A Sliver of Darkness

Product Information

C.J. Tudor has become a favorite author of mine reminding me of early Stephen King, who I once greatly enjoyed. I was immediately drawn in by her introduction to this book of short stories where she shared the health challenges of her parents during the pandemic. This stressful time adversely affected a book she was writing, which was ultimately shelved. That's when she decided to change paradigms and express her love of writing through the short story medium. I never seek out short story compilations, but made an exception here because I really admire this author. This unsettling collection of stories from a writer often called the ' British Stephen King' deftly inverts the banal and unremarkable to reveal their underlying horror' METRO Perhaps my favorite stories here were the ones that fully embraced apocalyptic futures, and how our flawed protagonists attempted to solve the mysteries that beset them. “Final Course” tells the story of a father and child invited to a remote but well-provisioned estate after the world is beset with darkness, with terrifying umbral creatures hunting under the cover of perpetual gloom. Harry, their host, is the father’s old friend from university, and has invited several other of their uni mates to a getaway celebration. But when one of them disappears, our protagonist will have to figure out the secrets of the estate, as well as a way to protect himself and his daughter from the horrors they uncover. The problem with darkness was, once you let it in, it lurked in the corners of your mind, filling them with shadows.” The debut short story collection from the acclaimed author of The Chalk Man, featuring ten bone-chilling and mind-bending tales

This was during the pandemic, so it was a “staycation cruise.” It only lasted four days, and the ship never left British waters. But it was fun and very family friendly. It was bound to be. It was organized by the major operator in the family entertainment market. (Think mouse). Tudor’s introductions before each story elevated the collection for me. They provide insight into her motivation for writing them. I love her honesty, especially when discussing her successes and failures as a writer. Tudor has established herself as a solid horror writer and now she has proven that she can nail the short story as well.In "Gloria," a strange girl at a service station endears herself to a coldhearted killer, but can a leopard really change its spots? Story 10&11 | “Dust & Butterfly Island” – A dust storm covers an old hotel that holds some interesting secrets. Dust was probably my favorite one. (I think I have said this like 5 times previously) So crazy, but brilliant. Butterfly Island holds a being that may or may not be welcoming to castaways. This one was SO great. The author says this was her favorite to write. This was one of the best ones to read! Ah, you were never sentimental. My apologies, Commander. Steel yourself for this challenge, and when you have emerged victorious...then you must see to Icaronix, and take vengeance for our legion.

In Final Course, the world has descended into darkness, but a group of old friends make time for one last dinner party. In Runaway Blues, thwarted love, revenge, and something very nasty stowed in a hat box converge. In Gloria, a strange girl at a service station endears herself to a cold-hearted killer, but can a leopard really change its spots? And in I’m Not Ted, a case of mistaken identity has unforeseen, fatal consequences.The debut short-story collection from the acclaimed author of The Chalk Man, hailed as “Britain’s female Stephen King” ( Daily Mail), featuring eleven bone-chilling and mind-bending tales

She firmly believes that there are no finer meals than takeaway pizza and champagne, or chips with curry sauce after a night out.Best gory teen story : “ The Lion at the gate”! It seems like a dark, bleak alternative of Chronicles of Narnia. We have a gate instead of wardrobe! What of me? I will have both found and achieved my purpose in one swift stroke, and my soul will be released into the Aether. It's not a fate I fear. I long for my release. The Lion at the Gate – You’ve never seen graffiti like this and if you get too close you might end up like my mates: Carl, Stiff, and Fallow.

Also found in this story collection are some familiar characters from Tudor’s previous books. She mentions that she might even make a few of these into a longer book! These eleven twisted tales of the macabre from the bestselling author of The Chalk Man and The Burning Girls are your perfect companions as the nights draw in . . . Finally, in Butterfly Island there’s a beach bar, a good idea and a butterfly sanctuary, post apocalypse. I love the ending! A Sliver of Darkness contains 10 different horror short stories with all sorts of evil lurking in the corners. While I usually prefer to read full length books, I devoured this collection in less than two days. Additionally, it’s rare that I enjoy all of the stories in a collection, but these were fantastic!

Story 6 | "Gloria" - This could be my favorite short yet. It throws you right into a Luc Besson-inspired narrative that is compelling and full of tension. | 6 out of 5⭐'s 😁 | I was reminded of Natsuo Kirino's Out. Gloria where a cold-hearted killer encounters a strange young girl at a motorway service station with unexpected consequences . . . Timeslips. Doomsday scenarios. Killer butterflies. C. J. Tudor’s novels are widely acclaimed for their dark, twisty suspense plots, but with A Sliver of Darkness, she pulls us even further into her dizzying imagination. Story 4 | "The Completion" - A sordid real estate agent will do anything to sell an expensive property and the owner makes a deal that the firm cannot refuse. This one was so dark, grimy, and fun! These short stories keep getting better and better. | 5⭐'s