Maria Savva's Blog - Posts Tagged "dark-flash"

Dark Flash by Maria Haskins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Dark Flash is a collection of 8 flash fiction stories that originally appeared on R.B. Wood's Word Count Podcast. I remember reading a couple of them when the author posted them on her website and I enjoyed them, so I jumped at the chance to read an e-book with all of the stories in it. The first story "The Unicorn" was one of those that I had already read. It's a fantasy tale that contains a touch of magic and horror. It is a wonderfully imaginative story that has an unexpected twist at the end. A common thread running through most of these stories is that of memories, and sometimes memories from past lives or other worlds.

The second story,"Nemesis", is a fascinating and entertaining story that looks at the idea of reincarnation and past lives. It's followed by the poignant "Miriam and Cat". This story was one I'd read before but on re-reading I picked up on another theme that runs through the story, one which I'd missed on the first reading. It's a wonderful fantasy tale about loyalty and dependence, told in an enchanting way with a cat being the main character.

"Treasure Island" is another story where different worlds and timelines collide in the most interesting way. This one will have you guessing until the end and even then you won't be sure; it's a multi-layered and thought-provoking tale about dreams and revenge.

"True Words (Kirke's Bed & Breakfast)" is a dark, speculative fiction tale that builds slowly. Chloe has returned to a beach that holds a secret from her youth. The author weaves a mystical tale with a breathtaking ending.

"Chiaroscuro" is probably my favourite story in this collection. It's a story of obsession and secrets that will keep you guessing up until its surprising ending.

"OK Computer" is an awesome science fiction story about computers, future technology, and precognition. The ending again is one that creeps up on you unexpectedly.

The final story, "The Demon", is a bit of a thriller, and it also contains elements of fantasy and magic. It has a satisfying and unexpected ending; a great way to end this brilliant collection of stories.

Maria Haskins' tales are short but full of substance. These are the sort of stories that you could read again and again, and each time you'll take something else from them. They are full of imaginative, thought-provoking ideas and otherworldly characters. The prose is eloquent and draws the reader in with intriguing storylines and fantastical journeys to other worlds and timelines. It will make you think.




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Here's a list of ten of the best books I read this year.

If you're looking for something to read, try one of them - you won't be disappointed!

(Slight Return) - Neil Schiller



My review: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...

Buy links:
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075PBR6F6/
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075PBR6F6/

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Dark Flash - Maria Haskins





My review: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...

Buy links:
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Flash-M...
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Flash-Mar...

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Redhead - Jason McIntyre




My review: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...

Buy links:

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Redhead-Dove...
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Redhead-Doveta...

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Condemned - Darcia Helle



My review: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...

Buy links:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07562J92P
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07562J92P


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Dark Flash 2 - Maria Haskins



My review: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...

Buy links:

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0776NSXR2
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0776NSXR2

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Forever Freaky - Tom Upton



My review: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...

Buy links:

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forever-Frea...
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Forever-Freaky...

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Deathbed - Jason McIntyre



My review: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...

Buy links:

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N1QQSDJ/
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1QQSDJ/

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Invisible Victims - Kat McCarthy



My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Buy links:

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...

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The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle



My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Buy links:

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002361MLA
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002361MLA

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Stuff The Turkey - Tara Ford



My review: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...

Buy links:

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...