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Elements of the Apocalypse is a compilation of 4 novella’s by authors R. Thomas Riley, John Sunseri, D. L. Snell, and Ryan C. Thomas. The four tales are taken from the Greek elements Earth, Air, Water and Fire bringing upon the world’s ultimate destruction.

Remains by author D.L. Snell brings forth the element of fire as people all across the world begin to spontaneously combust.

In Silence in Heaven by John Sunseri the world has been over taken by alien creatures that have changed the Earth’s atmosphere to make it unbreathable. Humanity has moved underground to escape the unlivable conditions, but a small group sets out in an attempt to set things right.

R. Thomas Riley brings us Phrenetic. Gaia, also known as Mother Earth, is tired of the way humanity has been treating her. So she sets forth her minions of animals to purge mankind.

With a Face of Golden Pleasure by Ryan C. Thomas shows the desperation of a world that’s entire water supply has evaporated.

Elements of the Apocalypse was a very interesting read. While having various elements be the cause of the destruction of the world is not a new concept to write about, the authors of each novella created some very interesting and entertaining tales. Fire, Air, Earth and Water were all used in a way that created a suspenseful atmosphere for the characters to attempt to overcome. The characters in each novella were all very well written. I feel like there was enough information given to give me the knowledge of whether I should care about the characters or dislike them. The settings were all unique and well placed given the various situations each novella depicted.

The world in D.L. Snell’s Remains would definitely be a nightmare for anyone with pyrophobia. Just knowing that you or anyone around you could spontaneously combust at any given moment would be utter mental torture. The ending of Silence in Heaven by John Sunseri was my favorite by far of the 4 novellas. It was the ending that I had hoped for and I was pleased with its delivery. Phrenetic from author R. Thomas Riley gave me chills by just putting the thought into my head of my dachshund going feral and ripping my guts out while I slept. Finally the desperation of a world without water that Ryan C Thomas was able to show in With a Face of Golden Pleasure was very tangible and a bit scary to consider.

Overall, Elements of the Apocalypse was thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking. I would definitely suggest picking up a copy for your shelves. You can do that right now by clicking the cover image above to purchase a paperback/Kindle copy from Amazon or click (HERE) to head over to Barnes & Noble for your nook/paperback copy.

Learn more about the authors of Elements of the Apocalypse, D.L. Snell can be found on Twitter (@dlsnell) and over at his blog dlsnell.com. John Sunseri is located over at Bedtime Stories for Madmen. Author R. Thomas Riley is the self titled blog for the author and he is also found on Twitter as @rthomasriley. Last but not least, Ryan C Thomas, also, has a self titled blog Ryan C. Thomas and is on Twitter as @ryancthomas.

Espresso rating: Double