Subterranean Press is one of the most exciting publishers out there in the horror and weird fiction space. They publish special and limited editions of works by your favorite authors while also publishing new and innovative fiction from cult favorites and acclaimed authors. Recently, Sub Press has been providing free e-books by notable authors on their website to thank their readers. This free short story by Joe Hill is a marvelous Lovecraftian short story with a contemptuous main character you don’t want to root for, and I adored it immensely.

Goodreads / Free on Subterranean Press

Synopsis:

Girl trouble got you down? Do bigger guys kick sand in your face? You don’t have to take it anymore! All you need to turn your life around is a positive mental attitude, an open mind… and an Elder Sign burned into your right hand.

The nastiest spells from the Necronomicon are all over the Internet and personal growth has never been easier. In this new era, rock hard abs, explosive earnings, and better, longer sex are all on offer; one need only learn a few arcane symbols and offer their soul to Father Dagon. 

Our kid Chester Swallow has had it up to here with his lousy job at the drive-thru and his rotten luck with the ladies. After watching a few how-to videos starring his favorite online influencer, he’s ready to take the plunge and sear an Elder Sign into his open palm. It’s a gutsy life choice and now things are going to change for Chester faster than you can say “Ph’nglui mglw’nafh Cthulhu R’lyeh wgah’nagl fhtagn!!!”

Review:

Joe Hill manages to tell a story in a mere 11 pages that would take some other authors a full-length novel. A Sign of the Times is an irreverent look at the lengths heartbroken boys will go to get back or get back at ex-girlfriends. There’s witchcraft, branded marks, cockroaches, and unintended attacks on foreign countries.

Chester is a wannabe punk-goth who epitomizes the lost and chaotic feeling of the younger-millennial/ elder-gen-z experience. There are pop-culture references from that generation (like the Harry Styles reference above), which made this an even more enjoyable read for a millennial like me. Did Joe Hill know “A Sign of The Times” is also a Harry Styles song? I like to think so. And remember the pickup artists of the 2000s? Those vibes are here too, though its soaked in witchcraft.

While I didn’t necessarily relate to Chester, I did relate to the overall tone and angst of the book, which was a new experience for me in a horror story. It makes me want to pick up more Joe Hill books immediately.

Final Thoughts:

I loved A Sign of the Times. It’s Lovecraftian as hell, full of millennial references, and has the angstiest main character in existence. This short story is free on Subterranean Press’s website, so it’s a no-brainer.

Rating: 5/5 stars.