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Chameleon
Epic tale of a mysterious man in search of peace, love and eternal answers. An acid trip frenzy that delivers color and intensity the whole way. Think a David Lynch movie meets Stephen King "Wastelands" with a hint of Chuck Palahniuk. Download this massive story. You will not be disappointed.
26 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 26, 2020
4 ½ Stars
Upward and through its neck, the de-virginized pitchfork tasted blood for the first time, penetrating through the beast’s neck out the other side. So perturbed and shocked, the dying beast angrily convulsed upon the barn’s now sticky ground, pulling at the embedded pitchfork before snapping its handle and dying with the three prongs permanently lodged within and through its jugular. I waited several minutes in silence, viewing the motionless beast’s body, truly wanting to believe it was dead and that it would not rise again; but are we ever in the clear? The beast was truly dead, but what was next? What other danger and adversity was peering around corner, waiting to sabotage all innocence and peace? I rose, stretching my tension-filled joints and muscles, making my way to the barn’s doorway. The catastrophic storm had subsided and it was time for me to move on.
Chameleon by Layden Robinson is such a multilayered and complex piece of work. To begin with I really wasn’t sure where this was leading, but I soon got the message. I honestly think it is one of Mr. Robinson's best pieces of work, even though it is a very short novelette it had the impact of a much larger volume of work.
This definitely made me think and had me wrapped up in the story, reading avidly to see where it would end. Woven wonderfully well, textured with emotion, intrigue, tension, underlying meaning, struggles, battling demons, facing fears, insights, discovery, and much more.
This story deserves to be read. I found it to be quite a powerfully evocative piece of work.
Kudos!!!
Thank you, Layden Robinson!
Upward and through its neck, the de-virginized pitchfork tasted blood for the first time, penetrating through the beast’s neck out the other side. So perturbed and shocked, the dying beast angrily convulsed upon the barn’s now sticky ground, pulling at the embedded pitchfork before snapping its handle and dying with the three prongs permanently lodged within and through its jugular. I waited several minutes in silence, viewing the motionless beast’s body, truly wanting to believe it was dead and that it would not rise again; but are we ever in the clear? The beast was truly dead, but what was next? What other danger and adversity was peering around corner, waiting to sabotage all innocence and peace? I rose, stretching my tension-filled joints and muscles, making my way to the barn’s doorway. The catastrophic storm had subsided and it was time for me to move on.
Chameleon by Layden Robinson is such a multilayered and complex piece of work. To begin with I really wasn’t sure where this was leading, but I soon got the message. I honestly think it is one of Mr. Robinson's best pieces of work, even though it is a very short novelette it had the impact of a much larger volume of work.
This definitely made me think and had me wrapped up in the story, reading avidly to see where it would end. Woven wonderfully well, textured with emotion, intrigue, tension, underlying meaning, struggles, battling demons, facing fears, insights, discovery, and much more.
This story deserves to be read. I found it to be quite a powerfully evocative piece of work.
Kudos!!!
Thank you, Layden Robinson!
February 17, 2016
This is the third finished publication of Layden Robinson's I have read and it has now become even more clear to me that this author's imagination is roaming free on every topic. I won't go making any other assumptions here, but I like how every line, every paragraph, every page and every story has a contradicting aspect of beauty and ugliness, of realism and fantasy, of philosophical ponderings and point blank vulgarity.
Here's a sentence I really liked from "Chameleon"
Nothing comes from destroying sandcastles of solace that were created as a symbol of love. Nothing comes from negativity. Nothing comes from wickedness.
Sure, the themes and style might not be everyone's cup of tea, but in "Chameleon" I felt as if I was taken on a strange journey. The writing appealed to me in so many ways, even if it did make me uncomfortable and cringe- I still felt as if so much of real humans was put into each idea by doing some close observation. Not to mention the fact that when surroundigs were described- yeah, I could totally picture them, live into it.
If for no other reason, if you're afraid of taboos- let this story pull you in for the sake of experiment. I doubt you will be bored! :)
Here's a sentence I really liked from "Chameleon"
Nothing comes from destroying sandcastles of solace that were created as a symbol of love. Nothing comes from negativity. Nothing comes from wickedness.
Sure, the themes and style might not be everyone's cup of tea, but in "Chameleon" I felt as if I was taken on a strange journey. The writing appealed to me in so many ways, even if it did make me uncomfortable and cringe- I still felt as if so much of real humans was put into each idea by doing some close observation. Not to mention the fact that when surroundigs were described- yeah, I could totally picture them, live into it.
If for no other reason, if you're afraid of taboos- let this story pull you in for the sake of experiment. I doubt you will be bored! :)
September 8, 2014
I am really uncertain how to write this review. This is one of the most unique books I have ever read. I am sure if I like it or not to be honest. It is very short but engrossing. At times I was a little unsure of what was going on. Then in other parts Mr. Robinson wrote thought provoking and original. This is a one of a kind book.
December 26, 2016
Have you ever read a book and taken away from it something that no one else seemed to? Have you ever re-read that story and found yourself digging behind the printed words for the secret meaning? Layden Robinson’s CHAMELEON reads exactly as the title suggests. The story almost seems to morph from page to page and reading to reading. What is this? A horror story? A fantasy? A dream interpretation? Is it the despair of one person come alive or a journey to the light for that person?
Be prepared to actually “feel” the characters come to life. Walk into each page as if you are there. Follow one man’s search for what we all seek, peace, hope, love and serenity all while wondering where this is going next?
Probably not mainstream reading, but certainly intriguing, in just a few pages Layden Robinson will trap your mind into a loop of mysteries as you seek to ferret out your own interpretation. The plot and the answers are not easily followed and found, unless you open yourself to a style of reading that is both edgy and enlightening.
I received this copy from Layden Robinson in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: May 20, 2014
Publisher: Layden Robinson
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Page Count: 26 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Be prepared to actually “feel” the characters come to life. Walk into each page as if you are there. Follow one man’s search for what we all seek, peace, hope, love and serenity all while wondering where this is going next?
Probably not mainstream reading, but certainly intriguing, in just a few pages Layden Robinson will trap your mind into a loop of mysteries as you seek to ferret out your own interpretation. The plot and the answers are not easily followed and found, unless you open yourself to a style of reading that is both edgy and enlightening.
I received this copy from Layden Robinson in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: May 20, 2014
Publisher: Layden Robinson
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Page Count: 26 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 20, 2019
Layden Robinson is the Picasso of the writing community. Similar to an abstract piece of art, the more you look at the artwork, the more you discover the underlying meaning/message. Layden Robinson’s followers would be pleased to know that ‘Chameleon’ is no exception. ‘Chameleon’ is about a main character (the man) struggling with his demons that is consuming his life. We first met the man as he is held captive by his fear of failure, anxiety, broken love, and depression, that he is unable to leave his home. Determined to conquer his fears, he confronts the demons of his childhood only to end up in the mental ward with other heavily medicated individuals. Held “against their will within a hazy warehouse while listening silently within the shadows to each of their screams and desperate pleas to be set free.” ‘Chameleon’ is a powerful descriptive story of what it feels like for anyone struggling with major chronic depression and the journey they endure to be able to function in society.
March 31, 2020
** I was invited by the author to read his work, for an objective review. I am receiving no kickback for the read or review and read it on Kindle-Unlimited.**
I was really reluctant to read this work, after reading The Havoc Tree. And I have to say that I found that I was pleasantly surprised! While I don't agree with the author comparing the work to Stephen King (I don't actually like King's writing style at all), that's mostly because I don't think anyone should compare themselves or their work with that of another artist. The writing was clean. And I did read it, though I don't care for first-person narratives. I loved the feel of the Protag's persona shaping with the world around it. My chief complaint is that there wasn't enough to it, I wanted an hour or two worth of reading and got 30 minutes.
I am marking down 1 star because it actually wasn't sensual enough, while it read like an epic poem, I want to be shown the world through more senses than words alone. Though if the author publishes a revised or expanded version? I would be thrilled to read it again.
I was really reluctant to read this work, after reading The Havoc Tree. And I have to say that I found that I was pleasantly surprised! While I don't agree with the author comparing the work to Stephen King (I don't actually like King's writing style at all), that's mostly because I don't think anyone should compare themselves or their work with that of another artist. The writing was clean. And I did read it, though I don't care for first-person narratives. I loved the feel of the Protag's persona shaping with the world around it. My chief complaint is that there wasn't enough to it, I wanted an hour or two worth of reading and got 30 minutes.
I am marking down 1 star because it actually wasn't sensual enough, while it read like an epic poem, I want to be shown the world through more senses than words alone. Though if the author publishes a revised or expanded version? I would be thrilled to read it again.
March 15, 2022
This short novella is not a cohesive narrative with a clear plot or characters, but instead a stream-of-consciousness style fever-dream that whisks us through a series of dark and disturbing vignettes.
The overall impression is that of a psychological or moral journey (like Pilgrim’s Progress or a Mitch Albom book, but on acid!), in which philosophical questions – What is our purpose? Why do some die young? – are posed and explored through striking imagery and vivid language choices.
I found the ending a little abrupt, and was left feeling like a passenger on a high-speed, breath-taking rollercoaster when the ride suddenly ends at the station after what feels like mere minutes of adrenaline-fuelled madness.
In short, I had no idea what to make of this story, other than that the writing is compelling and the ideas stay with you. Make of that what you will!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
The overall impression is that of a psychological or moral journey (like Pilgrim’s Progress or a Mitch Albom book, but on acid!), in which philosophical questions – What is our purpose? Why do some die young? – are posed and explored through striking imagery and vivid language choices.
I found the ending a little abrupt, and was left feeling like a passenger on a high-speed, breath-taking rollercoaster when the ride suddenly ends at the station after what feels like mere minutes of adrenaline-fuelled madness.
In short, I had no idea what to make of this story, other than that the writing is compelling and the ideas stay with you. Make of that what you will!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
September 29, 2023
“Chameleon” is narrated in first person from the point of view of a nameless main character. The work itself is broken up into subsections (I wouldn’t even call them chapters), that vary in form from one to the next. One may read like a vignette, where another might read more like a journal entry, and the next like an essay of sorts.
There is some vivid imagery throughout this work, and there are some key moments that I think the author really wanted to focus on writing.
“Chameleon” is something I would expect to read if I had asked a ten year old to write down what happened in his dreams. Don’t tell Charles Booker I said that, but that is effectively what the reader is getting here. The surreal series of events that take place are not really linked together in any meaningful way that would constitute an actual plot, but there are some clues embedded throughout the work that seem to point towards an overall meaning.
Read my full breakdown here:
https://www.livefreeliverich.com/blog...
There is some vivid imagery throughout this work, and there are some key moments that I think the author really wanted to focus on writing.
“Chameleon” is something I would expect to read if I had asked a ten year old to write down what happened in his dreams. Don’t tell Charles Booker I said that, but that is effectively what the reader is getting here. The surreal series of events that take place are not really linked together in any meaningful way that would constitute an actual plot, but there are some clues embedded throughout the work that seem to point towards an overall meaning.
Read my full breakdown here:
https://www.livefreeliverich.com/blog...
January 30, 2019
A darker version of The Five People You Meet In Heaven…?
Have to say that this is one of the strangest books I’ve read in a while, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. At first, I wasn’t sure what I was dealing with here, but it was oddly compelling. It felt as though the author was writing about a dream they’d had, and maybe that is the case.
The writing style is poetic, almost Dickensian in its way, and I found a little hard to follow at times. I felt deep sadness for the main character, as he gave off a terrible sense of loneliness with regretful overtones of a wasted life, but he maintained hope and kept on fighting for what he wanted… once he’d figured out what that was. Perhaps this was about the death of his old life, whilst awaiting emergence of the new.
I would recommend it to those with a similar imagination to mine – a tad weird with a side of mystic.
Have to say that this is one of the strangest books I’ve read in a while, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. At first, I wasn’t sure what I was dealing with here, but it was oddly compelling. It felt as though the author was writing about a dream they’d had, and maybe that is the case.
The writing style is poetic, almost Dickensian in its way, and I found a little hard to follow at times. I felt deep sadness for the main character, as he gave off a terrible sense of loneliness with regretful overtones of a wasted life, but he maintained hope and kept on fighting for what he wanted… once he’d figured out what that was. Perhaps this was about the death of his old life, whilst awaiting emergence of the new.
I would recommend it to those with a similar imagination to mine – a tad weird with a side of mystic.
August 1, 2019
This is a short collection that I will be reading again. I felt the author painted beautifully brief narratives, and was able to pull the reader in quickly and tease them just enough before moving on. This left me wanting more. I wanted more after every stanza, and more at the end. This is good though, as it pulls you through the work, and that is what you want a good story to do. His wording is on point. I almost hate mentioning that the only thing I did not like was the few uses foul language. Not that I find issues with the use of such language, but I think the author is talented enough and his story told well enough that it doesn’t need them. Bravo.
March 17, 2019
I like Layden Robinson's type of writing. It has this poetic feel that, to me, makes him stand out from other authors. Although I did not enjoy this book as much as "Stroll of Reality", it made me more eager to read his other book that I have in my library!
trad.: Eu gosto do estilo de escrita do Layden Robinson. Tem um certo toque poético que, para mim, o faz destacar-se de outros autores. Ainda que não tenha apreciado tanto este livro como o "Stroll of Reality", serviu para me aguçar o apetite para o seu outro livro que tenho na minha biblioteca!
trad.: Eu gosto do estilo de escrita do Layden Robinson. Tem um certo toque poético que, para mim, o faz destacar-se de outros autores. Ainda que não tenha apreciado tanto este livro como o "Stroll of Reality", serviu para me aguçar o apetite para o seu outro livro que tenho na minha biblioteca!
February 25, 2021
This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read! A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this short story to any and all who are looking for a fiction enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. ¡Great book!
September 26, 2019
Unusual to say the least.
This is one of the oddest pieces of writing I've read in a while. It's dense, meandering, a little like stream-of-consciousness prose from the 1920s and 30s, or reminiscent of J D Salinger. It would have benefited from tighter editing. Read it if you're looking for something completely different or experimental in approach
This is one of the oddest pieces of writing I've read in a while. It's dense, meandering, a little like stream-of-consciousness prose from the 1920s and 30s, or reminiscent of J D Salinger. It would have benefited from tighter editing. Read it if you're looking for something completely different or experimental in approach
January 6, 2017
This was...an odd read. Very good, though.
March 2, 2017
I was given this one in exchange for an honest review and I'm not sure how to write a review. It was...weird. You follow a man on his journey in search of love as he goes from a small shack, to the woods, to a house, back to the woods, a train I think?, something that sounded like a city, and then you reach the end.
The story was all over the place. Some of the "chapters" (in quotes since they were really short) I really enjoyed and wished they were longer. However, my biggest issue with this story was the use of adjectives. In some places the detailed description fit and in others it felt repetitive and unnecessary.
That being said I am now intrigued by this author and will definitely be picking up more of his work.
The story was all over the place. Some of the "chapters" (in quotes since they were really short) I really enjoyed and wished they were longer. However, my biggest issue with this story was the use of adjectives. In some places the detailed description fit and in others it felt repetitive and unnecessary.
That being said I am now intrigued by this author and will definitely be picking up more of his work.
May 12, 2016
Chameleon is a standalone short by Layden Robinson that is as surreal and trippy as his short story collection, Breathe, though it is more cohesive and compelling from my perspective. It is a magical journey of discovery-a quest, if you will, that is perhaps partly dream and partly reality, or maybe entirely acid trip. Regardless, it is an adventure that challenged the main character at every turn and did the same with me the reader. Demons, the devil, loss, tragedy, hope, peace, and redemption are things that come to mind here, though interpretations will vary. This isn’t an easy story to review or even describe, except perhaps as an enchanting fever dream that pokes and prods at you because as soon as you think you have a fix on where it is going, it jars you and changes course. The pace is brisk but the taste of each section, or compartment of this short story, leaves a taste on your mouth, whether it be bitter or a vague hint of sweetness. And then the taste changes when you turn the page once more.
July 3, 2016
Chameleon by Layden Robinson
A short quick read of tales, more read like prose, all read as tales of horror… whether they are metaphor for an internal look at himself or to entertain his audience, I would like to think he has done so rather well…
The one that stands out most enjoyable to me was “With a Storm, Comes Turbulence” a somewhat graphic and vampiric tale with an “uncomfortable” ending for the would be hero… Just when you think that worst is over…
If you are a fan of prose, horror, and short stories, Chameleon by Layden Robinson fits all three categories well.
A quick read for a rainy night.
A short quick read of tales, more read like prose, all read as tales of horror… whether they are metaphor for an internal look at himself or to entertain his audience, I would like to think he has done so rather well…
The one that stands out most enjoyable to me was “With a Storm, Comes Turbulence” a somewhat graphic and vampiric tale with an “uncomfortable” ending for the would be hero… Just when you think that worst is over…
If you are a fan of prose, horror, and short stories, Chameleon by Layden Robinson fits all three categories well.
A quick read for a rainy night.
April 30, 2016
This was amazing. A beautifully scary/weird acid trip where the destination is uncertain and that doesn't bother you at all. Leaping from scene to scene it's evolution in fast forward. Are you a man who dreamed he was an insect, or and insect who dreamed he was man? At least that's what I got from it.
Read
February 9, 2016This is the second book that I have had the privilege of reading from Layden Robinson. His way of writing this book is different to what I usual read.... I love it!!!...The words just flowed off of the page.
I really enjoyed this book. I would highly recommend this.
I really enjoyed this book. I would highly recommend this.
December 14, 2017
Poetic and macabre
Very interesting and a unique short story of a lifelong search for love and the never ending struggles along the way. The tone is macabre reality though everything is illusive, drawing in the reader to deeper level. I enjoyed the read.
Very interesting and a unique short story of a lifelong search for love and the never ending struggles along the way. The tone is macabre reality though everything is illusive, drawing in the reader to deeper level. I enjoyed the read.
March 26, 2017
With darkness there may be some light
This book is short and delivers a good story. The reader can be easily distracted with obscure information, and some lines or even sections should be read repeatedly to not lost track of the story. The reader can look at this as life looked at through reality or life looked at metaphorically, either way, this is a journey in itself, and the story brings in reader into a darkness that may be a drug/alcohol induced trip.
This book is short and delivers a good story. The reader can be easily distracted with obscure information, and some lines or even sections should be read repeatedly to not lost track of the story. The reader can look at this as life looked at through reality or life looked at metaphorically, either way, this is a journey in itself, and the story brings in reader into a darkness that may be a drug/alcohol induced trip.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews