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Requiem 4
Graviton Cemetery-the biggest, oldest, most haunted graveyard in the world. And Requiem 4 is here to clean things up. In a dystopian, war-torn future where a godless global network reprograms the masses for compliance, the Requiem units are a dying breed. Manned by sciocists-scientific exorcists-and armed with state-of-the-art technology, the units sweep cemeteries of 'latent soul energy.' However, there's a lot more than just ghosts in Graviton. Father Aguste Lax, military chaplain to Requiem 4, has his own doubts. The cross around his neck is a feeble reminder of his waning faith. Yet when they encounter a Type Six entity, no amount of quantum firepower can save them. Lax becomes their only hope for escaping Graviton alive. But can his faith prevail against an evil this ancient? Or will Graviton Cemetery become the final resting place for Requiem 4?
98 pages, Paperback
Published August 4, 2017
5 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Mike Duran
18 books197 followersMIKE DURAN is a novelist, artist, and freelance writer. Mike writes fiction and non-fiction. He is the author of THE GHOST BOX (Blue Crescent Press, 2014), which was selected by Publishers Weekly as one of the best indie novels of 2015 and first in a paranoir series that continues with SAINT DEATH (2016), and THE THIRD GOLEM (2020). He's also the author of several novellas, including KEEPER OF THE WOODS (2024), THE VISITANT (2022), and WICKERS BOG (2016). In addition, Mike has written several non-fiction titles including CHRISTIAN HORROR: ON THE COMPATABILITY OF A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW AND THE HORROR GENRE (2023) and CHRISTIANS & CONSPIRACY THEORIES (2023). Mike's short stories, essays, and commentary have appeared in Breakpoint, Relief Journal, Cemetery Gates Media, The Gospel Coalition, The Stream, Relevant Online, Bewildering Stories, Rue Morgue, Zombies magazine, and other print and digital outlets. Mike is interested in religion, science, conspiracism, media, books & monsters. You can learn more about Mike Duran, his writing projects, cultural commentary, philosophical musings, and arcane interests, at his website.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 25, 2017
*I received a free ARC of this novelette in exchange for an honest review.*
In religious terms a ‘requiem’ is a Mass for the repose of the dead; may they rest in peace. That is highly relevant information when it comes to this novelette, in which we follow the Requiem 4 unit as they attempt to sanitise Graviton cemetery by either laying to rest the souls of the dead, or dispersing residual energy depending on which belief system you adhere to.
So far, so paranormal/religious short. However from the start of the story the reader is aware of the big bad ‘something else’, and the team quickly realise that there is a problem. From that point on, the tone of the story changes, and the remainder is a chilling, nightmarish plunge into a space where the rules of science and society no longer apply. In fact, never did.
This story is definitely horror, wrapped up in any number of darkest fears from sci-fi, fantasy, Christian and dystopian fiction. The imagery is more disturbing than graphic, and most of the horror is in the mind of the reader, rather than the text, which is exactly as it should be! There is a large element of Christian faith introduced in the form of the exploration of ‘The Preacher’ and his beliefs, or lack thereof. Personally I didn’t find it overpowered the momentum of the story: there was a good balance in the examination of the efficacy of religious trappings and traditions as opposed to true faith (in anything).
The plot is actually very simple and direct. The emotion is created here in the interplay between the characters; in the absence of direct descriptions of the evil, allowing the reader to imagine their worst; and in the insight into the thoughts and fears of a not very brave, heroic man.
For a short, disturbing read on the dark side of the psyche I would definitely recommend Requiem 4.
In religious terms a ‘requiem’ is a Mass for the repose of the dead; may they rest in peace. That is highly relevant information when it comes to this novelette, in which we follow the Requiem 4 unit as they attempt to sanitise Graviton cemetery by either laying to rest the souls of the dead, or dispersing residual energy depending on which belief system you adhere to.
So far, so paranormal/religious short. However from the start of the story the reader is aware of the big bad ‘something else’, and the team quickly realise that there is a problem. From that point on, the tone of the story changes, and the remainder is a chilling, nightmarish plunge into a space where the rules of science and society no longer apply. In fact, never did.
This story is definitely horror, wrapped up in any number of darkest fears from sci-fi, fantasy, Christian and dystopian fiction. The imagery is more disturbing than graphic, and most of the horror is in the mind of the reader, rather than the text, which is exactly as it should be! There is a large element of Christian faith introduced in the form of the exploration of ‘The Preacher’ and his beliefs, or lack thereof. Personally I didn’t find it overpowered the momentum of the story: there was a good balance in the examination of the efficacy of religious trappings and traditions as opposed to true faith (in anything).
The plot is actually very simple and direct. The emotion is created here in the interplay between the characters; in the absence of direct descriptions of the evil, allowing the reader to imagine their worst; and in the insight into the thoughts and fears of a not very brave, heroic man.
For a short, disturbing read on the dark side of the psyche I would definitely recommend Requiem 4.
August 26, 2017
I'm a fan of Mike Duran's urban fantasy novel The Ghost Box and his non-fiction book, Christian Horror. This novella is very different, a worthy addition to the growing cross-genre of military sci-fi horror. I was intrigued at how the story opened and closed from the POV of the "monster," as well as the "sciocists" (scientific exorcists). I found myself wanting to know more of the backstory of the characters. I hope Duran writes more about the world of sciocists. Requiem IV succeeds very well as both horror and military science fiction.
September 16, 2017
Dark cautionary tale
In a dystopian future, a military unit enters a graveyard that is more than meets the eye. Without spoiling anything, it is a dark cautionary tale about the perils of forsaking faith in favor of believing in what can only be seen. It will grip you from beginning to end, as well as leave you with plenty to chew on.
In a dystopian future, a military unit enters a graveyard that is more than meets the eye. Without spoiling anything, it is a dark cautionary tale about the perils of forsaking faith in favor of believing in what can only be seen. It will grip you from beginning to end, as well as leave you with plenty to chew on.
October 13, 2017
Not your grandma's Christian story. This deals with loss of faith as a social norm, military gruffness, spiritual deception and, surprisingly, my preferred kind of ending- meant to provoke thought on introspection. Had a feeling one chapter before how it might end. While I wasn't completely surprised, it was one I could appreciate.
February 18, 2024
Imagine If Ghost Busters Was Deadly Serious, Not A Comedy
In the near future, secularism holds sway, but the are groups of soldiers called Requiems that go into haunted places to clear away “quantum entanglements,” as they would never admit to the presence of ghosts. However, Requiem 4 is accompanied by a priest plagued with doubts. He can see the ghosts for what they are, but still his faith wavers.
And the group finds themselves in the most haunted graveyard in the world.
The story is captivating and keeps you pondering the fate of Requiem 4 long after you’ve closed the book.
In the near future, secularism holds sway, but the are groups of soldiers called Requiems that go into haunted places to clear away “quantum entanglements,” as they would never admit to the presence of ghosts. However, Requiem 4 is accompanied by a priest plagued with doubts. He can see the ghosts for what they are, but still his faith wavers.
And the group finds themselves in the most haunted graveyard in the world.
The story is captivating and keeps you pondering the fate of Requiem 4 long after you’ve closed the book.
October 22, 2017
I really got a kick out of this story. Intriguing and horrifying, It had me captivated from the very beginning. The greatest gift here is the method to Duran's madness. Style and theology combine to give the reader real substance to chew on - thoughts and questions and personal deliberation that continues long after the reading is done. We need more Christian authors willing to deliver on the tough questions, authors who will challenge all the bubblegum Christian Fiction out there. This is that sort of thing - a well crafted, thought-provoking short story well worth your time and money.
August 20, 2021
Appropriately creepy and consistently engaging, Requiem 4 provides an enjoyable read. The narrative’s development is marked by an escalating sense of mystery. As I progressed through this short story, I hoped against hope that it wouldn’t take one trajectory in particular—and then it did. However, after finishing, I immediately realized the story couldn’t have ended any other way, and I was satisfied with the internal logic of the conclusion.
Honestly, I’m not a regular reader of horror, but if the genre includes more stories like this, I may just give it another try.
Honestly, I’m not a regular reader of horror, but if the genre includes more stories like this, I may just give it another try.
October 20, 2017
Creepy good
I enjoyed it, especially how the author unveiled the story as you went along. He didn't info dump, nor did he explain the entire world. He just gave enough so the reader could get the story. Looking forward to reading his other works.
I enjoyed it, especially how the author unveiled the story as you went along. He didn't info dump, nor did he explain the entire world. He just gave enough so the reader could get the story. Looking forward to reading his other works.
July 28, 2018
My review is based on the audiobook.
A quick fast paced thrilling story set in the future that captivates from start to finish. The world building and narration are on point. This is my first read from this author and I was sucked in from the start. I look forward to more from this author.
A quick fast paced thrilling story set in the future that captivates from start to finish. The world building and narration are on point. This is my first read from this author and I was sucked in from the start. I look forward to more from this author.
July 25, 2017
I received a free ARC for my honest review.
An interesting religious ghost story. I enjoyed reading it.
An interesting religious ghost story. I enjoyed reading it.
September 14, 2017
Five stars for the creepy element!
This story is eerie as well as thought provoking. It might just keep me awake tonight. The end was a surprise as well.
This story is eerie as well as thought provoking. It might just keep me awake tonight. The end was a surprise as well.
February 2, 2018
a grand tale of the post apocalyptic vision of living and existing. Full of excitement and action adventure as we read and travale through the pages of this fast paced story. I Loved it
February 19, 2018
The writing was good, but I'm not one for horror or downer endings.
August 6, 2017
This novella is a fun quick read that keeps your attention and keeps you in suspense. Duran has another great story here. 5 Stars.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews