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Book Review: Tears of the Dragon (Kiranis #4) by Ronald A. Geobey

 

 

cover art for Tears of the Dragon by Ronald A. Geobey

Tears of the Dragon by Ronald A. Geobey

Temple Dark Publishing, 2026

ISBN: 9781068250743

Available: Hardcover, ebook edition

Buy: Bookshop.org | Amazon.com

 

The fourth volume in Ronald A. Geobey’s magnum space opus, Tears of the Dragon continues along the path established by the previous three volumes: multiple plotlines intertwined with many characters, all heading for various unknown outcomes. This is SERIOUSLY complex stuff, on the level with the most multi-faceted material Kim Stanley Robinson or Frank Herbert ever wrote. This saga is likely to have a very devoted following over time, but it’s for certain types of readers. In other words, the mass appeal may be a bit limited, but the fans of the series will love it.

 

I’ll admit I got somewhat left in the space-dust on where all of this is heading, and my comprehension of the plot is pretty limited. However, that did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. Here’s an analogy. I love the films The Departed and Interstellar, yet even after multiple viewings, I still can’t figure out all the plot points of either film. This series is much the same way. I can’t make head or tail of it at times, but it’s still a good read. I like seeing what the characters are doing, the action taking place, and all the twists to the plot. When this series finally reaches its conclusion, I fully expect that I may not even comprehend it, but so what? As the Grateful Dead famously said, “at least I’m enjoyin’ the ride.”

 

For all that, that doesn’t mean that the author has written an impenetrable story. This isn’t Finnegan’s Wake. I’ve always had trouble with stories that involve time travel and multiple dimensions, and this story has a lot of that. There’s also a lot to keep track of, and I forget things. I still enjoyed the story, though, especially the thread with Cassandra Messina as the Empress. I’m still not sure how she was cloned multiple times, with the original model appearing at the same time as a clone, years later, but again, no sense worrying about it. I found the story captivating, all the same. There was a discussion between two characters in the area of page 170 that I would like to see a bit more of in the series, almost a break to help explain part of the plot. More little sections like that would be helpful for readers like me, who struggle with hard sci-fi, and I would like to see a few more of those interspersed within each book.

 

Overall, this series is one that is likely to have individuals with very strong opinions about it, from both supporters and detractors. One thing is certain: the world-building and layering of plot threads is staggering. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it done on this scale before. Regardless of whether you love or hate this series, it’s a monumental achievement that is almost impossible to ignore. Recommended for fans of the series. For new readers who want to give it a shot, make sure to start with the first book: you CANNOT read this series out of order.

 

 

Reviewed by Murray Samuelson

 

Posted on October 18, 2026 by , Reply

Book Review: Out of Body: Stories by Chris Vanjonack

Cover art for Out of Body by Chris Vanojack

Out of Body by Chris Vanjonack

Harper Collins, September 2026

ISBN: 9780063471528

Available: Hardcover, ebook edition, audiobook

Buy:  Bookshop.org | Amazon.com

 

 

The ideas in Out of Body are exceptionally creative and original, but the style is not for everyone.  Readers more into experimental writing will probably love it, but those who prefer a more traditional narrative may be frustrated. I shall try to explain.

 

First of all, all the stories are written in the present tense, and one is written in second person, and for me, that is a big problem.  I know present tense writing is all the rage right now, due to the supposed immediacy of the style, but I just find it annoying, especially when it is done in second person.  I’m not totally against present tense, and some authors, such as Paul Tremblay and Ishmael Soledad, are able to get it to work, but it’s difficult enough to use effectively for full length novels, and even tougher for short stories. Writing present tense removes a lot of the power of narration, and that becomes more glaring in short stories, since the author has to focus mainly on the characters to tell the story.  That’s what kept me from really enjoying these tales: the  need for the voice of the unseen narrator to advance the story idea.

 

I also struggled with some stories’ lack of narrative structure. It seemed like some of the stories just didn’t go anywhere.  The idea was there, but there wasn’t really a beginning, middle and end: things just happened, and then they stopped, with nothing explained or resolved.  The story “What We Look Like Together” is a good example.  Fantastic idea: a stranger inserts himself into a woman’s photo booth photo, and from there on out, he somehow shows up in every photo of her, doing different things.  Very intriguing!  It kept happening, and happening… then the story just ended.  No explanation, nothing resolved or even hinted at.  That was disappointing.  The story “Open Spaces” had a similar feel.  A couple decides to have sex in any national park rumored to be haunted, and starts running into ghosts.  Again, a creative idea, but it just kind of ended with a fizzle.  Not all stories need to have things explained at the end, but a bit more structure would have made these more enjoyable.

 

For all that, I really do think this book will find an audience with those who are likely to be more open to this style of writing.  As noted, the ideas were excellent.  There were ghosts having group meetings to deal with their ghostly state, a kid who can somehow invent the most incredible things, some killer clowns in the woods that seem to be an nationwide hazard…the list goes on.  All original, just not written in a way that I can enjoy reading.  They are some of the best short story ideas I have come across in a while.

 

Bottom line: this will probably be good for readers who enjoy authors who take chances with how they set a tale down, and enjoy present tense writing.  For the people who prefer more traditional, straightforward narratives, this will likely be one to skip.

 

 

Reviewed by Murray Samuelson

Posted on October 18, 2026 by , Reply

Book Review: Hall-Lore-Ween: Thrice the Fright by Josh Spero, illustrations by TT Hernandez

cover art for Hall-Lore-Ween: Thrice the Fright by Josh Spero

Hall-Lore-Ween: Thrice the Fright, by Josh Spero, illustrations by TT Hernandez

Castle Bridge Media, October 2026

ISBN: 9798994041062

Available: Paperback, Kindle edition

Buy: Bookshop.org |  Amazon.com

 

 

In what’s become a happy Halloween tradition, author Josh Spero returns with his third collection of spooky tales, poems, and illustrations, just in time for Halloween. It’s good, clean Halloween fun for younger readers.

 

As always, the stories are introduced by Jacko, the creepy looking, pumpkin-headed mascot of the series. There are three stories, ranging in length from 40 to 80 pages. The theme is still spooky good, Halloween fun that tends to have somewhat happy endings. Keep in mind, this is oriented to younger readers, so the cheerful finishes (well, relatively cheerful) are good for the intended audience.

 

The first story, “The Collector”, deals with a spate of missing kids in a small town, and the Halloween angle is, goblins of some sort keep showing up. It’s a fun tale, and thankfully, never veers into the ugly side of abduction, a la The Black Phone. This is written for kids, so there is some magic and monsters involved with the disappearances. This one was a good tale.

 

“What Answers Back” didn’t work as well for me. This is a story of a young schoolgirl being picked to join an actual witches’ coven. I think I may just have seen that plot one too many times, and am worn out on it, but other readers will probably like it. The last story, “Three Lantern Pumpkins Farm”, is the best of the bunch, as it contains a good dose of that Halloween ‘”magic” that the series sprinkles throughout its spook-themed, but also very uplifting, stories. This one has a very thoughtful ending that leaves you feeling happy all over.

 

The author did very well with the “cemetery ghost jamboree” in the previous volume of the series, and he does it again with the “Pumpkin Farm” story. This is a story of two kids who go to a fantastical Halloween-themed farm festival every year with their uncle. The fair keeps getting bigger and better, and the ghostly angle works into the story towards the end. It’s a great ending, and the author does a good job keeping the surprise under wraps until the last few pages. This story alone is enough to justify the price of the book.

 

One happy addition to the series: more illustrations! I know I groused about the fact that the last two books usually only had one illustration per story, this time there are two to three per story. Hooray!

 

Bottom line is, it’s as much fun as the last two books. Please keep the tradition going, I’ve grown to look forward to it each year. Recommended.

 

 

Reviewed by Murray Samuelson

 

 

Posted on October 10, 2026 by , Reply
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