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On the Threshold
Obsessed with learning the origins of the Cosmos, the actual meaning of life, and the true purpose of civilization, a fine Scotsman named Fingal T. Smyth dedicates himself to the study of Plato’s most extraordinary ideas. Convinced of Plato’s belief that humankind possesses any and all innate knowledge deep within the collective unconscious mind, Fingal soon conducts a series of bold, pioneering, occult-science experiments by which to resolve the riddle of the universe once and for all. However, Fingal forgets how violent and perilous the animal impulses that reside in the deepest recesses of the unconscious mind. And when Fingal unleashes a mysterious avatar of his innate knowledge, the entity appears as a burning man and immediately seeks to manipulate innocent and unsuspecting people everywhere into immolating themselves. Now, with little hope of returning the fiery figure into his being, Fingal must capture his nemesis before it destroys the world.
342 pages, Paperback
Published February 14, 2024
About the author
M. Laszlo
5 books189 followersM. Laszlo is the pseudonym of a reclusive author living in Bath, Ohio. According to rumor, he based the pen name on the name of the Paul Henreid character in Casablanca, Victor Laszlo.
M. Laszlo has lived and worked all over the world, and he has kept exhaustive journals and idea books corresponding to each location and post.
It is said that the maniacal habit began in childhood during summer vacations—when his family began renting out Robert Lowell’s family home in Castine, Maine.
The habit continued in 1985 when, as an adolescent, he spent the summer in London, England. In recent years, he revisited that journal/idea book and based his first work, The Phantom Glare of Day, on the characters, topics, and themes contained within the youthful writings. In crafting the narrative arcs, he decided to divide the work into three interrelated novellas and to set each one in the WW-I era so as to make the work as timeless as possible.
M. Laszlo has lived and worked in New York City, East Jerusalem, and several other cities around the world. While living in the Middle East, he worked for Harvard University’s Semitic Museum. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio and an M.F.A. in poetry from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York.
His next work is forthcoming from SparkPress in 2024. There are whispers that the work purports to be a genuine attempt at positing an explanation for the riddle of the universe and is based on journals and idea books made while completing his M.F.A at Sarah Lawrence College.
M. Laszlo has lived and worked all over the world, and he has kept exhaustive journals and idea books corresponding to each location and post.
It is said that the maniacal habit began in childhood during summer vacations—when his family began renting out Robert Lowell’s family home in Castine, Maine.
The habit continued in 1985 when, as an adolescent, he spent the summer in London, England. In recent years, he revisited that journal/idea book and based his first work, The Phantom Glare of Day, on the characters, topics, and themes contained within the youthful writings. In crafting the narrative arcs, he decided to divide the work into three interrelated novellas and to set each one in the WW-I era so as to make the work as timeless as possible.
M. Laszlo has lived and worked in New York City, East Jerusalem, and several other cities around the world. While living in the Middle East, he worked for Harvard University’s Semitic Museum. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio and an M.F.A. in poetry from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York.
His next work is forthcoming from SparkPress in 2024. There are whispers that the work purports to be a genuine attempt at positing an explanation for the riddle of the universe and is based on journals and idea books made while completing his M.F.A at Sarah Lawrence College.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 22, 2023
Fingal T. Smyth resides in the Scottish Highlands and is obsessed with proving Plato's theory of innate knowledge. Using a mysterious machine of his invention he sets loose his own innate knowledge from deep within his unconscious mind and it takes the form of a burning man. This burning man is far from cooperative and instead of answering Fingal’s questions concerning the origins of the universe he sets off to manipulate people into immolating themselves. Fingal follows him across the world trying to contain him before he destroys mankind. Along the way he has the help of his friend Jean Selwyn, who helps rebuild and refine his invention in hopes of containing his malicious burning man.
This is probably one of the strangest books I have ever read! I felt a bit like I’d gone down the rabbit hole with a strange cast of characters and what felt like random events that made it hard for me to get into the narrative. It was probably well into part three before I really felt like there was a storyline. Much of the book read like a dreamscape in that there were such odd details the author focused on such as how things smelled (very descriptive) and the taste that was left in one’s mouth at any given time… small things that you wouldn’t notice while awake but might become significant in a dream sequence. There were also strange children, lots of cats, weird aural hallucinations, strange lighting and other odd details thrown into the mix. Oddest of all perhaps was Fingal, but that is what I most liked about the book. His “Scottish” dialect is entertaining and I laughed out loud sometimes at the outlandish things he said! His self talk was probably my favorite thing about him! Jean is also an interesting character and quite odd in her own right but the two of them played well off each other. I wish the conclusion tied up loose ends as some of the early characters are absent in the second half of the book. I also felt the burning man was supposed to be so dangerous to human kind but he didn’t seem to convince many people to light themselves up.
I believe this book might be enjoyed by readers of historical science fiction. It covered several decades with interesting historical references and the over all feel of the book is far fetched but quite real.
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the chance to read this advance copy.
This is probably one of the strangest books I have ever read! I felt a bit like I’d gone down the rabbit hole with a strange cast of characters and what felt like random events that made it hard for me to get into the narrative. It was probably well into part three before I really felt like there was a storyline. Much of the book read like a dreamscape in that there were such odd details the author focused on such as how things smelled (very descriptive) and the taste that was left in one’s mouth at any given time… small things that you wouldn’t notice while awake but might become significant in a dream sequence. There were also strange children, lots of cats, weird aural hallucinations, strange lighting and other odd details thrown into the mix. Oddest of all perhaps was Fingal, but that is what I most liked about the book. His “Scottish” dialect is entertaining and I laughed out loud sometimes at the outlandish things he said! His self talk was probably my favorite thing about him! Jean is also an interesting character and quite odd in her own right but the two of them played well off each other. I wish the conclusion tied up loose ends as some of the early characters are absent in the second half of the book. I also felt the burning man was supposed to be so dangerous to human kind but he didn’t seem to convince many people to light themselves up.
I believe this book might be enjoyed by readers of historical science fiction. It covered several decades with interesting historical references and the over all feel of the book is far fetched but quite real.
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the chance to read this advance copy.
December 9, 2023
From the first word I was very confused as to what was going on, why and who eveyone and eveything was. I couldn't get my head around the characters, wasn't sure what was being said, thought or did.
Though I cannot deny the creativity behind such a book was admirable I think I might have to read it again just so I could understand it from the start.
Though I cannot deny the creativity behind such a book was admirable I think I might have to read it again just so I could understand it from the start.
March 10, 2024
"On the Threshold" by M. Laszlo is a dark and enthralling novel that delves into the dangerous world of the unconscious mind. The story follows a determined Scotsman named Fingal T. Smyth who becomes obsessed with uncovering the secrets of the universe through an occult-science experiment. However, when Fingal unleashes a projection of his innate knowledge, he unwittingly releases a fiery and violent avatar that threatens to destroy everything in its path!
The avatar appears as a burning man with a malevolent agenda, manipulating innocent individuals into self-immolation. Faced with the task of capturing his nemesis before it wreaks havoc on the world, Fingal must confront his own darkest impulses and inner demons.
M. Laszlo masterfully blends elements of horror, mystery, and the supernatural to create a gripping and intense narrative. The character of Fingal is complex and flawed, making him a compelling protagonist to root for as he battles against a formidable and sinister force.
"On the Threshold" is an atmospheric read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. With its vivid descriptions and eerie atmosphere, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on fans of dark fiction and psychological thrillers.
The avatar appears as a burning man with a malevolent agenda, manipulating innocent individuals into self-immolation. Faced with the task of capturing his nemesis before it wreaks havoc on the world, Fingal must confront his own darkest impulses and inner demons.
M. Laszlo masterfully blends elements of horror, mystery, and the supernatural to create a gripping and intense narrative. The character of Fingal is complex and flawed, making him a compelling protagonist to root for as he battles against a formidable and sinister force.
"On the Threshold" is an atmospheric read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. With its vivid descriptions and eerie atmosphere, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on fans of dark fiction and psychological thrillers.
January 14, 2024
DNF at 20% - I received an arc of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I found this book extremely difficult to follow. Although the writing style created amazing imagery, the environmental description often felt overwhelming. I did enjoy some of the main characters' inner monologue. It felt very opinionated and made his character stand out from the other few introduced in the beginning of this book. His inner monologue also made me so frustrated with his logic when it came to his creation. I bet this was intentional but personally I am not a fan of being constantly annoyed with the ignorance of the main character while I am reading. I overall was kind of bored while reading it. Not much was happening plot-wise and the characters were not distinct enough for me to form an attachment or interest in any of them, except perhaps the young girl who I was more just slightly curious about.
January 16, 2024
Not a lot seems to happen for the book to be as long as it is, or at least how long it felt. Didn't connect with any of the characters at all and just didn't really enjoy the storyline it had either.
December 3, 2023
The premises of this book sound good. However, the idea of the book didn’t deliver. I didn’t feel anything about the characters, and I don’t care for them. I was lost from the beginning of the story; I felt the story was a bit out of place. I understand some parts of the story. However,I enjoyed the ending of the story; it was great.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book for an exchange an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book for an exchange an honest review.
December 20, 2023
Before I begin this review, I want to thank Net Galley and Deadbolt Books for allowing me to access On the Threshold by M. Laszlo. The expected publication date is February 14, 2024, so check it when it is released!
Laszlo made an intriguing story of a mad scientist who goes too far when he creates the burning man—keen on manipulating and killing innocent people. While Laszlo has a writing style that perfectly sets up the setting and allows readers to delve deep into the characters' minds and their worlds, there are times when the story falls flat or is just too hard to read.
While I never got fully invested in the book and its characters, I still thought that the world and the character's endeavors were compelling and intriguing enough to keep me reading and pushing through.
The characters aren't bad, but they feel distant, making them feel flat and underdeveloped. However, they are still eccentric enough to make you want to learn more about them.
Fingal is a Scottish man who is obsessed with Plato's beliefs revolving around innate knowledge. He goes so far as to create another version of himself that manifests as a burning man. While Fingal is fun to read about, there were times when it was too difficult to completely understand his perspective or even the 'why' behind his actions.
Jean is another prominent character. She is an American woman who loves film. Honestly, I didn't care much for Jean, but I enjoyed seeing how she contrasted with other characters.
The most memorable character was Fraulein Wunderwaffe, a German girl who believed she would one day transform into a leopard. Fingal thought so much about this girl throughout the book that I thought eventually her character would come around again, and it would be a full circle moment, but that wasn't the case, which really was sort of a letdown.
As for the book's plot, it is essentially Fingal trying to capture the burning man and return him to where he belongs. There is constant talk throughout the book about how dangerous the burning man is. There is even a point in the story where the burning man supposedly convinced a man to light himself on fire. This part helps set up the dangers of the burning man, but as the story continues, the burning man starts to feel less dangerous and not that significant to the story as a whole.
Laszlo did a fantastic job setting up the story and detailing the settings through imagery, character dialect, and evidence of the passage of time. The setting varies throughout the story. The book starts in 1907 in Scotland and ends in 1967 in California. The way Laszlo presents the setting is my favorite part of the story. Readers really get a sense of Scotland through how Fingal speaks and thinks. Jean and the other characters really help show this contrast throughout the story. This is especially evident when reading about teenagers in California during the 1960s. Their dialects are different, so the environment and characters' actions feel different.
M. Laszlo uses character dialogue, language, and scenery to capture the setting and culture in which his characters are from or where they live. His writing captures the viewpoints and dialogue of each character exceptionally well. It doesn't take much to know who spoke or whose perspective a chapter is in! Even as the periods shift, seeing how an old southern American like Jean compares to a teenager from California in the sixties is interesting. With these things said, the writing is redundant. The story is also hard to follow because of the flowery language. But some of these things may have been on purpose, considering the story's era.
Overall, the writing style and setting of the book are impeccable in that Laszlo did a great job of establishing the characters, settings, and cultural differences in the book. The plot and characters felt underdeveloped, and the flowery language used throughout the book is not for everyone. I recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, especially one involving science.
This review will be posted on my blog on Friday, December 22, 2023.
Laszlo made an intriguing story of a mad scientist who goes too far when he creates the burning man—keen on manipulating and killing innocent people. While Laszlo has a writing style that perfectly sets up the setting and allows readers to delve deep into the characters' minds and their worlds, there are times when the story falls flat or is just too hard to read.
While I never got fully invested in the book and its characters, I still thought that the world and the character's endeavors were compelling and intriguing enough to keep me reading and pushing through.
The characters aren't bad, but they feel distant, making them feel flat and underdeveloped. However, they are still eccentric enough to make you want to learn more about them.
Fingal is a Scottish man who is obsessed with Plato's beliefs revolving around innate knowledge. He goes so far as to create another version of himself that manifests as a burning man. While Fingal is fun to read about, there were times when it was too difficult to completely understand his perspective or even the 'why' behind his actions.
Jean is another prominent character. She is an American woman who loves film. Honestly, I didn't care much for Jean, but I enjoyed seeing how she contrasted with other characters.
The most memorable character was Fraulein Wunderwaffe, a German girl who believed she would one day transform into a leopard. Fingal thought so much about this girl throughout the book that I thought eventually her character would come around again, and it would be a full circle moment, but that wasn't the case, which really was sort of a letdown.
As for the book's plot, it is essentially Fingal trying to capture the burning man and return him to where he belongs. There is constant talk throughout the book about how dangerous the burning man is. There is even a point in the story where the burning man supposedly convinced a man to light himself on fire. This part helps set up the dangers of the burning man, but as the story continues, the burning man starts to feel less dangerous and not that significant to the story as a whole.
Laszlo did a fantastic job setting up the story and detailing the settings through imagery, character dialect, and evidence of the passage of time. The setting varies throughout the story. The book starts in 1907 in Scotland and ends in 1967 in California. The way Laszlo presents the setting is my favorite part of the story. Readers really get a sense of Scotland through how Fingal speaks and thinks. Jean and the other characters really help show this contrast throughout the story. This is especially evident when reading about teenagers in California during the 1960s. Their dialects are different, so the environment and characters' actions feel different.
M. Laszlo uses character dialogue, language, and scenery to capture the setting and culture in which his characters are from or where they live. His writing captures the viewpoints and dialogue of each character exceptionally well. It doesn't take much to know who spoke or whose perspective a chapter is in! Even as the periods shift, seeing how an old southern American like Jean compares to a teenager from California in the sixties is interesting. With these things said, the writing is redundant. The story is also hard to follow because of the flowery language. But some of these things may have been on purpose, considering the story's era.
Overall, the writing style and setting of the book are impeccable in that Laszlo did a great job of establishing the characters, settings, and cultural differences in the book. The plot and characters felt underdeveloped, and the flowery language used throughout the book is not for everyone. I recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, especially one involving science.
This review will be posted on my blog on Friday, December 22, 2023.
November 30, 2024
When I look back on the experience of reading M. Laszlo’s novel On the Threshold, the first description that comes to mind is obscure. From the first page, the book throws up obstacles to comprehension. It appears to be set in Scotland, but the local inhabitants include a German philosopher and an American devotee of film theory. Mundane occurrences interweave with bizarre transformations. Symbols abound. Nature offers a marvelous and terrible mirror to humanity, as philosopher-engineer Fingal T. Smythe struggles to understand the secrets of the universe.
I really had no idea what was going on. I skirted the edge of losing my patience. Still, I kept reading, until the very end, savoring the imagery and gradually relinquishing any expectation of clarity. Why? Because the second adjective I’d apply to On the Threshold is original, and in this world of copy-cat books, I’m a sucker for originality.
There are no tropes in sight here. There’s no way to predict what will happen next. Indeed, the traditional structural elements of a novel make only a casual appearance. Nevertheless, there’s something fascinating about this book.
The narrative swerves from absurd to ecstatic, banal to poetic. There are inspiring as well as deeply disturbing images. There’s also the thread of a love story, enduring over decades, linking the protagonists when continents separate them.
So did I enjoy On the Threshold? The word “enjoy” seems a bit weak for this book. I found it surprising, challenging, often frustrating, occasionally illuminating. The author had a vision, I think, one that he was determined to capture in prose despite its slippery nature.
In the Afterword, M. Laszlo mentions that On the Threshold got its start during a poetry workshop. When I read that, things made more sense. The book, like a good poem, has multiple levels and arresting contradictions. As is the case with many poems I read, I’m not sure what it means. Like many poems, the author drops hints. It’s up to the reader to follow the clues.
I really had no idea what was going on. I skirted the edge of losing my patience. Still, I kept reading, until the very end, savoring the imagery and gradually relinquishing any expectation of clarity. Why? Because the second adjective I’d apply to On the Threshold is original, and in this world of copy-cat books, I’m a sucker for originality.
There are no tropes in sight here. There’s no way to predict what will happen next. Indeed, the traditional structural elements of a novel make only a casual appearance. Nevertheless, there’s something fascinating about this book.
The narrative swerves from absurd to ecstatic, banal to poetic. There are inspiring as well as deeply disturbing images. There’s also the thread of a love story, enduring over decades, linking the protagonists when continents separate them.
So did I enjoy On the Threshold? The word “enjoy” seems a bit weak for this book. I found it surprising, challenging, often frustrating, occasionally illuminating. The author had a vision, I think, one that he was determined to capture in prose despite its slippery nature.
In the Afterword, M. Laszlo mentions that On the Threshold got its start during a poetry workshop. When I read that, things made more sense. The book, like a good poem, has multiple levels and arresting contradictions. As is the case with many poems I read, I’m not sure what it means. Like many poems, the author drops hints. It’s up to the reader to follow the clues.
March 13, 2024
Buckle up for a mind-bending journey through the cosmos with "On the Threshold" by M. Laszlo! Step into the shoes of Fingal T. Smyth, a Scottish explorer of the unknown, whose thirst for unraveling the universe's secrets leads him down a perilous path.
In a daring occult-science experiment, Fingal unleashes a projection of his own consciousness, hoping to glean profound truths. But what emerges is beyond his wildest nightmares—a fiery avatar brimming with primal urges and a sinister agenda. As this enigmatic figure threatens to engulf everything in its path, Fingal faces a race against time to quell the flames of destruction.
Spanning decades and brimming with historical references, "On the Threshold" seamlessly weaves together the threads of imagination and reality. Prepare to be immersed in a world where the boundaries of science and mysticism blur and the darkest corners of the mind come alive.
Laszlo's vivid prose paints a tapestry of sights, sounds, and sensations, transporting readers to familiar and fantastical realms. From the crackling intensity of burning embers to the whispers of bygone eras, every page is alive with imagery that leaps off the page.
But beware: amidst the intricate plot and richly drawn characters, it's easy to lose oneself in the labyrinth of the narrative. Keep a notepad handy to chart your course through this captivating odyssey.
For fans of historical science fiction, "On the Threshold" is a must-read. So, dive in and let your imagination soar to new heights—it's an adventure you won't soon forget!
I read the book through my Kindle Unlimited subscription. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Read a guest post from the author, an excerpt, and learn more about the book on my website: https://ginaraemitchell.com/on-the-th...
In a daring occult-science experiment, Fingal unleashes a projection of his own consciousness, hoping to glean profound truths. But what emerges is beyond his wildest nightmares—a fiery avatar brimming with primal urges and a sinister agenda. As this enigmatic figure threatens to engulf everything in its path, Fingal faces a race against time to quell the flames of destruction.
Spanning decades and brimming with historical references, "On the Threshold" seamlessly weaves together the threads of imagination and reality. Prepare to be immersed in a world where the boundaries of science and mysticism blur and the darkest corners of the mind come alive.
Laszlo's vivid prose paints a tapestry of sights, sounds, and sensations, transporting readers to familiar and fantastical realms. From the crackling intensity of burning embers to the whispers of bygone eras, every page is alive with imagery that leaps off the page.
But beware: amidst the intricate plot and richly drawn characters, it's easy to lose oneself in the labyrinth of the narrative. Keep a notepad handy to chart your course through this captivating odyssey.
For fans of historical science fiction, "On the Threshold" is a must-read. So, dive in and let your imagination soar to new heights—it's an adventure you won't soon forget!
I read the book through my Kindle Unlimited subscription. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Read a guest post from the author, an excerpt, and learn more about the book on my website: https://ginaraemitchell.com/on-the-th...
January 15, 2025
“On the Threshold” by M. Laszlo is the tale of Fingal T. Smyth’s search for the meaning of life using multiple modalities and approaches. His travels and experiments may have wide-reaching effects that could change the world.
This book is a blend of metaphysical contemplation and science fiction/fantasy. It’s written in a stream of consciousness fashion as the main character travels the world and meets various people. I think there should be trigger warnings as there are both suicides and an uncomfortable obsession with immolation. Philosophical ponderings are intertwined with glimpses of various facets of society, from multiple countries and cultures. Sobering look at the challenges of survival even as the narrator seems to always have enough money to tinker and to move from place to place. The author seems focused on tastes, smells, cats, young girls, and obscure facts that all combine to form a background to his search for and efforts to control his inner self and attempt to solve the riddle of the universe. There are a lot of quirky characters that come and go, as well as allusions to things that only a select group will know, including things like test patterns that used to occupy the airtime of television that didn’t—gasp—have 24/7 programming.
This was a difficult read for me, but it is definitely thought-provoking and made me reflect on the difficulties of communicating with each other. I felt that Fingal is a bit condescending to the adult women in his life, and quite a few of the events required a significant suspension of disbelief, but I enjoyed the lyrical descriptions of the different locations visited and the reminders of things from our common pasts.
A copy of this title was provided for review
This book is a blend of metaphysical contemplation and science fiction/fantasy. It’s written in a stream of consciousness fashion as the main character travels the world and meets various people. I think there should be trigger warnings as there are both suicides and an uncomfortable obsession with immolation. Philosophical ponderings are intertwined with glimpses of various facets of society, from multiple countries and cultures. Sobering look at the challenges of survival even as the narrator seems to always have enough money to tinker and to move from place to place. The author seems focused on tastes, smells, cats, young girls, and obscure facts that all combine to form a background to his search for and efforts to control his inner self and attempt to solve the riddle of the universe. There are a lot of quirky characters that come and go, as well as allusions to things that only a select group will know, including things like test patterns that used to occupy the airtime of television that didn’t—gasp—have 24/7 programming.
This was a difficult read for me, but it is definitely thought-provoking and made me reflect on the difficulties of communicating with each other. I felt that Fingal is a bit condescending to the adult women in his life, and quite a few of the events required a significant suspension of disbelief, but I enjoyed the lyrical descriptions of the different locations visited and the reminders of things from our common pasts.
A copy of this title was provided for review
December 18, 2024
I was granted complimentary access to On the Threshold by M. Laszlo as part of my participation in a blog your for this title with Goddess Fish Promotions. Thank you to all involved in affording me this opportunity! My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.
I really enjoyed reading all of the first person/inner monologue sections from protagonist Fingal, both for his fascinating interests and drive and for his charmingly amusing Scottish turn of phrase. The synopsis promises such a unique and interesting story, and combined with the eye-catching cover art, I just had to give it a chance. I do say it gets there in fulfilling the promise of the synopsis, but as other reviewers have noted the story does take quite a while to get there. I feel like the big name SFF authors I like to listen to for writing advise would have flipped through this as a manuscript and immediately started talking about pruning the cast and POVs.
This book is truly original, and that alone is quite praise worthy these days. It's poetic, too, in a bit of a chaotic way. I wish I could have read it as a beta reader rather than a post-publication reviewer, so that I could ask questions that might have influenced clarity in a further draft. It does leave me interested in revisiting this author's new work in the future, and I would recommend this book to fans of the subgenre who have the patience see the plot through.
I really enjoyed reading all of the first person/inner monologue sections from protagonist Fingal, both for his fascinating interests and drive and for his charmingly amusing Scottish turn of phrase. The synopsis promises such a unique and interesting story, and combined with the eye-catching cover art, I just had to give it a chance. I do say it gets there in fulfilling the promise of the synopsis, but as other reviewers have noted the story does take quite a while to get there. I feel like the big name SFF authors I like to listen to for writing advise would have flipped through this as a manuscript and immediately started talking about pruning the cast and POVs.
This book is truly original, and that alone is quite praise worthy these days. It's poetic, too, in a bit of a chaotic way. I wish I could have read it as a beta reader rather than a post-publication reviewer, so that I could ask questions that might have influenced clarity in a further draft. It does leave me interested in revisiting this author's new work in the future, and I would recommend this book to fans of the subgenre who have the patience see the plot through.
January 2, 2025
What an unusual read, but in a good way. I loved the MC named Fingal who is trying to figure out Plato's teachings in his life. I loved that beginning chapter with Fingal in Scotland and fighting a beast within himself. The language that Fingal speaks is interesting to the reader also, I love personally reading books with other languages interwoven within the stories.
Fingal's story takes place in the past in the early 1900s and he is based in the Scottish Highlands. Fingal is trying to use a machine he invents that takes all of his knowledge and learning and it converts it into a burning man form. The form however is not receptive to talking to or answering Fingal's questions/concerns as he is trying to hurt people and manipulate them into doing horrible and bad things against humankind. So, Fingal must follow the man and try to keep him from hurting people.
I thought the storyline was a bit odd to read as the book kind of reads like a dream or story. But that is not always a bad thing. In this book we have many descriptions of smells, sights, and more that can't help you interweave yourself into the story. So that was a great way to get your readers engrossed! I would say it is definitely a sci-fi read and if you like the genre odds are you will find yourself liking this book!
Fingal's story takes place in the past in the early 1900s and he is based in the Scottish Highlands. Fingal is trying to use a machine he invents that takes all of his knowledge and learning and it converts it into a burning man form. The form however is not receptive to talking to or answering Fingal's questions/concerns as he is trying to hurt people and manipulate them into doing horrible and bad things against humankind. So, Fingal must follow the man and try to keep him from hurting people.
I thought the storyline was a bit odd to read as the book kind of reads like a dream or story. But that is not always a bad thing. In this book we have many descriptions of smells, sights, and more that can't help you interweave yourself into the story. So that was a great way to get your readers engrossed! I would say it is definitely a sci-fi read and if you like the genre odds are you will find yourself liking this book!
March 12, 2024
In On The Threshold, we follow Scottish Scientist, Fingal, on his quest to study and prove Plato's theory of innate knowledge.
In order to fulfil this obsession, Fingal uses a machine of his own invention as he accesses the deepest regions of his unconscious mind and In doing so, let's loose his mind in the form of a burning man.
Fingal is unable to control the burning man who sets off on his own burning journey of manipulation. So Fingal must set off across the world to stop his burning man subconscious from destroying mankind.
This is quite a strange novel, but for me, a strange in a good way. It's full of weird characters with an even weirder storyline.
I found it took me a little while to really get into the story, but from there it absolutely took off on a journey of strangely weird discovery in this peculiar world.
I read this in two sittings and must say, I loved it.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
In order to fulfil this obsession, Fingal uses a machine of his own invention as he accesses the deepest regions of his unconscious mind and In doing so, let's loose his mind in the form of a burning man.
Fingal is unable to control the burning man who sets off on his own burning journey of manipulation. So Fingal must set off across the world to stop his burning man subconscious from destroying mankind.
This is quite a strange novel, but for me, a strange in a good way. It's full of weird characters with an even weirder storyline.
I found it took me a little while to really get into the story, but from there it absolutely took off on a journey of strangely weird discovery in this peculiar world.
I read this in two sittings and must say, I loved it.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
March 4, 2024
Plato believed in the idea of innate knowledge. The theory that every human being possesses knowledge and understanding within them that is not gained through experience. He believed that true learning was not about acquiring new information, but instead remembering the knowledge that already exists within us.
In On The Threshold, Laszlo’s mad-cap scientist Fingal, accidentally unleashes his “innate knowledge” on an unexpecting world.
This book will take you down the rabbit hole – and maybe a little further. It takes a certain kind of brain to untangle and understand the loops and threads of stories throughout, and it’s certainly not a easy read. Honestly, it was a little too tangled for me, personally. Definitely recommended for anyone who likes a thrilling, crazy and downright weird fantasy, with science and philosophy bundled in for more fun and confusion.
In On The Threshold, Laszlo’s mad-cap scientist Fingal, accidentally unleashes his “innate knowledge” on an unexpecting world.
This book will take you down the rabbit hole – and maybe a little further. It takes a certain kind of brain to untangle and understand the loops and threads of stories throughout, and it’s certainly not a easy read. Honestly, it was a little too tangled for me, personally. Definitely recommended for anyone who likes a thrilling, crazy and downright weird fantasy, with science and philosophy bundled in for more fun and confusion.
March 6, 2024
An interesting read!
Sucked in by the blurb on this I was excited to dive head first into this world that Laszlo created around his main character Fingal, a scientist who is testing out an experiment that is defiantly on the crazier side. I must say I was entrapped within this tale from the second I picked it up! This authors unique writing style will have you going in circles while also learning interesting facts as you go along.
While this was a novel that I devoured I did find myself with many questions when I put it down. This is a very thought provoking read that will leave you wanting to dive more into the studies around innate knowledge. This is a unique book with quirky characters and an even quirkier plot and I will definitely be recommending this to anyone who likes out there reads that take you down a rabbit whole and leave you wondering!
Sucked in by the blurb on this I was excited to dive head first into this world that Laszlo created around his main character Fingal, a scientist who is testing out an experiment that is defiantly on the crazier side. I must say I was entrapped within this tale from the second I picked it up! This authors unique writing style will have you going in circles while also learning interesting facts as you go along.
While this was a novel that I devoured I did find myself with many questions when I put it down. This is a very thought provoking read that will leave you wanting to dive more into the studies around innate knowledge. This is a unique book with quirky characters and an even quirkier plot and I will definitely be recommending this to anyone who likes out there reads that take you down a rabbit whole and leave you wondering!
January 8, 2025
This was probably one of the oddest books I've read, and I love strange fiction. It takes a bit to get into the story, which is why I knocked off a star, as the opening makes you feel like you're walking into a movie halfway through with only the description to base your understanding on. The characters are interesting and strange, and the descriptions while vivid at times seemed a bit haphazard. Laszlo certainly has a unique writing style, and the further in I got to the story, the more curious I became. I honestly think that's what kept me turning pages, my curiosity about what surreal thing would happen next. I'm honestly not sure what to compare this to, other than a fever dream or strange trip. If you're looking for something that isn't quite like other fiction out there, then you'll want to read this.
December 9, 2023
The premise of On the Threshold had me instantly captivated. As a reader with a strong STEM background, I was hooked on the prospect of a novel that focused on solving the riddle of the universe, the cosmos, and the meaning of life.
Unfortunately, this novel fell short for me.
From the beginning, I found it difficult to get into. The story was disjointed and hard to follow, the pacing was inconsistent, and the characters felt two dimensional. For as interesting an idea as this was, I was never invested and, as a result, did not care for the story.
That being said, I still believe the idea behind this novel is incredible. It’s evident that there is so much thought put into the concepts that surround it, and the story holds immense promise.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC!
Unfortunately, this novel fell short for me.
From the beginning, I found it difficult to get into. The story was disjointed and hard to follow, the pacing was inconsistent, and the characters felt two dimensional. For as interesting an idea as this was, I was never invested and, as a result, did not care for the story.
That being said, I still believe the idea behind this novel is incredible. It’s evident that there is so much thought put into the concepts that surround it, and the story holds immense promise.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC!
March 23, 2024
I found that reading this novel is like, Alice in Wonderland, where Fingal T. Smyth meets many bizarre characters and places trying to figure out his Theory about Plato, but sometimes I wonder if Smyth and some of the characters are just delusional because they act in the most unusual manner, and I was very flustered with the encounters. They see things that aren't there and have conversations that are just out of this world. And yes there is an entity that comes out of Fingal but the interaction with Fingal is just unrealistic.
I finished the story because you never know what will happen in the end and Fingal does discover what he's looking for but I found the story to bizarre for me.
I want to thank BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for an advance copy of this bizarre book.
I finished the story because you never know what will happen in the end and Fingal does discover what he's looking for but I found the story to bizarre for me.
I want to thank BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for an advance copy of this bizarre book.
June 5, 2024
There is a proverb that says: ‘he who grasps at too much loses everything', and I think it applies very well to this novel, which intrigued me at first, then unnerved me, and in the end dramatically bored me. The author does nothing but grasp at straws as he fills his prose with allegories that are very difficult to understand, and meanwhile loses the characters along the way after overloading them with excessive importance. One wishes that at some point the fire creature of omniscience would make a bonfire of everything, without of course forgetting the author.
January 25, 2024
This was a very interesting book as it was unlike anything I had ever read previously. Thought provoking and interesting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2024
The creativity in this book is unmatched. Laszlor is so descriptive. With that being said, I'm not sure I knew what was going on...at any point? This was a very strange read.
thank you net galley, Laszlo, & the publisher for the arc!
thank you net galley, Laszlo, & the publisher for the arc!
May 25, 2025
I appreciate the creativity of the author....but I was left confused from the get go.
Unfortunately, I can't recommend this one.
Unfortunately, I can't recommend this one.
February 29, 2024
Thankyou literallyPR for sending me a copy of this book for an honest review.
This book is an experience. It takes you on a surreal journey. When I read the blurb of this book I was so excited to get it and start reading!
You are following Fingal and he manages to make a projection of his innate knowledge.
I loved that we got to explore different countries in this book but my favourite setting was at Scotland because I love the dark atmosphere.
I don’t usually go for this genre but if you love surrealist, historical literature then I’m sure you will love this because it is done so well.
This book is an experience. It takes you on a surreal journey. When I read the blurb of this book I was so excited to get it and start reading!
You are following Fingal and he manages to make a projection of his innate knowledge.
I loved that we got to explore different countries in this book but my favourite setting was at Scotland because I love the dark atmosphere.
I don’t usually go for this genre but if you love surrealist, historical literature then I’m sure you will love this because it is done so well.
September 27, 2024
While there were parts of On the Threshold that I liked there were far more parts that I didn’t understand or knew what was happening. I was confused about what was real and what wasn’t. Was it all a figment of a man’s imagination? Was it just how he chose to see it? Was it his way of interrupting how he saw it?
Fingal T. Smyth was a fine Scotsman who wanted to know the answers to the universe. He studies Plato's most extraordinary ideas. He conducted tests of all sorts to see if his ideas were real.
Fingal’s mind was a little discombobulating to me. Although I did enjoy the burning man he left me with many unanswered questions. I also liked the little girl and her thinking she would turn into a leopard one day.
On the Threshold was most definitely unlike anything I have read before. I am still not sure how I feel about it. I do think On the Threshold would be a great read for others.
Grab a copy of On the Threshold today!
Fingal T. Smyth was a fine Scotsman who wanted to know the answers to the universe. He studies Plato's most extraordinary ideas. He conducted tests of all sorts to see if his ideas were real.
Fingal’s mind was a little discombobulating to me. Although I did enjoy the burning man he left me with many unanswered questions. I also liked the little girl and her thinking she would turn into a leopard one day.
On the Threshold was most definitely unlike anything I have read before. I am still not sure how I feel about it. I do think On the Threshold would be a great read for others.
Grab a copy of On the Threshold today!
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