When Jimmy meets up with his old high school friends, including a former crush, it's a bittersweet reunion, balancing old friendships with the challenges of adulthood. To make matters worse, Troy shows up with Paul, a new friend who seems determined to take over their plans, leading them deep into the New Mexico desert. Jimmy already has a bad feeling, but things are about to get so much worse once they enter the BADLANDS. EARLY PRAISE! “Badlands is not your typical horror read, all flashy or full of jump scares- it’s a slow, character-driven horror story that builds its tension from real emotion and guilt. It weaves a tale of old friendships and love, all to be rekindled for a trip in the desert that you will not see coming.”—Dan Shrader, author of CABIN BLACK “A beautifully bleak journey, told by a writer who’s not afraid to open old wounds. BADLANDS will stay with you in the dark.”—Kristopher Rufty, author of PILLOWFACE and VICTIMS “BADLANDS unfolds in slow, haunting layers as an intimate portrait of guilt and shattered dreams. As an unexpected journey into desolation pulls its characters farther from the lives they once knew, the bonds of friendship and the limits of personal resilience are pushed to the edge.”—Amanda Headlee, author of THIS IS HOW A VILLAIN IS MADE “How can something be so unflinching, yet surprisingly tender? Jason Nickey doesn’t pull any punches. BADLANDS is pure menace in the desert. Incredibly sharp, sunburnt, and soaked in blood.”—Cassandra Celia, author of HOUSE OF HARROW “Jason Nickey delivers a vision quest into hell with the BADLANDS. The story grips you from the beginning daring you to venture further into the dark.”—Matthew Lutton, author of THE MORNINGSTAR CONFESSION *Triggers include sexual situations, graphic violence and gore, offensive language, domestic violence.