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In the End, Nothing
“Undeniably talented, Michael Patrick Hicks shows evidence of a rather deliciously depraved mind." (SciFi & Scary)
With In the End, Nothing, Michael Patrick Hicks has brought together a number of dark, strange and moving short stories, collected here for the first time.
Join six guests for a remarkably disturbing twelve-course meal. Venture into the far reaches of space where, aboard an abandoned mining station, a team of scientists make a surprising discovery about the origin of life. Watch as a contestant competes for money on a gameshow unlike anything currently on-air, one where the biggest celebrity is death itself.
Featuring two brand-new stories exclusive to this collection, In the End, Nothing crosses the genres of horror and speculative fiction, and pushes the boundaries between life and death in unsettling, provocative, and occasionally gruesome, ways.
“Readers quickly discover that this is a writer that doesn’t hold back.” (The Ghastly Grimoire)
With In the End, Nothing, Michael Patrick Hicks has brought together a number of dark, strange and moving short stories, collected here for the first time.
Join six guests for a remarkably disturbing twelve-course meal. Venture into the far reaches of space where, aboard an abandoned mining station, a team of scientists make a surprising discovery about the origin of life. Watch as a contestant competes for money on a gameshow unlike anything currently on-air, one where the biggest celebrity is death itself.
Featuring two brand-new stories exclusive to this collection, In the End, Nothing crosses the genres of horror and speculative fiction, and pushes the boundaries between life and death in unsettling, provocative, and occasionally gruesome, ways.
“Readers quickly discover that this is a writer that doesn’t hold back.” (The Ghastly Grimoire)
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2023
3 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Michael Patrick Hicks
38 books502 followersMichael Patrick Hicks is the author of several horror books, including the Salem Hawley series and Friday Night Massacre. His debut novel, Convergence, was an Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Finalist in science fiction, and his short stories have appeared in more than a dozen anthologies.
You can find Michael’s books on Amazon in print, ebook, and audiobook at http://viewauthor.at/MichaelPatrickHicks.
Connect with Michael at:
Website: http://michaelpatrickhicks.com
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelpatri...
You can find Michael’s books on Amazon in print, ebook, and audiobook at http://viewauthor.at/MichaelPatrickHicks.
Connect with Michael at:
Website: http://michaelpatrickhicks.com
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelpatri...
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 12, 2023
Over the last few years, I’ve read a number of Michael Patrick Hick’s work and each time, I’ve finished, closed my Kindle and shook my head with a smile on my face, while saying “Jesus Christ, he’s done it again. That crazy fucker!” (I can swear in my review here because I’m still banned from reviewing on Amazon, so I can drop some curse words without fear of repercussion hahahah!)
Anyways, over the course of these various readings, I’ve learned a few things about what to expect with a new Patrick Hicks release. The first is topical/societal commentary. It may be layered under gore or hidden within the subtext of character conversations, but you know that no matter what he’s writing about, there’s an alternative angle being subconsciously strained into the reader’s brains. The second is really solid set pieces. No matter where it is set, the action will take place in a fantastically and thoroughly thought out location. And lastly – GORE! Hell, I think one of my own blurbs for his work talks about how very few do gore as well as Michael does and trust me – it’s not even close by a long shot. I know some of you may enjoy the extreme stuff (I’m looking at you – the only read’s ebooks from Godless crowd) – and I can assure you, even those over there strive to write splatter like Michael does.
So, when he announced his first collection, made up of previously released material and some new stuff sprinkled in, I was really excited. Well, most of that excitement was thinking that this would mean even more people would read one of the greatest novelettes ever written – Revolver – which also happens to be Michael’s own Nostradamus moment where he predicted this dystopian future that seems to becoming more and more of a real thing with each news cycle.
I dove in, excited to revisit some pieces, but also to read some works that were new to me.
What I liked: Made up of fifteen stories of varying lengths, Michael starts us off with the incredibly solid ‘A Song of the Earth’ featuring some great creatures and dark moments and it never lets up from there. Every story hums along and hits the perfect beats for the reader.
Highlights for me were;
‘Consumption’ – a great story about an isolated estate and a crazy chef.
‘Let Go’ – a really fun take on the zombie narrative.
‘Meme’ – a scathing flash fiction piece about a Tik Tok trend that turns deadly.
‘Revolver’ – the ultimate highlight for me. A reality show where contestants have to make a life or death choice.
‘Black Site’ – a fun sci-fi/horror mash up set in an old mining station.
Throughout all of the stories, Michael crafts characters you want to root for who are thrust into scenarios that will have you riveted. And, as I mentioned, expect tons of bloody gore.
What I didn’t like: As with every collection, some stories may be a hit or miss for the reader. I really enjoyed every story within, but for some readers, certain aspects may not be your cup of tea and that’s fair and expected in a varied collection like this.
Why you should buy this: As Patrick Hicks says in his introduction, some of the stories here are included for completionism, so if you love his work but don’t have the anthologies he’s appeared in, this is a great collection to pick up and complete your own library. For new readers, this is a really great spot to dive in and see just what you’re in for. Michael is a masterful writer who writes with a solid, commanding style that showcases just how phenomenal he is at crafting a story.
Now that I’m done this, I’ll sit back and wait for Salem Hawley #3!
Anyways, over the course of these various readings, I’ve learned a few things about what to expect with a new Patrick Hicks release. The first is topical/societal commentary. It may be layered under gore or hidden within the subtext of character conversations, but you know that no matter what he’s writing about, there’s an alternative angle being subconsciously strained into the reader’s brains. The second is really solid set pieces. No matter where it is set, the action will take place in a fantastically and thoroughly thought out location. And lastly – GORE! Hell, I think one of my own blurbs for his work talks about how very few do gore as well as Michael does and trust me – it’s not even close by a long shot. I know some of you may enjoy the extreme stuff (I’m looking at you – the only read’s ebooks from Godless crowd) – and I can assure you, even those over there strive to write splatter like Michael does.
So, when he announced his first collection, made up of previously released material and some new stuff sprinkled in, I was really excited. Well, most of that excitement was thinking that this would mean even more people would read one of the greatest novelettes ever written – Revolver – which also happens to be Michael’s own Nostradamus moment where he predicted this dystopian future that seems to becoming more and more of a real thing with each news cycle.
I dove in, excited to revisit some pieces, but also to read some works that were new to me.
What I liked: Made up of fifteen stories of varying lengths, Michael starts us off with the incredibly solid ‘A Song of the Earth’ featuring some great creatures and dark moments and it never lets up from there. Every story hums along and hits the perfect beats for the reader.
Highlights for me were;
‘Consumption’ – a great story about an isolated estate and a crazy chef.
‘Let Go’ – a really fun take on the zombie narrative.
‘Meme’ – a scathing flash fiction piece about a Tik Tok trend that turns deadly.
‘Revolver’ – the ultimate highlight for me. A reality show where contestants have to make a life or death choice.
‘Black Site’ – a fun sci-fi/horror mash up set in an old mining station.
Throughout all of the stories, Michael crafts characters you want to root for who are thrust into scenarios that will have you riveted. And, as I mentioned, expect tons of bloody gore.
What I didn’t like: As with every collection, some stories may be a hit or miss for the reader. I really enjoyed every story within, but for some readers, certain aspects may not be your cup of tea and that’s fair and expected in a varied collection like this.
Why you should buy this: As Patrick Hicks says in his introduction, some of the stories here are included for completionism, so if you love his work but don’t have the anthologies he’s appeared in, this is a great collection to pick up and complete your own library. For new readers, this is a really great spot to dive in and see just what you’re in for. Michael is a masterful writer who writes with a solid, commanding style that showcases just how phenomenal he is at crafting a story.
Now that I’m done this, I’ll sit back and wait for Salem Hawley #3!
January 24, 2023
This had some really good stories in it. This collection contains something for everyone. Really doesn't matter what your flavor is it's going to be in here.
January 25, 2023
This was a very fascinating collection, right from the start. It covers so many different themes that are relevant today: women's rights, political corruption, racism, pollution, and so many others that are presented in a hard-hitting combination of respectful, yet gruesome ways. Michael doesn't tiptoe around the horrors of realities, and simultaneously expands upon them to show even darker possibilities.
He does a brilliant job of capturing feelings of hopelessness, rage, and terrors while he plays on some of our worst fears. You're a woman? Better expect a lifetime of being publicly shamed and held responsible for what other people do to you (even more than already happens). Imagine what could happen after centuries of depleting the earth and dumping trash. The horror of racism is used to summon malicious forces far beyond human control. One of my absolute favorites - an ancient goddess takes revenge on a man who doesn't care who he hurts or how, in spectacular fashion. There's nothing quite like the tables being turned on a predator for all of eternity!
There's no question as to how brutal some of these stories are, even when they're satisfying - and if you're anything like me, you'll definitely be pleasantly surprised by some of the turns taken in these tales. You're in for one hell of a ride, and this collection releases TODAY (January 24th), with cover art done by the wonderfully talented Matt Wildasin! Buckle up, and go get a copy!!
He does a brilliant job of capturing feelings of hopelessness, rage, and terrors while he plays on some of our worst fears. You're a woman? Better expect a lifetime of being publicly shamed and held responsible for what other people do to you (even more than already happens). Imagine what could happen after centuries of depleting the earth and dumping trash. The horror of racism is used to summon malicious forces far beyond human control. One of my absolute favorites - an ancient goddess takes revenge on a man who doesn't care who he hurts or how, in spectacular fashion. There's nothing quite like the tables being turned on a predator for all of eternity!
There's no question as to how brutal some of these stories are, even when they're satisfying - and if you're anything like me, you'll definitely be pleasantly surprised by some of the turns taken in these tales. You're in for one hell of a ride, and this collection releases TODAY (January 24th), with cover art done by the wonderfully talented Matt Wildasin! Buckle up, and go get a copy!!
June 27, 2023
IN THE END, NOTHING – by Michael Patrick Hicks – Short Story Collection
The Following Are My Favorites:
‘A Song of the Earth’ – Creepy Good!
‘Brujeria’ – Nice! A recognizable name drop :)
‘Consumption’ – Only for those with a refined palette—Love It!
‘Let Go’ – My Heart! I Love This One!
‘The Marque’ - That Was Good
‘Stupid Girl’ - A Creepy Good Short
‘Back Soon’ - That Was Good
‘Meme’ – That Was Creepy Good
‘Ministrations’ - Love The Ending!
‘Stay Away’ – That Was Good!
‘White and Black’ – That Was Good
‘Revolver’ – Heartbreakingly Good, Intense—Love The Ending!
‘Black Site’ – That Was Good!
Thank you, Michael Patrick Hicks and High Fever Books, for providing me with an eBook Of IN THE END, NOTHING, at the request of an honest review.
Recommend!
The Following Are My Favorites:
‘A Song of the Earth’ – Creepy Good!
‘Brujeria’ – Nice! A recognizable name drop :)
‘Consumption’ – Only for those with a refined palette—Love It!
‘Let Go’ – My Heart! I Love This One!
‘The Marque’ - That Was Good
‘Stupid Girl’ - A Creepy Good Short
‘Back Soon’ - That Was Good
‘Meme’ – That Was Creepy Good
‘Ministrations’ - Love The Ending!
‘Stay Away’ – That Was Good!
‘White and Black’ – That Was Good
‘Revolver’ – Heartbreakingly Good, Intense—Love The Ending!
‘Black Site’ – That Was Good!
Thank you, Michael Patrick Hicks and High Fever Books, for providing me with an eBook Of IN THE END, NOTHING, at the request of an honest review.
Recommend!
September 24, 2023
3.7 stars
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews