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Abigail
Strange things come in small packages. Adrian Billard believes he knows what it's like to be different, and has nearly given up hope of ever finding happiness. But, a strange package left on his doorstep is about to turn his entire world upside down. Everything Adrian thinks he knows is about to change. He is about to meet...Abigail.
Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2021
44 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Daemon Manx
38 books236 followersDaemon Manx is an author with a backstory. He is a recovering addict who spent nearly a decade in the prison system, where he focused on recovery and learned to perfect his horror writing craft. He has been featured in magazines in the US, the UK, and Germany and, in 2021, was nominated for a Splatterpunk award for his book Abigail. Daemon is the author of the Ojanox series, endorsed by Scream Queen actress, Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp). He was a bonus round winner on the gameshow Wheel of Fortune in 1999 and is infamously known for a motor vehicle accident involving President Ronald Reagan’s limousine. After struggling with addiction and incarceration, Daemon now uses his story to illustrate the positive outcome of sobriety and offer a glimpse at what life can be like when one receives a second chance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
August 19, 2024
Wow, that was a bit heavy and emotional. I went in blind on this one, so I was really surprised by how it turned out. I thought it was going to be a horror short story about an evil child, but it ended up being much deeper and more meaningful than that.
Daemon Manx was able to convey a sincere message through this book—something we should really embrace more often: acceptance of ourselves and our flaws. People might judge or condemn us, but we should never judge or condemn ourselves. We may be different or live differently than most, but as long as we love and accept ourselves, that’s what truly matters.
I love this book. It made me feel good about myself, despite my flaws.
Daemon Manx was able to convey a sincere message through this book—something we should really embrace more often: acceptance of ourselves and our flaws. People might judge or condemn us, but we should never judge or condemn ourselves. We may be different or live differently than most, but as long as we love and accept ourselves, that’s what truly matters.
I love this book. It made me feel good about myself, despite my flaws.
January 26, 2023
This was a awesome little short story that is ultimately about acceptance of things are different from ourselves and packs a surprisingly emotional punch. Daemon Manx is a damn fine storyteller that takes the reader in one direction and by the end the story takes you are some place you never expected to be and by the end you just feel satisfied I highly recommend this its just a damn good story by a awesome storyteller.
July 19, 2024
⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️
Returning from his perfect date night, Adrian finds a strange baby on his doorstep…
That’s it, that’s all I can tell you about this short novella. The twist is too gaspingly good to ruin.
This was NOT horror as I expected, but it was really fucking fun. I’m still flabbergasted by that twist, so subtle yet so effective.
If Daemon Manx managed to shock me in a short 30 minute read, I wonder what he could achieve in a full-length novel.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Returning from his perfect date night, Adrian finds a strange baby on his doorstep…
That’s it, that’s all I can tell you about this short novella. The twist is too gaspingly good to ruin.
This was NOT horror as I expected, but it was really fucking fun. I’m still flabbergasted by that twist, so subtle yet so effective.
If Daemon Manx managed to shock me in a short 30 minute read, I wonder what he could achieve in a full-length novel.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
January 27, 2022
What a fun short read. I like it when a story brings you to someplace unexpected. I love it when no spoilers have been given to ruin the fun (so you'll see none of that here).
This was my first Daemon Manx book and I really enjoyed the originality of the story. Great writing, and Manx has something to say about life - which for me adds to the impression taken from reading a book. I have so much more I'd like to say, but won't for fear of taking something away from the experience of anyone interested in reading this book (which they should).
This was my first Daemon Manx book and I really enjoyed the originality of the story. Great writing, and Manx has something to say about life - which for me adds to the impression taken from reading a book. I have so much more I'd like to say, but won't for fear of taking something away from the experience of anyone interested in reading this book (which they should).
January 29, 2022
Adrian had a spectacular night on a date with Mike, who might be the man of his dreams. His life might be changing, and he's feeling a sense of optimism when he arrives home to find an unexpected package at his front door. Fearing a basket filled with venomous snakes, Adrian instead discovers that his life is indeed going to change, but in wholly unexpected ways.
The gray-skinned, tiny-horned baby with violet and silver eyes is nothing Adrian could have anticipated. Nevertheless, he finds himself immediately in love with the peculiar child and desperate to protect her. As a gay man, he knows precisely how cruel the world can be to those who aren't like everyone else.
Shut away from the outside world, devoted to caring for his unexpected daughter, it still doesn't take Adrian long to learn that Abigail has a strange effect on people. Deciding it's time to stop dodging Mike's calls, Adrian hopes the doctor and potential lover might be able to answer the numerous questions he has regarding this bundle of joy.
Daemon Manx manages to surprise readers with a twist that's so subtle in its build-up that no one is going to see it coming. It's a challenge to craft such a surprise in so few pages, but Manx pulls it off admirably well. The reader will find themselves wondering how they could have missed something so huge, only to wonder why it's such a colossal revelation in the first place. For a story that focuses so heavily on preconceived notions, it's a spectacular feat that Manx forces the reader to evaluate their own preconceived notions by the time they reach the end.
The gray-skinned, tiny-horned baby with violet and silver eyes is nothing Adrian could have anticipated. Nevertheless, he finds himself immediately in love with the peculiar child and desperate to protect her. As a gay man, he knows precisely how cruel the world can be to those who aren't like everyone else.
Shut away from the outside world, devoted to caring for his unexpected daughter, it still doesn't take Adrian long to learn that Abigail has a strange effect on people. Deciding it's time to stop dodging Mike's calls, Adrian hopes the doctor and potential lover might be able to answer the numerous questions he has regarding this bundle of joy.
Daemon Manx manages to surprise readers with a twist that's so subtle in its build-up that no one is going to see it coming. It's a challenge to craft such a surprise in so few pages, but Manx pulls it off admirably well. The reader will find themselves wondering how they could have missed something so huge, only to wonder why it's such a colossal revelation in the first place. For a story that focuses so heavily on preconceived notions, it's a spectacular feat that Manx forces the reader to evaluate their own preconceived notions by the time they reach the end.
September 26, 2024
"What on Earth are you, Abigail?" He asked as he stared in wonder 🤔. "How am I going to take care of you when I don't even know what you are?"
She was like nothing he had ever seen before and clearly possessed powers beyond comprehension.
Adrian who is known to be meticulous to the point of obsessive will learn to put aside his compulsive, obsessive nature like an old pair of shoes for the love of Abigail.
This short story packs a punch- was not what I expected but in a good way and with a subtle but effective twist to boot. It was more of an awwww than the usual wtf 😄 the beauty of unconditional love and acceptance is all that matters.
Thanks to NetgAlley for the arc
She was like nothing he had ever seen before and clearly possessed powers beyond comprehension.
Adrian who is known to be meticulous to the point of obsessive will learn to put aside his compulsive, obsessive nature like an old pair of shoes for the love of Abigail.
This short story packs a punch- was not what I expected but in a good way and with a subtle but effective twist to boot. It was more of an awwww than the usual wtf 😄 the beauty of unconditional love and acceptance is all that matters.
Thanks to NetgAlley for the arc
October 20, 2021
Don’t Judge A Book By it’s Cover!
Let me see the child! The first 3/4 of this story takes you, the human reader, in a certain direction. THEN HITS YOU OVER THE HEAD WITH REALITY! This one got me, great twist! Very well done!
Let me see the child! The first 3/4 of this story takes you, the human reader, in a certain direction. THEN HITS YOU OVER THE HEAD WITH REALITY! This one got me, great twist! Very well done!
March 15, 2025
When I started reading this short novella, I was wondering where this story was going…
🖤 Dark
🖤 Mystery/Horror
🖤 Big twist you don’t see coming!
🖤 Impactful
🖤 Short Novella
My thoughts:
Come to find out, it’s full of depth! I enjoyed the characters, the twist, and the meaning. It radiates love and acceptance.
Storyline:
It starts off as a baby left on a man’s doorstep. I can’t really say anything more than that, otherwise there would be spoilers.
My rating & why:
Overall, I give this 3.25 out of 5 stars. Be sure to read the content warnings. I know it’s listed under the horror category, but it was more of a mystery to me.
🖤 Dark
🖤 Mystery/Horror
🖤 Big twist you don’t see coming!
🖤 Impactful
🖤 Short Novella
My thoughts:
Come to find out, it’s full of depth! I enjoyed the characters, the twist, and the meaning. It radiates love and acceptance.
Storyline:
It starts off as a baby left on a man’s doorstep. I can’t really say anything more than that, otherwise there would be spoilers.
My rating & why:
Overall, I give this 3.25 out of 5 stars. Be sure to read the content warnings. I know it’s listed under the horror category, but it was more of a mystery to me.
October 1, 2021
Abigail is a quick read, a very short novelette, that tells a fascinating story about a highly unusual orphaned child and the man that takes her in. Adrian takes one look at the helpless infant on his porch and proceeds to turn his entire life upside down for her, just hours after meeting the man of his dreams. I’m not a fan of spoilers and it’s too short to say much more but the setup is flawless, and it’s delivery is superb.
I was not prepared for the outcome of this story, which will leave you astounded on several fronts. I found the concept to be completely creative and original, the story enthralling and the outcome just delightful.
Horror? Not in the traditional sense, but yes, still horror. You’ll have to read it to understand and I hope to see more tales set in Abigail’s world as Manx furthers his career. Four solid gold stars for this debut.
I was not prepared for the outcome of this story, which will leave you astounded on several fronts. I found the concept to be completely creative and original, the story enthralling and the outcome just delightful.
Horror? Not in the traditional sense, but yes, still horror. You’ll have to read it to understand and I hope to see more tales set in Abigail’s world as Manx furthers his career. Four solid gold stars for this debut.
August 10, 2021
Daemon Manx's Abigail is a tremendously well-written tale that packs quite a lot of into a mere forty-eight pages. It's a story that is likely to offer the opposite of what you expect, proving Manx a master of misdirection. Manx also makes some rather important social statements regarding relationships, sexuality, the treatment of others, paternal love, and not only accepting that which is different but coming to see it as wondrous and beautiful. I'm glad I decided to give this one a read, and I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
November 23, 2021
Love at first sight or is it?
I just finished reading Daemon Manx’s Abigail and I really enjoyed it. For such a short novella it sure packed a punch. Daemon had me captivated by his main character Adrian and the real life horrors he endured. Then along comes Abigail who brings her own set of horrors into the mix which Adrian has to deal with.
Will their bond bring them happiness or horrors? You’ll have to read Abigail for yourself to find out. Highly recommended. 👍
I just finished reading Daemon Manx’s Abigail and I really enjoyed it. For such a short novella it sure packed a punch. Daemon had me captivated by his main character Adrian and the real life horrors he endured. Then along comes Abigail who brings her own set of horrors into the mix which Adrian has to deal with.
Will their bond bring them happiness or horrors? You’ll have to read Abigail for yourself to find out. Highly recommended. 👍
July 13, 2024
Jeez Daemon, that was such a twist! Definitely had no idea where this story was heading!
It’s a fast paced, short- but mighty- story. A gay man finds a baby abandoned on his doorstep. After years of suffering from abuse by those who won’t accept him, he takes on the caregiver role without question for this unique little girl, Abigail.
Such a fantastic read!
It’s a fast paced, short- but mighty- story. A gay man finds a baby abandoned on his doorstep. After years of suffering from abuse by those who won’t accept him, he takes on the caregiver role without question for this unique little girl, Abigail.
Such a fantastic read!
October 17, 2021
ABIGAIL
Daemon Manx
July 24, 2021
Terror Tract
Reviewed by Brian “Skull” Lewis
Hello frequent readers, it’s your old pal Skull with a great FIVE STAR read that I’m just dying to tell you about! Of course, that’s going to be one hell of a nifty trick, since I’m already a member of the undead community, but I think you get where I’m coming from. Abigail written by the one and only Daemon Manx is a beautiful shape-shifting novella that calls the speculative fiction genre home. Readers will feel the full range of emotions as they peruse this big little book that seems tiny on the outside but is bursting with so much energy on the inside. Terror Tract made a most excellent choice in publishing this baby!
Abigail opens at the Del Monico where Adrian is sitting at the bar feeling bummed out because his date is a no show. His ex-boyfriend and bartender, Gabe tries to cheer him up to no avail. Then Michael shows up and…zowie! The sparks do indeed fly. After a wonderful evening, Adrian floats home to something unusual on his front stoop. It’s scary, horrible, and…kind of cute? Abigail has arrived.
Suddenly bachelor Adrian is in charge of a baby and it’s not an easy job in the least. Manx has a great eye for detail and puts in the perfect mix of humor and fear. And there definitely is fear because Abigail is different from her skin to her eyeballs, and are those horns? Oh my! But nothing is going to stop him from taking the very best care of Abigail. Adrian isn’t sure why, but he loves this child.
What about that handsome date he had? Doctor Michael seemed so perfect. Still, Adrian can’t let anyone see Abigail, not even a pediatrician. Nope, nopity, nope. He’s only too aware of what happens to people that are different. Growing up gay in the deep south was a horrible experience that scarred Adrian for life. It wasn’t his fault that he was different! Their violence wasn’t necessary, and Adrian vows to protect Abigail to the death if need be.
His commitment to her is wonderful. But after some odd experiences and definite difficulties, Adrian realizes that book learning and the internet only take you so far. Sooner or later great, expert help is required. In fact, Adrian knows a great pediatrician. Calling Dr. Mike! But will the doctor agree to see him after being ignored for months? What will he think of Abigail? Is there a chance that Adrian will have to give her up? Find out the whole story when you pick up a copy of Abigail by Daemon Manx from your favorite bookseller! If you’re an Amazon shopper, the paperback is currently listed for a great price, and the kindle version is even less expensive.
As I said in the beginning, Damaged Skull Reviewer rates Abigail a BIG FIVE STARS! This book is downright magical for its ability to tackle topics some might not agree with and to show that love does not discriminate. Rod Serling would enjoy reading this story because of the journey Adrian takes through Abigail. We readers go with him and learn some things, too. What constitutes “normal” and why do people think it’s such a good thing? Seems to me that those who are unique can open our eyes to new worlds, but only if we let them. I really enjoyed all of Daemon Manx’s little touches in the book, such as creating fictional names for places and things. A few examples of that are the “Fritz Carlson”, packages arriving from “Feral Express” and using the dating site “Cinder.” Clever!
I could ramble on all night about this novella, but now it’s your turn to enjoy this great read from Daemon Manx and Terror Tract. For more information about the publisher, go to: https://terrortract.net or visit them on Twitter @terrortract. For more information about Daemon Manx go to: daemonmanx@yahoo.com or visit him on Twitter @daemonmanx He also uses the handle Daemon Manx on Facebook and Instagram. Thanks for checking out another review from your old pal, Skull. See you soon!
Daemon Manx
July 24, 2021
Terror Tract
Reviewed by Brian “Skull” Lewis
Hello frequent readers, it’s your old pal Skull with a great FIVE STAR read that I’m just dying to tell you about! Of course, that’s going to be one hell of a nifty trick, since I’m already a member of the undead community, but I think you get where I’m coming from. Abigail written by the one and only Daemon Manx is a beautiful shape-shifting novella that calls the speculative fiction genre home. Readers will feel the full range of emotions as they peruse this big little book that seems tiny on the outside but is bursting with so much energy on the inside. Terror Tract made a most excellent choice in publishing this baby!
Abigail opens at the Del Monico where Adrian is sitting at the bar feeling bummed out because his date is a no show. His ex-boyfriend and bartender, Gabe tries to cheer him up to no avail. Then Michael shows up and…zowie! The sparks do indeed fly. After a wonderful evening, Adrian floats home to something unusual on his front stoop. It’s scary, horrible, and…kind of cute? Abigail has arrived.
Suddenly bachelor Adrian is in charge of a baby and it’s not an easy job in the least. Manx has a great eye for detail and puts in the perfect mix of humor and fear. And there definitely is fear because Abigail is different from her skin to her eyeballs, and are those horns? Oh my! But nothing is going to stop him from taking the very best care of Abigail. Adrian isn’t sure why, but he loves this child.
What about that handsome date he had? Doctor Michael seemed so perfect. Still, Adrian can’t let anyone see Abigail, not even a pediatrician. Nope, nopity, nope. He’s only too aware of what happens to people that are different. Growing up gay in the deep south was a horrible experience that scarred Adrian for life. It wasn’t his fault that he was different! Their violence wasn’t necessary, and Adrian vows to protect Abigail to the death if need be.
His commitment to her is wonderful. But after some odd experiences and definite difficulties, Adrian realizes that book learning and the internet only take you so far. Sooner or later great, expert help is required. In fact, Adrian knows a great pediatrician. Calling Dr. Mike! But will the doctor agree to see him after being ignored for months? What will he think of Abigail? Is there a chance that Adrian will have to give her up? Find out the whole story when you pick up a copy of Abigail by Daemon Manx from your favorite bookseller! If you’re an Amazon shopper, the paperback is currently listed for a great price, and the kindle version is even less expensive.
As I said in the beginning, Damaged Skull Reviewer rates Abigail a BIG FIVE STARS! This book is downright magical for its ability to tackle topics some might not agree with and to show that love does not discriminate. Rod Serling would enjoy reading this story because of the journey Adrian takes through Abigail. We readers go with him and learn some things, too. What constitutes “normal” and why do people think it’s such a good thing? Seems to me that those who are unique can open our eyes to new worlds, but only if we let them. I really enjoyed all of Daemon Manx’s little touches in the book, such as creating fictional names for places and things. A few examples of that are the “Fritz Carlson”, packages arriving from “Feral Express” and using the dating site “Cinder.” Clever!
I could ramble on all night about this novella, but now it’s your turn to enjoy this great read from Daemon Manx and Terror Tract. For more information about the publisher, go to: https://terrortract.net or visit them on Twitter @terrortract. For more information about Daemon Manx go to: daemonmanx@yahoo.com or visit him on Twitter @daemonmanx He also uses the handle Daemon Manx on Facebook and Instagram. Thanks for checking out another review from your old pal, Skull. See you soon!
July 27, 2021
Generating love. I completely loved this story. Abigail is both intelligent and thought-provoking. Some parts were so hilarious they had me giggling out loud. Some were downright heartbreaking.
As someone who enjoys horror and thrillers, this one had me hooked.
The character of Adrian is so well written, he is very much your Will/Jack combination from Will and Grace, and also a character who can resonate with everyone out there: He is different, and he feels every bit of loneliness, isolation, and self-hatred, simply because society made him feel that way.
It is downright cathartic when Abigail enters his life, and enhances and changes his life for the better. This little baby generates love to everyone she comes in contact with, and that is the message of the story.
There is definitely a horror element at play here, with many religious hints peppered throughout, and a twist at the end that readers will enjoy.
More please, Mr. Manx.
As someone who enjoys horror and thrillers, this one had me hooked.
The character of Adrian is so well written, he is very much your Will/Jack combination from Will and Grace, and also a character who can resonate with everyone out there: He is different, and he feels every bit of loneliness, isolation, and self-hatred, simply because society made him feel that way.
It is downright cathartic when Abigail enters his life, and enhances and changes his life for the better. This little baby generates love to everyone she comes in contact with, and that is the message of the story.
There is definitely a horror element at play here, with many religious hints peppered throughout, and a twist at the end that readers will enjoy.
More please, Mr. Manx.
November 24, 2022
This is one of those stories you will enjoy most going in blind.
Manx show us with a heartwarming touch about the how love and insecurity can both destroy and blossomly grow.
In the end there was in my opinion a bit much tell instead of show, but not to s degree it destroyed the en enjoyment of the story, snd not worth explaining in details as it would necessarily be with damaging spoilers for new readers/listeners
Don't judge s book by it's cover fits on several levels here, and that's all I'm going to give away from the plot ;)
Manx show us with a heartwarming touch about the how love and insecurity can both destroy and blossomly grow.
In the end there was in my opinion a bit much tell instead of show, but not to s degree it destroyed the en enjoyment of the story, snd not worth explaining in details as it would necessarily be with damaging spoilers for new readers/listeners
Don't judge s book by it's cover fits on several levels here, and that's all I'm going to give away from the plot ;)
September 30, 2021
This little novelette was such a refreshing surprise. Especially the ending. Daemon does a good job of helping you understand what someone who doesn't identify as a straight person goes through. However, as you're learning about the MC Adrian, you also meet Abigail. It's a quick read but damn, it's definitely worth it. The twist at the end filled me with complete nostalgia. Totally reminiscent of R.L Stine. Super good read. Highly recommend.
October 3, 2021
I enjoyed this short novella so much more than I expected! I thought things were going in one direction but they took a complete left turn that nobody would see coming and I just loved it. What an ending!! 4/5 skulls 💀
November 8, 2021
This wasn't what I expected but that's not a bad thing. It was great seeing representation in horror that normally is not there. I was hoping for more horror elements though. I enjoyed the twist and definitely didn't see it coming. I would be interested in seeing this world expanded more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2021
This was a fantastic story! I absolutely adored it.
Everyone needs to read this. It's a surprise at the end that will make you smile.
Everyone needs to read this. It's a surprise at the end that will make you smile.
August 13, 2024
4.75/5
I know this publication happened a while ago, but I still wanted to request and hopefully read it, for my daughter’s name sake. This was such a fun read. I really enjoyed myself. I am an avid horror reader with a sub genera love of psychological horror. This was like a comfort read. There’s some fun character development, some attraction, drama and some really good human reflection. The character reflection and growth was fun and the twist actually surprised me! It really strengthened the drive the author set out to do. Well done, and very clever indeed! I don’t want to discuss the story line too much for fear of taking away the journey and fun surprise. Just read it! Have fun!
I know this publication happened a while ago, but I still wanted to request and hopefully read it, for my daughter’s name sake. This was such a fun read. I really enjoyed myself. I am an avid horror reader with a sub genera love of psychological horror. This was like a comfort read. There’s some fun character development, some attraction, drama and some really good human reflection. The character reflection and growth was fun and the twist actually surprised me! It really strengthened the drive the author set out to do. Well done, and very clever indeed! I don’t want to discuss the story line too much for fear of taking away the journey and fun surprise. Just read it! Have fun!
July 21, 2024
This was great. It’s short, but very imaginative. Thanks to my friend on Goodreads who brought this to my attention.
August 7, 2023
Full Review coming soon!
September 17, 2023
Never ever I could have imagined a twist like this!! I'm in love with this story that was delivered so well by the narrator.
Adrian's glittery life gets overturned unexpectedly one night, when after a perfect date he finds a little bundle on his doorstep. The little basket contains a baby girl, Abigail, which after a closer look appears to not be your average baby. This doesn't dissuade Adrian and he falls in love completely with Abigail, but he soon realises he's not the only one falling in love with her.. In fact, she seems to have a strange effect on people.. But how and why?
So much is packed in this short novella, delivering such an impactful and strong message that I felt reinvigorated by listening to it. The narration was perfectly executed by Ryan Haugen, making it such an easy listen, and together with the flow of the story, this was very surprising and really enjoyable! The massive twist at the end had my jaw crack open, followed by a big smile and a radiating warmth throughout my body! I hope that at some point we all get to be a bit like Abigail!
Thank you Daemon Manx for the opportunity to listen to it and this is my honest review.
Adrian's glittery life gets overturned unexpectedly one night, when after a perfect date he finds a little bundle on his doorstep. The little basket contains a baby girl, Abigail, which after a closer look appears to not be your average baby. This doesn't dissuade Adrian and he falls in love completely with Abigail, but he soon realises he's not the only one falling in love with her.. In fact, she seems to have a strange effect on people.. But how and why?
So much is packed in this short novella, delivering such an impactful and strong message that I felt reinvigorated by listening to it. The narration was perfectly executed by Ryan Haugen, making it such an easy listen, and together with the flow of the story, this was very surprising and really enjoyable! The massive twist at the end had my jaw crack open, followed by a big smile and a radiating warmth throughout my body! I hope that at some point we all get to be a bit like Abigail!
Thank you Daemon Manx for the opportunity to listen to it and this is my honest review.
December 22, 2021
Next up is Abigail by Daemon Manx. The author reached out and asked that I give this a read and I’m glad I did. Adrian, a man with too high of standards, finds a “gift” on his doorstep after the perfect date. Well, this gift is named Abigail and turns his OCD ridden world upside down.
The part I loved the most was the background of Adrian’s character. Showing how he dealt with prejudice and hatred translated beautifully to his instant love of Abigail, who isn’t exactly what she appears to be.
For a debut, this one hits the mark. Short, sweet, and dealing with social issues, this is an author to watch out for.
5/5 lactose intolerant babies
(Available on Kindle Unlimited and Amazon.)
The part I loved the most was the background of Adrian’s character. Showing how he dealt with prejudice and hatred translated beautifully to his instant love of Abigail, who isn’t exactly what she appears to be.
For a debut, this one hits the mark. Short, sweet, and dealing with social issues, this is an author to watch out for.
5/5 lactose intolerant babies
(Available on Kindle Unlimited and Amazon.)
August 23, 2021
Just finished reading Daemon Manx's "Abigail" and WOW! At only 49 pages, this little story packs a lot of character into it. Reading this was refreshing and fun, I love how the characters feel complete without having to go into tons of detail. Not to mention THE TWIST! I was knocked back and shocked, it caught me off guard and I love it. Manx does an incredible job with this novella and leaves the reader wanting more of his work. I highly recommend reading this on Kindle or paperback, available through Amazon. Support an Author and grab your copy!
December 26, 2024
This story threw me for a loop, I tell ya what! I was reading and thinking "ehh..I can see why it's horror, but it's not doing it for me." then BAM! It punched me in the nose and surprised me. It's difficult for a book to do that these days, so it was bloody fantastic. I loved the main message of the story as well. Being different, in any way, shape, or form, will generally get you ostracised and in some cases, hurt. Being afraid of being different, of someone you love going through what you went through is real, and I loved that this was a focal point for this story.
July 30, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Last Waltz Publishing for the ARC.
I got a real kick out of this one. It was a great twist at the end, one that I really didn't expect. It really reminds us that what we consider normal or abnormal can be different from others, if they even notice at all. It reminds us to have an open mind and accepting heart. Just not in the way that you might be thinking, lol.
I got a real kick out of this one. It was a great twist at the end, one that I really didn't expect. It really reminds us that what we consider normal or abnormal can be different from others, if they even notice at all. It reminds us to have an open mind and accepting heart. Just not in the way that you might be thinking, lol.
September 2, 2024
“And Abigail was definitely different; he had never seen anything like her in his life. But she was special, a gift—his gift.”
A wonderful story about protecting someone who is different than you instead of acting with fear and violence. This story is filled with unexpected revelations and surprises.
A wonderful story about protecting someone who is different than you instead of acting with fear and violence. This story is filled with unexpected revelations and surprises.
February 1, 2022
In Abigail, Daemon does an excellent job in establishing the characterization of Adrian Billard right from the onset. From his “fastidious” childhood, including his penchant for organizing his personal belongings, to becoming an adult, as part of the gay community through the Del Monico bar in Venice, Daemon clearly defines who Adrian is, which plays a part in the sequence of events later in the story.
After a date with a doctor that he initially thought stood him up, Adrian goes home to find an object on his doorstep, the eventual discovery of a baby in a two-foot long, oval-shaped wicker basket. Daemon masterfully writes this scene, using Adrian’s misconceptions as an exploration of his fears.
This is no ordinary baby. Little details, like the lamella-like scales, reptilian pupils and violet eyes make this a standout character.
The reader learns very little about the parents save for a handwritten note. So, Adrian attempts to take care of the baby. A feeding of two percent milk causes an unhappy effect all over the dining room table, floor and his clothes.
The baby brings about reactions that Adrian is unaccustomed to. A delivery driver with condemning looks shifts into a complete personality change. The baby brings about an eventual transformation in Adrian as well; disheveled hair, unshaven face, and wrinkled and carrot-stained shirts demonstrating a lack of his previous fastidious nature.
By the end of the book, taking place in a doctor’s office, the reader learns the true identity of the baby. By then, the baby has already taught Adrian an important lesson about accepting others no matter the sexual orientation or even different species.
A lesson the reader won’t soon forget.
The narrator provides just enough commentary, which gives some insight into not only living a gay lifestyle, but also details past encounters with less than tolerant people.
After a date with a doctor that he initially thought stood him up, Adrian goes home to find an object on his doorstep, the eventual discovery of a baby in a two-foot long, oval-shaped wicker basket. Daemon masterfully writes this scene, using Adrian’s misconceptions as an exploration of his fears.
This is no ordinary baby. Little details, like the lamella-like scales, reptilian pupils and violet eyes make this a standout character.
The reader learns very little about the parents save for a handwritten note. So, Adrian attempts to take care of the baby. A feeding of two percent milk causes an unhappy effect all over the dining room table, floor and his clothes.
The baby brings about reactions that Adrian is unaccustomed to. A delivery driver with condemning looks shifts into a complete personality change. The baby brings about an eventual transformation in Adrian as well; disheveled hair, unshaven face, and wrinkled and carrot-stained shirts demonstrating a lack of his previous fastidious nature.
By the end of the book, taking place in a doctor’s office, the reader learns the true identity of the baby. By then, the baby has already taught Adrian an important lesson about accepting others no matter the sexual orientation or even different species.
A lesson the reader won’t soon forget.
The narrator provides just enough commentary, which gives some insight into not only living a gay lifestyle, but also details past encounters with less than tolerant people.
September 13, 2021
This is a fantastic story that keeps me in a state of palpitation until I finished indulging my relatable emotions in it.
This book detailed the life of a queer man, Adrian, and his experience with a mysterious baby that was kept on his doorstep while he arrived home from a date.
It was mysterious how the presence of Abigail often has a magical influence on Adrian, whom his society hates because of his sexual orientation. It's also fascinating to read about Adrian's experience while he was much younger, his preference, and how he was different from other kids in his class.
I am particularly intrigued by the section whereby Adrian was bullied when he was much younger by his mate; they'd had his artworks and sketch pads destroyed, but sooner, it was exciting to read about Adrian's eventual victory over them though it left him with some scars.
Some parts of this novel resonate with the descriptive features of most queer men, and the stigma attached to most of them living in a homophobic society. I love the author's choice of words and his use of "hyperbole", I laughed at some sentences that fall under this category.
It was also educative to learn about succubus physiology, and demon genealogy, this is extremely strange to me and I'm not familiar with it. It proves the novel feature has been deep in mythology.
With that said, and other things considered, I give this book 5 stars and I can't wait to read more of Daemon Manx's future work.
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