The Fearing: Fire & Rain - Book One


Book Description

Multiple Bram Stoker Award®-nominated author John F.D. Taff's highly-anticipated epic supernatural thriller, The Fearing, begins with Book One: Fire & Rain where humanity faces a series of catastrophes spawned by a worldwide event that unleashes all of mankind's greatest fears. In the American high desert, vacationers returning from a road trip are thrust into a heart-stopping flight from death as they try to avoid a cataclysmic end. In rural Missouri, the lives of a group of high school students are destroyed after their small town is devastated and they're forced to confront the end of everything they've ever known. And on the eastern seaboard, there's someone else. An enigmatic man who thrives on despair and embraces all fear. A man with his own dark and sinister goals. Someone who wants to ensure humanity goes out with the biggest bang possible. Praise for John F.D. Taff and The Fearing Apocalyptic Thriller Series: "The Fearing isn't only John F.D. Taff's best book to date, it's the kind you put on the shelf reserved for the ones that really did something to you, emotionally, intellectually, physically. A modern master at play.." – Josh Malerman, Bram Stoker Award®-nominated author of the New York Times bestselling Bird Box "Of the current breed of authors riding the wave of digital liberation, John Taff is a standout talent. Literary, affecting, chilling, and indicative of that old-school mentality meets new-school daring." – Kealan Patrick Burke, Bram Stoker Award®-winning author of The Turtle Boy, Kin and Jack & Jill "John F. D. Taff has rapidly become one of my favorite writers in the horror genre. His horror is grounded in our day-to-day lives, in our families, our work, our most private thoughts. His stories vibrate with emotion and life and his prose is cathartic, deeply satisfying, like popping the bubbles in bubble wrap." – Ray Garton, Grand Master of Horror and author of Live Girls and Ravenous Proudly presented by Grey Matter Press, the multiple Bram Stoker Award-nominated independent publisher. Grey Matter Press: Where Dark Thoughts Thrive




Served Cold


Book Description

Winner of the Australian Shadows Award for Best Collection. Includes "In Vaulted Halls Entombed" featured in the Netflix series Love, Death & Robots. “Alan Baxter is Australia’s master of literary darkness.” — This Is Horror Podcast Collected together for the first time ever, these sixteen provocative and intensely chilling tales by multi-award-winning-author Alan Baxter venture into the depths of the darkest and most shadowy places where unspeakable horrors are the predators and we the willing prey. Prepare for an always terrifying, frequently heartbreaking journey in multiple stages, each piece echoing Alan Baxter's unique voice that effortlessly blends horror, fantasy and the weird with elements of the dark fantastique, resulting in an unforgettable volume of fiction. Praise for Alan Baxter and Served Cold: "Step into the ring with Alan Baxter, I dare you. He writes with the grace, precision, and swift brutality of a prizefighter. Served Cold is a stellar showcase for his talents. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading him yet, start here!" — Christopher Golden, New York Times bestselling author of Ararat and The Pandora Room "In Served Cold Alan Baxter shows off his impressive versatility and range with a host of stories that mix old school terrors with very now concerns. At turns creepy and visceral, Baxter delivers the horror goods." — Paul Tremblay, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of A Head Full of Ghosts and The Cabin at the End of the World "Alan Baxter's Served Cold is a feast for readers, who will push back from the table wanting more!" — John F.D. Taff, Bram Stoker Award-nominated author of The Fearing and The End in All Beginnings Proudly presented by Grey Matter Press, the independent home of multiple award-winning and Bram Stoker Award-nominated titles. Grey Matter Press: Where Dark Thoughts Thrive




Devouring Dark


Book Description

THE NEXT JUGGERNAUT SUPERNATURAL THRILLER FROM AWARD-WINNING ALAN BAXTER Matt McLeod is a man plagued since childhood by a malevolent darkness that threatens to consume him. Following a lifetime spent wrestling for control over this lethal onslaught, he’s learned to wield his mysterious paranormal skill to achieve an odious goal: retribution as a supernatural vigilante. When one such hit goes bad, McLeod finds himself ensnared in a multi-tentacled criminal enterprise caught between a corrupt cop and a brutal mobster. His only promise of salvation may be a bewitching young woman who shares his dark talent but has murderous designs of her own. Devouring Dark is a genre-smashing supernatural thriller that masterfully blends elements of crime and horror in an adrenaline-fueled, life-or-death rollercoaster ride that’s emblematic of the fiction from award-winning author Alan Baxter. Praise for Devouring Dark: "There is a lot to like about Devouring Dark, especially if you are into grimdark (grey characters, making a decision between bad and worse) and dark fantasy... I could hardly put it down and couldn't wait to get back reading it. The atmosphere, the complexity of the characters and the curiosity just sucks you in. Devouring Dark is a gritty, tension filled read from the start until the end." – Grimdark Magazine “Devouring Dark is a thrilling mix of crime and horror, a book that somehow defies either description yet embraces both. It moves like a juggernaut, thundering towards an intense, emotional conclusion. I devoured Alan Baxter’s dark; you should too.” – Gary McMahon, author of Pretty Little Dead Things “Devouring Dark is a powerful tale of crime and death, cleverly crafted and flawlessly executed. I’m a fan of Alan Baxter and Devouring Dark is a perfect example of why. Do yourself a favor and join me for some shivers.” – James A. Moore, author of Seven Forges and the Serenity Falls Trilogy “Action-packed yet emotionally resonant, Devouring Dark held me to the last page.” – Kaaron Warren, Shirley Jackson Award-winning author of Tide of Stone Proudly presented by Grey Matter Press, the multiple Bram Stoker Award-nominated independent publisher. Grey Matter Press: Where Dark Thoughts Thrive




The Fearing: The Definitive Edition


Book Description

What if all humanity's fears were unleashed on the world...all at once? A series of cataclysmic events are felt around the globe, and throughout the United States the last vestiges of society band together in rag-tag groups to face off against the ghastly horrors of their shattered world. Opposing them is the enigmatic Adam Sigil—a man seemingly able to inflict others with his own darkest fears—and his equally mysterious companion Jelnik. As the world slips into darkness, the survivors of the onslaught struggle with the new normal of their now-dystopian lives amidst ongoing skirmishes with mankind's nightmares. With devastation and atrocities continuing to escalate, and hysteria threatening to rip their tenuous society apart, they find themselves on a collision course with this malevolent duo, headed toward a terrifying showdown that could ultimately signal the end of humanity. Multiple Bram Stoker Award-nominated author John F.D. Taff’s sprawling, apocalyptic epic The Fearing was called "the event of the year" when it was originally released as four standalone novellas: Fire & Rain, Water & Wind, Air & Dust, and Earth & Ember. Now, here for the first time, all four parts have finally come together with an altered timeline in this collected edition of The Fearing. Includes a special introduction from a Grand Master of Horror, the esteemed Ray Garton, author of Ravenous, Live Girls and many more novels. Praise for John FD Taff and The Fearing “The Fearing isn’t only John F.D. Taff’s best book to date, it’s the kind you put on the shelf reserved for the ones that really did something to you, emotionally, intellectually, physically. A modern master at play..” – Josh Malerman, Bram Stoker Award®-nominated author of the New York Times bestselling Bird Box "[The Fearing is a powerful and epic trip into the land of feardom." – Robert R. McCammon, New York Times bestselling author of Swan Song, Boy's Life and The Wolf's Hour “Of the current breed of authors riding the wave of digital liberation, John Taff is a standout talent. Literary, affecting, chilling, and indicative of that old-school mentality meets new-school daring.” – Kealan Patrick Burke, Bram Stoker Award®-winning author of The Turtle Boy, Kin and Jack & Jill “John F. D. Taff has rapidly become one of my favorite writers in the horror genre. His horror is grounded in our day-to-day lives, in our families, our work, our most private thoughts. His stories vibrate with emotion and life and his prose is cathartic, deeply satisfying, like popping the bubbles in bubble wrap.” – Ray Garton, Grand Master of Horror and author of Live Girls and Ravenous Proudly presented by Grey Matter Press, the multiple Bram Stoker Award-nominated independent publisher. Grey Matter Press: Where Dark Thoughts Thrive




The Fearing: Water & Wind - Book Two


Book Description

John F.D. Taff's epic apocalypse of terror, The Fearing, continues in Book Two: Water & Wind when a group of battle-worn seniors pick up the pieces of their ravaged lives and grapple with survival after the end of the world. And for the first time, they begin to notice an ominous pattern in the deluge of fears now roaming the earth. Teenagers Kyle, Sarah and Carli sift through the devastation of their lost lives to find anything resembling hope for a future. But when Carli goes missing, the stakes get higher as the search for her takes a diabolical turn. And the enigmatic Adam retains his tight-fisted grip on his submissive minion Jelnik as a series of unspeakable horrors follow in their wake as the two men travel west toward their dark destiny. Praise for John F.D. Taff and The Fearing Apocalyptic Thriller Series: "The Fearing isn't only John F.D. Taff's best book to date, it's the kind you put on the shelf reserved for the ones that really did something to you, emotionally, intellectually, physically. A modern master at play.." – Josh Malerman, Bram Stoker Award®-nominated author of the New York Times bestselling Bird Box "Of the current breed of authors riding the wave of digital liberation, John Taff is a standout talent. Literary, affecting, chilling, and indicative of that old-school mentality meets new-school daring." – Kealan Patrick Burke, Bram Stoker Award®-winning author of The Turtle Boy, Kin and Jack & Jill "John F. D. Taff has rapidly become one of my favorite writers in the horror genre. His horror is grounded in our day-to-day lives, in our families, our work, our most private thoughts. His stories vibrate with emotion and life and his prose is cathartic, deeply satisfying, like popping the bubbles in bubble wrap." – Ray Garton, Grand Master of Horror and author of Live Girls and Ravenous Proudly presented by Grey Matter Press, the multiple Bram Stoker Award-nominated independent publisher. Grey Matter Press: Where Dark Thoughts Thrive




Ghost Recall


Book Description

The next chapter in the Eli Carver Supernatural Series by the award-winning author master of dark fantasy is here. Life has calmed down for Eli Carver and he's grown complacent. Enjoying the high-stakes spoils of his new girlfriend's gambling wins, the duo is living large in Las Vegas. It's the most peaceful time he can recall. But when things turn quiet, Eli finds trouble. Dragged into the strange machinations of a dangerous secret society, Eli will finally face everything he's been ignoring if he hopes to make it out the other side. And even then, nothing will ever be the same again. Eli and his ghosts find themselves battling powerful adversaries as violence and dark magic coalesce with lethal consequences. Strap yourself in for the third installment of award-winning author Alan Baxter's unrelenting Eli Carver Supernatural Thriller Series. Praise for Alan Baxter's Ghost Recall and the Eli Carver Supernatural Thrillers: "Ghost Recall [Book Three] bottles the essence of impending doom that drives the most powerful noir. Vintage Baxter: fast, sleek, and bloody-minded."— Laird Barron, author of Swift to Chase "[Book One] Manifest Recall grabs you by the scruff of the neck from word one and doesn't let go. It's fast paced, bad people doing bad things to other bad people. I gobbled it down in two nights. You should, too. Highly recommended!" – John F.D. Taff, Bram Stoker Award-nominated author of The Fearing "Eli Carver is back with a vengeance! That's bad news for some but good news for readers. [Book Two] Recall Night is brutal, gritty fun and a phenomenal follow-up to Manifest Recall." — Brian Keene, author of The Complex "Alan Baxter's fiction is dark, disturbing, hard-hitting and heart-breakingly honest. He reflects on worlds known and unknown with compassion, and demonstrates an almost second-sight into human behaviour." – Kaaron Warren, Shirley Jackson Award-winner and author of The Grief Hole "Alan's work is reminiscent of that of Clive Barker and Jim C. Hines, but with a unique flavour all of its own." – Angela Slatter, World Fantasy, British Fantasy and Aurealis Award winner Grey Matter Press, the multiple Bram Stoker Award-nominated independent publisher, is proud to present the third installment in one of the best supernatural thriller series ever imagined. Grey Matter Press: Where Dark Thoughts Thrive




Recall Night


Book Description

The next chapter in the Eli Carver Supernatural Thriller series from award-winning author Alan Baxter. Back from self-imposed exile in Canada where he fled to avoid the law following the blood-stained events in Manifest Recall–the first installment of award-winning author Alan Baxter’s latest supernatural thriller series–Eli Carver returns to the states with thoughts of starting over. But an accidental encounter on a train with a mysterious woman, one he soon learns has her own dangerous past, threatens to unravel his well-intended plans. Upon their arrival in New York, the duo quickly find themselves entangled in an ongoing war between two rival crime syndicates. And with the ghosts of his own past continuing to torment him, Eli finds himself taking the darkest of turns as he’s drawn down a perilous path into a world of ancient religion and deadly occult rituals. Praise for Alan Baxter's Recall Night and the Eli Carver Supernatural Thrillers: “Eli Carver is back with a vengeance! That’s bad news for some but good news for readers. [Book Two] Recall Night is brutal, gritty fun and a phenomenal follow-up to Manifest Recall.” — Brian Keene, author of The Complex “Ghost Recall [Book Three] bottles the essence of impending doom that drives the most powerful noir. Vintage Baxter: fast, sleek, and bloody-minded.”— Laird Barron, author of Swift to Chase “[Book One] Manifest Recall grabs you by the scruff of the neck from word one and doesn't let go. It's fast paced, bad people doing bad things to other bad people. I gobbled it down in two nights. You should, too. Highly recommended!” – John F.D. Taff, Bram Stoker Award-nominated author of The Fearing “Alan Baxter’s fiction is dark, disturbing, hard-hitting and heart-breakingly honest. He reflects on worlds known and unknown with compassion, and demonstrates an almost second-sight into human behaviour.” – Kaaron Warren, Shirley Jackson Award-winner and author of The Grief Hole “Alan’s work is reminiscent of that of Clive Barker and Jim C. Hines, but with a unique flavour all of its own.” – Angela Slatter, World Fantasy, British Fantasy and Aurealis Award winner Grey Matter Press, the multiple Bram Stoker Award-nominated independent publisher, is proud to present the third installment in one of the best supernatural thriller series ever imagined. Grey Matter Press: Where Dark Thoughts Thrive




The Fearing: Air & Dust - Book Three


Book Description

John F.D. Taff's apocalyptic novel, The Fearing, continues in Book Three: Air & Dust as Adam and Jelnik make their way to a prophetic meeting and a mysterious darkness is creeping inward from the horizon, further threatening the lives of all who remain. Amid the devastation of his Georgia church, a Baptist minister comforts an orphaned girl suffering from amnesia. All she knows is her name. Together they confront the darkest of fears as they make their way to a gathering point for the remnants of society. After a disastrous night of attacks at an abandoned airfield, a group of survivors plans its exodus. But their hopes are dashed when an autocratic leader arrives to seize control. Fears are one thing, but could this man represent something far worse? Praise for John F.D. Taff and The Fearing Apocalyptic Thriller Series: "The Fearing isn't only John F.D. Taff's best book to date, it's the kind you put on the shelf reserved for the ones that really did something to you, emotionally, intellectually, physically. A modern master at play.." – Josh Malerman, Bram Stoker Award®-nominated author of the New York Times bestselling Bird Box "Of the current breed of authors riding the wave of digital liberation, John Taff is a standout talent. Literary, affecting, chilling, and indicative of that old-school mentality meets new-school daring." – Kealan Patrick Burke, Bram Stoker Award®-winning author of The Turtle Boy, Kin and Jack & Jill "John F. D. Taff has rapidly become one of my favorite writers in the horror genre. His horror is grounded in our day-to-day lives, in our families, our work, our most private thoughts. His stories vibrate with emotion and life and his prose is cathartic, deeply satisfying, like popping the bubbles in bubble wrap." – Ray Garton, Grand Master of Horror and author of Live Girls and Ravenous Proudly presented by Grey Matter Press, the multiple Bram Stoker Award-nominated independent publisher. Grey Matter Press: Where Dark Thoughts Thrive




The Best Horror of the Year


Book Description

For more than three decades, Ellen Datlow has been at the center of horror. Bringing you the most frightening and terrifying stories, Datlow always has her finger on the pulse of what horror readers crave. Now, with the eleventh volume of the series, Datlow is back again to bring you the stories that will keep you up at night. Encompassed in the pages of The Best Horror of the Year have been such illustrious writers as: Neil Gaiman Kim Stanley Robinson Stephen King Linda Nagata Laird Barron Margo Lanagan And many others With each passing year, science, technology, and the march of time shine light into the craggy corners of the universe, making the fears of an earlier generation seem quaint. But this light creates its own shadows. The Best Horror of the Year chronicles these shifting shadows. It is a catalog of terror, fear, and unpleasantness as articulated by today’s most challenging and exciting writers.




The Isle


Book Description

EXPOSE THE DARKEST OF SECRETS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD A deadly menace threatens a remote island community and every man, woman and child is in peril. Sent to the isle to collect the remains of a dead fugitive, US Marshal Virgil Bone is trapped by torrential storms. As the body count rises the community unravels, and Bone is thrust into the role of investigator. Aided by a local woman and the town pariah, he uncovers the island’s macabre past and its horrifying connection to the killings. Some curses are best believed. Sometimes the past is best left buried. And some will kill to keep it so. Praise for The Isle "With The Isle, John Foster makes a twenty-first century contribution to the tradition of the New England Gothic, taking his lawman protagonist off the coast of the mainland United States to visit a small island in the North Atlantic whose inhabitants might have settled there from one of Nathaniel Hawthorne's Puritan fantasies. Himself riven by guilt over past misdeeds, U.S. Marshall Bone encounters a community on whom the sins of their ancestors continue to exert a very terrible and a very real force. Fast-moving, gripping, it's a tale straight from Old Man Atlantic's barnacled treasure chest." — John Langan, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of The Fisherman "Brooding and claustrophobic, one hell of a scary ride. You won't soon forget your visit to The Isle." — Tom Deady, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Haven “Dripping with claustrophobic malice, crawling with dread and otherness, The Isle is a journey into places best left alone. A chilling, disturbing, compelling tale.” — Alan Baxter, award-winning author of Devouring Dark and Manifest Recall “John Foster masterfully weaves New England folk horror into a hard-boiled murder mystery to form a wholly original and gripping novel that will keep you guessing as the dread builds like a tide rolling over the rocky shore. Strange rituals, hidden histories, and dangerous paranoia intersect on The Isle in ways that turn northeastern peculiarity into something uniquely horrific and thoroughly engrossing to read.” — Ed Kurtz, author of The Rib from Which I Remake the World and Nausea "If you’re the kind of person who seeks out hidden places with awful histories, then this book is for you. You’ll feel the damp and the chill, you’ll hear the shrieks and the inhuman mutter, you’ll see those children and their awful games. Read it in a safe place." — Karen Heuler, author of The Inner City Proudly presented by Grey Matter Press, the multiple Bram Stoker Award-nominated independent publisher. Grey Matter Press: Where Dark Thoughts Thrive