| Title | : | If I Die Before I Wake |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 356 |
| Publication | : | First published December 11, 2019 |
B07ZY82QZF
Don’t deny it. Your mind has dwelled for hours on the things you would do if your name was Karma. Malevolence towards those that wronged you festers and there is no relief—until now. Plunge headfirst into these sinister tales where karma finally takes control and vengeance is a dish that is best served hot.
The Better Off Dead series delves into the farthest corners of your mind, where your deepest, darkest fears lurk. These masters of horror will haunt your dreams and stalk your nightmares, taking you to the edge of sanity before pushing you to the brink of madness!
Contains stories by Peter Rocha, Steven Pajak, RJ Roles, Red Lagoe, Jane Alvey Harris, Charlotte Munro, R.E. Sargent, Eleanor Merry, Kayla Krantz and Chris Wilkerson.
If I Die Before I Wake Reviews
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Dark and disturbing, this anthology was packed full of horrifying stories, which I could not stop reading!
Ten short stories, ten shocking, creepy and macabre tales to haunt and thrill you! I would recommend this to horror fans, or someone who just wants to dip their toe into the genre. I hadn't read any horror in years, and even then not that much, but I really enjoyed this collection of stories. Some characters I rooted for, some I truly detested, but one things for sure karma is gonna get them all! Now I'm going to go hide under a blanket...
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Many thanks to RE Sargent for sending me an advanced digital copy of this to read in exchange for an honest review! Also big thanks to Dita who put my name forward 😘 -
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Do you like to be scared? Do you love Stephen King?
Ever binged on all night twilight zone episodes?
Do you like eerie little stories where you are afraid to turn the lights off at night?
If so, this is the book for you.
Actually, with this book will actually be reading ten stories in one because it’s an anthology. It’s an anthology of old school horror and man oh man do the stories pack a punch.
So as I said there are ten of them but the one thing they all have in common is they will creep the living heck out of you. From tormented Ex prisoners, to bullied school children to selling your soul for fame and glory, to the perfect dream vacation, (NOT!), each story has its own unique and individual twist on the genre. They were a pleasure to read.
Of the ten stories I certainly had my favorites but I liked all of them. I don’t want to get into the specifics of what each story is about because I think it’s best to head into it not knowing much. I definitely saw shades of Stephen King in many of the stories stores as well as John Saul who was one of my favorite authors growing up.
Horror, for me,should have that slow moving creepy quality, the slow realization that all is not OK. I am a child of old school horror. I count a very old film, by the very creepy name of "Let's scare Jessica to death" as one of my all time favorite films. And my favorite all time horror novel is “The other” which I think is one of the scariest books (and movies) ever made.
I really enjoyed this anthology as it took me back to the days when I read this genre on a regular basis.
Now I am not going to say that there was no gore at all in any of the stories because there certainly is. There are a couple of them that leaned just a little too science-fiction for me but by and large I loved all the stories.
I would encourage anyone who likes short stories and anthologies and old-school Horror done right.. to read this Anthology. You will devour this series of stories They really made for entertaining and fun reading. Now how on earth am I going to turn the lights out and go to sleep? -
Updated review:
KARMA: Destiny or fate, following as effect from cause
HORROR is NOT my thing. At All.
But, I LOVED “One Star Review” and “Becoming Karen Carter” by R.E. Sargent, (both of these short stories are available now!) so when the author offered me the chance to read this collection of short stories that he contributed to and edited, I thought I would give it a try.
I solicited help from a friend who is a HORROR AFICIONADO, and we read them together as who am I to judge a genre I do not regularly read?
MAYBE one of your favorite “master of horror” authors penned one of these tales (Shadow of Torment-R E Sargent for me) and PERHAPS you will also discover some new authors to follow...(I loved “ What Comes Around” by Eleanor Merry and “A Concert to Die For” by Kayla Krantz)
As I GRIMACED, my friend ENDORSED each one ENTHUSIASTICALLY! (BUT, I cannot always handle the DISTURBING, dark and macabre!) 😱
IF YOU or SOMEONE YOU KNOW loves short stories with themes of HORROR and FEAR, pick up this collection on Dec 23, 2019!
I will be watching for the third part of the “One Star Review” series, too!
Thank You to R E Sargent who provided this digital ARC. No review was required and all opinions are our own! -
For the first time in weeks, maybe even months, I was excited to pick up my Kindle and read.
If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Karma and Fear was just what the doctor ordered--fun, gory, creepy, and macabre. I loved every single minute my nose was buried in this book.
As I write this review, I'm watching a Dexter marathon (for the 849th time...because serial killer; and Michael C. Hall is hot), while also reveling in the creativity that was this anthology. There wasn't a single story I disliked, but there were definitely a couple which stood out to this horror-loving nerd: "Shadow of Torment" and "What Comes Around" were my faves.
Any of you who have read my reviews for awhile know I rarely give 5 star ratings. I just don't. I read so much, a book has to be very special to earn that rating from me.
If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Karma and Fear fit the bill.
A few brief thoughts about each of the ten stories, which I jotted as I was reading:
A Touch of Grace -- I don't think there is a woman alive who won't enjoy this epic little story! Who runs the world? GIRLS!
Second Chance -- A very well-written tearjerker.
...so far, so good....
Dream Vacation -- Incredibly creative! And disturbing. The eye thing. ::cringe::
Flicker -- I'm genuinely loving how females are depicted throughout this anthology: strong, capable, and sassy. Another great story!
...still feeling it...
Strigoi -- Well, that was one whacked out story. I have no words...
The Melancholy of Finn Whitlock -- Bloody, gory, and disturbing...pure perfection.
...oh, hellz yes...
Shadow of Torment -- Holy shitzies...BEST ONE YET!
What Comes Around -- Compulsively readable. One of my faves.
...it's so nice to feel giddy about a book again...
A Concert to Die For -- What would you do to reach your dreams? A totally clever spin.
The Dead Lands -- I wasn't sure about this one at first...but it actually ended up being a very satisfying read.
...that settles it--count me as a fan!...
If you're a horror aficionado, or know someone who is, definitely pick this collection up on December 23, 2019. And don't forget to behave yourselves... karma can be such a bitch.
**Many thanks to
R.E. Sargent for my review copy, in exchange for my candid review. -
To be transparent, I edited this anthology. I also have a story included inside it. Therefore, this review is for the nine other stories by the other authors. I was blown away by the talent oozing from these author's fingertips and I was sucked in immediately, leaving me wanting more. The stories range from “What the frick just happened?” to “I’m not going to sleep tonight!” Discover these fresh voices that are just waiting to become part of your nightmares. Which one is your favorite?
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** Edited as review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **
If I Die Before I Wake came onto my radar through fellow writers RJ Roles and Eleanor Merry. Both have stories featured and both started to do some initial promo on their various social media channels. When it went up for pre-order I snagged an ebook –but then they put out a call for reviewers, so I accepted an eARC from R.E. This is one of those unique anthologies that doesn’t have a big name anchoring it –thus, I feared without some early reviews, it would get lost in the fray.
The lack of “TOP TIER” shouldn’t deter you here. This anthology features a wide array of engaging voices and each story delivers a fun take on their chosen narrative.
I’ll touch on a few of the stories here, to try and get make your horror hunger burn!
It opens up with the story ‘A Touch of Grace’ by Peter Rocha. The story follows a husband as he deals with a wife he just doesn’t engage with or enjoys spending time with anymore. She’s gone down a rabbit hole with different “black magic” type readings and research. As things ramp up, Rocha builds some good tension. I found a few spots a bit jumbled, but the ending is a fun finish.
‘Strigoi’ by Jane Alvey Harris was a unique take on some familiar strains. A woman struggles with the arrival of her newborn. Her significant other has recently passed away and she finds she doesn’t connect with her infant. Thing unravel and we see some back story and why she is feeling how she’s feeling.
‘The Dead Lands’ by Chris Wilkerson is a great post-apocalyptic creature tale. I loved the POV of the main character and as things progress through the story and we see some of the natural changes start to occur in our lead, Wilkerson keeps keeping us guessing.
The two highlights of this anthology, for me at least, were R.E. Sargent’s story and RJ Roles story.
‘Shadow of Torment’ by Sargent is a great thriller set around a video game. We follow a bullied kid who struggles with school every day. He has a great connection with his buddy that he plays online games with and messages about what’s going on. As we learn more and more, Sargent keeps things creepy and keeps the reader guessing. Really liked how this one plays out.
For me personally, the highlight was Roles story ‘Dream Vacation.’ I read RJ’s release ‘Girls Best Friend,’ and the improvements he’s made in his writing with this story are fantastic. We follow a well off doctor, who has been given a second chance at his career from a chance meeting with a mysterious figure. The story here is phenomenal and RJ has created a character and a world that I’d love to see visited again sometime in the future.
Overall, this was a really well put together anthology. The writers each delivered quality stories time and again and I think this is one that the horror community should definitely check out. This is book one in the series and I’m excited to see how book two comes together. -
ONE INTENSELY THRILLING TREAT!!!
Don't close your eyes! These talented and gifted authors racked 'em up and tossed 'em out. They not only brought it, they sewed the tapestry, mended the lines and mastered the scenes. Showcasing the thrill and terror, displaying the drama, intrigue, distress, turmoil, danger and mounting suspense while tension spirals, blasting this bad boy to life brilliantly. Divvying up incredibly, well rounded scenario's that punch dead center, ramping up the anticipation and adrenaline with such intensity and precision, thrusting this gem to a whole new level. Advancing through the trials and tribulations, along with a bounty of plot twists and sleek turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never anticipated. The personalities are well matched and balanced with enough flaws for diversity. The characters and scenes are strikingly sharp with such colorful descriptions it gives you a full understanding and realism that flow smoothly. Awesome job guys, thanks for sharing this incredible jewel with us. -
This is an incredible collection of stories by an amazing group of authors. Each of these stories is extremely well written and will have you on the edge of your seat, This is a book that you must have. From the moment that you start reading you will be hooked and needing to read more. You will not be sorry that you read this.
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A fun, spooky, horror anthology that will make you excited to pick up your book/kindle again...that's if you ever put it down before finishing it. Unique and creative stories to keep you up at night. "If I Die Before I Wake" is a must read for any horror lover that enjoys creative original new tales to satisfy.
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Ten chilling tales relating to death by ten different authors. Catch these short stories by some of your favorite authors or discover new favorites! Below are reviews for just three of them.
A Touch of Grace – Peter Rocha
How do you discover if your spouse is cheating? Well if you’re Charles wife, Grace, you might try a little voodoo!
Charles hasn’t been interested in his wife for a long time but since she lost her job, things around the house have been even worse. Grace has become quite morbid. First it was the voodoo doll of her previous boss. But she has branched to many paranormal studies.
Charles has a restaurant, part of a chain. He is always eager for conferences just to get away from home. But Grace suspects Charles is cheating. See what lengths she will go to, to catch and punish her errant husband!
Flicker – Red Lagoe
Can people’s minds and emotions be connected no matter the distance? Meet Kyra and her father Dante to find out what havoc such a connection can wreak.
Dante returned from war with PTSD. Not too unusual, of course, but Dante also has telekinesis. When Kyra was six, her mother, Sherrie, separated from Dante for her own safety and because Kyra and her father shared a unique connection of mind and emotion.
Kyra felt when her father was angry and vice versa. And when Dante felt anger, bad things happened. When Kyra is kicked out of after school daycare for destroying a dollhouse, Sherrie confides the trouble with her husband to the wrong person.
Sherrie’s new confidant is more than a helpful neighbor. She is a vigilante! But who will end up being punished?
A Concert to Die For – Kayla Krantz
This author writes well in several genres. But she truly excels at eerie paranormal!
Isaac is a musician, or he wants to devote his time to music. It just doesn’t pay the bills. He has been a street performer for a while, and it seems his take is less and less. So he has to keep his job as a dishwasher. Plus it buys the booze, the other necessity in his life.
Before and after work, he plays music. On the way home from performing, he drops his guitar and it shatters. A stranger who witnesses the accident, assures Isaac he can fix the instrument, and perhaps make his career dreams come true.
Isaac is sure the man must have been a dream, until he sees his guitar better than new, but what price will he have to pay? -
This is a definitely ADULT horror anthology and the parts that I read were well written and will take up a weekend. However, unless you are really into GROSS horror, I cannot recommend it.
A Touch of Grace by Peter Rocha is set mostly in Kansas and takes about two hours.
Second Chance by Steven Pajak starts in a halfway house, VERY dark, and takes about an hour and a half.
Dream Vacation by RJ Roles is about a hypnotist and takes about an hour.
Flicker by Red Lagoe is about a school girl and is another one-hour read.
Strigoi by Jane Alvey Harris is about a newborn girl and takes another hour or so.
The Melancholy of Finn Whitlock by Charlotte Munro has a derelict house on a hill and a missing person in Rowan Grove, and takes about two hours to read.
Shadow of Torment by R. E. Sargent is about a ten-year-old boy in Utah and gets REALLY rough! One hour and ADULT for graphic violence.
What Comes Around by Eleanor Merry is about an adult female orphan who buys a century-old house and was too gross for me to finish reading!
A Concert to Die For by Kayla Krantz is about a 22-year-old busking guitarist is a one hour read.
The Dead Lands by Chris Wilkerson is a post-apocalypse tale of slavery and takes about an hour.
I read an ARC and this voluntary review is my own opinion. -
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/26/2020)! 🎁
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3.5 rounded up.
A mixed bag, as is usually the case with anthologies, and horror is so subjective. Most of the stories are fair to good, and that in itself unusual. There are some good plots/stories, some are executed better than others, and some just meandered a little too much. A couple I skimmed.
However the first story, Flicker by Red Lago stands out as my favourite and it is worth it all just for that one.
On the whole a very decent horror anthology. -
Still LOVE short stories. I enjoyed every one of them in this collection. It's easy to start and finish a story when you only have your break time at work to read! Each author did an awesome job of telling Karma. Add this on to your list of must reads! Enjoy!
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I really didn’t enjoy this but it got to four stars largely on Eleanor Merry’s story, along with RJ Roles and RE Sergeant’s stories. It wasn’t that the other stories were bad either, because they weren’t. However it did constantly feel like many of the stories were either attempts to be novels that didn’t have the legs, or shorter stories that were expanded a little too far. Which I hate to say but it is how I felt reading it.
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To be upfront, I do have a story in this anthology.
However, my rating is for the other stories in the collection.
The audiobook edition of the book is well worth a listen. -
The cover art is great. The description is great. The stories are not. I found them to be just fair to average. Some were on the gross side and others I didn't think of as horror at all. I think I'll pass on the next books in the series. I'd hoped for really good horror stories and I'm disappointed.
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I loved this. There are some seriously good stories in this book, some better than others but I enjoyed them all. I'm going to buy the rest now.
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I’m usually hard on anthologies and a couple not so great stories will greatly bring down my opinion. This collection of horror stories was great, though!
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Quick Read
Excellent collection of short stories. I don't want to identify which, but one of them is extra scary-creepy because predators like that really exist and create the type of horrors described. I highly recommend this book to all thriller fans. -
This book wasn’t bad. I could only get into a few of the stories but not bad by any means . Different things for different people
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Each story is not your typical horror, well written and disturbing.
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A hit or miss collection that included a couple great stories.
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Though we had a seriously good collection of writers and narrators on this anthology I found the stories themselves to be lacking. Rather than there being a twist in the tail, or a moment that hung on the reader as they left the story, I moved from story to story instantly forgetting what I had just read.
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Mostly Good collection and writing
Kept my attention and interest. All good stories I thought - some really good/better than others. I actually think I read this before but read all of them again even so.
