A book of suspenseful short stories and flash fiction that takes you deep into the dark spaces of fear and sadness. Approximately 10,000 words that will have you gripping your e-reader. Come along for the ride.
I love reading and writing. I'm a mother to two teens and two Siamese cats. I've got an associate degree of creative writing and am a full-time author. I write paranormal cosy mysteries with heroines who are quirky, kind, and love to right wrongs and get justice. I also love to make people laugh and give them an awesome escape, which is why I tell stories.
I have to admit even though I host Club Fantasci with the author Dionne Lister, I wasn't real familiar with her work as sometimes things move so fast you don't get to review everything an author has done.
I was greatly surprised by this book from Dionne. It was amazing to me how someone can say so much with so little time and so few words. An excellent and engaging read from short to short with new twists and a real sense of fear, dread and pulse pounding excitement.
Best book of shorts and flash fiction I have read in years. Impressive job by Dionne and a "must read" recommendation from me.
Dark Spaces, Dionne Lister's second publication, just proves she's an exceptionally versatile writer. Dark Spaces is exquisitely suspenseful, leaving the reader on the edge of their seat throughout the entire book. Lister humanizes her characters so completely that she causes the reader to feel exactly what the characters are feeling: fear, horror, depression, anguish. This is a collection every suspense genre fan should buy and read.
Breathe in Autumn An Awakening An Outback Lament Sarah’s Story The Presentation Timmy’s Escape Amy Heart of an Angel Climbing Everest
Reading the list if the eight selected stories for Ms. Lister's flash fiction anthology had me pondering at what maid between. The cover alluding to just one of the dark spaces which lie there and perhaps within our own subconscious, nightmares and; for some, memories we've chosen to leave in the dark.
Dionne caught me unaware from start to finish. The strong thematic choices in her line up appear to have you climbing up out of darkness to reach the summit if light. But as with most suspense in shorts such as these the small twists and turns will have you going sideways and even tripping you back into the corner before moving you forward to the next.
Flash fiction is a challenging exercise in creativity. For many writers it is just a tool to keep us writing, the tips of our pens sharp. Rarely can we put together such solid prose into any semblance of theme. Not only has she done just this but she leaves you wanting for more.
The only reason I did not give it a five was perhaps my poet within wanting to swap a few around and two stories did not have as powerful of a punch compared to the rest.
Breathe in Autumn dusted off a nightmare. Outback Lament brought me back to my roaming in the hill country. Timmy's Escape is reminiscent of tales told to innocent ears around campfires and Amy leaves your mouth open in the "oooohhh" position.
Take a chance, shine a lantern over in this dark place and go grab the perfect quick read and taste of the authors expansive talent. She's well known to many for her young adult fantasy but these will show you another side and leave you want for more.
Having read Dionne Lister's novel, Shadows of the Realm, I already knew that the author is a fantastic storyteller. This collection of short stories has confirmed the fact that she has a gift for telling a story. I was hooked from the start, and read the collection in one sitting. It's a short book, and the stories are not very long, but the author shows us how a skilled writer can make a short piece of fiction as engrossing and fulfilling as a longer work. Somehow she manages to reveal so much about each character in just a few pages. I was able to 'see' the stories unfold because Dionne Lister expertly described the scenes and the way the characters felt. The themes running through the stories are dark, hence the title 'Dark Spaces'. There are quite disturbing images throughout the book, but it is clear that the author's motivation is not to shock, but to explain some of the darker sides of life through the eyes of the victims, or the perpetrators. The stories mostly have a satisfying twist in the tail. Some of the subjects covered in these tales include, abuse, murder, drugs, crime. All of the stories are entertaining, in a dark and suspenseful kind of way. This is not a book for people who like happy endings. If you like thrillers and suspense, you'll love these stories.
I couldn’t wait to start this book once I bought it. I was in need of something fast, yet worth reading, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Dark Spaces is a collection full of very descriptive writing. Many times I was left admiring Lister’s ability to paint a beautiful picture comprised of such dark and disturbing aspects of the human experience. It was this that drew me in to many of these stories.
There were a few tales that didn’t full work for me, yet they were worth reading nonetheless. There isn’t a bad egg in here. Some of my favorites were the opening story “Breathe in Autumn” (great start in my opinion,) “The Presentation,” “Amy,” and “Heart of an Angel” (a glimpse into the workings of the twisted mind of a nurse, and a great ending).
Lister has put together a great group of these short shorts and I’d gladly pick up any collection she comes out with in the future.
The term that comes to mind in describing Dionne Lister’s Dark Spaces – A collection of suspenseful short stories is powerful. Tables are turned on characters, who seem to be one thing and turn out to be another. Lives hang on threads that are bound to decisions. Deep emotions are explored, dragged into the light through remarkable writing and excellent description. These nine tales linger in a reader’s mind long after they’re finished. Although they’re brief, they pack an intense, emotional punch.
Dionne Lister proves herself once more an epic storyteller. Ten tales take the reader through an emotional and frightful journey. My favorites from this collection are An Awakening, The Presentation, Timmy's Escape and Heart of an Angel. An Awakening brought tears to my eyes as it spoke of doubts a spouse has over a relationship with her dying husband. It was raw, powerful and honest to a degree I have not seen. The Presentation was brilliant as well. I would go as far to say every woman on earth should read it. And every man for that matter. We do not take advantage of those beneath us in the workplace or anywhere. This story has a message in that. Timmy's Escape was heart wrenching and though, not as hopeful as the Awakening or Presentation made a powerful statement on what a broken home might do to a child. Lastly, mentioned is Heart of an Angel. I had seen documentaries on nurses like the one in this story. But, Dionne Lister adds a twist you won't expect as well as several profound statements with the victims as well. I only have a few short criticisms. The dialogue and the speech did not seem as natural as the emotions told by the narrator. At times, especially with the police in Sarah's Story it felt rushed. I realize the author's element is in the hearts and minds of her protagonist, and she is eager to get back to that but I felt the vocal interaction needed to be expanded upon. The spacing of paragraphs was slightly inconsistent as well but overall did not affect the reading. But really, buy this book. It's an incredible journey with stories you won't soon forget.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! When I read Dark Spaces, I was very busy and had only short bursts of time to read. This collection suited me perfectly. The stories gave me a lot to think about considering their short lengths, and I was more than happy to sit and reflect on each one before I moved on to the next.
I definitely had a few faves, such as Breathe in Autumn, An Awakening, Sarah's Story, Heart of an Angel, and Climbing Everest. Still, my hat goes off to Dionne Lister for creating so many great story premises in the one book. In `An Awakening', we feel the subverted horror and painful reality of the spouse faced with their true feelings about their stale relationship. I think many of these stories work so well because they provoke both cold and warm feelings in equal measure. Each piece is captivating because the author takes you right into the heads of very real characters in critical moments of their lives. The short time you spend with each one is powerful. Combined with her sharp prose, carefully written perspectives and rich descriptions, Lister gives you little space to feel nothing. Dark Spaces, indeed!
Sometimes you just don't have the time to sink into a long, easy-paced book. But you still want to be satisfied, provoked, and enriched in the time you do spend reading. Dark Spaces did that for me, and I'll be pulling it down from my virtual shelf again in times ahead.
This is an entertaining collection of stories, some more suspenseful and unexpected than others.
One of the standouts for me was 'An Awakening', with a woman contemplating whether she truly cares if her husband lives or dies. The indifference about a relationship that long ago settled into something between comfortable and dull is fascinating commentary on the state of many marriages.
Another standout was 'Amy'. This story explores the world of an abused teenage girl, offering a thought-provoking twist on her abuser and savior.
Many of these stories will make you stop and think. You might also find yourself looking differently at your neighbors and coworkers, and wondering how well you really know these people.
I get all sorts of offers for a free novel/short story in exchange for a fair review, but I seldom accept. I’m glad I did with this one. Dionne Lister’s Dark Spaces is a collection of thriller/horror short stories and flash fiction that drew me in. The prose is skillfully done, stories woven with an eye to building tension. Description is evocative and I felt myself fall into even the shortest of the selections.
I adore short fiction that I can read with my morning coffee, or at night after the kids are in bed, and Dark Spaces hit the mark. Even if you’re not into horror, I’d recommend it. I’d classify it more on the thriller side – enough danger to get the adrenaline going , but not graphic violence. I’d definitely seek out other stories from this author.
I've been a writing colleague of Dionne's for almost a year now, and I love her passion for the writing life. She continues to write and write and write and I am a constant fan. If you love reading short sharp fiction, as I do, you'll enjoy these ten very short tales. The standout is actually the shortest tale - a piece of micro fiction called An Outback Lament. It has a stunning dreadful atmosphere captured in short form.
Dark Spaces by Dionne Lister is a collection of short stories and flash fiction. In the author's own words, they are 'stories of survival, fear, suspicion and emotion'. I am a particular fan of short stories of the darker kind, so I was looking forward to trying these out.
Breathe in Autumn is a strong start to proceedings, the clever title only becoming apparent in retrospect. Autumn is out for a run, and is concerned at recent reports of a stalker. When her fears become reality, the perspective changes and we see events unfold from the eyes of her attacker; but is there more to the situation than it would appear? Edge of the seat stuff, and the last line is great too.
Next up is An Awakening, an intriguing tale of love and forgiveness. Marian has a choice to make, and she is forced to come to terms with a relationship which has been at times difficult. A very human story, Dionne has the ability to encapsulate feelings and emotions, engaging the reader completely. An Outback Lament follows, a powerful piece of flash fiction worthy of any collection of Australiana. Capturing the harsh and unrelenting beauty of the country, I could almost hear the cicadas singing.
There's a different kind of beauty in Sarah's Story, that of survival and desperation. Sarah is struggling with a failed relationship and needy infant. However, the reader's sympathies change as the story unfolds, and we learn who the real victim is. By contrast, in The Presentation there is no doubt about the villain of the piece, and there is a real sense of satisfaction at the conclusion. Revenge is a dish best served cold!
Timmy's Escape is a modern-day fairy tale about failed relationships, and is all the more powerful for being brief. The sense of sorrow and regret is tangible, and leads the reader into the next tale Amy, which is perhaps the meatiest story here. Amy would seem to be the victim of abuse, and the product of a broken home; but who is responsible? Another edge of the seat story with a twisty ending.
Helen enjoys 'watching other people suffer', so as a nurse it might be said she is ideally placed. In Heart of an Angel we see what happens when the vulnerable Elizabeth arrives, and she is tempted to go too far; then is confronted with her own worst fears. The hunter becomes the hunted, and we are left to wonder how – or if – she will cope. The final story here is Climbing Everest, which tells Evelyn's story of estrangement, addiction and eventual reconciliation. The power of human relationships conquers all, despite everything.
These tales are insightful snapshots into human nature, taking a hard look at the decisions which have to be made, and their consequences. We see deeply into the minds of the characters, and as a result we care about their actions. I thoroughly enjoyed this collection, and it left me wanting more; I look forward to Dionne's next collection of short stories.
“Dark Spaces” is suspenseful, psychological and scary. This collection of short stories is unsettling because it holds a mirror up to human nature and reflects how dark and deeply damaged a person can be. The stories (with each one being better than the last) are sometimes told from alternating point of views, and while it can be somewhat disconcerting it allows the reader deeper insight into the characters' motivations. The author deconstructs the characters down to the bone and it makes reading about them fascinating. The situations in these snapshots are equally as uncomfortable as they are compelling, and no matter how much you might want to you won’t be able to stop reading.
There are only two possible negatives to “Dark Spaces”. There was one story where I thought shorter, more visceral sentences would’ve worked well, but that’s a personal preference. Also, I wished there was more to the collection or that these could’ve been full stories. I reached the end and was left wanting more. Worth the read.
Some notes: - The writing is richly descriptive. - There are plenty of twists. - “An Outback Lament” was poetically written. I think it’s beautiful. - The characterizations weren’t always what you’d expect.
The author introduces this book of stories by saying they are “stories of survival, fear, suspense and emotion”.
And I would add: darned entertaining.
Oh, I have my favorites.
“Breathe in Autumn” has a main character with a running internal dialogue that bounces you around emotionally until the final twist.
“An Awakening” is cleverly written, and shows us the turmoil of a difficult decision that many of us could see being justified.
“The Presentation” is a deliciously served cold dish.
I enjoyed these slices of fiction. I only wish some slices were larger, because who doesn’t want larger portions of a tasty treat?
I recommend this book, The shortness of some stories means it’s a quick read, and perfect to have on your kindle for when you’re in a long line at the DMV or waiting for your sandwich at the deli. But you should also take more time to savor the longer pieces. That’s where the meat of the meal is.
"Dark Spaces" is an intriguing collection of short stories designed to make the reader uncomfortable. Some of the stories work particularly well, such as the flash piece "Timmy's Escape" which is deeply unsettling and manages to supplant chills under the skin in under 350 words. I expected more from a few of the stories, including the fairly predictable "Sarah's Story" about a woman contemplating her love for her child while watching a news report about a missing baby. However, I especially enjoyed "The Presentation", as well as "Breathe in Autumn", which I'm going to have trouble forgetting when I go for my next afternoon walk. Both of these were disturbing and disturbingly satisfying. Overall, Dionne Lister's writing is well paced and her plots are gripping. This anthology is worth the read, but don't read it at night.
In the introduction to this collection the author says, "I dare you not to feel anything when reading these stories." This sounded like quite a bold claim, but as soon as I started reading, I had to agree.
The stories deal with real people you can really identify with, put into situations of danger or suspense.
The tales are all incredibly atmospheric and full of tension. The stories are quite short but, as the prose is as tight as poetry, the length really works. This also helps keep the tension high in each story.
They all have really good endings, which is something not all authors are good at.
I really enjoyed reading the collection and have already recommended to a friend that she read them too.
This book has nine short stories and flash fiction that keeps you on the edge of your seat through out each story. The characters personality shines through. This is the perfect book for those who enjoy a little scare after dark. Personally I think it’s the best time to read this book. A little thriller of a book. In some stories decisions have to be made of life and death. To find out if the right ones were made download this well written little gem to find out, I dare you! Mawh!! Thank you for sharing Dionne. I’ve read Dionne’s books and will continue reading her books.
A clever and insightful collection of stories that deals with the darker side of the human condition. I thoroughly enjoyed every story, all of which were well-written, most sending a shiver up my spine in the reading.
I don't give spoilers, but will say that the author deals with themes such as insanity and fear, while bringing alive the characters in such a way that we can only feel their pain, sadness and...badness.
I like looking into the darker side of humanity and this collection looks deeply into that side of our souls many deny exists. Dionne Lister managed to tap into the things that I had not even realised may make my skin crawl. Its very rare that I flinch at the thought of something I have read in fiction and I flinched more then a couple of times as I read this.
Dark Spaces is an interesting collection of short stories, and my heart was racing from the very first page. Some made my spine tingle, others made my skin crawl, and all of them took me to a dark place. This was a fast read that left me a little breathless and speechless at the end.
I certainly found this suspenseful! With unexpected turns I found this a really enjoyable (although at times nail biting) read! Enjoyed - thank you Dionne.
Breathe in Autumn An Awakening An Outback Lament Sarah's Story The Presentation Timmy's Escape Amy Heart of an Angel Climbing Everest
My favorite was Timmy's escape. It gave me chills. This was a quick read but I don't recommend that you read them before bed time or before going anywhere alone. I will definitely be making sure that my car doors are locked the next time I go out. I don't think I'll ever get in my car without looking in the backseat first, again.
I won this book in a giveaway and I'm so glad that I did. If you enjoy creepy stories then give Dark Spaces a shot.