Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Dull Fire: A novel

Rate this book
Imagine a world where all terrestrial life suddenly vanishes, except for those airborne at the time. This is the tantalizing starting point for a novel that grips readers from the first page. Sebald, a complex and mysterious figure, lands in this inexplicable new world and is faced with the challenges of survival and leadership.

“If anything, it’s a destructive tendency, I have,” said Sebald. “I should stop, but if only they’d open this place already. I thought the gates of hell were supposed to be open night and day. First port of call is the cubicle to see if I can’t get this brain of mine more focussed on the important objective of doing some discreet rooting and tooting on dance floor in-between bouts of indiscreet shaking and raking.”


Journey back to Buenos Aires where Sebald's connections with the humble Jérémie and the enchanting Blanche are forged. Follow their separate but intertwined paths through post-apocalyptic landscapes. Experience Jérémie's harrowing captivity in Bolivia and his fight back to civilization, all under the constant shroud of thick clouds that now cloak the Earth.

Explore a barely inhabited Paris, under Sebald's tenuous rule, and witness the desperate struggles over food, shelter, and control in this brave new world. Choose your the preservationists living on tinned food and memories of the past or the pioneers venturing west, seeking sunlight and a fresh start.

Feel the tension in Blanche and Sebald's fractured relationship, tortured by guilt, trauma, and conflicting desires. Discover the tragic beauty of Jérémie's semi-isolation and his slow, absurd rapprochement with his past companions.

As the story unfolds through fragmented storytelling, it becomes a thrilling exploration of the human condition, filled with suspense, emotion, and philosophical pondering. With its richly drawn characters, gripping plot, and profound themes of captivity, survival, and human connection, this novel is not just a tale of a world reborn but a mirror reflecting our own deepest fears and hopes.

If you are drawn to the thrilling, the thought-provoking, and the deeply human, don't miss the chance to dive into this unforgettable narrative. The final macabre scene is a poignant reminder of our fragility and resilience, leaving readers to ponder long after turning the last page. Experience a literary journey like no other, where every page is a new frontier, and the only limit is your imagination.

Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2023

2 people want to read

About the author

Mel Vil

9 books59 followers
*clears throat*

i write about what makes us human: the good, the bad, and the ugly gestalt.

i write from an artist's perspective, building narrative around aesthetic and symbols.

there's a lot of tragic heros, toxic peers and other stock you love to hate.

what's key, however, is that you feel their pain, and take a break from yours.

the dull fire
buenos aliens
inside insight
the heart worm
lies and hypocrisy

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1 (100%)
4 stars
0 (0%)
3 stars
0 (0%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 of 1 review
Profile Image for David Miller.
Author 2 books154 followers
October 4, 2023
There is nothing dull about this fantasy sci-fi read; it introduces us to characters that are three dimensional and relatable; has a fantastic plot line with twists and turns around every corner. the dialogue is superb. Kudos to this author and I recommend
Displaying 1 of 1 review