anyone who has read his previous works. This story is a lesson in karma, and I hope everyone will read it.
Viral Lives is a quick, but powerful read. There are elements from this story that have been clinging in my mind since I finished the story. The tension in this story just builds and builds and the ending is satisfying to anyone who has read his previous works. This story is a lesson in karma, and I hope everyone will read it.
August 24, 2021
I've been in a bit of a reading slump lately, so I thought I'd try something short and fast - paced. This novella fit the bill.
I started watching Black Mirror recently and this book initially brought that show to mind, although now I'd say it has more of a Twilight Zone feel to it, except gorier and dirtier.
I wish there had been more character development and the lactatation situation didn't seem realistic given the stage (I'm deliberately being vague here) but this novella did what I wanted it to do, which is entertain.
I started watching Black Mirror recently and this book initially brought that show to mind, although now I'd say it has more of a Twilight Zone feel to it, except gorier and dirtier.
I wish there had been more character development and the lactatation situation didn't seem realistic given the stage (I'm deliberately being vague here) but this novella did what I wanted it to do, which is entertain.
March 15, 2021
This book was a cross between Black Mirror and a classic splatter punk novel. ‘Viral Lives’ managed to show the darker real side of humanity while also adding a supernatural spin to it. Definitely a ghost story like none you’ve read before.
Synopsis
Simon Hinch makes his profession by uploading death and agony onto gore sites. All is going well for him when his most recent upload of a mans final breaths catches fame. But soon Simons ecstasy is expelled when a viral haunting begins.
June 27, 2021
🎃Gloom Review🎃
“It was Simon’s belief that the human mind contains within it a naturally morbid curiosity which yearns to be fed.”
Tying the supernatural with technology is one of those classic horror tropes that tends to spur creativity and ingenuity.📱
“Viral Lives” by @thingsthatkeepmeupatnight keeps that tradition alive.👌🏼
The opening to this book reminded me of the movie “Nightcrawler,” which is a great slow-burn movie that somehow manages to feel fast-paced.👀
There was a lot that worked for me in the story, but also a few things that didn’t. I found it to be a bit repetitive during the middle part, but then…
This one scene happened. I honestly can’t even get into it because anything I share will be a spoiler.🤭
There is a scene near the beginning of the book that was beginning to feel like it was tossed in merely as shock value, but then there is a callback and payoff that blew me away. I audibly said “oh shit” while sitting on my back porch reading.🤣
The protagonist and most of the supporting characters are fairly deplorable human beings. Their misogynistic mindsets (which is captured perfectly, btw) kept me from feeling too much for them as bad things start to unfold. But I realize this is more of a personal preference than anything else.🤷🏻♂️
The story and writing reminded me a lot of Chuck Palahniuk. His writing can be hit or miss, for me. But he’s got quite a rabid following, thus my “personal preference” comment.🤓
The twist near the end of this one caught me off guard, and holds a scene that I feel is going to stick with me for quite awhile.🎃
Fans of Palahniuk, Barker, and Herbert should find plenty to love here.👍🏼
⭐️3.75/5⭐️
“It was Simon’s belief that the human mind contains within it a naturally morbid curiosity which yearns to be fed.”
Tying the supernatural with technology is one of those classic horror tropes that tends to spur creativity and ingenuity.📱
“Viral Lives” by @thingsthatkeepmeupatnight keeps that tradition alive.👌🏼
The opening to this book reminded me of the movie “Nightcrawler,” which is a great slow-burn movie that somehow manages to feel fast-paced.👀
There was a lot that worked for me in the story, but also a few things that didn’t. I found it to be a bit repetitive during the middle part, but then…
This one scene happened. I honestly can’t even get into it because anything I share will be a spoiler.🤭
There is a scene near the beginning of the book that was beginning to feel like it was tossed in merely as shock value, but then there is a callback and payoff that blew me away. I audibly said “oh shit” while sitting on my back porch reading.🤣
The protagonist and most of the supporting characters are fairly deplorable human beings. Their misogynistic mindsets (which is captured perfectly, btw) kept me from feeling too much for them as bad things start to unfold. But I realize this is more of a personal preference than anything else.🤷🏻♂️
The story and writing reminded me a lot of Chuck Palahniuk. His writing can be hit or miss, for me. But he’s got quite a rabid following, thus my “personal preference” comment.🤓
The twist near the end of this one caught me off guard, and holds a scene that I feel is going to stick with me for quite awhile.🎃
Fans of Palahniuk, Barker, and Herbert should find plenty to love here.👍🏼
⭐️3.75/5⭐️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews