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Divine In Essence
Divine in Essence, by Yarrow Paisley, is a surreal and endlessly imaginative collection of short stories. The book is a wild ride, blending the bizarre with the artistic in a way that’s both entertaining and unsettling. It’s a mix of the otherworldly and the unnerving, constantly pushing boundaries and keeping the reader off-balance with its strange, dreamlike narratives.
Paisley’s writing is so unconventional that condensing these incredible short stories into a brief description feels almost impossible. Take The Great Event, a fresh twist on a ghost story involving a young girl, Helen, and some haunted pipes. Or I in The Eye, where a boy finds himself trapped inside his stepmother’s glass eye while a homunculus takes his place. Then there’s Rocking Horse Traffic, a fever dream about a boy undergoing surgery, blending reality and a strange world filled with rocking horses. Each tale feels like it’s pulled from a feverish imagination, and they demand to be experienced firsthand.
What stands out in this collection is the way each story mixes the supernatural with ordinary horrors. The familiar becomes strange, as Paisley twists traditional horror elements into something more abstract and mind-bending. His writing style is rich, poetic, and sometimes so abstract that you’re left wondering what’s real and what’s imagined. The stories have a dreamlike quality that keeps readers guessing, making the experience immersive and often disorienting in the best way. Paisley’s prose is dense and lyrical, with themes revolving around identity, mortality, and the essence of existence. His characters are often trapped, whether physically or psychologically, and the way he plays with language blurs the line between fantasy and reality. It’s an unsettling but engrossing experience, pulling you deeper into his strange worlds.
This collection is unlike anything I’ve read before. While I thoroughly enjoyed the ride, it’s not for everyone. Paisley’s writing works best in small doses—I feel that some might find it somewhat difficult to follow. This isn’t an easy read, and the stories are definitely not for those who prefer straightforward narratives. However, for fans of surreal horror, it’s a rewarding challenge. Each story stands out in its own right, and there’s not a weak one in the bunch. It’s best enjoyed story by story, allowing time to digest each one’s unique oddities. Divine in Essence is perfect for readers who crave something deeply strange and entirely original.
Pages: 216 | ISBN : 978-1952600555
A Call To Action
Like a Lily Among the Thorns follows a young woman longing for a family connection who meets a woman who becomes more than a friend; she helps transform her life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
To me subconsciously, we all assign roles to acquaintances in our lives based on our unfulfilled needs. In this particular narrative, the MC has a real need for connection. Sometimes my muse uses my personal experiences but in others like this story my natural empathy for people in distress carries the load.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
The pursuit of happiness, connection, and dignity.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One main theme the reviewer failed to mention was the purpose of this book for me. I believe it is a call to action for the climate crisis that may possibly end life on this planet as we know it. Just like the characters in this story, the awareness of the danger is slow in forming and even at the end of this novel the lack of action to totally change one’s life in anticipation of this problem is just too much work. Eveyone hopes the problem is exaggerated and will just disappear. Like is actually happening right now.
What next book are you working on, and when will it be available?
My next novel explores the notion of what is reality. Can we move through different realities by choice? Scientists have postulated that the multiverse exists. In this work, I take the liberty of having proof that multiverse exists and that we can somehow move around these alternate worlds at will. It also is a nod to my gloomy attitude of the possible demise of humanity due to climate change. Enlightened souls will have the ability to save our species by traveling to another reality where climate issues do not exist yet.
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At a local small library in New York City, one such family was born. And just like so many capricious happenstances in life, this family unit embraced newcomers and grew exponentially. But this clan was also charged with far more than spreading love and joy and a sense of belonging. This clan was formed by divine Providence to help save the planet.
Gabrielle Bernstein, the MC of Like a Lily Among the Thorns, is a woman in her twenties and has started her career as a librarian at a NYC public library. Abandoned by her father as a young girl and now orphaned by her deranged mother, Gabby longs for a family connection. Coincidentally, she finds this connection at the same time she inherits a B&B in Vermont from her estranged and now-deceased father. This enchanted inn is under the watchful eye of goddesses of myth and legend who have been tasked to save mankind from destroying itself and this planet. These goddesses will use their powers to try and stall the onslaught of the effects of droughts, floods, and rising temperatures. But as a safety net, they have collected human saviors all over the planet to erect safe havens at high altitudes away from flood waters and blistering temperatures.
Woven through this tale is Gabrielle’s inherent understanding that she must be grateful, mindful, and present in this journey called life.
Author’s note: In response to the feedback from several reviews, I offer some clarity to the book’s ending. As a call to action, the other message of this book is the reality that humans would prefer to do nothing when all appears normal. Doing nothing and waiting for the worst to happen is a terrible approach and has been the mindset for a long time no matter the solid info that has been available for many years.
Like a Lily Among the Thorns
Karen S. Bell’s Like a Lily Among the Thorns mixes romance, personal growth, and a touch of magic. The story revolves around Gabby Bernstein, a young woman in New York City who clings to optimism despite life’s tough breaks. Things take a sharp turn when she crosses paths with the mysterious Countess Anastasia Ivanova. Their friendship opens new doors for Gabby, pushing her toward a life-changing transformation.
Bell’s writing style is poetic, vivid, and full of detail, making every scene pop. Whether it’s Gabby’s simple morning routine or the lush garden of the Countess, the words pull you in. You can almost see and feel everything through Gabby’s eyes. The way Bell blends everyday life with a dash of the mystical gives the story a unique, almost magical vibe. Gabby’s constant reflections, while key to her character, add depth to the story. They offer insight into her mindset and her journey. These moments allow readers to connect more deeply with her. Her focus on gratitude and mindfulness is central and enriches the narrative. While these reflections do slow the pace a bit, they also create a thoughtful, introspective atmosphere that adds to the story’s charm. The bond between Gabby and the Countess is where the magic really happens. Watching them grow and heal together is both moving and inspiring. As the Countess reveals more of herself, her role as a mentor to Gabby becomes more compelling. There’s a scene where Gabby finally faces her painful past that hits hard. It’s raw and emotional, showing just how good Bell is at capturing real, deep feelings.
Like a Lily Among the Thorns is a solid pick for readers who enjoy stories that focus on characters, with a sprinkle of magic. The book’s poetic language and thoughtful narrative dig deep into life’s ups and downs and the path to personal growth. This book is the perfect mix of the ordinary with a little bit of magic.
Pages: 231 | ASIN : B09V5KGMJF
The Essence of a Being
The Gemini Project follows a seventeen-year-old boy who discovers his entire life has been a lie and now must find a way to escape the school he lives in in order to survive. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration is a bit of a spoiler alert. I had a thought what if this certain event happened, and that became a brain-worm. Each day I would expand on the story and new characters would enter my head, and I knew it wouldn’t go away until I wrote something down!
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
As I wrote the story, it hit me that I was naturally writing about the future in past tense. At one point in the text, when something happens to the protagonist, I suddenly found myself writing in the present tense. Although this change in style just seemed natural to the flow, I hope that it also helps draw the reader into the experiences of the protagonist.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The story covers parental relationships, especially those where a parent is detached from their child, as in the case of a parent who outsources the upbringing of their child. The story also explores neurological development and tries to answer the question of what the soul consists of, or more accurately the essence of a being. Finally, the story takes place in a dystopian world, however, not a fantasy world. The overarching theme is a warning as the world that is developed is in the realm of the possible.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
This is a stand-alone story, however my next novel Nothing but the Truth takes a very similar path in its style of story-telling.
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Dr. William Osler works at the Academy and considers himself an amateur philosopher and would-be comedian. He befriends Jan and sees the boy’s keen desire to learn. Quietly in the background, the doctor teaches his student to read. Dr. Osler knows that the 17-year-old boy will die, the same way his older brother died, in less than two weeks. However, addicted to a designer drug, the doctor is constantly high as he tries to fight his own demons.
Tre Ericson is Jan’s father. He sees his son four times a year but feels no love for him. While desperately trying to please his father, Jan discovers a tunnel that runs under the school. The tunnel contains a dark secret, which initiates a chain of events that might save Jan’s life!
The Gemini Project is must-read coming-of-age novel that deals with a dystopian future and the world of neurology. The story of Jan Ericson will take you to unpredictable places in a battle of life and death.
Dreamlike Nature of Reality
The Monarchs follows a teenage boy with unique psychic abilities living in a laboratory who escapes and goes on the run with an ordinary orphan girl. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This is a good question, as it is often difficult to discern the source of the inspiration. The original idea for The Monarchs came to me all the way back in 2014 during a senior year of college spring break beach trip. At the time I was questioning what I wanted to do with my life (having chosen philosophy as one of my majors) and was searching inward for answers. My own process of spiritual awakening, questioning the nature of reality, and exploring the potentials of consciousness through modalities such as lucid dreaming were obvious inspirations for this novel and are reflected in Samuel’s journey.
Moreover, I’ve always been fascinated with psi phenomena and the possibility of supernormal abilities. Even as a kid, I was obsessed with the movie Matilda—about a young girl who could move objects with her mind—and the X-Men series. Eventually, I came across the concept of indigo children which reignited my interest in supernatural abilities—as well as a possible shift in human evolution—and inspired the idea for “new youth” children. Music was another big inspiration, particularly M83’s “Midnight City” music video, which shows psychic kids being tested at a facility. Only later when I researched the Montauk Project, which the show Stranger Things is based on, did I understand that this might be more of a reality than most people realize.
One point I’d like to add is that although the novel may be taken literally (a teenage boy with psychic powers escaping a facility), from another perspective, it may be interpreted as an allegory for spiritual awakening and enlightenment. The opening scene, which is very dreamlike in nature, shows Samuel attempting to escape the laboratory complex with no end in sight. This represents the endless maze of the thinking mind, the dream of the egoic personality which many teachers and mystics insist that we must awaken from. Luna hints to this later in the novel when teaching Samuel how to meditate: “Beyond the thinking mind, escaping its never-ending labyrinth of illusion, there exists a force infinitely more intelligent.”
From there ensues a hero’s journey which forces Samuel out of his comfort zone, leading him to confront his shadow, learn through challenges, and awaken to his essential oneness with God (or, using an analogy of a book, oneness with the author and all other characters). This culminates with him breaking out of character and transcending the strings of time—symbolizing cutting the cords to his past and dying to his time-based egoic self. The evolution and awakening of Evelyn from her coma also represent that of the earth and humanity as a whole. This novel is loaded with symbolism and synchronicity, and although I left several things up to interpretation, there are many Easter eggs and hidden surprises that readers may not immediately pick up on.
The writing in your story is very artful and creative. Was it a conscious effort to create a story in this fashion or is this style of writing reflective of your writing style in general?
Thank you for the kind words. Because music is a central theme (and I often used lyrics from popular songs in the dialogue), in general, I did try to make the writing more lyrical and poetic, allowing the sentences to flow in a smooth manner. I wanted my writing to be affecting to the reader, instilled at points with uplifting wisdom, while being careful not to sound verbose or pretentious. Truthfully, because this is my first novel, it took me a while to find my writing style, and it is still a learning process. It took a leap of faith, and years of trial and error, to trust the ideas that came to me and discover how to put them together into a coherently written story. My editors were also a big help. I am grateful for the journey.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Beginning with Samuel’s conversations with his wise tutor, Walter, and expounded on thereafter, this novel explores several philosophical and metaphysical themes, including the existence of God, free will versus predeterminism, human evolution, planetary ascension, and the dreamlike nature of reality. Before embarking on his hero’s journey, Samuel tells Walter that he feels he has no control over his own destiny—that he is trapped like a puppet on a prewritten path. Here and at points throughout the book, we see Samuel developing a sort of metacognition of being a character in a novel—one who indeed is on a path that is already written, yet strives for free will.
Samuel must reconcile this paradox with the ultimate realization of his essential oneness with God (again, oneness with myself as the author). There is no separation between me, him, and all other characters; it is simply an illusion, a game of “one consciousness interacting with itself.” From this highest level, beyond the conditioned limitations of the egoic personality and into God or “author” consciousness, Samuel comprehends that he does have free will, as in a sense he has “written all of it.” His identity as the small, helpless, separate character dissipates as he attunes to the power to write his own destiny. He dies to his old self and is reborn as a Monarch, a symbol of personal sovereignty and spiritual transformation.
As previously mentioned, music is a central theme, as is the idea that we are living in a musical universe, or the view that “all things could be expressed through vibration, sound, and geometry.” To compliment this theme, many song lyrics are quoted in the book, some explicitly referenced, and others hidden in the dialogue. Samuel gradually picks up on the fact that there is music all around him—that his consciousness is but one note in a cosmic symphony. I had to receive print license permissions for 24 different songs to be included in the novel, from artists ranging from The Beatles to Fleetwood Mac to Jimi Hendrix to The Flaming Lips. This was a journey in itself, but it was worth it to preserve the musical element. Some song references may contain hidden clues pertaining to the story when interpreted correctly.
The book is not without darker themes, including the perpetual cycles of human war and division, government corruption, and secret experimentation (some researchers have spoken of “Monarch” mind control programming, which is the lesser-known negative connotation to the symbol). Although another human division is introduced in the book, between the larger-eyed “new youth” and the “ordinary” people and children, the ultimate theme I strove to emphasize is that only through unconditional love, acceptance, empathy, and forgiveness can we truly heal our planet and transcend the influences that have long kept us divided.
As the sagacious Leon puts it, “We are but dream characters in the mind of God, striving for Self-realization, though only a select few may consciously remember this. Most identify entirely with their egos, and this generates great inner conflict.” We all have a choice to stay stuck in our characters, our narrow ego identities trapped in the game of duality and separation, or strive toward something higher—a deeper connection with ourselves, with nature, and with all other beings. Taking this path requires a leap of faith into the unknown, opening our hearts and allowing a greater intelligence to guide us through life, which is one of Samuel’s main lessons.
I find a problem in well-written stories in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
Another great question. During most of my time writing The Monarchs, I didn’t plan for there to be a second book. Yet as my first editor told me, this story is almost too big to contain in just one book. I now realize that it is meant to be a trilogy, and I have already (albeit very loosely) outlined the story for books 2 and 3. I’m not going to give it away, but it will be done in a way that plays with time, lending a chance to fill in more of Samuel’s backstory, his time at the Facility, and the world in general, while also pointing toward an incredible future destiny.
Books 2 and 3 will further explore mind-bending themes such as the multidimensional nature of self, extraterrestrial life, other incarnational existences, and even other timelines. I’m excited to expand on this story, and I will continue to trust what comes to me. Stay tuned and thank you for the support.
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Born into a world ravaged by war, Samuel Helen is among the first in a wave of “new youth” children who possess abnormally large eyes and breathtaking psychic abilities. But Samuel’s powerful telekinesis cannot be managed by the team of scientists at General George Mabus’s military facility. He finds his only solace in his sessions with his wise tutor, Walter, who introduces him to music and philosophy, and his cherished weekly visits with an ordinary orphan girl, Evelyn, in the neighboring village.
When a twist of fate sends Samuel and Evelyn into uncharted territory, Samuel is forced to confront dark shadows from his past in order to unlock the deepest wells of his psyche, even the universe itself, and discover deep spiritual truths while harnessing his abilities-and facing off with vengeful enemies.
He soon realizes that he is part of something much greater than he could have ever imagined . . .
Spiritual Pursuit
In Dream Fisher, a man disenchanted with day-to-day life embarks on a life-changing journey after meeting a wanderer capable of navigating dreams. Where did the idea for this story come from?
From an early age, I had the curious notion that there must be something akin to magic that binds our reality. This nagging inquiry followed me into young adulthood, where I began to study spiritual philosophy with a keen interest in the intersection between metaphysical philosophy and science.
In recent years, the field of metaphysics has undergone a significant expansion, offering a wealth of information on personal development, psychology, past lives, near-death experiences, and more. I wanted to transition some of the concepts being examined philosophically and scientifically and put them into a dramatic story so the ideas could come to life in a less “clinical” context. I wanted to express these phenomena as woven into the fabric of our everyday life, echoing the essence of the Magical Realism genre.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between Jason and Loansome?
I have a thirty-year-plus connection to the Native American community, where I have experienced the lack of cultural conflicts that persist following the European domination of the West.
The interactions between Jason and Loansome reflect the cultural divide between Americans and First Nations People. There is a lack of awareness ever-present in Americans’ relationships with people who have suffered generations of abuse. And yet, many Natives still have the compassion to help the ones most responsible for global imbalance, as their wisdom to do so is inextricably embedded in their culture.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The power of humanity to evolve through compassion, creative visualization, and dreams. The enormous impact that the formation of America had on hundreds of millions of First Nations people in the West. The egoic motivation that is often found within spiritual pursuit. And the power of love to heal all things — across an experience we call time — even into the afterlife.
I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
I am so grateful that this story has been well-received. Thank you! Yes, a second book is in the making. All the characters return—with some new ones. The next segment of the Dream Fisher will be titled The Weight of Wanting. I have started the plot and character developments, roughed out numerous scenes, and hope to start writing in the fall of 2024. In my opinion, the story is stacking up to be better than the first.
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Jason Sanders is starved for meaning in his daily grind and tedious career. A chance encounter with a desert vagabond named Loansome ignites intrigue when the strange man claims he can navigate people’s dreams.
Desperate to break free from his empty existence, Sanders plunges into the mechanics of dream travel, where he finds himself on the edge of an eight-thousand-foot cliff, “This is where you cross the bridge into dreams. You have to wake up over there,” Loansome says, pointing toward another mesa two miles away.
Jason’s leap sends him hurdling into a realm where reality itself becomes questionable. Words emerge within the growl of a mountain lion, an unassuming woman speaks to him from the future, and he uncovers a hidden door in his childhood home.
Amid a whirlwind of surreal events that span past, present, and future, unforeseen connections emerge, revealing genuine meaning within the chaos of modern existence.
Dream Fisher seizes the imagination with its fusion of magic, suspense, and outrageous scenes while casting a scornful glare at society’s superficial facade. Massive twists trigger hidden connections within a vivid landscape of dreams.
Dream Fisher
Dream Fisher, by Pete Beebe, is an engrossing metaphysical adventure novel that explores the boundaries between reality and dreams. The story centers on Jason Sanders, a man disillusioned with the monotony of his everyday life. His encounter with Loansome, a mysterious wanderer who can navigate dreams, kicks off a surreal adventure and transformative journey. Throughout this journey, Jason faces various challenges, such as fighting a mountain lion and forming unexpected connections, ultimately leading him to discover profound truths and a renewed sense of purpose.
Beebe is a master of the metaphysical genre. The vivid description of the setting creates striking imagery that further draws readers into an engaging plot. A standout quality of the author’s writing is the philosophical depth given to the character’s development. From the start, readers are drawn into a world where the lines between the tangible and the imagined are beautifully blurred. Jason’s evolution from a detached observer of life to someone profoundly invested in making a difference highlights the story’s exploration of self-discovery and existential yearning. The relationship between Jason and Loansome is not only a driving force in the plot but also serves as a vehicle for exploring deeper truths about human connection and the nature of dreams. “In dream-time, we see what we want to see. It’s not really what we want…It’s what our souls want so we can be healed…”
Dream Fisher prompts readers to reflect on their own lives and the essence of reality itself. The dream sequences are particularly noteworthy, each crafted with a richness that makes them feel both otherworldly and intimately familiar. This novel is a must-read for those seeking an adventure within their own consciousness. It is not just a story but an invitation to look beyond the surface of our daily lives and explore the deeper currents that shape our reality. Highly recommended.
Pages: 222 | ASIN : B0D2VFZKVN
Real or Rumor
Project Übermensch follows a Navy Sailor who loses his legs, which are restored using extraterrestrial technology, leaving him with unnatural abilities. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve long been haunted and intrigued by the mercurial “facts” surrounding The Philadelphia Experiment. Urban legend or real? And if real, what happened to these men next? How did the Navy extract sailors from the bulkheads? Was the experiment alien-assisted, as suggested? On and on. Any event plagued by that much controversy, real or rumor, was fertile ground for me to explore in fiction.
Peter flees the Navy and escapes to hide in a small mountain town, where he develops a cult-like following for his mystical healing abilities. What were the driving ideals behind the character’s development throughout the story?
“Look, up in the sky! It’s a bird, it’s a plane…No, it’s Übermensch!” Or, “Superman!”
We have long been enthralled by the idea of a super-human; Nietzsche in 1883 contemplating the Übermensch, the famed Superman comics, TV shows, and movies. The Hulk, and just about every Marvel character ever created. But the most influential ideal for me arose from the character of Jesus, maybe our first “superhuman,” and what would happen if he actually did return as just a peculiar “neighbor” in your community.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Obviously, the most important theme I wanted to explore was: How would this potential “Messiah” be embraced by modern society? As Savior, or Satan? Let’s face it, even Superman had to conceal his identity in the persona of Clark Kent and change clothes in a phone booth (oh, the good old days of phone booths). And wouldn’t a being capable of such incredible feats be deemed a trickster, or worse, the devil incarnate? We embrace science, and hold fast to the idea that the world is solid, whole and predictable. And while we might make room in our minds for a “transcendent Being” on Sunday mornings, we probably don’t want him living next door.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Probably not. I explored the story to my satisfaction, and I can’t imagine how the story would proceed without becoming repetitious. Even so, I try not to close the door on anything.
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2024, in the tranquil mountain town of Kleary Creek, religious handyman, and all-around nice-guy, Orvin Littney meets his new neighbor, the mysterious Geoffrey Cannon. While walking together one morning, Orvin experiences a heart attack, and is in the throes of death when Geoffrey miraculously saves his life. Miracles such as these, Orvin soon learns, account for Geoffrey’s cult-like following in the mystical, self-help community.
But Geoffrey’s life as a spiritual healer takes a dark turn when devotees are inexplicably murdered under grisly circumstances—all young women he’d had brief affairs with. Hikers and residents turn up dead, while rumors of a monstrous creature in the woods around Kleary Creek circulate, whispers of Bigfoot, Sasquatch, Yeti. With events growing ever more ominous, Orvin comes to believe his “savior” friend, Geoffrey, is somehow at the center of it all.
