This is a fantastic collection of short stories. Each one is horrific in its own way. From demons and the occult to curiosity and hypocrisy, the way one wrong turn can completely change a life is subtly and chillingly demonstrated. The way you look at things, including dreams, and the way you think is liable to be changed. Great job, Emiliya Ahmadova.
“A Glimpse of the Future” – A perfect, chilling picture of how demonic influence can enter one’s life and take it over.
“A Visit to Hell” – A woman with a rather loose lifestyle discovers that it isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
“Revenge” – This is one very strange story of revenge, but it is also one of forgiveness.
“The Cowboy and the Beast” – A truly terrifying tale of a monstrous creature that is targeting one man and his wife.
“Across the Darkness” – Not for the faint of heart, this tale of the occult, demonic oppression and possession, and redemption has the potential to keep you awake at night.
“The Nightmare at Helena Village” – Curiosity didn’t kill the curious ones this time, but it came close.
“The Price of Hypocrisy” – Matthew 25:35-40 shows us that we need to have mercy on those who are less fortunate than we are. But what happens if we don’t? Delilah is about to learn a very important lesson.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. If you would like your own copy, I’ve provided an Amazon link below.
Amazon Link: A Hell for All Seasons
Favorite Sentences:
As these memories surfaced, nausea and self-loathing replaced the horror I had initially felt.
It was so cold that even the street dogs and cats did not dare come out to forage for food.
Nothing escaped my vitriol—the car, the weather, my boyfriend, his bitch, and his damned vodka—everything was their fault.
The wind blew the sign around like a child’s toy, causing it to bang on the glass door.
New Words Learned:
bake – a simple fried bread
bamsee – buttocks or rear end
bobolee – idiot or simpleton
chupidee– foolish person
Diwali
domovoy – a protective house spirit in Slavic folklore
doubles – a sandwich made with two flat fried breads, called bara, filled with chickpeas, also known as channa. Topped with chutney and pepper sauce; it is commonly used for breakfast.
dougla – a person of mixed African and East Indian ancestry
pholourie – Savoury fritter made from seasoned split pea flour and traditionally served with chutney
rictus – a fixed or unnatural grin or grimace, as in horror or death
roti – a traditional Indian bread
sahina – http://www.whatocook.com/sahina/
turves – layers of matted earth formed by grass and plant roots; plural of turf
About the Author:
Emiliya Ahmadova was born in the city of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
When she was just nine years old, she developed a passion for reading, literature, poetry, and foreign languages. In high school, she participated in and won many poetry competitions. Starting at the age of ten, she began writing poems and short stories in Russian.
Emiliya has diplomas in business management as well as a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in human resources management. She also has international diplomas in the advanced study of the theory and practice of management, administration, business management, communication, hotel operations management, office management and administration, and professional English from the Cambridge International College, in addition to a certificate in novel writing. Emiliya speaks four languages (Azeri, Russian, English, and some Turkish), but her native language is Azeri.
Because of her love for humanity and children, she has started volunteering at a local school and in 2011 became a Cub Scout leader and won a trophy as the first female parent leader. Emiliya likes being around people, adores travel, enjoys playing soccer, and relishes in helping other people.
