Horror in a library…what could be better? And books as the successful defense! The Xphis enters the ranks of monsters at the very top. Delightful in every way.
Xphis was a delicious read. First of all, any story with as many literary references as this one had, has got me in its clutches. I think Sam is a fool regarding her disdain for "Moby Dick," but Sean Thomas McDonnell is no fool when it comes to writing horror and, especially, slightly wacked out horror with a good dash of grotesque humor running through it. You are an original cast album. Bravo once again.
I’m finally getting through my saved stories, and I’m so glad I made it to this one! This was delightful, funny, horrifying - and Xphis is such a unique, memorable creation. It’s humanness was, I think, the freakiest part for me, and I genuinely got chills when you described it, still unseen, thumping and whining in the dark. So good!
Thank you, Bridget! You're such a great storyteller, so this comment means a lot to me. I have three Down In The Hollers to read that I'm really excited about!
Great one, Sean! Another monster added to the collection and I loved the way books both ruined and saved the day. Masterful storytelling; both light and dark. You’re a must read every time.
I saw Brown Cardigan at the cafe the other day. They were reading Pale Fire and taking notes in a moleskin.
"Life Everlasting--based on a misprint!
I mused as I drove homeward: take the hint,
And stop investigating my abyss?"
Ack!!
"She returned to the cart and snatched Proust, Link, Vonnegut, and Flannery O’Conner.
It gagged."
Made me chuckle.
Now, that library will have a ghost problem next. Who you gonna call?
You found a way to make this reader scared of the library.
Sorry, Clancy! Pretty sure that was the only Xphis, so you should be safe! :)
AHHH I love this so much. A bit of a love letter to horror writers. So fun, so satisfying.
you know what i’m back again because the sheer audacity of adding in “required reading” — I cannot get enough
hahaha I'm glad. I recognized the boldness of doing that--I aim to please or incite!
Horror in a library…what could be better? And books as the successful defense! The Xphis enters the ranks of monsters at the very top. Delightful in every way.
Yay! Thank you, Liz! I appreciate the kind words. I'm just discovering your writing and I'm really enjoying it.
Loved this! The tone is so captivating; light and creepy at the same time.
Moral of the story: never set foot in a library every, and buy boxcutters in bulk (a couple for every room)
Def the moral. haha
Wow! A lovely read this Monday. Perfect in every way. I was hooked from beginning to end. Thank you for this!
Thank you thank you! I was a bit unsure about this one, so the compliment feels nice. <3
Xphis was a delicious read. First of all, any story with as many literary references as this one had, has got me in its clutches. I think Sam is a fool regarding her disdain for "Moby Dick," but Sean Thomas McDonnell is no fool when it comes to writing horror and, especially, slightly wacked out horror with a good dash of grotesque humor running through it. You are an original cast album. Bravo once again.
Thank you, Sandy! I thought of you while loading up this piece with authors and book titles!
I’m finally getting through my saved stories, and I’m so glad I made it to this one! This was delightful, funny, horrifying - and Xphis is such a unique, memorable creation. It’s humanness was, I think, the freakiest part for me, and I genuinely got chills when you described it, still unseen, thumping and whining in the dark. So good!
Thank you, Bridget! You're such a great storyteller, so this comment means a lot to me. I have three Down In The Hollers to read that I'm really excited about!
Such a great read! Loved it⭐️
Thanks, Jessica! ❤️ It was a fun one to write.
Oh my wow - this terrified me! I physically flinched at the mention of the Xphis's gummy drooling! I really enjoyed this!
Thanks for reading my story, Nicole! Ugh, the drool made me flinch, too! haha
You're so good a creatures, Sean. They're very distinct! I haven't had chills like this since I read Caged. Great job.
Thank you, Hanna! ❤️
Great one, Sean! Another monster added to the collection and I loved the way books both ruined and saved the day. Masterful storytelling; both light and dark. You’re a must read every time.
Thank you, Ken. High praise!
Your story is sitting with me...the ocean sound coming from their mouths...scares the crap out of me in the best possible way.
I do what I can. I’m glad it didn’t break you; the result is phenomenal!