The Dark Verse, Vol. 1: From the Passages of Revenants

Twenty-six short tales of occult, metaphysical, and fantastical horror that will follow you to the visions of your sleep. This is Sharkchild's first collection of grim and ethereal stories—a silver medalist in the category of Horror in the 2010 Independent Publisher Book Awards.

"Some would be quick to point out the similarities between Sharkchild's esoteric style and H.P. Lovecraft's writings, but though they appear similar I would argue that Sharkchild has a very distinct and unique way of unveiling his mysterious stories. I will say that like any good horror author, Sharkchild's stories will leave you unhinged as you get a glimpse of the strange species that permeate his imagination and have scrawled themselves into this book.... All of Sharkchild's stories are inhabited by grotesque yet sometimes wondrous beings who have managed to break forth into our own world. These unimaginably horrific monsters populate these short stories, and Sharkchild's writing brings them to startling and shocking clarity. His stories exist on a different plane, a dimension where unspeakable horrors lie in wait, ready to assault and invade our own existence. These are tales that could reduce you to madness as you marvel at their complex simplicity. Horror lies in fearing the unknown, and boy, does Sharkchild ever have a grasp of how to scare us!" -Fatally-Yours

"Though grotesque and gloomy, a lot of The Dark Verse tales have a moral. They leave you in thought in the end. Not only does the reader crossover into the dark worlds of the book, but also the worlds seem to come to the reader. Sharkchild does this by relating grim subjects and thoughts to everyday life. Overall, The Dark Verse, Volume I is a preeminent compilation of short stories, or maybe even bedtime stories, to add to any collection. One of the greatest elements of the book is its ability to remain fascinating and enticing even after reading it for the first time. It never festers." -Gothic Beauty Magazine

"In regards to the content, this aims for Lovecraft Territory. While avoiding out and out pastiche, most of Sharkchild's brief tales nestle comfortably alongside any Mythos tale. Cthulu or any of the Elder Gods are not specifically mentioned but in tales filled with cosmic horror and entities too unspeakable for humans to fathom, the reader understands these stories to fit into a Mythos mirror universe.... For Lovecraft and Mythos fans, the hardcover copy would be a gorgeous addition to any collection." -Hellnotes