Sealed: To Breathe is to Die

by Sarah Jane Huntington

A lethal fungus, and terrifying parasites originating elsewhere, devastate the United Kingdom within days.
Alice, a troubled epidemiologist, must face her fears and help prevent a global annihilation.
Will anyone survive?
A science-fiction horror novella

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 9, 2022

Reviews

[Wayne Fenlon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those protruding splinters... Man, they make me shudder just thinking about them.
What a great novella Sarah has created here. Truly. A super, sharply written story that never lets up for a single minute, and to be honest, that's what I really appreciated more than anything. This could have easily gotten bogged down with science, could have easily been stretched into an unnecessary epic, but, for me, Sarah plays it absolutely spot on. She knows what's needed and makes the right choices. No messing around.
It's a wild, believable little ride. It's made me an instant fan.


Five stars.

[Coy Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like Huntington enters every book with not only a premise but with a vision and message, and Sealed is no exception. The ensemble cast she creates grows and spreads like roots through this tale of environmental horror (and environmental warning). Her penchant for occultism is on hand, as well, and that's always welcome. Vivid characters, masterful pacing, imagery that bloomed in the mind of a painter, and creeping, fungal horrors. Get on it.

[Simon Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this. Obviously, I got myself a Kindle version too, and a paperback will follow!
Yes. I’m a fan of SJH’s work, and this is another belter.
Grotesque, creepy, and enough to put you off mushrooms for life. Sarah sure knows how to do horror. Go get a copy.

[Damien Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Science fiction and horror are at their best, in my opinion, when the material says something. Some message about either society, or even something as minuscule as the lack of good tater chip flavors. With that being said, Sarah Jane Huntington’s Sealed isn’t about tater chips. Sarah Jane provides some really intense social commentary here, all set to the theme of pandemic. A little too close to home right? And that’s where this novel succeeds. The commentary is biting and spot on, the setting is an all too familiar one. Science Fiction Horror is a genre that is rarely seen done so well either. Sarah Jane has found the perfect middle ground to feature concepts and themes from both genres creating an experience that’s reminiscent of a John Wyndham book; much like The Midwich Cuckoos, or Day of the Triffids. Sarah Jane has really hit a stride with her recent releases combining the genres and I’m really looking forward to her next release. READ SARAH JANE HUNTINGTON.

[Adam Hulse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spin-chilling horror thriller like no other. Sealed is a perfect example of what makes Huntington one of my favourite writers. Somehow, amongst bleak shadows which fall over the pages, we see pinpricks of light which keep our hearts just warm enough to continue. Sealed has a great foundation of solid bones to drape an interesting story on. Perfectly manufactured characters of good drag us along with them as we wish for a positive outcome. What starts as an intriguing cultist horror, becomes a biological horror/thriller packed with social commentary and political barbs. By the end Huntington brings all elements together and has us questioning the insignificance of humanity in the grand scheme of things. This melting pot of ideas would ruin a lot of reads but Huntington's skill makes it appear effortless. Passion and research in perfect balance. A gem!

[Terry and dog · Rating 4 out of 5]

A horrifying story. A sad and gruesome but clever tale about how detrimental humans have been to planet earth and now we are getting paid back. God, aliens, several gods? There is a little talk of all those options being the bringer of karma. Lots of grotesque images conjured up for those that like that. Characters that have flaws, and are overwhelmed. People are awful and this is what we get. Loved it.

[Sammydavids · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this before it came out and i thought it was really scary and it made me uncomfortable in alot of places. this woman either needs serious help or she can see the real part of what human beings really are. that ending though. i liked alice and charlene and i thought they would solve it all and live happy ever after together. in all these authors books there is either a massive twist or everyone dies and i never know which its going to be

[Lydia Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

'A universal mirror is being held up to the faces of humanity, the reflection peering back is made of darkness, not light.'

This book has numerous bleak and heavy commentaries and is not for the sensitive amoung us. It's raw and edges on beautiful if it wasn't so hateful. The ending is the most abrupt I have ever encountered

[Anthony Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining cautionary tale

Another imaginative and thought provoking story by the excellent Sarah J Huntington. I particularly liked Alice, who became the main character in the novella and was rooting for her until the end. Very apt themes explored here. Great read.