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Dust: Revised and Expanded Edition
NEWLY REVISED AND EXPANDED! This special "five year anniversary" edition of the bestselling story that put Allison M. Dickson on the map adds a brand new cover and more than twice the words, vividly detailing the life and struggle of one of her most memorable characters, a timeworn veteran who thought he'd lived through the worst life could throw at him, until the dust came.
Following a doomed Lunar mission, a terrifying substance has set upon the earth, consuming everything it touches and leaving behind drifts of colorless death. No life form stands a chance, but Clyde Jackson is tougher than most. He's seen war, and he's lost everyone he ever loved, but now he's living through the end of the world one day at a time, in a panic room that cost him nearly everything to build. It's only a matter of time before the ventilation fails, and it'll only take a single gray speck to bring about his demise. Read his chilling memoir, and look to the skies with caution.
Originally featured in The Absent Willow Review e-zine, DUST is the haunting meditation of a man recalling the final days of a once mighty and hopeful planet now quickly eroding to nothing under drifts of gray.
The original version of this story is still available along with eight others in Allison's collection, AT THE END OF THINGS.
Following a doomed Lunar mission, a terrifying substance has set upon the earth, consuming everything it touches and leaving behind drifts of colorless death. No life form stands a chance, but Clyde Jackson is tougher than most. He's seen war, and he's lost everyone he ever loved, but now he's living through the end of the world one day at a time, in a panic room that cost him nearly everything to build. It's only a matter of time before the ventilation fails, and it'll only take a single gray speck to bring about his demise. Read his chilling memoir, and look to the skies with caution.
Originally featured in The Absent Willow Review e-zine, DUST is the haunting meditation of a man recalling the final days of a once mighty and hopeful planet now quickly eroding to nothing under drifts of gray.
The original version of this story is still available along with eight others in Allison's collection, AT THE END OF THINGS.
17 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2011
11 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
About the author
Allison M. Dickson
49 books301 followersAllison M. Dickson is the author of several well-reviewed independently published novels and short stories covering everything from horror and sci-fi to suspense.
Her major debut thriller, THE OTHER MRS MILLER, is due out from Putnam on 7/16/19! Learn more at her work at allisonmdickson.com.
Her major debut thriller, THE OTHER MRS MILLER, is due out from Putnam on 7/16/19! Learn more at her work at allisonmdickson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 4, 2012
Wow does this girl have talent! This book takes the darkness of the apocolypse and jerks your heartstrings for the poor fool locked in his own safe bunker. Definately worth the read!
March 9, 2012
I so love this story!!! :-) I usually don't read alien invasion books, but this short story was really good and I can't wait to read more from this author!!!
December 1, 2011
A chilling tale of how the world can end, not in ice or in fire, but buried in dust. If there's a page-turner, it's this one.
It's free on Amazon. Don't walk, run. And read.
It's free on Amazon. Don't walk, run. And read.
January 6, 2012
I've been imagining something similar to this story about the moon - something human should never touch again might exist there, catastrophic molecule or bacteria or monstrosity or anything. So I enjoyed this short story very very much, feeling complete sympathy with the author's idea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2011
Really quick read about dangerous dust travelling back from the moon. Though it's really short, it was a really interesting concept. Really liked it.
January 28, 2012
so short... I want more... :)
January 31, 2012
Awesome short story. I read if over a lunch break. Cool idea. Interesting writing style. Downloaded it for free for my e-book. Check it out!
February 1, 2012
Very cool short story/novella. Loved the concept, characters and the ability to give a lot of background and depth to the main character within a short piece of fiction.
November 14, 2014
Well you can color me shocked. Truly. Science Fiction fan that I am, I’ve read anthology after anthology of short sci-fi stories over more the eons and never, not once, have I run into a short story that was, all at the same time, relatable, coherent, and creative enough to hold my interest.
Until now.
I’ll be honest, I’d have never read another short story except I made an exception because the author is a friend of mine. Cranky, curmudgeonly critic that I am, I’ve had this short story on my Kindle for at least a couple of years now and I never read it out of respect and concern. If this story hadn’t been so hot, I’d have never admitted to having read it. If I care about anything I put out there being genuine and authentic, it’s here in my book reviews. Books are special things and no, I don’t nearly read as much as I’d like to, but that doesn’t diminish my respect for books, especially fiction. I read more non-fiction than I read fiction, but while they’re both solemn expressions of one’s hardest work, fiction is tough because of how personal it is to the author. If you write a non-fiction work and it’s judged to be lacking, it’s likely because the author didn’t do enough research or didn’t do justice to the consideration of researched facts. If an author writes a bad fiction book, it’s a direct knock on their imagination and communication. Good or bad, a fiction review feels like an adjudication of a human being.
The author of this book is a human being I have known for many years and like a lot. The stakes were higher than I wanted to deal with, but after trying to ignore the title “Dust” on my Kindle screen for years, I gave in.
I am so grateful I did. Let me reiterate the foundation of this review by saying if this book had been average or good or had its moments, this review wouldn’t exist and I’d never have told a soul that I read it.
The truth of the matter is that “Dust” by Allison Dickson is, without question, the best short science fiction story I’ve ever read. The story puts me in the mind and narrative of the protagonist, it is captivating, and it is relatable. I feel what Clyde feels, including deep and complex emotions. Here’s something that’s just flat amazing about this story. You know in your heart that only one end to Clyde’s story is possible and –still- you are eager to engage this narrative and follow it to its end. That’s not to say that there aren’t surprises to keep you engaged, because there are. But truly, Allison created a short story masterpiece. She’s told me that this story changed her life and I can imagine why. If you can write like this, you’re a great writer and you absolutely owe it to yourself and the reading community to create new adventures.
Just bravo, Allison. Bravo. And you, reading this review. Yes, you. If you like quality science fiction, go read this. Right now. Do it.
Until now.
I’ll be honest, I’d have never read another short story except I made an exception because the author is a friend of mine. Cranky, curmudgeonly critic that I am, I’ve had this short story on my Kindle for at least a couple of years now and I never read it out of respect and concern. If this story hadn’t been so hot, I’d have never admitted to having read it. If I care about anything I put out there being genuine and authentic, it’s here in my book reviews. Books are special things and no, I don’t nearly read as much as I’d like to, but that doesn’t diminish my respect for books, especially fiction. I read more non-fiction than I read fiction, but while they’re both solemn expressions of one’s hardest work, fiction is tough because of how personal it is to the author. If you write a non-fiction work and it’s judged to be lacking, it’s likely because the author didn’t do enough research or didn’t do justice to the consideration of researched facts. If an author writes a bad fiction book, it’s a direct knock on their imagination and communication. Good or bad, a fiction review feels like an adjudication of a human being.
The author of this book is a human being I have known for many years and like a lot. The stakes were higher than I wanted to deal with, but after trying to ignore the title “Dust” on my Kindle screen for years, I gave in.
I am so grateful I did. Let me reiterate the foundation of this review by saying if this book had been average or good or had its moments, this review wouldn’t exist and I’d never have told a soul that I read it.
The truth of the matter is that “Dust” by Allison Dickson is, without question, the best short science fiction story I’ve ever read. The story puts me in the mind and narrative of the protagonist, it is captivating, and it is relatable. I feel what Clyde feels, including deep and complex emotions. Here’s something that’s just flat amazing about this story. You know in your heart that only one end to Clyde’s story is possible and –still- you are eager to engage this narrative and follow it to its end. That’s not to say that there aren’t surprises to keep you engaged, because there are. But truly, Allison created a short story masterpiece. She’s told me that this story changed her life and I can imagine why. If you can write like this, you’re a great writer and you absolutely owe it to yourself and the reading community to create new adventures.
Just bravo, Allison. Bravo. And you, reading this review. Yes, you. If you like quality science fiction, go read this. Right now. Do it.
March 19, 2014
This is a seriously short story and can be read in less than an hour, though I took longer. This was a well written short for me because I felt like a part of what was going on. I could feel things closing in as things greyed out. References to events that I had actually seen as a child made it that more personal for me. Though you may not get to know the main character as well as you lke you understand him enough and get his motivations.
Clyde Jackson builds a bunker after the attack on the twin towers partly because of the loss of his daughter on that day. He was doing it for his wife and himself bu it didn't work out. When our return to the moon brings back more than just samples the world is not prepared for the devastation, but Clyde is.
This is a story about how even though you may crave isolation, it is never as good as it would seem to be. A really good look at how we handle being truly alone.
Clyde Jackson builds a bunker after the attack on the twin towers partly because of the loss of his daughter on that day. He was doing it for his wife and himself bu it didn't work out. When our return to the moon brings back more than just samples the world is not prepared for the devastation, but Clyde is.
This is a story about how even though you may crave isolation, it is never as good as it would seem to be. A really good look at how we handle being truly alone.
October 7, 2012
Some friends of mine have been telling me for a while I needed to read this story. As the Editor in Chief of a fledgling small dark fiction press, a freelance editor, and a writer myself, my reading for pleasure time is few and far between. But I finally made my way to this one last night.
Dust by Allison M. Dickson is a prime example of science fiction crossing with horror to make a powerful dread-inducing yet emotionally powerful human story. I couldn't put this down from beginning to end and highly recommend it to any fans of horror, sci-fi, and especially fans of both fused together. I will now have to track down everything Allison has written and get to catching up. Can't wait to dig in to more of her work. Excellent!
Dust by Allison M. Dickson is a prime example of science fiction crossing with horror to make a powerful dread-inducing yet emotionally powerful human story. I couldn't put this down from beginning to end and highly recommend it to any fans of horror, sci-fi, and especially fans of both fused together. I will now have to track down everything Allison has written and get to catching up. Can't wait to dig in to more of her work. Excellent!
October 15, 2012
I typically don't write anything in this, "What did you think?" box, but today I discovered something. I discovered that I want you to read this! You, yes you! The person reading my opinion on this ebook. It was a quick read, I pushed through it in 20 minutes, but it's got the wheels in my mind turning about so many different things. I love a book that will make you think, and this one will. I hope you take a minute out of your day to read it.
January 13, 2012
Normally I'm all over the post apocalyptic fiction but this short story didn't do it for me. There wasn't enough going on. The whole thing was a narrative explanation explaining the events that led to the end of the world as told by a normal guy who had locked himself in a panic room. I'm just not a fan of the narrative-writing-a-note-in-case-someone-finds-it bit, this isn't the only story that I have read that tried for that and failed. In fact the only one that I have ever read that succeeded in my opinion was a short post apocalyptic story by Stephen King.
August 19, 2012
A short but powerful read. The world is quickly falling prey to an alien dust. Clyde is left alone in his panic room to reminisce about the events that brought him there, but how long can he hold out?
This is one of those stories that sticks with you. The hopelessness of Clyde's situation is present in every word, but the text never feels heavy or overwrought. Simply but beautifully written.
This is one of those stories that sticks with you. The hopelessness of Clyde's situation is present in every word, but the text never feels heavy or overwrought. Simply but beautifully written.
May 18, 2014
A good short story
Dust was a good read. Shorter than I would like, but very enjoyable overall. If Ms. Dickson had expanded the ending a bit, I would have given it a five-star rating. That being said, I would recommend Dust to any SciFi/Post Apocalyptic fans looking for a quick read.
Dust was a good read. Shorter than I would like, but very enjoyable overall. If Ms. Dickson had expanded the ending a bit, I would have given it a five-star rating. That being said, I would recommend Dust to any SciFi/Post Apocalyptic fans looking for a quick read.
September 4, 2012
I was suggested this story by an author I follow and I'm quite impressed. Dust is a quick read, well-written, and quite amazing. Planning on downloading everything by this author. If I could give ten stars, I would.
November 17, 2011
The best short story I've read in months. I downloaded this last night and raced through it. Excellent story, and even better writing. I'll be keeping a close eye on this author.
-Vincent
-Vincent
May 24, 2012
Another great story by Ms. Dickson. I'm really impressed with her work. Her writing is top notch and her imagination limitless. Looks like I have another new favorite author.
May 18, 2012
I'm such a sucker for "end of the world" stories. Especially ones involving alien intervention. So naturally, I didn't even need to finish reading the description to know I wanted to read this. I got as far as "A hungry alien substance has traveled to Earth following a doomed Lunar mission", and hit the download button.
Those who know me, know that I hugely prefer print books to digital books. It's not even a competition. But I have to admit that I have stumbled across some pretty neat books that I never would have read if not for the digital version. This is one of those.
The story is told from Clyde Jackson's point of view. A lucky survivor of the mass destruction caused by some sort of alien space dust, he is cooped up in his panic room. Although he has plenty of food, water, and booze, his main concern is keeping the room free of the invasive killer dust. We never really find out what it is, although it's hinted that it could be the result of an alien contaminated Kuiper Belt object colliding with the moon ten years previously. This is one theory circulating the internet while the failed Lunar mission is on it's return flight back to Earth, shown to Clyde by a wound-up young man in a diner.
I very much enjoyed that the author shared with the readers where she got the idea for the story. She says learning of the possibility of human material remaining on the moon, combined with the movie Apollo 18, was the reason for writing this story. It really focuses on a part of space exploration that certainly deserves some thought.
I would've loved for this book to be longer. It's a great story idea that could easily be inflated into a full novel - which I would read in a heartbeat!
Those who know me, know that I hugely prefer print books to digital books. It's not even a competition. But I have to admit that I have stumbled across some pretty neat books that I never would have read if not for the digital version. This is one of those.
The story is told from Clyde Jackson's point of view. A lucky survivor of the mass destruction caused by some sort of alien space dust, he is cooped up in his panic room. Although he has plenty of food, water, and booze, his main concern is keeping the room free of the invasive killer dust. We never really find out what it is, although it's hinted that it could be the result of an alien contaminated Kuiper Belt object colliding with the moon ten years previously. This is one theory circulating the internet while the failed Lunar mission is on it's return flight back to Earth, shown to Clyde by a wound-up young man in a diner.
I very much enjoyed that the author shared with the readers where she got the idea for the story. She says learning of the possibility of human material remaining on the moon, combined with the movie Apollo 18, was the reason for writing this story. It really focuses on a part of space exploration that certainly deserves some thought.
I would've loved for this book to be longer. It's a great story idea that could easily be inflated into a full novel - which I would read in a heartbeat!
December 2, 2013
Wow! Dust wasn't at all what I expected but I really liked it nontheless. I'm not sure what I expected but it was better than I thought it would be because a lot of short stories aren't this good.
I love stories that revolve around the end of the world as we know it and have to do with aliens or alien substances. Why? Because I feel like these kind of things could happen at any time.
The author, Allison M. Dickson's writing was so good. It was really powerful and well-written which makes me want to read more of her books. Although a really short book, it felt the rigt lenght for me and if the author decides to someday write a full lenght of this book I'll definitely read it but for now it feels ideal.
I'd definitely recommend this book to everyone, whether or not they like science fiction, it's not all about that. I'm sure everyone will be able to connect with this story.
I love stories that revolve around the end of the world as we know it and have to do with aliens or alien substances. Why? Because I feel like these kind of things could happen at any time.
The author, Allison M. Dickson's writing was so good. It was really powerful and well-written which makes me want to read more of her books. Although a really short book, it felt the rigt lenght for me and if the author decides to someday write a full lenght of this book I'll definitely read it but for now it feels ideal.
I'd definitely recommend this book to everyone, whether or not they like science fiction, it's not all about that. I'm sure everyone will be able to connect with this story.
June 30, 2012
Being an enthusiast in the fields of science fiction, Dust captured my interest because of its intriguing plot. It is about a man trapped inside his safe haven as the world outside begins to be razed out by the precarious dust thought to be brought from the moon by space explorers.
The story was well-written and worthy of note. I love the fact that in the threshold of 22 pages, Ms. Dickson was able to take down the ruminations of Mr. Clyde Jackson and the underlying principle behind the lethal lunar ‘dust’. However, I look forward to this story to be extended for I am not quite a fan of brief stories with too much narration.
The story was well-written and worthy of note. I love the fact that in the threshold of 22 pages, Ms. Dickson was able to take down the ruminations of Mr. Clyde Jackson and the underlying principle behind the lethal lunar ‘dust’. However, I look forward to this story to be extended for I am not quite a fan of brief stories with too much narration.
March 10, 2014
Apocalyptic and Disaster tales rank high as some of my favorite genres and though I'm hesitant to take a chance on books without reviews, I'm glad I did in this instance. "Dust" surpassed my expectations ten-fold.
It's hard to review a short without giving too much away, so I'll stick to what grabbed me. I liked that the main character came to life quickly and that we learn a lot about him in a way that doesn't feel forced. Everything, from the setting to the dialogue, was so well written, that it was easy to put yourself in the room with the protagonist.
The ending came before I wanted it to and kept me thinking for a bit afterwards. Great short story!
It's hard to review a short without giving too much away, so I'll stick to what grabbed me. I liked that the main character came to life quickly and that we learn a lot about him in a way that doesn't feel forced. Everything, from the setting to the dialogue, was so well written, that it was easy to put yourself in the room with the protagonist.
The ending came before I wanted it to and kept me thinking for a bit afterwards. Great short story!
January 3, 2013
This story is a great short apocalyptic read! Clyde Jackson tells the tale of how the "dust" came to infect the earth, killing every living thing, while sitting in the Terror Attack Resistant Room he had built, over his now ex-wife's objections following the death of their daughter. Clyde is a Vietnam veteran, and the story told from his viewpoint was a gripping read with great writing, which I was surprised to find in such a short story! I liked it so much that I got another short story by her, "Vermin," which I also enjoyed, and I'll be looking for more of Ms. Dickson's works!
June 3, 2013
I had very high expectations for this short story and Ms. Dickson did not disappoint. I won't repeat the other reviewers, but I found it interesting that many of the less-than-five-star reviews go on to tell you what an amazing story this is - because it is. Definitely worth the short amount of time it takes to read it. Exciting, thought-provoking, timely, timeless. No doubt it deserves 5-stars. I expect this story to stand the test of time. Way to go, Ms. Dickson - another gem.
September 11, 2016
More of a short story than a book, that is one thing about getting a digital book you just don't know. I found it interesting and a bit sad. I don't think you make this into a movie but maybe something like "The Twlight Zone" episode. Same cover picture as a very good young adult apocalyptic fiction; The Dead and The Gone. Very good series (or 1 book in the series) that is also about the moon.
January 17, 2013
This was a powerfully written short story. Considering how extremely short it is (17 pages), I'm afraid that if I say too much in a review it will be a spoiler. I'll suffice to say that this is an "end of the world story" that does a great job getting us into the life of our protagonist but somehow feels unsatisfying.
February 1, 2024
Great book
honestly, it's not a book but a really great short story.. I wish it was a little longer but not a whole novel cause based on the concept , it doesn't seem like life could really last for more then a year. I would still strongly recommend anyone to 'read this.. such ideas can become 'reality..
honestly, it's not a book but a really great short story.. I wish it was a little longer but not a whole novel cause based on the concept , it doesn't seem like life could really last for more then a year. I would still strongly recommend anyone to 'read this.. such ideas can become 'reality..
September 8, 2013
A simple yet engaging short story of a man trying to survive the apocalypse. I found it very well written, and while it felt like the bare bone of a potential novel I think this held in its favour, allowing the imagination to fill in the details.
December 16, 2013
Oh I really really wish this was longer than it was. I understand and agree with why it was so short, but it was a page turner none the less. A+ for getting me enthralled in a book in a matter of a few paragraphs. My only complaint is the length.
July 29, 2014
Immersive and Disturbing
High anxiety level from the beginning pulled me in to this amazingly immersive short story. Edgy, raw, emotional and dystopian, it hits on all cylinders. Highly Recommended!
High anxiety level from the beginning pulled me in to this amazingly immersive short story. Edgy, raw, emotional and dystopian, it hits on all cylinders. Highly Recommended!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews