Monsters are Real and They are Human: Those Who Live in Darkness Sheds Light on the Dark Side of Humanity

 

Those Who Live in Darkness, Volume One

Dan Shrader

Independently Published, 2024

ISBN-13: ‎979-8874489052

125 ppg.

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If you have ever wanted to dive deep into madness, get a taste of the worst of humanity, and know what it’s like to be in the mind of the most vilest scum of the earth, then may I recommend reading the book, Those Who Live in Darkness, Volume One by Dan Shrader. While not every main character in these stories is the worst of the worst (I’m looking at you, Stewg), every story shines a spotlight on someone who is evil to the core.

 

These stories are not for the faint of heart. These stories are wicked, and reading them really fucked me up!

 

I have not known true darkness until I read these stories. These stories are tales of those who truly do “live in darkness” and make you question humanity. Make you wonder what terrible past created these villains, and how they ended up becoming the monsters that they are today.

 

The best part of these stories? You never see the bad guy coming. Seriously. There were many times I was reading the stories and surprised to discover that the quiet, shy person is actually the bad guy that can cause another character’s undoing. And just when you think someone is innocent, think again! Actions and words are deceiving. There is a monster hiding in every story, and the reader would be wise not to get too attached to the apparent victim or the sweet and innocent person.

 

Yes, monsters truly exist. And they are human.

 

It is rare that I come across a story collection in which I read every single story. That’s what happened with this book. Not only are these stories well written and the mood of the stories kept me curled up in my seat and dreading what happened next, but the stories themselves, with these unique characters and interesting plots, are what kept me reading every word of every story.

 

Not every single moment of all of the stories are creepy or scary. There were some funny moments sprinkled in, and I gotta say that reading the first part of the story “From the Gutters” took me back to the 80s.

 

But, for the most part, reading the stories in this book guarantees that you will be in for some chilling, gripping and gory moments.

 

Many of the innocent characters who survive the darkness in the stories come away no longer feeling the same about themselves or their faith in humanity as they once did, and after I finished reading the stories in this book, I must confess that I felt the same way. Seeing the true utter darkness and evil of what can exist within a human being offered just a taste of the darkness that exists within people in the real world. The villains in these stories are so lifelike and written realistically that after knowing these monsters, I started to feel uneasy and looking over my shoulder to ensure I was not in danger of them.

 

 

Five stars  

 

 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.