Book Reviews and More: In The Place Called Har-Magedon - Richard Paolinelli

In The Place Called Har-Magedon

Dreams Of The Storyteller Book 16

Richard Paolinelli

Tuscany Bay Books

ASIN B0FBFKT9CG

In The Place Called Har-Magedon - Richard Paolinelli - Dreams Of The Storyteller Book 16

Wows! This is the second short work by Paolinelli has written with Judas as a main character. But I am getting ahead of myself.

A few years ago I read 14 volumes in the Dreams of the Storyteller Series. I really enjoyed these short stories and novellas. And I was very excited when Paolinelli announced he was releasing two more tales in this series. This series is mainly comprised of stories that had appeared in Anthologies and are not published as stand along stories. My first encounter with Paolinelli’s work was in the Anthology Cracked An Anthology of Eggsellent Chicken Stories edited by Bokerah Brumley, since then I have read work by Richard over 35 times. And I have greatly enjoyued his work across many genres, and a number of series.

Unlike the first volume featuring Judas this one has no note or history provided by Richard. But having read Monster In The Second Reel, I had some expectations. The story was nowhere near what I was hoping for, but was way more than I expected. This is an excellent story. I finished it and immediately used adaptive technology to listen to it. Then I went back and listed to Monster In The Second Reel as well.

The description of this volume states:

“Judas Iscariot, the now immortal Warrior Jesuit Priest known by the Church as "The Jesuit", continues his work toward redemption in a future that is far from Earth.

He is sent on a mission to the the planet Mars, where an evil force seems to have taken hold over Musk City.

Upon arriving, Judas discovers the truth is even worse and he will come face-to-face with an old adversary. One he has a very large score to settle with, even as he fights to free the residents from the grip of the Devil himself.”

Judas is given a mission by the Pope, it is delivered in person by the Camerlengo, Cardinal John E. Konecsni in person. The bishop of Luna, Bishop Joseph Igwe, was surprised by the mission of the Camerlengo, and the hermit he was here to visit. The story begins on Armstrong City, Moon Base Alpha, 2117, Cardinal John E. Konecsni is there to begin an investigation of the Diocese on Mars. He is there to task The Jesuit with this mission. Traveling under the name Brother Julian, he soon realizes things are in fact dire on the red planet. And The Jesuit must face off with an old foe.

To find out more you will need to read this excellent story. While reading this story, and especially while listening to it my second time through I could not help but think of the Rescue Sisters Stories by Karina Fabian, I have visions of a crossover between the Sisters and The Jesuit, working together. A fan can dream, can’t he.

Now having read both stories that contain this surprising character, the Jesuit, I can only hope there will be more.

Richard is not only an author but the driving force behind Tuscany Bay Books, I have read many volumes from the Bay by a number of authors and all have been well worth the read. This was one of several two short stories that dropped in the collection Dreams Of The Storyteller in 2025. There are now collection of 16 volumes in this collection, the first 2 date from 2014, 1 from 2022, and several in 2023, And now these 2 new ones in 2025.

This an amazing short story from Paolinelli’s masterful pen. It took me by surprise. A great addition to the Dreams Of The Storyteller collection. I can easily recommend this story for what an excellent piece of Science fiction!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!

For reviews of all books from Tuscany Bay click here.

Books by Richard Paolinelli:

Maelstrom

When the Gods Fell

The Calling

The Last Lonely Trail

A Zombie Christmas Carol

The Woman Returns

Of All The Gin Joints In The Universe

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