The Lion Within
An in the Cards Short Literary Thriller
Kay ElemWelcome to In The Cards, a multi-author collection of standalone thriller and horror short stories. In this series, you’ll find stories inspired by the meaning of a specific Tarot Card, thoughtfully written with that thread woven through. Whether you’re a Tarot Card lover or not, you’ll find thrillers and horrors that will creep under your skin and into your thoughts. *Knowledge of Tarot Cards is not necessary to read or enjoy these stories.*
For Strength (Reversed)
They call him Lion Strong.
In this town, banners hang higher than questions, and boys learn early that strength is proven in silence. Push through. Don’t complain. Only the strong survive.
But when the roar fades, one mother begins to question what was built in the name of greatness, and what was quietly destroyed along the way.
Some cages aren’t made of bars. Some are built with applause.
Make sure you come back and check out the other stories, because you never know what’s In The Cards.
Content Warnings: Depression • Anxiety • Death • Grief/Loss • Bullying • Suicide/Suicidal Ideation • Emotional Abuse
Available for Review
This book is currently available for review readers.
Get This BookReader Reviews
Samara H.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5-Star ARC Review
An absolutely gripping and emotionally charged read. This short story took the Strength (Reversed) concept and turned it into something powerful, unsettling, and beautifully written. The atmosphere, the tension, and the way the author layers meaning beneath every line kept me hooked from start to finish.
I loved how the narrative slowly peeled back the truth behind “Lion Strong,” revealing a story that’s as heartbreaking as it is compelling. The writing is vivid and haunting, giving you a real sense of the weight carried in this small town—and the quiet courage it takes to question what everyone else accepts.
A standout piece in this collection. Brilliant, bold, and deeply moving. Five stars!
Crystal O.
ARC
The Lion Within by Kay Elem is a powerful story that is part of the An In The Cards Short Story collection. It will sit with you long after you finish the last page. A town that doesn't take responsibility and instead continues to push their children to be the best and do their best, no matter the cost. If you complain or look weak, it reflects poorly. These kids rather stay silent then speak up. Kay Elem does a great job writing about the social pressures parents and children put on themselves to be the best and to be better than their peers in school and sports. We need ro do better and she put it in the best perspective!
Rachel B.
“The Lion Within” by Kay Elem is a powerful, dark thriller that lingers long after the final page. As part of the In the Cards short story series, it delivers an intense and emotionally charged look at a town where strength is measured by silence and suffering is hidden behind praise.
It’s thought-provoking, haunting, and deeply moving, shedding light on the damage done when vulnerability is mistaken for weakness.
A gripping, emotional read.
Jen S.
Kay Elem’s The Lion Within is a haunting, heartbreaking read. Fast-paced yet deeply engaging throughout, this beautifully crafted short story serves as a powerful cautionary tale regarding the devastating consequences of neglecting physical or mental health. Through excellent, evocative writing, the narrative captures a striking, urgent reality by holding a mirror up to the intense pressures currently found in sports at every level. It is a great read with an even greater message. If you are looking for an emotional book that will stay on your mind long after you finish the final page, this is an absolute must-read.
About the Author
My work lives in the space between tension and emotion with dark edges, quiet dread, and moments that hit a little too close to home. I love characters who unravel, themes that ask uncomfortable questions, and stories that don’t let you walk away unchanged.
I'm also an avid reader, lifelong overthinker, and inexplicable rabbit enthusiast.