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An End to the Thrill
An End to the Thrill is a collection of science fiction short stories, each one totally unique in its own way. The build up to the end of every story has been written in a way that will amaze readers, and each story has its own theme, its own genre, and its own different setting. As you reach the end of every story, be sure to expect the unexpected. The plot twists will appeal to readers of all ages. Born in New Delhi, India, Varun Kumar is currently pursuing his Master's in Electrical Engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas. His next book is a thriller with a touch of romance.
- GenresShort Stories
52 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 7, 2016
A book of sci-fi short stories. Now that is something new. As new as the settings. Some had surrealistic settings written not with so much passion perhaps but with a sound understanding of matters around him. I liked the last story best. The one which takes the protagonist to his death bed. That was more moving than the rest.
November 28, 2015
Received copy from author for review.
A small book with nine short stories that are really all well written.
The best one for me was the last one,I Seek Death.This was very good.
All in all a little gem.
A small book with nine short stories that are really all well written.
The best one for me was the last one,I Seek Death.This was very good.
All in all a little gem.
June 22, 2015
It has been a long time since I read a compilation of science fiction short stories that made for a good page-turner but I had a few very late nights of reading 'An End to a Thrill' as I just did not want to put the book down, and there were no really dead spots that made for a natural go-to-bed location.
Varun Kumar does a great job of inserting realism into the scenes, and each story kept my interest with completely different scenario's, I wasn't disappointed. A definite winner here, the raw and unfiltered main characters at their best.
Interspersed throughout problem-solving, technical and scientific jargon is the character's interests take on each new situation at hand, and we get to see what goes through their mind during critical situations. An enjoyable sequence of events takes the reader along on a journey with Varun, who impresses with his knowledge as well as his humor. Having the ability to connect with likable personalities really made these stories a page turner.
Varun Kumar does a great job of inserting realism into the scenes, and each story kept my interest with completely different scenario's, I wasn't disappointed. A definite winner here, the raw and unfiltered main characters at their best.
Interspersed throughout problem-solving, technical and scientific jargon is the character's interests take on each new situation at hand, and we get to see what goes through their mind during critical situations. An enjoyable sequence of events takes the reader along on a journey with Varun, who impresses with his knowledge as well as his humor. Having the ability to connect with likable personalities really made these stories a page turner.
September 23, 2015
Varun Kumar is a creative author who's stories are unique and entertaining while also packed with twists and a great deal of suspense. If Time Could tell was my favorite of these short stories, but each one has a surprise ending which made for a fun and intriguing read. This author is not afraid to think outside of the box and has a big imagination that kept me quickly turning the pages of his book. A copy of An End To The Thrill was provided to me for an honest review. I'm looking forward to reading more great stories from this author!
November 13, 2015
This is a great debut collection of sci-fi shorts that displayed an interesting mix of macro and micro worlds, time travel, biological adventures and sub-atomic personification. The story lines showed a nice symmetry, beginning and ending with a husband and wife playing out their marital conflict in speculative worlds. Mr. Kumar is a deft story-teller with a confident way around plot twists and an interesting science-based story telling lens. I really enjoyed and hope to see more soon.
January 4, 2016
A collection of strange short story's in a short book.
They all have different themes but most are board-line horror themed.
Quick read
*An advanced copy of this book was given to me in exchange for an honest review*
They all have different themes but most are board-line horror themed.
Quick read
*An advanced copy of this book was given to me in exchange for an honest review*
December 9, 2015
Time-travel. Computer viruses. Raindrops. Varun Kumar has a quirky take on storytelling. In his short story collection An End to the Thrill, he composes concise, philosophical tales with unusual twists. Nothing is quite what it appears to be.
The trick in reviewing the stories is not to give away the endings. Once you catch on that the stories contain the unexpected, part of the fun is to see if you can figure out how it will turn out. The trouble with this approach, however, is that the stories might come across as novelties rather than as thoughtful meditations on the human experience in the midst of an uncertain world.
Take the story “If Time Could Tell,” which deals with how time travel affects a husband and wife. Time travel is an intriguing concept, with lots of changing variables as the present readjusts to the past and future. Life flows in ripples as each event unfolds. But what Kumar does is tap into the inherent tensions of the couple's relationship. There is as much focus on the failure of communication between them as there is on the unexpected fate.
Kumar also uses anthropomorphism and personification to touch on themes of betrayal and healing. He uses the human point of view in microcosmic arenas where the narrator has a very limited perspective on how the world works. We think we know what is going on, but sometimes we are blindsided by a force of nature or the rules of physics. Life’s unexpected challenges.
Kumar’s language is direct and unadorned; he does not waste time on superfluous descriptions or unnecessary character analysis. In “Severence or Adherence,” he gets right down to business with the theme of choices, as well as insight into the narrator Mr. Denfi’s personality:
“I was standing at a place with two paths in front of me and I had to make a choice. I was always bad at making choices.”
An End to the Thrill is a quick, satisfying read and shows the talent of a good storyteller.
The trick in reviewing the stories is not to give away the endings. Once you catch on that the stories contain the unexpected, part of the fun is to see if you can figure out how it will turn out. The trouble with this approach, however, is that the stories might come across as novelties rather than as thoughtful meditations on the human experience in the midst of an uncertain world.
Take the story “If Time Could Tell,” which deals with how time travel affects a husband and wife. Time travel is an intriguing concept, with lots of changing variables as the present readjusts to the past and future. Life flows in ripples as each event unfolds. But what Kumar does is tap into the inherent tensions of the couple's relationship. There is as much focus on the failure of communication between them as there is on the unexpected fate.
Kumar also uses anthropomorphism and personification to touch on themes of betrayal and healing. He uses the human point of view in microcosmic arenas where the narrator has a very limited perspective on how the world works. We think we know what is going on, but sometimes we are blindsided by a force of nature or the rules of physics. Life’s unexpected challenges.
Kumar’s language is direct and unadorned; he does not waste time on superfluous descriptions or unnecessary character analysis. In “Severence or Adherence,” he gets right down to business with the theme of choices, as well as insight into the narrator Mr. Denfi’s personality:
“I was standing at a place with two paths in front of me and I had to make a choice. I was always bad at making choices.”
An End to the Thrill is a quick, satisfying read and shows the talent of a good storyteller.
June 26, 2015
I received this book free for review from the author or publisher in exchange for an honest review. Despite the privilege of receiving a free book, I’m absolutely candid about it below because I believe authors and readers will benefit most from honest reviews rather than vacuous 5-star reviews.
In a nutshell, this book is a collection of rather bizarre scifi short stories. Each one has a very distinct flavor to it to be sure.
I won't deny that there's not a ton positive to say about this book. It is... well, fairly unique, to be sure. But the writing is so poor and the execution of the narrative is so perplexing and choppy that it was all I could do to not throw the book across the room after the first story. This writing is VERY poor. I've read a lot of books in the past 42 years and this is epic in the scope of its unreadability. At the risk of seeming rather rude, it's almost as if this book was written by a child. The plot fails to have any cohesion at all and when it does make sense it's completely predictable.
In summary, this is one of the worst attempts at science fiction writing that I've encountered in my entire life of reading. The author needs to work on all aspects of the writing process if he hopes to come up with a reasonable effort at a worthwhile story.
PS: I hope my review was helpful. If it was not, then please let me know what I left out that you’d want to know. I always aim to improve.
In a nutshell, this book is a collection of rather bizarre scifi short stories. Each one has a very distinct flavor to it to be sure.
I won't deny that there's not a ton positive to say about this book. It is... well, fairly unique, to be sure. But the writing is so poor and the execution of the narrative is so perplexing and choppy that it was all I could do to not throw the book across the room after the first story. This writing is VERY poor. I've read a lot of books in the past 42 years and this is epic in the scope of its unreadability. At the risk of seeming rather rude, it's almost as if this book was written by a child. The plot fails to have any cohesion at all and when it does make sense it's completely predictable.
In summary, this is one of the worst attempts at science fiction writing that I've encountered in my entire life of reading. The author needs to work on all aspects of the writing process if he hopes to come up with a reasonable effort at a worthwhile story.
PS: I hope my review was helpful. If it was not, then please let me know what I left out that you’d want to know. I always aim to improve.
October 23, 2014
This collection of short stories made for a great bedtime read. I loved the concepts of surrealism and personification that echoed through my reading. The author does a wonderful job of not letting you know what you are witnessing until towards the end of the story. By this point they do a wonderful job closing up each story where the point or reveal answers what the final outcome or what element they personified.
The only issue was a few minor editing flaws, but other than that, it did not ruin my reading. This is the author's first publication and that happens on occasion even in some of the mainstream reads I have on my shelf.
My favorite story in this collection is the imagery created in 'Troubled Waters'. The personification that happens in the reading sucked me in and I love how it was revealed what this person actually was at the very end. I hope the author will make plans to put together more collections in the future. It would definitely be a buy if it happens to be a collection of their personification stories. They execute these so well and I absolutely enjoyed them more so than the surreal, dystopian stories.
Once more, all-in-all a good buy, fun read, and perfect for bedtime or when looking for something that can be read quickly that will leave you thinking about it for a while.
The only issue was a few minor editing flaws, but other than that, it did not ruin my reading. This is the author's first publication and that happens on occasion even in some of the mainstream reads I have on my shelf.
My favorite story in this collection is the imagery created in 'Troubled Waters'. The personification that happens in the reading sucked me in and I love how it was revealed what this person actually was at the very end. I hope the author will make plans to put together more collections in the future. It would definitely be a buy if it happens to be a collection of their personification stories. They execute these so well and I absolutely enjoyed them more so than the surreal, dystopian stories.
Once more, all-in-all a good buy, fun read, and perfect for bedtime or when looking for something that can be read quickly that will leave you thinking about it for a while.
November 12, 2015
I have to admit, although I love me some science fiction novels, I was a little skeptical as to how the short stories would turn out. Turns out, I loved them!
Each short story grabbed my attention, not at all disappointing me in the least. I don't even know if humor was an intentional addition, but when you find yourself giggling and smiling after the first story, I'd say it's a keeper. Maybe it wasn't the humor but rather the complete surrealism and uniqueness of each story. Agreeing with others, the stories are short and brief with a little twist of reality in each one, but that only adds to the genre itself. Sometimes after reading a story that was only five pages or so, I was left wondering how my mind felt like it went through a vortex in only a few short paragraphs. (Sounds corny I know, but this is science fiction; I'm allowed to be a bit nerdy :P) I have to mention that my favorite one was "If Time Could Tell", as that was the one that I somehow found myself laughing put loud. Even though I had my favorites, I loved how the author changed each story to something completely different from the one before it.
I should probably end the review here so that I don't find myself writing a short story myself, but I highly encourage lovers of science fiction to try these short stories out!
I was kindly given this book in exchange for an honest review
Each short story grabbed my attention, not at all disappointing me in the least. I don't even know if humor was an intentional addition, but when you find yourself giggling and smiling after the first story, I'd say it's a keeper. Maybe it wasn't the humor but rather the complete surrealism and uniqueness of each story. Agreeing with others, the stories are short and brief with a little twist of reality in each one, but that only adds to the genre itself. Sometimes after reading a story that was only five pages or so, I was left wondering how my mind felt like it went through a vortex in only a few short paragraphs. (Sounds corny I know, but this is science fiction; I'm allowed to be a bit nerdy :P) I have to mention that my favorite one was "If Time Could Tell", as that was the one that I somehow found myself laughing put loud. Even though I had my favorites, I loved how the author changed each story to something completely different from the one before it.
I should probably end the review here so that I don't find myself writing a short story myself, but I highly encourage lovers of science fiction to try these short stories out!
I was kindly given this book in exchange for an honest review
December 10, 2015
Read the book in one sitting. Its all of 52 pages in total and has nine short stories. Hence, perfect for a quick read.
The best part is that all the stories had a different theme with no interlinks. The plots were truly well thought of. It had everything that a sci-fi anthology could have- time travel, outer space, virus, you name it and they were there.
Varun has a quirky sense of humour. His endings are sudden so as to keep up the suspense. However, a few stories had a predictable ending. Wish there were more stories!!! Notwithstanding that, the stories are worth reading. Besides, the language is simple to understand. The narrative has a good flow, except in few stories where it gave away the ending in the middle. The use of personalization in the narrative is appreciable.
Each story has distinct characters. Some have a dark side, some mean, some intelligent. In short, each character has his or her own style. Great job on that Varun. Your characters were a real treat. I hope I don't get to meet people like a few of them in real life!!!
To sum up, the stories were kept short and sweet. Again, few more stories would have helped cover up for mistakes. Had to reduce two stars because of predictable endings. In a very short anthology, predictability acts as an expensive spoiler.
P.S- I am sure the next anthology would be a winner from the beginning, without any glitches.
The best part is that all the stories had a different theme with no interlinks. The plots were truly well thought of. It had everything that a sci-fi anthology could have- time travel, outer space, virus, you name it and they were there.
Varun has a quirky sense of humour. His endings are sudden so as to keep up the suspense. However, a few stories had a predictable ending. Wish there were more stories!!! Notwithstanding that, the stories are worth reading. Besides, the language is simple to understand. The narrative has a good flow, except in few stories where it gave away the ending in the middle. The use of personalization in the narrative is appreciable.
Each story has distinct characters. Some have a dark side, some mean, some intelligent. In short, each character has his or her own style. Great job on that Varun. Your characters were a real treat. I hope I don't get to meet people like a few of them in real life!!!
To sum up, the stories were kept short and sweet. Again, few more stories would have helped cover up for mistakes. Had to reduce two stars because of predictable endings. In a very short anthology, predictability acts as an expensive spoiler.
P.S- I am sure the next anthology would be a winner from the beginning, without any glitches.
November 10, 2015
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written set of 9 kind of paranormal short stories (book). They weren’t all very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. I’m not sure if it was the cultural difference or what. There is potential so I will rate them at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Strategic Book Publishing & Rights Co.; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
July 9, 2015
One thing I liked most about the short stories was that they were all unpredictable. Each story I kept wondering where the author was taking me. I could picture myself in every situation of the book. I could place myself in the shoes of a lot of characters because I felt what they were feeling.
I also noticed that you did good with showing us than telling us what's happening, and that made the stories very interesting.
I usually read romantic stories, and I had forgotten how good other books of other genres were.
Oh yeah before I forget to mention this, I love the book cover. It matches so well with what's going on in the book, it matches the different times of each story in the book.
Thank you for the read.
I also noticed that you did good with showing us than telling us what's happening, and that made the stories very interesting.
I usually read romantic stories, and I had forgotten how good other books of other genres were.
Oh yeah before I forget to mention this, I love the book cover. It matches so well with what's going on in the book, it matches the different times of each story in the book.
Thank you for the read.
November 13, 2015
“An End to the Thrill” is a collection of sci-fi short stories with a strong philosophical voice. The author has done a fantastic job in leading the reader into different worlds, parallel universes and even afterlife experiences.
Each story is very different, very compelling and ends in a completely unexpected way, let it be a husband begging death not to take his wife when in reality it’s not the wife that death came for; a deceived lover tricking his former girlfriend and her husband into believing in the end of the world or a mad scientist at the last moment realizing that his experiment went not how he planned it.
A great inside look into the world of unknown and unexpected, definitely a five star read.
Each story is very different, very compelling and ends in a completely unexpected way, let it be a husband begging death not to take his wife when in reality it’s not the wife that death came for; a deceived lover tricking his former girlfriend and her husband into believing in the end of the world or a mad scientist at the last moment realizing that his experiment went not how he planned it.
A great inside look into the world of unknown and unexpected, definitely a five star read.
January 23, 2016
An End to The Thrill is a collection of sci-fi stories that will make you keep on guessing and wondering page by page. Varun Kumar is really creative and brilliant. Some stories took me a while to process, but most of the time it left me in wonder.
Some stories is so mysterious and could be a little bit difficult to grasp until you get to the ending. Some stories is very unique and quirky. The concept of all the stories is very well thought out and beautifully written.
While I couldn't really understand 100% some of the stories, overall this book is very clever. Varun Kumar is very clever. I think it's because of its cleverness that left me hanging in my own confusion, and most of the time, struck me in awe.
Some stories is so mysterious and could be a little bit difficult to grasp until you get to the ending. Some stories is very unique and quirky. The concept of all the stories is very well thought out and beautifully written.
While I couldn't really understand 100% some of the stories, overall this book is very clever. Varun Kumar is very clever. I think it's because of its cleverness that left me hanging in my own confusion, and most of the time, struck me in awe.
November 13, 2015
An End to the Thrill is a series of nine short stories by Varun Kumar that take you through captivating journeys to different times and places. Each story takes you on a whirlwind adventure that keeps you guessing and wishing for more. These intriguing bites of science fiction (with a touch of the paranormal) lead you to ponder the ultimate question to spark the imagination: what if? Severance or Adherence was the most powerful tale, with Sweet Requite coming in second on my list of favorites, but each story has merit. If you’re looking for a good, quick scifi/paranormal read, then this is definitely for you.
November 10, 2015
Have you heard of a Hinglish phrase "Chota Packet, bada Item", I felt the same reading the book, the short story collection, with 9 stories, leave you think beyond what is written, The Author takes the reader through various places never imagined before, like on a computer motherboard or between world. There were two stories, which didnt meet the level of the rest, rest were amazing. Without giving too much information on the stories, please go and read it yourself, I highly recommend the book, who want a quick power read (nap). Cheers..!!
November 16, 2015
This book contains nine fictional,short stories. Their titles are: If time could tell, Detrevni, The virus affair, The miracle, Severance or adherence, Sweet requite, Repulsion reverts reality, Troubled waters and I seek death. All of them are extremely imaginative, unpredictable and each of them has a unique theme totally different from all the others. They are very pleasant to read and I think that Varun Kumar does a great job. I really enjoy reading this book. Looking forward reading his next book.
November 17, 2015
I was very interested in the thought of having a collection of sci-fi short stories to read. Each was entertaining and the author did an excellent job of keeping details obscure so that you were guessing just who his characters embodied right until the very last sentence.
I would have given this a five-star review, however there were moments where some words were misspelled and the grammar did not quite flow with a properly edited book. These are issues that could be solved by anyone who has excellent editing skills, though.
I would have given this a five-star review, however there were moments where some words were misspelled and the grammar did not quite flow with a properly edited book. These are issues that could be solved by anyone who has excellent editing skills, though.
November 22, 2015
With a Varun Kumar short story, you never know where he is going to take you. His stories are quirky and intriguing. The book is short, a mere 51 pages. Though it could be more polished, this is counterbalanced by Varun Kumar’s imagination and the variations in themes, you have to go with the flow. They are like little sketches, little dabbles of ideas, raw but at the same time charming and pleasing. It will be interesting where Varun Kumar goes from here, will he expand into a full size novel or will he stick to this format?
November 29, 2015
One of the first books that I fell in love with was an omnibus collection of science fiction short stories. This little book reminded me of the joy of discovering the limitlessness of the imagination through stories where all is not what it seems. I would recommend this book to the young reader looking to discover different worlds. Perhaps they may then discover that there is more than appears to this one.
November 5, 2015
This 'book' of short stories isn't really a book. It's only 52 pages, nine of which are filler bullshit. Dedications and such. Who the fuck cares? Why does it take nine fucking pages to get to the first goddamn story? It's retarded. Such a waste of space. Hell, that wasted space is longer than most of the stories in this stupid collection.
Most of the stories are set in some kind of alternate reality or future. They're science-fiction stories, which I usually like. But I didn't like most of these stories. Mostly because they didn't make any fucking sense. Or they required me to actually think. I don't read stories to think, goddamnit. Just tell me what happened, for fuck's sake. Is that too much to ask? Why do I have to guess and make my own goddamn conclusion? Isn't that your responsibility as the writer? I guess not.
The first story in this collection is about a guy trying to make it rich with time travel. But either the character is retarded, or the author is. Probably both. Because the guy tells his wife he wants to see how his investments will do over twenty years, and tells her he'll be back in five minutes. Apparently his plan was to go into the future twenty years, and check on his investments. Then return and change his investments accordingly.
Well, this doesn't make any fucking sense. First of all, he placed the money in a trust, supposedly. That's not usually an investment. Then, we find out he didn't actually put the money in a trust. He hid it somewhere. Or something.
So, he shows up again, back from the future, and asks his wife, "So, what's our money worth now?" Which also doesn't make any fucking sense. Because she had no fucking access to the money. And wasn't it his idea to go into the future to see what his investments would be worth? What the bloody fuck is going on? Why would he ask her? I just don't get it.
The only story I actually liked also made no fucking sense whatsoever. A guy has an evil plan to get rich by buying lottery tickets every day. So yeah, that's like the worst plan ever. So his wife leaves him for a guy who's already rich. Cool. But the lottery guy wants revenge. So he keeps playing the lottery until he actually hits it big. So he invests in a huge scam where he starts a rumor that the world is going to end in ten years. And he puts up a billboard saying he's got the only safe spot to watch the end of the world from. You know, The Restaurant at the End of the Universe style.
The catch is, you have to put up all your money in order to visit this so-called restaurant. And sure enough, only one couple on Earth is stupid enough to fall for this scam. The lottery guy and her rich lover. Seriously? That's convenient. And also completely retarded. But still a slightly interesting story.
I really wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. It's pretty much a waste of time. Unless you happen to like being confused. But even if being confused is your thing, there are plenty of other books more worthy of your time. Actual BOOKS, not just short collections, like this one. All in all, I was glad there was an end to this 'thrill'. Heh.
Most of the stories are set in some kind of alternate reality or future. They're science-fiction stories, which I usually like. But I didn't like most of these stories. Mostly because they didn't make any fucking sense. Or they required me to actually think. I don't read stories to think, goddamnit. Just tell me what happened, for fuck's sake. Is that too much to ask? Why do I have to guess and make my own goddamn conclusion? Isn't that your responsibility as the writer? I guess not.
The first story in this collection is about a guy trying to make it rich with time travel. But either the character is retarded, or the author is. Probably both. Because the guy tells his wife he wants to see how his investments will do over twenty years, and tells her he'll be back in five minutes. Apparently his plan was to go into the future twenty years, and check on his investments. Then return and change his investments accordingly.
Well, this doesn't make any fucking sense. First of all, he placed the money in a trust, supposedly. That's not usually an investment. Then, we find out he didn't actually put the money in a trust. He hid it somewhere. Or something.
So, he shows up again, back from the future, and asks his wife, "So, what's our money worth now?" Which also doesn't make any fucking sense. Because she had no fucking access to the money. And wasn't it his idea to go into the future to see what his investments would be worth? What the bloody fuck is going on? Why would he ask her? I just don't get it.
The only story I actually liked also made no fucking sense whatsoever. A guy has an evil plan to get rich by buying lottery tickets every day. So yeah, that's like the worst plan ever. So his wife leaves him for a guy who's already rich. Cool. But the lottery guy wants revenge. So he keeps playing the lottery until he actually hits it big. So he invests in a huge scam where he starts a rumor that the world is going to end in ten years. And he puts up a billboard saying he's got the only safe spot to watch the end of the world from. You know, The Restaurant at the End of the Universe style.
The catch is, you have to put up all your money in order to visit this so-called restaurant. And sure enough, only one couple on Earth is stupid enough to fall for this scam. The lottery guy and her rich lover. Seriously? That's convenient. And also completely retarded. But still a slightly interesting story.
I really wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. It's pretty much a waste of time. Unless you happen to like being confused. But even if being confused is your thing, there are plenty of other books more worthy of your time. Actual BOOKS, not just short collections, like this one. All in all, I was glad there was an end to this 'thrill'. Heh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2016
My rating 3.5
An end to thrill is a collection of nine short stories. Science fiction, fantasy, romance- The stories are a club of several genres. With crisp and gripping writing style author succeeded in grasping the attention of the readers.
1. If Time Could Kill
This is a time travel story. The story of experiment and experience. Author succeeded in maintaining suspense. Climax was a little clumsy. 3 stars
2. Dtreveni
This is a unique story. A refreshing style of writing. I didn't understand the last sentence quite well. 4 stars
3. The Virus Affair
The story is a candid one. Predictable but interesting. 3 stars
4. The Miracle
Commendable imagery. Gripping pace. Suspenseful climax. 4.5 stars
5. Severance or Adherence
This is the longest story. The most imaginative rendition with an undercurrent of romance. 4 stars
6. Andrew
The story didn't impress me at all. Every moment was predictable and the events weren't connected well.2 stars
7. Repulsion, reverie, reality
Author succeeded in pulling off the figurative language quite well. Plausible imagination, albeit predictable twist. 3 stars
8. Troubled Waters
A poetic story. Author proved his literary excellence. 4.5 stars
9. I seek death
A literary journey to the ultimate finale. Author lost the grip towards the end. Nevertheless, a plausible attempt.
Highlights
Variety
Uniqueness
Imagery
Crisp writing
Drawbacks
Inconsistency
An end to thrill is a collection of nine short stories. Science fiction, fantasy, romance- The stories are a club of several genres. With crisp and gripping writing style author succeeded in grasping the attention of the readers.
1. If Time Could Kill
This is a time travel story. The story of experiment and experience. Author succeeded in maintaining suspense. Climax was a little clumsy. 3 stars
2. Dtreveni
This is a unique story. A refreshing style of writing. I didn't understand the last sentence quite well. 4 stars
3. The Virus Affair
The story is a candid one. Predictable but interesting. 3 stars
4. The Miracle
Commendable imagery. Gripping pace. Suspenseful climax. 4.5 stars
5. Severance or Adherence
This is the longest story. The most imaginative rendition with an undercurrent of romance. 4 stars
6. Andrew
The story didn't impress me at all. Every moment was predictable and the events weren't connected well.2 stars
7. Repulsion, reverie, reality
Author succeeded in pulling off the figurative language quite well. Plausible imagination, albeit predictable twist. 3 stars
8. Troubled Waters
A poetic story. Author proved his literary excellence. 4.5 stars
9. I seek death
A literary journey to the ultimate finale. Author lost the grip towards the end. Nevertheless, a plausible attempt.
Highlights
Variety
Uniqueness
Imagery
Crisp writing
Drawbacks
Inconsistency
November 5, 2015
I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I will admit, I haven't read this brand of science fiction since I was in high school and we had to read random Asimov short stories. It took me a few of the short stories to understand what I was reading, but once I did I was pleasantly surprised. The names of many characters seemed to give a bit of insight into what was going on within the short story which was really cool and I didn't mind that I wasn't always sure what was going on at the beginning of the short story because it always seemed to be tidied up in the last paragraph or so.
Many seemed to be about death and characters unknowingly trapping themselves which (I think) has something to do with the title?
It was a nice break from what I normally read and most of the critiques I would have had (excessive commas) were short story specific. There were one that reminded me an awful lot of jokes my biology professor used to tell in college and a couple others seemed similar to stories and jokes I've been told while I was a kid. Not similar enough to complain about, but it seemed to be worth a mention. I liked it for what it was and found myself smiling when I was able to put things together before the end of the story.
I will admit, I haven't read this brand of science fiction since I was in high school and we had to read random Asimov short stories. It took me a few of the short stories to understand what I was reading, but once I did I was pleasantly surprised. The names of many characters seemed to give a bit of insight into what was going on within the short story which was really cool and I didn't mind that I wasn't always sure what was going on at the beginning of the short story because it always seemed to be tidied up in the last paragraph or so.
Many seemed to be about death and characters unknowingly trapping themselves which (I think) has something to do with the title?
It was a nice break from what I normally read and most of the critiques I would have had (excessive commas) were short story specific. There were one that reminded me an awful lot of jokes my biology professor used to tell in college and a couple others seemed similar to stories and jokes I've been told while I was a kid. Not similar enough to complain about, but it seemed to be worth a mention. I liked it for what it was and found myself smiling when I was able to put things together before the end of the story.
November 17, 2015
From someone who reads a lot of short stories, reading a compilation of sci-fi short stories was a different experience. I personally enjoyed the story, 'Detrevni' and my favourite of the lot was, 'I seek death'. The book being the author's debut is written well, and I like the imagery that has been used in a couple of stories. Being a relatively short book, it was a quick read. Overall, it was a good read!
December 13, 2015
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. "An End to the Thrill" is a collection of short stories that include a greedy time-traveler, computer viruses, electrons, a raindrop, revenge and even death to name a few. The stories are fast reads and could be read in one sitting if the reader has time. I liked the book and am sure that some of the students in the class will like it too.
November 6, 2015
ARC for honest review. Science fiction short stories. I don't read many short stories so this is different for me. Some stories really twisted. Endings were imaginative to say the least. Thought provoking.
December 15, 2015
I would not recommend this to a friend. The writing feels mechanical and flat. The characters are uninteresting. I appreciate the lack of grammar errors and the good internal formatting, but that doesn't make it worth the time to read.
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