My short stories, currently available on Amazon Kindle
A collection of thrilling tales available for $0.99 each

by Ken Austin

Thank You
Welcome to Dark Realms by Ken!
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has taken the time to visit my site and explore the shadowy corners of my imagination. Your interest in my work means the world to me. Each story I've crafted represents a unique journey into the unknown, carefully woven to captivate and entertain.
For those intrigued by what you've seen, getting your hands on these tales is simple. Just click any story's link under its description, and you'll be taken directly to its Amazon page, where you can purchase your copy. Each story stands alone as its own dark adventure, ready to transport you to places where reality bends and the unexpected lurks around every corner.
Thank you again for being here. Whether you're a longtime reader of dark fiction or just beginning to explore the genre, I hope you'll find something in my collection that speaks to you. Your support allows me to continue doing what I love most - creating stories that send shivers down spines and keep readers turning pages late into the night. Happy reading, and may you enjoy your journey through the Dark Realms!
Ken Austin
Sketched Guardians: Stick Figure Soldiers
Does your imagination have the power to protect you? For 8-year-old Ethan Matthews, it does.
Living in a small, run-down town in the countryside, Ethan is constantly subjected to his father's violent outbursts. But when his stick figure drawings start coming to life, Ethan finally has a way to defend himself.
However, as their interpretation of "protection" becomes more extreme, Ethan begins to fear that they may hurt innocent people as well. Can Timmy control his creations before they cause irreversible harm?
Fans of Stephen King's "Carrie" will be enthralled by this gripping tale of fear and power. Buy now.
Beyond the Veil
Death is not the end, but the beginning of an unsettling journey beyond human understanding. In the quiet town of Meridian, lies a chilling truth waiting to be uncovered. One man, having faced death and returned, holds the key to this mystery.
After a near-death experience, he carries a message no one wants to hear. But as he tries to make sense of his otherworldly encounter, eerie visions and unexplainable occurrences plague him, forcing him to question reality. With time running out and the darkness closing in, he must race against the clock to find the proof he needs before it's too late. Will he be able to uncover the truth, or will he be consumed by the enigmatic forces that lurk in the shadows?
In this gripping supernatural thriller, readers will be taken on a journey through the unknown, where death is only the beginning.
Perfect for fans of The Sixth Sense and The Shining, this book will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Don't miss out on this spine-tingling tale!

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Beyond the Veil

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Masks
Attention, all thrill-seekers and horror lovers! Are you ready for a spine-tingling adventure into the unknown? Brace yourself as a group of teenagers stumble upon a mysterious box of masks at a flea market. Little do they know, these masks hold a sinister curse that will unleash chaos upon their quiet town.
As the teens struggle to break the curse before it consumes them, they must also unravel the mystery behind the cursed masks. With eerie suspense and relentless thrills, this gripping tale will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Fans of Goosebumps and Stranger Things will love this hauntingly nostalgic horror story. Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey into the supernatural.

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Masks

Masks - Kindle edition by Austin, Ken. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Masks.

The Red Carnival
"Welcome to the Red Carnival, where the games are deadly and the prizes are priceless. In a barren and bleak town, this traveling nightmare sets up shop, luring in unsuspecting victims with the promise of thrills and rewards. But beware, for the cost of participation is far more gruesome than anyone could imagine. Your very being is at stake in this twisted circus of horrors."
Amidst the dust and decay of the desolate town, one character stands out among the crowd. Meet Elara Carter, a thrill-seeker searching for her next adrenaline rush. But when she stumbles upon the Red Carnival, she soon realizes she may have bitten off more than she can chew. With each game she plays, a piece of her is taken, and she must fight for survival against the ruthless carnival workers and their twisted games.
For fans of dark and twisted tales, "The Red Carnival" will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. If you enjoyed "Caraval" by Stephanie Garber, you'll love this haunting and thrilling journey into the world of the Red Carnival. Don't miss out on this chilling and unforgettable read.

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PROOF: The Red Carnival

PROOF: The Red Carnival [Austin, Ken] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. PROOF: The Red Carnival

The 33rd Year
Attention all readers! Have you ever wondered about your family's history? Well, for 32-year-old Sarah, her curiosity leads her on a journey to trace her ancestry. Little does she know, the truth she uncovers will be more shocking than she ever imagined.
As she delves deeper into her maternal history, she discovers a haunting pattern - every woman in her family has met their demise at the young age of 33. But as the full moon rises, Sarah begins to experience an unsettling transformation, her body betraying its familiar form.
Determined to understand her origins and save herself, she must uncover the dark legacy woven into her bloodline and unravel the mystery before it's too late.
If you enjoyed books like "The Historian" or "The Witching Hour", then you'll love this chilling tale of family secrets and supernatural forces.

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The 33rd Year

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The Hexbound Asylum
As the moon cast a cold, pallid glow over the decaying Ridgecliff Mental Health Institute, its once-pristine façade crumbling, twisted vines coiling around shattered windows and ivy clinging to ornate gates, the town of Danvers held its breath. For generations, the cursed gates and shadowed halls of Ridgecliff have been feared, and for good reason. But as the wind carried faint whispers of agony, betrayal, and vengeance, it was clear that something more sinister than mere superstition was at play.
Amidst the oppressive weight that lingers in the air, smothering joy and hope, one woman stands against the darkness. Dr. Lily Evans, a renowned psychiatrist, has been tasked with uncovering the truth behind the asylum's cursed reputation. But as she delves deeper into Ridgecliff's past, she begins to question her own sanity, as well as the intentions of those around her.
Built upon the hallowed ground of the Salem Witch Trials, Ridgecliff was meant to be a place of healing. But instead, it became a prison for restless spirits, trapped within its walls and seeking revenge on the living. Now, as Lily races against time to uncover the truth before the spirits consume her, she must also confront her own inner demons, and face the possibility that she may never leave Ridgecliff alive.
For fans of psychological thrillers and supernatural horror, "The Haunting of Ridgecliff Asylum" will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. If you enjoyed books like "The Haunting of Hill House" and "The Woman in Black," you won't want to miss this chilling tale. Buy now and experience the terror of Ridgecliff for yourself.

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The Hexbound Asylum

The Hexbound Asylum - Kindle edition by Austin, Ken. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading The Hexbound Asylum.

The Eyes Are Watching
Echoes of the Peak
In the remote Himalayas, the Mountain of Shadows stood as an uncharted, cursed enigma, challenging only the bravest. The legend surrounding its unseen summit had claimed countless lives, but for Alex, a seasoned mountaineer, it was his ultimate test.
He gathered a handpicked team: Elena, the scientist seeking hidden knowledge; Mark, the photographer capturing its raw beauty; Sarah, the guide ensuring their safety; and Daniel, the local climber with ancestral wisdom and reverence for the peak. As they embarked on the perilous journey, the mountain watched in silent anticipation. Would they conquer its dangers or succumb to the whispered curse?
If you enjoyed "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer, you'll also love this heart-pumping adventure. Buy now before the price changes for an unforgettable journey through the treacherous Mountain of Shadows.

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The Eyes Are Watching

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The Pain Algorithm: Profiting From Agony
The Pain Industry
"Welcome to a world where connection is no longer limited by physical barriers. The platform promised to revolutionize human interaction, allowing users to share and experience emotions in ways never thought possible. But as the platform's popularity grew, so did its dark side. When one user uploaded the sensation of death, a twisted fascination took hold, driving millions to crave even more extreme and taboo experiences."

Amid this demand, sensation farms emerged, where humans were reduced to mere commodities, their pain and suffering streamed for profit. As society crumbled, the platform thrived, blurring the lines between right and wrong and exposing the true cost of unchecked innovation.

Meet our main character, Alex Turner, a young man determined to uncover the truth behind the platform's descent into a nightmare. But as he delves deeper, he realizes that the answers may lie within his own desires and curiosity. Can he navigate this dark world and restore humanity's lost empathy, or will he succumb to its alluring power?

Fans of "The Hunger Games" and "Brave New World" will be enthralled by this cautionary tale that explores the dangers of unchecked innovation and the power of human connection. Don't miss your chance to experience the thrill of "The Pain Algorithm: Profiting from Agony." Buy now and join Alex Turner on a harrowing journey through a world where progress has come at a deadly cost.

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The Pain Algorithm: Profiting from Agony

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The Midnight Train to Nowhere
Endless Journey
Beneath the flickering station lights, Amelia sensed something was amiss. Boarding a train with uneasy strangers, she found an eerie contrast, luxurious yet oppressive interiors. As shadows shifted and reality warped, the journey became a harrowing descent into fear, each compartment revealing unsettling truths that blurred the line between logic and nightmare.
As the train pulled up, they all boarded, one by one, their actions hesitant and uncertain. Amelia was the last to step through the doors, but there was no conductor to greet her. The interior of the train was a stark contrast to its foreboding exterior, with polished wood floors, flickering gas lamps, and faded velvet panels adorning the walls. But the atmosphere was heavy and oppressive, as if the train carried not passengers but secrets.
As the journey progressed, the passengers soon discovered that this was not an ordinary train ride. The shifting shadows and endless movement revealed a new layer of horror in each compartment, blurring the boundaries of logic and reason. As they struggled to survive and make sense of their predicament, the train became a haunting metaphor for their deepest fears and the relentless grip of the unknown.
For fans of psychological horror and surreal thrillers, "The Midnight Train to Nowhere" is a must-read. Similar to "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins, this novel will take you on a journey into surreal terror that will leave you questioning what is real and what is merely a figment of your imagination. Buy now before the price changes

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The Midnight Train to Nowhere

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The Meat Offering
Flesh for Debt
Amid the brink of financial collapse, the Turner family discovers an eerie salvation hidden beneath their failing butcher shop, a cursed meat slicer concealed in the basement. At first, it appears to be a simple antique, but its ornate carvings and the unsettling hum it emits hint at a far more sinister nature. Little do they know, this machine will become their downfall.
The Turners are a family on the edge, struggling to keep their business afloat and their heads above water. But when they stumble upon the slicer, they think their luck has finally turned around. Its perfection and precision seem too good to be true. And it is. For the slicer is not meant for meat, but for human flesh.
As they offer up their gruesome sacrifices to the machine, their debts disappear, and a fleeting sense of relief washes over them. But as their dependence on the slicer deepens, their moral compass begins to shift. How far are they willing to go for financial stability? And what will be left of their humanity when all is said and done? The Meat Offering is a chilling exploration of desperation, temptation, and the horrifying price of survival. But beware, for once you give in to the demon lurking in the shadows, there may be no turning back.
A must-read for fans of dark and twisted tales. If you enjoyed the unsettling horror of "The Meat Offering," you'll also love "The Devil in the Details" by Sarah Waters. Both books delve into the consequences of making deals with sinister forces, and the chilling effects it has on the characters involved.

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The Meat Offering

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The Devil Within the Tower: An Ancient Evil Awakens
Devil's Tower Curse
Experience the gripping tale of ancient secrets and looming danger in Devil's Tower. Deep within its towering walls, a menacing force lies in wait, held back only by the sacrifices of generations past. The Lakota people have long whispered of this darkness, but as time passes, their rituals prove insufficient. During an expedition, a team of meticulous archaeologists conducts excavations at the tower, inadvertently releasing the sinister force concealed within.
At the center of this thrilling story is archaeologist, Dr. Evelyn Carter, with a passion for uncovering the mysteries of the past. But as the team delves deeper into Devil's Tower, they soon realize that their fascination may come at a deadly cost. With time running out, they must race against the clock to stop the ancient evil from consuming them all.
For fans of suspenseful thrillers like "The Da Vinci Code" and "The Ruins," this book is a must-read. With its rich historical backdrop and heart-pounding action, "Devil's Tower" will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
Don't miss out on this captivating tale. Buy "Devil's Tower" now.

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The Devil Within the Tower: An Ancient Evil Awakens

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The Executioner's Gallery
Violent Paintings
An art curator uncovers a collection of paintings that depict violent executions from a bygone era. As he becomes increasingly consumed by the artwork, he inadvertently awakens the spirits of the executed individuals. These restless souls begin to exact vengeance on those who wronged them, triggering a series of gruesome deaths that eerily mirror the scenes depicted in the paintings.
Awakened Spirits
Unbeknownst to him, his fascination has stirred up the spirits of the executed, and they’re out for revenge. One by one, the people responsible for their suffering start dropping like flies, each death gruesomely resembling the horrifying artwork. As the body count rises, the curator realizes he may have unleashed something that can’t be stopped.
Vengeful Deaths
When an art curator stumbles upon a long-lost collection of paintings showing brutal executions from centuries past, he’s immediately hooked. The more he studies the eerie, blood-soaked scenes, the more obsessed he becomes—until things take a terrifying turn.

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The Executioner's Gallery: Canvas of Death

The Executioner's Gallery: Canvas of Death - Kindle edition by Austin, Ken. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading The Executioner's Gallery: Canvas of Death.

The Curse of Seraphina's Dollhouse
The Butcher's Bargain
A young girl is gifted a beautifully crafted dollhouse that looks just like her own home, down to the tiniest details. But soon, the tiny versions of her family members start acting in strange, creepy ways, which makes her feel more and more uneasy. As things get weirder, she begins to wonder if there’s some kind of strange connection between what’s happening in the dollhouse and what’s going on in her real life.
The line between what's real and what's eerie starts to blur, and she’s left questioning how the comfort of home can turn into something unsettling. The whole experience sparks a journey into discovering how the familiar can suddenly feel off, like there's something hiding just beneath the surface of everyday life. The girl starts to explore what’s really going on with her dollhouse and why it’s messing with her head.

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The Curse of Seraphina's Dollhouse

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