Phospheindz

by Rick Carufel

While performing research for a master's thesis at Brown University, Brian Metcalf finds more than darkness behind closed eyelids. Astral realms intent upon unleashing unspeakable evil attempt to use him as a pawn in their struggle to open a portal to this world. It's happened before to others. Friedrich Nietzsche wrote, "If you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you. Whoever battles monsters had better see that it does not turn him into a monster." Novella 18049 words

59 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 3, 2011

Reviews

[Traveller · Rating 1 out of 5]

The abyss gazed back at me, and I saw a monster lurking in its depths.

[Join the Penguin Resistance! · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly Lovecraftian tale, this novella is even set in H. P.’s home locale-Providence, Rhode Island, site of Brown University, where much of the action takes place. A dedicated scholar, graduate student Brian Metcalf, determines to write his Master’s thesis in psychology on the mechanisms of vision behind closed eyelids. A worthy goal, but in the process, Brian delves into both Eastern mysticism (including Kundalini energy and Tantra), as well as Western occultism. He might have made it through, if he had not become the target of a covert cult determined to open a portal for one of the Eldritch-the Old Ones-those alien gods existing in time immemorial prior to the dawn of man.

Metcalf’s only hope lies in his mentor, Professor Beauchamp, and in Beauchamp’s colleague, nicknamed “Professor Mo,” who are elected as the guardians of the light in this instance, and will do battle to the death to prevent the infestation of this other-dimensional eldritch evil into this world.

I came out of this reading feeling I had actually lived the events; that’s how powerful an impact this novella had on me. I give it 5 stars for its adherence to Lovecraftian precepts, and for upending my psyche.