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The Comfy-Cozy Nihilist: A Handbook of Dark Fiction
This handbook for the cheerful nihilist contains tales to chill, thrill, and amuse:
A secret sex club that brings couples closer together in more ways than one.
The disgruntled host of a dystopian game show determined to go out with a bang.
Siblings home for the holidays and convinced their family has turned into vampires.
A lonely man who clones himself multiple times to avoid the drudgery of masturbation.
An interdimensional doppelganger with a very specific mission of murder and chaos.
Plus: A possessed confessional booth. A skeptic with a fetish for haunted houses. A low level mob enforcer with an unholy plan for vengeance.
All this and more lurk within these pages, reminding you that we're all screwed no matter what so you might as well enjoy yourself. It's later than you think...
A secret sex club that brings couples closer together in more ways than one.
The disgruntled host of a dystopian game show determined to go out with a bang.
Siblings home for the holidays and convinced their family has turned into vampires.
A lonely man who clones himself multiple times to avoid the drudgery of masturbation.
An interdimensional doppelganger with a very specific mission of murder and chaos.
Plus: A possessed confessional booth. A skeptic with a fetish for haunted houses. A low level mob enforcer with an unholy plan for vengeance.
All this and more lurk within these pages, reminding you that we're all screwed no matter what so you might as well enjoy yourself. It's later than you think...
- GenresHorror
170 pages, Paperback
Published January 13, 2023
1 person is currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Nathan D. Ludwig
14 books54 followersNathan is a writer and filmmaker currently living just outside of Richmond, VA.
He is the founder and director of the GenreBlast Film Festival, an acclaimed international independent genre film fest that was recently named one of the 50 Best Genre Fests in the world by Moviemaker Magazine.
His published books include the novel LOVE POTION #666 and his short story collection THE COMFY-COZY NIHILIST: A HANDBOOK OF DARK FICTION.
He has co-directed four short films with his filmmaking partner, Chad Farmer. They also collaborate on books and screenplays together.
He is also a film producer, having produced Samantha Kolesnik's short film MAMA'S BOY as well as the feature film adaptation of WORST LAID PLANS from Grindhouse Press.
He is the founder and director of the GenreBlast Film Festival, an acclaimed international independent genre film fest that was recently named one of the 50 Best Genre Fests in the world by Moviemaker Magazine.
His published books include the novel LOVE POTION #666 and his short story collection THE COMFY-COZY NIHILIST: A HANDBOOK OF DARK FICTION.
He has co-directed four short films with his filmmaking partner, Chad Farmer. They also collaborate on books and screenplays together.
He is also a film producer, having produced Samantha Kolesnik's short film MAMA'S BOY as well as the feature film adaptation of WORST LAID PLANS from Grindhouse Press.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
January 15, 2023
First off...wicked awesome! I have got say this is one of the books I will not forget. The difference between each one of these is fantastically great! It was like walking through the mind of random awesomeness. Each door opened a new portal and gave a hands on experience while browsing the twisted idea in front of you.
"Is that you" gave off super awesome eerie vibes.
"Mr. Wickerson's Awfully Big Day" absolutely needs to be expanded on! Along with "Fuck Fangsgiving"
"Recompense" is my personal favorite!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Is that you" gave off super awesome eerie vibes.
"Mr. Wickerson's Awfully Big Day" absolutely needs to be expanded on! Along with "Fuck Fangsgiving"
"Recompense" is my personal favorite!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 24, 2023
The Comfy-Cozy Nihilist is filled with dark but hilarious tales. Vampires, creepy doppelgangers, exorcism, clones, Something, and everything in between. My personal favorites are listed below.
F@@k Fangsgiving
Ah, Thanksgiving! A wonderful day spent with family enjoying a meal and sharing memories. Totally not the case for Kel and Dom. Their family has changed, and the siblings are convinced all of them are vampires. What unfolds is both dark, funny, and gory.
Fourth Wheel
Some friends get together for a night out. For this to happen Derek must take his wife’s cousin out as well. Hence the fourth wheel. Something has some quirks, though, and the #1 rule is do not compliment him. He hates compliments. Earl is the first one to find out what happens when you forget this rule. Great story!
Is That You?
Will gets a surprise when Lisa starts acting differently. The dream he had doesn’t really help matters. In fact, it creeps him out even more. When something bad happens to Lisa, Will sees something that makes him feel uneasy. Maybe his dream wasn’t a dream after all. This one was so creepy! The whole evil doppelganger did it for me.
Ludwig does a great job pulling the reader in with each story. This book of shorts is funny, dark, and some of the stories are rather gross. If you’re looking for bite-size reads, check this one out. Also, don’t skip over the notes Ludwig includes after each story. It adds some interesting bits to the book and makes you think. Also, this book cover is everything!
"Nothing in life is free, especially revenge."
F@@k Fangsgiving
Ah, Thanksgiving! A wonderful day spent with family enjoying a meal and sharing memories. Totally not the case for Kel and Dom. Their family has changed, and the siblings are convinced all of them are vampires. What unfolds is both dark, funny, and gory.
Fourth Wheel
Some friends get together for a night out. For this to happen Derek must take his wife’s cousin out as well. Hence the fourth wheel. Something has some quirks, though, and the #1 rule is do not compliment him. He hates compliments. Earl is the first one to find out what happens when you forget this rule. Great story!
Is That You?
Will gets a surprise when Lisa starts acting differently. The dream he had doesn’t really help matters. In fact, it creeps him out even more. When something bad happens to Lisa, Will sees something that makes him feel uneasy. Maybe his dream wasn’t a dream after all. This one was so creepy! The whole evil doppelganger did it for me.
Ludwig does a great job pulling the reader in with each story. This book of shorts is funny, dark, and some of the stories are rather gross. If you’re looking for bite-size reads, check this one out. Also, don’t skip over the notes Ludwig includes after each story. It adds some interesting bits to the book and makes you think. Also, this book cover is everything!
"Nothing in life is free, especially revenge."
January 13, 2023
Found within the pages of The Comfy Cozy Nihilist are tales of haunted houses, doppelgängers, vampire hunting, and so much more. This collection is so much more than just a gathering of horror stories written by the author though. Nathan D. Ludwig injects his personality into this collection, adding in notes for each story, as well as conversing with the reader through an intro and an outro, making it feel almost exactly like watching a movie with director’s commentary on.
What I loved most about this collection of darkly comedic tales is how each one of them feels unique from one another. The stories never blend together, which is something I’ve seen other collections have trouble with. Some feel like they were written almost like a long winded joke, preparing the reader for the kickass punchline the final words deliver, while others feel much more like the beginning of a story that deserves to be dived deeper into.
Stories like Mick Winkerson’s Awfully Bad Day, I’d Hit That, It Was Probably Just the Wind, and The Fourth Wheel stood out the most to me. Mick Winkerson is hands down the best story in this collection. The tone, how it was written, and its subject matter make for one hell of a story. On the other hand, the other previously stated titles are extremely enjoyable, laugh out loud, dark stories. I gave myself a couple days before writing my review and I still think of the punchlines from these three and already find myself wanting to reread them!
What I loved most about this collection of darkly comedic tales is how each one of them feels unique from one another. The stories never blend together, which is something I’ve seen other collections have trouble with. Some feel like they were written almost like a long winded joke, preparing the reader for the kickass punchline the final words deliver, while others feel much more like the beginning of a story that deserves to be dived deeper into.
Stories like Mick Winkerson’s Awfully Bad Day, I’d Hit That, It Was Probably Just the Wind, and The Fourth Wheel stood out the most to me. Mick Winkerson is hands down the best story in this collection. The tone, how it was written, and its subject matter make for one hell of a story. On the other hand, the other previously stated titles are extremely enjoyable, laugh out loud, dark stories. I gave myself a couple days before writing my review and I still think of the punchlines from these three and already find myself wanting to reread them!
February 6, 2023
The Comfy-Cozy Nihilist is a book of short stories that is darkly humorous and gory.
Each story was well written and kept me so entertained, I had a hard time setting it down.
Mick Winkerson’s Awfully Big Day was probably my favorite.
The author did include notes at the end, that helped know the basis or journey of the story. I do hope some of them are continued or made into a short film, like the Author had mentioned.
*Arc copy for honest review*
Each story was well written and kept me so entertained, I had a hard time setting it down.
Mick Winkerson’s Awfully Big Day was probably my favorite.
The author did include notes at the end, that helped know the basis or journey of the story. I do hope some of them are continued or made into a short film, like the Author had mentioned.
*Arc copy for honest review*
March 9, 2023
This was a fantastic short story collection. Imagine taking a psychedelic, having a bad trip, and then all of your intrusive thoughts got made into their own different stories.
Loved the afterwards by the author after each story as well. Definitely excited to dive into more of Ludwig’s work!
Loved the afterwards by the author after each story as well. Definitely excited to dive into more of Ludwig’s work!
January 13, 2023
A wild collection of short stories, mostly bordering the horror and comedy mash up. Stand outs being Mick Wickersons Awfully Big Day, Recompense, and The Fourth Wheel.
August 6, 2025
What have I gotten myself into after reading this? This book was completely wild, but I enjoyed it immensely! It's a darkly humorous novel that incorporates vampires, creepy doppelgängers, exorcisms, and clones. A great read for anyone interested.
September 1, 2023
"...Each story is full of personality and wacky ideas, which never seem to deplete. Even the last, where a man creates clones of himself who ultimately just want to have sex with each other, leading to deaths and accidents waiting to happen. I heavily appreciate the notes at the end, as well, which give more insight into the stories; always just a nice touch in collections like this. The stories themselves are quick-paced from the start, even the slowest-paced example is still very fast. There were a few I’d love to have read as a long-form book such “Is that you?,” a chilling story about doppelgangers with little humor. This gathering of such crazy stories is highly recommended, and the author will be going on my ‘definitely read again’ list. Remind me to never consider wanting to be cloned."
To read my full review, please go to https://www.deafsparrow.com/2023/08/1... !!
To read my full review, please go to https://www.deafsparrow.com/2023/08/1... !!
January 22, 2023
As an overall rating I am giving this a 4 stars. For the most part, most stories were well written, appropriately dark and hilarious.
Personal favorites were: In Here With Us and Recompense. Both had great subject matter and managed to convey something to me that I find hard to describe.
Least liked: Welcome to The Show. I just felt like this one was gross, not funny and not at all dark. Grossness isn't always translatable to funny or dark. I read it a second time to see if I'd find it any better and nope. Nada, this one was dead in the water for me, just not my cup of tea.
I received an ARC of this for free and am leaving this review voluntary
Personal favorites were: In Here With Us and Recompense. Both had great subject matter and managed to convey something to me that I find hard to describe.
Least liked: Welcome to The Show. I just felt like this one was gross, not funny and not at all dark. Grossness isn't always translatable to funny or dark. I read it a second time to see if I'd find it any better and nope. Nada, this one was dead in the water for me, just not my cup of tea.
I received an ARC of this for free and am leaving this review voluntary
July 19, 2023
Hi. This book is dark, weird, and funny AF. So just basically me in book form. Enjoy!
Since I'm a cinephile, here's 15 movies to get your mind right for this book:
ARSENIC & OLD LACE (1944)
AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY (2013)
FOUR LIONS (2010)
FRANK (2014)
KILL LIST (2011)
KILLERS (2014) (this is not the Ashton Kutcher/Katherine Heigl movie)
MARTYRS (2008)
MULTIPLICITY (1996)
R100 (2013)
RUBBER (2010)
SÉANCE (2000)
SOUND OF NOISE (2011)
TALK RADIO (1988)
WEEKEND AT BERNIE’S (1989)
WAKE IN FRIGHT (1971)
Since I'm a cinephile, here's 15 movies to get your mind right for this book:
ARSENIC & OLD LACE (1944)
AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY (2013)
FOUR LIONS (2010)
FRANK (2014)
KILL LIST (2011)
KILLERS (2014) (this is not the Ashton Kutcher/Katherine Heigl movie)
MARTYRS (2008)
MULTIPLICITY (1996)
R100 (2013)
RUBBER (2010)
SÉANCE (2000)
SOUND OF NOISE (2011)
TALK RADIO (1988)
WEEKEND AT BERNIE’S (1989)
WAKE IN FRIGHT (1971)
March 24, 2023
This is a really fun, shocking gore fest soaked in the blackest humour.
Each story is completely unique and twisted, I gasped, I cringed, I laughed, this is a mind blowing journey into the surreal and unhinged.
If you can, get this on audio, the narrator is fantastic but a word of warning don’t listen without headphones, my neighbours are still looking at me weird!
Not for those easily offended but for the rest of us buckle up for a hell of a ride!
Thanks to the author for the free copy for an honest review
Each story is completely unique and twisted, I gasped, I cringed, I laughed, this is a mind blowing journey into the surreal and unhinged.
If you can, get this on audio, the narrator is fantastic but a word of warning don’t listen without headphones, my neighbours are still looking at me weird!
Not for those easily offended but for the rest of us buckle up for a hell of a ride!
Thanks to the author for the free copy for an honest review
January 20, 2023
The Comfy-Cozy Nihilist: A Handbook of Dark Fiction by Natha D. Ludwig, self published through his small press; GenreBlast Books.
*Another long review as I break down all the stories in this one.
So Nathan sent me this book and I had no idea what to expect. He told me “It’s definitely out there!” He wasn’t kidding, some of these stories are so odd and completely unhinged. That is not a bad thing! I laughed at a few, jaw dropping on a few, and cringed quite a lot. I certainly think I had a blast reading all of them.
To start with, Nathan lists some films he recommends. Looking at this list, yeah, this will be a fun little book.Just to name a few he has suggested: Kill List (2011), Rubber (2010), Weekend At Bernie’s (1989).
First story, F*** Fangsviging, an entertaining and laugh out loud story about a set of twins who decide they need to do something about their vampire family.
Next, Welcome to the Show. This one is hard to explain, it is definitely a WTH story. How about this…what do you get when you mix a lover's vacation and a secret sex show? Yeah..you’ll never guess this one.
The third story, For My Next Switch, I’ll Need a Volunteer, is a crazy weird clown story. You’ll like the twist on this common sub-genre.
Fourth story, Recompense, I think this is the darkest story of them all. A kidnapping story with an evil plot twist.
Next, It Was Probably Just the Wind, is an eerie and fun story. A couple buys a house and gets more than they wanted.
The sixth story, In Here With Us, is about a confessional booth that is possessed! I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would.
Next, Me, The Jury, was so good! Gory and bloody, and to think if jury selection was like this, I would do everything I could to get out of it.
In The Fourth Wheel, is about the fourth guy hanging around a group of close friends and they have to be careful how they treat him.
The ninth story, Is That You?, is another wicked and evil story. You get to reflect on yourself in this story.
Next, Mick Winnerson’s Awfully Big Day, is a fun little game show story but being a winner isn’t always a good thing.
Number 11, I’d Hit That. What if you found the perfect companion and all you had to do was offer a bit of yourself in the process? Hehehe
The last short story, Outro, Nathan offers his views on how complicated humans are.
Overall, a little book that packs a lot of dark and twisted stories. It’s for people that like an alternative twist on common sub-genres and need a lot of WTH moments in their lives. I highly recommend!!
*Another long review as I break down all the stories in this one.
So Nathan sent me this book and I had no idea what to expect. He told me “It’s definitely out there!” He wasn’t kidding, some of these stories are so odd and completely unhinged. That is not a bad thing! I laughed at a few, jaw dropping on a few, and cringed quite a lot. I certainly think I had a blast reading all of them.
To start with, Nathan lists some films he recommends. Looking at this list, yeah, this will be a fun little book.Just to name a few he has suggested: Kill List (2011), Rubber (2010), Weekend At Bernie’s (1989).
First story, F*** Fangsviging, an entertaining and laugh out loud story about a set of twins who decide they need to do something about their vampire family.
Next, Welcome to the Show. This one is hard to explain, it is definitely a WTH story. How about this…what do you get when you mix a lover's vacation and a secret sex show? Yeah..you’ll never guess this one.
The third story, For My Next Switch, I’ll Need a Volunteer, is a crazy weird clown story. You’ll like the twist on this common sub-genre.
Fourth story, Recompense, I think this is the darkest story of them all. A kidnapping story with an evil plot twist.
Next, It Was Probably Just the Wind, is an eerie and fun story. A couple buys a house and gets more than they wanted.
The sixth story, In Here With Us, is about a confessional booth that is possessed! I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would.
Next, Me, The Jury, was so good! Gory and bloody, and to think if jury selection was like this, I would do everything I could to get out of it.
In The Fourth Wheel, is about the fourth guy hanging around a group of close friends and they have to be careful how they treat him.
The ninth story, Is That You?, is another wicked and evil story. You get to reflect on yourself in this story.
Next, Mick Winnerson’s Awfully Big Day, is a fun little game show story but being a winner isn’t always a good thing.
Number 11, I’d Hit That. What if you found the perfect companion and all you had to do was offer a bit of yourself in the process? Hehehe
The last short story, Outro, Nathan offers his views on how complicated humans are.
Overall, a little book that packs a lot of dark and twisted stories. It’s for people that like an alternative twist on common sub-genres and need a lot of WTH moments in their lives. I highly recommend!!
Read
March 2, 2023Dark but still fun! I enjoyed listening to the collection and appreciated that the stories didn’t drag. The author’s notes were cool and I liked the glimpses behind the scenes! The narrator was entertaining!
February 27, 2023
I absolutely loved this disgusting, disturbing, hilarious book of short stories! They were amazing and each one seemed to be better than the last! I can't wait to read more from Nathan Ludwig. The notes at the end of each story finish them off perfectly! Bravo!!
August 16, 2023
The Comfy Cozy Nihilist is a collection of tales that have an 80s movie feel to them, and judging from the names to which Nathan has dedicated the book, his love of genre cinema is plain to see.
Things kick off with the delightfully titled Fuck Fangsgiving. As the name suggests, it is a vampiric thanksgiving tale - or it could be about someone having psychotic delusions. Either way, it gets the ball rolling nicely. From then on, we encounter sex shows with an ending that I didn’t see coming, the most murderous episode of Quantum Leap, and a popular game show that would probably air alongside The Running Man or Climbing For Dollars.
There are comedic tales such as The Fourth Wheel: an Incredible Hulk adjacent story that could walk alongside Bruce (well, David) Banner and his sad piano music end theme, but this time, our protagonist only gets angry when he’s paid a compliment.
There are serious, thoughtful tales such as Me, The Jury, which is a dystopian tale that would make a great Paul Verhoven movie.
The Comfy-Cozy Nihilist is a great collection of short stories that entertains, makes you laugh, and then sucker punches you when you aren’t looking.
Things kick off with the delightfully titled Fuck Fangsgiving. As the name suggests, it is a vampiric thanksgiving tale - or it could be about someone having psychotic delusions. Either way, it gets the ball rolling nicely. From then on, we encounter sex shows with an ending that I didn’t see coming, the most murderous episode of Quantum Leap, and a popular game show that would probably air alongside The Running Man or Climbing For Dollars.
There are comedic tales such as The Fourth Wheel: an Incredible Hulk adjacent story that could walk alongside Bruce (well, David) Banner and his sad piano music end theme, but this time, our protagonist only gets angry when he’s paid a compliment.
There are serious, thoughtful tales such as Me, The Jury, which is a dystopian tale that would make a great Paul Verhoven movie.
The Comfy-Cozy Nihilist is a great collection of short stories that entertains, makes you laugh, and then sucker punches you when you aren’t looking.
December 25, 2022
Nathan D. Ludwig, the writer who gave us the novella LOVE POTION #666, is at it again with this delightful collection of jet-black fiction, THE COMFY COZY NIHILIST. These stories range from family vampire paranoia to a Mexican sex show rife with many surprises to various stories on doppelgangers, one more disturbing and unsettling than the next. This book is a lovely cornucopia of dark tales with something delectable for every palette. Nathan Ludwig is a gifted writer who crafts stories that will either make you laugh with his take on life's absurdities or creep under your skin and stay there for some time.
FAVORITE STORIES:
Welcome to the Show
In Here, With Us
Recompense
Me, The Jury
Is That You?
Mick Winkerson's Awfully Big Day.
FAVORITE STORIES:
Welcome to the Show
In Here, With Us
Recompense
Me, The Jury
Is That You?
Mick Winkerson's Awfully Big Day.
April 8, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Comfy-Cozy Nihilist by Nathan D Ludwig is brilliant in the way the author brings these stories together. They are strange, weird and dark. This collection of stories has me laughing at times even though it is also gory or scary as the humor is extremely dark.
What I really love is that each story is completely different. There is something for everyone. Mr Ludwig not only is a very talented writer, but he puts stories together that complement each other to a show an array of his works.
If you are a lover of horror or splatterpunk, this is an excellent read! This is a great read after a long or emotionally heavy book. It’s perfect when you are in the mood for very dark humor.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Comfy-Cozy Nihilist by Nathan D Ludwig is brilliant in the way the author brings these stories together. They are strange, weird and dark. This collection of stories has me laughing at times even though it is also gory or scary as the humor is extremely dark.
What I really love is that each story is completely different. There is something for everyone. Mr Ludwig not only is a very talented writer, but he puts stories together that complement each other to a show an array of his works.
If you are a lover of horror or splatterpunk, this is an excellent read! This is a great read after a long or emotionally heavy book. It’s perfect when you are in the mood for very dark humor.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 30, 2023
This collection of dark stories was such a fun read. The perfect blend of humor and horror, each story left you feeling amused and uncomfortable but also satisfied with what you read. I loved them all but my favorites are In Here With Us, The Fourth Wheel and Recompense.
February 7, 2023
A bizarre, yet extremely fun short story collection!
April 3, 2023
A must read for sickos like myself!
June 20, 2023
Dark fiction and/or extreme horror and I don't always go hand in hand. When I like an author's writing style, I appreciate the stories and writing, even if the stories aren't always my cup of tea.
That is the case for me with The Comfy-Cozy Nihilist. There is a nice variety of story types in this collection. There's darkness, there's dark humor. Some of the stories I really liked, and the ones that weren't for me, I thought were well done, if that is your type of horror/dark fiction. I absolutely loved the author notes at the end of each story. Favorite stories in the collection for me: In Here, With Us, Mick Winkerson's Awfully Big Day, and Fuck Fangsgiving.
That is the case for me with The Comfy-Cozy Nihilist. There is a nice variety of story types in this collection. There's darkness, there's dark humor. Some of the stories I really liked, and the ones that weren't for me, I thought were well done, if that is your type of horror/dark fiction. I absolutely loved the author notes at the end of each story. Favorite stories in the collection for me: In Here, With Us, Mick Winkerson's Awfully Big Day, and Fuck Fangsgiving.
March 10, 2023
The Comfy-Cozy Nihilist was a ride from start to finish! Story collections seem to be a hit or a miss with me, but this one was one of the good ones! So let's talk favourites.
Hands down, my favourite was 'It Was Probably Just the Wind.' For someone running a spooky Tik Tok, Freddie was delightfully oblivious to what was happening around him. I was grinning the whole time I was reading this story because it was such a silly take on recent paranormal culture and a couple who want to Marvin Gaye and get it on with anything but each other. After all, who doesn't want to have a good time with their new house?
'For My Next Switch, I'll Need a Volunteer' happily reminded me of anti-Quantum Leap. Instead of "putting right what once went wrong" like Sam Beckett, our plucky narrator is "putting wrong what once went right" in the most outrageously horrific way. I'd love to see this one even more fleshed out as a full novel/series and see all the fun things the narrator could get up to.
Honourable mentions include 'Welcome to the Show' for the reminder not to make an ass of myself and 'Is That You?' for the Mandela Project-esque nightmare I'm sure to have tonight.
Nathan D. Ludwig....I've gotta hand it to you, you've put together a charming series of wickedly daring stories! I loved the insight into your thoughts and experiences in the narratives at the end of each story. That was a really nice touch! Thank you so much for the signed copy, and I can't wait to see what you come out with next!
Hands down, my favourite was 'It Was Probably Just the Wind.' For someone running a spooky Tik Tok, Freddie was delightfully oblivious to what was happening around him. I was grinning the whole time I was reading this story because it was such a silly take on recent paranormal culture and a couple who want to Marvin Gaye and get it on with anything but each other. After all, who doesn't want to have a good time with their new house?
'For My Next Switch, I'll Need a Volunteer' happily reminded me of anti-Quantum Leap. Instead of "putting right what once went wrong" like Sam Beckett, our plucky narrator is "putting wrong what once went right" in the most outrageously horrific way. I'd love to see this one even more fleshed out as a full novel/series and see all the fun things the narrator could get up to.
Honourable mentions include 'Welcome to the Show' for the reminder not to make an ass of myself and 'Is That You?' for the Mandela Project-esque nightmare I'm sure to have tonight.
Nathan D. Ludwig....I've gotta hand it to you, you've put together a charming series of wickedly daring stories! I loved the insight into your thoughts and experiences in the narratives at the end of each story. That was a really nice touch! Thank you so much for the signed copy, and I can't wait to see what you come out with next!
March 19, 2023
There were some good stories in here the last being my favorite there were some o could have done without but I still gave it 4 stars because it did leave me wanting to read the rest
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 10, 2023
My first book by Ludwig and it was a ton of fun! A dozen short stories filled with scares and weirdness. The opening Fangsgiving short sets the stage for bizarre horror as I continually found myself questioning every previous sentence.
But I'll never forget 'Welcome to the Show', which didn't take the turn I expected, but wow, what an ending.
I won't ruin the rest of the surprises you have instore, but rest assured, you'll love every word, all the way through the highly entertaining 'Outro'.
But I'll never forget 'Welcome to the Show', which didn't take the turn I expected, but wow, what an ending.
I won't ruin the rest of the surprises you have instore, but rest assured, you'll love every word, all the way through the highly entertaining 'Outro'.
May 29, 2023
If you like your horror with a side of dark humour then this collection is going to be perfect for you
The stories here range from a dark mob revenge story, to a sceptic buying a haunted house via doppelgangers, vampires and sex mad clones.
Its quite difficult to pick some favourites as I really enjoyed most of the stories, but the highlights were
It Was Probably Just the Wind- A haunted house, a possession and a sceptic
The Fourth Wheel - Three men on a night out have to look after Something, but don't compliment him
Mick Winkerson's Awfully Big Day - The host of the most popular show on TV decides to make a statement
All in all this was a very enjoyable read
The stories here range from a dark mob revenge story, to a sceptic buying a haunted house via doppelgangers, vampires and sex mad clones.
Its quite difficult to pick some favourites as I really enjoyed most of the stories, but the highlights were
It Was Probably Just the Wind- A haunted house, a possession and a sceptic
The Fourth Wheel - Three men on a night out have to look after Something, but don't compliment him
Mick Winkerson's Awfully Big Day - The host of the most popular show on TV decides to make a statement
All in all this was a very enjoyable read
February 3, 2023
*Book provided for an honest review. BoH. *
If weird and unusual short stories are your thing, this collection is for you. There are no happy endings here (well that depends on how you look at it). What there are, are stories that have both comedy and bleak conclusions. A balance not easily struck, proving the author's writing skill. The creativity of the stories outweighs the sometimes underdeveloped characters. I get that these are meant to be dark short stories, that get right to the point, but a little more character detail to differentiate one person from the next would have been welcome. Below is information about some of the more memorable stories:
*Fuck Fangsgiving:
What would you do if your whole family suddenly became blood-sucking vampires? Could you make the hard choice? You better be sure.
*Welcome to the Show:
As the author says in his notes, this is a rapier version of Pinocchio. I would also compare this to a White Lotus storyline, but the ending is way darker.
*For my Next Switch...:
I may be showing my age here, but this story reminded me of the old t.v. show Quantum Leap. You know where a guy wakes up in a different body with unique problems? However, this clown has his own agenda.
*Mick Winkerson's Awfully Big Day:
This was probably my favorite story in the whole collection. What if the future of reality shows is a game show, an American Idol-style voting competition - but no one is singing. The audience votes on who has the worst dirty secret, until only one person is left standing. I love this idea, as fiction obviously, not in actual practice. I would read an entire book about this.
And finally,
*I'd Hit That:
This was my least favorite story. The main character here decides to try life with clones of himself. Things inevitably go awry. Also, be prepared for a lot of explicit sex descriptions. It wasn't the sex I minded so much, it was the main character that was supremely unlikable. I guess this one just rubbed me the wrong way. (See what I did there?)
(1-5 Scale)
*On the book as a whole, not each individual story.*
Scary: 1
Gross Factor: 4
Thrill Level: 2
If weird and unusual short stories are your thing, this collection is for you. There are no happy endings here (well that depends on how you look at it). What there are, are stories that have both comedy and bleak conclusions. A balance not easily struck, proving the author's writing skill. The creativity of the stories outweighs the sometimes underdeveloped characters. I get that these are meant to be dark short stories, that get right to the point, but a little more character detail to differentiate one person from the next would have been welcome. Below is information about some of the more memorable stories:
*Fuck Fangsgiving:
What would you do if your whole family suddenly became blood-sucking vampires? Could you make the hard choice? You better be sure.
*Welcome to the Show:
As the author says in his notes, this is a rapier version of Pinocchio. I would also compare this to a White Lotus storyline, but the ending is way darker.
*For my Next Switch...:
I may be showing my age here, but this story reminded me of the old t.v. show Quantum Leap. You know where a guy wakes up in a different body with unique problems? However, this clown has his own agenda.
*Mick Winkerson's Awfully Big Day:
This was probably my favorite story in the whole collection. What if the future of reality shows is a game show, an American Idol-style voting competition - but no one is singing. The audience votes on who has the worst dirty secret, until only one person is left standing. I love this idea, as fiction obviously, not in actual practice. I would read an entire book about this.
And finally,
*I'd Hit That:
This was my least favorite story. The main character here decides to try life with clones of himself. Things inevitably go awry. Also, be prepared for a lot of explicit sex descriptions. It wasn't the sex I minded so much, it was the main character that was supremely unlikable. I guess this one just rubbed me the wrong way. (See what I did there?)
(1-5 Scale)
*On the book as a whole, not each individual story.*
Scary: 1
Gross Factor: 4
Thrill Level: 2
January 21, 2023
Have you ever decided to read a book based solely on the cover art? Yeah, me neither. Until I saw this cover that is. I didn’t care if this book was about the history of watching paint dry, I wanted to read it. And lucky me, Nathan D. Ludwig was looking for reviewers. Aside from the cover, there are 3 other reasons I enjoyed this collection.
1.) Most of these stories are absurd, in the best kind of way. There are maybe a couple that play at the edges of some type of social commentary, but with the dark streak of comedy that runs through them, maybe not. I did have a handful of personal faves:
- Welcome to the Show: These small group of vacationing friends were really annoying. I’m so glad for what happened to them.
- In Here, With Us: this one finds a demon getting trapped in the confessional booth of a church and not quite sure how to get out. Need I say more?
- Me, The Jury: That social commentary I mentioned? It shows up here, albeit in the last 2 pages of the story. I can completely see the last part happening and unfortunately, in some ways it already is.
- Is that you?: By far the creepiest of the lot, this one deals with doppelgängers. Not those people out in the world who look incredibly like you either. The doppelgängers of legend who foreshadow your death & sometimes take over your life.
- I’d Hit That - I wasn’t going to add this one, but it cracked me up. I think the MC in this one made the wrong choice. I certainly would have kept one or two of them 🫢
2.) Afternotes: I love author afternotes and here Ludwig does the very best kind. He puts them after each and every story. I enjoy knowing about the author’s thought process during the crafting of a story almost as much as I enjoy the stories themselves.
3.) Movies: The dude’s a cinephile and a movie craftsman. He makes mention of Rubber and Chopping Mall. It was instant love for me 🖤🛞🤖
The only complaint I do have, is the fact that there is no story about a group of fun-loving forest animals having a camp out where the bear is about to off himself. What’s the deal with that Nathan?!
1.) Most of these stories are absurd, in the best kind of way. There are maybe a couple that play at the edges of some type of social commentary, but with the dark streak of comedy that runs through them, maybe not. I did have a handful of personal faves:
- Welcome to the Show: These small group of vacationing friends were really annoying. I’m so glad for what happened to them.
- In Here, With Us: this one finds a demon getting trapped in the confessional booth of a church and not quite sure how to get out. Need I say more?
- Me, The Jury: That social commentary I mentioned? It shows up here, albeit in the last 2 pages of the story. I can completely see the last part happening and unfortunately, in some ways it already is.
- Is that you?: By far the creepiest of the lot, this one deals with doppelgängers. Not those people out in the world who look incredibly like you either. The doppelgängers of legend who foreshadow your death & sometimes take over your life.
- I’d Hit That - I wasn’t going to add this one, but it cracked me up. I think the MC in this one made the wrong choice. I certainly would have kept one or two of them 🫢
2.) Afternotes: I love author afternotes and here Ludwig does the very best kind. He puts them after each and every story. I enjoy knowing about the author’s thought process during the crafting of a story almost as much as I enjoy the stories themselves.
3.) Movies: The dude’s a cinephile and a movie craftsman. He makes mention of Rubber and Chopping Mall. It was instant love for me 🖤🛞🤖
The only complaint I do have, is the fact that there is no story about a group of fun-loving forest animals having a camp out where the bear is about to off himself. What’s the deal with that Nathan?!
January 3, 2023
There's a little something for eveyone in this antholgy book. Whether your into black comedy, violence, something a little on the raunchy side, or looking for disturbing and serious...it's here. While I enjoyed all the stories The "Fourth Wheel" and "I'd Hit That" are my favorite. Not to give anything away but "I'd Hit That" takes 'pleasuring yourself' to a whole new level. "The Fourth Wheel" will having you laughing your ass off with the witty dialogue and shaking your head in the end with the over the top violence. Nathan Ludwig certainly has a away with words and dialogue. Every story is well written and holds your interest!!
April 22, 2023
ARC Review: "The Comfy-Cozy Nihilist - A Handbook of Dark Fiction" by Nathan D. Ludwig
(Thanks to the author for a copy of this collection for an honest review)
This was my first read by this author, and wow - this guy has a definite "literary voice", doesn't he? This short story collection is rude, crude, brutal and definitely to the...erm...point (I'm looking at YOU, "Welcome To The Show"!), but pretty entertaining for all that, as well as being very, very funny at times. I laughed out loud at the last story "I'd Hit That" in particular!
That being said, there were a few stories that I forgot almost as soon as I'd read them, which made for a pretty uneven experience, but I did enjoy "Mick Winkerson's Awfully Big Day" - much like King's "The Running Man" and many of Verhoven's works - yeah, I saw your shoutout there! - as it really expressed for me how I think 'entertainment' will end up going one day. Another standout, and potentially my favorite one of the collection was "Recompense", which I felt had richer prose and was written with a bit more sophistication than the others. But I've got to say, a pretty good time was had overall, I did enjoy the author asides and the recommended movie list, so I would definitely be interested to see more of what this author has to offer. A solid 3.5 stars for mine!
(Thanks to the author for a copy of this collection for an honest review)
This was my first read by this author, and wow - this guy has a definite "literary voice", doesn't he? This short story collection is rude, crude, brutal and definitely to the...erm...point (I'm looking at YOU, "Welcome To The Show"!), but pretty entertaining for all that, as well as being very, very funny at times. I laughed out loud at the last story "I'd Hit That" in particular!
That being said, there were a few stories that I forgot almost as soon as I'd read them, which made for a pretty uneven experience, but I did enjoy "Mick Winkerson's Awfully Big Day" - much like King's "The Running Man" and many of Verhoven's works - yeah, I saw your shoutout there! - as it really expressed for me how I think 'entertainment' will end up going one day. Another standout, and potentially my favorite one of the collection was "Recompense", which I felt had richer prose and was written with a bit more sophistication than the others. But I've got to say, a pretty good time was had overall, I did enjoy the author asides and the recommended movie list, so I would definitely be interested to see more of what this author has to offer. A solid 3.5 stars for mine!
January 25, 2023
What a crazy ride this book was! I fell in love with the cover immediately, and then I repeatedly caught myself smiling when reading these stories: they're supposed to be horrific and gory, but the dark comedy aspect takes it all. The second story, 'Welcome to the Show,' about a couple and their friends visiting a mysterious sex show while on vacation - wow, that one won't be forgotten soon: the dialogue, the setting, the humor, the messed up ending, this one had everything! Another story later on, 'Mick Winnerson’s Awfully Big Day,' had such dark humor and such obscene imagery, it should be a movie or at least an episode - the visuals would be fantastic! 'Is that you?' was a real horror story, a genuine nightmare - I only wish it made more sense. In any case, Nathan D. Ludwig's collection is an overall delightful addition to the horror genre and is highly recmmended to all horror fans! Indeed, although I received an advance review copy for free, I had to go and buy the book, this one is a keeper!
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