Ctrl Z, the Do Over Stone

by pdmac

Some wishes are like thorns; they hurt when they come true. Mark has just lost his job. With the help of the Do Over Stone, he sets out to punish those responsible. He quickly learns the Do Over Stone can help him beyond his wildest imaginations. Too late, he discovers there is a price to pay.

- A dark and twisted novella.

95 pages, Paperback

Published February 8, 2018

About the author

pdmac spent a career in the US Army before transitioning to education as a university Academic Dean. He transitioned again and now writes fulltime. He has a MA in Creative Writing and a Ph.D. in Theology. He is a member of the Blue Ridge Writers Guild, the Steampunk Writers and Artists Guild, and the Georgia Writers Association. A diverse author, writer, and editor, he has also edited a Literature anthology, served as managing editor of an archaeology magazine, ghost-written an autobiography, and has had poems, short stories, articles, and editorials published in various literary journals, magazines and newspapers. His most recent short stories appear in the Short Story America anthologies III and IV, Poets in Hell, The Mulberry Fork Review, and the Fantasy Anthology Chronicles of Mirstone. He has also sung back-up for Broadway plays, provided voice for radio plays, and acted and directed theater stage productions. In his off time, he and his wife enjoy cycling, kayaking, and occasionally backpacking sections of the Appalachian Trail. Additionally, he and his wife love to travel, their favorite place so far being Crete, Greece.

Reviews

[J.D. Estrada · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a curious read for me, because although you could guess some things in the plot, it was still an enjoyable and quick paced read, which you could probably tackle in a a solid reading session. It could use a second check to nip some typos in the bud, but even so, I enjoyed the read and found myself wanting to continue and finish it.

The premise is simple enough, if you had the means to do over the events of the last hour, what would you do with that power? Would you use it for good? Would you abuse it? Would it change you for the better or worse. All of these things are contemplated in Ctrl Z, because even actions you can undo STILL have consequences, which I think was an interesting twist to this narrative, along with some others I won't spoil.

I would have easily given this 3.5 stars for certain details but when it gets to the point of ranking, you have to decide if you'd round up or down, and for me, I don't need a do over stone after giving this 4 stars. Is it the end all of all stories? No. Yet somehow the book looked at me and kept urging me to read another page or 20, and I think that's the sign of a good story.

[Loralee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imaginative Story

This story was imaginative and well thought out. What would you do if you could turn back time an hour (just an hour) and change what you did? What would you do? Mark is given just that opportunity. It reminded me of a short story I read once, which I think the movie 57 seconds is based on. Of course, Mark does what many people would do, go back and change behavior so he doesn't lose his job, gamble successfully, etc. But then he starts taking things much further. I won't say how much further, as that would spoil important parts of the story. I was pleasantly surprised, because it wasn't a wish fulfillment book. There were real and plausible consequences to Mark's choices. There are situations that I would say are not appropriate for kids, but if that sort of thing doesn't bother a reader, s/he would likely enjoy the story.
There were a number of typos that I noticed here and there, but not many.

[Sephyrra Sephyrra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ctrl Z: The Do Over Stone is a compelling read that's hard to put down. It explores the intriguing concept of redoing the last hour of your life, blending the charm of familiar plots with fresh twists. The story's pace and engaging narrative keep you hooked, making you ponder the consequences of reversible actions. It's a book that nudges you to read just one more page, turning a simple story into an immersive experience. In short, it's a captivating journey worth your time, deserving a solid five-star rating.

[Whittney Corum · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read with a good lesson. Pdmac brings a new way of teaching to be careful what you do. This story goes into what happens when a man gets a power and how his choices affect himself and those around him. It also shows how man's thoughts can bring both joy and downfall.