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Immanent Death
One moment is all it takes for an entire metropolis to unravel. From city streets to rooftops, isolated hotel rooms to the depths of the great lake, bodies lie contorted, bloodied, violated. The cause of this mayhem is highly speculative. The mastermind behind it is not a mastermind at all. His name is Reuben, and he is a victim of time.
For everyone and everything except Reuben, time has stopped. Initially, the freedom is intoxicating, but the sensational nature of this motionless world quickly fades. The air is sparse and difficult to breathe. The liquids are thick and nearly impossible to drink. A nagging pain invades his brain, gnawing at his sanity.
Reuben’s search for answers is impeded by his vile curiosity, his hunt for meaning deterred by the soothing temptation of death, a mysterious concept where all remedies must reside. Has Reuben been singled out for a reason? Is there a purpose to his endless imprisonment? Can a good deed, however great, outweigh countless acts of wickedness?
Immanent Death navigates the consequences of one man’s depravity, the possible reality of the supernatural, and the danger that accompanies humanity’s naturally obsessive quest for truth.
For everyone and everything except Reuben, time has stopped. Initially, the freedom is intoxicating, but the sensational nature of this motionless world quickly fades. The air is sparse and difficult to breathe. The liquids are thick and nearly impossible to drink. A nagging pain invades his brain, gnawing at his sanity.
Reuben’s search for answers is impeded by his vile curiosity, his hunt for meaning deterred by the soothing temptation of death, a mysterious concept where all remedies must reside. Has Reuben been singled out for a reason? Is there a purpose to his endless imprisonment? Can a good deed, however great, outweigh countless acts of wickedness?
Immanent Death navigates the consequences of one man’s depravity, the possible reality of the supernatural, and the danger that accompanies humanity’s naturally obsessive quest for truth.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2013
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 10, 2014
This is the first book since I’ve started reviewing that I wish I could give more than 5 stars.
The comparison that kept coming to mind was the movie “Unbreakable” mixed with the books “The Raw Shark Texts” and “Ingenious Pain” (the latter of which probably most people haven’t heard of, but don’t worry about it). The way the plot unfolds is a bit confusing, but in a good, “I’m not sure what’s going on here yet, but I like it,” kind of way. It’s supposed to be disorienting. Every once in a while, you hit a point of “Ah-ha!” where something clicks and shoves you in the right direction. This book is a mystery, full of philosophy and supernatural quirks. Quite frankly, this book might not be for you if you like everything explained and wrapped up neatly. There’s no guiding narrator to help you along – you get dumped right into the seeming chaos, and it’s up to you to connect the dots.
The writing itself is often beautiful. English Lit nerd that I am, I kept smiling as sentence after sentence displayed a brilliant use of language. While the philosophy is thick and heady, it’s often very simply explained through character discussion and/or the use of parable-like snippets. The imagery of water and of falling/flying is used again and again like unifying, subtle threads.
And the three parts of the story – with Reuben, Lindon, and Ogden – ARE connected and congeal. The story isn’t at all linear, which might confuse some people, but it's absolutely a wonderful way to tell this time-relevant story. Reuben, as the eye of the storm, opens the story and gives us a glimpse into the mayhem. Lindon’s section by far has the most action and works wonderfully to pump some action into the middle of the book while further unfurling the bigger picture. Ogden’s final part is then contemplative and ties everything together so that you finally understand how the pieces fit together.
I really liked that the philosophical questions raised here were not answered in any way that was hammered down in stone. Right or wrong, falling or flying, pessimist or optimist, imagination, faith, death, pain, etc. etc. – there’s a lot to think about. You’re left wondering; you’re left thinking.
Then there’s the epilogue, which is a terrific closing curveball.
The comparison that kept coming to mind was the movie “Unbreakable” mixed with the books “The Raw Shark Texts” and “Ingenious Pain” (the latter of which probably most people haven’t heard of, but don’t worry about it). The way the plot unfolds is a bit confusing, but in a good, “I’m not sure what’s going on here yet, but I like it,” kind of way. It’s supposed to be disorienting. Every once in a while, you hit a point of “Ah-ha!” where something clicks and shoves you in the right direction. This book is a mystery, full of philosophy and supernatural quirks. Quite frankly, this book might not be for you if you like everything explained and wrapped up neatly. There’s no guiding narrator to help you along – you get dumped right into the seeming chaos, and it’s up to you to connect the dots.
The writing itself is often beautiful. English Lit nerd that I am, I kept smiling as sentence after sentence displayed a brilliant use of language. While the philosophy is thick and heady, it’s often very simply explained through character discussion and/or the use of parable-like snippets. The imagery of water and of falling/flying is used again and again like unifying, subtle threads.
And the three parts of the story – with Reuben, Lindon, and Ogden – ARE connected and congeal. The story isn’t at all linear, which might confuse some people, but it's absolutely a wonderful way to tell this time-relevant story. Reuben, as the eye of the storm, opens the story and gives us a glimpse into the mayhem. Lindon’s section by far has the most action and works wonderfully to pump some action into the middle of the book while further unfurling the bigger picture. Ogden’s final part is then contemplative and ties everything together so that you finally understand how the pieces fit together.
I really liked that the philosophical questions raised here were not answered in any way that was hammered down in stone. Right or wrong, falling or flying, pessimist or optimist, imagination, faith, death, pain, etc. etc. – there’s a lot to think about. You’re left wondering; you’re left thinking.
Then there’s the epilogue, which is a terrific closing curveball.
February 5, 2014
Wow! Just...wow! This is just an amazing story. It's griping and engaging, and the author brings it full circle at the end of the story.
Even if you pay super close attention to all that transpires throughout the story, you still find yourself wanting to go back and re-read it because it's such a thinker. The only other author that has left me flabbergasted at the end of the book was Orson Scott Card's "Lost Boys".
What I like about "Immanent Death" is that the author grabs a hold of your attention immediately. From the first chapter, he's peaked your curiosity to where you can't put down the book. In Part Two of the book, you find yourself reading as fast as the characters in the story can run. You feel like you're on the journey with them. You want to hurry and find out what happens next.
The last part of the book, along with the epilogue, tie up the loose ends and leave you in awe. The only words you can think to say are "Wow!".
A great read for those who enjoy stories of extraordinary people in everyday society. The first part of the book reminded me of Rod Serling's Twilight Zone. And Part 2 reminded me of Spielberg's Amazing Stories. With this being the author's debut novel, he has the skills of a seasoned writer. Z. Marick Pearson is definitely an author to keep your eye on.
Even if you pay super close attention to all that transpires throughout the story, you still find yourself wanting to go back and re-read it because it's such a thinker. The only other author that has left me flabbergasted at the end of the book was Orson Scott Card's "Lost Boys".
What I like about "Immanent Death" is that the author grabs a hold of your attention immediately. From the first chapter, he's peaked your curiosity to where you can't put down the book. In Part Two of the book, you find yourself reading as fast as the characters in the story can run. You feel like you're on the journey with them. You want to hurry and find out what happens next.
The last part of the book, along with the epilogue, tie up the loose ends and leave you in awe. The only words you can think to say are "Wow!".
A great read for those who enjoy stories of extraordinary people in everyday society. The first part of the book reminded me of Rod Serling's Twilight Zone. And Part 2 reminded me of Spielberg's Amazing Stories. With this being the author's debut novel, he has the skills of a seasoned writer. Z. Marick Pearson is definitely an author to keep your eye on.
February 1, 2014
The story, written in three parts, follows the three major characters, Reuben, Lindon & Ogden, each facing death and whose individual predicament with Death is linked to the others. The author handles the tension of the story well, holding back just enough to propel the reader forward into even more mysteries. Scattered throughout the story (but not overly used) are sentences that, to me, seem to praise or worship a single word and present it to the reader in a clever manner. An example of this is the sentence from the final third of the book, “I’ve become what I was meant to become, and to become is to change.”
It was a hard read, twisting and writhing around the mortal subject like the parade of a manic hymn. I liked it. It challenged me, this hard read, and with the secrets of the theme tightly woven - yet hidden until the last - it kept my interest throughout. I neither loved nor hated the characters but trusted in their determination to be memorable, as they were.
This is intelligent writing of which we see little of in the throngs of pedestrian tales bidding for our precious reading time. And above all it is a good tale.
It was a hard read, twisting and writhing around the mortal subject like the parade of a manic hymn. I liked it. It challenged me, this hard read, and with the secrets of the theme tightly woven - yet hidden until the last - it kept my interest throughout. I neither loved nor hated the characters but trusted in their determination to be memorable, as they were.
This is intelligent writing of which we see little of in the throngs of pedestrian tales bidding for our precious reading time. And above all it is a good tale.
January 6, 2014
Loved this book, and captivated by it, as well - parts of the book tumbled around in my head for days after finishing it. There is something for everyone in this book - mystery, theology, love, friendship, but most of all questions about life itself which the author doesn't shy away from.
There are three parts to this book – If He Falls, When He Crumbles, How He Ends. The author has written a non-linear account of the day that time stood still for a guilt-ridden man named Reuben and explores the impact of this “mistake” through other characters and events that are later revealed to be inter-connected. Part three brings seemingly unrelated characters and events together for a satisfying conclusion.
Every part of this book counts...every part...which is why it is so rich and thought-provoking! I recommend it for everyone!
There are three parts to this book – If He Falls, When He Crumbles, How He Ends. The author has written a non-linear account of the day that time stood still for a guilt-ridden man named Reuben and explores the impact of this “mistake” through other characters and events that are later revealed to be inter-connected. Part three brings seemingly unrelated characters and events together for a satisfying conclusion.
Every part of this book counts...every part...which is why it is so rich and thought-provoking! I recommend it for everyone!
December 21, 2013
A truly unique story that held me throughout
As stated above, I can honestly say that the story shared in these pages was something I have never encountered before. The interconnected plot reminded me a bit of the movie Crash, mixed in with a story that contained an immensely interesting look into the phenomenon of death. All in all I would highly suggest giving this novel a read. I particularly liked part 2, but the book as a whole was gripping, emotional, suspenseful, as well as philosophical. All in all, a fantastic first novel from Mr. Pearson.
As stated above, I can honestly say that the story shared in these pages was something I have never encountered before. The interconnected plot reminded me a bit of the movie Crash, mixed in with a story that contained an immensely interesting look into the phenomenon of death. All in all I would highly suggest giving this novel a read. I particularly liked part 2, but the book as a whole was gripping, emotional, suspenseful, as well as philosophical. All in all, a fantastic first novel from Mr. Pearson.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews