Inquisition is a futuristic tale of humanity and hubris. An existential parable. It introduces the us to a weary “Assessor” by the name of Rindell, who has begun to not only question his own morality but that of his entire culture as he is assiduously tasked to pass judgment on entire societies based solely on his assessments of their worthiness through the testimonies of unlikely "defendants". This is a story about Man and God and their insatiable quest for one another. Inquisition is the inspiration for Kesting's latest novel: This Garden of Souls! Enjoy this story free at: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Christopher Kesting is the author of three previous novels. His debut novel, the futuristic sci/fi thriller Rubicon Harvest (October 2008) was followed by Thrones for the Innocent (June 2009), a paranormal tale of justice, fate and spiritual faith. His third novel, Envar Island (November 2011), is an epic science-fiction adventure that has also been adapted into an award-winning screenplay and is awaiting possible production.
Mr. Kesting’s non-writing career is as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). He has been practicing anesthesia for nearly 15 years, but writing creatively for as long as he can remember. Chris is originally from the Chicagoland area, but has called western Michigan home for over ten years.
If you haven’t yet read the author’s description, don’t. It’s almost a spoiler to some of the discovery.
For me, the beauty of this story is how it unfolds, almost artfully, taking you in. I liked Rindell from the beginning and was intrigued to know more about his situation. “He seems to stand away from the others and what is this job he’s doing?”
In the first pages, Kesting introduces us to Rindell from an observer’s standpoint…his motions, his body language, and to some degree, his thoughts. But, we also pick up context and elements of plot…the dynamic with his fellow assessors, the authority of the Prime. Then the interview begins and the pace quickens.
The pages whip by as the critical components of the conflict are illuminated. Dialogue is Kesting’s forte. LeDarq is cocky. The interviewer is assured and aggressive. “What did he just admit?” In the end, we are left with more than a few things to think about.
Now knowing, I was compelled to re-read the story. If you try this, you’ll pick up nuances and foreshadowing that didn’t stand out during the first read. Indeed, this story is tight and polished…crafted.
If you’re a fan of The Leading Edge (http://www.leadingedgemagazine.com/), this story would be a perfect fit there. If this is some sort of prelude to Kesting’s newest novel, I’m in!