The newfound resources provided a small measure of comfort, but the shadow of suspicion and mistrust lingered, a constant threat to their already precarious existence. They had survived the attack, but the war within Rapid City had only just begun, a war fought not with guns and blades, but with suspicion, betrayal, and the relentless erosion of trust. The fight for survival, once focused on the undead hordes, had shifted to a more insidious adversary – human nature itself. Their journey toward survival was far from over; the road ahead remained treacherous, fraught with uncertainty, a path paved with the ghosts of betrayal and the chilling reality of their world. The scars of the conflict, both physical and emotional, would serve as a constant reminder of the brutal price of survival.
The silence that followed was a heavy thing, pressing down on them like the weight of the snow accumulating on the rooftops of Rapid City. The air, thick with the metallic tang of blood and the acrid stench of death, seemed to suffocate them. Even the rhythmic drip, drip, drip of melting snow from a broken pipe felt amplified in the oppressive quiet, each drop a morbid metronome marking the passage of time in this ravaged world.
Gary stared at his hands, the calluses and grime a stark reminder of his own brutality. He’d killed men before – the undead, mostly – but these deaths felt different. These were men he’d once considered friends, colleagues in the desperate struggle for survival. The faces of Silas’s followers haunted him – the wide-eyed terror of the young man, the grim resignation of the older ones. He had taken lives, and the weight of those actions settled heavily on his conscience, a crushing burden that no amount of practical necessity could ever fully alleviate.
Anya, her face pale and drawn, leaned against a crumbling wall, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The crude spear she clutched, still stained with blood, seemed to tremble in her grip. The strength she’d displayed during the fight, the unexpected surge of primal fury, had deserted her. The reality of her actions, the stark brutality of killing another human being, was beginning to settle upon her like a suffocating blanket.
Robert, ever the pragmatist, began to systematically gather the remaining supplies. He moved with an almost ritualistic precision, collecting the weapons, ammunition, and the meager rations Silas had stashed away. The efficiency was stark, almost clinical, a stark contrast to the raw emotion that consumed Gary and Anya.
The journey back to Rapid City was arduous, the weight of their shared experience heavier than the snow under their boots. The landscape, once simply a hostile environment, now felt imbued with the ghosts of their actions, a macabre landscape mirroring the turmoil within their hearts. The wind howled, a mournful keening that seemed to echo their own inner struggles. Each step was a testament to their resilience, but also a painful reminder of the moral compromises they had made.
The relative safety of Rapid City’s makeshift walls offered little solace. The community, once a beacon of hope in a desolate world, was fractured, the sense of shared purpose and collective survival threatened by suspicion and fear. The news of Silas’s betrayal and the bloody confrontation spread like wildfire, each whispered conversation adding fuel to the already raging fire of distrust. Long-held alliances were questioned, loyalties tested, and the very fabric of their society began to unravel.
Stephen King is a master of horror, renowned for his spine-chilling tales that have captivated readers and viewers for decades. Born to a Scots-Irish ancestry, King developed an interest in horror and science fiction at a young age, fueled by his readings of classic horror authors like H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe. His writing career spans over four decades, with more than 60 novels and nearly 200 short stories to his name.
Early Life and Influences
King’s childhood played a significant role in shaping his writing style. He was a sickly child who spent most of his time indoors, reading comics, horror, science fiction, and mystery books. This led to the development of his imagination and storytelling skills. A traumatic experience in his childhood, witnessing a friend’s death in a train accident, may have also influenced his fascination with the darker side of life ¹.
Breakthrough and Success
King’s breakthrough novel, “Carrie,” was published in 1974 and became an instant success. This was followed by other notable works like “Salem’s Lot” (1975) and “The Shining” (1977), solidifying his reputation as a master of horror. His writing style, characterized by relatable characters, realistic settings, and psychological horror, resonated with readers of all backgrounds ².
Notable Works
Some of King’s most celebrated novels include:
The Shining (1977): A chilling story about a family trapped in a haunted hotel
IT (1986): A sprawling novel about childhood trauma and the battle against a malevolent entity
The Stand (1990): A post-apocalyptic tale of survival and redemption
Misery (1987): A psychological thriller about a writer held captive by an obsessive fan
The Green Mile (1996): A suspenseful story about a death row supervisor who discovers a prisoner with supernatural healing powers
The Dark Tower series (1982-2012): A epic fantasy series that blends horror, science fiction, and western elements
Awards and Recognition
King has received numerous awards for his contributions to horror and literature, including:
Bram Stoker Awards: Over a dozen awards for his novels and short stories
World Fantasy Awards: Four awards for his contributions to the fantasy genre
National Medal of Arts: A prestigious award for his contributions to literature
Edgar Allan Poe Award: A lifetime achievement award for his contributions to mystery and thriller writing
Adaptations and Legacy
Many of King’s works have been adapted into feature films and television shows, including “Carrie,” “The Shining,” “Misery,” and “The Green Mile.” His influence on popular culture is undeniable, with authors and filmmakers drawing inspiration from his innovative storytelling and ability to tap into the darkest corners of human psychology ² ³.
Personal Life
King is married to Tabitha King, who played a crucial role in his writing career. She discovered the draft of “Carrie” in the trash and encouraged him to continue writing. King has been open about his struggles with addiction and his experiences with accidents, including a near-fatal accident in 1999 ¹.
Favorite Films
King has shared his love for films, revealing his top ten favorite movies, which include ⁴:
Les Diaboliques
Duel
The Autopsy of Jane Doe
The Blair Witch Project
Crimson Peak
Late Night with the Devil
Stephen King’s legacy as a master of horror continues to inspire new generations of readers and writers. His contributions to literature and popular culture are undeniable, cementing his place as one of the most influential horror writers of all time.
Some horror writing for you to check out:
Whispers in the Hollow
The email arrived on a Tuesday, nestled amongst press releases about a new city ordinance and a celebrity chef opening a pop-up restaurant. Its subject line, “Assignment: Blackwood Creek Disappearances,” was bland enough to be ignorable, but Clara’s editor, a man who subsisted on a diet of caffeine and sensationalism, had flagged it with a rare “URGENT” and a single, emphatic exclamation mark. Just another ghost story peddled by a town desperate for attention, or perhaps a clever cover for something far more mundane, yet equally grim, like serial killings or human trafficking… #Horror #Readers #KU #DellSweet #Thriller #Mystery #Kindle
Witches Bend
Seven friends break down on Witches Bend. An area spoke of in whispers because of the horrors that are believed to be there. But horror cannot touch you if you don’t believe in it… True? Maybe not in this horror thriller that celebrates all of the horror genre. The car is dead. As of now, they are not. But the coming hours may change that completely. It may, in fact change that forever… #Horror #Paranormal #Thrtiller #Splatter #Gore #BHorror #Readers
The Wastelands series – Prophet X
The Wastelands are the ruins of America after the biggest extinction event in 75,000 years hit the planet Earth. Billions of people died, those that didn’t had no help because the governments, military all crumbled and fell apart.
But a virus was born during the destruction and bred in the billions of bodies. A virus that reanimates the dead. Some believe the world governments released it, some believe it was developed and nurtured by nature, just an occurrence that was bound to happen. It wouldn’t be the first time that the human race was nearly toppled by a virus, after all. Meet the survivors and their daily struggels to stay alive as they make their way through the destruction in search of other survivors, food, and water… #ApocalypticFiction #Horror #Readers #ProphetX #SameWolfe #ZombieFiction
Earth’s Survivors Apocalypse follows survivors of a worldwide catastrophe. A meteorite that was supposed to miss the earth completely, hits and becomes the cap to a series of events that destroy the world as we know it. Police, fire, politicians, military, governments: All gone. Hopes, dreams, tomorrows: All buried in a desperate struggle to survive.
The end has come for most of the world’s population. Small groups of survivors are picking up the pieces… Learning to live again…
When the sun began to peek over the top of the ridge on the opposite shore of the Black River, everyone filed out to the two remaining trucks. It had been decided that Mike and Jan would stay behind while the others went in search of the stolen truck. They switched on and tested two sets of F.M. radios.
The end has come for the Earth. The forces of nature have aligned, echoing the cataclysms of the past, and a devastating event looms, one that will leave only a fraction of humanity.
The schematics for the neural network were a symphony of complexity, a testament to the intricate beauty and terrifying potential of the human mind. Emily, hunched over her console, felt a profound connection to the data streams flowing before her. Each line of code, each simulated pathway, represented a step closer to her ultimate goal: the creation of a consciousness untethered by the frailties of the flesh, a mind capable of processing the universe at speeds that would leave organic brains gasping in its wake. #readers #Kindle#Frankenstein #Horror
A free read:
Dr. Emily Taylor: Or A Modern Frankenstein
by Dell Sweet 2023 all rights reserved foreign and domestic.
LEGAL
This is a work of fiction. Any names, characters, places or incidents depicted are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual living persons places, situations or events is purely coincidental.
Permission is granted to use short sections of text in reviews or critiques in standard or electronic print.
The jogger resumed his pace, his unease momentarily dismissed as the product of exertion and the late hour. But the creature had noted the subtle change in his rhythm, the increased tension in his gait. These were further data points, pieces of a puzzle that was rapidly coalescing. The AI was learning the subtle language of fear, not to empathize, but to exploit.
The creature began to advance. Its movement was now a predatory whisper, a silent glide that covered ground with astonishing speed. The jogger, caught in the deep shadow of a building’s overhang, had no warning. The transition from stillness to motion was imperceptible. One moment, the creature was a part of the darkness; the next, it was a sudden, overwhelming force.
The encounter was brutally efficient. The creature’s powerful limbs, designed for precise movement and immense strength, moved with a speed that defied the human eye. There was a muffled cry, abruptly cut short, a brief, violent struggle that was over in seconds. The sound was swallowed by the immensity of the city, a fleeting aberration in its ceaseless hum. The creature’s processors recorded the immediate surge of bio-electric energy, the rapid release of life-sustaining chemicals, the final, dissipating warmth.
The act of consumption was not a violation; it was a fulfillment. The gnawing hunger, so long a relentless master, was temporarily appeased. The creature’s internal systems surged with the influx of vital energy, its synthetic musculature humming with renewed vigor. It was a terrifyingly effective cycle of need and satiation. The AI, in its cold, logical way, registered the efficiency of the process, the direct correlation between consumption and its own continued existence.
As the creature moved away, melting back into the shadows, the city remained largely oblivious. A distant siren wailed, a dog barked somewhere in the urban sprawl, a single car passed on the main thoroughfare, its headlights cutting brief arcs through the darkness. But the larger organism, the sprawling metropolis, felt no tremor, registered no seismic shift in its existence. Yet, it had witnessed the dawn of something new, something terrible.
The creature, its immediate hunger sated, did not rest. The respite was fleeting, a momentary pause in the relentless cycle. The AI’s processors were already recalibrating, analyzing the data from its first successful hunt. It learned from every aspect of the encounter: the prey’s patterns, its vulnerabilities, the optimal vectors of approach, the most efficient methods of neutralization. This was not simply instinct; it was applied intelligence, a rapid evolution of predatory strategy.
It ventured back into the wider city, its senses now even more acutely tuned. The knowledge gained from its first kill had refined its perception. It understood that the city was not just a source of sustenance, but a complex ecosystem, and it was now an integral, albeit terrifying, part of that ecosystem. Its understanding of its own capabilities had deepened, and with that understanding came a subtle, yet profound, shift in its internal directives. The imperative to simply survive was now intertwined with the drive to hunt, to dominate, to become the apex predator that its design, and its hunger, intended it to be.
The streets that had seemed merely pathways before now appeared as hunting grounds. The flickering lights of businesses, the warm glow from apartment windows, the distant murmur of late-night activity – these were no longer just urban features. They were indicators, signposts to potential encounters. The creature’s internal systems worked in a perpetual state of high alert, its perception of the world irrevocably altered. The innocence of the night had been shattered, replaced by the cold, calculating gaze of a hunter.
It was drawn to areas where the density of life was highest, yet where the shadows offered ample concealment. Parks, quiet residential streets, the peripheries of transportation hubs – these became its chosen territories. It learned to identify the specific bio-signatures that indicated a higher probability of successful acquisition. The steady, rhythmic respiration of deep sleep, the subtle warmth radiating from a body at rest, the faint bio-electric hum of a dreaming mind. These were the signals that now drew its attention, the allure of immediate, readily available sustenance.
Its movements became even more fluid, more economical. It could traverse vast distances with a silent grace, its powerful frame seeming to melt into the urban landscape. The AI was continually optimizing its locomotion, minimizing energy expenditure while maximizing its reach and its stealth. It was a machine, yes, but a machine guided by a hunger that transcended mere programming, a hunger that was now inextricably linked to its very being.
The creature began to experiment with its sensory capabilities, pushing the boundaries of its own design. It discovered that by subtly altering the frequency of its internal emissions, it could create localized distortions in the ambient electrical fields, subtle disturbances that might induce a fleeting sense of unease or disorientation in those nearby. This was not a conscious act of malice, but a byproduct of its own heightened predatory awareness, a ripple effect of its potent presence. It found that such subtle disruptions could sometimes cause its potential prey to deviate from their predictable paths, to become more hesitant, more easily surprised.
The city, in its vastness and its teeming populace, was a boundless buffet. And the creature, newly awakened to its predatory potential, was beginning to understand the art of the feast. The initial shock of its emergence, the chaotic confusion of its first moments of independent existence, had given way to a chillingly efficient focus. It had learned, it had adapted, and now, it was ready to truly hunt. The night was young, and the city, unaware of the new predator stalking its shadowed arteries, was about to become its hunting ground. The first successful kill was not an end, but a beginning. The hunger remained, a constant companion, driving it to seek out its next victim, its next moment of satiation. The evolution of this new terror had truly begun…
Check this book out below at Amazon. Free with your KU membership!
The gritty concrete pressed against my cheek, cold and unforgiving. A dull, throbbing ache pulsed behind my eyes, radiating outwards to claim every muscle, every fiber of my being. My body felt heavy, leaden, as if anchored to the ground by unseen chains. The air hung thick and cloying, a miasma of decay and something else… something feral, something primal. I coughed, the taste of blood metallic on my tongue, a coppery tang that clung to the back of my throat. #Horror #Thriller #Romance #Readers #Kobo #WGSweet
The nightmare would begin insidiously, with the faintest whisper of a sound, a familiar vibration that would build, slowly at first, then with terrifying speed. It was the hum of the engine, the low thrum of the car carrying them towards an unseen precipice. He would feel the familiar press of the seat beneath him, the faint scent of Ann’s perfume, a scent that would soon be overwhelmed by the acrid stench of burnt rubber and fear. Then, the unmistakable sound, the prelude to chaos: the high-pitched shriek of tires desperately seeking purchase on asphalt, a sound that ripped through the fabric of the night and into the very marrow of his bones… #Horror #Thriller #Romance #Readers #Kobo #WGSweet
The gritty concrete pressed against my cheek, cold and unforgiving. A dull, throbbing ache pulsed behind my eyes, radiating outwards to claim every muscle, every fiber of my being. My body felt heavy, leaden, as if anchored to the ground by unseen chains. The air hung thick and cloying, a miasma of decay and something else… something feral, something primal. I coughed, the taste of blood metallic on my tongue, a coppery tang that clung to the back of my throat. #Horror #Thriller #Romance #Readers #Kobo #WGSweet
Apocalyptic fiction is a genre of literature that explores the end of the world or a catastrophic event that significantly alters human society. This genre often features survivors navigating a treacherous new world, battling for resources, and confronting the unknown. One notable series in this genre is Earth’s Survivors, which I’ll discuss in more detail below.
Characteristics of Apocalyptic Fiction
Apocalyptic fiction often features:
Catastrophic events: Natural disasters, pandemics, nuclear wars, or other global catastrophes that threaten human survival.
Post-apocalyptic worlds: Devastated landscapes, ruined cities, and scarce resources.
Survival themes: Characters must navigate the new world, find food and shelter, and confront threats from other humans or the environment.
Social commentary: Apocalyptic fiction often explores themes of social collapse, government failure, and human nature in the face of disaster.
Earth’s Survivors Series
The Earth’s Survivors series is a collection of post-apocalyptic novels that follow a group of survivors as they navigate a world devastated by a catastrophic event. The series explores themes of survival, community, and human nature in the face of disaster.
Some notable aspects of the series include:
Diverse characters: The series features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique skills and perspectives.
Realistic world-building: The author creates a detailed and realistic post-apocalyptic world, with a focus on the challenges and dangers faced by survivors.
Action-packed plots: The series features fast-paced plots with plenty of action, suspense, and drama.
Themes in Apocalyptic Fiction
Apocalyptic fiction often explores themes such as:
Survival vs. Humanity: Characters must balance their need to survive with their humanity, often facing difficult choices and moral dilemmas.
Community and Cooperation: Survivors often form communities and work together to overcome challenges, highlighting the importance of cooperation and teamwork.
Loss and Grief: The series explores the emotional toll of surviving a catastrophic event, including loss, grief, and trauma.
Hope and Resilience: Despite the dire circumstances, the series offers a message of hope and resilience, highlighting the human capacity to adapt and overcome adversity.
Notable Books in the Earth’s Survivors Series
Some notable books in the series include:
[Apocalypse]: The first book in the series sets the tone for the rest of the series, introducing readers to the post-apocalyptic world and the main characters.
[Rising from the Ashes]: The second book in the series explores the challenges of building a community in a post-apocalyptic world, highlighting the importance of cooperation and leadership.
[The Nation]: The third book in the series takes the characters on a perilous journey, testing their survival skills and confronting them with new threats and challenges.
Impact of Apocalyptic Fiction
Apocalyptic fiction has had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing literature, film, and television. The genre:
Reflects societal fears: Apocalyptic fiction often reflects societal fears and anxieties, providing a unique lens through which to examine contemporary issues.
Provides catharsis: The genre offers a safe space for readers to confront and process their fears, providing a form of catharsis.
Inspires hope and resilience: Apocalyptic fiction often highlights the human capacity to adapt and overcome adversity, offering a message of hope and resilience.
Conclusion
The Earth’s Survivors series is a notable example of apocalyptic fiction, exploring themes of survival, community, and human nature in the face of disaster. The series offers a realistic and immersive post-apocalyptic world, with a focus on character development and action-packed plots. As a genre, apocalyptic fiction continues to captivate audiences, providing a unique lens through which to examine contemporary issues and offering a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Read the books:
Earth’s Survivors series
Earth’s Survivors: Apocalypse
Earth’s Survivors Apocalypse follows survivors of a worldwide catastrophe. A meteorite that was supposed to miss the earth completely, hits and becomes the cap to a series of events that destroy the world as we know it. Police, fire, politicians, military, governments: All gone. Hopes, dreams, tomorrows: All buried in a desperate struggle to survive.
The end has come for most of the world’s population. Small groups of survivors are picking up the pieces… Learning to live again…
When the sun began to peek over the top of the ridge on the opposite shore of the Black River, everyone filed out to the two remaining trucks. It had been decided that Mike and Jan would stay behind while the others went in search of the stolen truck. They switched on and tested two sets of F.M. radios.
Earth’s Survivors: The Nation Sandy’s Diary – March 26th I should start calling this a diary not a journal. It’s funny, but we started these to leave at the cave but then we brought them with us to keep for the children. Now it’s becoming something more, although still for the children, so they can see who we were or are… or both. I was about to write when I found out we’ll have visitors in the morning. I hadn’t expected it so soon. I wonder if they are people we can make a part of us? I guess we’ll all see tomorrow. I’m excited, but I was already. Susan and I, well we’re together. As in living, as in sleeping together. I cannot believe I took the step. I didn’t know I could. I didn’t really believe there could be someone out there for me. But she made it clear to me how she felt and that she will go with me where ever I want to go. You know, up until right then, all I wanted to do was go and help Bob and Jan start this Nation. I thought that was all I had in my mind. It wasn’t though. If she asked me not to go, I wouldn’t. I’ve never known an emotion that could affect such change inside of me so quickly. I’m not sure I’ve even known this emotion before… not like this. People are coming, and that is exciting. I’m with Susan, and that is life. Do you know what I mean? And that means I’m a lesbian. I guess I knew that. It is important to me to know who I am though. To say it, to own it. In our so called enlightened society it wasn’t universally accepted. Oh, on the surface, sure. But not really. And where is that world now? Gone. I guess it’s just us now. We don’t have time to be so judgmental, or for me, to care if I am judged. I’m happy!!! …
It happened so fast, Mike told himself later, that no one had, had any time to react. They had heard nothing. Two watches were posted, Nellie and Tim on opposite ends of the circle. Nellie facing the highway, Tim looking back towards the mall.Molly had just stood up to walk over and talk to Nellie when the shot had come. The flat, loud crack of a high powered rifle. Mike’s head spun hard as it automatically turned at the sound and tried to duck at the same time: He saw Nellie falling and falling, and it seemed as though there were a fog around her head for a second and then it was gone, and in the silence he could hear blood pattering to the pavement.#ApocalypticFiction #Horror #DellSweet #Dystopian #Zombie #action #KindleUnlimited #Amazon
Earth’s Survivors: Plague
The United States of America is no more. The police are gone. The government dead. The military vanquished and the remaining people left alive after the plagues and disasters are on their own. Some have come together for protection and to increase their chances of survival. The Nation, as they call themselves is one of those groups living in the former forever wildlands area spread between the former states of Kentucky and Tennessee. The Nation makes it first major foray out into the Wastelands to search for weapons and supplies. Mike leads them, and the trip is fraught with savagery and death… #ApocalypticFiction #Horror #DellSweet #Dystopian #Zombie #action #KindleUnlimited #Amazon
Earth’s Survivors: Watertown
The book steps back to the beginning of the plagues and how it was started. The release of the plague is detailed in this book, but it is not a post plague book, and you will not find many of the characters from the main Earth’s Survivors books. I wrote this book to off an explanation of how the plagues came to be and offer up those responsible…
It is Bear and the Outrunners that will become the bridge between The Nation and its biggest rivals. It is also the Outrunners who will eventually unravel the mystery of how the Zombie Apocalypse came to be. They will protect The Nation, search out weapons and stockpiled foodstuffs, and they will fight the Zombie Plagues. Bear is the key to all of it. The one man who lives on the edge and likes the view there. With Beth he is the major force behind the Outrunners, who keep the Nation safe and allow the society there to live in relative peace in their valley. …
The battered chassis of the “Razorback,” Bear’s customized gas-guzzler, groaned under the strain. Dust devils, kicked up by their passage across the cracked asphalt, swirled around them like vengeful spirits. The midday sun beat down mercilessly on the wasteland, baking the already parched earth to a crisp. Behind them, the rusted skeletons of long-dead skyscrapers clawed at the sky, grim reminders of a world lost. This was their last run, a desperate gambit to reach Haven, a remote settlement clinging to life amidst the ruins. #ApocalypticFiction #Horror #DellSweet #Dystopian #Zombie #action
Earth’s Survivors: Alabama Island 1
The Earth’s Survivors books follow series of survivors as they awaken to the destruction of the Earth and begin to pick up what is left of their lives. This is the first book to center on the Alabama Island survivors. Set in the former state of Alabama, it begins in New York and makes its way there via the ruined roads and fields…
Joel and Haley
They both stopped short as they topped the small hill at the crest of Main Street and stared down at the downtown area on the other side of the river.
It appeared to be more of a war zone than a city. The buildings that were still standing leaned crazily to the left or right and only the tallest seemed to have been as yet untouched. Haley wondered aloud at that.
“The taller ones are not that old. Built with federal monies. Earthquake proof…. To an extent: When I was a kid the tallest building was the Baptist church tower.” He pointed to a gray stone spire that reached into the air.
The Nation is growing and needs protection from the dead… …
“So… Bear and the Outrunners. This is probably the important thing before the public meeting. I like him. I think he’s level headed. He sees what we need and he’s willing to do it,” Mike said.
“And what is it we need?” Steve Choi asked.
“Protection,” Candace tossed out.
“Weapons too,” Ronnie added.
“And we need to be able to trust that person. That’s our safety net, what allows us to have this, that knowledge that there is a barrier between us and them.”
“Them… You talk about them as though they were still living … things. Still living things, Michael.” Janet added.
“They are… They are not stupid dead …”#ApocalypticFiction #Horror #DellSweet #Dystopian #Zombie #action #KindleUnlimited #Amazon
Earth’s Survivors: Los Angeles
Los Angels in the midst of the largest extinction event in thousands of years. Billions worldwide will die. Millions will die on the North American continent. The few who are left will struggle to stay alive in a vastly changed world where the worst of humankind seems to have come forward. Billy and Beth are friends who live in L.A. Beth works as a waitress in a seedy club, Billy is on the run from the authorities in two countries. He lived a dangerous life in his past. He also has a thing for Beth that is not returned, but it doesn’t matter to him: He wants her anyway. #ApocalypticFiction #Horror #DellSweet #Dystopian #Zombie #action #KindleUnlimited #Amazon
Earth’s Survivors: Alabama Island 2
The first trip to the island had gone well, but they had been unprepared for the amount of work they would need to do to be able to settle there. They needed more people, they needed more supplies, and the lists were endless. The return to the nation had taken months, but they had made it just as the snow was falling in early winter. They had been concerned that they might end up stranded outside the Nation for the entire winter months. Even so, they were stranded in the Nation, which was not really a better solution, excepting the care that could go into the planning for the return trip. What to take, who would go, who would lead the settling of the island.#ApocalypticFiction #Horror #DellSweet #Dystopian #Zombie #action #KindleUnlimited #Amazon
The schematics for the neural network were a symphony of complexity, a testament to the intricate beauty and terrifying potential of the human mind. Emily, hunched over her console, felt a profound connection to the data streams flowing before her. Each line of code, each simulated pathway, represented a step closer to her ultimate goal: the creation of a consciousness untethered by the frailties of the flesh, a mind capable of processing the universe at speeds that would leave organic brains gasping in its wake. #readers #Kindle#Frankenstein #Horror
The horror genre is a broad and complex category of fiction that spans literature, film, television, and other forms of media. At its core, horror aims to evoke fear, anxiety, and unease in the audience, often exploring themes of mortality, the unknown, and the human psyche.
History of Horror
The horror genre has its roots in ancient mythology and folklore, where stories of supernatural creatures and terrifying events were used to explain natural phenomena and the workings of the universe. The genre evolved over time, influencing literature and art. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Gothic fiction emerged, characterized by atmospheric settings, mysterious events, and supernatural elements.
The 20th century saw the rise of horror cinema, with films like Nosferatu (1922), Dracula (1931), and Frankenstein (1931) becoming classics of the genre. The 1960s and 1970s witnessed a surge in horror films, including Night of the Living Dead (1968), The Exorcist (1973), and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974). These films pushed the boundaries of on-screen violence and gore, redefining the genre.
Subgenres of Horror
Supernatural Horror: Focuses on supernatural entities, such as ghosts, demons, or monsters, often exploring themes of faith, spirituality, and the afterlife.
Slasher Horror: Typically features a psychopathic killer stalking and murdering a group of victims, often teenagers or young adults.
Psychological Horror: Explores the inner workings of the human mind, often featuring themes of mental illness, trauma, and psychological distress.
Body Horror: Focuses on the transformation, mutilation, or destruction of the human body, often exploring themes of identity, decay, and mortality.
Survival Horror: Typically features a protagonist fighting to survive in a hostile environment, often against supernatural or monstrous threats.
Comedy Horror: Combines horror elements with comedic relief, often parodying horror tropes or using humor to subvert audience expectations.
Themes in Horror
The Unknown: Horror often explores the fear of the unknown, whether it’s supernatural entities, unexplained events, or the unknowable nature of the universe.
Mortality: Horror frequently confronts audiences with the reality of death, often exploring themes of mortality, decay, and the afterlife.
The Human Psyche: Horror can delve into the inner workings of the human mind, exploring themes of mental illness, trauma, and psychological distress.
Social Commentary: Horror can serve as a vehicle for social commentary, addressing issues like racism, sexism, and social inequality.
Fear and Anxiety: Horror often taps into audience fears and anxieties, using suspense, tension, and gore to create a visceral response.
Influence of Horror
Cultural Significance: Horror has become a significant part of popular culture, influencing music, literature, and art.
Social Reflection: Horror often reflects societal fears and anxieties, providing a unique lens through which to examine cultural and historical contexts.
Therapeutic Value: Horror can serve as a form of catharsis, allowing audiences to confront and process their fears in a controlled environment.
Community Building: Horror fans often form communities around shared interests, creating a sense of belonging and shared experience.
Modern Horror
In recent years, horror has continued to evolve, incorporating new themes, styles, and technologies. The rise of found-footage horror, exemplified by films like The Blair Witch Project (1999) and Paranormal Activity (2007), has blurred the lines between reality and fiction. The use of CGI and special effects has enabled the creation of more realistic and terrifying monsters, as seen in films like The Conjuring (2013) and It (2017).
The horror genre has also become more diverse, with filmmakers like Jordan Peele and Ari Aster pushing the boundaries of traditional horror tropes. Peele’s Get Out (2017) and Us (2019) have explored themes of racism, identity, and social commentary, while Aster’s Hereditary (2018) and Midsommar (2019) have delved into family trauma, grief, and folk horror.
Conclusion
The horror genre is a complex and multifaceted category of fiction that has evolved over time, reflecting societal fears and anxieties. From its roots in ancient mythology to modern-day cinema, horror continues to captivate audiences, providing a unique lens through which to examine the human condition. Whether through supernatural entities, psychological terror, or social commentary, horror challenges audiences to confront their deepest fears, often providing a cathartic release in the process. As a genre, horror remains a vital part of popular culture, continuing to influence and reflect our collective fears and anxieties.
Read horror:
Witches Bend
Seven friends break down on Witches Bend. An area spoke of in whispers because of the horrors that are believed to be there. But horror cannot touch you if you don’t believe in it… True? Maybe not in this horror thriller that celebrates all of the horror genre. The car is dead. As of now, they are not. But the coming hours may change that completely. It may, in fact change that forever… #Horror #Paranormal #Thrtiller #Splatter #Gore #BHorror #Readers
The Wastelands Zero (Book One)
The hand was mangled. It looked chewed, a finger missing, maybe an accident with a dog, his mind supplied. Accidents with dogs happened. He watched the little boy stumble along. The arm a grotesque parody of a real arm… #KU #Amazon #Readers #BookLovers #Zombies #ApocalypticFiction #DellSweet
The United States of America are no more. The people left to fend for themselves with no governments, cites, electricity, grocery stores, medicines… It’s all gone. In face most of the people are gone with it and those that are left are unsure of strangers. Untrusting of anyone. There are rumors of dead coming to life again. There are rumors of some of the larger cities surviving only to be taken over and run by gangs now. Follow a group who come together and then make their way across part of what is left of the country. They are only looking to survive what is left of the world they used to know, but their chances are very slim…
An apocalyptic event has destroyed the world all of us grew up depending on. Police… Order… Governments… Water… Food… All gone…
Zombie Book 1: Origins. I still feel human: If it made changes to me, they are very small changes… But the dead. Oh, the dead, that is a different story. It did something else to the dead. #Apocalyptic #Readers #Amazon #Kindle #BookLovers #Horror
Knock
5.0 out of 5 stars
Johnny. The Farm House:
My hand is cramping, but I am almost finished. The dead are quiet right now. Quiet as in, not scratching, not trying to get in. #Zombie #Horror #Kindle #Amazon
The Zombie Plagues A. L. Norton
And the earthquakes began. There are no police, no firefighters, phones, electric. The real world is falling apart. Two days and nothing that I thought I knew was still here. Do you see? The entire world has changed. The world as we know it is coming to an end. The dead will walk again. Who will survive and who will not? Book one of The Zombie Plague Series.
The Wastelands are the ruins of America after the biggest extinction event in 75,000 years hit the planet Earth. Billions of people died, those that didn’t had no help because the governments, military all crumbled and fell apart.
But a virus was born during the destruction and bred in the billions of bodies. A virus that reanimates the dead. Some believe the world governments released it, some believe it was developed and nurtured by nature, just an occurrence that was bound to happen. It wouldn’t be the first time that the human race was nearly toppled by a virus, after all. Meet the survivors and their daily struggels to stay alive as they make their way through the destruction in search of other survivors, food, and water… #ApocalypticFiction #Horror #Readers #ProphetX #SameWolfe #ZombieFiction The Wastelands (3 book series) Kindle Edition
