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An Odd Quartet
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An Odd Quartet - Drabble Enhanced Edition
What better way to spend Christmas than with a collection of four dark tales.
And it's free for today and tomorrow.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/An-Odd-Quarte...
If you like your tales dark and with a twist then download An Odd Quartet. Available for free download today only.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/An-Odd-Quarte...
Thanks for the heads up on this Michael, just got it.
I hope you liked it! Digital Blasphemy - New 100 word story:
http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/201...
The Drabble Enhanced Edition of An Odd Quartet is now available from Barnes and Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-od...
An Odd Quartet (Drabble Enhanced Edition) Now Available On iTunesThe spread of An Odd Quartet onto new platforms continues, it is now available on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id63...
For UK readers it's only 49p!
https://itunes.apple.com/uk/book/id63...
A new drabble (100 word story) written by me has been posted in the Indie Bargains newsletter - visit http://www.indie-book-bargains.co.uk/ to sign up for the daily newsletter of free and bargain Kindle books.One More Breath
It doesn't matter how tough you are. There will always come the point where your body has no choice but to breathe. Of course you'll swallow a lungful of water. The body will react and attempt to expel the water.
Your thrashing will take on a distinctive frenzy when this happens. Now an amateur would panic and pull you out. But patience, that is the key. Soon you will calm and swallow more water by choice, at peace with your fate.
Only then are you pulled out and learn that you might have accepted your death, but you'll talk anyway.
http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/201...
David Haynes has posted a review on 'An Odd Quartet' on his blog:http://davidhaynesfiction.weebly.com/...
I'm extra pleased he liked it as I'm a fan of both of his horror books.
A new drabble (100 word story) written by me has been posted in the Indie Bargains newsletter - visit http://www.indie-book-bargains.co.uk/ to sign up for the daily newsletter of free and bargain Kindle books.Character Study
Things aren't always what they seem. Look at that old man over there. He doesn't look like much, his back bowed under the weight of his years. His skin wrinkled and stretched across his bones.
But look closer, into his eyes.
Those aren't the eyes of an old man. No, there is something much older concealed beneath. The pin pricks of the deepest black reveal an evil beyond human imagining.
It wears the aged flesh like a cheap suit. A disguise that cloaks it while it hunts unseen amongst the human herd.
Too late I realise, it's looking at me.
http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/201...
A new drabble (100 word story) written by me has been posted in the Indie Bargains newsletter - visit http://www.indie-book-bargains.co.uk/ to sign up for the daily newsletter of free and bargain Kindle books.Rude Awakening
When we die our life passes before our eyes. In an instant we see all our hopes and fears. All of the despair and joy. All of the love and hate that we have ever known.
The balance of that moment weighs our soul as it passes on.
At birth the reverse is true. As we are born, all that we are yet to be swamps our infant mind. The life that stretches before you confuses and terrorises your first thoughts. A mind at peace suddenly torn asunder - is it no wonder that we scream with our first breath?
http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/201...
A new drabble (100 word story) written by me has been posted in the Indie Bargains newsletter - visit http://www.indie-book-bargains.co.uk/ to sign up for the daily newsletter of free and bargain Kindle books.Mutant Zombie Ninja Death Clowns From Outer Space
This is going to be the best movie ever! So I'm underage, but that's ok, the old lady at the counter doesn't care. It's going to be freaking awesome. I can't wait to tell everyone that I've seen it.
I pick the best spot. There's nobody here, which is cool. It's quiet, so I can watch the movie undisturbed. It's odd how quiet it is. And there's a funny smell.
Who's that standing by the exit?
No freaking way!
It's a real mutant zombie ninja death clown. I can't tell if it's from outer space.
Hey, it's moving this way.
http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/201...
A new drabble (100 word story) written by me has been posted in the Indie Bargains newsletter - visit http://www.indie-book-bargains.co.uk/ to sign up for the daily newsletter of free and bargain Kindle books.Diamonds are Forever
Did you know you can make diamonds? You need some carbon, then heat it up and squeeze it really tightly. If you do this right, you'll create a diamond.
And do you know what a good source of carbon is? Humans. Unfortunately you can't just take a human and squeeze them into a diamond, which is a shame as it would make my life easier.
Instead you first have to cremate the body. Next pulverise the bones, then through the magic of the Internet you will receive a shiny new diamond.
One more to add to my necklace of twelve.
http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/201...
A new drabble (100 word story) written by me has been posted in the Indie Bargains newsletter - visit http://www.indie-book-bargains.co.uk/ to sign up for the daily newsletter of free and bargain Kindle books. My author page on the site can be found at: http://www.indie-book-bargains.co.uk/...
The Wrong Car
"I'm going to gut you like a fish, drag out your entrails and then set fire to them while you watch."
...
"Do I have your attention?"
...
"Don't worry, I won't really do that. I'm not a savage!"
...
"I know, you can't speak. I've stitched your lips together. It's better that you just listen for now."
...
"We're going to play a game and you are going to learn how to park your car."
...
"The rules? Simple. Every time you scratch the car, I'm going to scratch you. And you already owe me one from this morning."
http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/201...
I've received two great new reviews for 'An Odd Quartet' on Goodreads:
5 stars
All of these stories were excellent. I enjoyed the darkly satisfying twists that surfaced in a couple of the tales, and I loved the imagery throughout. I was impressed by how atmospheric the third story really was, even though the entire story is a dialogue exchange of a radio conversation. Don't get me wrong, the other stories were very good but the third one was just brilliant.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
4 stars
The final story was the most creative and interesting, a good example of turning conventions and expectations on their heads. An interesting picture of hell is painted, and it's a story, like the third, that I'd love to read more of.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I can reveal that there will be a follow on, hopefully by the end of the year - An Odder Quintet
Some wonderful new reviews for On Odd Quartet:
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, 23 May 2013
By kit tinsley - See all my reviewsAmazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: An Odd Quartet (Kindle Edition)
This book was a truly amazing collection of four short stories. Each one was imaginative, beautifully written and clever. I was particularly amazed by the second story, which managed to span the entire life of the universe in so few words.
5.0 out of 5 stars Each story was a Great Read, 22 May 2013
By Chris Graham (Manchester, UK) - See all my reviewsAmazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: An Odd Quartet (Kindle Edition)
I thoroughly enjoyed every story and loved each twist in their endings.
I will certainly be reading more stories from this author
4.0 out of 5 stars An Odd Quartet, 19 May 2013
By Jason Purdy - See all my reviewsThis review is from: An Odd Quartet (Kindle Edition)
This was a quick read and each story was engaging and flowed well.
The first story about the ghost had an interesting start and ending, with good character development and an interesting spin on things. The ghost was clichéd but the uniqueness of the rest of it makes up for it.
The second story featuring Death and the death of the universe was an interesting character study, but clichéd at times. The reference to Lovecraft at the end was a great touch, and for the most part, it was a strangely heart warming story.
The third story fell a bit flat for me, mostly because of the style, but it was the creepiest of the bunch and gave a real feeling of dread. It was an interesting experiment that could be enjoyable with an expansion, but as for my personal preference, military language in books always makes me switch off.
The final story was the most creative and interesting, a good example of turning conventions and expectations on their heads. An interesting picture of hell is painted, and it's a story, like the third, that I'd love to read more of.
Overall the stories were brief and engaging, a nice, easy and enjoyable read. I'm not usually a massive fan of short story collections but this one was a belter.
A new review for An Odd Quartet has been posted on Jonathan Hill's blog:
"I recommend this book to all fans of darker stories. It's an enjoyable collection of shorts and you'll race through them eager to find out how each finishes. What stands out for me is that everything here is turned on its head. Where will your sympathies lie? And which is worse: evil itself, or the being that manipulates the evil to their own purpose?"
http://www.jhillwriter.com/2013/06/re...
Welcome to the latest Tales of the Imp drabble as featured on the Indie Book Bargains newsletter (http://www.indie-book-bargains.co.uk/):Tales of the Imp - Imp Rhymes
Like us, imps have nursery rhymes which they learn while growing up. Imagining imps smaller than the one on my shoulder freaks me out a bit. Are baby imps scary to look at? Or are they cute and vulnerable too? Anyway here's one he says that they learn.
This little imp went to the soul market,
and his little imp stayed in Hell.
This little imp feasted on roasted human,
and this little imp had none.
And this little imp will stay on your shoulder,
'till Satan no longer reigns in Hell.
I think he might be having me on.
http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/201...
Welcome to the latest Tale of the Imp where we discover more about his personal hygiene. As always this was first published in the Indie Book Bargains newsletter (http://www.indie-book-bargains.co.uk/):Tales of the Imp - Silky Beard
I'm proud of my beard. I've had it for many years and it does a wonderful job of covering my face. So much so, that children no longer scream in horror when they see me.
It's also a fun thing to stroke. It gives me a philosophical look, like I'm pondering the mysteries of the universe.
Anyway, I realised that my beard has become softer recently.
I asked the Imp if he had anything to do with it. He replied that he did. So I asked him what he did to it. He answered that I didn't want to know.
http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/201...
Here's a new drabble of mine from the Indie Book Bargains newsletter (http://www.indie-book-bargains.co.uk/), it's not Imp related this time :-)A Mask for every Occasion
I learned at a young age that to blend in with herd provides greater advantage than standing out. Before my balls dropped it became obvious to me that attracting attention would hamper my destined purpose.
The trick is to be like them, to wear the same masks they do. They don't realise they're wearing masks, but that only makes the deception easier.
Whatever I do I wear the appropriate mask. I once thought the mask for work was the hardest to maintain, now I know it is the one for my wife.
No matter, she'll soon see me without it.
http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/201...
Here is the latest Tales of the Imp drabble, it's a light hearted one this time, he's such a funny fellow. As always, thanks to Indie Book Bargains for posting this in their newsletter (http://www.indie-book-bargains.co.uk/)Tales of the Imp - The Imp Rides a Bunny
Today I discovered one of the Imp's favourite pastimes - bunny riding. Now rabbits aren't the smartest of creatures, but they know that an imp running towards them is bad news. So they did their foot tapping thing and retreated into their warrens. The only problem was that an imp can follow them.
I watched as the poor animal was dragged squeaking out the hole by its ears. It tried to escape, but with a joyous cry the Imp leapt onto its back and held on to the rabbit's ears as it bounced around the field.
His laughter echoed my own.
http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/201...
The latest Tales of the Imp drabble sees the Imp playing with the neighbour's cat :-) Thanks as always to Indie Book Bargains for posting this in their newsletter - if you're looking for UK Kindle bargain and free books, it's worth checking out (http://www.indie-book-bargains.co.uk/)Tales of the Imp - The Imp and the Cat
My next door neighbour has a cat. Well, they had a cat. No-one has seen it recently. They keep asking me if I've seen their precious Tiddles. I never liked Tiddles, he crapped in my garden.
Although it occurred to me that Tiddles was the only creature, besides me, that could see the Imp. I also remembered that they had a fight.
I demanded to know what he had done with the cat. He gazed at me with that innocent expression and claimed that he didn't know.
He does have some scratches on him though, and they weren't from me.
http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/201...
Today's Imp drabble was written for one of my favourite readers and reviewers - Ignite. You can visit her reviews blog at: http://www.ignitebooks.blogspot.co.uk/Tales of the Imp - Five Star Imp
"She has nice ankles," the Imp told me as he watched me update my blog.
"Who does?"
"Her, the lady in blue, with the stars around her."
"She's not really blue."
"That doesn't matter to me; I'm not prejudiced, besides I'm yellow, blue goes well with yellow."
"How do you know she has nice ankles?"
"That's easy, look at her smile. Anyone with a smile like that must have nice ankles. It's a law of the universe or something."
"That doesn't make sense."
"It's true though. I wouldn't lie to you."
His terrible wink put an end to that conversation.
http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/201...
Today's Tales of the Imp drabble was written especially for Patti, one of the wonderful moderators over on the Goodreads UK Amazon Kindle forum - why not pay a visit at: http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/5...Tales of the Imp - Imps Have Feelings Too
"I feel left out," The Imp told me as I drove home. I'd enjoyed the gathering, it's not often I chat with other authors, face to face as it where.
"Don't ignore me. You talked about evil and didn't even mention me once."
I enjoyed a few minutes of silence.
"Where was my hug?"
"What hug?" I asked innocently.
"You know damn well what hug I mean, as you walked out, bold as brass and you hugged that woman."
"She couldn't see you."
"But you do. I have feelings you know."
The Imp sulked for the rest of the journey.
http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/201...
The latest Tales of the Imp drabble has been posted in the latest Indie Book Bargains newsletter - check out http://www.indie-book-bargains.co.uk/ for the latest UK Kindle book bargains. And you can check me out while you're at it!Tales of the Imp - Change is Coming
I've become used to having the Imp around. When I struggle with writer's block, he's there with little suggestions. They're always inappropriate, but they do get me going again.
He's also fun to have around, although I often forget that other people can't see him and receive some puzzled expressions from people when I talk to him.
I still don't know why he's here though, apart from that cryptic comment that he came to protect me.
Protect me from what though? It's been two months now and I have decided that it's time for him to reveal what he knows.
http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/201...
Thanks to Anita Kotlarska I now have a shiny new cover for An Odd Quartet. I think it's pretty cool! Check out her sight at:
http://anitakotlarska.wix.com/anitak
An Odd Quartet is a collection of four dark short stories, each with a twist in the tale.
The Yellow Lady
A grave robber encounters a ghost from a story he was told as a child.
This Empty Place
At the heat death of the universe, the Grim Reaper contemplates his existence.
Forced Entry
A special forces team enters a sunurban house to rescue a family taken hostage, they encounter more than they were trained for.
The Reluctant Demon
A young demon prepares to take his possession exam.
This Drabble Enhanced edition also includes some of my favourite drabbles (100 word stories).
Praise for An Odd Quartet:
"I loved these short stories. Especially the one titled The Reluctant Demon. This is a great concept that I have never thought of before and really loved it."
"I liked it. A nice assortment of tales, each presented in a slightly different manner. Very original!"
"Michael Brookes' writing style is easy and accessible. He can certainly turn out a story you will remember."
"This book was a truly amazing collection of four short stories. Each one was imaginative, beautifully written and clever. I was particularly amazed by the second story, which managed to span the entire life of the universe in so few words."
Available from:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1akCw09
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/15az69r
Barnes & Noble (Nook): http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-od...
iTunes (US): https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id63...
iTunes (UK): https://itunes.apple.com/uk/book/id63...
Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/An-Odd...
I have been interviewed on Rich B. Knight's blog, take a look over via the link below:http://knighttakesrook.blogspot.co.uk/
Thanks Rich!
Cool new review from Amazon:
I enjoyed reading this collection of four short stories particularly 'The Yellow Lady': a ghost story with an unusual twist. I liked the writing style in 'Forced Entry' which gave a fairly predictable story-line a strong sense of urgency and unease. 'The Reluctant Demon' was really good with a great twist at the end and some very funny contrasts between the young demon and its parent. I liked the way the stories were written: clear, direct, slightly tongue-in-cheek and I was interested to see what else the author could offer so after checking out the sample I downloaded his novel The Cult of Me (The Third Path).
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1akCw09
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/15az69r
The Mega-Dark Book Blog Tour continues, today I have provided a post about writing my first short story collection 'An Odd Quartet'. You can read it on the Hot Space Station Justice blog here:
http://pattodoroff.com/2013/08/01/blo...
Work continues on the follow up book 'An Odder Quintet', details will be revealed in my final guest post for this blog tour!
'An Odder Quintet' is coming out soon, so now is a great time to read my first collection 'An Odd Quartet'. If you haven't then you could win a copy in the giveaway I'm hosting on my blog:
http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/201...
There's still time to win one of ten copies of 'An Odd Quartet':"All of these stories were excellent. I enjoyed the darkly satisfying twists that surfaced in a couple of the tales, and I loved the imagery throughout. I was impressed by how atmospheric the third story really was, even though the entire story is a dialogue exchange of a radio conversation. Don't get me wrong, the other stories were very good but the third one was just brilliant."
http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/201...
As part of the Mega-Dark Book Blog Tour I'm pleased to announce the impending release of my new short story collection 'An Odder Quintet'. You can find out all about it on Jess Hanna's blog:
http://www.jesshanna.com/2013/08/14/m...
Thanks Jess! In the next week or so I'll be announcing details of the launch event for which I have something special in mind.
Enter now for your chance to win one of ten copies of 'An Odd Quartet':
http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/201...
And keep your eye out for 'An Odder Quintet' coming out soon!
There's only a few days left to enter for a chance to win one of ten copies of 'An Odd Quartet'. You can enter via my blog:
"I enjoyed reading this collection of four short stories particularly 'The Yellow Lady': a ghost story with an unusual twist. I liked the writing style in 'Forced Entry' which gave a fairly predictable story-line a strong sense of urgency and unease. 'The Reluctant Demon' was really good with a great twist at the end and some very funny contrasts between the young demon and its parent. I liked the way the stories were written: clear, direct, slightly tongue-in-cheek and I was interested to see what else the author could offer so after checking out the sample I downloaded his novel The Cult of Me (The Third Path). "
http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/201...
Have you read 'An Odd Quartet'?
If not visit http://www.kuforum.co.uk/kindleusersf... in the next hour and I'll send you a free copy!
An excellent new review for An Odd Quartet on Amazon:
"This empty place, is a philosophically interesting view on life, and stories like this (which would probably not get a look in with traditional publishers) have adapted themselves well to the new digital environment. This is probably my favourite story out of the collection."
http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R1E022...
Currently only 49p (77c) on Amazon!
Two days and two great reviews for 'An Odd Quartet', this one is a five star review on Goodreads:
"Excellent. I am not usually a fan of horror and paranormal (I get scared easily, especially if I read them at night) but I loved it. An Odd Quartet is a collection of four short stories (hence the name) plus a collection of 'drabbles' (100 word stories, I just learned). I thought I did not like short stories but lately, I have read some good ones, and I think these are really good because and they are together in one book, which is a bonus."
Read the review in full here:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
There's an excellent new review for 'An Odd Quartet' here on Goodreads:
"It has been speculated that writers of the bizarre must have broken minds. I say, they simply have potent imaginations because they are the ones who have the ability to see beyond the edge of reality, capture those images, and truly bring them to life. Michael Brookes is surely in possession of a most potent imagination."
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
'An Odd Quartet' is currently only 49p on Amazon!
I have received an excellent new 5 star review for An Odd Quartet and a new fan of the short story Forced Entry! You can read the review here:
http://sistersinisterspeaks.blogspot....
An Odd Quartet is currently only 49p on Amazon - you can't get a cup of tea (or coffee!) for that price!
Exciting news! My short story 'Forced Entry' from the collection 'An Odd Quartet' has been turned into an audio short thanks to the talented team at The Radio Theatre Workshop (you can find out more about them here: http://www.radiotheatreworkshop.com/).
Assuming all goes to plan then Forced Entry will be available this weekend.
If you can't wait that long (and a few days is a long time to wait!) then grab yourself a copy of 'An Odd Quartet' and read three other great stories as well.
Today is a good day to pick up your copy of An Odd Quartet, a collection of four dark and strange short stories, it's currently available from Amazon for only 82c (49p for UK readers). Here's what one reviewer thought of this book:
"All of these stories were excellent. I enjoyed the darkly satisfying twists that surfaced in a couple of the tales, and I loved the imagery throughout. I was impressed by how atmospheric the third story really was, even though the entire story is a dialogue exchange of a radio conversation. Don't get me wrong, the other stories were very good but the third one was just brilliant."
You can buy your copy now from the links below:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1iQg1SW
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/OK7R3A
An excellent and in depth review for An Odd Quartet here on Goodreads:
"I love how the author describes things in such good detail that you don't miss a beat in what your reading. Also the way he portrays something in the most innocent way and then slowly within a few pages it turns into something else entirely, I appreciate that aspect in story telling."
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I'm pleased to announce that my first short story collection 'An Odd Quartet' is now available on Scribd:
http://www.scribd.com/book/230514469/...
An Odd Quartet is a collection of four dark short stories, each with a twist in the tale.
The Yellow Lady
A grave robber encounters a ghost from a story he was told as a child.
This Empty Place
At the heat death of the universe, the Grim Reaper contemplates his existence.
Forced Entry
A special forces team enters a suburban house to rescue a family taken hostage, they encounter more than they were trained for.
The Reluctant Demon
A young demon prepares to take his possession exam.
This Drabble Enhanced edition also includes some of my favourite drabbles (100 word stories).
Good news! An Odd Quartet is now available from Page Foundry:
http://www.inktera.com/store/title/3b...
An Odd Quartet is a collection of four dark short stories, each with a twist in the tale.
The Yellow Lady
A grave robber encounters a ghost from a story he was told as a child.
This Empty Place
At the heat death of the universe, the Grim Reaper contemplates his existence.
Forced Entry
A special forces team enters a suburban house to rescue a family taken hostage, they encounter more than they were trained for.
The Reluctant Demon
A young demon prepares to take his possession exam.
This Drabble Enhanced edition also includes some of my favourite drabbles (100 word stories).
An Odd Quartet is available from these online stores:
Buy now from Amazon (US): http://amzn.to/1iQg1SW
Buy now from Amazon (UK): http://amzn.to/OK7R3A
Buy now from Barnes & Noble (Nook): http://bit.ly/1o9uqeU
Buy now from iTunes (US): https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id63...
Buy now from iTunes (UK): https://itunes.apple.com/uk/book/id63...
Buy now from Kobo: http://bit.ly/1iBxFNc
Read now on Scribd: http://bit.ly/1o9uCe8
Read the opening scene for 'The Yellow Lady' in this taste of An Odd Quartet:
http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/201...
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A quartet of dark short stories (10,000 words) to thrill and chill.
The Yellow Lady
Grave robbing is a dirty business, in more ways than one. When he disturbs the grave from a childhood scary story he discovers it's not always treasure to be found.
This Empty Place
At the heat death of the universe, Death contemplates his existence.
Forced Entry
Terrorists seize an average suburban house. A Special Forces hostage rescue team is sent in and encounter more than they were trained for.
The Reluctant Demon
A young demon prepares to take his possession exam.
An Odd Quartet is available for Kindle and is free for Amazon Prime members:
http://www.amazon.com/An-Odd-Quartet-...