Unfortunately, circumstances have turned out so that for about a month I won't be able to actively work on the book. Therefore, the next chapter will be released with a delay. I apologize to those who are waiting for the continuation, but circumstances are beyond my control. As soon as everything settles down, I hope to catch up and release new chapters more often.
Starting a new project in the LitRPG / GameLit / post-apocalyptic genre. If you like my style and this genre, drop a line. If I see interest, I'll start posting chapters as they are ready.
Thank you to everyone who read An Axe in Hand, left a rating, and messaged me privately. I'm grateful for both the highest and lowest scores—such a division of opinions says a lot. The number of profile visits speaks volumes, too. I'm especially thankful to those who reached out directly; your words are priceless. Given your reaction, readers, I’ve made my decision: the story will definitely continue!
Folks, I’m celebrating today. Someone just “awarded” my new short story, An Axe in Hand, a solid 1-out-of-10 on the rating scale.
And you know what? I couldn't be happier.
Listen, right at the top of the text, in plain sight, are content warnings: graphic violence, animal injury, blood, the undead. Were you warned? Yes, absolutely. But no—this person heroically powered through the text, presumably expecting a lighthearted fairy tale about kittens and daisies, got totally rattled by the harsh reality of the Weird West, lost their peace of mind, and slapped on a 1.
Nothing screams impotent rage quite like a 1 dropped out of sheer panic or because the author managed to hit a raw nerve. In horror, indifference is death. But when a reader is grinding their teeth, foaming at the mouth, and hitting the absolute lowest score—that means the story drove straight to the liver. It means the atmosphere is thick, the grit is tangible, and the protagonist's pain actually hurts.
Thank you, anonymous hater. Your 1-star review is the highest praise a horror writer can get. It means we're doing it right.