Freedom is being able to swim without a life preserver, but not having to.
by Stefan Längner
Stefan Längner
has seen the big wide world.
He ate grasshoppers in Thailand, cobra soup in Hong Kong, flew out of the Empire State Building, and played with monkeys in Mauritius. For a while, this Bukowski of horrors lived on the Reeperbahn.
In 2017, he wrote a peace song for singer Arwen Schweitzer, which can be seen on YouTube.
He published his first book, 'Stories from the Otherworld', with Epubli.
In August 2025, the horror short stories were published in the collection 'Endzeit' and 'Neues aus dem Andersraum'.
The Keepers of the Otherworld
Night falls upon you once more. The doors to the Otherworld open again. The smells and aromas, sounds and heat waves, shivers and aha moments of this constantly shifting world wash over us, luring us into this bizarre parallel space between Alpha and Omega. The rift in reality holds a surprise. I've cooked a delicious meal for you and set the table.
The beings from the Otherworld wish to meet you. Perhaps you haven't noticed yet, but they are already sniffing you. Long ago, they picked up your scent. Now the time has come, for they wish to welcome you and share a meal with you.
Good luck with this challenge. Afterwards, nothing will ever be the same for you.
End times:
Horror short stories from the Otherworld
Warning: These pages are not for the faint of heart!
Malevolent teddy bears, murderous children, and encounters with the
Unbelievable – in this horror anthology, Stefan Längner opens the door to a world where the
Horror is always just a breath away.
You love the uncanny, the bizarre,
The deeply human within the monstrous?
Then venture inside.
Read it – if you dare!
Top reviews from Germany
- MD
- 5.0 out of 5 stars, great book
- Rated in Germany on September 24, 2025
- Format: PaperbackVerified purchase
- I've read it twice now and I'm still thrilled.
It's similar to the first book, but of course the stories are completely different.
There are shorter and longer stories; some make you think, others made me smile.
Apparently there will also be a third book, which I will then buy.
Useful
4.0 out of 5 stars - an eerie reading experience
Rated in Germany on September 12, 2025
Formatting: Kindle
Horror lurks here! Murderous children and malevolent teddy bears, undead drunks and a thirst for blood: here you'll find everything you'd rather not imagine. The author's imagination knows no bounds. While his writing style occasionally leaves something to be desired, the stories more than make up for it.
120 eerie pages that you won't want to put down. I wish you lots of chilling reading pleasure!
Useful
5.0 out of 5 stars Different than expected!
Rated in Germany on August 9, 2025
Formatting: Kindle
Stefan Längner's work "Endzeit" takes us into an "other realm." What this means quickly becomes clear to the reader: short stories that delve into a real, sometimes surreal world, a morbid society, and atrocities that are sometimes unimaginable. Yet this is always interwoven with a touch of the everyday, which lends the whole thing an incredible authenticity.
It seems to me that these are complexly constructed thought-provoking ideas. Like looking in a mirror, they present concise scripts of scenarios that sometimes send shivers down your spine. But are they really so far removed from reality? Or do they rather materialize that readiness for violence that lies dormant in each of us and, fortunately, is not acted upon by everyone?
The personal words the author addresses to the reader at both the beginning and end of the book offer profound insights. It's remarkable how he so courageously and naturally lays bare his own demons, allowing such a deep look into his soul. This can be a healthy way to depict one's inner battlefield, to give it concrete form, to put a face to it, and to allow it to become an inescapable reality.
It's not the stories themselves that have stayed with me, even though they are well-constructed both linguistically and in terms of content. They seem more like actors on a stage, where I am the spectator, and where society is laid bare in all its harshness within seconds. And it's left to me to decide what I can learn from it. A subtle hint, without demanding any consequences.
A courageous book that really made me think!
One person found this information helpful.
Useful
Rated in Germany on August 6, 2025
Formatting: Kindle
Here I review "Endzeit" by Stefan Längner. A collection of short stories.
What is this all about?
Warning: These pages are not for the faint of heart!
Malevolent teddy bears, murderous children and encounters with the unimaginable - in this horror anthology, Stefan Längner opens the doors to a world where horror is always just a breath away.
Do you love the uncanny, the bizarre, the deeply human within the monstrous?
Then venture in.
Read it - if you dare.
My own personal opinion:
It's always fascinating to see what this author creates. He's a fountain of ideas, which he scatters haphazardly across his scenarios. His stories are frightening and sometimes downright nasty.
His writing style is simply a joy. If you like things straightforward, you've come to the right place.
His stories are socially critical, but sometimes just plain creepy. He writes short stories faster than anyone else—at least, I don't know anyone else—and they're usually so damn good.
Stefan Längner is a fantastic author and definitely deserves more attention.
How would I rate it?
5 out of 5 stars or 10 out of 10 points.
One person found this information helpful.
Useful
5.0 out of 5 stars Are you strong enough?
Rated in Germany on August 5, 2025
Formatting: Kindle
Endzeit is no ordinary horror novel. Stefan Längner masterfully lulls the reader into a false sense of security—only to brutally and unexpectedly shatter it at the last moment. The stories begin innocently enough: a walk in the park, children riding their bikes—everyday scenes familiar to everyone. But this is precisely where the horror begins. With a sudden twist, the familiar transforms into something uncanny, disturbing, even nightmarish.
The narrative style strongly reminds me of those forbidden stories I secretly read as a child—heart pounding, fearful of being caught. This blend of childlike curiosity and adult dread made Endzeit a truly unique reading experience for me. It's pure horror, but not crude or gory for the sake of effect. Rather, it's the psychological depth, the disturbing normality of the horror, that gets under your skin. This is particularly remarkable given that the author writes to process his own (childhood) memories.
Those strong enough to confront the horror will be rewarded with gripping, cleverly constructed stories that linger long after the final page and prompt reflection. But beware: after reading these books, even the most peaceful stroll in the park will never seem entirely harmless again...
One person found this information helpful.
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Rated in Germany on September 17, 2025
Formatting: Kindle
Stefan Längner takes his readers into a dark world full of eerie encounters and surprising twists. Sometimes subtle, sometimes direct, always atmospheric – every story keeps the horror alive between the lines. For all those who love goosebumps and appreciate stories that linger long after the last page.
One person found this information helpful.