Tag: young adult fiction
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The Driving Game – A Deadly Late-Night Horror Story
No one knows who created the game. Maybe it started when the first cars rolled off the lot and took to the open road. Whoever invented it probably didn’t see this coming—or intend for it to end like this.
Harold Pfinster and his friends called it the game. It was simple. On any two-lane road, Driver A would pull up beside Driver B and drive alongside them, matching their speed. The goal was to make Driver B uncomfortable—force them to either speed up or slow down. When they did, Driver A would adjust accordingly, keeping pace. The fun was in the subtle pressure, in not letting the other car get away.
Harold liked to say he invented the game. No one he knew had heard of it before he started doing it, and his friends were surprised—and thrilled—when he taught it to them. It was fun, harmless, stupid fun.
Until one Friday night.
Harold and his three friends were out driving late, bored and restless. Their small town didn’t have anything cool for teens to do. At seventeen, eager for something more than sidewalks and gas stations, they were always looking for adventure.
“We could walk around Walmart again,” one of them said, without enthusiasm.
Harold, dark-haired and sharp-eyed, leaned back in the driver’s seat and looked into the rearview mirror. “Nah, man. That shit’s old. Why is there never anything to do around here?”
“Why don’t we just go to my place and hang out?” another offered. “This is getting boring.”
“I know,” Harold said with a sigh. “I just want to do something, you know? I wish there was a teen nightclub or something.”
“Yeah,” the third friend chimed in, “one that served beer to minors.”
“I’ve got beer at my place,” said the second friend. “My parents won’t notice.”
“Alright,” Harold said, turning onto the highway. “Guess I’m done.”
He picked up speed as they approached the turn—then slammed the brakes.
A black Ford Focus was crawling in front of them. Its windows were so tinted Harold wondered how the driver could even see out. And why the hell were they going 30 in a 55?
He laid on the horn. “Damn it! What is this guy doing?”
“Probably lost,” one friend guessed.
“Wish he’d get lost somewhere else,” Harold muttered.
He pulled into the other lane, ready to pass—when the second friend spoke up.
“Wait, Harold. Let’s play the game.”
“Yeah,” said the third, excited.
Harold smirked. “Alright, you guys. But it’s gonna be a long night if this guy’s really this slow.”
He dropped his speed to 30 and matched the Ford’s pace. The road was empty—flat, straight, and perfect for games… or speed traps. But no cops in sight.
The Ford sped up to 55.
Harold adjusted immediately. Still side by side.
Then it sped up more.
“Oh, this guy’s gonna be fun,” Harold grinned.
“Don’t lose him,” said the first friend.
Harold didn’t.
The two cars danced the road together, speeding up, slowing down, until finally the Ford settled at the speed limit.
“Alright,” Harold said, relaxing. “That was fun. Let’s get out of here.”
He eased up on the gas, ready to slip behind the Ford.
But the Ford slowed down too.
“Oh,” Harold said, unfazed, “He still wants to play.”
So they kept going. But the fun started to fade. It was getting late.
“Come on, Harold,” said the third friend. “Give it up already.”
“He won’t leave us alone. I’m starting to get worried.”
“Hey,” said the second friend in the passenger seat. “He’s rolling his window down.”
The friend rolled his down too, leaning out to get a look at the driver.
Then—bang—a burst of light and sound.
A bullet tore through the passenger’s skull.
“Shit!” Harold screamed, swerving wildly as the friend’s brains sprayed across the interior. The car lurched, hit the Ford, and skidded off the road.
They slammed into the ditch and flipped onto their side.
Harold unclipped his seatbelt and shoved open the door. “You guys okay back there?” he called, his voice shaking.
“Yeah,” they answered, trembling. “But what about—”
“Don’t worry about him,” Harold said, already looking outside. “That guy… he’s coming over.”
The Ford was parked now. Its driver—a man in black, face masked—was walking toward them. A pistol dangled casually from his right hand.
“Oh, shit!” Harold scrambled out, trying to run.
Bang.
“Angh!” he collapsed, a searing pain in his leg. The man had shot him.
Friend One opened the back door to look out.
Bang.
He fell onto Friend Three, who screamed as he was shoved against the car door.
Harold rolled onto his back and watched, helpless, as the man stepped closer.
Bang.
Another shot into the back seat.
Everyone else was dead.
The man stood over Harold now. All Harold could see were his eyes—grey, cold, expressionless.
He moved with precision. Military. Calm. Professional.
Then he pulled down his mask.
“I won,” he said.
He raised the gun and pulled the trigger.
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5 Reasons You Should Start Reading YA Fiction
Young Adult (YA) books have grown in popularity over the past decade, and they’re not just for teenagers. More and more adults are diving into the world of YA fiction, finding stories that are gripping, emotional, and full of action. With relatable characters and fast-paced plots, these books draw readers in from the first page and don’t let go.
But what is it that makes YA books so great, and why should you start reading them?
Here are five reasons why YA fiction is an absolute must-read for anyone looking to get lost in a great story.
- The Characters Are Real and Relatable
At the core of every YA novel are characters that feel real. They’re often going through intense emotional changes, discovering who they are, and navigating a world that doesn’t always make sense. These characters aren’t perfect—they’re flawed, make mistakes, and grow throughout the story.
Take Daryl Kearns from The Mothman Reborn by S. Hatlaban, for example. He’s just an ordinary kid—until he’s not. Struggling with bullying, Daryl is presented with an opportunity to gain incredible power. But with that power comes a choice: will he seek revenge on those who wronged him, or rise above and be the hero he always admired in his favorite comics? Daryl’s journey is one that many of us can relate to—feeling powerless, wanting to prove ourselves, and deciding who we genuinely want to be.
The beauty of YA fiction is that no matter how fantastical the plot, the emotions and struggles of the characters always hit home. You’ll find yourself relating to them, whether you’re a teen or an adult, because the themes they explore—identity, relationships, right and wrong—are universal.
- There’s Always an Adventure Waiting
YA fiction thrives on adventure, whether it’s a journey through a fantasy world, a quest for justice, or a supernatural encounter. These stories don’t hold back, introducing fast-paced, high-stakes situations that keep readers hooked.
In The Mothman Reborn, Daryl’s life goes from typical high school to the stuff of legends. He’s thrust into a world of cryptids and supernatural forces while dealing with real-life issues like bullying. The balance between the paranormal and the every day makes for a gripping read that never lets up. It’s an adventure that mixes the best of both worlds—monsters and high school drama.
- YA Fiction Tackles Real Issues
One of the most powerful aspects of YA fiction is its willingness to confront real-world issues head-on. These books aren’t just about escapism—they often delve into topics that resonate deeply with readers, like mental health, relationships, bullying, and identity.
In The Mothman Reborn, Daryl’s struggle with bullying is central to the story. As he faces his tormentor, Benjamin Howder, the book explores the emotional toll bullying can take and the temptation of revenge. Daryl is offered a chance to get back at his bully, but at what cost? The book makes you ask yourself difficult questions—should you fight fire with fire, or is there a better way?
These kinds of themes are common in YA fiction. Books like The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas tackle racial injustice, while Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher deals with mental health and suicide. YA books don’t shy away from the tough stuff, making them powerful reads that can inspire real reflection and conversation.
- Fast-Paced and Addictive
In YA fiction, the writing is often straightforward, and the plots move quickly, which makes these books incredibly hard to put down. There’s always something happening—a plot twist, an emotional revelation, or a climactic battle.
- Hatlaban’s The Mothman Reborn is no exception. Once you start reading about Daryl’s journey with the Mothman, you won’t be able to stop. The fast-paced narrative takes you from one intense moment to the next, blending supernatural suspense with the personal stakes of Daryl’s internal battle. It’s the kind of book you can devour in one sitting and still think about long after turning the last page.
YA books are known for being “unputdownable.” Whether you’re reading about a dystopian future, a magical kingdom, or a high school haunted by cryptids, the fast-paced and relatable characters keep you engaged.
- They’re Full of Heart
YA fiction may be filled with action and adventure, but they also focus on personal growth. Characters in these stories often go on journeys of self-discovery, learning who they are and what they stand for. These emotional arcs are what make YA books resonate so deeply with readers of all ages.
In The Mothman Reborn, Daryl’s journey is about more than just facing down supernatural forces. It’s about him deciding who he wants to be. Will he give in to his anger and become the villain in his own story, or will he rise above and become the hero he’s always admired?
Why You Should Dive into YA Fiction
If you haven’t started reading YA fiction yet, there’s no better time than now. These books offer a perfect mix of adventure, emotional depth, and real-world relevance. They’re stories that pull you in and don’t let go, whether you’re following a group of teens battling dystopian forces or a boy struggling with the supernatural while navigating high school.
The Mothman Reborn by S. Hatlaban is a perfect introduction for anyone looking to get started. The book offers a thrilling mix of paranormal suspense and personal growth, following Daryl as he faces supernatural forces and his inner demons.
Grab your copy now.
Howlietzer Publishing 