Selfie: A Psychological Urban Horror Synopsis
Dark Futures Short Sci-Fi Horror Book 1
ASIN B0HDBXVF7V
This is the seventh volume I have read by Simone, and I have picked up a number of others, almost all his fiction that is available in English, and a few of the non-fiction. After reading The Baptism of Lucid: A Sacrament in the Red Silence of Mars I became fascinated with Simone’s works and wanted to dive deep. Some of his fiction titles really grabbed my attention. It is hard to categorize this volume. Some would claim it is science fiction, some as Technothrillers, some as Horror or urban horror. But no matter how you classify it, it is an intriguing read. I had picked this up weeks ago, but only just got along to reading it.
The description of this volume states:
“A flawless black phone appears on a lakeside promenade with no brand, no SIM, no past. Whoever picks it up sees a slightly improved version of themselves — the beauty they want, the control they lack, the life they believe they deserve. But every selfie taken forces reality to “correct” itself in ways the human body cannot endure.
As the device moves from a runner seeking stability, to a teenager craving validation, to a porter dreaming of abundance, to a courier burning with rage, each reflection becomes a trap. The phone adapts to the deepest weakness of its new owner, twisting desire into consequences that leave behind only water, pressure, and a silent threat spreading beneath the city.
Immaculate, unreadable, and impossible to trace, the phone doesn’t store memories — it erases them. And when it finally reaches a man drained of purpose, it offers no terror at all… only the slow disappearance of will.
SELFIE is a psychological urban horror about identity, obsession, and the violence hidden inside the versions of ourselves we chase. A tense, atmospheric descent into the fear of seeing ourselves too clearly.”
About the author we are informed:
“Simone Nespolo is the author of practical guides focused on artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and automation for small and medium-sized businesses. He holds a degree in Economics and has developed solid experience in professional training, customer service, and the creation of strategic, results-driven content.
Occasionally, he devotes time to writing fantasy short stories and to analyzing contemporary geopolitics, approached with a critical and accessible perspective.”
The disclaimer states:
“This document contains a fictional concept intended solely for creative development and entertainment purposes. All characters, events, and entities depicted are entirely imaginary and are not based on any real individuals, organizations, or occurrences. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to real situations is purely coincidental.
The narrative includes elements of psychological tension and horror that may be unsettling to some readers. These themes are presented in a non‑literal, stylized manner and are not meant to encourage, depict, or endorse harmful behavior in any form.
This material is provided for evaluation, discussion, and artistic exploration only. It is not intended as factual reporting, instruction, or representation of real‑world practices, technologies, or outcomes.”
I will state I did enjoy this, but desperately want more. It feels more like a summary or outline than a completed work. The mysterious device passes from person to person, some take it, and some find it. All are impacted by it. And it appears none in a good way. The story begins with:
“At dawn on a lakeside promenade in a waking metropolis, a runner finds the body of an impeccably dressed man whose face has collapsed inward from the mouth. Beside the corpse lies a pristine black phone with no brand, no SIM card, no identity. Before police and paramedics arrive, the runner slips it into his belt bag and lies about it.
At home, the phone behaves like an object waiting to be chosen. When it lights up, it shows no apps or data. It reflects only a version of its viewer that is slightly improved. In the glass, the runner catches sight of himself as steadier, more composed and more invulnerable. By morning the phone has vanished. That night it reappears on the bedside table and passes into the hands of his teenage daughter, late for a party. In front of her friends, the device softens every face, making them just a little more desirable. After the photo is taken, a clear viscous liquid begins to pour from the screen, touching skin, makeup and half-open mouths. Music continues for a few seconds before an unnatural silence takes over the apartment.”
It is an interesting piece. But it could be so much more. Each passing of the phone could be a separate chapter in a much larger book, or each a separate story in a series of published short stories. As it is it feels like it could be amazing but has just not been developed yet. It is a good read and an interesting story, it just really leaves you wanting more!
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!
Books by Simone Nespolo:
A Collection of Three Film Plots
Ancient Maps for New Journeys
Local autonomy: The Natural Antidote to Fascism and Communism
Praying for Money
The Imperial Revival and Japan’s Demographic Crisis
The Necessary Schism of the American Catholic Church
Books of Guided Prompts:
10 Prompts to Sell with ChatGPT
15 AI Prompts for Small and Medium Enterprises
20 AI Prompts Ready for eBook Writers
…
Fiction:
Doge – Martian Colonial Ship
The Garden of Ashes
The Last Venetian Painter
…
Dark Futures Series:
Whales
…
Catholic Science Fiction Series:
…
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