Forrest’s Reviews > Dissonant Intervals > Status Update
Forrest
is on page 23 of 320
"Pockets of Emptiness" may be one of the most effective ghost stories I have read explicitly because it ignores any attempt at scaring the reader but instead slowly scoops hope out of the reader and fills the gap with dread and a grey, drizzling depression. The writing is exquisite, carefully-crafted to draw the reader into a hazy mist of hopelessness. It powerfully robs the reader of power, pickpocketing essence. 5*
— Apr 29, 2020 08:18PM
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Forrest’s Previous Updates
Forrest
is on page 317 of 320
"The Purloined bibelot" is, well, a bibelot. At three and a quarter pages, it is a wisp, compared to the other work herein, but carries a powerful, if predictable punch, about the human need to damn another based on no evidence at all. This story punctuates the collection with another glimpse into the just plain rotten. Four stars, but given the context and the way in which it is used in the book, I bump it to Five.
— May 29, 2020 03:11PM
Forrest
is on page 313 of 320
Marvick tricks us with a little sleight-of-hand by entitling this story "Of Interactive Surveillance and the Circular Firing Squad" when this story of music, suffering, summoning, an innocence has nothing obvious to do with the title. But there are hidden symbols in the title, which I will not reveal. The story feels "loose" and "rambly," until the final scene, where it ties off in a spectacular frisson. Five stars.
— May 29, 2020 10:41AM
Forrest
is on page 241 of 320
"Maculate Vision" is a weird tale where the denouement comes before the climax, a difficult and brilliant literary trick for such a strange tale. Supporting characters come to the forefront and the plot of the arc is not what the reader would expect at all. Of course, the writing is beautiful, which sustains interest through the meanderings of the plot, especially as one approaches the striking end. Five stars.
— May 25, 2020 02:24PM
Forrest
is on page 201 of 320
"Is for Ilinx" is a precarious story, set on the edge of a blade, both structurally and thematically. Thankfully, it balances there just so, where such a tale could lose balance and falter, with fatal results for everyone involved.
— May 14, 2020 07:47PM
Forrest
is on page 167 of 320
How to classify "The Red Seed"? It's a historical mystery (by "historical," I mean having to deal with history - the story itself is a-historical), complete with a pulpish feel, but of a highbrow nature. The adventure lies in uncovering secret connections and bringing to light mistaken interpretations. But at its heart it is an adventure, of sorts. An academic adventure of discovery and, ultimately, horror. 5*
— May 10, 2020 09:06AM
Forrest
is on page 139 of 320
I admit it: halfway through "A Connoisseur of Grief," I thought "this is one of those stories that the author or editor plugged in here because it wasn't good enough to be published elsewhere. Then, things took a turn. The abrupt switch from flowing narrative to journal entries snapped the story into place. Into a very grim place. But a place that satisfied my grim sense of humor and scratched my dark itch. 5*
— May 05, 2020 05:16PM
Forrest
is on page 117 of 320
"The Madman of Tosterglope" is a drab revelation, the uncovering of an occulted soul, the scrying of a haunting brought on by heartache and brought to light (or darkness) through further heartbreak. It is a stunning piece of not-quite-doppelganger-horror. The balance is set and, within it, an imbalance is created, setting up the final resonance that restores balance, but in a malformed sense. Five stars of remorse.
— May 04, 2020 07:23PM
Forrest
is on page 89 of 320
Marvick gets into territory that touches on some very personal experiences of my own, feelings I am deeply familiar with, musings that I've had myself, in "The Madman of Tosterglope". It's inspiring to me as a writer, causing me to dig deeper into my own sometimes painful experiences for inspiration. It has been a while since a work of fiction has pushed me in this way. Terrifying and refreahing.
— May 03, 2020 09:06PM
Forrest
is on page 73 of 320
Forgive an author for his ever-so-slight over-reach. "The Mirror of Don Ferrante" strains just a tick to hard to be horrific, but does not stumble into ludicrous territory. The understated ending reins in earlier hints of melodrama and saves the story, keeping it disturbing, but not gratuitous. You will be wary of your reflection, going forward. Note the changes. Four stars.
— May 02, 2020 03:33PM
Forrest
is on page 45 of 320
"Devil's Music" is the work of a literary craftsman who has done his (horrific) homework. I love a well-researched story and here Marvick shows that he has some grasp of musicology and liturgy, as well as a touch of early modern history. Combine this with a good sense of moral repulsion for things that ought not to be, and this makes for a powerful, yet carefully restrained tale that disturbs deeply. 5 stars.
— May 01, 2020 09:07PM
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Ben
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rated it 5 stars
Apr 30, 2020 12:34AM
What a great book this is.
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Shame on you for liking this so much. I had to buy it.
This is now racing towards the top of my reading list! Wonderful thoughts Forrest!
Yorgos wrote: "Yeah me too.":)
Ben wrote: "What a great book this is."So far, so good!
Nancy wrote: "Shame on you for liking this so much. I had to buy it."I have no shame!!! :)
Yorgos wrote: "Yeah me too."A cabal is forming . . .
Patrick.G.P wrote: "This is now racing towards the top of my reading list! Wonderful thoughts Forrest!"Thanks, Patrick! After reading the first story, I can't believe I let it sit on my shelves so long. Incidentally, and not related to this at all, I shall have a new snail mail address in June. I will be sure to send you a letter from my new house! Letter-writing has been in a holding pattern as we have gone through the process of buying a new house and selling our old one. I actually have time to write, but my letter-writing materials (which you know I'm picky about) are packed away in storage until we get to our new place.
