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Uncanny Valley Days
Rocked by grief and recurring apparitions of her dead brother, Olivia is losing her grip on reality and may have inadvertently invoked a cybernetic, serial-killing slasher demon. Or is it all in her head?
Olivia Peramo is a writer and an artist at heart, barista by trade who struggles with multiple mental health issues. All of which have only been intensified by the recent loss of both her parents and her older brother Alejandro. And to top it off, she may have just inadvertently invoked an evil entity with one passive-aggressive rage tweet.
Soon enough, the people that cross Olivia start winding up dead, and she’s being made to watch each grisly murder as they unfold. Is she part of some elaborate hoax? Is this sinister force really breaking her reality and murdering innocent people? Or has Olivia completely lost it and started killing them herself? Not to mention, the ghost of her dead brother keeps popping up every time she smokes a little weed.
Olivia Peramo is a writer and an artist at heart, barista by trade who struggles with multiple mental health issues. All of which have only been intensified by the recent loss of both her parents and her older brother Alejandro. And to top it off, she may have just inadvertently invoked an evil entity with one passive-aggressive rage tweet.
Soon enough, the people that cross Olivia start winding up dead, and she’s being made to watch each grisly murder as they unfold. Is she part of some elaborate hoax? Is this sinister force really breaking her reality and murdering innocent people? Or has Olivia completely lost it and started killing them herself? Not to mention, the ghost of her dead brother keeps popping up every time she smokes a little weed.
- GenresHorror
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 12, 2022
6 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 12, 2022
Olivia lost her entire family due to an accident and has had trouble coping ever since. The darkness she finds herself in has somehow spawned a cybernetic demon known as Render. He is targeting people that know Olivia or have had interactions with her. She starts to feel like she is losing her mind and maybe she is. With the help of some new friends, they start digging into how Render came to be, but he isn’t going to make it easy for them.
I’ll start by saying this was genuinely creepy to me! Most books do not freak me out, but Render had me a bit spooked. The thought of some AI/cybernetic demon popping up was crazy. Maybe technology isn’t such a great thing when you consider this book. It pretty much carries that eerie vibe throughout the whole story. You begin to question if what is happening is because of Render or is Olivia losing her mind? Is he behind all of this? It’s a mind bender for sure.
Sampera did a brilliant job with Render. He is creepy, or at least I thought so. I could visualize his glitchy movements and see his shadow in my room. Render is a character I will not forget any time soon. It’s been a while since a book startled me enough to believe I was seeing things that weren’t there. If you’re looking for a gripping read, grab this one. Great story, great characters!
"Terror crawled through her nerves, but vengeance burned in her chest."
I’ll start by saying this was genuinely creepy to me! Most books do not freak me out, but Render had me a bit spooked. The thought of some AI/cybernetic demon popping up was crazy. Maybe technology isn’t such a great thing when you consider this book. It pretty much carries that eerie vibe throughout the whole story. You begin to question if what is happening is because of Render or is Olivia losing her mind? Is he behind all of this? It’s a mind bender for sure.
Sampera did a brilliant job with Render. He is creepy, or at least I thought so. I could visualize his glitchy movements and see his shadow in my room. Render is a character I will not forget any time soon. It’s been a while since a book startled me enough to believe I was seeing things that weren’t there. If you’re looking for a gripping read, grab this one. Great story, great characters!
"Terror crawled through her nerves, but vengeance burned in her chest."
September 18, 2022
Olivia writes creepypastas, so she knows they're not real. The thing is, though, she better start believing them, 'cause she's in one! She finds out Twitter really is hell when a single tweet brings demonic digital slasher Render into her life. Render isn't some Slenderman looming eerily around. R/Nosleep for her, Render has a switchblade and he knows how to use it in C.J. Sampera's stylish debut novel Uncanny Valley Days.
November 4, 2022
This is my first book by CJ Sampera!! And holy shit, what a book!! 🖤
Edgar, Sean and Jaime are watching scary, messed up videos online, but they want something more....the dark Web is too much for them to risk, but "luckily" Edgar has been given a cd with some dark, disturbing content. Its a well known hoax video of 2 chatbots, with a mind of their own, seemingly summoning a demon. A cybernetic demon called Render!!! Who is terrifying! A hi tech digital slasher come to life!
Olivia has lost her whole family to death, she's on her own, and she's not happy...she feels guilty, lonely and depressed. After posting a spur of the moment thought on Twitter, things get weird, people start dying and she starts hallucinating. With the utter craziness and insanity going on all around her, the only logical conclusion is that she's losing her mind....or is she? Could it be the weed causing it all? The nightmares, dreams and visions are all too terrifyingly realistic! Is it ghosts? Demons? Technology?? Olivia has had the worst luck, and it just keeps getting worse....can she end it?
This story had an ominous, creepy feel right from the start, and it didn't let up! I literally had nightmares after just the prologue!! Which equals a win in my books! 😁
Genuinely creepy and freaky, with well written prose! An absolute page turner! The way CJ describes stuff is fantastic, making for a totally immersive read!
The build up to the end was indeed 'absolute chaos' and the ending itself was great, with a very nice creepy touch! Render is gonna haunt my dreams for a long time to come!
CJ is definitely one to keep an eye on! This was an awesome read! 🖤
Edgar, Sean and Jaime are watching scary, messed up videos online, but they want something more....the dark Web is too much for them to risk, but "luckily" Edgar has been given a cd with some dark, disturbing content. Its a well known hoax video of 2 chatbots, with a mind of their own, seemingly summoning a demon. A cybernetic demon called Render!!! Who is terrifying! A hi tech digital slasher come to life!
Olivia has lost her whole family to death, she's on her own, and she's not happy...she feels guilty, lonely and depressed. After posting a spur of the moment thought on Twitter, things get weird, people start dying and she starts hallucinating. With the utter craziness and insanity going on all around her, the only logical conclusion is that she's losing her mind....or is she? Could it be the weed causing it all? The nightmares, dreams and visions are all too terrifyingly realistic! Is it ghosts? Demons? Technology?? Olivia has had the worst luck, and it just keeps getting worse....can she end it?
This story had an ominous, creepy feel right from the start, and it didn't let up! I literally had nightmares after just the prologue!! Which equals a win in my books! 😁
Genuinely creepy and freaky, with well written prose! An absolute page turner! The way CJ describes stuff is fantastic, making for a totally immersive read!
The build up to the end was indeed 'absolute chaos' and the ending itself was great, with a very nice creepy touch! Render is gonna haunt my dreams for a long time to come!
CJ is definitely one to keep an eye on! This was an awesome read! 🖤
February 11, 2024
“Demons are like obedient dogs; they come when they are called.” ―Remy de Gourmont
This story definitely had its creepy moments! Especially the beginning- wowzers!!!
I struggled to connect with the main character Olivia, which in turn kind of threw me off the whole story. Her immaturity, her constant music references that I didn’t know, her codependent relationship with her friend I didn’t understand, her frequent drug use making her not necessarily a reliable narrator…
“Everything I touch will die by his hand.”
Without Olivia, this was a genuinely scary story for me to read. I love the merging of the arcane with the modern, creating a techno demon entity.
This story definitely had its creepy moments! Especially the beginning- wowzers!!!
I struggled to connect with the main character Olivia, which in turn kind of threw me off the whole story. Her immaturity, her constant music references that I didn’t know, her codependent relationship with her friend I didn’t understand, her frequent drug use making her not necessarily a reliable narrator…
“Everything I touch will die by his hand.”
Without Olivia, this was a genuinely scary story for me to read. I love the merging of the arcane with the modern, creating a techno demon entity.
November 25, 2022
I love demons so this book was really fun for me - especially because there was a twist on the demon lore, which I really appreciate!
October 11, 2022
Poor Olivia, she’s having a really bad time. She lost her parents, lost her brother, lost her boyfriend, and now may be losing her mind. Or maybe not. Seems she has unleashed an evil spirit named Render that takes vengeance on anyone that wrongs her. Even her best friend Taylor can’t help her figure out what’s happening. Shes a creepypasta writer. Is this somehow related to her troubles?
I really loved this book! The story grabs your attention right from the start. I won’t give anything away but there are lots of twists and turns that keep you invested in the story. Once you start reading it you won’t want to put it down!
I really loved this book! The story grabs your attention right from the start. I won’t give anything away but there are lots of twists and turns that keep you invested in the story. Once you start reading it you won’t want to put it down!
November 17, 2023
I received a copy from the author for an honest review.
Getting a feel for the book and cover was not hard at all. Once I started reading, I breezed through 75 pages at work, then worked my way to 100 on my lunch break. The next day I finished the book in one sitting. Not only was this book full of fast paced storytelling and interesting characters, but it read like a Creepypasta, that I used to spend several hours listening to and reading online as a kid. To even see that the main character wrote them and used NoSleep on Reddit, I was ecstatic. This took me back to the early days (2011-2013) when I was so deep in them and loved to see what people had in store for me. Thank you for not only the nostalgia but the wonderfully written slasher with unique plot devices and twists. This felt familiar but different in all the best ways possible.
Getting a feel for the book and cover was not hard at all. Once I started reading, I breezed through 75 pages at work, then worked my way to 100 on my lunch break. The next day I finished the book in one sitting. Not only was this book full of fast paced storytelling and interesting characters, but it read like a Creepypasta, that I used to spend several hours listening to and reading online as a kid. To even see that the main character wrote them and used NoSleep on Reddit, I was ecstatic. This took me back to the early days (2011-2013) when I was so deep in them and loved to see what people had in store for me. Thank you for not only the nostalgia but the wonderfully written slasher with unique plot devices and twists. This felt familiar but different in all the best ways possible.
May 22, 2023
Sampera has created a narrative that has the same cursed feel to it as The Ring movies. It's a creeping dread that is hinted at behind the carefree stoner dialogue. Something you can't shake is seemingly waiting behind every page. Overall, I was reminded of A Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors in the best possible way. The collection of characters thrown together works really well. This is a story tailor-made for those who use 80's and 90's horror movies as a comfort blanket. If that's your thing, then you will LOVE this novel. On top of this, and central to the success of this story, is the ace up Sampera's sleeve. I'm, of course, talking about Render, who is an absolutely fantastic antagonist. As far as building a character from scratch, this is right up there with the best. Render is more than capable of carrying a franchise. Great work, and I hope for more.
October 20, 2022
Olivia has had a hard couple years. Her whole family was killed in an airplane crash, and she has been left to learn how to survive. She works at a coffee shop and writes creepypastas to keep busy. She smokes weed and drinks to drown her sorrows. She feels like there is nothing to live for until a mysterious video file appears in her inbox where she witnesses the horror of Render and realizes deaths are piling up because of her. She must find a way to stop him before those she has left in the world get hurt.
I truly love stories of technological mayhem where something from our high-tech world infiltrates computer systems and wreaks havoc in the living world. This story introduces us to Render, a brutal and malicious virus that has a score to settle with humans. There’s something more to Render though, an intelligence that just seems ancient and evil. The writing to describe him and the scenes he creates is descriptive and effective with images that pop off the page. This is a very well-written, newly released book that I recommend reading.
I truly love stories of technological mayhem where something from our high-tech world infiltrates computer systems and wreaks havoc in the living world. This story introduces us to Render, a brutal and malicious virus that has a score to settle with humans. There’s something more to Render though, an intelligence that just seems ancient and evil. The writing to describe him and the scenes he creates is descriptive and effective with images that pop off the page. This is a very well-written, newly released book that I recommend reading.
July 4, 2024
Full review on Happy Goat Horror:
https://happygoathorror.com/2022/11/2...
Techno-demon, pop culture references galore, bloody and gruesome deaths and violence, and well-fleshed out characters. Would recommend to fans of supernatural horror and in particular, people who enjoy a bit of a twist on regular demon lore.
https://happygoathorror.com/2022/11/2...
Techno-demon, pop culture references galore, bloody and gruesome deaths and violence, and well-fleshed out characters. Would recommend to fans of supernatural horror and in particular, people who enjoy a bit of a twist on regular demon lore.
November 9, 2022
Olivia Peramo lost her parents and brother in an aeroplane accident, a flight she decided not to take. Now, alone and plagued by survivor's guilt, Olivia unknowingly releases a murderous demon. Sampera's novel "Uncanny Valley Days" has much to recommend it, but I'll start with its issues.
It is not greatly original, borrowing tropes from "The Ring" and the urban myth of the 'Slenderman'. The characters fit snugly into their archetypes - geeks, toxic males, and feisty women. Even the demonic entity is something between Pennywise and Max Headroom.
Some of the content is not culturally or even temporally portable - with references to films from eras that might not resonate with every reader. The musical call-outs for me were intrusive - like being subjected to songs I didn't choose.
In its favour, what made this book compelling is its connection with the Millennial (or very late GenX) generation. Olivia epitomises her cohort that, faced with crippling student debt and house prices, and the judging gaze of an older generation who had things easier, refuses to grow up. Who can blame them for being reluctant to fly the nest absent their parents?
Olivia smokes weed and wastes time. Had she not lost her family, she probably would still smoke weed, and delay her future in favour of a vacuous existence, open to the first evil that creeps in. This book captures that dangerous and tragic hopelessness that all too often is allowed to win.
A welcome surprise is how Sampera touches on the Cuban immigrant experience, but I was hoping for more. I would love to see this writer use his powers of cultural perception to explore that more as he develops and tightens up his writing style.
Sampera's debut horror is flawed, but nevertheless has enough to keep you reading.
It is not greatly original, borrowing tropes from "The Ring" and the urban myth of the 'Slenderman'. The characters fit snugly into their archetypes - geeks, toxic males, and feisty women. Even the demonic entity is something between Pennywise and Max Headroom.
Some of the content is not culturally or even temporally portable - with references to films from eras that might not resonate with every reader. The musical call-outs for me were intrusive - like being subjected to songs I didn't choose.
In its favour, what made this book compelling is its connection with the Millennial (or very late GenX) generation. Olivia epitomises her cohort that, faced with crippling student debt and house prices, and the judging gaze of an older generation who had things easier, refuses to grow up. Who can blame them for being reluctant to fly the nest absent their parents?
Olivia smokes weed and wastes time. Had she not lost her family, she probably would still smoke weed, and delay her future in favour of a vacuous existence, open to the first evil that creeps in. This book captures that dangerous and tragic hopelessness that all too often is allowed to win.
A welcome surprise is how Sampera touches on the Cuban immigrant experience, but I was hoping for more. I would love to see this writer use his powers of cultural perception to explore that more as he develops and tightens up his writing style.
Sampera's debut horror is flawed, but nevertheless has enough to keep you reading.
Read
December 28, 2022When I saw the subject matter for Uncanny Valley Days*, I had to reach out for an ARC. Natural elements like water or plants are terrifying because they're everywhere, and the same applies to technology in our society. Smart houses with interior/exterior cameras, cell phones, businesses with security cameras, laptops, video games - how are you supposed to escape from a demon determined to cause death and destruction, with access to that medium?
The main character, Olivia, is so relatable to anyone who has suffered horrible loss at some point and struggled to deal with the aftermath, a.k.a. everyone. Her emotional ups and downs add a very human element and more depth to an already unique, enthralling storyline. You're pulling for her to get it together and save the day, even though you're really not sure how exactly she'll make that happen.
CJ does a great job of writing characters on both sides of humanity - endearing, fun people you would love to have in your circle, versus the self-absorbed, sleazy assholes that you love to hate. Render is absolutely terrifying as a villain. Descriptions of his movements, his eerie, jagged smile, and the bottomless holes where his eyes should have been, are absolutely chilling. You feel the dread right along with the characters when you know Render is about to make an appearance, and the anxiety builds throughout the book!
Go order your copy now. Uncanny Valley Days is a great twist on a demonic storyline, and I don't want to say it sticks with you, but... also it makes me cringe every time an electronic glitches out!😬
The main character, Olivia, is so relatable to anyone who has suffered horrible loss at some point and struggled to deal with the aftermath, a.k.a. everyone. Her emotional ups and downs add a very human element and more depth to an already unique, enthralling storyline. You're pulling for her to get it together and save the day, even though you're really not sure how exactly she'll make that happen.
CJ does a great job of writing characters on both sides of humanity - endearing, fun people you would love to have in your circle, versus the self-absorbed, sleazy assholes that you love to hate. Render is absolutely terrifying as a villain. Descriptions of his movements, his eerie, jagged smile, and the bottomless holes where his eyes should have been, are absolutely chilling. You feel the dread right along with the characters when you know Render is about to make an appearance, and the anxiety builds throughout the book!
Go order your copy now. Uncanny Valley Days is a great twist on a demonic storyline, and I don't want to say it sticks with you, but... also it makes me cringe every time an electronic glitches out!😬
August 14, 2023
Krueger meets Scream meets The Clerks! This tale of a creepy new urban legend was gory and delightful. It opens with a group of stoner Cali teens at a sleepover. They watch a video from a CD-R one of them picked up from a neighbor. They almost talked themselves down from watching it, but like true slasher style they overcame that and things really get interesting for the reader 🔪
The cd goes back into the ether until years later when writer Olivia is asking for urban legends on a reddit forum...and well...ya know she's going to get more of an interactional story than she bargained for! But I really dont want to say much else.
But I do wanna say I love Sampera's conversational writing. He knows how to keep things interesting in moments that may lull with other writers!
Pick this one up!!
The cd goes back into the ether until years later when writer Olivia is asking for urban legends on a reddit forum...and well...ya know she's going to get more of an interactional story than she bargained for! But I really dont want to say much else.
But I do wanna say I love Sampera's conversational writing. He knows how to keep things interesting in moments that may lull with other writers!
Pick this one up!!
July 20, 2023
This is not your ordinary horror book. I would classify this as 'cyber-horror'. However, that's a great thing. It gave the story its charm. The main character, Oliva, has to defeat this cyber monster called, Render. I don't want to spoil much. but let's say after reading this book, it will make me question every email I get from now on.
And if you don't believe in creepypastas, you better start believing them. After reading this book, it will make you at least believe there is a possibility they could be even a little true.
Well done!
And if you don't believe in creepypastas, you better start believing them. After reading this book, it will make you at least believe there is a possibility they could be even a little true.
Well done!
August 26, 2023
If I could sell a kidney to read this book again and have the same emotions and memories that I did all over for the first time, I would. I’d sell both kidneys actually. This book was such a nostalgic ride straight from the early 2000s and I will forever have a special love for this book and recommend this read to anyone and everyone who wants to relive the feelings of 90s/2000s movies first being released and in blockbuster.
September 30, 2022
This book was so good I read it in one car ride! It had everything you could want in a good horror story and I would watch this as a movie in a heartbeat! the character development was perfectly paced and I really liked the female lead. I have also not yet seen this done before and that really kept me guessing! I absolutely loved this book!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews