Mark R Faulkner

This is unquestioningly a horror novel. There are some scenes that are, frankly, stomach turning. Most involve Bertie and/or feces in some way, yuck (to both of them). But that's the type of book this is and it shouldn't be off-putting. If you pick up a horror novel, you should expect some gore and horror. You get plenty of both in Flux.

The book does drag at times, but it isn't enough to put you to sleep, and does serve to highlight the action in contrast. There are some really interesting show more characters here. Iain's two best buds I loved instantly. Beer guzzling, moderately aimless lads in their early twenties who, if I was in my late sixties, I would describe as 'good boys.' Though less ostensibly horrific, I felt sorrier for Dave than Iain. You'll have to read the book to know why.

This is a classic novel of light versus dark, good versus evil, sane versus insane. Possibly more the last than the first, but that's an ontological question that I think the book forces you to address. It keeps you guessing, you're never sure what will leap out at you (and poor Iain) next. I think it is well worth picking up, and if you are a particular fan of horror it's one you won't want to miss. show less

This tale starts off all calm and collected with a nice canoe trip down the river. Everything is cool until the narrator starts to wonder...something spoilery...and the reader does a double take.
 
I enjoyed the manner in which this story was related. The reader starts off thinking this man is some type of nature photographer or something and then with that sentence, everything changes. Then, everything changes yet again.
 
I don't like spiders. I don't like them at all. Let me be more show more specific....I'm okay with small spiders and I'm okay with Daddy Long-leg type spiders. I am NOT okay with big spiders that have hair on them. *shudder*
 
Now that we have that straight, I thought I would be okay with this novella because the spiders featured are sort of small. Alright, I can deal with that, I thought. But then, the size of the spider doesn't really matter that much when we start talking numbers in the millions, or billions, does it?
 
To summarize, this short novella was fun, took off in unexpected directions, and it surprised me. I also thought the quality of the writing was rather good. So, Bravo! to Mr. Faulkner. I will be seeking out more of his work in the future. 
 
Recommended for fans of creature features and good writing! 
 
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