The Beacon

by A.B. Shepherd

Shipwrecked on an
isolated island...

How far would you go to help a new friend? Would you kill someone?

How do you know what is and isn't real?

When The Beacon beckons safe harbour
isn't guaranteed.

Genres: Short Stories

65 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 2013

About the author

"Never stop dreaming or reading." - A.B. Shepherd

A.B. Shepherd grew up in Lansing, Michigan, but moved to Australia once her children had grown and empty nest syndrome set in.

She now lives in the Limestone Coast region of South Australia, with her husband and their imaginary friends.

She loves living near the Southern Ocean and often finds it inspiring. She can usually be found seaside at Port MacDonnell, or lost in a fantasy world.

Lifeboat is her debut novel - a science-fiction/suspense tale. Her second book, The Beacon is a psychological thriller, novella.

If you’d like to learn more about A.B. Shepherd please visit her website at: http://abshepherd.net

A.B. loves to hear from readers. Feel free to email her at TheRealABShepherd@hotmail.com with your thoughts about her book(s), and anything else that takes your fancy.

You can also connect with her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ABHPShepherd

And on her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/AB-She...

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrified and trembling with the cold, she held tightly from her position on the deck. The vicious storm had hit without warning; she had no idea if she would survive, or even how she would survive. Suddenly, consciousness was knocked from her – she was not aware of her lovely little boat bashing itself to pieces on the rocks.

When she wakened she was aware of someone trying to help her, the water she was sipping eased the discomfort she felt but not the pain in her aching body. Drifting in and out of consciousness she gradually became stronger – Ruth was kind and compassionate. But strange events were happening; what was going on? Who were these people?

What a fantastic short story! I thoroughly enjoyed the intrigue, the mystery and suspense, the wonder of this great psychological thriller! Highly recommended!

With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.

[TheBookPlatypus · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is honestly one of the worse authors I’ve ever had the displeasure to find on Goodreads. (Actually through a post on Facebook with people ranting about how she posts negative reviews on new releases)

She bitches about new releases leaving off on cliffhangers and mad that the next book isn’t out. And leaves one stars.

Bitch. The book JUST came out.
It’s CLEARLY stated that it leaves off on a cliffie.

How quick do you publish a series?

People are talking about you and it’s not the attention you want as an author.

I find this author a horrible person. She’s another Seven Rue. 🤮

[Kriss · Rating 5 out of 5]

*SHM* Lets get back to the matter at hand, my interview / review. You see, I read this novella, twice. The first time it smacked in me in the face and left me on the side of the road gasping for air. Of course, it was one of many things which has broadsided me this last week. Now, this was not a bad thing, it was just because it was POWERFUL (pay attention to this apt description because this story is powerful, completely and utterly powerful).

Saturday
cabingoddess-15011/30, 8:32pm Kriss Morton And I read the story again from a different perspective. Hmmmm..

A.B. Shepherd, 8:40pm A.B. Shepherd And how do you feel from your new perspective?

cabingoddess-15011/30, 8:41pm Kriss Morton It’s still. Wow. I mean I’m with Donna H. I feel like I want to think on it more. I love that you have the discussion questions at the end of the novella

It’s powerful.

A.B. Shepherd, 8:42pm A.B. Shepherd Powerful is good

cabingoddess-15011/30, 8:42pm Kriss Morton It builds. It’s like. disorienting at first. You “tell” and don’t “show” and as it grows into showing, as a reader I slowly got disoriented with her. I don’t remember that from when I was reading it earlier this week. Around the middle it changed from telling…into showing… ohhh you are sneaky!

A.B. Shepherd, 8:43pm A.B. Shepherd Makes you wonder, though huh?

cabingoddess-15011/30, 8:44pm Kriss Morton Oh indeed, made me wonder about the couple that loved on the island the fisherman said were so sweet. You never know honestly. No one thought my ex was abusive. They thought he was such a saint or still is a saint!

A.B. Shepherd, 8:45pm A.B. Shepherd So what is your take on what really happened on the island

cabingoddess-15011/30, 8:47pm Kriss Morton That’s so weird. I don’t know. She has an injured foot. Could she be reliving something in the past? Could she have escaped something, ended up in a storm on her boat, crashed onto the island and ended up flipping out flinging blood from her foot everywhere??

There are no bodies?
Could she be a friend of Ruth’s and she didn’t do anything and it all can crashing back. The trauma was too much
Is it all metaphoric? You just are not sure at the end. It is a mystery that really does not need solving.
A.B. Shepherd, 8:49pm A.B. Shepherd There are so many possibilities and there is no right answer. It is up to each reader to decide what is real.

cabingoddess-15011/30, 8:49pm Kriss Morton Yep, you painted one of THOSE paintings. )

For a while I thought at BASE, the possibilities are ghosts. The violence was so much they haunt the stones of the walls. The blood is hers but she literally lived through the memory of the violence based on all suggested above.

A.B. Shepherd, 8:50pm A.B. Shepherd The truth is we all live in our own reality.

cabingoddess-15011/30, 8:50pm Kriss Morton Yep. Think how fun mine is. Hah!. I have my own freak show & circus tent (and no I am not the bearded lady! Think squirrels, bacon and trained moose!)

Seriously though, Beacon is one big long allegory and that’s pretty epic on a whole different level.

Well my review is going to be different. I think basically I just am cleaning up my discussion here. (How is that for prophetic!)

A.B. Shepherd, 8:53pm A.B. Shepherd Here’s another thought for you. No bodies were found but did they search the entire island? What about watery graves?

cabingoddess-15011/30, 8:53pm Kriss Morton I don’t think it matters, truthfully. Remember that post I did on the difference between a mystery and The Mystery? I will state that you may want to add the disclaimer about triggers due to the nature of domestic abuse.

A.B. Shepherd, 8:54pm A.B. Shepherd Yes and I agree. Which is why it wasn’t included (The answer to where the bodies were).

cabingoddess-15011/30, 8:55pm Kriss Morton Not everything is needed it’s just right. If I had one more bite of information, I’d be too full! HAH!

And there is my closing line. Cabin Goddess style!


In closing...
The Beacon as a story which can only be describe in my opinion as one solid allegory and one written which reminds me of those written in the style a medievalist like me is thrilled to read because not many authors can have a full immersion with their manuscript from the open to close. Could it be also metaphoric? Sure! Is there a message in it, oh hell yes and one we all should listen too. Is it a ghost story? Perhaps *wicked grin*!

Is it one of those gorgeous paintings which is there for you to gaze at day in and out just trying to decipher the true intent and meaning the artist meant for you to find? When in fact what they meant was for you to find YOUR meaning, your feelings and your own belief of what the intentions are. Everything in this story enhances it.

Her injury, where it is, how it festers, the way it bleeds. The vegetables she finds growing in the garden, the actions she takes again and again or does not take, it is all part of this beautifully dark painting Shepherd has invited us to partake in. It is that mystery that is never truly meant to be explained, you would be disappointed, and (smiling) too full. There is a method to these words, not just scenes thrown together or blood splashed over the walls. No explanation or name is needed for us to have satisfaction with this story. We are left to our own devices to sit here and as Donna Huber (Girl Who Reads) and I have done, think about what happened and personalize it, internalize it and come to our own conclusions. This was out of this world (and I think the author will like that comparison since she is a xeno-lover)

A few things -- as mentioned above in the conversation, a disclaimer may need to be added. This does have a lot of violence in it, it is NOT gratuitous. It is part of the painting. As a survivor of domestic violence and a brutal rape, upon first reading this (and I was warned) it knocked me for a loop. Today I re-read it feeling a bit better health wise. I was not feeling well when I read it the first time and was stressed out, that probably was not my best choice in timing. I only mention this because those who have suffered from domestic violence could possibly not react well to the story. Is this story about domestic violence? Yes and no. Without ruining the story, it really cannot be answered, it is a story that is so wrapped up in allegory and is something written to be made your own, when I read it again, I made it my own from a different perspective and I really fell in love with this writer.

Another thing, the story starts off in a very TELL style of writing, this needs to be noted ONLY because I read it twice, and realized that this was VERY intentional, as the story drives forward, this is part of the "painting" or the method for this novella. If the author were to show you, it would not have worked even close to being as POWERFUL as the book was, remember when I mentioned how powerful this book is? This was one of the reasons I wanted you to pay that in mind. This is one way that TELLING works. This is one of those books, like The Yellow Wall Paper, which is should be read more than once to find another surprise in the canvas, even as dark as it is. Great Job!

[Mikey B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beacon is a hidden gem that luckily I’ve discovered. I’ve been at this book for hours since I had to keep putting my tablet down. You see, it wasn’t because I wanted to start and stop. 

One Word. 

Kids. 

Each time I set my tablet down, I rushed back to it. 

Do you believe some people can see things that others can’t? Yes. Does that make me crazy? 

Do you believe in ghost? Yes, still scared of the dark. And, no, I’m not a child. (Mid 30’s)

Is time traveling a real possibility? (Laughing) No. 

Would I have helped Ruth? With every fiber of my being. 


The Beacon might not be a romance book, but it is an interesting read that consumed me until I finished the book. The author’s writing is remarkable, and her creativity is impressive. I enjoyed A.B. Shepherd’s writing style and the way she could create a fictional world, bring it to life, and put it in words. Curiosity is the reason I discovered The Beacon. I might be sleepy tomorrow, considering its midnight, and six am comes awfully quick. However, it will be worth it. 

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This read rocks. Yes rocks. It’s my first by the author and talk about hooking me in. I was sure I knew what was happening throughout only to be totally throw with each turn of the page. I didn’t even realise something right in front of me the whole time till it was pointed out to me after I was finished. The Protagonists name isn’t given at all and I totally didn’t notice. This doesn’t detract from the story, as I mentioned I didn’t even realise until after it was pointed out and it just added to the mystery.
I love the attachment created to the main character and her friend for that matter. I loved that I was sucked in and how odd things were the never knowing what was real and what wasn’t. I appreciate when a short story is able to capture me so much in such a short time. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy mysteries and a good short story.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to read. It has a twist and turns that you would never aspect in the book. I couldn't put it down. I will stay it's weird in the beginning but in a really good way. That's what makes the book. I would love to read another by this author. The book caught my attention from the beginning and leaves you guessing. Defiantly recommend this to readers that like exciting books. Who know being stranded on an island would be so interesting. The Beacon

[Rachel Graft · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read. If you are looking for a book to take you away but do not want a huge book. This is it. I could not put it down. I read from start to finish!!! A.B. Shepherd is a great author & this story speaks for itself. You will not know what is happening or where you are, past or present & why. There is action & suspense & A. B. makes you think!!! A great read!!!

[Donna Huber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting. A little disconcerting. Going have to think about it for a little while. Read my full review at Girl Who Reads.

[MELODY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mind bending ride! Extremely well written. This book kept me guessing and I loved it.

[Kate Donovan · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF- not even readable.

[Caren · Rating 2 out of 5]

This reads like a first draft. While there are some nice passages it is rushed and the characters don't develop well. We have a man in the opening that is with our main character, they are sailing together and they are caught in a storm.
Poor guy, he seems to be forgotten, though, both by our main character and our writer.
The main character never once wonders hat happened to this lost man.
We slip through times and generations, but our heroine accepts everything too easily, she never really questions what happens and seems quite happy to just lounge about the dreary abandoned house and sleeps under a rotten mattress. I'm sorry, anyone would light a fire, or walk out of there, not just sit around waiting for ghostly apparitions. It was a nice idea, while not terribly original, and would benefit greatly from a few rewrites and better plot and character development.
And what's with the 'book club questions"?
I'm sorry, that's not something a writer should do. It skews our perception of the story and may not even be what we would talk about should we take this book to club (which I wouldn't do, sorry).
Comes across as a bit of an inflated ego.
I gave two stars as an encouragement, but really feel this book needs to be pulled and rewritten. If this was one of my students I'd tell them to keep on working on it, or grade them a D+.

[Lynn Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for review from the author. I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review.

The Prologue was so descriptive that I felt like I was on the boat with the characters. Just like our female character, she can’t see a lot of what’s going on so she relies on what she hears. And the reader relies on her on to tell them what is going on. We use this to form pictures in our mind.

The reader is a silent voyeur in a world where most of us will never experience what has transpired. This is a story where you will need to pay attention to because otherwise you’ll be going “huh, what just happened?” This book covers a very disturbing subject but that still doesn’t stop you – you just have to keep reading. Does everything turn out alright? Does the cycle end? It’s a great mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

This novella has a surprise ending that you won’t see coming and it will make you question everything that you’ve read. Just like the story, it will hook you and then reel you in. You will not let go until the very end. It will certainly make you a fan of the author. And make sure to read until the very end so that you can read an excerpt of her first novel Lifeboat.

[A.B. Shepherd]

The Beacon is a novella and a psychological thriller. In my opinion it is a bit Stephen King-esque.

I tried to do something with The Beacon that I have never seen done before. I'm not saying I am the first to do it - it certainly may have been - only that I haven't seen it done.

I've written this book without ever naming the protagonist. From the feedback I've gotten so far it works, but it is up to you - the reader - to let me know if YOU think it works. I'd love to hear what you think.

Ebook review ARCs are available on request. Message me, or email me at TheRealABShepherd@hotmail.com.

[Karen Toz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beacon tells the tale of a woman shipwrecked on an island. She finds herself rescued in a home (a lighthouse really), taken care of by a woman who carries her own burdens. Yet, is she real? Are her burdens real? I read The Beacon in one evening - in one sitting actually, and not because of its novella length. I honestly couldn't put it down. Even after I finished, I found myself sitting for an extended period of time thinking "wow." The Beacon reminded me of a Twilight Zone episode - it was intense and awesome.

A.B. Shepherd tells a masterful tale that not only tackles tough topics, but had me questioning dreams from reality long after the story ended.

[Ann Massey · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion only a small portion of writing ranks as literature. "The Beacon" is a book that deserves the accolade of literary fiction. Shepherd is one of those people who writes prose so beautifully that a plot-driven reader like me, savoured the descriptions. You see I like to know what happens next. Impatient, I sometimes skip whole pages in my rush to know what happens next. Not this time. It is testimony to Shepherd's impressive gift that I didn't skip a paragraph.

A story of family love and abuse... The Beacon is a powerful novel, the kind that should be studied in college. And the kind you must tell your family and friends to read.

[Kory Shrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beacon is a great read! Right from the beginning, the dramatic tension pulls you into the story. Not just because her physical being is in danger either—it is so much more than that! And when it becomes clear that the protagonist is in a dangerous situation, you are immediately invested in what will happen to her. Some of you may be put off by the idea of another shipwreck story, but I can assure you that this is totally different! The story and the wonderful way it is told are both unique. I also loved the ending—so smart! You can expect to be surprised—in a very good way

[Caroline Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twists and turns, great suspense, you are never sure if the leading lady is dreaming, travelling through time or caught up in a ghost story!
A suspenseful novella, a good quick read to get you thinking...