Fractal Despondency
Written by: Trent Zelazny
Published by: Black Curtain Press (April 2, 2011) eBook
Page Count: 85
ASIN: B004V0D3V8
Where to buy:
Amazon and other fine retailersPublisher’s Comments:
Was she an angel from above, or a walking time bomb of doom?His life having crumbled, Blake Gladstone returns to his hometown of Santa Fe, and tries to settle back into the unsatisfying life he’d had before he left for Florida.
When he meets Denise, a pretty young blonde with a bag full of tricks, his sad routine breaks, and the more they get to know each other, the more Blake can’t figure out if he’s on a road to salvation, or a road back to hell.
About the Author:
Trent Zelazny has published over fifty short stories in a variety of genres including horror, humor, erotica, and suspense. A former professional drummer, he has also studied martial arts, animation, and film. He also has the coolest son in the world, Corwin Random Zelazny.
Hello Ghouls and Boils,
This evening we present for your consideration a modern noir tale written by the terrorifically talented author Trent Zelazny [yes - his father was the science-fiction author Roger Zelazny]. He tells us that this book (now available in eBook format) will be available in approximately two or three weeks in TPB (trade paperback) format! This – of course – makes the bibliophile in me squee for joy! We will be sure to let you know when it is available.
Tune in next week, on Sunday, June 12th at 6:00PM EST, for a live interview with Trent Zelazny. We will open the line to callers 15 minutes into the program.
Trent has the unique distinction of being the first author I have ever read on my new Kindle. The experience was much better than I had anticipated, but I still like the turning of the page — the feel of the paper. I suppose in this way I am a bit of a Luddite. But let us just move straight to the reason why we are here today — my thoughts on “Fractal Despondency” (a killer title!). Enjoy, my fiends!
Abstrusely,
Sarah L. Covert
In the case of short stories and novellas I don’t like to give away too much detail. We like to remain spoiler free whenever possible here at SNS. So I will tell just a short bit about the story and then move onto discussing the book as a whole.
Blake Gladstone is the protagonist of this modern noir story. Upon losing the love of his life, Blake made an unsuccessful attempt to join her. His life a wreck – he moves back home to New Mexico with his mother. His interest in living, working, and socializing was non-existent. That is until he meets Denise – he goes on a journey that in a way is simultaneously harmful and cleansing to his spirit.
When I picked up my Kindle to read I didn’t know what to expect. Trent has been a friend on Facebook for sometime, but I have never read his work. I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised. Once I started reading this twisted tale, I could not put the story down. I read well into the night… sadly my body took over and I fell asleep mid-sentence. I couldn’t wait to get back to the story upon waking.
This story reads very much like an old 40s noir book, so much so that I was a bit jarred when modern things like the internet or text messaging were mentioned – but this was not a bad thing. I grew up loving noir. I started listening to old radio shows and watching old films when I was 10 – so I was tickled to see this genre in a modern setting.
Trent weaves this tale with the intricacy of a master. I was instantly drawn into the world he set before me and I felt connected to Blake. I felt so close to the character that I wished there was more to read. I hope someday he writes about this character again. The pacing was perfect. The details were wonderful. I felt as if I were walking the streets of Santa Fe alongside the characters – and I have never been there.
Final Thoughts:
As a reviewer and editor, I love when something this unique crosses my desk. Mr. Zelazny made an instant fan by sending me this story. I eagerly await more. I encourage you to take this dark journey – I am sure you will not be disappointed. When I have the time to read for pleasure (a rarity) his collection, “The Day the Leash Gave Way and Other Stories” will be at the top of the list. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dark fiction, noir, strange tales, or just a very well-written piece of literature. I give this book a 5 out of 5 — and hope to own it in TPB form as well.
P.S.
A special thanks to Trent for making my first experience on a Kindle a good one! I can’t wait to read more of your work — so keep writing!P.P.S
Don’t forget: Sunday, June 19th at 6:00PM EST, there will be a live interview with Trent Zelazny. We will open the line to callers 15 minutes into the program.Sarah L. Covert – Creator/Editor/Reviewer
There are 8 Comments to "Fractal Despondency"
http://captaincurt81.livejournal.com/15431.html
Here’s a link to my review of THE DAY THE LEASH GAVE WAY AND OTHER STORIES. You are going to love it! Can’t wait for the paperback of the new one. Thanks for the review!
I am sure I will.
I can’t wait to read it!
And you are most welcome! Tune in for the live interview on the 12th!
I guess my thoughts on Mr. Z’s wrok is already posted here!! !
This cat can write!! ! Talk ’bout chops 
Indeed! I really enjoyed this piece!
Thank you for the kind words. There is a bit more about Blake Gladstone, though I don’t know if it will ever see the light of day.
Well, I for one sure hope it does! And you are most welcome — they are honest words. I truly enjoyed it.
Oh, also, warning to folks: If Fractal Despondency is Arnold Schwarzenegger, Shadowboxer is Danny DeVito, twins, but one is kind of the crap left over, in a sense.
The second piece about Blake is called (I think) Redemptive Splinters. In case anyone is wondering. It’s roughly the same length.