Gwendolyn Kiste crafts tales that delve into the unsettling depths of the human psyche and the visceral realm of horror. Her prose is marked by a disquieting atmosphere, exploring the formative power of traumatic experiences on her characters. Kiste masterfully builds suspense and psychological dread, revealing hidden horrors within ostensibly ordinary circumstances. Her style is distinguished by a lyrical beauty that often contrasts with the chilling substance of her narratives.
Exploring the works of Thomas Ligotti and related authors, this literary journal features a diverse range of content, including critical essays, literary horror fiction, poetry, and innovative hybrid pieces. It showcases contributions from notable writers such as Gwendolyn Kiste and Daniel Braum, alongside striking cover art by Jason Barnett. Vastarien serves as a unique platform for both critical analysis and creative expression within the realm of literary horror.
"No witch has ever been permitted a peaceful life. It starts with crows tumbling out of the clouds and spectral voices on the wind that won't leave Odette alone. And the midnight visits to the graveyard ... Odette wants to forget magic, but her magic doesn't want to forget her. Her worst nightmare is about to come true--the witchfinders are returning. And this time, the decree is clear: to burn the witch that got away."--Page 4 of cover
It's the summer of 1980 in Cleveland and Phoebe Shaw and her best friend Jacqueline have just graduated high school, only to confront an ugly, uncertain future. The girls they've grown up with are changing. One by one, the girls' bodies wither away, their bones exposed like corroded metal beneath their flesh.
For fans of Mexican Gothic, a harrowing, sultry horror novel about the forgotten women in Dracula and Jane Eyre as they combat the toxic men intent on destroying their lives.
In a gripping tale of suspense, a detective is drawn into a chilling investigation involving a series of murders linked to a mysterious figure. As he delves deeper, he uncovers dark secrets and a web of deceit that challenges his understanding of justice. The narrative explores themes of obsession and the impact of past traumas, while the characters grapple with their own moral dilemmas. With unexpected twists and a haunting atmosphere, the story keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The narrative intertwines various intriguing stories, including a murdered movie star connecting with an unexpected admirer and an enchanted orchard filled with toxic apples. It explores the lives of outcasts facing a chilling neighborhood questionnaire and two sisters concealing a dark secret in a Victorian bathtub. Additionally, the plot delves into themes of friendship and revenge, as a deceased best friend harbors a grudge from the afterlife. Each tale weaves elements of mystery and the supernatural, creating a captivating tapestry of suspense.
Thriller
Cleveland, Ohio, Sommer 1980: Phoebe bereitet sich auf eine trostlose Zukunft vor. Die High School ist zu Ende und mit ihr auch die Illusion eines schönen Lebens. Doch plötzlich verändert sich etwas. Ehemalige Mitschülerinnen durchleben eine erschreckende Metamorphose: Ihre Fußabdrücke hinterlassen Pfützen aus schwarzem Wasser. Ihr Fleisch wird spröde, die Körper wandeln sich zu Glas und offenbaren metallische Knochen, die schnell verrosten. Das unheimliche Phänomen breitet sich aus und die deformierten Mädchen werden zur traurigen Sensation. Auch Phoebe ist dabei ihren Körper zu verlieren – in Vergangenheit wie auch Gegenwart … Packende Coming-of-Age-Geschichte, die in den USA für Furore sorgte und mit dem Bram-Stoker-Award ausgezeichnet wurde. Der große amerikanische Traum beginnt zu rosten. ladiesofhorrorfiction.com: »Eine Geschichte, schön und erschreckend zugleich.« hellnotes.com: »Ein bitteres Stück American Gothic.« hellnotes.com: »Radioaktive Erzählkunst … Plutonisch. … Gwendolyn Kistes Roman ist ein phantasmagorisches Stück über den Niedergang des modernen Amerika.«
