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Day by Day
Tired of living in her older sister’s shadow, Tina enjoys the attention of her mum’s new boyfriend, Trevor. He treats her like an adult, introducing her to alcohol and drugs. But Trevor has an ulterior motive, the consequences of which will tear her life apart.
58 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2012
1 person is currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Shaun Jeffrey
26 books181 followersShaun Jeffrey was brought up in a house in a cemetery, so it was only natural for his prose to stray towards the dark side when he started writing. He has had five novels published, The Kult, Killers, Evilution, Fangtooth and Deadfall, and one collection of short stories, Voyeurs of Death. He has also had over 40 short stories published in places such as Dark Discoveries and Cemetery Dance. His novel The Kult was optioned for film.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 22, 2012
Tina is a young girl, not yet sixteen, from a broken home. She sees her father infrequently, has a loveless relationship with her mother, and is picked upon by her elder sister. Rachel, the sister, can get away with almost anything. Tina cannot—until Trevor enters their lives. Although dating Tina’s mum, Trevor offers the girl everything she wants: new clothes, self respect, and affection. But Trevor’s intentions aren’t pure and Tina will find out, but not until it’s too late.
This is a situation played out all too frequently in Britain, and probably all over the world, and this situation happens in real life, not just in the fictional world of Shaun Jeffrey. And that’s what makes this short story hit home: the reality of it. Trevor plays Tina and grooms her for sex, and Tina isn’t the first and unfortunately she won’t be the last. It certainly struck a distressing chord for me, as I am a father of two young daughters and the thought of someone using one of my children in the way Trevor abuses Tina is right up there on the list of “father’s worst nightmare”.
Jeffrey exploits this all too well with his writing style, telling the story from Tina’s viewpoint and this gives the story a more personal feel to it. I doubt Day by Day would have been as effective had the prose been third person. Does a story this short warrant objective criticism? Probably not, but it did start off a little slow (after the Prologue hook, of course) and Tina’s descent into torment could have been explored in greater detail which would have fleshed the narrative out a bit more, but the guts of the story are there and this tale succeeds despite its short length.
Shaun Jeffrey might be better known for his zombies and sea monsters and other such beasts but, with Day by Day, he shows us that it’s the monsters of mankind we should fear the most.
"A percentage of any profits from this story will be donated to a children's charity to help those affected by sexual exploitation." Thumbs up, Shaun; nice one mate. Kind of makes me feel guilty that I downloaded it during the free promotion.
This is a situation played out all too frequently in Britain, and probably all over the world, and this situation happens in real life, not just in the fictional world of Shaun Jeffrey. And that’s what makes this short story hit home: the reality of it. Trevor plays Tina and grooms her for sex, and Tina isn’t the first and unfortunately she won’t be the last. It certainly struck a distressing chord for me, as I am a father of two young daughters and the thought of someone using one of my children in the way Trevor abuses Tina is right up there on the list of “father’s worst nightmare”.
Jeffrey exploits this all too well with his writing style, telling the story from Tina’s viewpoint and this gives the story a more personal feel to it. I doubt Day by Day would have been as effective had the prose been third person. Does a story this short warrant objective criticism? Probably not, but it did start off a little slow (after the Prologue hook, of course) and Tina’s descent into torment could have been explored in greater detail which would have fleshed the narrative out a bit more, but the guts of the story are there and this tale succeeds despite its short length.
Shaun Jeffrey might be better known for his zombies and sea monsters and other such beasts but, with Day by Day, he shows us that it’s the monsters of mankind we should fear the most.
"A percentage of any profits from this story will be donated to a children's charity to help those affected by sexual exploitation." Thumbs up, Shaun; nice one mate. Kind of makes me feel guilty that I downloaded it during the free promotion.
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October 2, 2012Fifteen-year-old Tina is living a life that is unfortunately all too common in today’s world. Her parents are divorced. She only sees her father occasionally. Her mother brings home a new boyfriend seemingly every other week and has no time for Tina. And then there’s her older sister, who Tina resents for getting to do all the things Tina isn’t allowed to.
Things start to change when Tina’s mother brings home her latest boyfriend, Trevor. Far from ignoring Tina, Trevor gives her little gifts and lets her “in” on jokes only the two of them share. Starved for attention and driven by her desire to be treated like an adult, Tina doesn’t sense the danger Trevor presents. By the time she realizes his true intentions, it may be too late.
Known mostly for his police procedurals and horror writing, Day by Day continues author Shaun Jeffrey’s slow branching out into new territory, something we first saw in Dead World. In many ways, however, Day by Day is actually the most horrific thing Jeffrey has written given its subject matter.
Told from Tina’s point of view, the story pulls no punches as it follows her disturbingly rapid descent from naive, wholesome, eager teenager into that of a jaded, strung out, and exploited lost soul. And unfortunately it’s all too easy to understand how youngsters in Tina’s situation can be lead down that dark path. For all the ghost stories and tales of boogeymen that get told at sleepovers and around camp fires, it’s disheartening to realize that the real monsters in the world are more likely to hide under the guise of trusted friends and family members.
Day by Day is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK, and the author has pledged a percentage of the profits will be donated to a children’s charity to help those affected by sexual exploitation.
Things start to change when Tina’s mother brings home her latest boyfriend, Trevor. Far from ignoring Tina, Trevor gives her little gifts and lets her “in” on jokes only the two of them share. Starved for attention and driven by her desire to be treated like an adult, Tina doesn’t sense the danger Trevor presents. By the time she realizes his true intentions, it may be too late.
Known mostly for his police procedurals and horror writing, Day by Day continues author Shaun Jeffrey’s slow branching out into new territory, something we first saw in Dead World. In many ways, however, Day by Day is actually the most horrific thing Jeffrey has written given its subject matter.
Told from Tina’s point of view, the story pulls no punches as it follows her disturbingly rapid descent from naive, wholesome, eager teenager into that of a jaded, strung out, and exploited lost soul. And unfortunately it’s all too easy to understand how youngsters in Tina’s situation can be lead down that dark path. For all the ghost stories and tales of boogeymen that get told at sleepovers and around camp fires, it’s disheartening to realize that the real monsters in the world are more likely to hide under the guise of trusted friends and family members.
Day by Day is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK, and the author has pledged a percentage of the profits will be donated to a children’s charity to help those affected by sexual exploitation.
April 26, 2013
Tina is a fifteen year old girl from a broken home. She has few friends and plays second fiddle to her older sister. Her divorced mother, trying to stay young, regularly brings men home from the pub. Tonight her companion is Trevor, a smooth talking guy who makes a connection with Tina and she soon falls in love with him. But he has ulterior motives and soon Tina is on a path of drugs and prostitution to stay with the man she loves.
This is a short tale, even for a novella, at 15,000 words. I read it quickly, in just a single sitting. It’s a decent story that gets better as it progresses. At first I wasn’t greatly engaged. Initially there is a lot of dialogue, which is okay and sets the scene of Tina’s predicament. As Tina drifts into her more difficult situations, the dialogue is internal and much stronger. More time is spent on descriptive narrative and then it gets interesting and compelling.
Because of this, it feels that the characters, besides Tina, are only lightly painted as is the backdrop. As it’s a first person narrative you get more of a view of Tina, but she doesn’t spend a great deal of time on herself either.
Dodgy Trevor arrives in the book immediately. The way he manipulates Tina is well done, it’s subtle and all too plausible. And quite scary to think it could happen to your own children given the wrong circumstances.
So, overall a decent read, albeit incredibly fast, and well enough written for me to want to pick up another of Mr Jeffrey’s longer novels.
**Originaly reviewed for Books & Pals blog. May have received free review copy.**
This is a short tale, even for a novella, at 15,000 words. I read it quickly, in just a single sitting. It’s a decent story that gets better as it progresses. At first I wasn’t greatly engaged. Initially there is a lot of dialogue, which is okay and sets the scene of Tina’s predicament. As Tina drifts into her more difficult situations, the dialogue is internal and much stronger. More time is spent on descriptive narrative and then it gets interesting and compelling.
Because of this, it feels that the characters, besides Tina, are only lightly painted as is the backdrop. As it’s a first person narrative you get more of a view of Tina, but she doesn’t spend a great deal of time on herself either.
Dodgy Trevor arrives in the book immediately. The way he manipulates Tina is well done, it’s subtle and all too plausible. And quite scary to think it could happen to your own children given the wrong circumstances.
So, overall a decent read, albeit incredibly fast, and well enough written for me to want to pick up another of Mr Jeffrey’s longer novels.
**Originaly reviewed for Books & Pals blog. May have received free review copy.**
June 20, 2012
The book does a good job of describing how pedophiles groom their victims...the actions by Trevor to lure Tina are spot on and it was pretty cathartic to read, if only to realize how manipulated victims can be (knowing it's not their fault, but that the predator is preying on them because of the insecurity brought on by a broken family).
If it can stop only one teen from becoming a victim by realizing that the "hot older guy" is really a vile, evil slug, Mr. Jeffrey should be thanked.
However, though accurate, it gets four stars because I didn't totally buy the ending...
POSSIBLE SPOILER POSSIBLE SPOILER POSSIBLE SPOILER
...personally knowing how brainwashed teen girls can be, I had a hard time believing that Tina would turn around so quickly at the end of the story, no matter what Trevor did (especially given how addicted to drugs she had become). Although it can happen, I would think it usually takes a bit longer for the realization to come -- and from the drug use described in the book she'd have to go through a lot of de-tox before she had a single clear thought in her head.
If it can stop only one teen from becoming a victim by realizing that the "hot older guy" is really a vile, evil slug, Mr. Jeffrey should be thanked.
However, though accurate, it gets four stars because I didn't totally buy the ending...
POSSIBLE SPOILER POSSIBLE SPOILER POSSIBLE SPOILER
...personally knowing how brainwashed teen girls can be, I had a hard time believing that Tina would turn around so quickly at the end of the story, no matter what Trevor did (especially given how addicted to drugs she had become). Although it can happen, I would think it usually takes a bit longer for the realization to come -- and from the drug use described in the book she'd have to go through a lot of de-tox before she had a single clear thought in her head.
June 12, 2012
So Shaun Jeffrey decides to do something different. There wasn't going to be any gore or zombies. But it still piqued my interest.
Instead, Shaun's written a really heartbreaking story of child abuse and neglect. In a way, it's a good thing it's rather short. Because it's quite dark. There's no mollycoddling the reader. That's how things happen, and that's how things are related.
Tina's character is well portrayed, a typical teenage girl. She sounded very real to me.
Don't get me wrong, I love Shaun's weird ideas for stories and they never fail to entertain me. But this was deep. Tina may be a fictional character, but she isn't, really. And it's through her story that we remember how blessed we are never to have had to face abuse, and how, sadly, those things happen oh too often.
Can we go back to a zombie story now please? After all that I need some lighthearted stuff :)
Instead, Shaun's written a really heartbreaking story of child abuse and neglect. In a way, it's a good thing it's rather short. Because it's quite dark. There's no mollycoddling the reader. That's how things happen, and that's how things are related.
Tina's character is well portrayed, a typical teenage girl. She sounded very real to me.
Don't get me wrong, I love Shaun's weird ideas for stories and they never fail to entertain me. But this was deep. Tina may be a fictional character, but she isn't, really. And it's through her story that we remember how blessed we are never to have had to face abuse, and how, sadly, those things happen oh too often.
Can we go back to a zombie story now please? After all that I need some lighthearted stuff :)
June 12, 2012
This story is a departure from Shaun Jeffrey’s usual genre of horror but there is something horrific in this tale of a young girl groomed for sex by her dissolute mother’s boyfriend, Trevor. Tina lacks self-esteem which is often the catalyst for young people falling into bad company. Her family is split; she sees little of her caring father and has an unfriendly, envious and almost aggressive relationship with her older sister. Trevor appears to be offering her love, status, material goods, all she feels her life lacks.
The skill of the writing here is that through the first person narrative we watch Tina being slowly drawn into believing that Trevor is acting from love and for her own good. She still believes this when things go sharply downhill. A short novella this, but nicely done.
The skill of the writing here is that through the first person narrative we watch Tina being slowly drawn into believing that Trevor is acting from love and for her own good. She still believes this when things go sharply downhill. A short novella this, but nicely done.
December 29, 2012
A short yet poignant story of how a pedophile grooms, abuses and then goes on to exploit a teen via prostitution. During this time the young teen is groomed into thinking she loves her abuser and that she is the one making the choices.
I commend the author for tackling a topic, which is swept under the carpet by many. Often the victim is perceived to be at blame, because they are skillfully coerced into believing that they love their abuser.
The author has obviously done his homework on the subtle aspects of grooming and indeed the reader is introduced to the first successful attempt ithin the first few pages.
Short and very memorable. I received a free copy of this book for my review.
I commend the author for tackling a topic, which is swept under the carpet by many. Often the victim is perceived to be at blame, because they are skillfully coerced into believing that they love their abuser.
The author has obviously done his homework on the subtle aspects of grooming and indeed the reader is introduced to the first successful attempt ithin the first few pages.
Short and very memorable. I received a free copy of this book for my review.
August 7, 2012
Day by Day had been in my read-to-list for some time now. Probably as I am a single parent with a teenage daughter I thought the subject matter may have been too harrowing. I fancied something different, so what the heck, I’ll give it a go. It’s a short story that I finished in a day.
I needn’t have worried. Though there are some unsettling scenes but the quality and sensitivity of the writing made it a compelling read.
I think this is one of Shaun’s best works, so kudos for trying something new!
I needn’t have worried. Though there are some unsettling scenes but the quality and sensitivity of the writing made it a compelling read.
I think this is one of Shaun’s best works, so kudos for trying something new!
June 15, 2012
I've read a few of Shaun's books, from the police procedurals of Prosper Snow in The Kult to the wierd and dark worlds in books such as Dead World and Dark Seduction.
But this book is the scariest. It reads as if it's a newspaper report/interview rather than a novel story. The horror in this story is that it is the truth in many towns around the country.
I can't say I "enjoyed" it as such, but it was gripping reading and I didn't want to stop until I found out the ending.
But this book is the scariest. It reads as if it's a newspaper report/interview rather than a novel story. The horror in this story is that it is the truth in many towns around the country.
I can't say I "enjoyed" it as such, but it was gripping reading and I didn't want to stop until I found out the ending.
June 23, 2012
This novella is different to Shaun Jeffrey's other work, but it is just as well written!
The story was hard hitting, and the shortness of the book emphasised just how quickly Tina's life span out of control. Every teenager wants to be treated like an adult, so it was a real eye opener as to what can happen in this world. I commend Shaun for having the guts to write about it, especially since a percentage goes to charity to help girls like Tina.
Please, please, please buy this!
The story was hard hitting, and the shortness of the book emphasised just how quickly Tina's life span out of control. Every teenager wants to be treated like an adult, so it was a real eye opener as to what can happen in this world. I commend Shaun for having the guts to write about it, especially since a percentage goes to charity to help girls like Tina.
Please, please, please buy this!
February 12, 2013
A gripping short story about a girl who is groomed by her mother's new boyfriend into the sex trade. It feels wrong to say good things about such a horrific subject but the story is written fantastically.
I share with the authors comment at the very beginning of the book, I hope that anyone affected by anything like this can fight their way out until they see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I share with the authors comment at the very beginning of the book, I hope that anyone affected by anything like this can fight their way out until they see the light at the end of the tunnel.
July 8, 2012
A very well-crafted story by the very talented Shaun Jeffrey about a difficult subject that is in the news all too frequently.
Contains characters that you will care about and continue to think of long after you've finished reading.
Contains characters that you will care about and continue to think of long after you've finished reading.
August 4, 2012
Shaun Jeffrey’s Day by Day
This is a short novella with a huge impact. This book highlights the horrific reality of child and sexual abuse. Tina, the main character, is a fifteen year old child and the product of a broken home. She has a weekly visit with a father that she thinks loves her sister more. An older sister that she has a huge sibling rivalry with, and a mother that goes through men like tissues and tries to be something she is not, which is young again. Tina has no self-esteem and it shows. When her mother’s new boyfriend, Trevor, starts showing her attention with money, cds, and kind gestures, Tina eats it up. Little does Tina know that Trevor is grooming her for something sick and sadistic, a life of drugs and prostitution. Tina falls in love with Trevor hard, as any fifteen year old falls in love, and starts a sexual relationship with him. Tina’s whole personality changes and she becomes jealous and withdrawn. Before long, Tina will do anything for Trevor, ANYTHING, and that is when everything spirals out of control.
This is a scary novella to read for anybody who has kids, as I do, and it opens your eyes to the depravity that exists in the world. Full of shock value and emotional moments, Day by Day is a must read. The best thing about this book is that on Amazon it says, “A percentage of any profits from this story will be donated to a children’s charity to help those affected by sexual exploitation.” I hope that you take the time to buy this book.
http://www.amazon.com/Day-by-ebook/dp...
Quotes from the book:
“Had it really only been six months since he entered my life?”
“Better not tell your sister or your mum about the money. It’ll be our little secret.”
“I soon learned that monsters were real and that they were in human form.”
“It was easier to say yes and keep him happy.”
For more reviews of great books please visit: http://cynthiashepp.wordpress.com
This is a short novella with a huge impact. This book highlights the horrific reality of child and sexual abuse. Tina, the main character, is a fifteen year old child and the product of a broken home. She has a weekly visit with a father that she thinks loves her sister more. An older sister that she has a huge sibling rivalry with, and a mother that goes through men like tissues and tries to be something she is not, which is young again. Tina has no self-esteem and it shows. When her mother’s new boyfriend, Trevor, starts showing her attention with money, cds, and kind gestures, Tina eats it up. Little does Tina know that Trevor is grooming her for something sick and sadistic, a life of drugs and prostitution. Tina falls in love with Trevor hard, as any fifteen year old falls in love, and starts a sexual relationship with him. Tina’s whole personality changes and she becomes jealous and withdrawn. Before long, Tina will do anything for Trevor, ANYTHING, and that is when everything spirals out of control.
This is a scary novella to read for anybody who has kids, as I do, and it opens your eyes to the depravity that exists in the world. Full of shock value and emotional moments, Day by Day is a must read. The best thing about this book is that on Amazon it says, “A percentage of any profits from this story will be donated to a children’s charity to help those affected by sexual exploitation.” I hope that you take the time to buy this book.
http://www.amazon.com/Day-by-ebook/dp...
Quotes from the book:
“Had it really only been six months since he entered my life?”
“Better not tell your sister or your mum about the money. It’ll be our little secret.”
“I soon learned that monsters were real and that they were in human form.”
“It was easier to say yes and keep him happy.”
For more reviews of great books please visit: http://cynthiashepp.wordpress.com
August 17, 2013
A well-written page turner that chronicles a young girl's slow decline into a sleazy underworld. Personally, I found it rather too unpleasant to read but I would recommend it as a cautionary tale to any inner city youngster of around Tina's age. Glad to see some of the proceeds go to charity too. A strong 3.75/5 stars.
June 24, 2012
Not sure how many pages this was because it doesn't show on my Kindle or on this website. Really quick story but good.
June 25, 2012
Review to come
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