Is Melissa Just Another Pet Sematary´ Clone?

A chilling return to Pet Sematary

It's a question that has been popping up among readers: Does Jacklyn A. Lo's Melissa tread the same haunted ground as Stephen King's iconic horror novel, Pet Sematary? 

While there are undeniable similarities, Melissa offers a unique and thought-provoking narrative that sets it apart.

She's back

Both novels delve into the taboo subject of resurrection, exploring the consequences of defying the natural order. In Pet Sematary, a grieving father brings his deceased son back to life with disastrous results. In Melissa, a brilliant but misguided scientist resurrects his beloved wife, only to unleash a monstrous entity upon the world.

The price of scientific ambition

The price of scientific ambition

However, the similarities end there. Melissa goes beyond the mere act of resurrection, delving into complex themes of faith, science, and the nature of evil. The novel challenges readers to confront their own beliefs about life, death, and the power of human ambition. 

As Nathan boldly declares, "Ethics are subjective... What some consider interference, I consider acceleration of evolution." His words reveal the dangerous rationalization that drives his scientific pursuit beyond moral boundaries.

Where science meets its limits

Where science meets its limits

Unlike Pet Sematary, which primarily focuses on the horror of the resurrected creature, Melissa explores the psychological torment of the protagonist, Nathan. His descent into madness and despair is a harrowing journey that mirrors the universal human experience of wrestling with faith in the face of scientific ambition. 

"However, in his relentless pursuit of scientific knowledge, he had failed to account for the profound complexity of the human energetic structure, the delicate balance of energies that made a person truly human." 

This devastating realization marks the moment where Nathan's scientific certainty crumbles in the face of forces beyond his understanding.

A connection to something greater

A connection to something greater

Furthermore, Melissa offers a unique blend of dark fantasy, horror, and science fiction, creating a richly textured and immersive world. The novel's exploration of scientific concepts and philosophical questions sets it apart from traditional horror fiction. 

"Now, Melissa was trapped in an undead existence, becoming a creature below an animal, driven by hunger, aggression, and an insatiable thirst for blood. A profane shell of the woman he loved." 

This transformation exemplifies how the novel weaves together elements of scientific horror with profound philosophical implications.

When science takes root in forbidden soil...

While Melissa may share some thematic elements with Pet Sematary, it is a distinct and original work of fiction. Its exploration of complex themes, engaging characters, and haunting atmosphere make it a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and horror.

Venture into forbidden territory - Free on Kindle Unlimited or paperback on Amazon. 

🎃 HALLOWEEN HORROR SPECIAL 🎃

Dare to resurrect your darkest fears... For 48 hours only: Experience MELISSA's digital nightmare  🧟‍♂️  Save up to 33% October 30-31.

Choose your path into horror: 📱 Kindle Edition: €2.99→ 1.99

📖 Paperback: Available on Amazon 🖤 Always Free on Kindle Unlimited

⚡ Kindle Sale ends at midnight on Halloween!

Don't wait until it's dead and buried... Grab your discounted Kindle copy before this offer joins the underworld!

With thanks to:

• Gemini for its insightful proofreading and image prompts

• Claude for supporting with images prompts and finding the best excerpts

• NightCafe: for Art creation

• Insofter for 3D Cover

• OIE: for animations

#DarkFantasy, #PsychologicalHorror, #HorrorReads, #SciFiHorror, #KindleUnlimited, #BookTok,  #GothicHorror, #Resurrection, #ForbiddenScience, #WritingCommunity, #BookCommunity,  #IndieAuthor, #HorrorFan, #DarkReads, #HorrorBookworm, #StephenKing, #PetSematary, #DarkBooks

Love Beyond Death: Powerful Excerpts from 'Melissa (Chapter 18)

Amidst the chaos, he stands alone.

Imagine a world where pride is not a virtue, but a dangerous obsession. 

In "Melissa," a brilliant biophysicist named Nathan becomes consumed by a twisted form of pride that leads him down a dark and destructive path.

Excerpt 1:

A world turned upside down

The world around Nathan shattered. The doctor's voice faded into a distant hum, the weight of reality crushing the hope for any explanation in the void of his grief.

"No, no, that's...that's not possible..." Finally, the words fell from Nathan's lips, a desperate plea shattered on his tongue. The phone slipped from his weakened grasp, clattering against the hard wooden floor. 

Nathan crumpled onto the edge of the chair, his body shaking violently as a heart-rending cry tore from his throat.  A helpless soul, gripped by a tidal wave of fear and gnawing guilt – his absence in her final moments a gaping wound in his heart.

This excerpt captures Nathan's visceral reaction to learning of Melissa's death in a devastatingly vivid fashion. It puts the reader right in the moment of his world-shattering.

Excerpt 2:

Consumed by grief.

The morgue's air was a thick, suffocating blanket of antiseptic fumes, stinging his eyes and constricting his lungs like invisible chains. The chill of the room seeped into his bones like an insidious poison, permeating the very essence of his being. 

Nathan's heart clenched in a vise-like grip, his gaze drawn to her lifeless form—the gentle curve of her cheekbone, the strands of her hair framing her face in a heartbreaking parody of sleep. Tears welled up in his eyes, threatening to spill over, a torrent of grief that threatened to overwhelm him. 

A heart-wrenching sob tore from his chest, a desperate plea against the suffocating silence that enveloped him.

This excerpt immerses us in the haunting atmosphere of the morgue and Nathan's raw grief at seeing Melissa's dead body. The descriptive details like the antiseptic fumes and her hair framing her face in "a heartbreaking parody of sleep" are extremely evocative and poignant. 

Both of these excerpts showcase the emotional power and gorgeous prose of this pivotal chapter.

A symbol of hope amidst the sorrow

Readers have found 'Melissa' to be a deeply moving and thrilling experience. As one reviewer, GhostDragon, shared:

"What a thrilling adventure! This story took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I felt for Melissa and Nathan, and I held my breath as Nathan faced unimaginable choices. I loved to follow their journey, feel their love, hopes and dreams, grieving for the love that could grow and accompany the path of a "lost man", dragged by grief and remorse. A must-read for anyone who has ever grappled with loss."

Find more reviews of "Melissa" on Goodreads.

Will Nathan succeed in bringing Melissa back? Or will his actions unleash a horrifying nightmare?

Melissa is a gripping tale of love, loss, and the terrifying consequences of defying the boundaries of life and death. 

Experience the emotional intensity of Nathan's journey today. 

Available now on Amazon Kindle Unlimited and paperback.

The price of pride.

With thanks to:

• Gemini for its insightful proofreading and image prompts
• Claude for choosing the best excerpts
• NightCafe: for Art creation
• Insofter for 3D Cover
• OIE: for animations

#darkfiction, #thriller, #mystery, #grief, #redemption, #obsession, #loveandloss #NathanTheBiophysicist, #LostInGrief, #DefyingDeath #grief, #love, #loss, #MelissaNovel, #ThePriceOfPride, #chapter18 #excerpts

Why Pride? Part VII. Limiting Comparisons 🤔

Climbing towards true pride: One personal step at a time

In previous parts, we explored four excellent qualities that are useful for protecting yourself from the traps of false pride. These qualities are: self-awareness, humility, compassion, and openness to feedback.

Today, we will examine another quality - Limiting Comparisons - as an additional firewall against arrogance. We'll also consider how successful people use this practice to achieve excellent results while maintaining balance.

Limiting Comparisons

Your story is worth telling. #AmericanGods #NeilGaiman

Author Neil Gaiman once advised young writers,

"The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision." 

In other words, True Pride focuses on personal growth rather than constant comparison to others. It's about competing with yourself and becoming a better version of yourself, not trying to outdo everyone else.

To illustrate how limiting comparisons to others can lead to extraordinary success, let's examine the career of one of the greatest sportswomen.

Serena Williams: A Case Study in Limiting Comparisons

She's not just a tennis player; she's an icon

Tennis player Serena Williams is a prime example of someone who has practiced limiting comparisons. Despite constant media comparisons to her sister Venus and other players, Serena has always focused on her own game and personal records.

In a 2013 interview, Serena stated, "I don't think about other people. I think about me, and I've always been that way. I think about me and what I need to do to be the best that I can be." 

This mindset has allowed Serena to achieve remarkable success, including 23 Grand Slam singles titles.

Even when she didn't win, Serena's focus remained on her own growth. 

After losing the 2018 Wimbledon final, she said, "I'm just me, and that's all I can be. But for me, that's enough. That's great that I can be me and that's good enough."

This demonstrates how limiting comparisons can lead to sustained success and personal satisfaction.

Practical Tips for Limiting Comparisons

Finding gratitude in the simplest of things

While understanding the concept of limiting comparisons is important, implementing it in our daily lives can be challenging. Here are some practical tips to help you focus on your own growth and reduce unhelpful comparisons:

1. Set personal goals: Focus on what you want to achieve for yourself, not what others are doing. Create specific, measurable goals that align with your values and aspirations.

2. Keep a progress journal: Regularly document your own progress and achievements. This helps you focus on your personal growth and provides a record of how far you've come.

3. Practice gratitude: Regularly acknowledge what you're grateful for in your life. This can help shift your focus from what others have to what you already possess.

4. Limit social media usage: Social media often fuels comparison. Consider reducing your time on these platforms or curating your feed to minimize content that triggers unhealthy comparisons.

5. Celebrate others' successes: Instead of feeling threatened by others' achievements, try to genuinely celebrate them. This can help foster a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity.

6. Focus on your strengths: Identify and develop your unique strengths. Remember, as Neil Gaiman said, your unique perspective is your greatest asset.

7. Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself when you fall short of your goals. Remember that everyone faces setbacks, and they're opportunities for growth.

By implementing these strategies, you can cultivate a mindset that focuses on personal growth and true pride, rather than constant comparison to others.

Conclusion

Break free from comparisons. Embrace true pride

By cultivating Limiting Comparisons, we can achieve success while maintaining True Pride and ethical integrity. 

True Pride allows us to celebrate our achievements without becoming arrogant or closed-minded. It enables us to continue learning, growing, and contributing positively to our communities and fields of expertise.

Melissa novel

Discover the dangers of arrogance and the transformative power of True Pride in "Melissa". Available now on Kindle Unlimited and coming on October 17th in paperback. 

Find out more about "Melissa" on our website.

With thanks to:

• Gemini for its insightful proofreading, ensuring the clarity and flow of the text.
• Claude for contributing to the text improvement and captivating image prompts
• NightCafe: for Art creation
• DIY Book 3D Cover
• OIE: for animations

🔥 LAST CHANCE to Shape a New Hamlet! Become a Beta Reader for "Hamlet's Last Choice" ⚔️

 

A tale of love, loss, and choice

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About the Book

"From my cold grave I have come to haunt thee..." W. Shakespeare

This captivating blend of historical fiction, psychological drama, and romance asks the ultimate question: Can love conquer duty and revenge? 💔⚔️

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Even in the darkest of times, love can find a way

Join the Beta Reading Team Today! Spots are Limited!

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Don't miss this chance to unravel the complex web of love, sacrifice, and destiny that binds Hamlet and Ophelia. Your feedback could shape a timeless love story!

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Autumn in Elsinore🍂🏰

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