Jonathan Pongratz is a writer and author of action-packed horror, sci-fi, and other speculative fiction stories. His characters are bold and resilient against the sinister and mysterious forces confronting them, but in real life Jonathan is afraid of bees, attics, and large bodies of water. He says he tends to write stories that lean towards the paranormal because his family has had paranormal experiences, and it changed the way he saw the world. He doesn’t put personal experiences in his writing, but they are a big source of inspiration for him.
Pongratz has written two short stories, namely ‘Conscience’ and ‘The BEK Curse.’ Both of these stories deal with the themes of powerlessness in the face of sinister forces and oppression. The characters struggle to reclaim control and have to bear the cost of standing up to forces beyond their control.
Conscience by Jonathan Pongratz-
In this chilling dystopian thriller, emotions are outlawed and having morals and conscience is considered a crime and a powerful Corporation controls society in pursuit of complete dominance. The story follows Epher, the young and courageous leader of the Free Thinkers who are constantly persecuted by the Corporation. After an attack on his settlement, he undergoes a life altering transformation. It leads him to Rory, a technician who becomes his ally and together they embark on a dangerous mission to expose the sinister propaganda of the Corporation against humanity.
The author masterfully builds tension as Epher and Rory struggle to complete the task. Their mission to restore free thought becomes a race against time. The tense narrative blends with the themes of freedom, identity and sacrifice.
One of the things I liked about this book is the bond between Rory and Epher. It is not only the much-needed emotional aspect of the story but is a driving force of the narrative. It adds depth to the story and forces the readers to confront questions about the cost of conformity and the dangers of unchecked power. The story is a profound exploration of what it means to be human in a world where humanity itself is under siege.
What I missed in the story was the lack of world-building. I feel that such a society could have been described in more detail as to make the readers more invested in the duo’s quest. Despite this, it is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and anyone who enjoys narratives that explore deep philosophical questions.
The BEK Curse-
Richard and Maria Wilcox are a retired couple seeking a peaceful life at a farm. They become entangled in a nightmare that spirals out of their control when two black-eyed kids start haunting them at their home. These kids appears otherworldly and their inhumane activities only adds to the terror spread by them. The couple’s twin sons also become their target when they arrive to help their dad with the farmwork.
Before reading this book, I was only faintly aware of this urban legend of the black-eyed kids. These pale skinned and black-eyed creatures are known to hitchhike or knock at the doors of people’s homes. The stories emerged on the internet in the late 1990s. Their origin has never been explained and they are often described as making unsettling and disturbing requests.
Pongratz’s sharp storytelling keeps the reader on edge and creates a suffocating atmosphere where sinister forces weave a tale of grief, horror and tragedy. It is a psychological horror that incorporates supernatural elements. It is a slow burn thriller that explores the terrifying cost of crossing paths with forces beyond comprehension.
Although Jonathan told me that he has no plans of writing a sequel for it as of now, I would very much like to read what happens after the unfolding of the events in the book. It is a gripping horror tale that will not disappoint you. So give it a read and tell us what you think.
Both of these books are available on Kindle (click here for Conscience and here for The BEK Curse) and the author’s own website . Go check them out.
Do you like horror and sci-fi thrillers? Which ones have you read that you liked the most? Share them with us in the comment section below.
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