40 Comments
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Bill Hiatt's avatar

We are all fortunate that this you decided to return to this work. It's clearly powerful stuff, and if these chapters are any indication, it will end up as a great addition to the horror genre.

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Stephen Duffy's avatar

Thanks a lot, Bill! The more I write, the closer to a horror it feels.

Appreciate you reading, as always 🙏

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Jasper Woods's avatar

Gave us some one to root for off the top and then hit us with the mystery. Awesome:)

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Stephen Duffy's avatar

Thanks Jasper! Glad you're enjoying it so far 👌🏻

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Kathy Enriquez-Nguyen's avatar

Absolutely love this omg. Ya done it again mate!

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Stephen Duffy's avatar

Aww thanks pal! We're just getting started ❤️

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Jessica Maison's avatar

This is exciting! So curious to which direction you decide to take it in.

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Stephen Duffy's avatar

Thanks Jessica! I'm excited too lol ❤️

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Jeremy Beecher Phan's avatar

Gosh there's a lot going on here from the first sentence to the last. I love how well grounded within Brianna's internal thoughts and feelings the piece is, so there's a truly visceral first hand response to the circumstances and events that is rewardingly thrilling! If anything perhaps a little too fast paced so I wonder if it might make it challenging to build tension and offer little passages of quieter respite for the reader to recover!? That said, and entirely unabashedly, dare I mention that it puts my in mind of the work of one Stephen King? Kudos and admiration to you and for sharing something that has been such an intimate challenge to you. Keep it up!

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Stephen Duffy's avatar

Thanks a lot, Jeremy! Yes, those first few chapters are breakneck pace, but I promise there are intentional (short) breaks in future ones.

And as for the Stephen King comparison, wow, wow, wow (wow) 🤣❤️

Appreciate you reading and delighted you enjoyed it.

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Asteria Geisterblum's avatar

I knew I did the right thing when I bookmarked it for a day where I knew I had the proper amount of time for this

The way this snatched me up and pulled me in is insane. It ended so fast! And I can’t wait to see where things are going

Enjoyed it greatly (as always when it comes to your writing)

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Stephen Duffy's avatar

Thank you so much, Asteria. Having spent so long on this one, your kind words really mean the world to me ❤️

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Vince Roman's avatar

What a unique name, Asteria. My hometown is called Astoria.

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Asteria Geisterblum's avatar

It’s a pen name, but thank you 🙂

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Stephen Duffy's avatar

I think your real name is Estaria Blumstergeist 🤷‍♂️

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Asteria Geisterblum's avatar

psssst don’t tell them, Victor 😭

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Barbara Angermeier Malcolm's avatar

It really pulled me along. Great job!

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Stephen Duffy's avatar

Ah, thank you! ❤️

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Michael B. Morgan's avatar

Nice, nice read, man!

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Stephen Duffy's avatar

Thanks Michael. Appreciate that 🙏

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Michael B. Morgan's avatar

Welcome!

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Paola's avatar

Can't wait to read on and see if Brianna is going to become a vindictive super strong girl! Thanks for sharing!

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Stephen Duffy's avatar

She just might! Thank you so much for reading ❤️

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Reda Rountree (she/her)'s avatar

Very suspenseful — I appreciated that it came with a content warning — I’m excited to keep reading!

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Stephen Duffy's avatar

Hey, thanks Reda! Really keen to hear your thoughts ❤️

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AmericanWitchCraft's avatar

The end of chapter 1 hit me like Ryan’s car. Jill’s loss had me bereft too, but I’m not sure if she feels the same. Maybe she’s focused elsewhere. The exposition was slightly bumpy—or my brain too smooth. Looking forward to catching up!

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Stephen Duffy's avatar

Yeah, those opening chapters breakneck pace! It slows down a little, I promise 💚

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R. M. Greta's avatar

This was awesome! I'll be catching up on the rest soon :)

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Stephen Duffy's avatar

Ah thank you! All the chapters are available now — enjoy! 💚

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Posy Churchgate's avatar

This packed a punch Stephen. Onto the next

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Love PNR | Kestrel Caim's avatar

This was such a delight, Stephen. I know the horror is coming and maybe, in these chapters, it technically arrives with John. But for me, the real horror was when Ryan drove away and Brad left Brianna. Not because it’s genre horror, but because it’s true. That’s what would really happen. And that’s what makes it hurt.

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Stephen Duffy's avatar

Thank you! And yes, the truth can be just as horrific as any horror! Can't wait for you to get to the good stuff 💀❤️

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Imago Sa Poetry's avatar

I’m really curious as to what is going to happen with Brianna’s story & I loved the creepy experiment chapter 💕

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Stephen Duffy's avatar

You’re in for a treat, my friend! Only two weeks left, so most of the story is already there to read! ❤️👌🏻

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Pages After Dark's avatar

Your writing style is just chef’s kiss. This was really gripping and the way you use words to is just great storytelling. I’m late to this but I have seen that you have the ither chapters posted. You have given me something new to binge-read. Keep writing, fellow horror writer!

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Stephen Duffy's avatar

What a lovely message to wake up to — thank you!

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