CAR NEX

by Terry M. West

Pleasant Storm, Texas. 1965.

A God-fearing family man finds an ancient book of secrets and is compelled to perform a blood ceremony. The Car Nex is brought into our dimension, and Hell is given form and fangs. Weapons will not slow it. Prayers will not stop it. It is coming. And it hungers.

Genres: Horror

20 pages, ebook

First published August 19, 2013

About the author

Terry M. West is an American horror author. His best known works: What Price Gory, Car Nex, Dreg and his Night Things series. He was a finalist for 2 International Horror Guild Awards and he was featured on the TV Guide Sci-Fi hot list for his YA graphic novel series, Confessions of a Teenage Vampire. Terry was born in Texas, lived in New York for two decades and he currently hangs his hat in California.
www.terrymwest.com

Reviews

[Latasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very good short story!

[Sea Caummisar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is short look at what reading old tomes can do. If I were to ever stumble across one, I don't think I would try to read it. Being trapped with a monster on the loose is not cool. I listened to this book and loved the many voices of the narrator.

[Andrew Lennon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed that story.
It was short and quick paced. A good introduction to the Carnex series.
I'll be checking out the others. Definitely

[Lexa Cain · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this horror story by Terry West, the characters are holed up in a barn, facing a dire situation. They’re pinned down by a mysterious monster prowling outside that's killed most of their friends already. One of the survivors has answers, and the others listen to his story, hoping to figure out a way to kill the beast. When the monster finally puts in an appearance, it’s as evil, violent, and well-imagined as any horror reader could hope for. And a way is found to banish it -- but not the one readers will expect.

One of the things I found most entertaining about the story were the characterizations -- farmers in a small town, used to a hard-scrabble life, full of country sayings and written with great attention to detail by West. He does an excellent job of bringing these characters to life, and I’ll definitely look forward to more from him.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Car Nex is a thoughtful thrill ride, blending terrific action with dramatic interplay. The story opens right in the middle of the action, grabbing readers by the throat and shaking us like rag dolls. The terror West presents is a whirlwind of sights and sounds. But balanced by a much more subtle tale, that of dissidence among the survivors. Like a classic Rod Serling story, we have themes about the nature of evil. Of course the Car Nex is the horrible beast, summoned into existence by the weakness of man, but West also illustrates the evils of men's minds.

Terry M. West writes with a complete command of language. His prose is quick and insightful, both thrilling and informing his readers. I can't recommend this short story highly enough! And I'm going to read as much of his work as possible, as soon as I can!

[Zakk Madness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you make it to sunrise?

Fluid, fantastic imagery and honest, developed characters that think and react in realistic manner. Mr. West paints a vivid picture that draws the reader in and then blind-sides them with harrowing situations, unapologetic mayhem and unique creatures (that's the best part, you don't get the stereotypical horror tropes). Things won't always turn out how you want or expect them to. And when a situation goes south, you will feel the pain along with the characters that you are emotionally invested in.

That is what you get with this and every other Terry M. West tale. A satisfying read.

The Mouths of Madness
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[Shadow Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam Campbell apparently never watched horror movies like The Evil Dead, or The Gate. If he had watched some 80's horror flicks, he would have known NOT to read aloud from any ancient tomes. Alas, Adam did not know the rules on that night in September.
In 1965 something was released in Pleasant Storm, Texas. Something evil.
Now, Adam needs to harness the storm cloud of fangs & talons before more people die.

[Rechan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The dialogue is a little melodramatic and unlikely, but beyond that, fairly solid for what it is.

Now, the audio version the narrator has an excellent voice, but when he does dialogue he goes a little too far in individual voice, each one is just so exaggerated it is almost cartoonish.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Car Nex is a short story taken from one the author’s longer collections, called What Price Gory. It’s also an excellent example of short horror fiction, with hints of backstory carefully saved until the reader really cares, then spread like breadcrumbs, rather like the surviving characters, waiting to be devoured. The monster approaches, but which is worse—the monster’s mere existence; the deeds it’s done; or the way it came into this world?

There’s a classic horror feel to a character telling his own tale of terror, surrounded by fearful listeners. The dynamics of the group shift and change as fear and anger vie for control. But true control lies in an unexpected place and the ending’s as right as it is surprising—the only way i could be, and so hauntingly told.

Disclosure: I got this free and I’d love to read more by this writer.

[Jada Ryker · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The thing had made a meal out of [the town], and these were the few crumbs it had dropped."

The crumbs are the townspeople who are left alive. In the short story CAR NEX, by Terry M. West, those left alive huddle together like frightened rabbits waiting for the hungry mountain lion.

The writing style reminded me of the imagination of Rod Serling, whose original scripts formed the foundation of Twilight Zone. Step into CAR NEX, and allow yourself to be terrified.

[Christina Knowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

West packs in a lot of heart and characterization in a small space! Definitely enjoy this story in one sitting.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adam Campbell releases some ancient evil following a ritual described in an old book. What is the monster's aim? Why do the men hide in the barn? What is in the buckets inside? Can Adam defeat the creature or how will the story end? Good horror tale with some eerie moments. Would have liked to read more about the book, the ritual, the creature and the reference to Hungary here. The story wasn't completely logical to me, a bit conventional, had some scary parts though. Recommended!

[Brett Grossmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great quick short story by the always captivating mr West. I took a star off for the use of the word f@ggot. Get a thesaurus and some sympathy for the people that find that word harmful buddy. You are better than this.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book. I enjoyed the story and the way it was laid out. I liked the fact that the car next was something that was insatiable and utterly alien. I wanted more and a deeper dive into the creature, but it was a good short tale.

[Tricia Toney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Four survivors huddle in a barn. One of them has summoned an evil creature from another realm. This creature has slaughtered everyone else. It is revealed that the creature can only last until sunrise. Will they survive until then?

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling!

[John Michael Stroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short fun read

I rather enjoyed this brief but brutal tale of monster mayhem. I'll be looking for other works by this author.

[Brian Mcclain · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty good short read about someone getting involved with forces so far beyond their control and the consequences of that. I felt it could've used a little more fleshing out, but minor effect on enjoyment.