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Always Sometimes Monsters
“Expect the unexpected in this captivating and haunting collection of dark, brutal and often hilarious stories that explore the human condition in all of its depraved and paranoid glory.”
– Richard Thomas, author of Staring Into the Abyss
Admit it, you're not a good person. Sure, you try to be polite to telemarketers, and you occasionally remember a co-worker's birthday, but underneath the table manners and forced smiles, you're barely suppressing the urge to dive headfirst off the straight and narrow. It happens to everyone sooner or later, so why not consider these eighteen (mostly) horrifying tales of succumbing to the darkness lurking within us all.
Find out why some old video games aren't meant to be played in, "Kill Screen" (soon to be a feature film!) Discover what happens when a cordyceps fungus meant for African Bullet Ants begins to infect humans in, "The Cord." Learn the five key steps to selling any product (during the apocalypse) in, "Magic Man." From Sea Monkeys to Professional Wrestling, Tarot Cards to Time Travel, each of these stories prove that we're never always perfect, but we're Always Sometimes Monsters.
– Richard Thomas, author of Staring Into the Abyss
Admit it, you're not a good person. Sure, you try to be polite to telemarketers, and you occasionally remember a co-worker's birthday, but underneath the table manners and forced smiles, you're barely suppressing the urge to dive headfirst off the straight and narrow. It happens to everyone sooner or later, so why not consider these eighteen (mostly) horrifying tales of succumbing to the darkness lurking within us all.
Find out why some old video games aren't meant to be played in, "Kill Screen" (soon to be a feature film!) Discover what happens when a cordyceps fungus meant for African Bullet Ants begins to infect humans in, "The Cord." Learn the five key steps to selling any product (during the apocalypse) in, "Magic Man." From Sea Monkeys to Professional Wrestling, Tarot Cards to Time Travel, each of these stories prove that we're never always perfect, but we're Always Sometimes Monsters.
175 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2014
1 person is currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Chris Lewis Carter
13 books24 followersFrom high-school textbooks to award-winning magazines and podcasts, Chris Lewis Carter has been featured in over two dozen publications, including Nelson Literacy 8, Word Riot, 3AM Magazine, Niteblade, and Pseudopod. He is a contributor to indie game developer, Studio Kontrabida, and will be published in the upcoming Chuck Palahniuk-edited collection, Burnt Tongues (Medallion Press, 2014). When he isn’t writing, Chris can usually be found playing video games or listening to podcasts – most likely both at the same time. He is also the creator of Camp Myth, a successfully-kickstarted YA series that is available now!
Email me: chrislewiscarter at gmail dot com
Twitter: @IAmChrisLewisCarter
Email me: chrislewiscarter at gmail dot com
Twitter: @IAmChrisLewisCarter
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 9, 2014
As the person who wrote all of the stories in this collection, I can honestly say that I think they're pretty okay. 5/5. Would write again.
April 25, 2020
This book was released a month and a half after a popular video game of 2014 of the same name, so it was obviously a bit of a cash grab from the author
But, surprisingly, the short stories in the book are extremely good (if disturbing, though that's kind of the point).
Despite the cash grabbiness, would still recommend and did not regret my purchase in the slightest
But, surprisingly, the short stories in the book are extremely good (if disturbing, though that's kind of the point).
Despite the cash grabbiness, would still recommend and did not regret my purchase in the slightest
November 10, 2014
Chris Lewis Carter is something of a literary renaissance man. From his Camp Myth series, to the associated RPG, to the iPhone app, and the host of other projects he's undertaken, the guy is restlessly creative. It’s no wonder that Chuck Palahniuk selected his heartbreaking story “Charlie” for inclusion in the anthology “Burnt Tongues.”
Here, in this collection of short stories, Carter branches out and explores some of the darker facets of human nature. People doing things that are on the verge of illegal, immoral, and otherwise damaging to those around them. Not all of these people are necessarily bad, but they’re not good either.
Swindlers, murderers, and thieves all make an appearance here. As do everymen, curious kids, and one elderly man who loses his leg in a particularly grotesque explosion of blood.
Most of the stories in “Always Sometimes Monsters” are fast paced vignettes that don’t waste much time diving into back stories or explanations. They exist very much in the present, documenting a specific event or moment in time. Through it all, Carter’s assured voice slips seamlessly between narrators without missing a beat.
One of the shortest stories, “Murder-Me.com” gives a brilliant set up and ends wonderfully, and unexpectedly, way too soon.
“The Cord” starts out as something that feels familiar, yet quickly becomes something new and altogether more frightening.
Some of the tales pack more of an emotional punch than I expected. “Perpetual Junctions Travel Agency” features a man who wants nothing more to be happy, but he doesn’t realize that everyone (everywhere) feels the same way.
A good number of these stories have the futuristic insight of Philip K. Dick combined with the humor and fear of technology that reminds me of Douglas Coupland. It’s not science fiction exactly because it all feels so close to where we’re heading.
This is truly an excellent collection and is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys intelligent stories that are frightening, insightful, and thought provoking.
I can’t wait for when Chris Lewis Carter takes one of his seemingly inexhaustible ideas and turns it into a novel…or a film, or an RPG, or…
Here, in this collection of short stories, Carter branches out and explores some of the darker facets of human nature. People doing things that are on the verge of illegal, immoral, and otherwise damaging to those around them. Not all of these people are necessarily bad, but they’re not good either.
Swindlers, murderers, and thieves all make an appearance here. As do everymen, curious kids, and one elderly man who loses his leg in a particularly grotesque explosion of blood.
Most of the stories in “Always Sometimes Monsters” are fast paced vignettes that don’t waste much time diving into back stories or explanations. They exist very much in the present, documenting a specific event or moment in time. Through it all, Carter’s assured voice slips seamlessly between narrators without missing a beat.
One of the shortest stories, “Murder-Me.com” gives a brilliant set up and ends wonderfully, and unexpectedly, way too soon.
“The Cord” starts out as something that feels familiar, yet quickly becomes something new and altogether more frightening.
Some of the tales pack more of an emotional punch than I expected. “Perpetual Junctions Travel Agency” features a man who wants nothing more to be happy, but he doesn’t realize that everyone (everywhere) feels the same way.
A good number of these stories have the futuristic insight of Philip K. Dick combined with the humor and fear of technology that reminds me of Douglas Coupland. It’s not science fiction exactly because it all feels so close to where we’re heading.
This is truly an excellent collection and is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys intelligent stories that are frightening, insightful, and thought provoking.
I can’t wait for when Chris Lewis Carter takes one of his seemingly inexhaustible ideas and turns it into a novel…or a film, or an RPG, or…
July 12, 2014
Pretty good.
the last story kinda bummed me out but it's good storytelling the whole way through. Even with all the wet cement in its head lol
the last story kinda bummed me out but it's good storytelling the whole way through. Even with all the wet cement in its head lol
November 26, 2014
Great collection of short stories. I was engaged in each and every one.
February 25, 2015
Good shit
After reading burnt tongues I looked up the authors and came across this treasure. Looking forward to what he comes out with next
After reading burnt tongues I looked up the authors and came across this treasure. Looking forward to what he comes out with next
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews