05/31/2026 Uncomfortably Dark: May Recap
- Candace Nola
- 56 minutes ago
- 5 min read
A look back at the last 30 days!
Stokercon takes place this week here in Pittsburgh. I will be there hanging out with some of our authors, joining in the mass signing, and lurking in the hallways. Come join us, say hello, and get some books!
I was at the Pittsburgh Book Festival yesterday, and it was a beautiful day with lots of readers, great weather, and record sales for a one-day event. Can't wait to go back next year!
 Let's get to the updates & good news!
Uncomfortably Dark Top Orders & Page Reads
*Amazon stats only
TOP ORDERS FOR MAY 2026
THINGS ARE AS THEY SHOULD BE And Other Words To Die For - THE VET -
MOLTING - WE TAKE THEM WHEN YOU'RE NOT LOOKING
TOP PAGE READS AS PER AMAZON KDP MARCH 2026
THE RESURRECTION GIRL - WE TAKE THEM WHEN YOU'RE NOT LOOKING
CUCKOO - BISHOP
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VINTAGE PAPERBACK REVIEW OF THE MONTH
BATS OUT OF HELL
By Guy N. Smith
Enjoyable read that, in my opinion, is more thriller than horror. But still a good book!
What I liked about is how Smith was able to capture the snowball effect of what harm science can do. It first starts with the disease the bats carry. Smith did a fantastic job describing the symptoms. From the gradual paralysis, loss of vision and for some victims, the decent into madness was so well written that it was terrifying. Then it morphs into a community descending into anarchy that results in total destruction and loss of lives. Military intervention isn't even sufficient to keep the peace. And finally, the age-old question of should we sacrifice nature to save humans. But there's no way to harm nature without harming humans.
Written in 1978, I did actually see some parallels to what happened with COVID which was kind of surreal to read knowing this book was written so long ago. What I didn't like about the book was there wasn't enough bat action. Now the bats are the catalyst for the plot, but I just expected the bats to be scary.
This was my first time reading something by Smith and his writing style really drew me into the story. I need to get my hands on more of his books. I will warn readers there is a very brutal scene involving two horses so if animal harm is a trigger for you then you'll want to skip this book, or at least that part of the book.
An eco-thriller, almost but not quite an apocalyptic type of story; it was a quick engrossing read!
FIND IT HERE:
UPCOMING APPEARANCES
JUNE 4 - 7, 2026 STOKERCON - PITTSBURGH, PA
Don't miss horror prom, networking, workshops, panels, and the annual Stoker Awards at this year's Stokercon!
Candace will be there with Kathryn Tennison, Patrick Tumblety, Peter O'Keefe, and P.M. Raymond!
JUNE 12 - 14 LIVING DEAD WEEKEND - MONROEVILLE, PA
Come out for what may be the last Living Dead weekend at Monroeville Mall. Catch up with author Joseph Pesavento for their newest books and swag! Candace will be here hanging out, helping Jospeh with his table, and handing out UD swag!
JUNE 27, 2026. BEERS & FEARS: Horror Book Festival. Newton, NJ
Join us at Angry Erik's Brewing in Newton, NJ this coming June for a Horror Book Festival!
Check out the flyer below and add this FREE event to your calendar!
Candace & Katrina will be here representing Uncomfortably Dark Horror with a table, cool swag, and new books!
OCTOBER 1 - 4, 2026 HORROR ON THE MISSISSIPI - NEW ORLEANS, LA
Come see Candace Nola down in NOLA for Horror Reader Weekend along with many other authors for live readings, ghost tours, dinners and more!
NOV. 6 - 8, 2026 KILLERCON AUSTIN, TEXAS
Join us in Austin, Tx for Killercon and the Splatterpunk Awards!
*Is there an event happening soon that we need to know about? Send me an email at editor@uncomfortablydark.com
GAMER REVIEW OF THE MONTH
reviewed by Besu Tadesse
THE DEADSEAT
Released in May 2025, The Deadseat is a sit-and-survive psychological horror game developed and published by Curious Fox Sox. You play as Kaleb, a presumably young boy on a car ride home with his parents when he encounters an evil spirit attempting to break into the car. You attempt to survive five in-game miles using a camera to scare the demon away and a handheld gaming device (the Game Kyd) that allows you to import devices to assist you in protection.
Similar to the original Five Nights at Freddy’s, the sit-and survive gameplay mechanic is compelling.
You use the Game Kyd to collect barricades and bear traps to protect the rear doors and rear windshield, as well as cans of soda to speed away. After collecting protection items, you use the Game Kyd to drive the car, avoiding road obstacles and collecting gas cans to get enough fuel to reach your destination. Kaleb must also use a camera to take pictures of the demon as his weapon, as the demon cannot stand to be witnessed. Juggling between the camera, Game Kyd, and protection elements becomes more urgent as you navigate.
The narrative is equally compelling. All throughout, you are given guidance by a Luring Voice to help you escape your family while they have what seems to be yet another fight. The demon stalks you, and the voice helps you find your way through the five miles home. As the demon destroys parts of the car, you are now challenged with the sounds of wind, making a game based on audio cues more challenging. Kaleb’s parents are in the midst of a heated argument, and this toxic environment is what allows the demon to find a space to affect Kaleb’s actions throughout the game. Kaleb is scared, and his parents appear to be too involved in their own drama to understand what he’s going through when hearing their fighting. Eventually, you find resolution once you survive – to tragic results.
All of this would be enough, but then the game gives you a hard mode that offers more challenge and an even richer story to explore. While the normal mode gives you such a fantastic horror experience, completing the hard mode provides an ending that is just as satisfying and terrifying. Every element of this game is solid and builds upon both the sit-and-survive mechanic and the creepy atmosphere that an indie horror game can pull off. If I were giving ratings, it’s five stars all the way.
This game is available on PC. You need to get it immediately. Just remember to stay away from the red eyes…
FIND IT HERE:
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