Tag Archives: Book Recommendations

Vampire Stories: “The Paraplegic” – Farthest Star Publishing

I’m pleased to announce that Farthest Star Publishing has acquired the rights to my vampire novelette, The Paraplegic. The Paraplegic started out as a self-published ebook and went on to see several printings, including Serial Magazine. Making the front cover years ago. Farthest Star now holds reprint rights to my tale of one man becoming paralyzed from the waist down, coping with this new way of life, and a handful of ghastly beings visiting him in the middle of the night. Read my novelette The Paraplegic now, in 2024, direct from Farthest Star. Pictures and links below.

THE PARAPLEGIC – VAMPIRE NOVELETTE

by Lawrence Dagstine – Published 2024 by Farthest Star Publishing

Link to purchase (click below):

https://www.fartheststarpublishing.com/product-page/the-paraplegic-by-lawrence-dagstine-paperback

Or on Amazon:

Farthest Star Publishing Website Page:

https://www.fartheststarpublishing.com

Synopsis:

"Herbert Holtzman’s life takes a drastic turn after a horrific incident leaves him paralyzed from the waist down. Struggling to come to terms with his new reality, Herbert finds himself grappling not only with physical pain but also with existential questions about his identity and purpose. As he lies in the hospital bed, tethered to tubes and machines, Herbert's mind is consumed by a whirlwind of emotions - fear, anger, and despair. But amidst the darkness, a sinister presence lurks, a vampire who sees in Herbert an opportunity for a twisted experiment. 

Herbert's journey is one of resistance and acceptance, as he battles against both his physical limitations and the insidious influence of his vampire captor. With each passing day, he grapples with the conflicting desires within him - the longing for his old life, and the seductive allure of immortality and power. As Herbert navigates the treacherous terrain of his new existence, he encounters allies and adversaries alike, each with their own agendas and motivations. From the compassionate nurses who tend to his physical needs to the enigmatic doctor who holds the key to his fate, Herbert must navigate a labyrinth of intrigue and betrayal. 

But ultimately, “The Paraplegic” is a story of resilience and redemption, as Herbert discovers that true strength lies not in the body, but in the spirit. With courage and determination, he embraces his newfound identity, forging a path forward in a world where the lines between humanity and monstrosity are blurred."

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos”

HORROR ANTHOLOGIES: “Memento Mori – Remember the Dead…”

Pleased to announce I have a new short story of high seas thrills, chills, and undulating terror. A story about a gloomy and ominous siren entitled, “The Songstress.” It’s just one of the tales gracing the pages of Culture Cult (Pulp Cult’s) new horror-themed anthology, MEMENTO MORI: REMEMBER THE DEAD. I’d say the story fits the theme quite well too. I’ve been published with Culture Cult about eight or nine times now, and I find their books get fantastic sales and exposure in India of all places. Since I’ve been with Pulp Cult/Culture Cult, I’ve had a few Hindi or Desi readers/fiction enthusiasts reach out, and appreciate the kind words. I know there are a lot of descriptions for those races in India, so I will just use Hindi and Desi here. The book is edited by Jay Chakravarti. I’ll put pictures, wraparounds, ordering links, all that necessary stuff off to the side or way down below. And I will see you on the next one.

MEMENTO MORI: REMEMBER THE DEAD Anthology

Published by Culture Cult/Pulp Cult Press – Edited by Jay Chakravarti

ORDER DIGITAL OR PRINT VERSIONS (US or INDIA) DIRECTLY BELOW:

Order Paperback from Lulu: https://www.lulu.com/shop/jay-chakravarti/memento-mori-remember-the-dead/paperback/product-2m2z4kk.html

Order Epub from Lulu: https://www.lulu.com/shop/jay-chakravarti/memento-mori-remember-the-dead/ebook/product-yv7wyz9.html

Order Paperback from Pothi (INDIA ONLY):

https://store.pothi.com/book/jay-chakravarti-ed-memento-mori-remember-dead/

Order the Ebook from Pothi (INDIA ONLY):

https://store.pothi.com/book/ebook-jay-chakravarti-ed-memento-mori-remember-dead/

Follow Culture Cult at their socials:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CultureCultPress

Instagram: https://instagram.com/culturecultpress

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/CultureCultPub

Visit them at: https://CultureCult.co.in

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos”

PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER ANTHOLOGIES: “It’s All In My Mind” – Culture Cult Press

I’m pleased to announce I have a brand new flash fiction piece of around 600 words in length in the 230-page Kindle and print “Psychological Thriller” anthology, “It’s All In My Mind.” This is a book featuring a whopping forty-four stories by over forty authors worldwide! It’s a book of “very short fictions” you could say, tales which you could read real quick before bed, when you are stuck waiting at the doctor’s office, or just on your daily commute to work by bus or subway and getting off in a few stops. That is what “flash fiction” or “extremely short stories” are. Very quick reads, which are mentally easy and satisfying to digest.

Or are they, as this is an anthology focused primarily on the psyche! The theme: Psychologically thrilling shorts. All links will be below (as always), and book covers to the sides (also as always).

IT’S ALL IN MY MIND – VERY SHORT PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLERS

Edited by Jay Chakravarti of Culture Cult/Pulp Cult Press in India

Featuring flash fiction tale “The Approach” by Lawrence Dagstine

BUY ON AMAZON KINDLE OR AS A PRINT PAPERBACK (click box above).

CULTURE CULT/PULP CULT PRESS Socials…

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CultureCultPress
Instagram: https://instagram.com/culturecultpress
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultureCultPub

Visit them at https://CultureCult.co.in

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos, Digital Credits”

SCIENCE FICTION BOOKS: “Invasion The Dark Side of Technology Vol. 2” – Wicked Shadow Press.

Wicked Shadow Press really outdid themselves this time in a two volume series of science fiction and miscellaneous speculative tales surrounding dark technology, deadly machines, artificial intelligence, and science that can enslave us or kill us. Easily one of my ten favorite anthology covers of all time. Both books in the series are edited by Parth Sarathi Chakraborty, and some of the proceeds from the sales of these books goes to help animals in Kolkata, India, where it is already getting a warm reception. My story is not about AI (which has been a heated and dystopic subject of late), but more or less a science fantasy which involves the dark tech surrounding “buildings” and “skyscrapers.” This is a tale about architecture of the future, of other worlds, buildings that graze the clouds, and the “dark architects” who control utopias and dystopias behind the scenes. Not everything is always rosy and picturesque, even in large metropolises filled with tall buildings. Read my tale, “Architects of Change” in Volume Two of Invasion. I’m in Volume Two, so don’t forget that; but I recommend both. It’s available on Amazon Kindle for only $2.99, or as a paperback on places like Lulu. All links will be below the cover pics, as usual. Cheers.

INVASION Volume 2 – THE DARK SIDE OF TECHNOLOGY

From Wicked Shadow Press

Now Available on Amazon Kindle for only $2.99

Also available in STUNNING Amazon paperback (for the shelf collector)

Featuring Dagstine story: “Architects of Change”

ALSO AVAILABLE ON LULU (and as a print paperback there as well):

Buy a Paperback copy of INVASION Vol. 01 from Lulu.com: 

https://www.lulu.com/shop/parth-sarathi-chakraborty/invasion-vol-01/paperback/product-wjjpnk.html

Buy a Paperback copy of INVASION Vol. 02 from Lulu.com: 

https://www.lulu.com/shop/parth-sarathi-chakraborty/invasion-vol-02/paperback/product-qrrp9p.html

Buy the ebook of INVASION Vol. 01 from Lulu.com: https://www.lulu.com/shop/parth-sarathi-chakraborty/invasion-vol-01/ebook/product-v66p65.html

Buy the ebook of INVASION Vol. 02 from Lulu.com: https://www.lulu.com/shop/parth-sarathi-chakraborty/invasion-vol-02/ebook/product-dkk9r9.html

WICKED SHADOW PRESS SOCIALS:

Like WSP us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wickedshadowpress

Follow WSP on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wickedshadowpress

Follow WSP on X: https://twitter.com/wickedshadowpub

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos, Digital Credits”

The Nightmare Cycle by Lawrence Dagstine – Now Available in Waterstones UK

I was supposed to put this book post up a few weeks ago, but I have been busy with diet, fitness, and some much-unneeded (for lack of a better term) surgeries. But The Nightmare Cycle has been out for three-plus months, and it’s doing pretty well on the convention circuit and in digital format (Kindle Unlimited subscribers get to read the collection absolutely free). My editor Andrea is doing a fantastic job at Dark Owl with the public event marketing on her side, and I couldn’t be happier.

But now The Nightmare Cycle is available for purchase either online OR in store at places other than Amazon and Barnes & Nobles. Other large literary retailers. I’m pleased to announce if you live in the UK, you can now get The Nightmare Cycle at Waterstones bookstores. Waterstones is basically England and Scotland’s equivalent to B&N. Here in America, we have Barnes&Nobles super stores. In the United Kingdom, however, they have Waterstones super stores. So if you live in the UK, and you prefer print over digital, why not hop over to the horror section and pick up a copy. Link below the picture.

WATERSTONES LINK (or just walk into their horror section, or one of their branches, and go up to the sales person and order): https://www.waterstones.com/author/lawrence-dagstine/1833466

Waterstones again: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-nightmare-cycle/lawrence-dagstine/9781951716349

Do be aware it’s 2023, the Age of Online Shopping and Kickstarter and Reading Apps, the age of online pretty much everything in some shape or form. Not every bookstore these days has a horror section let alone a genre section. Unless you’re signed with William Morrow or St. Martin’s Press or TOR. At the end of the day, it’s about the vendor tables; I learned that the hard way hustling in the trenches. So if your Waterstones branch does not have a copy on hand. You should be able to order a physical print edition within 72 hours from them. You can pick it up at the store or, if you are a resident of the United Kingdom, have it delivered via post.

Cursed Books: “An Ancient Curse” – Anthology of Ancient Curse Stories

My latest short story appearance comes to a “cursed book.” Not just one volume, but two… I’m in the first. Book One is where my story can be found, but I recommend both. I will supply pictures and info below, as well as little book photos to the right-hand side. Culture Cult Press (imprint of Pulp Cult) presents: “An Ancient Curse.” – An anthology featuring stories about ancient curses. My tale, as I said, is in Volume One, and it is a different kind of story about vampires and vampiric curses. If you enjoy horror stories involving strange phenomena, horror, and curses turned into fiction form, why not check it out? My story is, “The Curse of San Guadeloupe.” – 220 pages, available in paperback. Direct links at the bottom of this post.

An Ancient Curse – Anthology of Ancient Curse Stories

Edited by Jay Chakravarti – Culture Cult/Pulp Cult Press

VOLUME ONE CONTENT:

MALEDICTUS by Andre Schuck

SHETANI by J. Agombar

SPEAK OF THE DEVIL, AND THE DEVIL APPEARS by Frederick Pangbourne

SÉANCE AT PATHARUGHAT by Arun Hariharan

ELISA by Fariel Shafee

BRING OUT THE DEAD by Gina Easton

MALEDICTIO ANTIQUA by Fernando E. Silva

BURIED by Josh Poole

KITAB AL-EANAKIB by Dwain Campbell

AT THE ALTAR by Dibyasree Nandy

THE BLACK VALLEY by David Crerand

STITCHED by Ashley Cooke

SEA HAGS OF EL CALEUCHE by Maggie D Brace

THE CURSE OF SAN GUADELOUPE by Lawrence Dagstine

A CURIOUS CASE OF COLONIAL CANNIBALISM by Con Chapman

THE MASK by Christopher Michael Blake

FOR VOLUME 2, below (I recommend both):

BUY VOLUME 1 PAPERBACK (featuring Lawrence Dagstine): https://www.lulu.com/shop/jay-chakravarti/an-ancient-curse-vol-01/paperback/product-nkm2rr.html

BUY VOLUME 2 PAPERBACK (other talented authors, such as Ken Goldman and J Rocky Colavito): https://www.lulu.com/shop/jay-chakravarti/an-ancient-curse-vol-02/paperback/product-748r56.html

Edited to Add: An Ancient Curse is indeed available on Amazon Kindle (Volume 1 and 2), and for only $3.99; the price of a large coffee. Link: https://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Curse-Vol-Anthology-Stories-ebook/dp/B0C9S731PN/

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos”

HORROR ANTHOLOGIES: “The Depths Unleashed Book 2” – Skywatcher Press

And after the release of my new book, The Nightmare Cycle, comes a short story of oceanic terror that will leave you at the edge of your seat. I have a story in the latest Skywatcher Press anthology on Amazon, THE DEPTHS UNLEASHED BOOK #2. I know there is a Kindle version, not sure if a print version is in the works. All links will be down below, and book pics off to the side as usual. Skywatcher Press is well known for their bestselling undead anthologies, and similar fare, such as Pandemic Unleashed and The Dead Unleashed. I’m sharing a TOC with some familiar names too, like Jeff Parsons and Gregory Norris, who you might recognize from short story magazines of the 2000s era. The name of my story is: “The Underwater Menace.”

Remember, I’m in BOOK 2. The one with the horrific fishy and diver staring it down.

THE DEPTHS UNLEASHED VOLUME 2

Anthology of Underwater Horror – Featuring my story: “The Underwater Menace”

ORDER ON AMAZON KINDLE (preview below, be redirected):

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lawrence-Dagstine/author/B001K8UG5K

SKYWATCHER PRESS WEBSITE:

https://www.skywatcherpress.com/

OTHER ANTHOLOGIES AVAILABLE FROM SKYWATCHER PRESS:

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos, Digital Credits”

The Nightmare Cycle by Lawrence Dagstine – Now available in Barnes & Nobles

Just here today real quick to announce that my latest horror collection, The Nightmare Cycle, from Dark Owl Publishing, is available in Barnes & Nobles. Not just Amazon or horror specialty stores and conventions. You can obtain it online or through “select physical stores.” Probably the ones that have a horror section. If they don’t have it in stock, it can usually be obtained within two business hours (this can also mean one day). I’ll leave ISBN info down below, in case you want your local B&N brick and mortar to get it in for you. While I love the ease of Amazon and ereaders, personally, I prefer going and sitting with a cup of coffee or tea in a physical bookstore. Call me old-fashioned, but I will never tire of it. I’ll throw up the Amazon link as well. Cheers.

THE NIGHTMARE CYCLE by Lawrence Dagstine

NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH/IN BARNES & NOBLES

LINK: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-nightmare-cycle-lawrence-dagstine/1143495335

PRODUCT DETAILS – ISBN:

ISBN-13:9781951716349
Publisher:Dark Owl Publishing
Publication date:04/17/2023
Pages:202
Product dimensions:5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.46(d)

Or, if you prefer Amazon and Kindle (best of both worlds):

NEW BOOKS: “Lost, Stories of Missing People and Things” – Culture Cult Press

My latest appearance comes to a new anthology by Culture Cult Press, who I have been published with around three times before. They have very good distribution in India, and some of the proceeds from their books goes to help animals. So if you are an animal lover like myself (I have a pet turtle), and love to read, it is for a worthy cause. It is a themed anthology, and available in TWO volumes. Not just one book, but two. I have a story in the first one. I’ll put links all the way down below, like usual, and book pics off to the side.

The name of the anthology, LOST: A book of missing people and things. My story fits the theme perfectly. It is about a missing alien. It is speculative fiction. And the owner of this alien has to go looking for his adopted creature from another world. It is both heartwarming and satirical. Be sure to check out my story, “I Want My Alien Back.” Only in Volume One. Cheers.

LOST: An Anthology by Culture Cult Press

Volumes One & Two – Edited by Jay Chakravarti

Volume One featuring Dagstine story: “I Want My Alien Back.”

LULU purchase link for Paperback VOLUME ONE: 

https://www.lulu.com/shop/jay-chakravarti/lost-vol-01/paperback/product-2km58d.html

LULU purchase link for Epub VOLUME ONE: 

https://www.lulu.com/shop/jay-chakravarti/lost-vol-01/ebook/product-v689p5.html

POTHI (India Only) purchase link for Paperback: 

https://store.pothi.com/book/jay-chakravarti-ed-lost-vol-01/

POTHI (India Only) purchase link for Ebook (Epub and PDF): 

https://store.pothi.com/book/ebook-jay-chakravarti-ed-lost-vol-01/

LULU purchase link for Paperback VOLUME TWO: 

https://www.lulu.com/shop/jay-chakravarti/lost-vol-02/paperback/product-rnme22.html

LULU purchase link for Epub VOLUME TWO: 

https://www.lulu.com/shop/jay-chakravarti/lost-vol-02/ebook/product-em78mr.html

POTHI (India Only) purchase link for Paperback: 

https://store.pothi.com/book/jay-chakravarti-ed-lost-vol-02/

POTHI (India Only) purchase link for Ebook (Epub and PDF): 

https://store.pothi.com/book/ebook-jay-chakravarti-ed-lost-vol-02/

PUBLISHER INFO/CULTURE CULT on Social Media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CultureCultPress
Instagram: https://instagram.com/culturecultpress
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultureCultPub

Visit them at: https://CultureCult.co.in

Just a quick reminder, that a portion of the anthology proceeds (as well as many other Culture Cult book projects) does go to help animals in India (charity). My story, about a lost alien, is in Volume One. The first book. I’m not sure if it’s coming to Amazon or not, because Amazon has become very expensive (they went up again) due to the state of the economy. But if it does appear on Amazon, I’ll drop a link down here.

Oh, the turtle in the picture is “Bowser” by the way.

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos”

New Anthologies: “Classics Remixed” – Left Hand Publishers

I have a science fiction story in Left Hand Publishers speculative fiction anthology, titled: CLASSICS REMIXED. Edited by Karen T. Newman. This is a big beefy book, chock full of imaginative stories of characters we know from past fairy tales, novels, and folklore. What happens when you take famous story characters and put them in different scenarios, speculative situations, or twist around a fairy tale? You get Classics Remixed. An anthology of classic characters REMIXED and REIMAGINED into something new and different. It has beautiful cover art, and as always when I update my website, I will leave pictures of book covers, a lineup of the author talent (Table of Contents), and links to the publisher’s website and places like Amazon, where you can order this book in trade paperback form.

CLASSICS REMIXED

An Anthology: Edited by Karen T. Newman

ClassicReMix_Cover-SMALL-FRONT

Left Hand Publisher’s Online Store (order book):

https://lefthandpublishers.com/shop/

Classics Remixed – Order from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Classics-ReMixed-anthology-classic-tales/dp/1949241114/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=classics+remixed&qid=1560065576&s=gateway&sr=8-2

ClassicReMix_Cover-SMALL-WHOLE

Table of Contents for Classics Remixed:

Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother Tells All by Jill Hand
The inside story behind one of our favorite fables
Sailor’s Saga by Steve Rouse
Old Man and the Sea meets Moby Dick meet 20,000 Leagues
Not a Single Soul by Tom Howard
A good witch, a wicked witch, but which witch is which?
The Maze Under the Clouds by Blake Jessop
A sci-fi spin on the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur
The Upper Hand by A.P. Sessler
In a spin on “The Monkey’s Paw,” be careful what you wish for…
Of House and Home by Eric Andrews-Katz
Were Hansel and Gretel the victims? Not so much.
Solomon’s Moon by Kevin M. Folliard
Not all invisible men are created equal. Some are just bad.
A Taste of Wonderland by Gregory L. Norris
Starvation twists Alice, Wonderland, and all its inhabitants
Gluttony by Henry Herz
What happens below decks, stays below decks in this biblical misadventure.
Moby n’ Queegs by William Ade
This ain’t your daddy’s Moby Dick
Follicles, Fables & Follies by Paul K. Metheney
Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down … never mind
Jane, Designed to Love by Brandon L. Summers
Jane Eyre or A.I.? Do androids dream of electric love?
Ding Dong the Pitch is Deadly by Jonathan Shipley
There’s no place like home plate
Catcher in the Crawlspace by Jay Seate
Catcher in the Rye or Stalker in the Crawlspace?
Curse of Avalon by Anthony Regolino
That’s no Lady of the Lake…
Treasure Moon by Robert Allen Lupton
Treasure Island with a sci-fi twisted sense of humor
Noah from Mars by Lawrence Dagstine
Science fictions versus one family’s faith
Strike the Match by Robert Petyo
The Three Musketeers go bowling. Seriously.
Handsome and Greedy by Katherine Brown
Hansel and Gretel like you’ve never seen them before
Copper County Fair by Cheryl Stevens Clark
The story of the Minotaur comes to Copper County
Mermaid by Karen Janowsky
The Little Mermaid in modern day prose
A Novel Gathering by Neil Childs
A band of fictional rogues who attempt to rob the poor to feather their own nests

 

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos”