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The Wonderful World of Scary Ass Shit
Parallel dimensions exist, let's get that out of the way right now. What matters more is that something is causing them to merge. A process, to put it bluntly, that can only be described as slamming one's tit in the proverbial plane of existence’s door… or simply put, maximum unpleasantness in all the wrong places.
Monsters, creatures, anything really that can trigger that burning fear sensation that makes you wish you were already dead, they are real. Like real-real, like really-really real. Trust me, but also no one… see what I did there? The Aurora Wasteland seems to be the epicenter of it all. A focal point for the strange and weird. It’s an area that lives beyond man-made borders. A place made up of people you wouldn’t want to meet. People you wouldn’t want to be, because escaping from the nightmare that is the Aurora Wasteland, well, that’s just not possible.
Logan, Gabe, Monahan, and Jeff are and have been best friends since childhood, only they’ve never met, except they have and know everything and nothing about each other. Perfect stranger and the tightest of friends. Makes sense? Because it shouldn’t, it doesn’t to them.
Not that any of that matters, because as their dimension merges with another, they seem to be the only ones that remember anything about it… the old dimension that is. Even then, only their memories remain, while their lives have been swapped out like a saggy bag of gold. Merged with the them from the new dimension. It’s ok to be confused, none of it makes sense to them either, even if it should.
Then there is Patty, the fifth friend they didn’t even know they had, except they did. Patty knew it was coming and tried to stop it, The Merge that is. Only he failed and died graphically for it. Dragging the knowledge he had about everything to his grave. Now the four friends have to figure out how to try to pry themselves out of this dimension and to get home if it’s even possible. All while navigating their new lives, relationships, and the strange and weird known as The Aurora Wasteland, that just keeps pulling them in deeper.
Lost and with little to go on, a book by the title of TETHERED is found to be left specifically for them. A book written by the so-called discoverer of The Aurora Wasteland. A book whose contents may seemingly be more important to them than they know.
It’s ok to be confused and scared, but I should warn you, if you’re reading this, then it’s already too late. The Aurora Wasteland has you. It knows you. There is no escape. Trust me, because well… it’s better you just figure out what’s going on, for your own sake and sanity. Read, watch, listen, do that you have to do, consume it all. Because you’ll need it.
Monsters, creatures, anything really that can trigger that burning fear sensation that makes you wish you were already dead, they are real. Like real-real, like really-really real. Trust me, but also no one… see what I did there? The Aurora Wasteland seems to be the epicenter of it all. A focal point for the strange and weird. It’s an area that lives beyond man-made borders. A place made up of people you wouldn’t want to meet. People you wouldn’t want to be, because escaping from the nightmare that is the Aurora Wasteland, well, that’s just not possible.
Logan, Gabe, Monahan, and Jeff are and have been best friends since childhood, only they’ve never met, except they have and know everything and nothing about each other. Perfect stranger and the tightest of friends. Makes sense? Because it shouldn’t, it doesn’t to them.
Not that any of that matters, because as their dimension merges with another, they seem to be the only ones that remember anything about it… the old dimension that is. Even then, only their memories remain, while their lives have been swapped out like a saggy bag of gold. Merged with the them from the new dimension. It’s ok to be confused, none of it makes sense to them either, even if it should.
Then there is Patty, the fifth friend they didn’t even know they had, except they did. Patty knew it was coming and tried to stop it, The Merge that is. Only he failed and died graphically for it. Dragging the knowledge he had about everything to his grave. Now the four friends have to figure out how to try to pry themselves out of this dimension and to get home if it’s even possible. All while navigating their new lives, relationships, and the strange and weird known as The Aurora Wasteland, that just keeps pulling them in deeper.
Lost and with little to go on, a book by the title of TETHERED is found to be left specifically for them. A book written by the so-called discoverer of The Aurora Wasteland. A book whose contents may seemingly be more important to them than they know.
It’s ok to be confused and scared, but I should warn you, if you’re reading this, then it’s already too late. The Aurora Wasteland has you. It knows you. There is no escape. Trust me, because well… it’s better you just figure out what’s going on, for your own sake and sanity. Read, watch, listen, do that you have to do, consume it all. Because you’ll need it.
169 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2022
60 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Vaughn Ashby
19 books44 followersVaughn Ashby is the bestselling horror author of Tethered, Brightness Falls, & The Axe. He’s also a multi-view YouTube creator, & wannabe Podcaster.
Ash, or Uncle Ashby to you, holds degrees in Body Head Separation, Spacial Realignment, & Family Member Seducing Time Travel from the schools of Netflix, Blockbuster, & The Local Cinema. Vaughn also recently completed his Masters in Sci-fi Horror writing from the school of YM, better known as Your Mom.
Before being dragged into the world of writing kicking and screaming, he was a simple bearded human male with poor spelling skills. He was, and this is just true, not a robot, definitely not a human killing robot, with plans of wiping out the human race through writing complex plots that involve adult humor and sexiness.
Vaughn has watched multiple Masterclasses by Aaron Sorkin, Neil Gaimen, Margaret Atwood, & Gordon Ramsey, though not all the way through. He’s also the Winner of the Aurora Wasteland award, for being the only writer to write in that Literary Universe, which he created.
His passions include Whiskey, Tattoos, Movies, Writing, & Horror.
Find out more about Vaughn at VaughnAshby.com
Ash, or Uncle Ashby to you, holds degrees in Body Head Separation, Spacial Realignment, & Family Member Seducing Time Travel from the schools of Netflix, Blockbuster, & The Local Cinema. Vaughn also recently completed his Masters in Sci-fi Horror writing from the school of YM, better known as Your Mom.
Before being dragged into the world of writing kicking and screaming, he was a simple bearded human male with poor spelling skills. He was, and this is just true, not a robot, definitely not a human killing robot, with plans of wiping out the human race through writing complex plots that involve adult humor and sexiness.
Vaughn has watched multiple Masterclasses by Aaron Sorkin, Neil Gaimen, Margaret Atwood, & Gordon Ramsey, though not all the way through. He’s also the Winner of the Aurora Wasteland award, for being the only writer to write in that Literary Universe, which he created.
His passions include Whiskey, Tattoos, Movies, Writing, & Horror.
Find out more about Vaughn at VaughnAshby.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 16, 2022
Super fun read! A nice change from my usual diet of murder and mystery. Tethered is on my read list. Give it a try!
February 8, 2023
I was given a free copy of this audiobook by the author at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
As it says in the blurb "It’s ok to be confused, none of it makes sense to them either, even if it should." A story about merged alternative dimensions with people who have memories of their old lives in the other dimension while suddenly existing in a very similar dimension as different people, sometimes not even the same sex as in the other dimension.
In many ways this works well the deliberate confusion created by both the plot and the writing style really get the old grey matter working to keep up. Loads of scope for this to be a long series of stories, or maybe it already is, probably.
Unfortunately I can't help feeling that while I enjoyed the story for the most part I would almost certainly have understood it better if I'd read it rather listened to the audiobook version. Sadly the narrator doesn't do it for me. While she does have a clear voice there is no difference in character voices which considering the constant flipping back and forth between characters makes it difficult to keep track of them. While it may be a new paragraph in written format there is no break in the audio format to suggest a character change. But then, there's also no discernible break between chapters or scene changes either, it's all just read as one long text with little to no inflection, no excitement or enthusiasm, not quite a monotone but not too far off. Sorry but I listen to some excellent narrators but this narrator certainly isn't one of them.
Story wise I'd give this a 4*-4½* but only 1½*-2* at best for narration so 3* overall.
As it says in the blurb "It’s ok to be confused, none of it makes sense to them either, even if it should." A story about merged alternative dimensions with people who have memories of their old lives in the other dimension while suddenly existing in a very similar dimension as different people, sometimes not even the same sex as in the other dimension.
In many ways this works well the deliberate confusion created by both the plot and the writing style really get the old grey matter working to keep up. Loads of scope for this to be a long series of stories, or maybe it already is, probably.
Unfortunately I can't help feeling that while I enjoyed the story for the most part I would almost certainly have understood it better if I'd read it rather listened to the audiobook version. Sadly the narrator doesn't do it for me. While she does have a clear voice there is no difference in character voices which considering the constant flipping back and forth between characters makes it difficult to keep track of them. While it may be a new paragraph in written format there is no break in the audio format to suggest a character change. But then, there's also no discernible break between chapters or scene changes either, it's all just read as one long text with little to no inflection, no excitement or enthusiasm, not quite a monotone but not too far off. Sorry but I listen to some excellent narrators but this narrator certainly isn't one of them.
Story wise I'd give this a 4*-4½* but only 1½*-2* at best for narration so 3* overall.
July 10, 2022
There is a place that is either real or imagined it’s called the Aurora Wasteland. If it is real we are in big trouble. The Aurora Wasteland’s a place where your strangest dreams can romp across your mind. Even stranger dreams are on offer here, so strange they might make you question your own imagination. The author reveals his imagination to us sometimes in spoonfuls, sometimes in buckets and when necessary in wheelbarrows full. The characters are amazingly well constructed, they survive through constant changes in form, thoughts and even identities at times.
This book is a demanding read that rewards the reader with hilarity amongst the carnage and destruction. I highly recommend this novel to anyone that enjoys walking across the writer’s psyche and sense of humor.
The story is definitely adult fare.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is a demanding read that rewards the reader with hilarity amongst the carnage and destruction. I highly recommend this novel to anyone that enjoys walking across the writer’s psyche and sense of humor.
The story is definitely adult fare.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 12, 2023
I listened to a audiobook copy of this book and I have two important things to say, I did like the stories, but I did not like the narrator very much, she didn’t convey the story, it felt much more she was reading as fast as she could and without taking any pleasure from reading it… a bit monotone really…
it seems I need to read a bit more of Vaughn Ashby to understand better what is aurora wasteland but it is like anything is possible, there’s infinite possibilities and many ways to experiment reality, and believe me the tittle gives you spoiler enough about what you’ll find here, this is a world of scary #ss Sh%t hahah.
Thank you StoryOrigin for the free Audible code and this is my honest opinion.
it seems I need to read a bit more of Vaughn Ashby to understand better what is aurora wasteland but it is like anything is possible, there’s infinite possibilities and many ways to experiment reality, and believe me the tittle gives you spoiler enough about what you’ll find here, this is a world of scary #ss Sh%t hahah.
Thank you StoryOrigin for the free Audible code and this is my honest opinion.
June 23, 2022
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 26, 2022
I do believe that this is one of Mr. Ashby's books that I had assisted in editing as part of his ARC team.
What can you say about Vaughn Ashby's writings? They are most definitely for those with eclectic tastes (in that in all of the books, there is usually some sort of zombie or alternate universe).
The books/series would be enjoyed by fans of the twilight zone genre.
What can you say about Vaughn Ashby's writings? They are most definitely for those with eclectic tastes (in that in all of the books, there is usually some sort of zombie or alternate universe).
The books/series would be enjoyed by fans of the twilight zone genre.
January 13, 2023
This book was amazing!!! It is super weird, entertaining and absolutely hilarious!! Part way through I went online and ordered all his other books! His website is outstanding. I am really looking forward to diving into this world. If you liked/loved Tales from the Gas Station, I think this is a great next read!
March 25, 2023
A group of…shall I say friends? Maybe friends..on some notch, end up being slammed into another dimension where they kind of remember their life, and battle a monster.
I’m not sure what I think about this book. There was A LOT going on. I think as a stand alone it was a bit hard to follow but it might be better after delving more into this created universe.
I’m not sure what I think about this book. There was A LOT going on. I think as a stand alone it was a bit hard to follow but it might be better after delving more into this created universe.
December 7, 2022
Okay, this is the third try I have given this author because he writes well. However, again, it is a style that is just too different for me. I have a feeling Vaughn Ashby is the type of author you either like a lot or you feel lost and confused reading the stories.
February 17, 2023
Great book
I liked the merging of their world into the new one. With everyone changing into who they were in the new reality. It definitely kept me guessing throughout the story. I would definitely recommend this if you like science fiction.
I liked the merging of their world into the new one. With everyone changing into who they were in the new reality. It definitely kept me guessing throughout the story. I would definitely recommend this if you like science fiction.
March 27, 2023
This particular world is neither wonderful or full of anything remotely scary. Certainly not hilarious or funny. Basically a bunch of vignettes with a little sex or violence randomly sprinkled in. I'm 34% in, and typing THE END on this one.
Thankfully free on Amazon
Thankfully free on Amazon
July 9, 2022
This a very good book. Well written, page turner, great characters. Love it. Good job. I received a copy and voluntary leaving a review.
October 12, 2022
Be prepared to be disgusted
While I would like to give this author a glowing review, I am not sure I should be encouraging him.
While I would like to give this author a glowing review, I am not sure I should be encouraging him.
January 5, 2023
loved it
Not boring at all loved the story line and the characters. Great job keep up you good work. I would love to read more from this amazing author with some great stories
Not boring at all loved the story line and the characters. Great job keep up you good work. I would love to read more from this amazing author with some great stories
February 14, 2023
Vaughn Ashby is a riot. His take on horror is funny and original. The characters are interesting but not too deep but the twists and turns and humor in the story will keep you reading.
March 16, 2024
ok read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews