Steve Stred

*Includes the bonus novelette 'Claustrum.'Dr. Rachel Hoggendorf has seen it all. An accomplished psychiatrist, she's always prided herself on connecting to the patients who've been brought to the facility, no matter how difficult or closed-off they are. That is, until David arrives. At first, she listens to what David has to say. How he claims to be four-hundred-years-old and possessed by a demon. She diagnosis him as having multiple personalities and approaches his treatment as such. But as their time together continues, David begins to share details he shouldn't know and begins to lash out violently. When Rachel brings in her colleague Dr. Dravendash, David's behavior escalates and it's not long before they begin to wonder if David just might be telling the truth. That he's possessed by a demonic presence... and it wants out. A visceral, edge-of-your-seat novella, 'When I Look At the Sky, All I See Are Stars' is everything you'd expect from 2X Splatterpunk-nominated author Steve Stred. Frantic pacing, hooves and horns and the growing dread that what lies beyond this plane is a land filled with ash and a place we never want to visit." From philosophy to spirituality and all the complicated weigh-stations in-between, Steve Stred's 'When I Look At the Sky, All I See Are Stars, ' is a gore-soaked psychosexual possession story sure to leave you breathless, both from the full-on assault of the author's gift for splatter and suspense, but also in anticipation of whatever he does next."- Kealan Patrick Burke, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Kin and Sour Candy." Steve Stred unleashes a full throttle terror that will delight readers of both possession and cosmic horror. This one torched my eyeballs "- Tim McGregor, author of Eynhallow, Wasps in the Ice Cream and Lure." Stred's best work yet A psychosexual nightmare that only gets darker as the mystery unfolds."- Duncan Ralston, author of Woom and Ghostland." A deeply unsettling read. 'When I Look At the Sky, All I See Are Stars' is a fever dream of madness, violence, possession, death, and what comes afterwards. Steve Stred approaches each act of horror with near sadistic glee, dragging us from one nightmarish set piece to the next, racing towards a pitch-black finale."- C. M. Forest, author of 'Infested.''A deliciously malevolent slice of cosmic horror. Sinister and unrelenting, it breathlessly propels you into the unknown.'- Evan Dickson, screenwriter, V/H/S/85 and Totem

*Includes the bonus novelette 'Claustrum.'Dr. Rachel Hoggendorf has seen it all. An accomplished psychiatrist, she's always prided herself on connecting to the patients who've been brought to the facility, no matter how difficult or closed-off they are. That is, until David arrives. At first, she listens to what David has to say. How he claims to be four-hundred-years-old and possessed by a demon. She diagnosis him as having multiple personalities and approaches his treatment as such. But as their time together continues, David begins to share details he shouldn't know and begins to lash out violently. When Rachel brings in her colleague Dr. Dravendash, David's behavior escalates and it's not long before they begin to wonder if David just might be telling the truth. That he's possessed by a demonic presence... and it wants out. A visceral, edge-of-your-seat novella, 'When I Look to the Sky, All I see are Stars' is everything you'd expect from 2X Splatterpunk-nominated author Steve Stred. Frantic pacing, hooves and horns and the growing dread that what lies beyond this plane is a land filled with ash and a place we never want to visit." From philosophy to spirituality and all the complicated weigh-stations in-between, Steve Stred's 'When I Look at the Sky, All I See Are Stars, ' is a gore-soaked psychosexual possession story sure to leave you breathless, both from the full-on assault of the author's gift for splatter and suspense, but also in anticipation of whatever he does next."- Kealan Patrick Burke, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Kin and Sour Candy." Steve Stred unleashes a full throttle terror that will delight readers of both possession and cosmic horror. This one torched my eyeballs "- Tim McGregor, author of Eynhallow, Wasps in the Ice Cream and Lure." Stred's best work yet A psychosexual nightmare that only gets darker as the mystery unfolds."- Duncan Ralston, author of Woom and Ghostland." A deeply unsettling read. 'When I Look At the Sky, All I See Are Stars' is a fever dream of madness, violence, possession, death, and what comes afterwards. Steve Stred approaches each act of horror with near sadistic glee, dragging us from one nightmarish set piece to the next, racing towards a pitch-black finale."- C. M. Forest, author of 'Infested.'

Two hundred miles north of the town of Basco sits The Border. It's a quiet, off-the-grid settlement, where the residents have developed a tentative agreement with those that live on the other side of the clearing. But things are about to change forever. As night falls, a teenage girl is brutally murdered as she flees across the clearing. Now, it's up to Basco PD officers Brown and Reynolds to find her killer. But the truth is far worse than they could possibly imagine, and the more the officers uncover, the bolder the things beyond the clearing grow.'Under an icy snowfall...''Under a clear, blue moon...'North of The Border lies a land unseen by man. A land where things are ready and waiting... to feed." A harrowing ride into Arctic horror and a lot of fun to read, CHURN THE SOIL combines police procedural, folk horror, survival horror, and plenty of heart to create a surefire pleaser for horror fans." --Craig DiLouie, author of Suffer the Children and EPISODE THIRTEENSplatterpunk-Nominated author Steve Stred, who brought you 'Mastodon' and 'Incarnate, ' delivers a pulse-pounding, high-stakes story where if the cold doesn't kill you, the Forest Guards will.

Once Eldridge's right hand man, Albert Harkins has been exiled to Earth. Only Earth is supposed to be uninhabitable. As the reality of the Empyrean lies are exposed and Harkins learns more and more about what Eldridge's ultimate plans are, his hatred grows and vengeance floods his vision. Return to the world of Empyrean, Lizzie and the future that exists within the orbs. Not all that you see is real and not all that you know is true.'The Bandaged' will answer some questions and ask some more, but ultimately it'll be up to you, dear reader, to see if you can unravel the mystery before you. The follow up to 'The Future In the Sky, ' for fans of 'The Hunger Games, ' 'The 100, ' and 'Alice in Wonderland.'"'The Future In the Sky' is a compelling literary treat - wholly original, surprising and ultimately moving. I'd recommend it to anyone."-Tim Lebbon, HWA Bram Stoker Award winning author, author of 'The Silence, ' 'Eden' and 'Relics.'"Reminiscent of Bradbury, The Future in the Sky is an intimate, character-driven exploration of coming of age in a grim future. Dread builds from the first chapter and doesn't let up."- Laurel Hightower, author of Crossroads"I was only three pages in when I knew this story would be one I read in a single sitting. A sci-fi work of dystopian existence driven by Lizzie's gut-wrenching fear and a need for the truth. Steve Stred's characters jump from the pages, becoming part of your world, causing you to care what happens. Stred doesn't waste a single sentence in this must-read novella."- Cindy O'Quinn, HWA Bram Stoker Award nominated author of Lydia"Steve Stred has presented a tale of surreal, dark science-fiction here that asks questions of place and belonging, of duty and desire, and might leave you questioning your own choices... or lack of them."- Alan Baxter, award-winning author of Devouring Dark and Served Cold"The Future In the Sky' proves Stred can't be restrained by genre"- Gavin Kendall, Kendall Reviews

Earth has crumbled. The survivors now live on the revolving ship designed by Mr. Eldridge and his company Empyrean, orbiting the planet. With selection day arriving, Lizzie isn't sure what they want. Salvation or Eradication. Selection is supposed to be the highlight of a student's life. To jump and find your forever life. But one question lingers for Lizzie, more than any other. What if you jump and miss your orb?" In an overpopulated ship revolving above Earth, teens must leap for Salvation. But what exactly does that mean? In The Future In the Sky, a mind-bending post-apocalyptic study of survival, betrayal, and revenge, Stred solidifies his place as a creator of fresh nightmares. Take a leap of faith and read this book."- Lee Murray, three-time HWA Bram Stoker Award - nominee and author of Into the Ashes." Dark science fiction with a compulsively readable writing style and a strong emotional core."- Tim Waggoner, HWA Bram Stoker Award-Winning author and author of Your Turn to Suffer." In this coming-of-age tale set on a near-doomed generation ship, Steve Stred blurs the boundaries between internal and external realities. With straight-to-the-point prose and efficient narrative beats, he builds an unsettling portrait ofpost-adolescent Lizzie that is raw and ambiguous, capturing the uncertainty of every young person who struggles to discover who they will become in an unknown future."- Joanna Koch, Shirley Jackson Award Finalist and author of The Wingspan of Severed Hands"Using a crisp, cut-to-the-chase writing style, Steve Stred has penned a fascinating, dark sci-fi tale with The Future In the Sky. Following Lizzie's quest for truth and purpose in a dystopian world fraught with half-truths and secrets was a page-turning experience I won't soon forget."- Jeremy Hepler, HWA Bram Stoker Award nominated author of The Boulevard Monster and Cricket Hunters"A bleak and beautiful portrait of the future, told with Stred's unique and amazing skill. I loved it."- Sonora Taylor, author of Seeing Things and Little Paranoias: Stories

"Of Witches..." the newest collection by dark fiction author, Steve Stred, brings together eight stories all revolving around one of history's great curiosities - the witch. Steve Stred will once again take you into the deepest, darkest places. Accompanied by fifteen stunning photographs/illustrations, as well as an amazing foreword from Miranda Crites, this collection is sure to quench your crone thirst. Within this collection you'll find tales about;-A watery reunion-A story shared in a bar-Letters left after a family member dies-A chance encounter while camping-Three sisters who live on the outskirts of town-The events that follow the loss of a loved one-Strange occurrences at a property-A teenager starting to work at the family business"Of Witches..." is sure to become both a Halloween classic as well as a collection classic. Steve Stred writes dark, bleak horror fiction. Steve is the author of a number of novels, novellas and collections. He has appeared in numerous anthologies alongside Horror's heaviest hitters. He is proud to work with the Ladies of Horror Fiction to facilitate the Annual LOHF Writers Grant. Steve Stred is based in Edmonton, AB, Canada and lives with his wife, his son and their dog OJ.

EXTREME CONTENT WARNING This book contains scenes of extreme violence and sexual content. Do not purchase this book if you are easily offended or require trigger warnings One week after the horrific events at the commune unfolded, Detective McKay is left to pick up the pieces and try to connect the dots. But before he can determine who this Father character is or what his motivations were, a mysterious redheaded woman arrives at the station. With one quick act of violence, McKay is dragged into a world he'd never imagined possible. A world of heinous acts, strange events and a creature from his darkest nightmares. At the end of the day, McKay will need to find a way to survive, or become another sacrifice by Father in his quest to ascend to the Black Heaven's. The follow up to Stred's gruesome novella 'Ritual' will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Over a decade ago, Kari's husband and son went hunting and never returned. As she prepares for another long winter she longs for their return. Then one day things change. The night creatures who live in the dark have visited the day and a mysterious figure who arrives may hold the key to reuniting her with her family. For Kari, the question becomes - just how far will she go to be reunited? From Steve Stred, author of The Stranger, Ritual and Wagon Buddy comes a story that Ross Jeffery from Storgy says ""Piece of Me is like The Lord of the Rings but fused brilliantly with the darkness of say Clive Barker's Hellraiser - Epic Dark Horror Fantasy, if that's a thing? If not, Stred has created a genre all by himself.""

Over a decade ago, Kari's husband and son went hunting and never returned. As she prepares for another long winter she longs for their return. Then one day things change. The night creatures who live in the dark have visited the day and a mysterious figure who arrives may hold the key to reuniting her with her family. For Kari, the question becomes - just how far will she go to be reunited? From Steve Stred, author of The Stranger, Ritual and Wagon Buddy comes a story that Ross Jeffery from Storgy says "Piece of Me is like The Lord of the Rings but fused brilliantly with the darkness of say Clive Barker's Hellraiser - Epic Dark Horror Fantasy, if that's a thing? If not, Stred has created a genre all by himself."

EXTREME CONTENT WARNING This book contains scenes of extreme violence and sexual content. Do not purchase this book if you are easily offended or require trigger warnings Meet Brad. A quiet, hardworking man who goes about his daily routine with joy. He works as a telemarketer, trying his best to sell poorly made, over-priced products to the unsuspecting people on the other end of the phone. Brad doesn't mind though, it's a means to an end. Life's about to change for Brad. Now that Father has anointed him the Chosen one, the one to open the gates and allow them to flock into the Black Heavens. Eternity awaits. But is Brad ready to perform on the big day?"'Ritual' is a fast and thrilling dive into the depraved mind of a man and his dogma. It draws you into the horrors of a mysterious cult, and doesn't let go until the very last page. I loved this story." -Sonora Taylor, author of "Without Condition" and "Little Paranoias: Stories"

Something lurks just beyond. Centuries ago, a heinous act created a ripple that still haunts the residents to this very day. Now the kids who reside near McConnell's Forest live forever in fear. Jason lost his brother when he was young. He left with his friends to 'debunk' the urban legend and never came back. Now Jason and his group of friends are fed up and want to discover what is happening, what is the real cause of the terror holding their small-town hostage. But something is waiting for them. She may look sweet and innocent, but the friends are about to find out that pure evil can exist in the smallest of packages. She's out there. And while you may not know her name or what she looks like, the local kids will tell you if you ask, that you should fear for your life from the girl who hid in the trees. Containing a foreword by Gavin Kendall and three bonus short stories, including the story that inspired the novel 'The Navajo Nightmare.'

"Hello Scott," the creature said, its voice deep and tasting like dirt. You ever have an imaginary friend? You know, that made up person that was always there for you, always willing to play with you and letting you confide in them?" Scott, you wouldn't like my real name. So how about you just call me your wagon buddy?" What if your imaginary friend turned out to be real? And not a person at all? Wagon Buddy tells the tale of a man and his creature, his only friend, who time and time again comes to his aide. But what happens when you can't control the creature anymore?" A fresh and original suspenseful tale with shades of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Steve Stred weaves an amazing story about a childhood connection that grows more sinister and dangerous with age. After an imaginary friend turns out to be real, and not human at all, a man must make a choice. Exciting, thrilling, addictively entertaining, Wagon Buddy is a 2018 must read "Seb Jenkins, Author of Life After DeathSteve Stred is an emerging horror writer, based in Edmonton, AB Canada.

Frostbitten: 12 Hymns of Misery repackages Author Steve Stred's first two releases, here for you, in one easy to digest offering. Taking his first short story (For Balder Walks) and his first short story anthology (The Fence: and Other Sordid Tales), and combining them, Steve has delivered a devastating mix of styles to truly work its way into your psyche.12 Hymns of Misery is built in a similar manner to your favourite music album. From the intricate, haunting openers of For Balder Walks and Jim, to the bridge section of creepy, action filled stories such as The Fence and Time Out Noose, coming-of-age tales like Edge of the Woods and Virtues of the Beast, culminating with the crescendo of the tortured closers; Old Man and the Alley, the reader will find themselves transported to a dozen nightmare filled landscapes, all sure to haunt the reader for years to come." Edge of the Woods is a dark little coming-of-age tale, bringing me right back to my childhood days on the playground. Just the right amount of creepy, this one will leave you wanting more "Justin M. Woodward, Author of TAMER ANIMALS & Candy"Time Out Noose is DAMN good " J. Z. Foster, Author of The Wicked Ones & Mind Wreck

**Now fully re-edited **Do you remember the first time, you heard something go bump in the night? Or when you first played with the Ouija board and it moved on its own? What about the last time a movie or book scared you so badly, that you had to turn on all of your lights and make sure your feet were not hanging over the edge? If any of this rings true, something probably caused you to find this book. Within this book, the author of Frostbitten: 12 Hymns of Misery, Invisible, Yuri and Wagon Buddy returns to ensure you will be looking behind you frequently while reading. Left Hand Path: 13 More Tales of Black Magick collects all new tales filled with depravity and retribution. Brimming with horror, thrills and creepy chills, the reader is sure to find the hairs standing up on the back of their necks and the occult themes causing them to question the true nature of the lights flickering. When all is said and done, when you finally finish reading this batch of stories, you will have found that at some point, you locked the doors, checked under the bed, and made sure all of the closet doors are closed. You have been warned. Author BioSteve Stred is an up-an-coming Dark Horror author. Steve is the author of the novel Invisible, the novellas Wagon Buddy, Yuri and Jane: the 816 Chronicles and two collections of short stories; Frostbitten: 12 Hymns of Misery and Left Hand Path: 13 More Tales of Black Magick. His most recent release is the dark poetry collection Dim the Sun. Steve also has a number of works on the go and enjoys all things horror, occult, supernatural and paranormal. Steve Stred is based in Edmonton, AB, Canada and lives with his wife, his son and their dog OJ.