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Blue Lights in a Jar
A villain called the Shepherd has lost one of his flock, a soul who he has collected and has stuffed in a jar, placing it in his room in Purgatory. A kind-hearted, plump fellow named Vergil is the flock's only hope not only to escape the Shepherd, but to find the way to Heaven. Follow along as the world shifts into odd scenery of the afterlife where one encounters the dead - but not long forgotten.
166 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2013
About the author
Brick Marlin
25 books153 followersAt an early age Brick Marlin was exposed to horror and science fiction. He soon became an avid reader and enjoyed stories written by Edgar Allen Poe and W. W. Jacobs. His other favorite tales were written by Stephen King, Clive Barker, Ray Bradbury, J. B. Stamper—which he still to this day recollects her terrifying tale “The Furry Collar”—Kurt Vonnegut, Dean Koontz, Charles Dickens, Harper Lee, H.G. Wells, etc. Not long after did he decide to write horror, sci-fi and dark fantasy he began scaring readers such as his parents, his friends, a handful of neighbors, and even leaving a few school teachers scratching their heads wondering if the boy should be committed or not. His very first book was written when he was 9—a mere 100 words, if that, written on index cards and bound together with yarn—which was a follow-up to the movie Rikki Tikki Tavi. From then on short story ideas continued to visit. A book idea or two sometimes stopped by for a sit. And gathering the craft of world building and characterization by posing as a Dungeon Master while playing hours and hours of the game Dungeons and Dragons fed his need. When 2007 arrived, he decided to pursue writing professionally and was able to have The Darkened Image published. Brick Marlin has published 13 novels, over 25 short stories, including a few which has shown up in anthologies such as Dystopian Express released by Hydra Publications.
Nowadays Brick Marlin loves to cast himself as an introvert when writing, staving off the outside world by hiding out in his office. The only thing which sometimes break the invisible force field is the dreaded literary gremlin and its miserable clan of misfits. If you see one, you know there’s more around. Much like that cockroach you notice when you open the kitchen draw of utensils and find out that cockroach has just birthed cockroach babies.
And the best thing to do in those circumstances are to feed the literary creatures Extra Sour Apple-Flavored Fizzle, Pop & Explode Candies Extreme Fizz Series One.
Unless of course you have cockroaches. Then you’ll need an exterminator.
Nowadays Brick Marlin loves to cast himself as an introvert when writing, staving off the outside world by hiding out in his office. The only thing which sometimes break the invisible force field is the dreaded literary gremlin and its miserable clan of misfits. If you see one, you know there’s more around. Much like that cockroach you notice when you open the kitchen draw of utensils and find out that cockroach has just birthed cockroach babies.
And the best thing to do in those circumstances are to feed the literary creatures Extra Sour Apple-Flavored Fizzle, Pop & Explode Candies Extreme Fizz Series One.
Unless of course you have cockroaches. Then you’ll need an exterminator.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 21, 2015
I didn't know what to expect when I started to read this book.
I received a pdf copy from the author through first reads. He included Blue Lights in a Jar along with the book that originally caught my attention, Bonus!
Blue Lights in a Jar is hard to categorize, it takes religious tenants and explores them in a slightly skewed way. Kind of like the old Twilight Zone. Concepts like Purgatory, Death and Heaven were central to a suspenseful story. The characters were engaging and sympathetic. Though not preachy it was somewhat of a morality tale. It is a well crafted story, action oriented with twists and turns I didn't see coming. Characters to root for, and against.
Unlike the other book I've read by this author, Blue Lights in a Jar was not gruesome. It was still unsettling and spooky in its way, but not terror filled. More of a thinkers spooky. It made me think about my life and what awaits me in the afterlife.
I thoroughly enjoyed Blue Lights in a Jar and recommend it to anyone who likes to think while they read. Not deep philosophical thoughts, but as the comedian used to say; "Things that make you go hmm".
Mike Siedschalg
I received a pdf copy from the author through first reads. He included Blue Lights in a Jar along with the book that originally caught my attention, Bonus!
Blue Lights in a Jar is hard to categorize, it takes religious tenants and explores them in a slightly skewed way. Kind of like the old Twilight Zone. Concepts like Purgatory, Death and Heaven were central to a suspenseful story. The characters were engaging and sympathetic. Though not preachy it was somewhat of a morality tale. It is a well crafted story, action oriented with twists and turns I didn't see coming. Characters to root for, and against.
Unlike the other book I've read by this author, Blue Lights in a Jar was not gruesome. It was still unsettling and spooky in its way, but not terror filled. More of a thinkers spooky. It made me think about my life and what awaits me in the afterlife.
I thoroughly enjoyed Blue Lights in a Jar and recommend it to anyone who likes to think while they read. Not deep philosophical thoughts, but as the comedian used to say; "Things that make you go hmm".
Mike Siedschalg
July 1, 2015
This was my first book by Mr.Marlin I have read and I would like to say I am quite impressed. I read some of the reviews here about the dialogue and speech. I enjoyed it. I didn't find that there was to much or to little. When I read it, I read it as if it were a comic book or a play. I pictured the characters in my head and who would be the actors if they were to be casted in a movie. I read it thinking about all of this and decided that Brick is right, Tim Burton would do a heck of a job on this book as a movie.
I was really impressed on the idea of souls being placed in jars for cleansing , how there was different sections of death that a person goes through and not just the typical heaven and hell that you always hear. I have traveled around a bit, myself, and have explored many different cultures and religions. When something this unique pops up in a book that I am reading it peaks my interest.
When you read a book and you feel as if you are trapped in the pages after you are done, to me that is a good read.
I will definitely be reading his other works really soon!
Kudos Mr. Marlin!
I was really impressed on the idea of souls being placed in jars for cleansing , how there was different sections of death that a person goes through and not just the typical heaven and hell that you always hear. I have traveled around a bit, myself, and have explored many different cultures and religions. When something this unique pops up in a book that I am reading it peaks my interest.
When you read a book and you feel as if you are trapped in the pages after you are done, to me that is a good read.
I will definitely be reading his other works really soon!
Kudos Mr. Marlin!
June 21, 2014
Blue Lights In A Jar, how can I encapsulate it?
If you are Catholic, or raised Catholic, this will speak to a basal part of you.
Kind of reminded me of the hall of souls. But the adventure was so bittersweet. From young to old and back again. And all beings in between. I guess what I mean to say, if you believe in more than heaven, hell and earth, you really should read this.
There are no absolutes in life. And if you think that merely praying gets you into heaven, you might want to think again. There is some religion in this story, and some real life fears. And some things that might shatter all you ever thought.
Overall, a compelling good read, that I will read again at a later date. I feel there is more to this story than meets the eye.
If you are Catholic, or raised Catholic, this will speak to a basal part of you.
Kind of reminded me of the hall of souls. But the adventure was so bittersweet. From young to old and back again. And all beings in between. I guess what I mean to say, if you believe in more than heaven, hell and earth, you really should read this.
There are no absolutes in life. And if you think that merely praying gets you into heaven, you might want to think again. There is some religion in this story, and some real life fears. And some things that might shatter all you ever thought.
Overall, a compelling good read, that I will read again at a later date. I feel there is more to this story than meets the eye.
February 23, 2013
I think I have a new favorite writer. This is the second book written by Brick Marlin that I have read and each book has taken me on a journey that I was not expecting. Just when I think I know what is going to happen next, it doesn't. It makes you want to keep reading just to see what is waiting right around the corner, or flip of the page.
July 19, 2014
First off, I'd like to the thank Brick Marlin and Good Reads for a pdf of the book. I finished the book but kept forgetting to write my review so here is my long overdue review of "Blue Lights in a Jar".
This was the first book I've read from the author and so I didn't really know what to expect and ended up pleasantly content with this book. The story follows the main characters through Purelife, afterlife and everywhere in between which made it feel like an Alice in Wonderland adventure to me, but with ghosts and things chasing after her. I'm not a religious person at all, so I ended up looking up those references he makes in the book, but that's just me, you can still enjoy the book without doing so. When the story takes off it tends to move quickly but pauses occasionally to look at some ghosts that Vergil and Charlie encounter, but only for a short moment and the two are off again. I really enjoyed following Vergil and Charlie on their adventure and the cast of ghosts they come across even if none of the ghost' stories are talked about in depth, they add a pop of color to the story. The only thing I didn't like about the book was Vergil's super passive attitude. There are moments when he does break free and does something but I find myself urging him to stand up for himself or to do something or to say something that's not "oh" or "Alight" or just anything. Charlie, on the other hand, was very animated and was clearly the one in charge of this journey which was a good balance to Vergil. It is a short book and a fast read so I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to try a new genre or is debating whether or not to read this book. Just go for it!
This was the first book I've read from the author and so I didn't really know what to expect and ended up pleasantly content with this book. The story follows the main characters through Purelife, afterlife and everywhere in between which made it feel like an Alice in Wonderland adventure to me, but with ghosts and things chasing after her. I'm not a religious person at all, so I ended up looking up those references he makes in the book, but that's just me, you can still enjoy the book without doing so. When the story takes off it tends to move quickly but pauses occasionally to look at some ghosts that Vergil and Charlie encounter, but only for a short moment and the two are off again. I really enjoyed following Vergil and Charlie on their adventure and the cast of ghosts they come across even if none of the ghost' stories are talked about in depth, they add a pop of color to the story. The only thing I didn't like about the book was Vergil's super passive attitude. There are moments when he does break free and does something but I find myself urging him to stand up for himself or to do something or to say something that's not "oh" or "Alight" or just anything. Charlie, on the other hand, was very animated and was clearly the one in charge of this journey which was a good balance to Vergil. It is a short book and a fast read so I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to try a new genre or is debating whether or not to read this book. Just go for it!
July 3, 2013
Like many people, I have at one time or another had my dream-life taken over by an extraordinary chase. Being chased through a variety of terrains--starting with extrapolations on the familiar but gradually becoming bizarre. Life and death are at stake, but as in most dreams, the specifics are more fluid than what would be encountered in the day-to-day on solid ground.
Brick Marlin understands the dream very well. The through-the-dark-night chase is the basis for this book--in fact, the plot structure is taken over by the chase. Marlin draws the chase out creatively, with just a little bit of homage to Dante's "Purgatorio" but more of a road-trip log where a bureaucratic portrait of sin-cleansing has been corrupted and our heroes have no reasonable option but to run for the sake of their bodies and souls.
The pacing is very good. The potentially thorny spiritual concerns are handled gingerly but without falling into a lot of the potential pitfalls. There are a couple of times when the apparent attempt at mixing in some extended character interactions is dragged down with tired dialogue (which is also unfortunately similar in voice between the very dissimilar souls on the run). These, plus some regional phrases and grammatical oddities, point to how a fresh eye in the editing process would've improved "Blue Lights in a Jar" quite a bit. But Marlin has succeeded at his Big Game--getting the reader involved in a guileless protagonist being thrown into rapidly changing scenes and oft-suspenseful levels of disturbance and danger.
Brick Marlin understands the dream very well. The through-the-dark-night chase is the basis for this book--in fact, the plot structure is taken over by the chase. Marlin draws the chase out creatively, with just a little bit of homage to Dante's "Purgatorio" but more of a road-trip log where a bureaucratic portrait of sin-cleansing has been corrupted and our heroes have no reasonable option but to run for the sake of their bodies and souls.
The pacing is very good. The potentially thorny spiritual concerns are handled gingerly but without falling into a lot of the potential pitfalls. There are a couple of times when the apparent attempt at mixing in some extended character interactions is dragged down with tired dialogue (which is also unfortunately similar in voice between the very dissimilar souls on the run). These, plus some regional phrases and grammatical oddities, point to how a fresh eye in the editing process would've improved "Blue Lights in a Jar" quite a bit. But Marlin has succeeded at his Big Game--getting the reader involved in a guileless protagonist being thrown into rapidly changing scenes and oft-suspenseful levels of disturbance and danger.
February 1, 2015
I enjoyed this book for the most part. The story line itself was extremely interesting and unique - it has a new take on the afterlife which was great.
I only had a few problems with it.
One thing I noticed is that there's too much dialogue - a lot of it seemed unnecessary; huge chunks of conversation could have been left out and the story would still play out exactly the same. I guess it's what you would consider "fluff".
Also, this book has a strange sense going on where it feels like the story is dragging on and nothing's happening while simultaneously moving way too fast making the sense of time in the story very confusing. It causes a bit of a dizzying sensation.
The last thing is the characters in this book. There wasn't really much depth to them, or rather they didn't have much of a personality. The portrayal of Wendy's character was okay (not perfect, but pretty good). But to me, it seemed like all of the other people in this book had the exact same personalities, which shouldn't be the case because they're all clearly completely different people with different backgrounds and experiences. Their characters just weren't portrayed in enough detail for me to really get who they were.
Other than those three things though, this was a really good book. I read the whole thing in one day, so it's definitely enjoyable.
Despite the small problems I had with it and the fact that this just seemed like a one-time read for me, I would still definitely recommend this book to everyone. I would actually love to see this story turned into a movie!
I only had a few problems with it.
One thing I noticed is that there's too much dialogue - a lot of it seemed unnecessary; huge chunks of conversation could have been left out and the story would still play out exactly the same. I guess it's what you would consider "fluff".
Also, this book has a strange sense going on where it feels like the story is dragging on and nothing's happening while simultaneously moving way too fast making the sense of time in the story very confusing. It causes a bit of a dizzying sensation.
The last thing is the characters in this book. There wasn't really much depth to them, or rather they didn't have much of a personality. The portrayal of Wendy's character was okay (not perfect, but pretty good). But to me, it seemed like all of the other people in this book had the exact same personalities, which shouldn't be the case because they're all clearly completely different people with different backgrounds and experiences. Their characters just weren't portrayed in enough detail for me to really get who they were.
Other than those three things though, this was a really good book. I read the whole thing in one day, so it's definitely enjoyable.
Despite the small problems I had with it and the fact that this just seemed like a one-time read for me, I would still definitely recommend this book to everyone. I would actually love to see this story turned into a movie!
July 27, 2014
E-copy from Author for Review
Vergil is a kind hearted man living day to day as best as he can with his wife Amy. She believes that they both need to diet and exercise since they both are overweight. But like most humans he is tempted by chocolate and candy especially while grocery shopping for healthy foods.
He first meets Charlie who appears as a kid in the produce department at the grocery store. Charlie appears to be in trouble as he is running around an aisle chased by a man. Later on Vergil encounters Charlie on the road in a parked car.
Vergil the sweetheart that he is rescues Charlie and in doing so ends being chased as well. He finds that he is chased into the world of Purgatory as his soul ends up being captured in a jar for evil uses.
The Keeper of Purgatory has a secret fetish of not releasing all the souls that is sent to him and has manage to keep quite a bit along the way for his own personal use. One which was Charlie as he somehow managed to break free and landed back on Earth and now he wants Charlie back.
We move into the worlds of good and evil where nothing is quite black and white and yes there is even bureaucracy involve along the way. Even after awhile people aka robots can get become power hungry.
It is the never ending fight between good and evil and those who judge along the way. An interesting fast paced story that you quickly get caught up in.
Vergil is a kind hearted man living day to day as best as he can with his wife Amy. She believes that they both need to diet and exercise since they both are overweight. But like most humans he is tempted by chocolate and candy especially while grocery shopping for healthy foods.
He first meets Charlie who appears as a kid in the produce department at the grocery store. Charlie appears to be in trouble as he is running around an aisle chased by a man. Later on Vergil encounters Charlie on the road in a parked car.
Vergil the sweetheart that he is rescues Charlie and in doing so ends being chased as well. He finds that he is chased into the world of Purgatory as his soul ends up being captured in a jar for evil uses.
The Keeper of Purgatory has a secret fetish of not releasing all the souls that is sent to him and has manage to keep quite a bit along the way for his own personal use. One which was Charlie as he somehow managed to break free and landed back on Earth and now he wants Charlie back.
We move into the worlds of good and evil where nothing is quite black and white and yes there is even bureaucracy involve along the way. Even after awhile people aka robots can get become power hungry.
It is the never ending fight between good and evil and those who judge along the way. An interesting fast paced story that you quickly get caught up in.
July 28, 2014
Vergil gave me the impression of a child. He is kind-hearted, yet never quite learns to stick up for himself. He did manage to assert himself in a few situations, then quickly reverts to his old self. Charlie is the take-charge character in this tale. You can tell from the beginning that he knows much more than what his age reveals.
This is such an interesting story line! The afterlife is a tricky place and the author has provided an imaginative addition to some of the more popular theories as to what happens to us when our time is up. I really enjoy the newness of a new tale.
The plot really moved along and never lagged or got dull. Something was always happening. Events moved quickly, similar to the way a real crisis would, and as to the characters, they were definitely in a crisis.
The book had an air of a YA novel, yet it a scene that could have gotten steamy, except the characters were interrupted before it got to that point.
Overall, it was a good read. I would happily let my kids read it.
This is such an interesting story line! The afterlife is a tricky place and the author has provided an imaginative addition to some of the more popular theories as to what happens to us when our time is up. I really enjoy the newness of a new tale.
The plot really moved along and never lagged or got dull. Something was always happening. Events moved quickly, similar to the way a real crisis would, and as to the characters, they were definitely in a crisis.
The book had an air of a YA novel, yet it a scene that could have gotten steamy, except the characters were interrupted before it got to that point.
Overall, it was a good read. I would happily let my kids read it.
August 10, 2014
I had a feeling I would love this author and I did. Marlin is a intricate writer. He weaves a tale that is an amazing ride. This book was a fascinating take on what the afterlife is like. I was drawn in by the characters who are as detailed and rich as the plot itself. Vergil was so relatable. I found myself truly caring about what would be come of Vergil. The Shepherd was a good and creepy character. I liked that it was a story of good and evil but nothing is quite what you think or expect it to be. It is truly a case of, I think, there is so much more going on then anyone can imagine. Action Packed, Imaginative, Suspenseful and all around great read. Highly Recommend.
July 18, 2014
*Ebook edition from author*
Slow at first until like into 30 pages of the book,the thing with him and his wife should of been taken out a little bit.With that being said overall I liked reading this book and found it interesting view of the afterlife.I give it three stars! :)
Slow at first until like into 30 pages of the book,the thing with him and his wife should of been taken out a little bit.With that being said overall I liked reading this book and found it interesting view of the afterlife.I give it three stars! :)
March 29, 2013
Another good book by Mr. Marlin. I found the way the characters interacted and spoke to eachother a little off. Other than that, I really enjoyed the book!
April 2, 2013
Good read, new prospective on afterlife.
June 18, 2014
Overall I liked reading this book and found it to be an interesting view of the afterlife. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family.
July 20, 2014
I really liked this story! It was different and had a good story line. I just wish Vergil had learned to stand up to Wendy a little more lol.
April 10, 2015
A good, fast paced read that starts right up and keeps on going. A fun story with some twists in store.
July 17, 2014
I liked it,, and the very violent way of Randy was perfect, good job Brink.
September 26, 2026
Blue Lights in a Jar Perfect for Your Collection!
Brick Marlin has penned a fun supernatural thriller that keeps the reader coming back for more. Reading about Vergil and Charlie was fun, and Randy was definitely a villain I loved to hate. I will be sure to check out more of Author Marlin's works!
Brick Marlin has penned a fun supernatural thriller that keeps the reader coming back for more. Reading about Vergil and Charlie was fun, and Randy was definitely a villain I loved to hate. I will be sure to check out more of Author Marlin's works!
August 2, 2026
This novel boasts genuinely striking cover art that sets a wonderfully eerie mood, and while it starts off a bit slow and leans into some heavy religious themes that weren't quite to my personal taste, there is still plenty of atmospheric charm here for readers looking for a unique supernatural spin.
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July 17, 2014Review to come
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