More Than What Came Before
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Pub Date 28 Jul 2026 | Archive Date 14 Sep 2026
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Description
An urban fantasy novella rooted in contemporary Cambridge, blending folklore with psychological horror. Following a charismatic broadcaster who makes a reality-warping wish that unleashes his perfect double.
The Picture of Dorian Gray meets evil Pinnochio, this novella explores obsession, ambition, and the dangerous allure of perfection.
It’s 2023, and life in Cambridge is good for Chester “Cheshire” Sommer. He has it all; however, he can’t help but feel that he deserves… more. When a flawless version of himself begins speaking to him in dreams, Chester listens. Other Chester understands his hunger for power and his resentment towards his watchful younger sister, Faye.
When Chester discovers the legend of a supernatural staircase hidden in the woods, he makes a wish that warps reality, causing Faye to vanish from his life and granting Other Chester a will of his own. Together, they chase fame and validation, convinced they’re destined for greatness.
But ambition curdles into obsession, and perfection demands a terrible price. Chester soon discovers that wanting more than what came before can destroy everything that comes after.
A Note From the Publisher
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781835745977 |
| PRICE | £2.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 136 |
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Featured Reviews
Kirsty W, Reviewer
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'More Than What Came Before' by Electra Nanou
This is the first book I have read by this author but it will not be my last!
I must admit that I had no idea quite what to expect when I started reading this but I am very pleased that I did as, although it is going to be hard to explain this book, one thing I can definitely say is that I have never, ever read anything like it and I very much doubt I ever will again!! I will warn you that if you are looking for a book that wraps up with an explanation then this will not be the book for you! I have finished it and still have absolutely no idea quite what was real or what actually happened!! It is definitely unlike anything I have read before. I have read hundreds and hundreds of books so it is getting harder and harder to find something completely unique but Electra has certainly achieved it with this absolutely bizarre and one of a kind read!! Considering this book is a novella with the kindle version having just 113 pages and the paperback just 136 pages Electra has managed to pack a lot in to such a short read!! It really is quite difficult to actually put a review into words with this one as I don't really want to give anything away and to get the most out of it it is certainly something you need to read and enjoy for yourselves!! With a storyline rammed with family, horror, obsession, hatred, jealousy, twists, sibling rivalry, fantasy, science fiction, darkness, wishes, ambition, perfection, supernatural, mystery, folklore and so much more what are you waiting for? Grab your copy of 'More Than What Came Before' and decide the truth for yourself. As I previously mentioned, I have absolutely no idea if what I read was a mental breakdown, a doppelganger, a faked diary, a demon or what!! With such an unlikeable and unreliable narrator it really is for the individual reader to decide! With it being such a short read it would have been rude not to devour it in one sitting and that is just what I did, finishing it in a few short hours. What this book will do is make you much more careful what you wish for in the future! It will definitely leave you with your jaw hanging open wondering what on Earth you just read and that in itself is a triumph!! Any book that shocks me or leaves me gobsmacked gets bonus points as with having read so many books it is getting more and more difficult. Anyway, I cant say anymore so I will leave you to decide but I would definitely love to see your opinions so make sure you check back in and let me know!
Overall a dark, bizarre, unique and creepy read that will ensure you are careful with what you wish for in the future!
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