Thursday 5 November 2020

The Dunes - A.R.K. Watson - A Novella

The Dunes: A Novella
ASIN B089ZNJG88


This story came highly recommended to me. I was not really aware of the author. The book came recommended from another author. But it is unlike anything they write. And the story took me by surprise. In fact, as soon as I finished the story I went back and started it again and read it through a second time. I read the story during lunch at work, and could not stop thinking about it. And here days later I am still thinking about it and excited to get going on the authors first novel in a series, The Vines of Mars: Secrets on a Small Colonial Planet.

The description of the story is:

“A young couple thinks they've found the perfect romantic getaway to celebrate their marriage. But they discover that there's more to the island and to their relationship than they ever dared guess. Is the island driving them insane or is there something more? A psychological horror with a hint of eldritch mystery.”

The story reminded me of Ray Bradbury’s stories in The October Country, and two of his novels. It is a tightly written story. Some will call this story unnerving, others eerie, some even dark and disturbing. However, I call it haunting. Haunting in both tone and affect. And I mean that in multiple ways. It is haunting in that it is a story that sticks with you. And haunting in the events, as you see them unravel in the story. And haunting in that moment when you realize the twist, and yet are hooked and need to finish the story to watch it play out. 

Between my two readings of this novella I picked up her novel and put it towards the top of my reading pile. This is an excellent novella. And I highly recommend it. Well worth the read an a great introduction to the works of A.R.K. Watson.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by A.R.K. Watson:

A Seeded Sky Series:



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