Each one was unique and what I really liked is how the author mixed current events along with a mix of supernatural/horror and blended both together so well they were kinda terrifying! In “The Lion at the Gate,” a strange piece of graffiti leads to a terrifying encounter for four school friends. In “Final Course,” the world has descended into darkness, but a group of old friends make time for one last dinner party. In “Runaway Blues,” thwarted love, revenge, and something very nasty stowed in a hat box converge. In “Gloria,” a strange girl at a service station endears herself to a coldhearted killer, but can a leopard really change its spots? And in “I’m Not Ted,” a case of mistaken identity has unforeseen fatal consequences. You will find all my notes, all my findings in a box in the cave over there. Please, fly there as soon as you can.

You won’t though. You’ll want to hear this story. And I need to tell it. Because I’ve not told anyone else, not in over fifty years. And that’s a long time to nurse a horror. There is no alternative, Commander. You must fight the Specter, use your Stigma abilities, and defeat it. Only then will you guarantee your release from this earthly prison. Story 5 | "The Lion At The Gate" - A lion on a wall might just bite if you get too close. I enjoyed the idea behind this one. Very clever. | 4⭐'s No, no. Your companion is a little early this morning.” His smile widened, but it looked strained at the edges. Something was wrong. “Please, come this way.”Second best favorite: “Final Course”: apocalyptic last dinner theme! Infamous Five meets at a deserted mansion to save themselves from lurking monsters hunting people. I loved the ending so much!

The first story follows an old woman on a cruise ship that is anything but a fun holiday and made for an excellent start to the collection. The story was unsettling and had an air of mystery around it, however it was a little predictable. The concept was interesting and it would make for a great full length novel where the characters could be more developed and the plot furthered. I'm stunned. The honor of the Daevas should be beyond question. To think, someone sharing the same noble Elyos blood as I would beat their wings in the face of Aion! I was utterly alone. My greatest wish was to seek Lady Ariel's guidance, but as a lone soldier...it was not my place. But you had given me an assignment of the utmost secrecy, one that was imperative to securing our future. BUT what I really did enjoy MOST was that ALL the stories also came with an introduction of their own-C.J. shared her inspiration for each of them and I felt like I was sitting down for an INTIMATE CHAT with a friend, which ended with an evening by a campfire listening to spooky stories… Dust: I too, gravitate toward spooky hotels and spooky hotel stories, and living in Arizona where we have the yellow glow of Dust Storms, called Monsoons here, added to the intrigue of this one, which featured the Calima winds with their orange glow and the “Hotel California-like”. Villa de las Alma’s Perdidas on Gran Canaria.I find short story collections are either a hit or miss for me- this collection was absolutely a hit! Remember, Commander, a Stigma Stone is used just like any other skill. There's nothing else you need to know now that you've remembered how to fit the stone itself. Considering all the world has been through over the past 3-years, I don't think it is surprising that this is the type of creativity Tudor felt like expressing. It definitely feels apropos for the times. If you are a fan of psychological horror (Catriona Ward fans I’m talking to you), A Sliver of Darkness is a must read!