We all see it but no one dares approach. We are afraid of what is in there, afraid of what will happen when we cross that barrier and enter the world unknown.
Within these pages are stories of people that have crossed into the Abyss. Some of them regretting it as soon as they did... Others, not living long enough to realise their error.
A city swallowed by darkness, a private county club that holds a terrible secret, a lonely musician and an unwanted guest are just some of the horrors that await you.
Come, dive in and enjoy all the wonders of the Abyss... If you dare.
Thanks to the author for sending me this in exchange for an honest review.
I might not have loved Abyss, but I noticed that the author, Darren Gallagher, had a great imagination - which was the strongest point of this collection -, and I really enjoyed his writing too. Unfortunately, most of the short stories had aspects that could have been more worked on, in my opinion - most of them would have been better if they had been longer or had taken more time to be developed, which would have made it easier for us to connect with the characters, and they wouldn't have felt rushed. I also wasn't a fan of the frequent head popping moments. Something I love in horror is stories with unhappy endings and Abyss had them, but I wouldn't want all horror books to have unhappy endings, yet nearly every story in this collection had one, which made them a bit predictable.
My ratings of the short stories: -The Silence of Music - 3/5 -The Man in the Mist - 4,5/5 -Coming Home is Never the Same - 3,5/5 -I'm Sorry - 3/5 -The Foyle - 3/5 -The Other Fountain - 3/5 -The Visitor - 3/5 -The Devil's Queen - 3/5 -Hell on Earth - 3/5 -Survival of the Fittest - 3,5/5 -Christmas Eve and the Little Girl - 3/5 -The Darkside of Avenus - 3/5 -The Only Place to Die - 4/5
Thirteen tales, ranging from horrific creatures emerging from another realm, to the hellish secrets of a dingy bar. Monsters of all shapes and sizes take the spotlight, some deadlier than others.
(WARNING: This review contains minor spoilers.)
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I thank Darren Gallagher for giving me the opportunity.
My first impression of this collection was a good one, however after the initial story, The Silence of Music, my interest waned quite a bit until later in the book. It was a mixed bag, including aspects of horror, fantasy and science fiction that varied in imagination. Some were painfully cliché with little to no flare, whilst others showcased Gallagher's ability to step outside the box - I obviously preferred the latter. Editing also seemed to be an on and off affair; particular tales were error-free, and others were sprinkled with mistakes in spelling and grammar. I'd say some simple revision is needed in certain areas, just to clean it up, but I daresay it wasn't as bad as some other independently published works I've read.
Those I didn't care for were The Man in the Mist, Coming Home is Never the Same, I'm Sorry, and The Visitor. With Coming Home is Never the Same especially, I took to skimming the majority of it because of its length. Several additions were rather drawn-out, and usually I'd consider that a good thing as it adds more substance, but here it was just prolonging my boredom.
Let's get into my top three:
The Silence of Music - A soft, smooth melody pulled Walter from his sleep. There's something about music in the horror genre. It's an aspect not often used - at least I don't see it a great deal - so when I actually come across it I find it has an endearing quality. Music is such a magical thing in itself - it affects us all. The Silence of Music was simple in execution, but that was a strength. It expressed a sense of strangeness that I felt invested in. Walter's confusion was my confusion, and like him I was transfixed until the end.
Survival of the Fittest - They had him torn to pieces and his bloody corpse lay scattered on the floor. Experiments gone wrong, with a unique spin that Gallagher excelled in. The Shralocks were the highlight of this one; I LOVED them. They were the monsters that hungered for slaughter, but unlike most depictions of such beasts, actual insight was given into their minds and how they communicated with each other. I couldn't get enough of them, and their relationship with Jason was the strongest point in the entire book. Seriously, it was a brilliant concept for a novel.
Christmas Eve and the Little Girl - This was no little girl. One of the shorter tales in this collection, and I had to applaud it. It was perfect for the time of year, and also something I didn't expect. I can't say much else, other than sometimes it's better to mind your own business.
Other stories of note: The Foyle, The Other Fountain, The Devil's Queen, Hell on Earth, The Darkside of Avenues, and The Only Place to Die.
In conclusion: Most of the stories were average, with the aforementioned three being at the top. However, my outright dislike for a particular few really affected my experience. I felt that they dragged on, so much so that I didn't even want to continue at points. I'm glad I did though, as there's some little bits and pieces that were worth it.
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via the Authorin exchange for ana honest review. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
I adore Darren Gallagher’s work – his collection of short horror stories was one of the first books I had reviewed on the blog - Strings (Read My Review).
Abyss is the second book from Mr. Gallagher and one that I certainly enjoyed – Abyss is also a collection of horror stories & before I talk about exactly what I have learnt from these stories; can I just say that I love that he has expanded into the territory of fantasy and a little bit of dystopia as well? Well I am, and it just makes me anxious to see what else he comes up with!
So here’s what I have learnt, again from this collection:
1. You know how the 90s teenagers loved boomboxes at night for the declaration of their love? Yeah no. My husband does that, I am running away right in the opposite direction.
2. Let’s come to fishing – I have heard that its quite the relaxing; but yeah I am keeping away from those carnivores fishes forever and ever!
3. Let’s talk ex’s – break up in a public place, trust me – do not ever, in any circumstances go back to their place. NO MATTER WHAT!
4.Lastly, but definitely not the least, I need to get enrolled in Krav Maga classes, like STAT! Or I wouldn't survive an apocalypse.
This is a collection from Darren Gallagher are some that would be wonderful scare the pants of that one friend who scares at the slightest sound - and I plan on doing exactly that to my husband ;)
3.5 stars First, I want to thank the author, Darren Gallagher, for a copy of Abyss in exchange for an honest review. I'm not going to lie, I was tentative about reading this short story collection because I never thought I cared much for them but I've really found my groove with short stories recently. I've been enjoying them a lot more than I ever thought I would. The thought of short stories left me thinking where's the characterization? Where's the world building? I still do really enjoy those in a big old chunky novel but I'm also beginning to appreciate the little snippets of life that we get in a short story.
I really enjoyed the uniqueness of the stories in Abyss. They were not purely horror (although some were horrifying), we get horror, thrillers, sci fi, and even one that was something of a fairytale. Some stories worked better than others but that is to be expected with any short story collection (you can't please everyone all the time). At points, I did feel some of the dialogue to be rushed or choppy which detracted from my overall enjoyment of a story. I also felt that there were too many fight scenes within various stories and I just don't care for them. I do realize and appreciate the time and energy devoted to crafting an intricate fight scene but personally, I can do without the level of detail. However, that very well could be a positive for someone else!
A few of my favorite stories included: I'm Sorry, it was such an interesting concept! The Visitor, this one just goes to show how wonderful dogs are. Christmas Eve and the Little Girl, if I could get a full novel on just the backstory of the little girl in red I'd be happy! That may be my favorite from the collection; it was perfect in its simplicity. And finally, The Only Place to Die, this story was haunting, melancholy, and the perfect ending to the collection.
First off, right from square one, an apology to Darren. I connected with Darren a while ago over on Instagram and at one point had mentioned to him that I was about to start reading 'Abyss' and to watch for my review...
That was probably a year ago and I am truly sorry. Books stacked up, time sensitive reviews came through and bingo-bango-bongo (Vancouver Canuck fans in the early 2000's would finish that off with 'hey Roberto Luongo' FYI!) it got pushed back.
But now we're here and I've read it and here's the review!
I've mentioned before that I'm running on fumes for collections and anthologies. I've read A LOT of both of these the last few years, but that won't ever sway me from diving into one. I love having short fiction on the go, it makes for a great break up from the longer reads.
What I liked: 'Abyss' features 13 short stories of varying length that show off Gallagher's easy-to-read writing. He has created some stellar stories in the collection and for people who love to read short fiction that covers a broad variety of darker narratives, this one has something for everyone.
Standouts for me were 'The Man in the Mist' which started off with a simple car ride, only for the main character to go completely bonkers. 'The Other Fountain' which was a really great folklore horror story, and 'The Foyle,' which was an amazing story of a father and son who go fishing, only to end up fighting to survive.
The highlight and absolute gem in the entire collection is the opener. 'The Silence of Music' was a stunning piece of Lovecraftian fiction without being overtly the same. If you recall Lovecraft's story 'The Music of Erich Zann,' we are introduced to a young man who moves into an apartment complex. He hears strange music and is drawn to it.
Very similar plot to 'The Silence of Music.' In this story, Gallagher introduces us to a character who moves into a new place. Randomly, one night, they look out of their window and see a strange figure standing in the streetlight. From there, Darren really created a beauty of a story.
What I didn't like: A few of the tales in this collection were a bit longer than I felt necessary, and with most collections, some I loved and some missed the mark. That happens in each collection.
Why you should buy this: As I've always said, I always hope that one new person will buy a book I've reviewed from a new-to-them author, and I think Darren Gallagher would be a great new author for people to discover. His writing is smooth and the stories are a ton of fun. The collection hums along and if you are a quick reader, you very well may be able to get through this in a single sitting.
I read Abyss, late last year after Darren kindly sent me a copy for a honest review.
I went into this book blind, and I was extremely pleasantly surprised, the writing style is straight to the punch line with added creeps and haunting twists around each corner. Abyss is a set of short stories that are sure to captivate you and draw you in!
Darren has a way with words that make you reflect and also put you straight into the scenes you are reading making you feel, you are right there watching the action/horror unfold.
Once again thank you for sending me the book and I can't wait to check out more of your writing.
Please guys give Darren a chance, he wont let you down!
A fantastic collection of short stories of horror , supernatural, and spooky. Each story guaranteed to leave you shivering. Darren Gallagher knows how to grab your attention and not let go. I highly recommend Abyss to those who love great horror stories. A true five-star read!
This book is a collection of creepy short stories. These stories are perfect for these rainy, cold November nights, wrapped up on front of the fire. I loved each story, “the silence of music” “I’m sorry” and “coming home will never be the same were my favourite. These stories are sure to keep you up at night.
Abyss is a collection of thirteen short stories with a supernatural/horror genre. These stories are varied and not one is remotely the same as the other, therefore there is something for everyone!
Review:
Despite the fact I struggle to watch some supernatural and I definatley can't handle horror- I am a big fan of these genre books and therefore I was very excited when asked to review this book. There are thirteen stories in total and each has a different setting, feel and every character is different and believable. I loved that all the stories had a total different theme running through them and not one was similar to the other. I found that the stories were easy reads and each one was a perfect length. I really enjoyed the fact that amongst the stories we had ghosts, demons, cults, magic and creatures, a real mixed bag of stories.
Unfortunately I did struggle with the writing style in places and at times I felt the writing was a little rushed due to the generous amount of action in each one. I also found that the stories in places were a little unbelievable but I generally feel this is due to my way of thinking- not the story itself. The stories were however straight to the point and the action kicked off straight away which I liked.
I had mixed views about the stories some I found I really connected with and felt drawn in but others I did struggle to get through. I loved the fairy tale theme in 'The Other Fountain' and I have to say 'The Devil's Queen' was one of my favourites in the whole book. I have a soft spot for mythical creatures and Darren brought all my favourites together for this story- not to mention the theme of women power too! 'Survival of the Fittest' was another favourite of mine it had the perfect amount of gore and the creatures Darren had created were definatley interesting! Finally the last story in the book ('Only Place to Die') was perfect closure for Abyss.
I generally feel that some of these short stories would have made perfect novels on their own- especially my favourites that I picked out! Despite my mixed feelings throughout it is evident that Darren Gallagher is a very imaginative writer. He is a real descriptive writer who can really set the scene and create weird and wonderful creatures. Unfortunately I don't scare easily and I found that Abyss generally did not leave me feeling spooked which is a shame because I'd have loved to have felt on edge throughout. However, Darren is definatley a creative author and I hope he manages to freak me out in the future!
The author has a knack for injecting horror into the life of ordinary people.
The writing is not perfect, but this is not what I’m looking for in my horror and it did not take away from the essence of the stories. Each stories is original and captures the imagination of the reader. The author quickly turns mundane situations chaotic and terrifying which I loved.
The Silence of Music
A creepy pied piper style tale.
The Man in the Mist
Michael has a chance meeting on a misty night that will change his life for the worst.
Coming Home is Never the Same
Darren comes back to his small town village to find younger sister Janice in deep and dark trouble.
I’m Sorry…
Pearce tries to leave girlfriend Annabel, little does he know the power she yields over him.
The Foyle
Conor and son Brian enjoy a father and son fishing trip with disastrous consequences.
The Other Fountain
Martha and Patty get a surprise visit from a visitor with the promise of youthful regeneration.
The Visitor
Caroline and Dan’s home has a sinister, unwelcome presence.
The Devil’s Queen
Megan and Michelle visit the Devil’s Queen bar for an eternal night out.
Hell on Earth
It’s the end of the world as John Static knows it and the start of his role as a demon hunter.
Survival of the Fittest
An exclusive country club hides a deadly family secret.
Christmas Eve and the Little Girl
A dark, bloody festive tale.
The Dark Side of Avenus
A futuristic tale with the fierce warrior Kye.
The Only Place to Die
Cormac takes his boat ‘The Forgotten’ out in to the sea as Armageddon strikes.
Abyss by Darren Gallagher aka @dubhdara is a collection of short stories that run the wide spectrum of horror. There's the silly, the dark, the intense, the b-movie horror camp, there's basically everything crammed into one book. And honestly it works. Some stories do fall into the trap of needing a bit more space to breathe, maybe a bit longer would have been better, others I'm just greedy for more. There were some editing issues throughout (missing words punctuation etc.) But nothing that may be throw down the book and tell fuck you at it til I was done. But all that aside the stories are genuinely enjoyable. It's a pretty light read that I was able to take my time with as I read some other heavy shit.