That Which Should Not Be

[A.F.]

That Which Should Not Be

Miskatonic University has a long-whispered reputation of being strongly connected to all things occult and supernatural. From the faculty to the students, the fascination with other-worldly legends and objects runs rampant. So, when Carter Weston’s professor Dr. Thayerson asks him to search a nearby village for a book that is believed to control the inhuman forces that rule the Earth, Incendium Maleficarum, The Inferno of the Witch, the student doesn’t hesitate to begin the quest.

Weston’s journey takes an unexpected turn, however, when he ventures into a tavern in the small town of Anchorhead. Rather than passing the evening as a solitary patron, Weston joins four men who regale him with stories of their personal experiences with forces both preternatural and damned. Two stories hit close to home as they tie the tellers directly to Weston’s current mission.

His unanticipated role as passive listener proves fortuitous, and Weston fulfills his goal. Bringing the book back to Miskatonic, though, proves to be a grave mistake. Quickly, Weston realizes he has played a role in potentially opening the gate between the netherworld and the world of Man. Reversing the course of events means forgetting all he thought he knew about Miskatonic and his professor and embracing an unknown beyond his wildest imagination.

Now with that introduction it's time to discuss, review, ask questions about That Which Should Not Be...

[Suki]

I just bought this book for my Kindle. Looking forward to discussing . . . and now, gotta go read!

[Graeme]

I just picked up the Kindle edition too. I'll make a start on it this Tuesday, when I get the train into work. Been looking forward to reading this one for a while, and its good that this group is giving me the excuse.

[Tricia]

I have the paperback version, I can't wait to start it.

[Brett]

Woo who!

[Melissa]

Already read this a couple of months back. Absolutely loved the book. Look forward to see what other people say about it. It is one of those books that keeps you turning pages to see what happens next.

[Graeme]

I'm onto the second story, which has has some fairly heavy vamp overtones so far. Very enjoyable read up to this point.

[Melissa]

Yes when I read the second one I immediately was thinking of dracula

[Phil]

Thanks again Brett for this second invitation.

[Jason]

I read this book a month or two ago and loved it! It was one of the most interesting books I've read in a long time. I really enjoyed the old style and the imagery.

[Nora]

That Which Should Not Be is an amazing book! I loved the atmosphere, the characters...the tension. So good.

Now, Brett...

Did you write an alternate ending(s)? If so, was it difficult to decide which ending should be the one published?

[Brett]

Hi Nora! Actually, no. I always knew exactly how I wanted the book to end, and my publisher offered no objection to the ending as it was, so I didn't change it. I think that would be the most difficult thing in the world, and I know it happens quite often. I think all writers want to work with their publisher as much as possible, but changing the ending would be hard for me to do.

[Melissa]

Brett, that is interesting. Do you have any plans on writing any more books like this one? I'll admit I had never read any Lovecraft before reading your book but after reading it I downloaded some of his stories to my ereader.

[Brett]

Hi Melissa. One of my goals in writing this book was to expose more people to Lovecraft and Lovecraftian fiction. Glad that with you at least I succeeded! I am finishing up my newest book now. It is horror, but not Lovecraftian, at least not in an overt way. My next book, however, is going to return to that style of writing. Should be fun!

[Melissa]

Brett, I look forward to your next book!

[Jason]

Melissa, if I may be so bold I also suggest you read The Wendigo by Algernon Blackwood, which Brett also incorporated wonderfully into his novel.

[Melissa]

Jason wrote: "Melissa, if I may be so bold I also suggest you read The Wendigo by Algernon Blackwood, which Brett also incorporated wonderfully into his novel."

Thanks Jason, I'll check it out!

[Nora]

Brett wrote: "Hi Nora! Actually, no. I always knew exactly how I wanted the book to end, and my publisher offered no objection to the ending as it was, so I didn't change it. I think that would be the most di..."

Endings can be tricky, especially if a sequel is in the works. Let's see...no way do I want to give hints about how you concluded "That Which Should Not Be," but it was a great ending! So you must have known from the start how things would play out. It takes me weeks to finally decide upon an ending. I ponder it too much!