| Title | : | The Aberration (Aberrant Nightmares #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 202 |
| Publication | : | First published March 2, 2012 |
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A terrifying chiller that will keep you turning the pages from a rising star in genre fiction .
Blood spills. A threshold opens. Unearthly abominations emerge. What follows is called an Aberration. For thousands of years, appointed Wardsmen gave their lives to keep us safe. But over the ages, their numbers have dwindled. Now, one man may be all that stands between us and the terrifying world that lies beyond our own.
When a coworker inexplicably commits suicide on the job, Guy knows the tragedy is just the start of terrors to come. A freak storm quickly follows, engulfing his milling facility and trapping the workers, who quickly learn there is much more to fear than just heavy rain. Something else arrives with the storm—monstrosities that alter their shapes and features to match your fears. Guy’s coworkers will be forced to rely on him to survive grisly attacks on both body and mind.
Author Bard Constantine takes readers on an unnerving ride, combining physical and psychological terror in the vein of Stephen King and Dean Koontz.
The Aberration (Aberrant Nightmares #1) Reviews
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Very impressive introduction to a new (to me at least) author. Not often are there novellas that offer character development, terrific descriptions, atmosphere and originality. Bard Constantine did a great job with The Aberration. Strong writing, formidable imagination. Eerily claustrophobic setting of a factory at night under attack from supernatural forces. Can improbably named Guy Mann (middle initial presumably T for testosterone) save his coworkers from the evil Others or is it all in his mind? One by one, the overtly elegantly (strange but conceptually interesting) named chapters sped by with suspense and excitement. Vividly cinematic story, would make a great film. Fun quick read, an hour and a half well spent. Recommended.
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From the opening scenes, it was clear the author of „The Aberration“ had a powerful vision and direction in which he wished the story to move, and he kept on pace throughout. The tension quickly builds as Guy Mann and a group of co-workers are trapped in the mill factory with the creatures described as “the Others” eagerly awaiting any opportunity to breach the locked security doors. One moment’s weakness, and those creatures flow inside and the battle for survival begins.
For Guy, however, it is just another outbreak of the phenomenon called The Aberration, which he has been fighting throughout the ages of mankind. We are provided flashbacks into those past times when denizens from the “other side” have broken through to our world, and the type of bizarre, supernatural and/or bestial transformations they can take. Additionally, we are offered brief sketches of some of the people who fought alongside Guy, also were also mysteriously recruited to combat the shifting deadly creatures.
I found the writing quite stylish and distinct, though often I wished for less descriptive details for general things so such phrasing would be more outstanding for the dramatic, horrific parts of the story, of which there were plenty. The problems I had with the work overall were some editing issues, clarity in POV and conflicting or inaccurate descriptions. Sword-fighting and usage is a long-time interest of mine, for example, so naturally that caught my eye.
It’s often important for me to have empathy with or form some kind of connection to the main character, and admittedly I never developed that for Guy Mann, but that took nothing away from the story itself which is fast moving, packed with action and inspires you to imagine the terrible Others as well as what you might do if trapped in such a situation. I felt “The Aberration” could have used some revision in certain areas, but for the most part, I enjoyed this work of quite imaginative horror and feel the author will only continue to gain in ability and skill.
Update: The author has completed revisions to this work since my review was complete. I think its an excellent example of how writers, of which I am one and have to make such revisions myself believe me), continue to add to the professionalism and growth of independently produced writing that as Mark Coker, the creator of Smashwords, states “can be as good or better than traditionally published book.”
Originally posted on review/interview site
http://flyingwithredhaircrow.wordpres... -
The first word that came to mind was chaos.
Chaos, indeed, is what wordsmith Bard Constantine creates when he describes the opening scenes of this tight-knit horror thriller. I really, truly enjoy Constantine's writing style, and am glad to have found his works online. The Aberration is beautifully horrific, even sometimes lyrical in its creepiness. Yet it's got blood splatter and dead body splatter galore, a suicide, a near deserted flour mill factory in a freak rainstorm, more freakiness in the form of faceless Others trying to get inside, and a motley cast of 2nd shift workers on the inside trying to get out.
Not only did I enjoy the fast-paced action of this horror fest, which didn't slow down from the get-go, I also enjoyed the characters and their interactions with one another. The boyfriend Michael who longs to get back to his Barbie-doll girlfriend. The frumpy secretary Fran, secretly in love with Michael and staying extra hours just to get a chance to speak to him. The procedure-paranoid plant manager, who makes the bad call to keep the plant open, despite an employee faceplanting off the building into the parking lot and a murder of crows hanging out and lending general spookiness throughout. And of course, the enigmatic Guy Mann, a worker at the mill but also so much more, as he hides behind an everyman character; his true purpose being some mysteroius and eternal mission to combat appearances by the Aberration.
One of my favorite sequences, because I love sardonic bad asses:
Michael stared. “What—what the hell? Why would you bring an entire arsenal of guns to work every day?”
Guy slung the duffel bag over his shoulder. “Never hurts to be ready.”
He offered one of the pistols. Michael held it gingerly, like a titanium-plated rattlesnake. “Ready for what?”
Guy looked up from his task of clipping a raven-engraved knife to the back of his belt. The blade was almost as long as a machete. “You know. Killing things.” -
One of the things I really enjoy about Stephen King's writing is his sense of place. He paints his location well - from the horror-filled neighbourhoods of Castle Rock to the mist-shrouded supermarket surrounded by creatures from another dimension. Bard Constantine captures that same sense with this novella, in which the inhabitants of a flour mill find themselves trapped by supernatural beings out for their blood.
Their only hope is one of their colleagues, who is more than he seems, and whose returning memory of years of facing the Others may be their only chance of survival.
This is a cracking read, a tight thrill-ride that leaves you wanting more. The style of writing is more Koontz than King, though, with the kind of gooey bloodbath that compares to the gruesome fates in Phantoms and more.
It is a novella - so on the short side, we don't get to dwell too long with these characters here, which is really the only shame. Other Bard Constantine books return to this world, though, so consider it a taste of the setting that leaves you licking your fingers and wanting more. -
I had the pleasure of reading The Aberration by Bard Constantine. It's not often that I read horror but after perusing a sample on Wattpad, I was hooked. As Bards do, he expertly weaves horror and fantasy into a very enjoyable tale. Great character development accompanied by a suspenseful storyline that keeps the reader engaged in every chapter. I can't give this work enough praise. As a writer, I'm a bit envious.
The fast paced style pushes you through the story faster than you want because then it ends and thats the saddest part. Could've read a couple hundred more pages on Guy's storyline alone. Love the character, well done, and an interesting piece of fantasy. My favorite parts are the flashbacks. Pick it up, you won't be disappointed. -
Enjoyed this one. Good characters. Good story. Good Gore. Had some ropey B movie monsters near the end but pulled it off.
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One massive storm. Hordes of shapeshifting monsters. Five trapped mill workers fighting for their lives.
An adrenaline infused sci-fi horror blend. I had a blast with this one. Reminiscent of both my Robert McCammon and various zombie inspired runs.
I am such a fan of Lewis Knights writing. His ability to flesh out characters and scenes are second to none. Eerie, dark and kick ass.
If you are looking for a fun exciting horror in the vein of Aliens or the Mist I’d recommend picking this up. -
This is a bloody good read - definitely over the 4-star mark for me.
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I loved this 21 chapter book. The first sentence summed everything up perfectly–chaos. I liked that the story opened with the police being baffled about the crime scene. At the flour mill, an employee jumped to his death. They ruled it a suicide. Then the story ended with the police confused again. This time six dead. An explosion. Or was there really six people dead? You’ll have to read the story to find out.
I enjoyed that readers got a glimpse of the employees’ home life before heading in to work. It made me feel even more sorry about what happened to them. Rob was a manager that no one respected. If he told me I had to work right after hearing a co-worker died at the work place, I would say “hell no” and walk right out the door. No third shift for me that night. But they decided to go ahead–if not them, then someone else taking their paycheck.
They were told all they had to do was get through the night. What an understatement LOL! The terror rollercoaster began shortly after they all entered the flour mill and everyone else left. As a reader, I appreciated getting subtle clues that Guy was a part of the Aberration. Like the raven’s being scared of him, his flashbacks. I thought it was a cool aspect how he began getting his memory back in installments to try and help the gang out as much as possible.
This story was very action-packed with the short sentences keeping the energy flowing fast. I’m a fan of the author’s writing style. It reminded me of an Edgar Allan Poe creation; I loved the creepiness of it all. It frightened me from beginning to end to the point I had goosebumps, my hair stood on end, and I kept looking over my shoulder. Bard Constantine is very talented and has the gift of being very descriptive in his scenes that I could picture everything vividly. All the blood, guts, gore, nasty creatures. I could see this as a horror movie on the Chiller or AMC channel. Could even see Bruce Willis or Denzel Washington playing Guy’s character.
The creepiest scenes for me were 1) “So we hunt it…or it hunts us.” This is the point where they realize the killer is in the building locked in with them, so there’s no hiding or escaping. Gave me chills. I couldn’t even imagine 2) Drake on the walkie-talkie expressing that he believes he heard someone, and after a head count, they realize no one else left with him 3) when they find another co-worker literally shred to pieces 4) Drake swallowed up by darkness (a large spider web). Trust me, that there were plenty awesome moments. I rooted for the gang, but horror stories aren’t meant to have happy endings.
It was a nice surprise that Fran had a crush on Michael. Too bad that she was frumpy, but she had a great kick-ass moment where she got to injure an Other (the killer creatures). Whenever the humans were triumph, the Others would regroup then come back more powerful.
* Being from West Virginia, I liked the concept of them turning into moth creatures. It reminded me of the Mothman Prophecies. The imagery of them getting killed and bursting into white powder–it was amazing that it was described as snow fall. To contrast a beautiful moment with something so disgusting was brilliant.
If I could, I would tell every plot point, but I can’t give everything away. Just know that the story was very entertaining. And, it was a fast read with lots of suspense. Why oh why did some people decide to go off on their own instead of remaining with the one guy who had the idea of what dread they’d encounter? I would’ve been attached to Guy’s hip LOL.
I RECOMMEND this book to read. -
Bard Constantine's THE ABERRATION is an exciting horror story reminiscent of Stephen King's "The Mist." After one of their co-workers apparently commits suicide by jumping off the roof of the building, five people find themselves trapped by a strange torrential rain that seems to be harboring faceless ghouls. Guy, who has been experiencing inexplicable dreams in which he battles demons, tries to help the others figure out what's going on before it's too late. Michael just wants to get home to girlfriend Cynthia, lonely Fran wants to stay close to Michael, ineffectual supervisor Rob can't handle the tension, and Drake is pretty much falling apart from the start. When Guy pulls out the big guns, it's obvious to everyone that something really terrible is happening. And when the faceless ghouls begin transforming into even more gruesome creatures, we know we're in for a roller coaster of a horror tale.
As with most independently published novels, THE ABERRATION suffers from a lack of careful editing (I noticed a few typos and grammatical errors, along with some over-written sentences and passages). That said, it's a professionally written novel that held my interest from start to finish. I found it to be far more polished than most self-published books. Constantine is a good writer, and he knows how to tell a good story.
My main complaint actually has nothing to do with the lack of editing. I found the characters to be under-developed. We never really learn much about them, beyond those surface facts I mention above - Michael, for example, is crazy about his hot girlfriend and he's oblivious to the fact that his co-worker, Fran, has a crush on him. But that's all we know about either of them. We know even less about Rob or Drake. Guy is the central character, and Constantine gives us more to chew on there, but I never really knew him as a flesh-and-blood man. Part of this is because Guy is a purposefully illusive character - we're not supposed to know much about him (I was reminded of the TV series GRIMM, in which the main character is forced to battle monsters we all believe are fictional). Had the novel been longer (it's quite short at only 110 pages), Constantine might have been able to better develop both the characters and the plot.
Overall, THE ABERRATION is a fast-paced and well-written novel and it should satisfy most fans of the genre. The title, by the way, refers to "dark energy that manifests itself physically," with sort of a GHOSTBUSTERS-style gateway between our world and its darker, evil counterpart. If you like Stephen King and Dean Koontz, there's a good chance you'll like this. The ending wasn't bad, either (and that's a big deal for me - way too many novels fall flat in their final pages). Give it a chance -- writers like Constantine deserve it. -
Awesome new horror writer. Read it for free on Wattpad. Very impressive.
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Mr. Constantine sent me a link to his site to qualify for a free ebook of choice, and I went with The Aberration. The story is definitely imaginative as the author brings what we can only imagine in our worst nightmares to life. His writing skill is nothing short of superior! Mr. Constantine uses sensory details and beautiful figurative language throughout the book in such a way that is most impressive. I was delighted to read such wonderful style! The plot itself flows very smoothly, character development is solid (great dynamics and variety of personalities!), and there is both internal and external conflict, adding to the suspense of this story. A few edits needed, but it's very rare, and they're more like typos than grammatical errors. Nothing that hinders the excellent quality of this book. In fact, I cannot praise it, or Mr. Constantine's mastery of language and storytelling enough! Thank you for the free download sir! It has gained you a new fan, and I look forward to reading the next book!
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Chaos reigned from the the first page, it was clear this was going to be an action packed book from the beginning, and I hardly had time to take breath between the action.
Guy Mann and his co-workers are trapped inside the floor mill with "The others" faceless creatures who are determined to stop Guy from stopping the Aberration.
Is Guy as crazy as his co-workers think he is, or as he really already done all this before in past lives.
I enjoyed the flash backs in the book, I really felt it gave more depth to the horror that was already happening in the mill and the struggles which Guy had faced before.
the story is told from different vies points which in the past I have found confusing but in this case the author does it effortlessness and really gave a sense of how each of the characters were dealing with the horror that was taking over the mill.
I loved how strong Fran was, despite how frightened she was at times she stood up to the creatures far better than any of the man.
Rob was a character that I couldn't have any respect for, for various reasons but no spoilers from me.
I liked both Guy and Michael, Guy may at times seemed a little insane, I think I would have followed him anywhere, Michael just wanted to protect everyone and stay alive
I don't often read horror as I'll admit I am a bit of a wuss but after reading the blurb I was too intrigue not to. I am glad I did.
A fast paced, action packed novel that keeps the reader guessing until the end and truth be told I still have questions I wouldn't mind answers too but I don't want to give anything away.
Thankfully or should I say surprisingly I actually slept after reading :-) -
The Aberration - Memories of a Century Long Battle of Good and Evil or crazy Mad Man?
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Bard Constantine
Format: Kindle
Guy Mann woke from the dream, or what he hoped was a dream, and stared at his surroundings wondering if he was going mad. The spear, the blood, the killing, the evil, and in the waking world the signs and the warning... "The Aberration is here." What did it all mean, and why him? Unfortunately, as the storm rolled in trapping Guy and his fellow Mill workers he was about to find out. With no communication to the outside world and without escape from the faceless monsters surrounding and pressing in on the mill, Guy's past lives memories rush back and he knew he alone would be able to save them and possibly the world... unless he really was crazy.
Bard Constantine's, The Aberration, pulses with action holding the reader with a bizarre intrigue of horrors external and within. Constantine's narrative serves up a bone chilling experience instilling the reader with the same dread and fear his characters experience as the novel's action escalates. Part Twilight Zone and Angel Heart, Constantine plays with readers as the antagonist plays with Guy - is the Aberration real or the imagined memories of a crazed man looking for meaning?
For those looking for a short but gripping horror novel and a little something different, check out The Aberration.
Note: A complimentary copy of this work was provided in return for a review. -
The first word that came to mind was chaos.
So begins Bard Constantine’s, The Aberration, and truer words were never written. The flour mill had been decimated and the second shift crew is unaccounted for. Chapter 2 flashes back and you meet the second shift and the story continues bringing the book full circle.
Is Guy Mann insane? And if so, can he still save his co-workers and possibly the world from the Aberration? Or…?
Constantine has an innate ability to build tension throughout while creating in depth characters using minimal words. His use of language is almost poetic in places where he can reach out and grab the reader, pulling them into the story. This novella is a one sitting read, but if you’re like me, that’s fine. I didn’t want to put it down. -
I was very pleased with the way this venture unfolded. Initially, I thought the name of the main protagonist "Guy Man" was a little corny, and naturally assumed that the entirety of this book will be of the same nature but, upon further reading I realized the name was not important but the actions of the character are what drove the story.
The words flow very well for a horror book. Typically, these types of stories tend to bore me by the first 40 pages. That was not the case for this book, Bard Constantine is truly a fantastic writer. I would highly recommend this book for people whom enjoy reading Horror, but also for people who want something entertaining to read. -
This book features the manifestation of the horrors of all the characters featured. This was more or less a 3 star book for me if not for the second last chapter with the part where it was made out to look like it was all Guy's insanity and he was actually a serial killer. That part left me with a "what the fuck? Are you fucking kidding me?" Expression and I would have given it 5 stars if it had not been for the last chapter.
All-in-all, it's a 4 star book. -
Constantine deftly tightens the screws in this industrial nightmare. Set in a flour processing plant (in the lockdown from hell), Guy, the slightly weird employee every establishment seems to have, leads the desperate fight for survival against some truly nasty beings that have poured into our dimension of reality.
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This was my first Bard Constantine book and I absolutely loved it.
I just could not put it down..... Almost was late for work one morning because I wanted to read more of it before leaving home, lol.
I'm definitely heading to Amazon.com to see what else he's written. -
This was a goodreads win for me. This 107 page book had me from the first page to the end. I read it in one sitting. Very creepy story! Was impressed since it was short! I will definitely be looking forward to reading more Barb Constantine books!!
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I really enjoyed this story, pretty much devoured it. The flour mill provides an excellent setting for the truly creepy and grotesque monsters that come out of Bard Constantine's imaginative mind. Superb use of language, beautiful images.
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I have no idea how to describe this story. However, it was engrossing and interesting.
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I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars. -
3.5 stars. This was an ARC I received a while ago. Better than I anticipated with a bit of a Lovecraftian feel to it. Will watch for more by this author.
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A Truly Remarkable Collection
It begins with several people trapped in a huge flour mill and one of them might be more than human. The rest of the work sheds more light on the situation with an intriguing inter dimensional threat.
The entire collection entertains and leaves the reader thinking more about the world building, the characters and their repercussions long after the final paragraph is read. -
Chilling
A hero that spends eternity fighting pure evil. Again and again his p ast returns to him as the evil things cross to this world and threaten humanity.
