🩸 Horror Fiction

Serious Applicants Only: A Horror Comedy

✍️ Aric Sundquist
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$8.99
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A horror comedy about a woman battling cosmic entities at a strange weapons facility.

Mary Sanderson enters an experimental weapons facility after seeing a bizarre job advertisement online. She quickly learns that her role as a safety supervisor involves more than administrative duties. The text describes her interaction with a crew of misfit scientists who face threats from beyond the stars. Sundquist writes this first entry in the series, blending elements of science fiction with supernatural horror. The paperback edition contains an additional short story for readers. The narrative emphasizes practical action over theoretical discussion, requiring characters to use weapons like flamethrowers. This approach creates a unique tone that mixes professional obligations with existential dread. The story progresses through Mary’s initial skepticism to her active participation in the defense of the facility.

Key Themes
cosmic horror workplace satire misfit scientists
Literary Context

Published by Dark Peninsula Press in 2021, this work sits within the contemporary American horror comedy genre. It reflects modern anxieties about job security and corporate absurdity, blending them with classic sci-fi tropes of extraterrestrial threats and experimental technology.

Difficulty
● Easy
Recommended For Fans Of
Stephen King's dark comedies · Clive Barker's genre-blending fiction · Terry Pratchett's satirical fantasy · H.P. Lovecraft's cosmic entities
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Dark Peninsula Press 📅 2021 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781734937855

📝 Description: Serious Applicants Only: A Horror Comedy

Aric Sundquist presents a horror comedy that blends workplace satire with cosmic terror. The narrative follows Mary Sanderson, who answers a job posting for an experimental weapons facility after finding herself without alternatives in the current market. Her journey begins with a strange interview and a placement test that reveals the true nature of her new role. She joins a crew of misfit scientists tasked with battling a cosmic entity from beyond the stars. Sundquist qualifies as the author by crafting this first adventure in the series, which includes a bonus short story in the paperback edition published by Dark Peninsula Press. The book suits readers who enjoy genre mashups that balance dread with humor. It draws on traditions of sci-fi horror and bureaucratic satire. The story focuses on practical survival skills, such as using a flamethrower, rather than academic theory. Mary must maintain a practical mind while looking ravishing in a lab coat, a requirement that underscores the novel’s comedic tone. The narrative structure moves from curiosity to high-stakes action as the team confronts their extraterrestrial foe. This title does not suit those seeking pure literary horror or traditional gothic romance. It appeals to fans of dark comedy and supernatural fiction who appreciate a protagonist thrust into absurd circumstances. The inclusion of a bonus short story adds value for collectors. Sundquist’s work offers a distinct voice in the modern horror landscape, focusing on the intersection of corporate life and interstellar danger.

💎 Our verdict on Serious Applicants Only: A Horror Comedy

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Aric Sundquist delivers a sharp horror comedy that effectively merges workplace satire with cosmic terror. The narrative succeeds in balancing professional obligations with existential dread, creating a unique tonal landscape. By focusing on practical action over theoretical discussion, the book offers immediate engagement through high-stakes scenarios involving flamethrowers and misfit scientists. The protagonist’s journey from skepticism to active defense provides a satisfying arc for fans of dark comedy. The inclusion of a bonus short story enhances the paperback edition's appeal. This title suits readers who enjoy genre mashups that do not take themselves too seriously. It avoids the pitfalls of pure literary horror, offering instead a accessible, humorous, and terrifying experience. The comedic tone, underscored by absurd requirements like maintaining appearance in a lab coat, ensures the dread remains entertaining rather than oppressive.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a unique blend of dread and humor will find this title particularly rewarding. It appeals to those who enjoy genre mashups that balance professional satire with supernatural terror. The narrative offers a refreshing departure from pure literary horror by focusing on practical survival skills rather than academic theory. Fans of dark comedy and supernatural fiction will appreciate the protagonist thrust into absurd circumstances. The inclusion of a bonus short story adds value for collectors. Those tired of traditional gothic romance will find this fast-paced, action-oriented approach invigorating. It provides entertainment through the juxtaposition of mundane job requirements against existential threats, creating a distinctive tone that keeps readers engaged without relying on complex theoretical discussions.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Aric Sundquist delivers a sharp horror comedy that effectively merges workplace satire with cosmic terror. The narrative succeeds in balancing professional obligations with existential dread, creating a unique tonal landscape. By focusing on practical action over theoretical discussion, the book offers immediate engagement through high-stakes scenarios involving flamethrowers and misfit scientists. The protagonist’s journey from skepticism to active defense provides a satisfying arc for fans of dark comedy. The inclusion of a bonus short story enhances the paperback edition's appeal. This title suits readers who enjoy genre mashups that do not take themselves too seriously. It avoids the pitfalls of pure literary horror, offering instead a accessible, humorous, and terrifying experience. The comedic tone, underscored by absurd requirements like maintaining appearance in a lab coat, ensures the dread remains entertaining rather than oppressive.

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