This is going to be a pretty lengthy review, but to be perfectly honest, this book deserves more recognition and I will do my best to explain why.
Every story is written slightly differently, in varying styles, but every one shares the same charm and fascination. The twists are phenomenal; they’re the kind of twists that make you stop and think, “wait what?” Each story perfectly sets up its universe within the first few sentences and not a single paragraph, line nor word is wasted. Someone said once that Paul’s pre-and-post notes distracts from the stories, but I disagree – I think they make them better. It’s not often you get to ‘look’ into an artist’s mind and see the who, what, when, where, how and why. I honestly looked forward to reading Paul’s thoughts at the end of everything.
Lovers on a Train feels like something plucked directly from Black Mirror or The Twilight Zone. The concept is fascinating, the characters (not given real names, but instead descriptions which I found cool) are intriguing, and the twist… still makes my jaw drop. It remains one of my favourites in the book.
There’s a Starman waiting in the sky it encompasses the feel of a school setting, with the asshole ‘jocks’ and the one they bully. This story doesn’t have a ‘twist’ persay, but does leave a lasting impression about it.
Ritual was one of those stories I had to reread to understand, but I still love it. Like Starman, this story doesn’t necessarily have a ‘twist’ as it focuses more on the characters and the situation, but that’s what makes it such a good read – Mary Beth is one of the most compelling characters I’ve read in a long time.
Fire in the Hole was yet another story without a ‘twist’, but a very humorous end that got a grin out of me. I can say it was probably my least favourite story in the book, but I still re-read it three times, which definitely speaks to how good a story it is.
The Spartacus Protocol. Holy shit. I thought I wouldn’t like it – I’m not a huge sci-fi fan, and Paul introduces it as his ‘most sci-fi story’. I LOVED it. I can’t fault a single thing about this story – everything was perfect, and the twist got an out-loud laugh from me (I very rarely laugh out loud with books, so that is a HUGE achievement).
Served Cold is another favourite of mine. It’s the perfect blend of serious and humour and the humour is really chuffing funny. Again, the twist had me shook and whilst it wasn’t the most groundbreaking from the book, it still stuck with me. So much so that I’m having the demon tattooed on my shoulder.
How did it feel – based on a true story and it was so moving I teared up a little. The descriptions had me in an iron grip and the final few lines practically choked me in their harrowing efficiency. A short one, but still manages to stay with you.
Justifiable reminds me of the film Seven starring Morgan Freeman. A short crime thriller about a serial killer, with a horrific death scene in it. It more or less comments on society and the people in only a few pages.
Those in peril on the sea made me so enraged that I messaged our author more or less telling him off for the twist. Putting my rage at it aside, the story focuses on a man struggling to provide for his darling wife (who he writes to lovingly) and children. The twist is another one that will chokehold you and keep you there for ages.
The Dark Elves is written in script format, and I think it’s really nice to see Paul’s screenwriting history shine through in this story. Usually scripts fall flat for me, but somehow Paul’s way of writing said scripts kept me invested till the end.
I had the privilege of hearing Paul read an extract from The World Weavers, and as always, the story stuck with me. The open interpretation of the story made my imagination run wild, but in this case, it was a brilliant way of doing so. Hearing Paul read it in the way it was meant to be read made it all the more better, and I couldn’t help but read said extract in his voice.
Consultation not Collaboration was the only story where I guessed the twist right… and I still was shocked at the end. I got double-twisted. The characters spoke to me, the history had me wanting to learn more and this story alone made me go and check out Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History podcast.
I took a punt on this book and have no regrets. It’s pretty daft to say a book could mean so much, but to me this book is the start of my journey into becoming more myself, and every time I look at it (and the prints now decorating my wall) I’m reminded to keep going even when it gets hard and to never give up on what I love. Paul inspires me more than I can say and I will forever hold this book dear to my heart. In conclusion, it’s a book well worth reading – there WILL be something for you to love in it.
While it may not be the biggest splash, I will NOT let it become just a ripple.
