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The Corroding

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"A complex, cinematic, engrossing horror novel with thrills and chills galore."
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Combining elements of murder mystery, body horror, and near-future apocalyptic scenarios, Ty Tracey’s The Corroding is a haunting, terrifying indictment of humanity in the technological age."
IndieReader

“(The Corroding) is a sweeping, cinematic drama replete with cosmic malevolence and mind-blowing dangers to the entire human race. Tracey’s novel powerfully blends the Wellsian and the Lovecraftian into a unique and engaging web of action and terror, an intellectual horror story in the vein of sweeping, philosophical classics like Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Night of the Living Dead, It, The Mothman Prophecies, At the Mountains of Madness, The Stand, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Arrival, and The War of the Worlds.”
— Oldstyle Tales Press

There's darkness sweeping over all of us. Something sinister—undoubtedly there, but not quite prominent enough to put our collective finger on. The haunted and unusual have become commonplace, arriving within a newfound shadow that blankets the countryside in every direction. As time distorts, all that we are corrodes within its malevolent grasp. It’s escalating. It’s violent.

Lori Cruz is a gifted crime scene investigator for the FBI. She’s widely regarded as the most talented of her generation within the bureau. She’s called in to investigate a high-profile and ruthless murder. Like so much else in those ominous days, the scene, despite its horrifying characteristics, proves mystifying to Lori and her colleagues—devoid of any evidence. She is stumped, grasping to understand how a killer could be so depraved yet, at the same time, so careful. Until the same killer strikes again.

As the world around her descends further into chaos, Lori embarks on a quest that takes her across the country in search of someone responsible for the crimes. Her journey brings her and an eclectic group of characters together. A genius in applied mathematics, whose advanced methods toward investigating the paranormal uncover key evidence to Lori’s case. A couple of college kids whose machine learning AI has unexpectedly begun providing insights into the overall spirit of our societal deconstruction. Only together do they begin to unravel that which is responsible, not only for the murders, but the systematic corroding of our entire species. Lori had set out in search of a serial killer. Instead, all the while, she was on the trail of something completely unexplainable—a threat to our very human existence, molded out of an unrivaled and collective evil.

616 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2022

5 people are currently reading
44 people want to read

About the author

Ty Tracey

3 books12 followers
Ty Tracey is an author with a passion for horror, paranormal, alternative fiction, science fiction, and fantasy. He resides in Massachusetts with his beloved wife, tiny daughter, and rescue pitbull. When Ty isn’t writing he is likely landscaping his yard, playing with his dog, reading, hanging out with friends or spending quality time with his wife.

Ty's first novel, Three Days in Ashford, was awarded the 2019 IndieReader Discovery Award for best horror novel. It was also a finalist for a Next Generation IndieBook Award the same year. Ty's books walk the line between horror, science fiction, and paranormal. His eclectic blend of influences meld into an alternative style of writing that, according to reviews: "Blends the Wellsian and the Lovecraftian into a unique and engaging web of action and terror."

His latest work, The Corroding (Now available for preorder in the Kindle Store), is the culmination of years of effort toward crafting something terrifying to summarize our civilization's current snapshot in time. Early reviews have described it as: "An intellectual horror story in the vein of sweeping, philosophical classics like Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Night of the Living Dead, It, The Mothman Prophecies, At the Mountains of Madness, The Stand, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Arrival, and The War of the Worlds."

Ty will tell you, despite the terrifying concepts he pours into his novels, he's really just a normal guy. He loves pitbulls and elephants and donates to various charities on their behalf. He loves his baby daughter and can't wait until she's MUCH OLDER and can read his books. He's been known to golf with friends but far more for the booze than the sport or competition. He plays softball in the Summer, can spend hours making funny noises at his daughter to see how hard he can make her laugh. He loves his wife and knows he'd have never published diddly squat without her love and support.

When asked once why Ty writes what he writes, he answered: "I think being scared is thrilling. I also think being scared based on a good premise is even more thrilling. I love writing those kinds of stories because they're the kind I could see myself wanting to read myself. I subscribe to a wide array of styles across the horror and science fiction genre, but the old-school, cosmic horror vibe really appeals to me the most. I want to thrill people with my stories through scares that come through cinematically, and sensical thought-provoking premises. I want my readers thinking about my stories long after they've read the last paragraph. I mainly never want my readers, for a moment, to feel like they spent their money on something that sucked."

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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
156 reviews11 followers
April 6, 2023
A page turner!

"The Corroding" by Ty Tracey is a total page-turner! The book offers a chilling and captivating story that will leave you on the edge of your seat. With its dark and ominous atmosphere and complex characters, the book takes you on a thrilling ride that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Lori Cruz, is an FBI investigator with a sharp mind and a determination to solve the case at all costs. Her investigation leads her on a journey to uncover the truth behind a series of brutal murders that seem to be linked to something much more sinister than a simple serial killer. Along the way, she teams up with a group of quirky and unlikely allies, including a math genius and a couple of college kids with an AI system. Together, they embark on a quest to stop a malevolent force that threatens to destroy humanity.

The book's plot is intense and suspenseful, with plenty of twists and turns that will keep you hooked. The author's writing style is descriptive and engaging, making it easy to get lost in the story. I found myself completely immersed in the world that Ty Tracey created, and I couldn't put the book down until I finished it.

"The Corroding" is a fantastic read that will appeal to fans of horror and suspense. The book offers a unique take on the genre, with its cosmic themes and exploration of the darker aspects of human nature. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting and thought-provoking read that will keep you up all night!
2 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2023
Great book start to finish

Ty’s second book is a home run. From scaring the shit out of me, rooting for characters, and watching the battle for humanity, I was hooked the whole time.
42 reviews4 followers
April 8, 2023
Intense Page Turner

Incredible book. Couldn't put it down.

The story telling and atmosphere that Ty Tracey creates is on another level entirely, reminiscent of the famous horror novels I grew up loving.
The story is unique and captivating. Several points of view are used, including that of the entity itself, lending the story more mystique as you start slotting the pieces together through the chapters. Begging characters to understand what's going on as you the reader can see it.
The horror aspects of the book are well done, the description of the murders just enough to let the imagination run wild.
The bringing together of the characters feels natural and fluid as they strike to understand the depth of what is happening in the world around them. The scientific aspect being pulled into the supernatural was done amazingly, making it feel very tangible.
Would highly recommend to any horror/Thriller fan.
Profile Image for Matthew Zorich.
Author 3 books30 followers
December 16, 2022
The Corroding is a modern-day multi-POV Epic Horror novel that spreads across different destinations and finishes in a rush of madness. Award-winning author Ty Tracey delivers explicit and punchy sentences creating a crisp atmosphere of dread. The plot involves a series of murders and catastrophic events as a group of misfit scientists, students, and government agents attempt to unravel the threads as they may all connect.
Ty's ability to detail a horrific scene or event while creating relatable real characters shines throughout the book as his sly sense of humor and sarcasm drips from the pages.
You'll dig this book if you appreciate a twist on a Stephen King meets Michael Crichton novel. The question is, who survives The Corroding, if at all?

The review was from an early ARC read.
102 reviews4 followers
April 21, 2023
THE CORRODING is gripping horror novel where Ty Tracey takes readers on a journey about the world breaking down and eventually plunging into chaos. The story features diverse characters from tech specialists, mathematicians, scientists, and FBI investigators who converge to unravel a mystery in a salt mine. What begins as just another piece of investigations spirals into terrifying experiences that glorifies killers and psychopaths as society watches. The occurrence of strange fires in the sky, smart killer rats, and violent deaths depict the decay witnessed as lawlessness becomes the order of the day.
While the novel can be classified as a horror, the author advances the state of current society in the age of technology. At first, I thought the plot was complex but reading on, I appreciated Tracey’s incredible use of exposition. He understands his characters and especially the stereotypes associated with these high-profile professions.
This is not your typical scary novel where one is holding their breath in suspense. One reads through and pauses to reflect on the events happening in the story and how they are synonymous to human nature. At one point you will begin rooting for Lori and her accomplices as they try to deconstruct the murder cases.
Tracey’s writing is simple and engaging to readers. The characters are relatable making it easy for fans to understand the nature of the agonizing moments. What one would expect to be a complex novel due to the technicalities involved, the author manages to make everything plain and does not bombard readers with unnecessary information. Credit to the author for reflecting the state of the world in this terrifying novel that reveals the sorry state of humanity who turn out to be their own worst enemy. A great read for any horror fans out there. I promise you will certainly be glued to the pages all the way to the end.
238 reviews15 followers
April 20, 2023
I never expected this book to be this good! So here is a short review of what my thoughts were on this wonderful piece of literature.

"The Corroding" penned by Ty Tracey is an enthralling opus that is guaranteed to keep readers riveted. Brimming with a bone-chilling narrative and a gripping plot that will have you hanging on to every word, this literary masterpiece exudes an eerie aura that is sure to send shivers down your spine. The intricate and multi-dimensional characters add depth and intrigue to the story, further enhancing the suspenseful journey that unfolds.

This literary work left my adrenaline in a constant state of arousal, never allowing it to settle. Initially, it instilled such a sense of fear in me that I hesitated to sleep alone (albeit in jest!), but then it seamlessly morphed into a riveting thriller, interwoven with a grand battle for the fate of humanity. The intricately crafted plot was a marvel, while the well-sketched characters exuded depth and complexity. Of utmost significance was the portrayal of the protagonist, who possessed a distinctive 'character' that was truly praiseworthy. The unwavering determination to forge ahead, irrespective of the dire circumstances, coupled with a mind that was quick yet calculating, served as a profound source of admiration and inspiration.

I adored this literary masterpiece and wholeheartedly endorse it to readers of all genres, as it is a compelling must-read. I am deeply grateful to the talented authoress for crafting such an exceptional work that resonates with readers across the board.

Thank you
Happy Reading

Profile Image for Anthony.
Author 29 books199 followers
May 29, 2023
I was instantly spellbound by the author’s creative and mesmerizing world-building. The rich wealth of character development the author had and the multiple POVs were incredibly engaging as a reader, giving such diverse and captivating outlooks on the growing threat that The Corroding represented in this narrative. The tension and haunting atmosphere greatly present fright from the get-go, showcasing a familiarity and command over the horror genre that this story embodied.

For me, the novel really excelled at the mythos and world-building that the story brought to life with ease. As a longtime Stephen King fan, I saw such great influences in this book, from stories like It and The Stand to Low Men in Yellow Coats and more. The infusion of iconic sci-fi elements in our own world such as Men in Black figures and even homages to John Carpenter’s The Thing as the story opens with a chilling discovery in ancient bedrock allowed the more intimate and captivating character developments to feel elevated and like a welcome yet brief reprieve from the horrors that have been unleashed on the world.

If you enjoy dystopian-level post-apocalyptic tales that infuse horror and sci-fi eloquently into one story, you won’t want to miss out on this truly compelling novel.
Profile Image for Octavia.
133 reviews3 followers
March 31, 2023
I was hesitant to read The Corroding by Ty Tracey for one reason and one reason only. That reason was because it is essentially a horror novel. I had all these thoughts about how scary and horrible it will be. Surprisingly, I was wrong. Although it is scary and does have some bone chilling moments, there is more to The Corroding that meets the eye. It has enough suspense that would leave the reader desperate to read more. It also has a subtleness to it that makes you think about everything that is happening. Whether there's evilness out there infecting others or is it just human nature. This novel makes readers question what's going on in a way that makes readers want to not only know the answers but find it as well. The added bonus is that with everything that's going on in the novel, you have Lori and the other three characters' points of view to look forward to. I definitely recommend this to those that are lovers of horror/suspense novels. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.
Profile Image for Tawny Molina.
104 reviews7 followers
April 10, 2023
The Corroding by Ty Tracey is a dark, twisted story that leaves you stranded between horror and science fiction. Somewhere in the uncanny valley where Alister Smoke is waiting for you, this horror tale does not hold back on the mess. Ty Tracey describes for us in graphic detail the shock-inducing violence and terror that is inflicted on many of the characters. Characters that feel so real in personality that you can only read in horror as they are put through some of the most physically and mentally agonizing moments of their life. Moments would turn any horror fan's hair grey. The main culprits of this terror? The creature that is responsible for so much of this terror.

The Corroding is a fast-paced story that keeps you interested with regular twists and turns. The story follows several characters trying to cope with different aspects of the world going to hell, from Lovecraftian-like crystals found in the bowels of salt mines to FBI agents trying to figure out how various murders that seem utterly impossible have been committed by human beings. Another unbelievable aspect of this story appeared when I thought I had an idea of everything going on. Take up this face paced horror story, and you will certainly not be disappointed. This story is just too much for a horror fan to put down.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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