WHAT REALLY HAPPENS AT LAST LIGHT? Last Light will give you just enough illumination to see into the wonders and horrors that dwell deep within the darkest shadows. These tales will both entrance and terrify. Scared of the dark? Let Last Light guide you safely through these stories of the paranormal and terror that surrounds us all.
Last Light: A Collection of Short Stories
by Chris Coppel
Last Light: A Sample of Reviews
THESE STORIES WILL HAUNT MY DREAMS AND I WELCOME IT
I have never read a book of short horror stories before, and boy am I glad I started with Chris Coppel. The way the author crafted each story to tickle those fear senses in my brain was pure genius.
With spooky season right on our heals, this is the ultimate read. I devoured this book in one day and I regret nothing. I would read these stories over and over again.
My favorite stories were "Living Water" and "Lasting Memories". One left me with hope while the other crushed it, and I loved every minute of it. I could feel myself yelling out loud to these characters as if I was watching a movie unfold before me.
A lot of these stories have concepts that are so enthralling and unique it leaves you begging for more from Chris Coppel. And lucky for us, there is plenty more. Overall, I would recommend this book to ANY lover of horror books and I promise you wont regret it.
*****
"Last Light" by Chris Coppel offers an intriguing exploration of the complexities of the human psyche in its interaction with supernatural elements. This compilation of short stories comprises nine narratives, each with a distinct ability to captivate the reader's imagination and evoke lasting sensations of fear and suspense.
From the very start, readers are thrust into a realm where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural seamlessly merge. This is exemplified in the opening tale, "Living Water," where reality takes an eerie twist. Every story within this collection delves deep into fundamental human fears and anxieties, resulting in the creation of an intensely suspenseful and gripping atmosphere. What sets this work apart is the author's remarkable versatility in storytelling. Chris Coppel seamlessly transitions between a diverse range of narratives, showcasing a talent for crafting distinct voices and settings. The characters populating these stories are finely crafted, possessing qualities that render them relatable, thereby enriching the overall reading experience.
"Last Light" possesses the unique capacity to tap into and evoke universal anxieties, making it a compelling read for horror fans. In contrast to other anthologies, this collection maintains a consistently high level of storytelling excellence, underscoring Chris Coppel's unwavering dedication to the craft. Highly recommended.
*****
excellent book full of horror and captivating stories!
“Last light- A collection of short stories” by Chris Coppel is a compilation of tales full of horror and super captivating stories.
In my opinion, this is one of the best genres to read because it makes me experience contradictory emotions, for example from joy to panic. One of the primary reasons why this kind of books hold such a grip on my imagination is the ability to tap into my innate fears so I confess that these books are my guilty pleasure.
If you are like me, and you love these narratives that play between the limits of fantasy and reality, I am sure that you will love this book because of the multiple unexpectable scenes and unpredictable plots that can almost literally leave you breathless. 5/5 stars, an excellent book!
*****
A collection of supernatural and paranormal short stories. I loved that being short stories I was able to dip in and out reading when I had some spare time but I found the stories so good that I didn’t leave it at reading only one. I enjoyed all stories but my favourite ones were 1-Lighting Strike 2-Last Touch 3-Labour Shortage 4-Light Dusting. What an amazing imagination the writer had me hooked and spooked. Highly recommended.
*****
Having never read short stories by Chris Coppel before, his 'Last Light' collection pleasantly surprised me: Coppel has gathered nine really, really well-written tales, with riveting premises and satisfying endings. Every story is a gem, rich in characterization and terrific dialogue, well-researched, and very ambitious! They're long enough to deserve their own separate publication, each one carrying appropriate weight to be appreciated as the work of a master in its own right.
My favorites were: "Living Water," the opening story, about a filthy rich man's apparently impossible desire to be young again - it had me greedily turning each page to see what would happen next; "Lightning Strike," the second story, brilliantly paced, with great visuals as well (about another rich guy, this time trying to control nature with his mind and technology; the ending was a bit too abrupt though); "Lethal Assignment," a story about an online game whose repercussions go far beyond what the virtual eye can see (and what an ending!); and, finally, the last story, "Lasting Memories," with superb dialogue, a quite moving christmas story that went into really unexpected directions (about a former convict finding a place to live, where he meets a mysterious old woman with indecipherable intentions) - I can’t recommend it enough!
Overall, the stories are very different from each other, yet they are all very much entertaining, each one a page-turner, with neither gore nor anything extreme, just good characterisation, clever ideas, original premises, and brilliant writing! Check them out!
*****
Don't read Last Light alone and don't look behind you!
True horror is not obvious. It is the thing unseen, the thing not thought of. It percolates underneath until it can take hold. It will never let go. In Last Light, a collection of unforgettable short stories by the talented Chris Coppel, horror is a toaster, a simple handshake, an invitation or a promise of fame. It’s a welcoming glass of the best sherry or the way a shadow crosses sunlight.
*****
This collection surprised me. It's spooky and creepy, but there were parts in the stories that made me shed a tear. It's wonderfully written with rich descriptions and soild dialogue. Rarely do I go back to reread a short story collection but this will be one I revisit. I can't recommend this book enough.
*****
Last Light is a collection of dark, mysterious, and creepy short stories that will hook the reader from the first page.
There are nine different and very unique storylines that are so immersive and engaging that you won't be able to stop at just one.
Each of the nine stories is a standalone but flows seamlessly from one to the next, having its own peculiar element.
I loved how they take you on a journey from ancient tribal rituals to artificial intelligence, witchcraft, and more.
Weird, peculiar, creepy, spine tingling it has a twilight zone vibe but so much better, and nothing is as it seems.
The characters are so well crafted, and the setting for each story has an eerie feel.
Pure genius 👏
*****
For this being my first time reading a novel with a few short stories I must say I really liked it! Every story was fast paced and left me feeling chilled after. There were so many good plots in each chapter/short story but my absolute favorite was Labour Shortage and Lethal Assignment as a close runner up!
The detail in each story was truly magnificent and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did! XO-
*****
I can't recommend this book enough. You definitely won't be disappointed.I loved this collection of short stories! They were varied and well written. From a lake that brings youth to whoever swims in it, to living trees, shadows, virtual games becoming reality and ghosts that come to life, this book has it all! I liked how different these stories are, you feel connected to the characters quickly and they are all tied up nicely. I liked Grace from the last story, she's very humble and genuine. I don't feel that I can express fully how much I enjoyed this book and it's short stories without giving spoilers but would recommend it highly! Another enjoyable read by Chris and will look to read more from him in the future
*****
The author combines a deep knowledge of the human condition with his own idiosyncratic, spine-chilling take on what could possibly go wrong when supernatural forces take a seat at the table of doom. This is masterful storytelling — all at once creepy, insightful and nightmarishly satisfying.
Review by Craig Leener, author of There’s not Basketball on Mars
*****
I last read a collection of short stories several decades ago; Chris Coppel has taught me what I have been missing. This collection of nine mystical gems, all with Coppel’s trademark use of titles beginning with the letter ‘L’, moves seamlessly between the real world and the supernatural, and from prehistoric tribal rituals to artificial intelligence and beyond. Everything from ancient woodland witchcraft to a tale about a futuristic version of on-line gaming that has more layers than most cakes. You will come across heroes, villains and victims, winners and losers, and see virtue rewarded and evil punished. Just don’t expect the narrative to play out the way you anticipate, even the devil himself is given a hard time. Coppel’s seemingly unlimited imagination gives each tale its own individual twist that will catch you unawares and leave you eager to see what surprises the next story will bring. You may think that short stories should be savoured, this collection will tempt you to devour the lot in as few sessions as possible. Thoroughly, thoroughly recommended. If you are not a fan of short stories, Coppel’s final twist may very well be to change your mind.”
Review by Tony Auffret, author of The Death of a Smoker
*****
A collection of twisting, insidious stories that merge Koontz’s storytelling craft with Lynch level surrealism. Coppel delivers his unique blend of science fiction and horror so effortlessly that you will find yourself sucked into his distorted worlds as readily as you might step out of your own front door.
Review by Stacey Dighton, author of The Hawk and the Raven
*****