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Dive: a short story
A young woman uses her supernatural abilities to find her parents' killer.
36 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2014
67 people want to read
About the author
Kory M. Shrum
53 books647 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Kory M. Shrum has published more than thirty books, including the bestselling Shadows in the Water series.
She hosts two podcasts—Who Killed My Mother?, a true-crime podcast about her mother’s tragic death, and A Well Cared For Human, focused on practical strategies for wellbeing and personal transformation.
She also publishes poetry under the name K.B. Marie.
When not writing, speaking, or pursuing one of her 300 hobbies, she can usually be found under thick blankets with snacks. The kettle is almost always on.
She lives in Michigan with her equally bookish wife, Kim, and their rescue dog, Max.
She hosts two podcasts—Who Killed My Mother?, a true-crime podcast about her mother’s tragic death, and A Well Cared For Human, focused on practical strategies for wellbeing and personal transformation.
She also publishes poetry under the name K.B. Marie.
When not writing, speaking, or pursuing one of her 300 hobbies, she can usually be found under thick blankets with snacks. The kettle is almost always on.
She lives in Michigan with her equally bookish wife, Kim, and their rescue dog, Max.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 7, 2014
Short stories can be hard to review. How much can you say about a brief work without giving the whole thing away? Luckily Kory M. Shrum's horror short "Dive" offers a lot to chew over.
The story jumps between "then" and "now." This constant switching provides a neat counterpoint to the reality faced by Lou, Shrum's complicated protagonist, whose strange gift might be termed "here and there." I can't say much more about this without seriously spoiling the fun. So, I'll move on to Lou herself. When we first meet her, she's a terrified child with no idea how to handle the secret that's tearing up her existence. Her mother tries to empathize, but she really doesn't understand Lou's problem. She can't. Lou's father, however, understands all too well. Contrast this lost child to present-day Lou, a hardened, angry woman relentless in her pursuit of a vicious drug lord. Shrum takes us back and forth in time, filling in the life experiences that have transformed Lou from prey into predator.
In the end, the drug lord isn't Lou's biggest antagonist. She is. Lou has to decide what kind of person she wants to be. Watching as she makes this choice is the scariest part of the entire story. Considering what leads up to it, that's saying a lot.
Lou and the world Shrum has created for her could easily carry a full-length novel or series of novels. I hope Shrum has plans in that direction. But even if she doesn't, "Dive" stands strong all by itself.
The story jumps between "then" and "now." This constant switching provides a neat counterpoint to the reality faced by Lou, Shrum's complicated protagonist, whose strange gift might be termed "here and there." I can't say much more about this without seriously spoiling the fun. So, I'll move on to Lou herself. When we first meet her, she's a terrified child with no idea how to handle the secret that's tearing up her existence. Her mother tries to empathize, but she really doesn't understand Lou's problem. She can't. Lou's father, however, understands all too well. Contrast this lost child to present-day Lou, a hardened, angry woman relentless in her pursuit of a vicious drug lord. Shrum takes us back and forth in time, filling in the life experiences that have transformed Lou from prey into predator.
In the end, the drug lord isn't Lou's biggest antagonist. She is. Lou has to decide what kind of person she wants to be. Watching as she makes this choice is the scariest part of the entire story. Considering what leads up to it, that's saying a lot.
Lou and the world Shrum has created for her could easily carry a full-length novel or series of novels. I hope Shrum has plans in that direction. But even if she doesn't, "Dive" stands strong all by itself.
April 13, 2014
I don't usually read short stories because I generally find them unsatisfying - not long enough to really give me the story I'm looking for - but I made an exception in this case and here's why.
I loved Dying for a Living by Kory M. Shrum so much that when I heard she'd published a short story I was eager to take another little foray inside her head
I immediately bought my copy.
The blurb does not do this story justice and could use a little beefing up, but Kory does not disappoint.
Dive is the story of Lou - a young woman who is terrified of water and horrifically discovers it is a transport mechanism for her. She lives in fear of it until the day her parents are murdered. From that point on she learns to use that ability to seek revenge.
It IS a short story. Much shorter than I would have liked, purely because it is great. In spite of its brevity it does have a feeling of satisfying completion. It is part horror, part suspense, part fantasy and completely enjoyable.
I do hope Kory plans more for Lou and I'm keeping my eye out for further publications from her.
I loved Dying for a Living by Kory M. Shrum so much that when I heard she'd published a short story I was eager to take another little foray inside her head
I immediately bought my copy.
The blurb does not do this story justice and could use a little beefing up, but Kory does not disappoint.
Dive is the story of Lou - a young woman who is terrified of water and horrifically discovers it is a transport mechanism for her. She lives in fear of it until the day her parents are murdered. From that point on she learns to use that ability to seek revenge.
It IS a short story. Much shorter than I would have liked, purely because it is great. In spite of its brevity it does have a feeling of satisfying completion. It is part horror, part suspense, part fantasy and completely enjoyable.
I do hope Kory plans more for Lou and I'm keeping my eye out for further publications from her.
April 8, 2014
This may have only been 36 pages long, but holy hell what a punch! I've read it twice now because I found it so delicious. It completely appealed to my paranormal penchant as well as my desire for someone wreaking his/her revenge.
I was actually envious of the power Lou has, once she had a hold of how to use it. I like how it is emotion based and can be guided by your thought. I am longing for more books in this world, exploring her powers, exploring where they lead her, and if her vengeance brought her the peace of mind she thought it would. I certainly was satisfied as the reader as it completely appease the secret viciousness I apparently hold within. Who knew?
I read the story twice in a row because I enjoyed it so much. I put it down after the first read, thought about it all day, and had to re-read it again the next night.
This was my second book I've read by Kory M Shrum and all I have to say is: Please, Ms. Shrum, keep them coming. Keep. Them. Coming.
I was actually envious of the power Lou has, once she had a hold of how to use it. I like how it is emotion based and can be guided by your thought. I am longing for more books in this world, exploring her powers, exploring where they lead her, and if her vengeance brought her the peace of mind she thought it would. I certainly was satisfied as the reader as it completely appease the secret viciousness I apparently hold within. Who knew?
I read the story twice in a row because I enjoyed it so much. I put it down after the first read, thought about it all day, and had to re-read it again the next night.
This was my second book I've read by Kory M Shrum and all I have to say is: Please, Ms. Shrum, keep them coming. Keep. Them. Coming.
April 14, 2014
Engaging. Poignant. Thought-provoking. Kory M. Shrum’s short story Dive is an exhilarating exploration of what it means to be consumed by single-minded purpose. Shrum never fails to keep the plot twisting and turning and pushing forward, even as it alternates between past and present. And, as we’d expect from her, there’s plenty of supernatural suspense and surprises. But her writing is at its best when exploring the tender moments between parent and child, and the dark depths of human nature. Dive is an above average read and well worth your time. I look forward to reading more of her work, and believe the best is yet to come.
April 5, 2014
Strange superpowers and a taste for vengeance... Lou is a darkly addictive heroine! Shrum brings her to life in this quick and gritty read, artfully spinning the past and present together into a supercharged finale. I really hope to see Lou again in the near future!
April 8, 2014
excellent short story
lots of stuff in a few pages. the opposite of the bloated trend.
main character would make an excellent one for a collection of stories.
well done!
lots of stuff in a few pages. the opposite of the bloated trend.
main character would make an excellent one for a collection of stories.
well done!
April 9, 2014
Dive is a attention binding short story that is quick to read, and easily hooked on.
April 25, 2014
It is official. I will read anything that Kory Shrum writes. I loved this short story just as much as I loved her first novel. She is imaginative and original, of course, but what I love is that her writing style hooks you on the first page. You immediately connect with the characters and want to know more about them. And you feel a loss when you finish the story when all you want to know is what happens next.
September 13, 2014
Holy Moly, i wasn't expecting that from the title. A short story that I'm gonna call a little soccer punch of a number. Quick to read and easily gets you hooked as the story switches between the "Then" and "Now" of Lou's life, and her quest for vengeance. Another very imaginative, highly addictive story from the unbelievable mind of Shrum. I don't know how she comes up with these story plots, but i hope she keeps them coming.
May 1, 2014
coming soon
July 14, 2015
Loved it. So much potential for further character and series development. Kory Shrum is definitely among my handful of "must read" authors.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews