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Conduit
Mara is a Japanese-American girl with a history of personal tragedy. Though she still cuts herself to quell the pain, she thought the worst was behind her. But her boyfriend's sudden death, and a visit to one of the most haunted places in Washington State, sends her into a spiral of madness, landing her in a psychiatric ward. Already suffering from dreams of a strange, ghost-infested house in the woods, Mara begins to question the very existence of reality. She is forced to confront the truth about her older sister's death and the reason the ghosts have chosen her as their conduit.
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First published September 1, 2014
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About the author
Jennifer Loring
43 books77 followersJennifer Loring's short fiction has been widely published in numerous magazines, webzines, and anthologies. She received an honorable mention in The Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror for her short story “The Bombay Trash Service”, and in 2013 won first place in Crystal Lake Publishing's inaugural Tales from the Lake horror writing competition. Since then, her work has appeared in two Bram Stoker Award-nominated anthologies.
Jennifer completed her PhD in Humanities and Culture with a graduate certificate in Women's and Gender Studies. She also received an MFA from Seton Hill University’s program in Writing Popular Fiction, with a concentration in horror. Jenn lives in Philly with her husband, turtle, and a basset shepherd.
Jennifer completed her PhD in Humanities and Culture with a graduate certificate in Women's and Gender Studies. She also received an MFA from Seton Hill University’s program in Writing Popular Fiction, with a concentration in horror. Jenn lives in Philly with her husband, turtle, and a basset shepherd.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 27, 2014
A Rorschach of electromagnetic waves, nothing more than than pareidolia despite their determination to resolve into faces, into whispers, Raudive voices riding the electronic spectrum. And if she stared long enough, she could almost see....
Not that one. Please, not that.
This was a freaky little book. It's unbelievable how much the author packed into just a few short pages!
It reminded me of the tone of the Ring movie but it's completely fresh and new.
One thing though, don't read it at night when you are home by yourself! Note to self...that was dumb.
I received an arc copy of this book from Netgalley/DarkFuse in exchange for an honest review.
Not that one. Please, not that.
This was a freaky little book. It's unbelievable how much the author packed into just a few short pages!
It reminded me of the tone of the Ring movie but it's completely fresh and new.
One thing though, don't read it at night when you are home by yourself! Note to self...that was dumb.
I received an arc copy of this book from Netgalley/DarkFuse in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2014
4.5 stars
This was my first read by Jennifer Loring, and I was NOT disappointed. This is the story of Mara, a Japanese-American who finds herself dealing with the recent death of her boyfriend. As the lines between reality and dreams become increasingly blurred, Loring fills us in on more of Mara's past--who she is, and what she has been exposed to.
The story is filled with incredible imagery, and the surreal progression really takes ahold of you, drawing you deeper into the storyline. Before I realized it, I had read the first 3/4 of this in a single sitting! I really enjoyed the writing style, and felt myself completely swept away in Mara's "world"--just the kind of feeling you want in a good work of fiction! I will be watching for more from Jennifer Loring in the future.
Recommended!
*I received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
This was my first read by Jennifer Loring, and I was NOT disappointed. This is the story of Mara, a Japanese-American who finds herself dealing with the recent death of her boyfriend. As the lines between reality and dreams become increasingly blurred, Loring fills us in on more of Mara's past--who she is, and what she has been exposed to.
The story is filled with incredible imagery, and the surreal progression really takes ahold of you, drawing you deeper into the storyline. Before I realized it, I had read the first 3/4 of this in a single sitting! I really enjoyed the writing style, and felt myself completely swept away in Mara's "world"--just the kind of feeling you want in a good work of fiction! I will be watching for more from Jennifer Loring in the future.
Recommended!
*I received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
August 3, 2014
If you’re planning on reading Conduits by Jennifer Loring then I have some words of advice, lock yourself away, somewhere where you can’t be disturbed, somewhere you can give it your full attention, savour every word, don't miss even a single word because this is a story you need to appreciate in its full entirety.
Jennifer Loring writes with a style and prose that had me mentally awestruck at times, I don’t say this often but I’m going to read this again and soon because it was an absolute joy and I found myself having to concentrate purely to differentiate between real, nightmare and the mind of someone whose sanity has flung itself off a high-rise.
I highlighted so many portions of text, text that struck me as being poignant, meaningful and hugely substantial, and equally lucid and eloquent to the reader.
I’ll give you a few examples just to make my point, although I know I’m dangerously close to rambling.
‘Rain, the city’s most famous feature, sluiced over the windows. Behind the blinds it resembled long, emaciated fingers reaching down from the roof.’
A tattoo in honour of her lost love.
‘Pain, like snow, cleansed and purified. Mara welcomed the blood, the needles that stung like a thousand wasps in her leg. In this rose, in this scarlet torment, he was hers for eternity. She wouldn't have to cut today. Maybe not ever again.’ And there’s a hell of lot more than that.
Mara is a troubled young Japanese American woman, her boyfriend has recently passed away and coupled with a visit to Mount Rainier forest and one of the most angst ridden haunted places you’re likely to come across. Her susceptible mind and ragged emotional state combine to drive her over the edge of sanity’s path and she finds herself committed to the mental ward where she can no longer cut herself, feel the blood, the release and the ability to breathe again.
We then live through Mara’s nightmares as her sanity fails, back to when it all started, back to her grandfather and Japan, back to her sister. Even to a point where everything you've read so far is called into question and the only thing you can believe is the madness.
The Japanese element of the story was done exceptionally well, a terrifying mythology of ghosts, demons and murder, and the Jukai, a forest haunted by the dead, communicating with the dead.
Conduits was one of those reads that I found hard work in a rewarding kind of way and I’ll certainly be looking out for more from Jennifer Loring but first off, I will definitely reread this.
I received Conduits from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
Jennifer Loring writes with a style and prose that had me mentally awestruck at times, I don’t say this often but I’m going to read this again and soon because it was an absolute joy and I found myself having to concentrate purely to differentiate between real, nightmare and the mind of someone whose sanity has flung itself off a high-rise.
I highlighted so many portions of text, text that struck me as being poignant, meaningful and hugely substantial, and equally lucid and eloquent to the reader.
I’ll give you a few examples just to make my point, although I know I’m dangerously close to rambling.
‘Rain, the city’s most famous feature, sluiced over the windows. Behind the blinds it resembled long, emaciated fingers reaching down from the roof.’
A tattoo in honour of her lost love.
‘Pain, like snow, cleansed and purified. Mara welcomed the blood, the needles that stung like a thousand wasps in her leg. In this rose, in this scarlet torment, he was hers for eternity. She wouldn't have to cut today. Maybe not ever again.’ And there’s a hell of lot more than that.
Mara is a troubled young Japanese American woman, her boyfriend has recently passed away and coupled with a visit to Mount Rainier forest and one of the most angst ridden haunted places you’re likely to come across. Her susceptible mind and ragged emotional state combine to drive her over the edge of sanity’s path and she finds herself committed to the mental ward where she can no longer cut herself, feel the blood, the release and the ability to breathe again.
We then live through Mara’s nightmares as her sanity fails, back to when it all started, back to her grandfather and Japan, back to her sister. Even to a point where everything you've read so far is called into question and the only thing you can believe is the madness.
The Japanese element of the story was done exceptionally well, a terrifying mythology of ghosts, demons and murder, and the Jukai, a forest haunted by the dead, communicating with the dead.
Conduits was one of those reads that I found hard work in a rewarding kind of way and I’ll certainly be looking out for more from Jennifer Loring but first off, I will definitely reread this.
I received Conduits from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
September 12, 2014
Review copy
Jennifer Loring has written a beautiful book looking out from inside the mind of a woman who is hopelessly lost in her own world.
In Conduits, Mara Okubo, is a young woman with a tragic past. Already dealing with the death of her older sister, at her own hands, now, years later, she is faced with the loss of her boyfriend. To make matters even worse, Mara is a cutter.
Her friend, Andrea, has had her committed for her own safety.
"Self-mutilation. Paranoia. Persistent delusions. Possible hallucinations. She could see it now.
'Ms. Okubo, we want to help you--'
'You think I'm schizophrenic don't you?'"
The reader is led to believe there is more going on than just a woman who has lost her mind. Conduits delves into the subjects of lucid dreaming, visits quantum physics, and enters the realm of the paranormal.
Although, I didn't fully understand everything that was going on, I did find the story to be completely satisfying.
Part of the Darkfuse novella series, Conduits, is scheduled for release on September 16th, 2014 through Amazon.com and if you are a Kindle Unlimited subscriber you will be able to read story at no additional charge.
Recommended for fans of more literate horror.
Jennifer Loring has written a beautiful book looking out from inside the mind of a woman who is hopelessly lost in her own world.
In Conduits, Mara Okubo, is a young woman with a tragic past. Already dealing with the death of her older sister, at her own hands, now, years later, she is faced with the loss of her boyfriend. To make matters even worse, Mara is a cutter.
Her friend, Andrea, has had her committed for her own safety.
"Self-mutilation. Paranoia. Persistent delusions. Possible hallucinations. She could see it now.
'Ms. Okubo, we want to help you--'
'You think I'm schizophrenic don't you?'"
The reader is led to believe there is more going on than just a woman who has lost her mind. Conduits delves into the subjects of lucid dreaming, visits quantum physics, and enters the realm of the paranormal.
Although, I didn't fully understand everything that was going on, I did find the story to be completely satisfying.
Part of the Darkfuse novella series, Conduits, is scheduled for release on September 16th, 2014 through Amazon.com and if you are a Kindle Unlimited subscriber you will be able to read story at no additional charge.
Recommended for fans of more literate horror.
November 2, 2014
Mara is struggling with the sudden death of her boyfriend and after visiting a haunted forest her psyche breaks down completely, leading her to be committed for psychiatric evaluation. She must now confront her role in past tragic events as her mind begins to unlock dark memories. Is she imagining the ghostly events that haunt her or is there a purpose to these interactions.
Jennifer Loring writes beautifully, the story flows fluidly even though at times I found it difficult to keep up with the content as she certainly packs a lot into such a short read. The imagery is haunting and is well suited to the dreamlike feel of the novella.
Character wise, Mara is certainly interesting, an unreliable narrator from the beginning you feel completely immersed in her breakdown pondering what is real and what is not. I also thought the use of Japanese mythology was used well to give sharp contrast to Mara's modern westernised lifestyle. Recommended.
November 11, 2014
Mara is a Japanese-American with a history of emotional turmoil. Recovering from the sudden death of her boyfriend, Jason, we are given glimpses into Mara’s personal life. We see how she deals with mental pain in her own, unique, way. We are also shown throughout this riveting novella, scenes from Mara’s childhood and visits to Japan when she still had family living there.
The question this book brings to the forefront is; if reality is what you perceive, who is to say what is REAL?
Jennifer Loring takes us on a surreal journey where these lines often blend into each other. Confusing? Surprisingly, no—the story is so well crafted that while leaving the readers to come up with their own ultimate conclusion, the ending is completely satisfying. Highly recommended!
The question this book brings to the forefront is; if reality is what you perceive, who is to say what is REAL?
Jennifer Loring takes us on a surreal journey where these lines often blend into each other. Confusing? Surprisingly, no—the story is so well crafted that while leaving the readers to come up with their own ultimate conclusion, the ending is completely satisfying. Highly recommended!
October 3, 2019
OH this novella kinda got to me. A close friend of mine is going through grief and so this part of the novel really shook me as it just added to my already soft feelings towards anyone who unfortunately has to go through this (and we all do at some point).
But then we go into this head space where we have no idea if Mara is insane, imagining things or WHAT, and she doesn't seem to know either! I'm not entirely sure what was going on most of the time but I loved the vivid imagery, the creepy factor of being conduits for spirits/ghosts, the underlying Japanese folklore and I definitely feel like I can never cross a river again.
Harrowing, darkly beautiful, sad and emotionally driven - a novella that'll stir the darkness within you.
But then we go into this head space where we have no idea if Mara is insane, imagining things or WHAT, and she doesn't seem to know either! I'm not entirely sure what was going on most of the time but I loved the vivid imagery, the creepy factor of being conduits for spirits/ghosts, the underlying Japanese folklore and I definitely feel like I can never cross a river again.
Harrowing, darkly beautiful, sad and emotionally driven - a novella that'll stir the darkness within you.
August 13, 2014
Metaphysical horror.
I was reminded of study sessions in college for a philosophy seminar dealing with Descartes in which it we discovered that it is impossible to conclusively prove your own existence to another person. (Although beer helps) We can only be convinced ourselves that we (by virtue of the fact that we perceive that we are, in fact, thinking) exist. Everything and everyone else could be a dream.
Although they come from two entirely different schools of thought, both Quantum Physics and the Paranormal come to the conclusion that there is no such thing as an objective “reality.” This concept is also expressed in the Buddhist theory of “emptiness”—that all things lack intrinsic reality. That doesn’t mean that they don’t exist; just that everything is relative to perception. Reality is what you perceive through your senses. It is not the same “reality” as what the person beside you perceives. Both are equally real. Even time is not real—it is merely a framework that we utilize.
This story is like that---we have the internal reality of the main character and the ostensibly external reality of the doctor who is growing more and more alarmed at his inability to explain what is happening to his patient. If her night journeys are, as he believes, all in her mind, then why do the other patients see her walking and why do the orderlies report her bed empty?
Lines are blurred. Reality is slippery.
Perhaps danger is real and the scraping noise behind us that draws closer is actually something that is coming for us. Should we turn around? Does it help to refuse to believe until we feel the hook sink in?
I was reminded of study sessions in college for a philosophy seminar dealing with Descartes in which it we discovered that it is impossible to conclusively prove your own existence to another person. (Although beer helps) We can only be convinced ourselves that we (by virtue of the fact that we perceive that we are, in fact, thinking) exist. Everything and everyone else could be a dream.
Although they come from two entirely different schools of thought, both Quantum Physics and the Paranormal come to the conclusion that there is no such thing as an objective “reality.” This concept is also expressed in the Buddhist theory of “emptiness”—that all things lack intrinsic reality. That doesn’t mean that they don’t exist; just that everything is relative to perception. Reality is what you perceive through your senses. It is not the same “reality” as what the person beside you perceives. Both are equally real. Even time is not real—it is merely a framework that we utilize.
This story is like that---we have the internal reality of the main character and the ostensibly external reality of the doctor who is growing more and more alarmed at his inability to explain what is happening to his patient. If her night journeys are, as he believes, all in her mind, then why do the other patients see her walking and why do the orderlies report her bed empty?
Lines are blurred. Reality is slippery.
Perhaps danger is real and the scraping noise behind us that draws closer is actually something that is coming for us. Should we turn around? Does it help to refuse to believe until we feel the hook sink in?
July 29, 2016
“Because if one cannot reliably distinguish between sleeping and waking, one cannot reliably distinguish between being alive and being dead.”
Mara is struggling with the recent death of her boyfriend and finds herself locked up in the nut house. They call it Primary Depersonalization Disorder. Mara calls it her dreaming reality. Her life has become fragmented. She can’t exactly tell if she is alive or dead, dreaming or awake. She is being summoned by forces she cannot understand to a house where she hopes to find escape. That is, if she does not get trapped there forever.
This is my first read from Jennifer Loring and I really enjoyed it. I was afraid that this one would get to “out there” for me, but Jennifer reeled it in enough that I did not have to worry. The story remained tight and the characters were crisp. I enjoyed the ending and thought it could not have closed out any other way. I really enjoyed the Japanese folk tale of the horimono miko, as well, and it fit the story perfectly. Well done.
Mara is struggling with the recent death of her boyfriend and finds herself locked up in the nut house. They call it Primary Depersonalization Disorder. Mara calls it her dreaming reality. Her life has become fragmented. She can’t exactly tell if she is alive or dead, dreaming or awake. She is being summoned by forces she cannot understand to a house where she hopes to find escape. That is, if she does not get trapped there forever.
This is my first read from Jennifer Loring and I really enjoyed it. I was afraid that this one would get to “out there” for me, but Jennifer reeled it in enough that I did not have to worry. The story remained tight and the characters were crisp. I enjoyed the ending and thought it could not have closed out any other way. I really enjoyed the Japanese folk tale of the horimono miko, as well, and it fit the story perfectly. Well done.
December 30, 2014
An extremely well written novella.
Dark, rich, engaging and some beautiful language.
A fantastic read.
Dark, rich, engaging and some beautiful language.
A fantastic read.
September 19, 2014
Jennifer Loring is an author that you won't soon forget. The story is very well written and spellbinding. I probably enjoy books touching on mental illness more than I should so I may be a little bias but this story is more than that. Is it supernatural or just a brain that is set to self-destruct? It will leave you questioning not only Mara's (the main character) sanity but also your own.
I loved the first 3/4 of this novella. The last part was a little much for me. Overall it was a good read and worth the wait. :)
I loved the first 3/4 of this novella. The last part was a little much for me. Overall it was a good read and worth the wait. :)
August 31, 2020
I enjoyed reading it. The story was interesting enough, and the author managed to create an eerie atmosphere at times. It was good, nearly very good, but not quite there. The ending nearly came off, but just wasn’t powerful enough. Having said that, I enjoyed it and will read more of her work in the future.
January 16, 2016
I received an e-arc of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
Who's crazy here? That's what you'll ask yourself while reading this new novella from Jennifer Loring. Ever wondered what's really real - your dreams or the waking world? This is just one of the the questions Loring explores as her protagonist takes a pain-filled journey through the death of a sister and boyfriend and spends time in a mental institution.
The only monsters here are your own. Highly recommended.
Who's crazy here? That's what you'll ask yourself while reading this new novella from Jennifer Loring. Ever wondered what's really real - your dreams or the waking world? This is just one of the the questions Loring explores as her protagonist takes a pain-filled journey through the death of a sister and boyfriend and spends time in a mental institution.
The only monsters here are your own. Highly recommended.
April 14, 2021
“...through suffering, we become purified. And to suffer for another human being does the noblest thing we can do.”
“Conduits” by Jennifer Loring gets 3.5 out of 5 stars!
This book popped up as a suggestion and the cover (by none other than Kealan Patrick Burke) was striking!
The story drops you at a time of mourning for the main character, Mara. She just lost her boyfriend and mourning with cutting. Mara’s Japanese heritage blends with her American roots blurring her comprehension of reality and dreams. Her family urges her to come to Japan but Mara decides to stay and cope. Her obsession with the paranormal, quantum physics and folklore overwhelm her as she begins to experience odd events but it sends her over the edge after visiting a paranormal hotspot in the woods. In response, her concerned roommate has her committed to a secure mental facility in hopes to help her and avoid further self-harm. Mara questions reality and is forced to face demons from her past.
Broken down into four parts, I devoured the first half or so within an evening but once Mara got committed I felt the story got too convoluted. The Japanese heritage and references appeared before her grandfather’s story. There was no referenced or backstory to any sibling until the doctor brought up her sister’s death which then lead her to recount what happened but I felt there still wasn’t enough detail or depth. Mara was emotionally fragile and was barely being held together so why did the doctor cause more damage with salting a wound she worked so hard on healing through treatment? It was a little disappointing that no mention or help was applied to Mara for her boyfriend’s death but it was rather used as a trigger. The imagery and stories were well written as well as the impact of Mara’s pain and release. This novella is a short read on how one’s mind copes with grief, self-harm and standing at the edge of losing their sanity.
3.5 rounded up to 4 for ratings. Please visit my website or GoodReads account for more reviews! Thank you!
“Conduits” by Jennifer Loring gets 3.5 out of 5 stars!
This book popped up as a suggestion and the cover (by none other than Kealan Patrick Burke) was striking!
The story drops you at a time of mourning for the main character, Mara. She just lost her boyfriend and mourning with cutting. Mara’s Japanese heritage blends with her American roots blurring her comprehension of reality and dreams. Her family urges her to come to Japan but Mara decides to stay and cope. Her obsession with the paranormal, quantum physics and folklore overwhelm her as she begins to experience odd events but it sends her over the edge after visiting a paranormal hotspot in the woods. In response, her concerned roommate has her committed to a secure mental facility in hopes to help her and avoid further self-harm. Mara questions reality and is forced to face demons from her past.
Broken down into four parts, I devoured the first half or so within an evening but once Mara got committed I felt the story got too convoluted. The Japanese heritage and references appeared before her grandfather’s story. There was no referenced or backstory to any sibling until the doctor brought up her sister’s death which then lead her to recount what happened but I felt there still wasn’t enough detail or depth. Mara was emotionally fragile and was barely being held together so why did the doctor cause more damage with salting a wound she worked so hard on healing through treatment? It was a little disappointing that no mention or help was applied to Mara for her boyfriend’s death but it was rather used as a trigger. The imagery and stories were well written as well as the impact of Mara’s pain and release. This novella is a short read on how one’s mind copes with grief, self-harm and standing at the edge of losing their sanity.
3.5 rounded up to 4 for ratings. Please visit my website or GoodReads account for more reviews! Thank you!
April 6, 2018
This novella starts off okay but goes straight downhill once we visit a mental hospital, and I find the plethora of rave reviews on here baffling. Adolescent angst with zero scares and little plot or characterization, while cramming pseudo-philosphy and Japanese folklore into the plot as an attempt to force a resolution that's meant to be heartbreaking and creepy yet falls completely flat. This book features ridiculous lines like:
"He welcomed death. He sought it out, teased it until it outwitted him at last. The bravest people, he said, were the ones who saw life for its futility and opted out of a game no one ever won. Funny, how people like him were called cowards, perhaps because reality was simply too frightening for most people to accept."
"'Were you aware of Ms. Okubo's interest in quantum physics and philosophy?'"
"Cathode rays bombarded the viewers, and in return they flung their psychic, psychotic energies back at the screen. It would explain most reality TV, and if there were any truth to memetic engineering, it also explained the sheer number of people being admitted to wards like this in the first place."
If you're looking for a fun little book with scares or Yokai then look elsewhere.
"He welcomed death. He sought it out, teased it until it outwitted him at last. The bravest people, he said, were the ones who saw life for its futility and opted out of a game no one ever won. Funny, how people like him were called cowards, perhaps because reality was simply too frightening for most people to accept."
"'Were you aware of Ms. Okubo's interest in quantum physics and philosophy?'"
"Cathode rays bombarded the viewers, and in return they flung their psychic, psychotic energies back at the screen. It would explain most reality TV, and if there were any truth to memetic engineering, it also explained the sheer number of people being admitted to wards like this in the first place."
If you're looking for a fun little book with scares or Yokai then look elsewhere.
August 1, 2014
This was the first book I have read by Jennifer Loring. The main character in the story is Mara. Her boyfriend Jason has just died recently. Her and her best friend Andrea are roommates. Mara starts having these strange dreams about this huge spooky estate and Jason on the steps vanishing into the house. Mara has been cutting herself to deal with the loss of her sister and now Jason. Andrea asked Mara if she wants to come with her & Nick and his friend Chris to this house in a forest around Mount Rainer. A lot of urban legend about this area. She figures this is the chance she can start that book she wanted to write. This is when the story takes off. I very much enjoyed reading this story. It had this eerie spooky feel to it when you were reading it. A very well written story and a good ending. I will be looking for more of Jennifer's work in the future. I gave Conduits 4 stars.
I received an e-arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an e-arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2014
This was an interesting rather dark novella that concerned a girl dealing with grief. It was heart wrenching at times just reading what she was going through. The dreams she was having were creepy indeed. But I didn't consider this a horror story to really scare me.
The cover was great and I expected it to be something I wouldn't want to read at night. It was good but I honestly didn't love it. I would definitely give the author another try though. Maybe this just wasn't the story for me at the moment.
If you looking for a quick read, with a some spookiness, this book would be a good choice!
* I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The cover was great and I expected it to be something I wouldn't want to read at night. It was good but I honestly didn't love it. I would definitely give the author another try though. Maybe this just wasn't the story for me at the moment.
If you looking for a quick read, with a some spookiness, this book would be a good choice!
* I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2014
Review: CONDUITS by Jennifer Loring
I started this story expecting classic horror: haunted house, spooky doings, nasty cult hangout, sacred ground. All this came true, but in a sense peripherally; the "haunted property" is not.the focus, but a portal opening into the ways of the dead. Author Jennifer Loring does a tremendous job of eliciting our empathy for a flawed, vulnerable, protagonist, one who often seems not to know her own mind, and of explicating the inner workings of a psychiatric ward, and also exploring the more untraveled paths of Japanese mythology and spirituality. By the end of the novella, I had been emotionally and mentally "through the wringer," but oh, what an extraordinary journey!
I started this story expecting classic horror: haunted house, spooky doings, nasty cult hangout, sacred ground. All this came true, but in a sense peripherally; the "haunted property" is not.the focus, but a portal opening into the ways of the dead. Author Jennifer Loring does a tremendous job of eliciting our empathy for a flawed, vulnerable, protagonist, one who often seems not to know her own mind, and of explicating the inner workings of a psychiatric ward, and also exploring the more untraveled paths of Japanese mythology and spirituality. By the end of the novella, I had been emotionally and mentally "through the wringer," but oh, what an extraordinary journey!
February 29, 2016
Some nice prose here expounding some fascinating subject matter, but from a certain point the characters ended up feeling more like chess pieces than people. I just didn't feel the stakes were that high. Loring certainly is a skilled writer, but Conduits is one of those novellas I think might work better as a novel. Even so, some of the images in here will stick with me.
September 19, 2019
Intriguing and haunting -- Loring's beautiful command of prose conjures up a poignant novella that will quickly suck you into its world where reality may not be all it seems.
November 19, 2019
This was re-published in spring of 2019 but I had never had a chance to read it. I was drawn to it as I love Japanese literature and horror and it was in shorter form (love short form horror). I initially was unsure when it started but it quickly sent my mind into circles. A literary dreamscape of a piece not unlike horror you’d watch on Channel Zero. It’s its own shard of glass in an otherwise cookie cutter world. It may need a second read to fully grasp every component and nuance but it certainly has the feels if you like your horror emotionally-driven and ambiguous and thought-provoking. Read this one slow and enjoy every word.
March 11, 2020
This was sort of a confusing read, it's really dense, you really have to pay attention to every word. It's hard to tell what's real and what's not and whether what happened at the end was really necessary or not, whether the stakes were really that high or not.
May 7, 2017
“Conduits” is a short novella by Jennifer Loring. The story is a psychological ghost story that concerns a young college graduate named Mara. Mara is of Japanese ancestry and the history of her family is cleverly woven into the story. Mara’s boyfriend has recently died and Mara has no ability to cope with this tragic event. Mara is also a cutter. Glass is the tool of her choice.
Mara’s best friend convinces her to visit a haunted house deep in the Seattle woods where she has a breakdown. Mara’s friend checks her into a psychiatric institution.
Ms. Loring has a commanding control of her writing. She writes with depth, insight and inspiration. She demonstrates an amazing amount of compassion and understanding of the human condition and her characters.
Mara’s best friend convinces her to visit a haunted house deep in the Seattle woods where she has a breakdown. Mara’s friend checks her into a psychiatric institution.
Ms. Loring has a commanding control of her writing. She writes with depth, insight and inspiration. She demonstrates an amazing amount of compassion and understanding of the human condition and her characters.
July 16, 2014
2.5/5 Stars
I must say that I enjoyed the ending of this story versus the ride to get to it. I found that the story was a tad superficial for what it could have been. Even with the novella format, I have found competitors to be concise, yet the characters well developed. This is an absolute must for novellas. I found that lacking in this story. Furthermore, there were aspects to it that had an "and then" feeling to it. I use this term when it feels like the story is being strung together vs. a story being told.
Reviewed for DarkFuse.
I must say that I enjoyed the ending of this story versus the ride to get to it. I found that the story was a tad superficial for what it could have been. Even with the novella format, I have found competitors to be concise, yet the characters well developed. This is an absolute must for novellas. I found that lacking in this story. Furthermore, there were aspects to it that had an "and then" feeling to it. I use this term when it feels like the story is being strung together vs. a story being told.
Reviewed for DarkFuse.
September 1, 2019
Very short novella and I couldn't finish it fast enough. It was all over the place or it disinterested me enough I wasn't paying attention to what I was reading, only thing that sparked my interest was the Japanese lore.
July 26, 2014
A powerful novella that will haunt you after the last word is read
For a full review, please go to http://www.examiner.com/review/condui... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
For a full review, please go to http://www.examiner.com/review/condui... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
May 4, 2019
Craft and Style Description: What do you get when you cross the stylistic prose of Shirley Jackson and Sylvia Plath, and then sprinkle it with chilling flavors from stories like of Sebastian Gutierrez’s Gothika? Let me tell you. You get Jennifer Loring’s “Conduits.” And yes, if you love a dark, psychological tale where the canvas of a story uses poetic language in both large and subtle brushstrokes, you won’t be able to help yourself–you’ll totally dig this novella.
Experience of the Tale: Just so you know, I’m constantly commuting–trapped in a car for three to five-hour drives or jetting on a plane to different military bases to teach. On days off, I might be exercising in my small swim spa at home. Because of this, audiobooks are the best way for me to enjoy the many stories my fellow writers/word artists have written.
I purchased the Audible form of Loring’s “Conduits,” for one of my commutes and as soon as I pressed “play” on my iPhone screen, I invited her dark tale to take me into a world of mental terrors. The Audible book’s narrator, Margy Stein, has an unnerving and mysterious voice that complements this lovely piece. Her tone has the poetic lilt necessary to emphasize the art of Loring’s words.
The Story: In this tale, a young woman (Mara) fights for her sanity while struggling not to drown in her personal maelstrom of past tragedies. It doesn’t help that the people she loves most in her life, die. Mara’s past challenges her sanity as spirits of the dead seek her out to use her for their specific needs. I won’t go into more detail since the story is just over two hours long and I don’t want to provide spoilers. Suffice to say, if you love psychological terror and poetic words, you’ll truly enjoy this dark adventure.
Summary: Loring is, essentially, a narrative poet. Yes, she can tell an amazing story, but it’s the accompanying pace–the rise and fall of the prose that laps at your mind like ripples of freezing water on a winter lakeshore. Loring’s unique style raises beads of red across the reader’s brain and anticipation reigns as her razor words hover, poised to cut once more. As you stare at the blade, glinting in the moonlight, you’ll find you are powerless–snared in her tale of obsession and pain. Don’t be afraid. It won’t hurt–much.
Experience of the Tale: Just so you know, I’m constantly commuting–trapped in a car for three to five-hour drives or jetting on a plane to different military bases to teach. On days off, I might be exercising in my small swim spa at home. Because of this, audiobooks are the best way for me to enjoy the many stories my fellow writers/word artists have written.
I purchased the Audible form of Loring’s “Conduits,” for one of my commutes and as soon as I pressed “play” on my iPhone screen, I invited her dark tale to take me into a world of mental terrors. The Audible book’s narrator, Margy Stein, has an unnerving and mysterious voice that complements this lovely piece. Her tone has the poetic lilt necessary to emphasize the art of Loring’s words.
The Story: In this tale, a young woman (Mara) fights for her sanity while struggling not to drown in her personal maelstrom of past tragedies. It doesn’t help that the people she loves most in her life, die. Mara’s past challenges her sanity as spirits of the dead seek her out to use her for their specific needs. I won’t go into more detail since the story is just over two hours long and I don’t want to provide spoilers. Suffice to say, if you love psychological terror and poetic words, you’ll truly enjoy this dark adventure.
Summary: Loring is, essentially, a narrative poet. Yes, she can tell an amazing story, but it’s the accompanying pace–the rise and fall of the prose that laps at your mind like ripples of freezing water on a winter lakeshore. Loring’s unique style raises beads of red across the reader’s brain and anticipation reigns as her razor words hover, poised to cut once more. As you stare at the blade, glinting in the moonlight, you’ll find you are powerless–snared in her tale of obsession and pain. Don’t be afraid. It won’t hurt–much.
September 15, 2025
Conduits is a novella that strives to capture the abstract terror of a psychotic break through the eyes of Mara as she struggles to come to terms with personal tragedy. While the writing itself can come off as a bit clunky or obtuse at times, the shifting story structure and exploration of Mara’s grief had me hooked until the very end.
The novella is not so much a concise narrative, but a sequence of events that you follow through Mara’s mentally fractured POV. She is a person of division. Divided between her grasp on dreams and reality. Divided on her choice between life and death. Divided between her past and present. She is a compelling catalyst for the events that unfold and by the time the story’s heart wrenching conclusion, you get the full picture of how her despair manifested the way it did.
The presentation of Conduits however is a bit lackluster, and falls short of the personal narrative it is pushing for. A large amount of the verbiage is excessively drawn out, to the point that the core message of the story comes off as preachy rather than contemplative. This isn’t to say that Conduits lacks subtlety, but the prior does tend to stick out upon continued reading. Likewise, the Japanese symbolism and imagery is fairly surface level until the final act of the book, name dropping eastern creatures or concepts without relaying what their significance is in some capacity. At times it almost feels like window dressing, but this is only regarding the initial acts of the novella.
Surreal, dour, and poignant if a bit inelegant at times, Conduits is an insightful journey through Mara’s broken world and is definitely worth your time if you are looking for something fresh in the horror genre.
The novella is not so much a concise narrative, but a sequence of events that you follow through Mara’s mentally fractured POV. She is a person of division. Divided between her grasp on dreams and reality. Divided on her choice between life and death. Divided between her past and present. She is a compelling catalyst for the events that unfold and by the time the story’s heart wrenching conclusion, you get the full picture of how her despair manifested the way it did.
The presentation of Conduits however is a bit lackluster, and falls short of the personal narrative it is pushing for. A large amount of the verbiage is excessively drawn out, to the point that the core message of the story comes off as preachy rather than contemplative. This isn’t to say that Conduits lacks subtlety, but the prior does tend to stick out upon continued reading. Likewise, the Japanese symbolism and imagery is fairly surface level until the final act of the book, name dropping eastern creatures or concepts without relaying what their significance is in some capacity. At times it almost feels like window dressing, but this is only regarding the initial acts of the novella.
Surreal, dour, and poignant if a bit inelegant at times, Conduits is an insightful journey through Mara’s broken world and is definitely worth your time if you are looking for something fresh in the horror genre.
January 8, 2022
Mara is a troubled and deeply wounded woman whose downward spiral is masterfully rendered by Jennifer Loring: Mara’s wounds need to become physical, and, through the pages, one can actually feel her pain. More than once it occurred to me that Clive Barker himself could not possibly have rendered such bodily horrors and physical otherworldly experiences any better. As the story unwinds, the reader is lost between dream and reality, just like the protagonist. The tale is passionately and competently imbued with Japanese folklore and myths. As a physicist, I do not fully share the analogies between quantum mechanics and perception of reality, and between the conservation of energy and [omissis: I do not want to spoil anything], but they are a nice ingredient to the already rich recipe. It is not up to reader to decide if the story takes place in the troubled mind of the protagonist or if the events are real. This is how I felt and this is what I loved the most about this little big book!
June 29, 2019
The term 'conduit' has been used throughout horror/supernatural literature and films. Most recently, the films based on the possessed doll that was correctly identified as a mere 'conduit' that allows for other beings (mostly evil or demonic) to use her to enter our world and do their evil best.
In Jennifer Loring's thought-provoking novella entitled CONDUITS, refers to the central character, Mara. Mara has suffered severe personal loss and this has opened her mind to different spirits, many of who reside in a haunted-house somewhere deep in the woods that appears to her in dreams. At one point Mara thinks about the quote from Lord Byron which stated: 'Sleep has its own world'. This is very telling for the rest of the story as there are points where reality and unreality cross each other to create a surreal world of Mara's own making.
The most recent death of her boyfriend, Jason. is what really sets things off. We get to experience an almost soundless world within Mara's mind where the souls of the dead dwell. Entries in Mara's journal include her questioning theories of paranormal activity such as where electrical energy goes when we die. Mara's mind becomes a literal portal where her dreams as well as the points when she is unconscious in a hospital bed become the narrative voice that moves the story forward.
She dwells on another important quote, this one from H.P. Lovecraft: 'We live on a placid island of ignorance in the midst of black seas of infinity, and it was not meant that we should voyage far.' You could say that this pretty much sums up the questions that are possessing poor Mara. CONDUITS is a spiritual ride worth taking and I would be very interested to see what Jennifer Loring can do with a long-form novel.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for JournalStone
In Jennifer Loring's thought-provoking novella entitled CONDUITS, refers to the central character, Mara. Mara has suffered severe personal loss and this has opened her mind to different spirits, many of who reside in a haunted-house somewhere deep in the woods that appears to her in dreams. At one point Mara thinks about the quote from Lord Byron which stated: 'Sleep has its own world'. This is very telling for the rest of the story as there are points where reality and unreality cross each other to create a surreal world of Mara's own making.
The most recent death of her boyfriend, Jason. is what really sets things off. We get to experience an almost soundless world within Mara's mind where the souls of the dead dwell. Entries in Mara's journal include her questioning theories of paranormal activity such as where electrical energy goes when we die. Mara's mind becomes a literal portal where her dreams as well as the points when she is unconscious in a hospital bed become the narrative voice that moves the story forward.
She dwells on another important quote, this one from H.P. Lovecraft: 'We live on a placid island of ignorance in the midst of black seas of infinity, and it was not meant that we should voyage far.' You could say that this pretty much sums up the questions that are possessing poor Mara. CONDUITS is a spiritual ride worth taking and I would be very interested to see what Jennifer Loring can do with a long-form novel.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for JournalStone
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