A surprisingly sweet story. The twist was something I definitely never would have guessed. I definitely recommend this short story.

this reminded me of something but for the life of me i’m struggling to figure out what it is exactly
the whole +*+crying uncontrollably over the sheer beauty of an entity+*+ thing I HAVE READ OR SEEN THAT SOMEWHERE BEFORE WHAT IS IT!!!!!

made me think slightly of welcome to night vale
fun little story about acceptance

The writing was emotionally raw. It's a twisted, different type of story with such a connection to real life. The twist I definitely wasn't expecting...but the writing was just so deep and personal!

Everything Damon Manx writes, is an automatic read for me, and this is no exception. It was a short, well written story, that I had absolutely no idea where it was going. Abigail is a cute little girl who captivates everyone who meets (and reads about) her. This is horror, but it's awfully cute horror!

What an interesting little story. I found it hard to connect with the plot and characters because of the writing style. I was also confused for a large majority of the book, but that was quickly resolved once the plot twist happened.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an interesting short story about a gay man and demons.

I’ve been refraining from pulling the trigger on this one for a while. Manx has absolutely been on my radar lately (I think he’s actually my most read author this year?) but splatterpunk is just not my thing. Seeing this was nominated for a short story award had me thinking the vibe would be very different. But it’s truly a nice, feel good horror novelette.

I won’t go too much into synopsis to avoid potential spoilers but the book’s protagonist is gay and has struggled with his identity throughout his adolescence. He randomly receives a gift on his doorstep which is simultaneously horrific and amazing. There is quite a bit with acceptance as a theme.

Anyways, knocked this out in one sitting and definitely ended with a smile on my face. There’s a cute twist at the end and despite some of the heavier themes (homophobia and accepting oneself), it’s a nice light read. I’ll likely recommend this one for my 12yo as it’s that accessible.

I also loved some of the corporate name spin offs. I definitely chuckled a few times throughout.

If you’re looking for a lighter book as a palette cleanser then give this one a try.

Very cool creepy little horror novel. Can't say I've ever read anything quite like it and I absolutely loved it. Will definitely look for more from this author.

At 31 pages this is a good short read. I thought it was going in one direction and was pleasantly surprised. Definitely a fun one!

Returning from his perfect date night, Adrian finds a strange baby on his doorstep…

That’s it, that’s all I can tell you about this short novella. The twist is too gaspingly good to ruin.
This was NOT horror as I expected, but it was really fun. I’m still flabbergasted by that twist, so subtle yet so effective.

If Daemon Manx managed to shock me in a short 30 minute read, I wonder what he could achieve in a full-length novel.

Thank you Netgalley, Daemon Manx and Last Waltz Publishing for the eArc of Abigail.

I've read a few of Daemon Manx' books and enjoy his writing style. This is a fast paced book following the footsteps of Adrian, who after going out on a date, comes back to find an abandoned baby on his doorstep. All is not what it seems as there is something wrong with the baby,

Even though it's quick read, you still get a good sense of the characters despite it being more plot driven. There is some nice subtle foreshadowing going on and if you pick up on it, the plot goes where you think it will. Even if you don't, the end perceptive/twist, is still satisfying and a little different. I wonder if we will get to see more of Adrian and Abigail in the future? I hope so as Im already intrigued !

I also listened to the audio version and Ryan Haugen does a great job narrating this audiobook. His voice really suits the pacing of the book and kept me engaged.

Regardless, this book is a great psychological thriller with horror / fantasy elements.

4 stars

First, this is not horror.

Second, there was lots of “telling” rather than “showing”. The conversations did not ring true.

It’s not a bad little story, but it is not at all as described.

A nice little short story that took a little plot twist at the end! Because its so short you ofcourse immediately get there's going to be a good twist, but I didn't expect this one.

Sweet little story with layers of the supernatural & mythological to amplify the real-life elements. The changing of copywritten names threw me off at first but after a few pages you just sink into it and it kind of plays into the alternative world that this story is portraying. Everything just a little off kilter. But overall I loved this concept, the reality of living in the South while being at all different, and the unconventional love story in here.

When Adrian comes home from a date, the last thing he expects to find is a baby on his doorstep. Except Abigail isn’t like other babies. She’s different. She has an allure, one that entrances everyone who comes into contact with her.

This was a quick read with lots of beautiful descriptions and a solid understanding of Adrian’s background. He’s been through his share of struggles, so he feels confident about all he’ll have to do to take care of Abigail.

This is a pretty straightforward tale until the ending. I really didn’t see that twist coming!

I wouldn’t really classify this book as horror, but it was still entertaining regardless.

Abigail
by: Daemon Manx
2021
Last Waltz Pub., New Jersey
5.0 stars

A mindblower. Excellent story and telling of a story.

Adrian Ballard lives in Venice, Florida. He is waiting for an online date at a local gay bar, The DelMonico. His date is late-then later-and later still, but eventually shows up. Adrian is immediately swept off his feet. His date, Michael, is handsome, is charismatic, and is a Doctor. Adrian doesn't think Michael would like someone like him, and leaves the bar unsure what impression Michael had of him.
Adrian arrives home to find a basket left on his front doorstep. Attached is a note "please take care of my daughter. Her name is Abigail" Abigail is different, not your average baby, but Adrian falls in love with Abigail, and everyone who sees her falls in love with her, but she is...different....Adrian takes Abigail to see Michael, and the story develops and twists from there. I don't want to say to much.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers and intrique, with a mix of horror, this may be one you like. I really liked it and can't wait to see the movie. Sure to be a classic.

Thanks to NetGalley for sending this ARC for review.
#Abigail #NetGalley

"Abigail" by Daemon Manx starts with a gripping premise as Adrian's life changes dramatically with the arrival of baby Abigail and her mysterious traits. The story took me by surprise with its unexpected turns and suspenseful moments, keeping me hooked until the end.I enjoyed the unique storyline. The rapid pacing sometimes left me wanting more depth and background. Great fast read with surprising outcome!

This was a quick and fun read. Definitely not anything like I expected, which isn't a bad thing! It was nice seeing representation from different types of characters and the storyline was completely unique. There wasn't as much horror as I thought there would be, and some of the dialogue was odd, bit overall it was an entertaining story with a surprising twist of an ending.

Abigail is something special....

A bite-sized little "creature feature"-esq tale has an interesting little spin on your typical monster story, Abigail is also a story about acceptance... The desires to live without judgements... And how sometimes those of us who are judged as being "different" in some way can just as easily judge others differences.

This is a short horror novelette with a touch of humor and a whole lot of heart.

5 / 5

This is the second book by this author that I've read; based on the dialogue in their writing, I'm convinced they have never had a real conversation with a human person before. Instead, they seem to glean their concept of human interaction from Broadway theatrical productions and CW dramadies.

With that being said, this was goofy as hell, but fun.

Daemon Manx did an amazing job at writting this book! Jesus this was so good. I rated this book 5 stars because I couldn't put it down for a bit. OMG! Please read this book guys...