Some Short Stories I’ve Been Reading…
Yesterday was a quiet day in the flat, playing Uno (and ‘Lego World’ on the PS4) with my youngest daughter while trying to provide some support for my eldest daughter, who was deep in homework. Lets just say that I lost every game of Uno and my eldest daughter wouldn’t let me near her maths homework (she’s a sensible kid…) Anyway…
Life has kind of caught up with me a little just recently, hence the sick leave, so reading longer books takes a little more of a run-up and a lot more sustained effort to power through them. Short stories and novellas though? I’m still good with those ;o) I had a little time to myself, yesterday evening, and managed to get a few more short stories under my belt. Here are some quick thoughts on each of them…
‘The Crown of Thorns’ – Peter Fehervari (Black Library)
Page Count: 11 Pages
For many long years, the Angels Resplendent protected humanity in the Emperor’s name. But they are no longer resplendent, their purity and zeal turned inwards. Now the Angels Penitent, they are ruled by the Crown of Thorns, who punish any brother who dares to break their edicts. As Brother Montaig considers just such an act, he wonders how bad the punishment could be…
'From the Cassidy Catacombs, Vol. 1: ‘Generation’ / ‘The Art of What You Want’ – Nat Cassidy (Shortwave Publishing)
Page Count: 55 Pages
‘Generation’
When expecting a new baby, it's normal to have questions.
What will my baby look like?
What if I'm not ready?
What if it's not human?
What if this is happening all over?
What if this is the end of the world?
When expecting a new baby, it's normal to be scared.
‘The Art of What You Want’
Harris is facing some pretty serious problems. His tech company is in trouble. His beloved wife is dead. And his house is haunted by her ghost.
He's pretty certain the stress might be making him lose his mind. But it's not hopeless.
He has a best friend, a sympathetic ear, a ton of money, and expensive whiskey. He also has a keen sense of business.
He knows there's always a deal waiting to be made. No matter how horrifying the compromises might be.
After reading, and thoroughly enjoying, ‘Rest Stop’ the other day, I had to read some more of Nat Cassidy’s work and while ‘When the Wolf comes Home’ is one for another day, ‘From the Cassidy Catacombs’ was just the right length for a quick read after a long day. And while I still think that you absolutely should be reading ‘Rest Stop’, this short volume of Cassidy’s short fiction is another ideal jumping on point. Just buy ‘em both, that’s what I did ;o)
I loved the way that ‘Generation’ is framed as commentary/debate but you read it and slowly realize that you’ve been reading a horror story the whole time (which may well loop back into that commentary and debate if you’re so inclined). The questions ‘Generation’ poses take on a whole new urgency, at this point, and left me thinking, ‘what next?’ Brilliant stuff.
And ‘The Art of What You Want’… I’m not going to say too much here (I really don’t want to give anything away) but it’s a masterful exercise in distraction. The real horror is always much closer that you think. I read the preview in ‘Rest Stop’ and I’m very glad that I took the leap and read the rest of this tale.
Life has kind of caught up with me a little just recently, hence the sick leave, so reading longer books takes a little more of a run-up and a lot more sustained effort to power through them. Short stories and novellas though? I’m still good with those ;o) I had a little time to myself, yesterday evening, and managed to get a few more short stories under my belt. Here are some quick thoughts on each of them…
Page Count: 11 Pages
For many long years, the Angels Resplendent protected humanity in the Emperor’s name. But they are no longer resplendent, their purity and zeal turned inwards. Now the Angels Penitent, they are ruled by the Crown of Thorns, who punish any brother who dares to break their edicts. As Brother Montaig considers just such an act, he wonders how bad the punishment could be…
I know… I’ve had a little moan about Black Library’s penchant for overcharging on (very) short stories; the easiest thing to do is vote with your wallet and hope that Black Library take the hint. So… How come I’ve gone back for another one? It’s easy, Peter Fehervari is a well regarded BL author and I’ve read enough of his work for ‘The Crown of Thorns’ to be another intriguing title that I had to read.
And… ‘The Crown of Thorns’ is only a ten minute read (if that) but is still a very atmospheric read that shows us how easily even the elite of Mankind’s warriors can be corrupted by their own martial zeal. Or have the Angels Penitent merely honed their faith to an inevitable sharpness? Honestly, it could be either and that’s what makes ‘The Crown of Thorns’ such a fascinating read. It felt like a well delivered lesson in how one Astartes Chapter can be shown as a microcosm of the larger Imperium. Not a bad read at all.
And… ‘The Crown of Thorns’ is only a ten minute read (if that) but is still a very atmospheric read that shows us how easily even the elite of Mankind’s warriors can be corrupted by their own martial zeal. Or have the Angels Penitent merely honed their faith to an inevitable sharpness? Honestly, it could be either and that’s what makes ‘The Crown of Thorns’ such a fascinating read. It felt like a well delivered lesson in how one Astartes Chapter can be shown as a microcosm of the larger Imperium. Not a bad read at all.
'From the Cassidy Catacombs, Vol. 1: ‘Generation’ / ‘The Art of What You Want’ – Nat Cassidy (Shortwave Publishing)
Page Count: 55 Pages
‘Generation’
When expecting a new baby, it's normal to have questions.
What will my baby look like?
What if I'm not ready?
What if it's not human?
What if this is happening all over?
What if this is the end of the world?
When expecting a new baby, it's normal to be scared.
‘The Art of What You Want’
Harris is facing some pretty serious problems. His tech company is in trouble. His beloved wife is dead. And his house is haunted by her ghost.
He's pretty certain the stress might be making him lose his mind. But it's not hopeless.
He has a best friend, a sympathetic ear, a ton of money, and expensive whiskey. He also has a keen sense of business.
He knows there's always a deal waiting to be made. No matter how horrifying the compromises might be.
After reading, and thoroughly enjoying, ‘Rest Stop’ the other day, I had to read some more of Nat Cassidy’s work and while ‘When the Wolf comes Home’ is one for another day, ‘From the Cassidy Catacombs’ was just the right length for a quick read after a long day. And while I still think that you absolutely should be reading ‘Rest Stop’, this short volume of Cassidy’s short fiction is another ideal jumping on point. Just buy ‘em both, that’s what I did ;o)
I loved the way that ‘Generation’ is framed as commentary/debate but you read it and slowly realize that you’ve been reading a horror story the whole time (which may well loop back into that commentary and debate if you’re so inclined). The questions ‘Generation’ poses take on a whole new urgency, at this point, and left me thinking, ‘what next?’ Brilliant stuff.
And ‘The Art of What You Want’… I’m not going to say too much here (I really don’t want to give anything away) but it’s a masterful exercise in distraction. The real horror is always much closer that you think. I read the preview in ‘Rest Stop’ and I’m very glad that I took the leap and read the rest of this tale.
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