What do you think?
Rate this book
Nascent Decay
"Conflict is eternal; it builds us up into something greater than we really are, or it breaks us down, degrading us into useless fragments."
Rhylie Underhill has one goal in life: to prove that she can survive on her own terms. Following it leads her to join the Exploration Branch of the United Allied Forces, where the dreams of a sheltered, naive girl run headlong into the nightmares that are reality.
Ancient animosities that have simmered between the ruling races of the galaxy for thousands of years come to a boil, and Rhylie becomes a pawn in their cruel game of politics and war. She finds herself helpless beneath the crushing weight of machinations that are more sinister than she could ever imagine.
She learns that once you have been broken, you can never be broken in the same way ever again.
If she can survive, Rhylie has a chance to become greater than she could ever dream of being, or something beyond the fringes of her darkest nightmares.
Nascent Decay is a blend of science fiction, horror, and psychological thriller that takes a dark and urgent ride through a twisted galactic wasteland of intrigue, manipulations and tragedy.
Rhylie Underhill has one goal in life: to prove that she can survive on her own terms. Following it leads her to join the Exploration Branch of the United Allied Forces, where the dreams of a sheltered, naive girl run headlong into the nightmares that are reality.
Ancient animosities that have simmered between the ruling races of the galaxy for thousands of years come to a boil, and Rhylie becomes a pawn in their cruel game of politics and war. She finds herself helpless beneath the crushing weight of machinations that are more sinister than she could ever imagine.
She learns that once you have been broken, you can never be broken in the same way ever again.
If she can survive, Rhylie has a chance to become greater than she could ever dream of being, or something beyond the fringes of her darkest nightmares.
Nascent Decay is a blend of science fiction, horror, and psychological thriller that takes a dark and urgent ride through a twisted galactic wasteland of intrigue, manipulations and tragedy.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2015
19 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Charles Hash
7 books49 followersCharles Hash is a reclusive individual that doesn't like to talk about himself often. He has finally published two novels after years of struggling with writer's block, and he has written a few short stories along the way as well.
His work tends to explore the darker, grittier side of life, where there are no happy endings. There is always a price to be paid for everything, and usually the cost is too great a burden to bear. He writes with a hammer hidden behind his back, waiting patiently for the perfect moment to drop it in a series of blows that leaves the reader reeling.
In his plots, he explores hot-button topics between his characters whenever possible, pushing boundaries wherever he finds them. Within his published works you will find transgender characters, suicide, failure, grief, hopelessness, coping, survival; all of which are integral components in the specific brand of horror he creates, incorporating a wide variety of different styles into his writing as well.
His work tends to explore the darker, grittier side of life, where there are no happy endings. There is always a price to be paid for everything, and usually the cost is too great a burden to bear. He writes with a hammer hidden behind his back, waiting patiently for the perfect moment to drop it in a series of blows that leaves the reader reeling.
In his plots, he explores hot-button topics between his characters whenever possible, pushing boundaries wherever he finds them. Within his published works you will find transgender characters, suicide, failure, grief, hopelessness, coping, survival; all of which are integral components in the specific brand of horror he creates, incorporating a wide variety of different styles into his writing as well.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 17, 2015
First of all, let's get the technicals and legalities out of the way: I received a copy of this book from the author with no strings attached. The decision to write a review was my own.
SciFi and horror seem to be two genres that were made for each other. Space is a vast, empty wasteland, or so it seems. For all we know, right outside our little limited scope of the universe lurks all kinds of unimaginable terror. The fear of the unknown is pretty universal and has been played upon to great effect in movies, books, games etc.
Nascent Decay also plays upon this fear, along with many other natural, inborn human insecurities, and takes them to the next level. This is not just horror in space. There is a psychological exploration of the human mind and just how much one person can lose before they lose their humanity.
The story is fast paced, with the necessary world building peppered throughout as to avoid lengthy descriptions that would normally take the reader out of the action. There are many plot twists and several times I thought I knew where the story was leading, only to find out I was dead wrong.
But the true strength here is the care and complexity with which the characters are written. Everyone, from Rhylie, the main character, down to the semi-sentient 'Chamber' is unique and layered. Even the one-off supporting characters who seem at first to be stereotypes have a depth of character that is impressive.
While this is the first in a series, the story arc is complete. There is no cliffhanger, only the sense that there is much more to come. I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of psychological thrillers as well as space horror.
SciFi and horror seem to be two genres that were made for each other. Space is a vast, empty wasteland, or so it seems. For all we know, right outside our little limited scope of the universe lurks all kinds of unimaginable terror. The fear of the unknown is pretty universal and has been played upon to great effect in movies, books, games etc.
Nascent Decay also plays upon this fear, along with many other natural, inborn human insecurities, and takes them to the next level. This is not just horror in space. There is a psychological exploration of the human mind and just how much one person can lose before they lose their humanity.
The story is fast paced, with the necessary world building peppered throughout as to avoid lengthy descriptions that would normally take the reader out of the action. There are many plot twists and several times I thought I knew where the story was leading, only to find out I was dead wrong.
But the true strength here is the care and complexity with which the characters are written. Everyone, from Rhylie, the main character, down to the semi-sentient 'Chamber' is unique and layered. Even the one-off supporting characters who seem at first to be stereotypes have a depth of character that is impressive.
While this is the first in a series, the story arc is complete. There is no cliffhanger, only the sense that there is much more to come. I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of psychological thrillers as well as space horror.
March 10, 2016
I'd like to start with a warning. This is not for the faint of heart. The beginning of the story is rough and I wondered what were the purposes of all this. An evil race of aliens has captured Rhylie, the protagonist, and is torturing her. At some point, I even had to put the book down. It took me a few months before I thought I'd be ok to continue.
I realized as I read the story further that the author did what he had to do for us to understand Rhylie, and to discover how devious Vorcia really was. I'm glad I did pick the book back up because it soon changed into an awesome science fiction with different races of aliens, great battles, an intricate world, and best of all, a very complex story.
The characters were also well developed and aside from Rhylie, who won my heart early on, I think my favorite one had to be Mersi. She was well rounded. From her toad-like appearance to the way she interacted with the protagonist, I loved it all. Another great character, Vorcia, was a fantastic antagonist. I've learned to hate her early on, and my hatred only grew the more I read.
I'd recommend this book for fans of superheroes and/or science fiction with a hint of horror.
I realized as I read the story further that the author did what he had to do for us to understand Rhylie, and to discover how devious Vorcia really was. I'm glad I did pick the book back up because it soon changed into an awesome science fiction with different races of aliens, great battles, an intricate world, and best of all, a very complex story.
The characters were also well developed and aside from Rhylie, who won my heart early on, I think my favorite one had to be Mersi. She was well rounded. From her toad-like appearance to the way she interacted with the protagonist, I loved it all. Another great character, Vorcia, was a fantastic antagonist. I've learned to hate her early on, and my hatred only grew the more I read.
I'd recommend this book for fans of superheroes and/or science fiction with a hint of horror.
November 14, 2015
I am more partial to a playroom of utopia, so when you take me into a futuristic dystopian mind set, my psyche puts up a wall of resistance. I put Nascent Decay down twice before returning, so here it’s not a question of quality as it is content, which had me contemplating atrocities without the means of providing an adequate answer or remedy.
Early on, the story takes us inside the mind of a youthful human female anti-hero, who has just begun to explore her world, and then she’s abruptly taken captive and thoroughly exposed while being ripped asunder both mentally and physically by a sadistic tyrannical alien regime. What will remain?
What I liked, is authors’ ability to create and sustain tension, interest, and drive throughout the novel with both small and large scale encounters.
Wait, wait, wait, strike! Enemies you love to hate. An array of easily visible allies or are they, and a host of opposition. Futuristic innovations and a unique virtual reality room.
I wish I would have noticed the alien race descriptions in the back index.
Early on, the story takes us inside the mind of a youthful human female anti-hero, who has just begun to explore her world, and then she’s abruptly taken captive and thoroughly exposed while being ripped asunder both mentally and physically by a sadistic tyrannical alien regime. What will remain?
What I liked, is authors’ ability to create and sustain tension, interest, and drive throughout the novel with both small and large scale encounters.
Wait, wait, wait, strike! Enemies you love to hate. An array of easily visible allies or are they, and a host of opposition. Futuristic innovations and a unique virtual reality room.
I wish I would have noticed the alien race descriptions in the back index.
May 27, 2017
Absolutely brilliant, loved this book so much even after I had read it I bought a physical copy so its always on my shelf!
April 20, 2015
As we live in a world that is redolent with disclosures, I will state that the author gave me a free copy of this book -- which I then purchased -- but he did not do so in exchange for an honest review or anything else (except for an equally free exchange thoughts). Now that we have that out of the way, I shall further state that I am not, strictly speaking, going to review this book.
Why? Well, for one thing I have no desire to arrogate to myself the role of tour guide for this work, calling out: “Watch your step! Mind your head. Hold onto the handrail. Step away from that, please!” (No doubt a more accomplished person will assume that office in the fullness of time.)
But more importantly, I am not going to attempt a review because I do not think this book needs one. I think this book needs to be read -- if you think you can handle it. That is pretty big if. Do not venture upon this work lightly. If my saying that calls adjectives to your mind (such as “dark” or “controversial”), banish them. If you decide to read this book, you stepping onto a rollercoaster that will take you to places you do not know. You may not wish to go to these places, and you may not like the twists and turns and climbs and drops involved with getting there.
Or you may. A very astute woman likened this work to the paintings of Hieronymus Bosch and that is very apt. If you like Bosch and especially if you understand Bosch, then I think this book is for you. Otherwise, consult the better angels of your nature before embarking.
That is all I have say. My responsibility ends with this report.
Oh, not quite. Why only 4 stars? Well, I don’t like star ratings much, but that isn’t why. I am holding back one arguably deserved star because I believe this author’s next book will be even better, and I don’t want to get caught short. There you have it.
Why? Well, for one thing I have no desire to arrogate to myself the role of tour guide for this work, calling out: “Watch your step! Mind your head. Hold onto the handrail. Step away from that, please!” (No doubt a more accomplished person will assume that office in the fullness of time.)
But more importantly, I am not going to attempt a review because I do not think this book needs one. I think this book needs to be read -- if you think you can handle it. That is pretty big if. Do not venture upon this work lightly. If my saying that calls adjectives to your mind (such as “dark” or “controversial”), banish them. If you decide to read this book, you stepping onto a rollercoaster that will take you to places you do not know. You may not wish to go to these places, and you may not like the twists and turns and climbs and drops involved with getting there.
Or you may. A very astute woman likened this work to the paintings of Hieronymus Bosch and that is very apt. If you like Bosch and especially if you understand Bosch, then I think this book is for you. Otherwise, consult the better angels of your nature before embarking.
That is all I have say. My responsibility ends with this report.
Oh, not quite. Why only 4 stars? Well, I don’t like star ratings much, but that isn’t why. I am holding back one arguably deserved star because I believe this author’s next book will be even better, and I don’t want to get caught short. There you have it.
August 30, 2015
It doesn't happen that often nowadays that I read a book in one sitting, but even though I thought the beginning of it was a bit difficult to relate to and I clearly had troubles relating to the main character as well, the story soon had me in its grip and I couldn't put the book down. After a beginning that seemed to be more regular sci-fi than fits my taste the book really developed into an enthralling tale of broken people, of power, of regrets, and of confusion about what to do when everything falls apart around you. Even though I never was really fond of the main character, probably because I never got to know her properly before she changed, I enjoyed seeing the world through her eyes and I enjoyed the way she interacted with it and the decisions she made. What I really liked was that she is definitely not perfect. She has lots of flaws and she makes decisions that both she and others suffer from. The world itself was thoroughly described and there weren't any plot holes that could destroy the experience. Overall the book was a great read with a language that developed together with the story, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys sci-fi that rips apart the box and venture outside.
April 27, 2015
Nascent Decay is a very good read.
The book follows Rhylie, who is captured by the Siirocian, an alien reptilian race. She is confused by the lies of her captors and endures degradation and torture at their hands. Her fate and the fate of the whole human race are directly tied together. Once liberated from her ‘chamber’ she hunts down her subjugators.
Having read some of his other work, I have become familiar with the author’s writing style, which feature cleverly crafted dark scenes and here and there some profound observations. This book is no exception.
The book is primarily an action driven space adventure, with some very powerful scenes. However, it also lightly explores some philosophical ideas. How far can we modify and damage an individual before they lose their humanity?
The book follows Rhylie, who is captured by the Siirocian, an alien reptilian race. She is confused by the lies of her captors and endures degradation and torture at their hands. Her fate and the fate of the whole human race are directly tied together. Once liberated from her ‘chamber’ she hunts down her subjugators.
Having read some of his other work, I have become familiar with the author’s writing style, which feature cleverly crafted dark scenes and here and there some profound observations. This book is no exception.
The book is primarily an action driven space adventure, with some very powerful scenes. However, it also lightly explores some philosophical ideas. How far can we modify and damage an individual before they lose their humanity?
October 28, 2015
Like much classic science fiction Nascent Decay by Charles Hash is a mixture of philosophy and conflict The book opens with our protagonist Rhylie trapped in solitary confinement where the distinction between reality and imagination is blurred ... an experience reminiscent of Samuel Beckett. Eventually Rhylie escapes and the cosmic intergalactic battle ensues matching the scope and complexity of classic tales of say E E Smith or Harry Harrison. A must read for hard core SF readers.
For more see: http://1book42day.blogspot.com/2015/1...
For more see: http://1book42day.blogspot.com/2015/1...
March 10, 2016
A fast-paced and action filled narrative that I had no trouble reading straight through, which maybe says more about me than the novel. The characters are well developed, and on more than one occasion I found myself yelling obscenities at the antagonist, which I think is a sign of excellent writing.
Even though this is part of a series, the story is complete. Are there questions at the end? Of course! The only way there are no more questions or story to tell is if EVERYONE is dead... which may just be where the author is headed. So, will I read the next in the series? Most assuredly.
Even though this is part of a series, the story is complete. Are there questions at the end? Of course! The only way there are no more questions or story to tell is if EVERYONE is dead... which may just be where the author is headed. So, will I read the next in the series? Most assuredly.
October 6, 2018
2 stars. Gave up halfway through. Juvenile writing, plot, and characterization.
September 1, 2020
Go ahead
A bit far fetched at times but with good suspense, keeps you reading. Plenty of gore, torture scenes and unrestricted acts of violence. What I didn't like for the foreshadowing was a bit too much, it kind of spoiled all the fun. Glad I got it at a discount.
A bit far fetched at times but with good suspense, keeps you reading. Plenty of gore, torture scenes and unrestricted acts of violence. What I didn't like for the foreshadowing was a bit too much, it kind of spoiled all the fun. Glad I got it at a discount.
February 21, 2021
Made it 50% of the way through before giving up. The first quarter or so is nothing but torture porn, and the rest of what I read was bad Worldbuilding and dull, 2-dimensional characters. I get the idea of it but it fell utterly flat for me.
September 29, 2015
I'll play by the rules, so firstly I'll thank Mr. Hash for giving me a chance to look at Nascent Decay.
Nascent Decay is an action-based, well-paced novel that is beautifully-rewarding, with a taste of that 50s sci-fi, intergalactic saga we are so very fond of. The book features a valiant female hero with a heart you can relate to. The plot is superficial and profound at some times, just enough to make readers want to read more and find that if they had been in the same situations, they would've done the things the protagonist did.
This is one of the statements in the book, which I love:
The spoiled, flirty child she had once been was now dead, and buried somewhere deep inside of her. All of her dreams and hopes had been torn from her and shattered, and all that remained were charred, unrecognizable fragments.
The author stated that its sequel would be darker, so let yourselves put your children to bed first before reading it.
Nascent Decay is an action-based, well-paced novel that is beautifully-rewarding, with a taste of that 50s sci-fi, intergalactic saga we are so very fond of. The book features a valiant female hero with a heart you can relate to. The plot is superficial and profound at some times, just enough to make readers want to read more and find that if they had been in the same situations, they would've done the things the protagonist did.
This is one of the statements in the book, which I love:
The spoiled, flirty child she had once been was now dead, and buried somewhere deep inside of her. All of her dreams and hopes had been torn from her and shattered, and all that remained were charred, unrecognizable fragments.
The author stated that its sequel would be darker, so let yourselves put your children to bed first before reading it.
April 2, 2019
Unbelievable and overly dramatic. There was no point at which I could actually sympathise with any character in the book, least of all because every one of them is a cardboard cut-out and designed for a purpose only.
September 18, 2016
Boy the first part of this book was a great attention getter. I was not sure what I was going to think of this book. But I thought it was pretty good. Rhylie is a wonderful character. I connected with this character and wanted to continue the journey on with her. But some of what Rhylie went through pulled at my heart and made me sad. But that is a good book! * I received this book from author in exchange for an honest review*
June 25, 2015
Wonderfully written, full of aliens and twisted psychological situations. It definitely makes you thankful for the things that surround you in this world. I would recommend this to anyone looking to read a good adventure story with a powerful female lead. 5/5 *I received a free copy for review, and am glad that I did. Wonderful read*
June 22, 2016
I read this book in December and it's taken me this long to determine exactly how I wanted to put together the review. To say that I enjoyed this book would be an understatement, as well as a bit misleading. Nascent Decay is a dark and heavy book to read. But if you can stomach some horribly uncomfortable scenes, the payoff is well worth the effort.
Rhylie is a well developed character who pulls at your heart strings as she's forced to endure trial after torturous trial in her attempt to survive the cruel plot that has befallen her.
Throughout my reading, I was torn between the struggle to want to look away during the difficult scenes and my inability to put the book down until the final page had been turned.
This book is a combination of horror, science fiction, and psychological thriller, and that is a very powerful grouping of genres, especially when in the hands of Mr. Charles Edward Hash. He will leave you simultaneously cringing at the horror you just witnessed and wanting to read more.
Rhylie is a well developed character who pulls at your heart strings as she's forced to endure trial after torturous trial in her attempt to survive the cruel plot that has befallen her.
Throughout my reading, I was torn between the struggle to want to look away during the difficult scenes and my inability to put the book down until the final page had been turned.
This book is a combination of horror, science fiction, and psychological thriller, and that is a very powerful grouping of genres, especially when in the hands of Mr. Charles Edward Hash. He will leave you simultaneously cringing at the horror you just witnessed and wanting to read more.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews