No Light Tomorrow

by Christian Laforet, Ben Van Dongen

Some things are so accepted as to be taken for granted. While the far future is shrouded in uncertainty, there are expectations often considered assured that are overlooked. There is only one you, threats are usually empty, ghosts are not real, life is finite, science can solve the most daunting challenges, and beliefs are assured when society takes matters in their own hands. When unexpected events transpire, we are left in the dark.

Authors Christian Laforet and Ben Van Dongen present six science fiction stories that explore improbability and show you what happens when expectations are subverted.

Genres: Short Stories

126 pages, Paperback

Published December 31, 2015

About the author

Christian Laforet writes across several genres. His works include the short horror collection The Space Between Houses, the sci-fi collection (co-authored) No Light Tomorrow, and the crime novella, Sugar's Last Dance found in the All These Crooked Streets anthology. His short fiction has also been featured in a variety of publications both in print and online.

All of his Christian's future horror writings can be found under the name C.M. Forest.

For more on Christian, check out his website ChristianLaforet.com

Reviews

[Jamie (Books and Ladders) · Rating 4 out of 5]

See this review and more on Books and Ladders!

Catch up on all things Science Fiction and Fantasy!

Overall Rating: 3.5*
The Doubling by Christian Laforet: 3.5*
Slow Hallway by Ben Van Dongen: 3.5*
Uninvited Guest by Ben Van Dongen: 4*
As Big As Love by Christian Laforet: 3*
Dead Planet by Ben Van Dongen: 4.5*
Digital Heaven by Christian Laforet: 3*

[Heather V ~The Other Heather~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very beloved friend of mine recommended that I check this slim little volume out, and now I owe her a drink, because she made a very good call.

This is the first I've read by Laforet or Van Dongen, but it won't be the last. It's a collection of bite-sized, creepy short stories, none of which fell flat for me (and that's saying something). I like the way the two authors' writing styles are so different yet manage to complement each other so well; it makes for a good rhythm as you're moving from one tale to the next. Laforet's entries here lean a bit toward horror, while Van Dongen veers into sci-fi, and yet they absolutely work as a compilation because there's just enough thematic overlap for both to appeal to the same reader. After a couple of the stories I actually said aloud to myself, "Oh, dayum!" because these guys had thwarted my usual ability to see exactly where something is headed. And anyone who follows my reviews here knows that I love that.

4.5 stars, really - not every short hit it out of the park for me, but almost! - and I'm looking forward to reading the full Laforet book I bought at the same time (and rumour has it Van Dongen is getting ready to release his debut, too, so I'll be keeping an eye out). Definitely recommended for my friends with darker sensibilities, but it's a safe rec for anyone who loves a good short story; there's enough acerbic humour here and there to keep it from going ~full dark~.

Yay for new discoveries!

[Christine Hayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclosure: I purchased the book “No Light Tomorrow” by Christian Laforet and Ben Van Dongen on January 9, 2016 at the official launch party. I do know the authors from professional encounters with them in various local writers’ group. I had no communication with the authors about the content of this review. The comments that follow are my own personal opinion. I received NO compensation of any kind, or from any one, to provide this review.

This is an interesting collection of six short stories. Each story provides a hi-power mix of thriller, science fiction, and horror. All are unique, will leave you breathless, and make you wonder what just happened.

My only down side was the book was smaller than I anticipated, and I would have appreciated more. I finished it in one sitting. I would have enjoyed spending another hour or two in these strange worlds.

To be clear, I am not a fan of science fiction. It surprised me that I enjoyed this book as much as I did. I would highly recommend it to anyone. It’s very entertaining, and left me wanting more.

[Rachel Pieters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This easily readable collection of short stories, both sci-fi and paranormal, was definitely a fun read, keeping me up into the night, much in the vein of Hitchcock and Bradbury Fistfight in Heaven. The tales were highly original, and the worlds and characters well-drawn, especially for the small space used to convey them. My favorite is Digital Heaven , the last story (which should be made into a movie - so cool!)

Kudos to the authors! Will definitely be recommending this collections to others!

[Edmond Gagnon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The may be no light tomorrow, but there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel waiting for these two young authors.
Although I'm a big Star Trek fan, and I am open minded when it comes to space and the supernatural, I don't read much science fiction.
Having said that, I truly enjoyed all but one of the stories in Christian Laforet and Ben Van Dongen's No Light Tomorrow. The material was fresh and thought provoking. I particularly enjoyed Digital Heaven, and how it's implications showed just how gullible the human race can be.

[Michael Drakich · Rating 5 out of 5]

When reading through the collection of short stories in No Light Tomorrow, Rod Serling's voice rang through my head, "Another time, another place, another dimension..."
Clearly, the unique settings, the original ideas, and the more than fair share of surprise twists make this collection one worth having.

[Bryant Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun ride. These stories from Christian and Ben were very detailed, even some of the shorter ones. They were quite descriptive and painted some beautiful and haunting pictures. The book had my mind racing as to what was going to happen. I personally enjoyed "Digital Heaven" the most , followed by "Slow hallway". 5/5 stars.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished all 6 short stories and wow. I love the concepts and their executions. I've read their previous works and these two have upped their writing game and I couldn't be more prouder. Keep up the great work guys. I really am looking forward to your next stories.

[James Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done Ben and Christian! Each story kept me wanting a little more, could not put it down. My only wish was that there were more stories to read. Can't wait to see what comes next.....

[Joey Ouellette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stories! Suspenseful interesting plots that kept me reading because I had to find out what happened! More please!

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book from the mini comic con. It's a collection of short stories and they were all pretty good. Really liked The Doubling, Digital Heaven, Dead Planet and Slow Hallway (loved the ending on this one!). Will read their work again.

[Jessica Gouin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I'm not an avid reader of science fiction, or even horror stories. With that being said, I absolutely loved this collection of short stories.

Each story was original and left me wanting more. my favorites were Digit Heaven and Uninvited Guest

Both authors have a gift of bringing the reader right into their world in just a few pages.

I'm definitely looking forward to what the future holds for these two authors.