Sample of The Cold Beneath:
|
I
record these last words with trembling hands, for the ever-patient specter of
death stalks me, and I am afraid. It is not the appearance of death that
frightens me; only fools and madmen expect to live forever. No, it is the
manifestation that death has chosen that has filled me with terror. He is in
the deep, burning cold. The ice of endless sleep. The frozen wasteland without pity
or remorse that surrounds me. But even worse, he is a fleet-footed horror,
moaning in a chorus of utter torment as he claws with many hands at the door
behind which I cower.a
Yet,
in spite of my overwhelming fear, I shall not deny death.
As the last of our ill-fated party, I will seek his audience, an easy task considering he has invited me so openly. When I have finished recording this account, I shall walk unprotected into the tearing hands and hungry mouths of the horrors that wait just beyond my door. In doing so, I will lay down not just the burden of my existence but also my weary consciousness. My health is failing, as is my mind. Even were I hale and hearty, I could not bring myself to face another morning knowing what I know. Having seen what I have seen. Having done what I have done. |
Praise for The Cold Beneath:
"I loved this book. Tonia Brown captures the feel and tone of Jules Verne and other writers of that era with an elegance and modern accessibility of prose that just amazed me. Did I mention I love this book?" ~ Dana Fredsti, author of PLAGUE TOWN and PLAGUE NATION
"Engaging from the first and captivating to the last, The Cold Beneath is infused with an originality that goes beyond just the blending of zombies and steampunk - which in itself is cool as hell." ~ David Dunwoody, author of EMPIRE'S END
"The Cold Beneath mixes gothic horror, steampunk, and high adventure into a tale full of colorful characters, mystery, and enough creepy imagery to keep you shivering under your covers all night long. Tonia Brown has given us a new vision of zombie terror, and it will chill you to the bone." ~ Patrick D'Orazio, author of COMES THE DARK