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Stone & Iris
A mysterious breakthrough brings Alison Shaw to the edge of her vanishing world. Everything she knows will soon be gone—everything except the memory of an unlikely friend. But is their bond strong enough for her to hold on to? And is a memory worth living for when nothing else is left?
- GenresScience FictionFiction
Audible Audio
Published December 8, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 26, 2016
Even though this is a short story, you`ll feel as if you read a full novel. Interesting twist and fulfilling ending.
January 11, 2016
First of all I'm a huge fan of the author. I fell in love with his debut novel The Quantum Door. I had to get my hands on anything he writes. I was happy to find out that a short story was being released and I knew I wanted it. I was impressed and in awe once again. It is a short story but I was still able to connect with the characters. I liked how the story came to a full circle. It flowed well and the story felt completed and not rushed by the end. My favorite line was "A dark star of nothing rising." It sends shivers up my spine reading it. I really enjoyed it. I would recommend this to any science fiction junkie that is looking for a brilliant, quick read.
September 4, 2017
Review is also available on my blog The Shameful Narcissist Speaks.
This book was gifted to me personally by the author, but I still write my review with critical awareness and in good faith, though I suppose it remains entirely possible, if not probably, that I have some unconscious biases based on our cordial rapport and friendly correspondences. I believe writers need to support one another, giving critiques when necessary and giving credit when and where it's due.
I had to read Stone & Iris twice in order to understand it. This is one of the best things any story can force me to do in regards to being ingenious enough to require knowledge of the end in order to comprehend the underlying intricacies of the plot. I hesitate to divulge too much detail, since uncovering the truth about Alison, Jeremy, and David is the core revelation that leaves you reeling, and it more than likely will require at least two reads. Since the story is only 32 pages, it's not a lengthy foray per se, but if you want to understand what really happened, it will require more than just a pondering skim.
Though it doesn't take place within Ballagh's Quantum Worlds Series (of which The Quantum Door is the first book), Stone nevertheless lays a foundation for it, and it could be considered the precursor to artifex (the androids in his duology) and AI technology. The narrative appears to be confusing, because it's supposed to be. Certain characters switch roles in seemingly nonsensical ways that nevertheless have valid reasons. Writing a story that is purposely haphazard is no easy feat, because you're seeking to deliberately confuse the reader so that they will wonder why they're confused.
The author told me that Stone & Iris is the work he's most proud of, and that pride is more than warranted. It's a calculated yet bittersweet story about consciousness and reality that shows the lengths to which we will cling to what we truly love.
This book was gifted to me personally by the author, but I still write my review with critical awareness and in good faith, though I suppose it remains entirely possible, if not probably, that I have some unconscious biases based on our cordial rapport and friendly correspondences. I believe writers need to support one another, giving critiques when necessary and giving credit when and where it's due.
I had to read Stone & Iris twice in order to understand it. This is one of the best things any story can force me to do in regards to being ingenious enough to require knowledge of the end in order to comprehend the underlying intricacies of the plot. I hesitate to divulge too much detail, since uncovering the truth about Alison, Jeremy, and David is the core revelation that leaves you reeling, and it more than likely will require at least two reads. Since the story is only 32 pages, it's not a lengthy foray per se, but if you want to understand what really happened, it will require more than just a pondering skim.
Though it doesn't take place within Ballagh's Quantum Worlds Series (of which The Quantum Door is the first book), Stone nevertheless lays a foundation for it, and it could be considered the precursor to artifex (the androids in his duology) and AI technology. The narrative appears to be confusing, because it's supposed to be. Certain characters switch roles in seemingly nonsensical ways that nevertheless have valid reasons. Writing a story that is purposely haphazard is no easy feat, because you're seeking to deliberately confuse the reader so that they will wonder why they're confused.
The author told me that Stone & Iris is the work he's most proud of, and that pride is more than warranted. It's a calculated yet bittersweet story about consciousness and reality that shows the lengths to which we will cling to what we truly love.
September 26, 2016
This is one of those stories where I can’t mention plot points without introducing spoilers. As much as I’ll say is it reminded me of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, not in terms of plot, but as a near-future sci-fi story that explores what it is to be human and have consciousness. Johnathan Ballagh’s writing is great and the story drew me straight away. It’s layered, complex and has a tender touch that lifts it from being good to highly recommended.
January 11, 2016
Predictable plot, but really well written.
June 12, 2017
Alison Shaw answered a call one night. One that would change her life, for better or for worse.
I want to say this had almost a 2001: A Space Odyssey feel to it. As Alison progresses through her development, the tone changes. And then it just gets sad. Yet, strangely heartwarming. Whatever the mood, the writing style matched with reader emotion. Enhanced it. The style goes from concrete, where we know exactly what's going on, to obscure. It follows with the natural progression of the narrative.
It's an intense little tale. I liked it, and am now having an existential crisis.
I want to say this had almost a 2001: A Space Odyssey feel to it. As Alison progresses through her development, the tone changes. And then it just gets sad. Yet, strangely heartwarming. Whatever the mood, the writing style matched with reader emotion. Enhanced it. The style goes from concrete, where we know exactly what's going on, to obscure. It follows with the natural progression of the narrative.
It's an intense little tale. I liked it, and am now having an existential crisis.
October 30, 2017
A very very short science fiction story. I wasn't exactly sure what the book was going to be about because the synopsis sounded a little vague to me, but after reading the story, I understand why it was. Reading this was like skipping ahead of all the long drawn out parts in a book and jumping right to the end. Typically I would not enjoy that because you miss out on character development. But somehow, Jonathan Ballagh is able to still make you care about these characters after just a few pages. I would recommend this book to fans of sci-fi and short stories.
January 20, 2016
Originally reviewed at The Cyborg Knight
Strangely enough, all of my favorite short stories made me cry the first time I read them. Whether or not a story evokes tearful emotion has become a metric in deciding what stories I think are worth going back and re-reading over and over again —those stories that more than deserve 5 stars! I cried when I read Bridesicle by Will McIntosh, I cried when I read The Cold Equations by Tom Godwin, and I cried when I read Stone & Iris.
Ballagh manages to keep the tension and emotion charged through each page of Stone & Iris - not an easy feat in a Science Fiction story that is as intelligent as it is fanciful! The story starts off with an unanswered question and pulls the reader along, dropping hints and pulling at your heart strings. The main character, Doctor Alison Shaw, is a psychologist pushed beyond the bounds of her profession to re-start her practice while still mired in the midst of dark personal tragedy. Shaw bravely faces the challenges placed before her, even as the world comes to an end.
"The sky, naked without cloud, is otherwise beautiful—but that's not what they see. They see the part of the sky that is missing altogether, They see a rift, darker than night, and emptier too, stretched wide and jagged like raven wings that eclipse the day.
They see the pieces of the horizon that flicker like a candle.
Extinguish like a candle.
Billion-year-old atoms wiped out, their histories erased, like they never existed.
And maybe they never did."
Stone & Iris features Ballagh's mature writing style which has only grown since his debut novel, The Quantum Door. Ballagh easily balances character and plot development within the bounds a short story and deftly keeps the pacing perfect with the plot neither lagging nor feeling rushed. Stone & Iris is another amazing story from an author to watch in the coming years - an author whose writing you need to experience for yourself!
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Stone & Iris is a beautifully haunting combination of Science Fiction and Fantasy that explores the love and horror that can be found in memories.Strangely enough, all of my favorite short stories made me cry the first time I read them. Whether or not a story evokes tearful emotion has become a metric in deciding what stories I think are worth going back and re-reading over and over again —those stories that more than deserve 5 stars! I cried when I read Bridesicle by Will McIntosh, I cried when I read The Cold Equations by Tom Godwin, and I cried when I read Stone & Iris.
Ballagh manages to keep the tension and emotion charged through each page of Stone & Iris - not an easy feat in a Science Fiction story that is as intelligent as it is fanciful! The story starts off with an unanswered question and pulls the reader along, dropping hints and pulling at your heart strings. The main character, Doctor Alison Shaw, is a psychologist pushed beyond the bounds of her profession to re-start her practice while still mired in the midst of dark personal tragedy. Shaw bravely faces the challenges placed before her, even as the world comes to an end.
"The sky, naked without cloud, is otherwise beautiful—but that's not what they see. They see the part of the sky that is missing altogether, They see a rift, darker than night, and emptier too, stretched wide and jagged like raven wings that eclipse the day.
They see the pieces of the horizon that flicker like a candle.
Extinguish like a candle.
Billion-year-old atoms wiped out, their histories erased, like they never existed.
And maybe they never did."
Stone & Iris features Ballagh's mature writing style which has only grown since his debut novel, The Quantum Door. Ballagh easily balances character and plot development within the bounds a short story and deftly keeps the pacing perfect with the plot neither lagging nor feeling rushed. Stone & Iris is another amazing story from an author to watch in the coming years - an author whose writing you need to experience for yourself!
January 30, 2016
Do not pass up this short story by the author of The Quantum Door. Moving into adult fiction from his outstanding middle-school debut novel, Stone & Iris is a haunting look at choice, second chances and consequence in a future world, but one that could well be awaiting us. Ballagh's writing rarely falters and some of his phrases are simply beautiful. Stone & Iris can be read in less than an hour and will cost you less than a cup of coffee, and its imagery will remain in your thoughts for a long time. Pour yourself a glass of wine, settle down into your armchair, turn off the phone, and give it the attention it deserves: you won't regret it. 5 stars.
Stone & Iris is available from Amazon. I was provided with an ARC of the short story by the author in return for honest feedback. Review by Goodreads author Marian Thorpe Empire's Daughter
Stone & Iris is available from Amazon. I was provided with an ARC of the short story by the author in return for honest feedback. Review by Goodreads author Marian Thorpe Empire's Daughter
February 15, 2016
Let it get INTO Your SOUL
This story is not at all what it may seem to be... Inside you shall find one of the finest psychological thrillers/science fiction fantastical world of the Imagination of a man, one Jonathan Ballagh, who deserves a Great BIG huge... Cake or doughnut or new computer or WHATEVER he desires for bringing this story to LIFE.
Yes... I adored it. It touched me DEEPLY. I won't be 'the same' for having experienced this look at "LIFE" through Mr. Ballagh's Beautiful Mind. To say that I am impressed is a huge and gross understatement.
I truthfully HIGHLY recommend this short story... And, once you've read it, go BACK and read it again, more Slowly... Then, do so AGAIN, even more S-L-O-W-L-Y and allow it to get into your SOUL!
This story is not at all what it may seem to be... Inside you shall find one of the finest psychological thrillers/science fiction fantastical world of the Imagination of a man, one Jonathan Ballagh, who deserves a Great BIG huge... Cake or doughnut or new computer or WHATEVER he desires for bringing this story to LIFE.
Yes... I adored it. It touched me DEEPLY. I won't be 'the same' for having experienced this look at "LIFE" through Mr. Ballagh's Beautiful Mind. To say that I am impressed is a huge and gross understatement.
I truthfully HIGHLY recommend this short story... And, once you've read it, go BACK and read it again, more Slowly... Then, do so AGAIN, even more S-L-O-W-L-Y and allow it to get into your SOUL!
October 27, 2016
I entered this GoodReads giveaway by mistake as I am not a Scifi fan. I didn't know what an avatar was until I figured it out from reading this story. I apologize to the author and publisher, I did enjoy the read. This is a short story (29 pages) about computerizing the brain and putting it into an avatar to function/live in this world. Obviously there is more to the story characters. This novella would be an outline to an in depth story which I think the author should strive for. I wish him well in his writing career. For sure, worth the read!!
February 18, 2016
There's not really much I can say about this mind bending story without spoiling it. I will say it's beautifully written, and I was hooked from the opening paragraph to the last. This type of story is tough to pull off but Ballagh does an excellent job. Stone & Iris is the first of Jonathan Ballagh's stories that I've read, and I'll definitely be hunting down more of his work.
April 23, 2016
My friend Preston Leigh, introduced me to this man's writing. I am thankful he did. The writing is strong, well done and entices me back to his work. As a new writer to me, I am surprised at how much I am anticipating reading his novel, the Quantum Door.
As always, I'm behind on my reading.
As always, I'm behind on my reading.
January 21, 2016
A short but poignant story of love, loss, and science. Beautifully written. Read this one folks.
September 23, 2016
This well-written story will stay with you long after you've finished. It doesn't take long to read, and you will be glad you did. Jonathan Ballagh is the real thing.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews