Halves

by Brian Keene

HALVES by Brian Keene Illustrated by Keith Minnion Every morning, Ellie's cat leaves her presents on the side porch, whether she wants them or not.... This profusely illustrated chapbook will be published exclusively in a softcover edition of 150 numbered copies, hand-bound in red embroidery silk thread, signed by the author and the illustrator

34 pages

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

BRIAN KEENE writes novels, comic books, short fiction, and occasional journalism for money. He is the author of over forty books, mostly in the horror, crime, and dark fantasy genres. His 2003 novel, The Rising, is often credited (along with Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead comic and Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later film) with inspiring pop culture’s current interest in zombies. Keene’s novels have been translated into German, Spanish, Polish, Italian, French, Taiwanese, and many more. In addition to his own original work, Keene has written for media properties such as Doctor Who, Hellboy, Masters of the Universe, and Superman.

Several of Keene’s novels have been developed for film, including Ghoul, The Ties That Bind, and Fast Zombies Suck. Several more are in-development or under option. Keene also serves as Executive Producer for the independent film studio Drunken Tentacle Productions.

Keene also oversees Maelstrom, his own small press publishing imprint specializing in collectible limited editions, via Thunderstorm Books.

Keene’s work has been praised in such diverse places as The New York Times, The History Channel, The Howard Stern Show, CNN.com, Publisher’s Weekly, Media Bistro, Fangoria Magazine, and Rue Morgue Magazine. He has won numerous awards and honors, including the World Horror 2014 Grand Master Award, two Bram Stoker Awards, and a recognition from Whiteman A.F.B. (home of the B-2 Stealth Bomber) for his outreach to U.S. troops serving both overseas and abroad. A prolific public speaker, Keene has delivered talks at conventions, college campuses, theaters, and inside Central Intelligence Agency headquarters in Langley, VA.

The father of two sons, Keene lives in rural Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need for this to be expanded to a novel. A longish novella, at least. The underlying premise is just too good...I need to know more.

[Jonathan Echevarria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian Keene is a master story teller when it comes to dark horror fantasy. I usually enjoy his dark fantasy more then his gory horror honestly. You won't find zombies, psychopaths, or vengeful poltergeists in this novella. Rather this is a cute innocent story about a cat, a father, and a daughter's imaginary friend. The suspense builds when we find out more about this imaginary friend and that was when it became one of my favorite short stories.

I was thankful this was included in Blood on the Page: The Complete Short Fiction of Brian Keene, Volume 1. I definitely recommend it to all of my friends on this website! A easy five out of five stars!

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Included with "Scratch" on the Kindle edition. Brilliant little story with a gruesome ending. A little girl's imaginary friend might be .... not just imaginary!

[Hoff The Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like this could be the foundation to a great movie. I know it's just a short story, but it felt like just the beginning of a larger tale. I think I like Keene's shorter works more than his acclaimed novels.