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The God Cycle #2.5
Catching Spiders
This short story is a perfect introduction to the style and intrigue of The God Cycle trilogy. The story takes place between book two and three of The God Cycle, but it is a spoiler-free stand-alone.
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Something ancient and deadly has come to Paris—and wouldn’t you know, it happens to love jazz.
Simón, a former piano prodigy turned addict, escaped an affectionless childhood to eke out a living by slinging drinks in the best jazz club in Paris, his existence made tolerable by the wonderful music that surrounds him.
His drug-dazed mind is thankful for the programmed alarms in his smartwatch. Without those he would not just be consistently late for work—he would probably forget to show up at all. He is less pleased the day his watch starts commenting on other aspects of his life. He especially dislikes when it tells him he is going to die.
- - -
Something ancient and deadly has come to Paris—and wouldn’t you know, it happens to love jazz.
Simón, a former piano prodigy turned addict, escaped an affectionless childhood to eke out a living by slinging drinks in the best jazz club in Paris, his existence made tolerable by the wonderful music that surrounds him.
His drug-dazed mind is thankful for the programmed alarms in his smartwatch. Without those he would not just be consistently late for work—he would probably forget to show up at all. He is less pleased the day his watch starts commenting on other aspects of his life. He especially dislikes when it tells him he is going to die.
25 pages, ebook
Published March 1, 2024
13 people want to read
About the author
J. Cornelius
3 books47 followersJ. Cornelius is the award-winning author of Remembering Demons, and, Fighting Angels, books one and two of the dark fantasy trilogy, The God Cycle. The highly original premise of the series mixes fantasy, sci-fi, and horror in unpredictable ways.
Besides books, J. Cornelius is a virus researcher (no, not corona) and the father of two beautiful girls and a boy for whom looks are too early to tell. He has also been a bartender, a food oil sommelier, a singer and composer of songs, and an embarrassingly avid dancer of dances.
He greatly enjoys making snaps and following the world of physics and cosmology. Learning about the latter two (possibly all three) has greatly influenced the writing of The God Cycle trilogy.
You can download his free God Cycle short story, 'Catching Spiders', via his website.
Besides books, J. Cornelius is a virus researcher (no, not corona) and the father of two beautiful girls and a boy for whom looks are too early to tell. He has also been a bartender, a food oil sommelier, a singer and composer of songs, and an embarrassingly avid dancer of dances.
He greatly enjoys making snaps and following the world of physics and cosmology. Learning about the latter two (possibly all three) has greatly influenced the writing of The God Cycle trilogy.
You can download his free God Cycle short story, 'Catching Spiders', via his website.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 3, 2024
This was an intriguing short story. I picked it up to get a better sense of the author's style for his main series and I definitely got what is promised in the description for the first book, i.e. Lovecraftian and Black Mirror vibes. It was this mix of surrealism and horror with clear indications of sci-fi elements in the background.
Since I haven't read the main series yet, then I was left with a bunch of unanswered questions, especially with that ending. So now I'm curious to learn more about the world-building hinted at and shown in this story and will definitely be picking up "Remembering Demons" at some point.
Since I haven't read the main series yet, then I was left with a bunch of unanswered questions, especially with that ending. So now I'm curious to learn more about the world-building hinted at and shown in this story and will definitely be picking up "Remembering Demons" at some point.
November 13, 2024
his watch talks to him
April 20, 2024
The perfect teaser that is sure to make you even more curious about the mysteries in this series.
I have already read Remembering Demons, and still I caught myself thinking: is this real, or is this a drug induced psychosis?
The story is really short, only 25 pages and it definitely left me wanting more and on the edge of my seat.
I'm really curious to see how Darryl and Simon's paths will cross in the story and what Simon's part will be in the grand scheme of things.
I have already read Remembering Demons, and still I caught myself thinking: is this real, or is this a drug induced psychosis?
The story is really short, only 25 pages and it definitely left me wanting more and on the edge of my seat.
I'm really curious to see how Darryl and Simon's paths will cross in the story and what Simon's part will be in the grand scheme of things.
April 20, 2025
Having read and loved Remembering Demons by this author last month, I eagerly signed up to their newsletter so that I could hear as soon as book 2 of The God Cycle series was coming to release.
What a joy, when I discovered this bonus prequel novella which accompanies the series.....a great little read to keep us going in the meantime.
In the same vein as Demons, I absolutely loved the air of mystery that accompanied this encounter with The Spark.
Honestly, this won't make much sense if you haven't read the books yet, but it was great to see the Spark pop up again, this time in a much more obvious helpful role.
This was a super short read, but even so, I found it pretty easy to connect with our main characters - even the likes of the old man and Julian, who weren't around for the whole book.
This shows that the characters were all well presented and placed within the story and having finished reading, I really feel like I need to read more about them all.
As strange as the events in this story were, I actually eased straight back into this crazy world with no effort at all.
Maybe that says something about the brilliant writing style - or proves that I'm officially crazy too! 🤣🤷♀️
Either way, I loved this! And cannot wait to get my hands on Fighting Angels asap!
What a joy, when I discovered this bonus prequel novella which accompanies the series.....a great little read to keep us going in the meantime.
In the same vein as Demons, I absolutely loved the air of mystery that accompanied this encounter with The Spark.
Honestly, this won't make much sense if you haven't read the books yet, but it was great to see the Spark pop up again, this time in a much more obvious helpful role.
This was a super short read, but even so, I found it pretty easy to connect with our main characters - even the likes of the old man and Julian, who weren't around for the whole book.
This shows that the characters were all well presented and placed within the story and having finished reading, I really feel like I need to read more about them all.
As strange as the events in this story were, I actually eased straight back into this crazy world with no effort at all.
Maybe that says something about the brilliant writing style - or proves that I'm officially crazy too! 🤣🤷♀️
Either way, I loved this! And cannot wait to get my hands on Fighting Angels asap!
March 9, 2024
I was giving this book by the author, and much approved of the idea of setting the story between book 2 and 3 of The God Cycle before book 2 has even been published, as I expected it to hint at interesting stuff to come without giving too much away.
At the same time I was apprehensive whether the story would be interesting in itself, because in my opinion that is not an easy task. It can end up feeling like a lot of introduction, or something similar to the first book Remembering Demons happening to someone else.
Luckily the author has the same flair for writing short stories, as who I think of as the master of short stories, the amazing Stephen King. Said another way you get interested in the new character and his daily life pretty much immediately, and let's just say stuff not part of a normal daily life slowly starts happening. I also like that it feels like the same universe as Remembering with the kind of stuff that happens, but still fresh and new, because it isn't something we have seen before in a new setting. While I read it I thought it deserved 4 stars, but because the ending surprised me, and at the same time really got me hooked on reading book 2, then it deserves another star.
At the same time I was apprehensive whether the story would be interesting in itself, because in my opinion that is not an easy task. It can end up feeling like a lot of introduction, or something similar to the first book Remembering Demons happening to someone else.
Luckily the author has the same flair for writing short stories, as who I think of as the master of short stories, the amazing Stephen King. Said another way you get interested in the new character and his daily life pretty much immediately, and let's just say stuff not part of a normal daily life slowly starts happening. I also like that it feels like the same universe as Remembering with the kind of stuff that happens, but still fresh and new, because it isn't something we have seen before in a new setting. While I read it I thought it deserved 4 stars, but because the ending surprised me, and at the same time really got me hooked on reading book 2, then it deserves another star.
March 27, 2024
Knowing it was a short story I went in assuming to be “held by the hand” but I was pleasantly surprised with being plunged into the middle of something activating my imagination big time. By the end I just wanted to know more, so this really is a great teaser for adventures that have passed and that is to come.
March 14, 2024
I found "Catching Spiders" to be a moving and intriguing read. Simón's journey, with its blend of psychological depth and supernatural twists, combined with the suspense and exploration of deep themes like fear and identity, personally struck a chord with me. I highly recommend it.
May 18, 2024
I was VERY pleasantly surprised by this short story. Started off as not exactly my thing, but halfway through I was very much all in. The writing style was great and the vibe made me think of Murakami. I can’t wait to get started with Remembering Demons.
February 20, 2025
Ahhhhhhhh... I kinda wanna say that was too short of a short story lol.. I want more lol.. brilliant though! Absolutely love this authors writing style ans the way they describe the scenes and what's happening.. gives me excitable chills.
March 31, 2024
A great read in itself while catching the mood of "remembering demons" perfectly.
April 20, 2024
I recommend this quick read - from longing to visit Paris to giving you the shivers.
October 20, 2025
Spark is amazing. My absolute favourite kind of fictional character - love them. I also really love it when authors completely usualise queerness and don't make it a huge plot point. Finally, the ending was awesome, and I WANT MORE!
Minus half a star (except you can't do half stars here) because it went on about weed, and I'm really not interested in that kind of thing.
Minus half a star (except you can't do half stars here) because it went on about weed, and I'm really not interested in that kind of thing.
September 29, 2025
Catching spiders was a great read and if you have read the first book Remembering demons by the author, you'll find the language and humor very familiar.
This story is set between the second and third book in The God Cycle however as the author points out in the little blurp it's a stand alone story.
This little story about catching spiders, talking to your smart watch and not trusting that it's not because you're too high is a great read.
The smart watch being too smart, especially on the beginning, reminds me of Black Mirror which is a show I love.
However the second half of this story reminds me of some scenes with Death in the show Supernatural.
This short story is really good and even though it's a bridge in a larger story, the author have managed to make it a stand alone story.
I wouldn't mind more stand alone stories from J. Cornelius
This story is set between the second and third book in The God Cycle however as the author points out in the little blurp it's a stand alone story.
This little story about catching spiders, talking to your smart watch and not trusting that it's not because you're too high is a great read.
The smart watch being too smart, especially on the beginning, reminds me of Black Mirror which is a show I love.
However the second half of this story reminds me of some scenes with Death in the show Supernatural.
This short story is really good and even though it's a bridge in a larger story, the author have managed to make it a stand alone story.
I wouldn't mind more stand alone stories from J. Cornelius
October 22, 2025
I read catching spiders after the second book in the god cycle series Fighting Angels.
It's set between book 2 and book 3 ( not yet released) and introduces us to Simon a jazz player (former piano prodigy turned addict) as he starts a shift at the jazz club in Paris.
His morning starts off odd with the introduction of his trusty smart watch which he relies on to remind him of key details throughout the day, what he doesn't see coming is the watch being a little to smart and giving him life advice and words of warning.
This short story looks at chasing demons from a whole new view point and I was guessing about the plot and how it relates to the upcoming book 3 but I'm nice so no spoilers from me.
To truly enjoy the god cycle series this book is a nice little teaser in-between waiting (impatiently) for the next installment.
It's set between book 2 and book 3 ( not yet released) and introduces us to Simon a jazz player (former piano prodigy turned addict) as he starts a shift at the jazz club in Paris.
His morning starts off odd with the introduction of his trusty smart watch which he relies on to remind him of key details throughout the day, what he doesn't see coming is the watch being a little to smart and giving him life advice and words of warning.
This short story looks at chasing demons from a whole new view point and I was guessing about the plot and how it relates to the upcoming book 3 but I'm nice so no spoilers from me.
To truly enjoy the god cycle series this book is a nice little teaser in-between waiting (impatiently) for the next installment.
April 7, 2024
Catching Spiders erupts in a cascade of colourful scenes and other-worldly visions, a cinematic experience, with 3D glasses.
The setting of Paris and its jazz scene entertain and divert attention from puzzling clues- yet finally dissolve into familiar themes and reminiscent images. The other side has burst through the seemingly solid walls of the jazz bar, assailing ordinary, like-able folks, shattering benign reality and taking victims.
Just when the reader settles into a comfortable version of ‘reality’, the lines unfailingly blur. There is the constant interplay of horror, fluid characters and ever-present humour, sparking even in the face of cataclysm.
A thoroughly engrossing read!
The setting of Paris and its jazz scene entertain and divert attention from puzzling clues- yet finally dissolve into familiar themes and reminiscent images. The other side has burst through the seemingly solid walls of the jazz bar, assailing ordinary, like-able folks, shattering benign reality and taking victims.
Just when the reader settles into a comfortable version of ‘reality’, the lines unfailingly blur. There is the constant interplay of horror, fluid characters and ever-present humour, sparking even in the face of cataclysm.
A thoroughly engrossing read!
April 26, 2024
This was a great quick read.
I particularly enjoyed the almost lyrical nature of the prose, which fit well with the theme. I was dragged along much like the audience in this modern allusion to the Pied Piper. As an intro to some of the mysteries of The God Cycle I found this compelling and much in keeping with the general focus on 'Will'.
I'm excited to see what role Simón will play in the books to come.
I particularly enjoyed the almost lyrical nature of the prose, which fit well with the theme. I was dragged along much like the audience in this modern allusion to the Pied Piper. As an intro to some of the mysteries of The God Cycle I found this compelling and much in keeping with the general focus on 'Will'.
I'm excited to see what role Simón will play in the books to come.
April 8, 2025
🕷Sometimes a fear need be defeated, not by courage, but by an even greater fear.🕷
The perfect preview, guaranteed to pique your interest in the series' mysteries.
Well-written, terrifying and compelling.
I eagerly anticipate the second installment of the God Cycle Series.
The perfect preview, guaranteed to pique your interest in the series' mysteries.
Well-written, terrifying and compelling.
I eagerly anticipate the second installment of the God Cycle Series.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews