Thursday 13 February 2020

THE BEHRG - ONE STAR (2019)


Synopsis/blurb.....

Every action has a consequence. But when Li posts a one-star review of a novel on her book blog, the results are far more frightening than she could ever have imagined. Not every story was meant to have a happy ending.

ONE STAR is a previously unpublished horror short story, being released in The Behrg's upcoming short story collection--"The Passengers You Cannot See." It is the author's love letter to book bloggers and reviewers, and thus is being offered as a free download to any book reviewer in part to thank all those who have been a part of the author's journey. And if you haven't yet been a part, there's no better time than now to jump in that car and ride along. Oh, the vistas you will see.

For more free fiction, including the critically acclaimed story "The Lines," and the first book in THE CREATION SERIES, join Behrg's newsletter at TheBehrg.com for infrequent updates and a first look at upcoming releases. Your dopamine levels will thank you.

A short story that can currently be picked up for free over on Amazon and one that would have passed me by if not for catching a couple of posts from some friends over on Goodreads.

Of interest in it's subject matter of blogging and book reviews and the fall out from the consequences of a harsh one star review. Topical in respect of fake news and media manipulation, albeit on a much smaller level.

Also gives me pause for thought when I think of the casual disregard for the feelings of others with internet trolls and the tendency to be cruel rather than kind, derisive and mocking instead of supportive.

Not especially "horror" genre content. I enjoyed the story and where the author took us. There's a decent build-up and pay-off

4 from 5

Read - January, 2020
Published - 2019
Page count - 17
Source - purchased copy (albeit FREE)
Format - kindle

10 comments:

  1. Oh, that is a timely and interesting topic, Col! I think very often that people do post things, like reviews, without considering the way they may impact the author. People can be casually cruel, especially online, and it's interesting to think how they might play out in a story. Glad you enjoyed this.

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    1. Cheers Margot. There does seem to be a tendency for unkindness as a starting point.

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  2. Me too, Col. Thanks for spotlighting the short story, which sounds like its more fact than fiction.

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    1. Prashant, I'd be interested to see what you think.

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  3. Definitely an interesting premise for a short story.

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    1. Agreed. Quite close to home in some respects.

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  4. Well the setup certainly sounds promising for those of us operating in this area! or is it too frightening?

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    1. No I think you could easily deal with it, Moira

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