Losing the Hate by Simon Palmer

This is Simon's own story - in his own words - of the horrific abuse he suffered from the age of ten, and the consequences it had on his life. it is a shocking, no holds barred account of how his life was changed forever by a teacher he trusted, and respected and who should really have known better...

This was emotionally brutal. I have just finished it for the second time and I am a limp rag of emotion. There are brutal scenes, brutal language and brutal emotions. All these serve to tell the story though, a story that must have been difficult for Simon to revisit, but ultimately cathartic for him. The injections of Simon's poetry in between chapters served to catch a glimpse into the person he was at the time. I hope others who have been through the same horrors have the courage to speak out after reading this. In Simon telling his story hopefully others gain courage and not allow the hurt and horror to control their lives and choices.

Marrow's Pit by Keith Deininger

This is the story of Ballard. As long as he can remember, life has been the Machine. It provides for them and they serve and worship it. Then one day a terrible accident occurs and he must make a perilous journey outside the Machine to the dark and mysterious area known as Marrow's Pit.

I started this with the intention of just reading a bit and then coming back to it. That didn't happen. I devoured the whole novella in one sitting. The story belted along without taking a breath until the end. The characters were likeable and fitted with the story. It wasn't out and out horror, but more what life would be like if we lived, breathed and worshipped the same entity and existed to serve its purpose. another great read from Keith and DarkFuse.

Nightcrawlers by Tim Curran

This is the story of Clavitts Field. 200 years ago it was burned to the ground amid rumours of witchcraft and demon worship. Now bodies have started to turn up on the site where the town once stood. It is up to the state Troopers to find out what is going on. The local Law Enforcement know, have grown up with the knowledge, but they aren't telling because the horror of the truth is too much to put into words......

This was amazing! It was gross and scary and trippy all at the same time. The pace belted along and I had no choice but to hang on tight as I was taken on the ride of my life. I thought that the Nightcrawlers of the title might refer to Zombies, but actually it is something far worse, and believe me when I say I am NEVER going pot holing now I have read this book! Two thirds of the way in and the atmosphere was so claustrophobic, I had to read through my fingers almost as I trembled in my comfy chair! The ending was well written and answered any lingering questions I may have had. I totally recommend this one as a brilliant example of a claustrophobic and tense novella.

Rotting Dead F*cks by Matt Shaw

This is the story of Ted. He is the worst type of racist bigot ever to walk the earth and has psychopathic tendencies on top of that. One day the world goes to hell literally when a virus is unleashed and the dead start to walk again. For most people this would be a nightmare, but for someone like Ted it is an opportunity for him to indulge in his darker side without fear of repercussion.....

 I really enjoyed this. Matt clearly had great fun writing it, and it shows in the standard of the writing. For those familiar to Matt's work, I would say Ted is a lot like Peter but without any of his likeable qualities - Ted really is an odious character. Be warned, some of the things he does may upset some readers. But then that's why Matt has included a warning on the front of the book! The story flowed well, going from one characters story to the next by chapter. The ending was brilliant, with one character receiving a richly deserved come-uppance! I recommend this for fans of extreme horror. 

Ancient Enemy by Michael McBride

This is the story of Sani. His ancestors have lived in the same place for over 700 years. Bewildered by what is slaughtering his sheep in the middle of the night, he will have to rely on his sick grandfathers help to solve the mystery. Sadly his grandfather is now mute after a stroke and close to death, so it will not be easy. he must go on a journey into his tribes past to confront the truth, a truth he may wish had stayed hidden...

This was a fast paced page turner of a horror. I identified with Sari as he initially tried to find out what was killing his sheep, to go on the journey of a lifetime to find out his past. The bond between him and his grandfather shone off the page and I felt it throughout the story until the final twist at the end.  The authors notes at the back of the book made for interesting reading and I even learned a thing or two! I recommend this totally for lovers of Native American history, and horrors alike.

Dead Fives Pass by Colin F. Barnes

This is the story of Carise, a volunteer mountain rescuer. Her life has turned into an alcoholic mess after a miscarriage and a rescue that went horribly wrong. Persuaded to go on one last rescue with her ex, Marcel, can she curb her drinking and her feelings for him to facilitate the rescue? Before too long it becomes clear this is no ordinary rescue and she will have to rely on Marcel more than ever...

At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like this, but it hooked me after the second or third page. The pace was relentless and crackled with tension. The flawed relationship between Carise and Marcel was well played out and their characters shone off the page. The descriptions were vivid and the atmosphere claustrophobic. I liked the nod to Lovcraft with the monster and the ending worked well and wasn't too predictable. I recommend this for a quick but action filled read.

The Fading Place by Mary SanGiovanni

This is the story of Charlie. Putting her baby in the car after a mornings shopping trip, she is accosted by a woman intent on abducting her and her baby. She needs Charlie to take her to a special place where she plans to kidnap the baby and she will stop at nothing until she reaches her goal.

This was a fantastic novella, I really enjoyed it. There was a couple of places that I felt things could have gone differently, but they didn't ruin the story for me, and this is just my opinion. My only real niggle is I wish it were longer! The tension throughout was palpable and the story belted along. Charlie was a strong lead and it was nice to have a female cast as a psychopath for a change! Another great addition to the DarkFuse library.