In Those Fading Stars

by Andrew Najberg

A father whose son fades away every day unless he passes the boy a bit of his own life. Three robots holding a séance. A man who suffers the effects of an intergalactic portal opening in his stomach.

These stories exist at the intersection of science fiction, horror, and magic and explore both our humanity in the face of the weird as well as our most ordinary and fundamental relationships. Whether attempting to voyage to a distant star on a generational craft whose destination is so far no living passengers will reach it or whether a daughter’s new friend is teaching her to break the trendiest of dimensional boundaries, the stories press humanity against the macro and the micro scales of the universe – but everyone of them shines a light on a little piece of our souls at the core.

Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Science Fiction, Dark Fantasy

275 pages, Paperback

Published October 18, 2024

About the author

Andrew Najberg is the author of the novel The Mobius Door (Wicked House Publications, 2023) and the forthcoming novels Gollitok (Wicked House Publishing, 2023) and The Neverborn Thief (Olive-Ridley Press, 2024), as well as the collection of poems The Goats Have Taken Over the Barracks (Finishing Line Press, 2021). In addition, his collection of short fiction, In Those Fading Stars, is due out through Crystal Lake Publishing in November 2024 and his novel Extinction Dream comes out in September 2025 through Wicked House Publishing. His short fiction has appeared in Prose Online, Psychopomp Review, Bookends Review, The Colored Lens, Utopia Science Fiction, The Gateway Review, Dark Death Things, Creepy Podcast, and is forthcoming in Fusion Fragment, Translunar Travelers Lounge, and the Gods And Globes III anthology. Currently, he teaches for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and is serving as a senior editor for Symposeum magazine.

Reviews

[Netanella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short story collections tend to be a mixed bag, with some hitting home more than others. Najberg's collection "In Those Fading Stars" offers a solid selection of science fiction horror stories that resound in oddly weird ways. The opening story is a heartbreaking one of family loss, grief, and a transparent child who relies on the father for life. Or maybe it's the other way around? A post-apocalyptic world features a trio of robots who attempt to contact the dead from the human race in an strangely odd and endearing séance. And eco-tourism in space turns deadly when it meets capitalist greed.

And these are just the first three stories.

I enjoyed this collection a lot, and it publication solidifies my opinion that Najberg is a talented author whose work I will continue to follow. Kudos to the author!

[Ai Jiang]

A big thank you to the author for an ARC of the book! Below is my blurb:

IN THOSE FADING STARS transports readers across time and space, into various multiverses, while exploring the illusions of the mind, bendings of reality, mortality, the cosmic, the otherworldly through philosophical tales that dissect human nature. This is a collection filled with introspective stories illuminating consumption both internal and external, displacement and environmental disaster, the cruelty of capitalism in the face of humans' greatest desires, sorrows, and pains, all while criticizing humanity's superiority complex and need for control through the visceral, weird, uncanny, disorientating, and defamiliarizating.

[Ali O · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great collection of short stories! The book is very entertaining and each story has a uniqueness to it. There’s sci-fi, horror, and some twists! As with most collections of stories, there’s always some I enjoy more than others, but this book offers a great variety that I think everyone will enjoy this book!

Thank you Andrew Najberg for an arc copy of this awesome book!

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of wonderfully weird short fiction that answers the question, is this story horror or science fiction? With a resounding yes!

Short story collections, especially of the horrific variety, are my bread and butter. I think I’ve read at least one such collection every month this year. This offering from author Andrew Najberg is far and away the most unique collection I’ve read this year. The stories in these pages have premises as varied as robots conducting a séance to contact dead humans, a mother who just can’t understand her teenage daughter’s new fascination with dimension hopping and attempts to transmute herself into a silica based lifeform, and a shut in spontaneously finding himself the unwilling creator of diminutive creatures that see him as a god. The writing itself is obviously skillful, the stories are told deftly and lucidly even when describing the most bizarre material imaginable. There’s an admirable level of pathos packed in as well, the last story in this anthology almost made me cry. But the plots, the ideas themselves is where this book really shines, the stories were all so singular as to make for a memorable reading experience.

My personal favorites in this collection include: Do You Read?, May I Take Care of That For You? And, We Have No Spare Parts. I would gladly read anything else from this writer and hope this collection is just the beginning in an extensive career.

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Najberg's debut short story collection, "In Those Fading Stars," contains 21 stories of varying length, all of them thoughtful, challenging, and quite disturbing, with a strong emphasis on science fiction, and, less often, on elements of (cosmic) horror. Christian Bentulan's inspiring cover is a perfect fit for how most stories in the collection go: either the world is ending or it has already ended (in some sense), and people (usually a couple, parent and child or husband and wife, sometimes a figure of authority and an apprentice of sorts) either stand by waiting for the show to end, have to decide how the end will go, or discover some imaginative pocket-universe of their own, so to speak, to hide and survive in extended bouts of introspection. This triple pattern may sound simple in principle, but in Najberg's hands it becomes a recipe for a wide-ranging variety of incredible stories, taking the reader from the depths of the human heart to the haunting darkness of deep space - even to other universes! The tales frequently contain subtle social criticism, as well, not of the typical, constructive science-fictional kind, but one with some intelligent and hard-won twist integral to the narrative.

The collection leans a lot on science fiction tropes; still, the stories are often downright weird, bordering on fantasy, and a few rely on horror elements. However, Najberg's kind of science fiction and weirdness is neither the naive, scientistic sort of futuristic sci-fi "visions," nor the surreal and pointlessly bizarre landscapes of typical fantasy; the lack of realism and ignorance of humanity's flaws soon turn this type of stories boring and uninteresting. On the contrary, Najberg's tales hide sophisticated barbed stingers inside, ones that are lurking amidst the science-fictional and fantastic themes in wait for the unsuspecting reader. Two of my favorite stories develop in precisely this way: "Before You Fade Away", the opening story (its premise hinted at on the cover), a heartbreaking tale of a father-child dependence (who depends on whom, though?) and "The Twelfth Seed," a story about humanity's future told through the point of view of a girl who's being raised in a cult, and has to deal with her group's morality and traditions (what sacrifices does it take for a cult to survive, though?). Similarly, in "Meeting Quinto," a mother's authority is undermined in totally unexpected ways, when her little girl goes from throwing "Ugh" at her to shouting about "the place where the conjoinment friction is maximalized" - one should definitely pay attention when the kid starts spewing jargon! Even stranger is the premise in "The Day the Sky Split Open," where mountain-grabbing tentacles from the sky make for a singular image bound to stick in memory for a long time; all the while a father and his son try to deal with mountain-sized personal loss and trauma.

These four stories are mere examples of the greatness of Najberg's book and his amazing storytelling skills. If you're after a collection celebrating the very best of the weird and the science-fictional, "In Those Fading Stars" will certainly delight and horrify!

[AgoraphoBook Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 / 5


It's the end of the world as we know it...

(And I'm not referring to those pesky Jersey drones, or round 2 of Trump.)


In Those Fading Stars is a collection of 21 nail biting, nihilistic, science fiction stories - a few with cosmic horror elements. 


I enjoyed all the tales, to varying degrees. 

Overall, I found it to be a very dark, well written, thoughtful, and disturbingly enjoyable collection. 


4 / 5

[Jesse Bollinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found these stories to be very interesting. The mix of science fiction and horror was right up my alley. The only drawback for me was I feel like some of the stories I just didn’t get. When the endings came, I was like huh That went over my head. That’s definitely a problem with me not a problem with the book.

[Jon Cohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its always a good day when I get to read new work from the incredible Andrew Najberg! From Mobius Door, Gollitok, Neverborn Theif, and his upcoming Try Not to Die in the Shadowlands, Andrew has firmly cemented himself as one of my favorite authors of the last decade.

Now, he's back with a collection of short stories that bridge between his love of horror, Science Fiction, and tales of absolute heartbreak. These stories just further solidify my belief that there is nothing Najberg can't do. Each of the stories in this collection weave between genres, constantly surprising readers by bringing us something totally unexpected, and absolutely awe inspiring.
While I found each of these stories to be exciting, terrifying, compelling, and occasionally downright bizarre, is safe to say that there is something in here for everyone, no matter your taste.

I only have one problem with this book: If you asked me to pick a favorite, the closest I could narrow it down is to a 5 way tie of the stories? Seriously though, there isn't a dud in the bunch, and you will be eagerly turning pages the whole way through.

[Krystelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!

I really do love a strong collection of science fiction and speculative fiction stories, and this delivered on the brief for me for the most part. There were some really strong concepts in this collection, and they form the basis of my star ratings. There's a lot to be said for the late stage capitalism focus in some of these pieces, and I found them really enjoyable. Without spoiling too much, one particular one about a honeymoon and just how much credits can get you was a charming mixture of the absurd and the concerning. I really did enjoy my time with this collection.

I would say that there were some in here that I didn't connect with quite so well, and I found myself questioning their inclusion. That's not to say that they weren't good - I am sure they would be for the right reader, they were just a little tonally off for me. As a whole though, this was an incredibly strong collection, and I had a delightful time with it.

[Angel Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful set of stories by Andrew. Most are science fiction, which is normally not my favorite, but Andrew made it work. The vibes I got from the stories were those from old sci-fi-themed games I played when I was younger. Call it weird and geeky, but it added to the flavor of the collection. There is a strong emphasis on the science fiction aspect over cosmic horror, so keep that in mind.

My two favorite stories were Honeymoon and Something to Believe In.

Overall, it's a different kind of horror but Andrew does a wonderful job blending in futuristic settings while keeping it horror. I enjoyed all the stories. A great collection you have to read for yourself.

[Rhonda Bobbitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection has something for everyone, from sci-fi to horror. 21 fabulous stories are all unique in their own way. The amount of emotions i felt in this book was crazy. Andrew's writing is always flawless.

[Challis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what a collection of stories. I love the mix of creepy and weird horror and sci-fi, with a dash of dystopian. The first story? Well, that was the perfect one to start the collection, because it sure does make you feel some kind of way.
And I really, really enjoyed how unique each of these stories were. We didn't get cookie-cutter settings or characters, each story stands out on its own.
These would make incredible campfire stories, just bring along your best narrator and you'll have everyone jaw dropping and spooked by a crackling from beyond the fire light.


Thanks to Crystal Lake Publishing through NetGalley for being able to read these wonderful stories.

[Meredith L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. A very enjoyable collection of short (think 8-12 pages each) stories that span all sci fi genres.
I'm generally a fan of longer stories, but the author manages to quickly and effectively pull the reader in, with few exceptions.

Thanks to the author and net galley for the advance digital copy

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew Andrew Najberg writes beautiful novels, and now I know he writes fantastic short stories, too. In Those Fading Stars is an excellent collection! It was very sci-fi driven, but there were dystopian and post-apocalyptic stories, too, which are two genres I love, along with some that were just creepy and weird. While I liked all of them, there were definitely a few standouts. My favorite stories were Shut-In Conduit (which described a rather horrible event in a very funny way), Quick Rental, The Cornflake Ordinary, The Day the Sky Split Open, and A Scenic Place. My absolute favorites goes to Before You Fade Away, which is now in my top three most-loved short stories.

[Christopher Sweet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic collection of short stories from a talented author! The first story, “Before You Fade Away”, is heart wrenching and will live in my thoughts for a long time. “May I Take Care of That for You?” is a strange, evocative tale of loss and is one of my favourites in the book. “The Cornflake Ordinary” and “Something to Believe In” are two more favourites of mine, both strange in their own right.

Many of these stories share the theme of humanity’s trajectory and point to destinations we may be best to avoid.

All in all a solid collection of stories for lovers of sci-fi and horror alike.

[Brad Ricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to get my hands on an early copy of In Those Fading Stars. I loved the diverse aspect of the stories. Some are tried and true Science Fiction, taking you on a journey through space and time, while others have a more dark, horror feel. Andrew expertly weaves each tale, showing his wide range of talent at storytelling. There wasn’t a story I disliked and more than a few I had to read twice.

[Molly Mix · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was already a really big Andrew Najberg fan after reading Gollitok and The Mobius Door, so it's no surprise to me that this just released beautifully bizarre collection was right up my alley.

To begin with, Najberg writes smart books. Not like, sorta smart books, but profoundly smart books. I love a book that broadens my awareness and knowledge about the world around me, and causes me to entertain thoughts about what lies beyond that...above, below, adjacent, ahead.

He taps into human beings, the emotion and the connections between them, with so much depth and insight, it's almost like you know his characters. And even his robots have a sense of personality.

The first two stories in the collection set the tone for his far ranging capabilities - from a deeply unsettling cosmic grief horror about a father and his son, to a charming and subversively amusing apocalypse story I'm pretty sure introduces the first ever robot seance. The diversity of theme, genre, and scope only grows from there. It's an eclectic, wildly inventive, and thought-provoking journey from beginning to end, shifting from poignant to funny to heartbreaking to unsettling and to scary at will.

Some of the stories are open-ended - which as a previously sworn enemy of the unsolved mystery, I've only recently learned to appreciate. These stories leave you considering possibilities long after they're over.

Najberg will break you wide open and crush your heart coming and going with the first story Before You Fade Away, and the last, A Scenic Place, the latter being one of the most affecting things I’ve ever read. The way it made my heart beat a little harder, and my breath catch in my throat…it was a beautiful ache.

Do You Read? was so utterly delightful, I don’t think I stopped smiling for the entirety of the story. I mean the literal nature of robot investigators, describing windows “as dark as dead monitors” and a desk as a “wooden data-examination station” just charmed the crap out of me. And where it goes from there is so unexpected.

One of my favorite lines came from the story Meeting Quinto when a mother gets advice regarding how to communicate meaningfully with her teenage daughter. "You talk to her in the context of what she wants, not from outside it." Genius. This story put my brain TO WORK.

If I go thorough every story, this is going to get annoyingly long, so I’ll just say that I most enthusiastically recommend this collection, and leave the rest to your own discovery.

[Craig Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Najberg's novel Gollitok, so I jumped at the chance to read his short fiction for the first time. What I found was a very well-written collection, with what felt like fairly equal weighting towards sci-fi horror and to explorations of grief and loss—sometimes in the same story.

There's a lot here for lovers of high-concept science fiction. The stories frequently feel like they've blossomed from a unique premise: a vanishing child who's parent can keep from fading away by giving them a piece of their own life each day, or a world where humans moult and leave their carapaces behind, or a child who begins their teenage rebellion early by befriending a being from another dimension and starting to turn into a silicone-based lifeform.

One of my favourite ideas is set above a ship called Theseus, which explores the ideas of that name through transhumanism. If your eyes were replaced by superior man-made versions or limbs repurposed to become a part of you, perhaps your consciousness is uploaded to a network—at what point do you stop being you? Can you ever be considered to cease being a human being?

Outside of sci-fi, there are also stories rooted in a sense of loss and heartache, as well as those that could come under the umbrella of weird fiction. A lot of these were a delight to discover as the story unfolded, so I don't want to give potential spoilers here. I did particularly enjoy Quick Rental, one of the more traditionally horror reads in the collection, and one that genuinely made my skin crawl and creep me out in places.

I tend to most enjoy collections with fewer, slightly longer stories. In Those Fading Stars is made up of many much shorter reads, which has its positives and negatives. If a story wasn't connecting for me—which did happen with a few—I knew it wasn't long until I'd be starting the next tale. However, it did also mean the stories I loved felt like they were ending too soon, and I could pinpoint a good number that I would have loved to more fleshed out and to explore these fascinating concepts further.

Overall, I thought this was a very good collection of stories, and one I'd especially recommend to those who enjoy chilling sci-fi, as well as the bizarre and macabre. Even if I didn't find myself loving every story here, I always appreciated the originality and uniqueness of the ideas within.

[Mark F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twenty-one stories make up the collection in Andrew Najberg’s book, In Those Fading Stars, and what a collection it is. A wonderful blend of sci-fi and horror, this book does not disappoint, nor does it lack in stirring emotions, whether it’s fear, dread, sympathy, sadness, or any of the many other emotions these stories bring forth. With topics ranging from robots, other dimensions, ghosts, or loss of loved ones, there’s something for everyone. As with any collection or anthology, some stories I liked more than others, but I’m happy to report that I didn’t dislike any. I just felt a stronger connection to some more than others.

Najberg’s writing style also seemed to vary between the stories, to me anyway. Thinking about it, it’s a good way to bring closure to one story before moving on to the next, if that makes sense. Sometimes poetic, sometimes more thought-provoking than others, or a bit humorous, and other times like normal everyday conversation, but enjoyable through and through.

A funny note, and Andrew, please don’t take this the wrong way. But there’s a line from the story, “Do You Read?” that I have to mention. The line goes, “It was difficult to collate the practical applications of igniting sage and examining the arrangement of randomized knucklebones on velvet with establishing a communication channel with post-mortal essences.” HUH?!? I had to read that line several times while scratching my head. Then again, I started this the day after election day, so my focus wasn’t fully present. And in another part of the same story, he described books as, “…decaying piles of wood pulp”. I just found that amusing.

A recommended read for anyone interested in horror and science fiction, I give this book a 4 out of 5. My only criticism would be that the font could have been a bit larger for these older eyes of mine.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars*

"We were halfway through Mother's Day dinner when Grandma Jean started to molt."
"When my mother killed my father, we played a game she called 'Don't Look There' for three days."
"Time is short, so here is the heart of it: everything I own in my house is alive."
"The air is cold and sterile, but neither as cold nor as sterile as the nothing outside."
"The day the sky split open was the day my mother died, and I couldn't help but think that it split open because of her, or maybe because of me. Maybe both."

In Those Fading Stars is a collection of short stories that hit you right from the first sentence, some of the more intriguing ones posted above. Some are more sci-fi than horror, some more horror, some apocalyptic, some more fantasy, some brought me to tears (Before You Fade Away and The Robots Inside Us - oh my word did the tears fall 😭) .

Don't go into this expecting stories with a definitive ending. These stories make you think, make you wonder. They stay with you long after you're done reading them. My heart broke. My jaw dropped. I'm not used to reading sci fi, so sometimes my brain was a little confused and had to take longer to process things or remember what new words meant 🤣 but all in all, I seriously enjoyed this collection. It was absolutely beautifully written.

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I really enjoyed Gollitok and was excited to read a collection of short stories from Andrew Najberg. It is a great collection with a wide range of concepts and themes. Each story is unique and included a combination of Sci-fi, apocalyptic horror, and dark fantasy.

Andrew does a good job of writing about grief and loss, human vs the inhuman, introspection, and emotion. You’ll find a consistent thread of bleakness throughout, taking you across time and space into other worlds. You’ll dive into the depths of the human heart while exploring these bizarre universes (which he does a great job of describing). I really like when authors dissect human nature and bring out emotions, all while creating a feeling of dread.

I liked some stories more than others. My personal favorite is Honeymoon, which is about credits and how much they can get you. It was freaky and concerning and made me think deeply about the current capitalistic world we live in..

Pick up this collection and then go read Gollitok! I will continue to read more from Andrew.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing the ARC for my honest feedback.

[M.J. Mars · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Those Fading Stars by Andrew Najberg has everything you’d hope for in a short story collection (and a lot of surprises, to boot!)
Knowing that this horror collection is sci-fi/cosmic horror-heavy, I went in a little apprehensive as I personally find this genre hit and miss, but this is a collection full of absolute hits.
There are a lot of poignant scenes, with Najberg using his contemplative brain to ask you to think long and hard about each scenario and what it might mean for you, personally. Even in the wackiest scenarios, there is true pathos driving the narratives. People turning into chrysalises, bleeding feathers and giant frogs, a pandemic that eradicates people with a single thought, and even a brilliantly bonkers deity/mpreg story lurk within these pages. Many of the endings are left open, asking you the reader to fill in the blanks and continue thinking long after you’ve finished each story. If you’ve read Gollitok or Mobius Door, you already know that Najberg can spin a captivating and beautifully told yarn. So treat yourself to this collection!

[Meredith Livingston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anthologies are frequently a hit or miss prospect and for me, this time, the majority of this was a miss. The author is highly respected and very talented, so the fault is mine. I don't think I realized the degree to which science fiction would play a part and that is not my genre (generally).

The opening story was fantastic and a great start, especially for me. It revolves around family, loss and a father's love for his son. I don't want to say to much to prevent spoiling the story, but I was surprised at the ending.
The other story I really enjoyed was truly terrifying. It was a discussion of the consequences of making poor choices and social standing, set in a dystopian (?) society in space. Sadly, the only portion of that story that is fictional is the living in space part.

Overall, this collection was not for me, but not due to talent or content. Just personal preference. While I've read some stories classified as science fiction and enjoyed them, this collection just hit too far in that genre for me.

[Blaine Daigle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really value variety in the stories that I read. And one of the things that has made me a quick fan of Andrew Najberg is the variety and range found in his stories. From the small town horror of The Mobius Door to the barren island of cosmic (?) horrors in Gollitok, and his next frontier (which I have read....and it's amazing), he excels in traversing a wide range of concepts and themes.

His collection "In Those Fading Stars" (December 13, Crystal Lake Publishing) is no exception. In fact, it is only a further confirmation of his talents. Najberg has once again proved to be a master at walking the thin line between the unrelentingly human and the shockingly inhuman. This collection is absolute winner that will hold you tightly in its dark arms and imbue you with every emotion that act entails.

PS: One of the stories actually made me tear up.

[Thomas Edmund · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a Sci-Fi 'concept person' then this is the book for you. Not concept as in "I have the concept of a plan", but if you love crazy, off-the-wall and original thinking then this it the sort of short story collection you'll want to get amongst.

While highly variable in tone, there is a consistent thread of bleakness in these stories, the very first one perhaps the most heartbreaking. Najberg runs through topics like nuclear war, self-immolation, mental health and what if human beings shed their skin? It's a good read but at times heavy.

My only potential beef is that there is perhaps quantity over quality, I would have sorely liked to stay with some of the better stories and perhaps had some more distinctive progression, even at the cost of not getting every story in this tome. Nonetheless its a good deep dive if the above sounds like it suits you!

[Beverly Laude · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great collection of short stories. Elements of post-apocalyptic, science fiction, and space travel all mixed with horror make this an enjoyable and unique group of tales.

These stories contain robots, space exploration, living in a post-apocalyptic world, and a lot of emotion and grief. As with all such collections, some were more enjoyable than others, but each was well-written and unique. Some of them were truly weird (at least to me), but still immensely readable. A fairly common theme through all of these stories was the profound sense of loss and grief, along with despair. Be sure to have a few tissues close by as you read these.

Andrew Najberg is quickly becoming one of my favorite "new to me" authors when I want a book that mixes genres in a well-written, engaging way. If you enjoy your horror mixed with sci-fi, give this collection a go.

[Michelle Stockard Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 and 1/2 stars if half stars were allowed.

I'm not a big short story reader, but I make an exception with horror (Stephen King, Edgar Allan Poe, Joyce Carol Oates) and science fiction (notably Ray Bradbury). This was a fantastic collection of short fiction. I have to say I was getting a big Ray Bradbury vibe and I was loving it.

My favorites:

Before You Fade Away - this one really tugged at my heart strings. As a parent, it wasn't easy to read.

Robot Fish Don't Know They're in Water - an excellent dystopian tale.

The Shut-In Conduit - very creepy.

Quick Rental - a very disturbing haunted house/ghost story.

Devil's Voice - another dystopian tale about a plague with a terrifying twist.

[C.S. Magnuson · Rating 5 out of 5]

IN THOSE FADING STARS defies categorization and genre. It is cosmic. It is horror. It is sci-fi. Above all, it is well-written and gripping--inspiring introspection and reflection even as it entertains. With a variety of surprising themes and far-flung settings, this book is a wild ride, but it is Najberg's deftly crafted characters who drew me into the work. Even in the most unusual situations, their humanity shines through and it is impossible not to connect with their individual plights. This was my first book by this author and I definitely plan to read more from them now! I highly recommend it for fans across genres.

[Alison Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Release day to Andrew and this explosive collection of short fiction.

Each story reads like a full novel and is packed with a punch. In Those Fading Stars is heavy on the sci-fi horror and gave me constant feelings of existential dread. I love the way Andrew can grip the reader with the first paragraph, intro to the main character, or even the first sentence.

Since reading Gollitok, I look forward to everything this author puts out. I recently bought The Nevermore Thief and that is up next for my Najberg reads.

I highly recommend this collection along with all of his work. Easy 4.5 stars from me.

[ScarlettAnomalyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those collections or even books, i wait to come along.

Its not in your face ripping off your nails horror, its quite, its slinking, its slides in real quiet, and then, its too late. Mix that with just a hint of scifi, which is something i enjoy from Najberg, and you have this crazy good book.

My top picks were hard, i want to just list the whole damn book lol

But Do You Read, was fucking phenomenal.

May I Take Care Of That For You was horrifying in that funny cant help but laugh kind of way and really resonated with me.

I could keep going on but I wont or you wont have a book to read.