I received an ARC of this novella from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I always look forward to the monthly novellas from Darkfuse. I have been introduced to several of my current favorite writers this way.

Wow, this story was dark. I found it to be very interesting but I wanted to know more about the Masters who have taken over the world and the effects on the world. The character of Alice was particularly well done but the remaining characters needed more fleshing out, in my view. Well written and atmospheric if a bit over the top at times.

I will definitely seek out more of Waggoner's work and would enjoy reading more stories set in this world.

3.5 stars. ( )

I've been thinking about this one all day. I normally write my reviews immediately after finishing the book, but today was different. For the past eight hours, I've been trying to find one good reason not to give this five stars. Not because I wanted to hate it, but because I try and reserve my fivers for stories I can read over and over again, stellar outings that simply rock my socks. My final subjective viewpoint on this is: The Last Mile was fucking awesome.

Tim Waggoner's writing is liquid, and oh, brother, does it flow. I read this in under an hour and a half, and shockingly enough, I'm not left wanting more. It was the perfect length, with just enough mysterious circumstances, action, and jaw-dropping grotesqueness that I felt as if I'd read a complete novel. Or perhaps a longer episode of The Outer Limits. The story was unique, one of the most atypical post-apocalytic stories I've ever read. Every time I thought I knew what was coming, Waggoner nailed me with a curve ball.

This one might be too bizarre for some, but I found the weirdness fresh and exhilarating. I read for fun, as an escape, and this one allowed me a brief respite from everyday life. Damn fun is what this book is. Not to mention, disturbing as all hell. A certain scene involving a pie server knotted my guts. I dig it quite a bit when a story incites a physical reaction from me. And the dude on the motorcycle was just plain cool.

Finally, to quote the cool kids...

That ending, tho!

In summation: This is my first Tim Waggoner read, and it definitely won't be my last. Highly recommended for fans of bizarre horror who have strong stomachs and are looking for an inventive take on the old End-o'-the-World trope.

(Side note: Dear Tim Waggoner, you had me at Sutter Cane.)

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Review copy

In a relatively short number of pages, Tim Waggoner manages to construct a post apocalyptic landscape that is every bit as realized as those in much longer works.

Survival in the After World is tenuous, at best. Dan is one of a select few marked to serve a Master. In the main thrust of the story, he's captured a young woman with the intention of delivering her to his Master and what happens during The Last Mile to his destination is the crux of the tale.

At times very disturbing, this product of Tim Waggoner's over-active imagination is nearly everything you could want in a horror novella.

In this brave new world, the ordinary has become extraordinary..."It was part bovine, part human, a woman's head hanging upside down where an udder should've been, her tongue was lolling, matted black hair dragging the ground. It possessed a long serpent in place of a tail, the head curled underneath the main part of the creature's body so its forked tongue could taste the udder-head's ear. The cow's body was scrawny, its dry, leathery brown hide stretched tight across the bone, so tight that the flesh had torn in numerous places, revealing glimpses of the yellowed skeleton beneath. The cow head looked as if it had been dipped in acid, for it was nothing but a skull--except for the eyes. They remained untouched, and they stared at Dan with what he interpreted as malign amusement."

Definitely for adults and not for anyone with a weak stomach, but if you're up for it, The Last Mile is a quick read that will really help you get your horror on.

From Darkfuse Publishers, The Last Mile is available for the Kindle at Amazon.com and if you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, you can read this one at no additional charge.

Certainly recommended. ( )