Hosts

by Bryan Way

When psychologist Martin Preisel was hired to diagnose a ward of lost souls by a private agency, he had no idea what to expect. Now, he's not afraid to admit he's in over his head; his patients are lively but unresponsive, talking to people who aren't there while perfectly ignoring the staff, and frequently colliding with walls and furniture. Dr. Preisel is disheartened when normal treatment methods get no results, but when strange traumas begin plaguing the patients, Dr. Preisel starts to suspect that their affliction goes way beyond the science of the mind...

41 pages, ebook

First published September 16, 2013

About the author

Bryan Way is an author and screenwriter who loves life in Philly. Starting with Life After The Arising , this bootstrapper has self-published two novels and nearly a dozen short stories for which he does all the design, editing, and typesetting. An optimist and ambivert at heart, his first love in any writing project is a strong story populated by stronger characters.

Also, he was a video store clerk for nearly 14 years. Other than writing, it's the best job he's ever had.

Reviews

[Jada Ryker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hired by the government to treat a dozen young patients, psychologist Martin Preisel runs into various obstacles to success. His patients neither acknowledge his presence nor respond to his questions. When patients do speak, they are conversing with people who aren't there and discussing events in which they couldn't possibly have participated. The government agency refuses Martin's requests for the patients' histories.

Hosts, by Bryan Way, is a short story that delivers much more than promised by the brevity of the work. Dr. Preisel's thoughts, strengths, and weaknesses are exposed through his journal entries. With excellent foreshadowing, Mr. Way sends shivers of anticipation down the reader's spine.

[Pinar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good short story that I enjoyed reading. Almost the same eerie feeling as watching an old episode of Twilight Zone.

[Amy Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bryan Way has a connection with words and emotions, as well as the thoughts that can creep into one's mine. Hosts is not what I thought it was going to be and it was very compelling. As a short story, it must draw the reader in quickly and that's exactly what it did and was a great build up to an interesting story. I would recommend this book, especially if you have had the privilege of reading his other books. Great piece of work and the true test of a good writer is what they can do with a short story.

[Tammy K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled across this title yesterday. I thought from the title alone that I knew where this story was going to end up. I was wrong.
Since this short story is so short (40 pages) it is hard to review it without running the risk of spoiling the surprise for future readers.
However, I feel that I can say this much; Keep your mind open to possible outcomes, watch out for Red Herrings and enjoy this short (but entertaining) ride.

[Rebecca Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars


A compelling story that will keep you riveted. I kept trying to guess where the story was headed next, but I never thought it would end up where it did. A skillful masterpiece that will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what is coming next.

[Francine Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

You ever finish a book and just think "YESSSS"? That was me with this one, great short story! :D

[Annette Williams McCann · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a little while to get used to the journal entry style writing of this book but after the first few 'days' it actually grew on me.

I enjoyed the idea behind the story but right as I really started to feel it was a 'page turner' for me, it stopped. The ending was so abrupt for me that I kept swiping expecting there to be more. Now, I know some people love those types of endings but, I just need a little more resolution. (Then again, if the point is to keep us wanting more, well done, Mr. Way.)

Was it good? Yes. Would I recommend it? Yes, as long as you don't mind sort of open ended endings.

[MELODY · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this short story by Bryan Way, psychologist Martin Preisel is hired to treat a dozen patients. In his attempts to help them he runs into many problems, including their unresponsiveness to him and for some reason the government will not release their medical history's.

Bryan, has a way with words and draws you in and makes you scratch your head and wonder about the possibilities. For a short story I found that the characters were well defined and interesting. His writing seems to pull you in and make you feel like he knows something we all should know.

[Peejay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected & well thought out. Loved it!