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Obsidian Worlds #1-11
Obsidian Worlds
Jason Werbeloff’s short stories have been downloaded over 50,000 times. Obsidian Worlds brings together his 11 best-selling sci-fi shorts into a mind-bending philosophical anthology.
In Your Averaged Joe, a man’s headache is large enough to hold the multiverse. Q46F is an obsessive-compulsive android who finds love in a zombie-embroiled apocalypse. The end of the world isn’t all that bad – The Experience Machine will fulfil your every desire (and some you hadn’t considered). A sex bot dares to dream of freedom in Dinner with Flexi. But mind what you eat, because The Photons in the Cheese Are Lost. Don’t fret though: The Cryo Killer guarantees that your death will be painless, or your money back when you’re thawed. Unless, that is, you’re The Man with Two Legs.
Plug into Obsidian Worlds for these and other immersive stories, including the hilarious Time-Traveling Chicken Sexer. Your brain will never be the same again.
In Your Averaged Joe, a man’s headache is large enough to hold the multiverse. Q46F is an obsessive-compulsive android who finds love in a zombie-embroiled apocalypse. The end of the world isn’t all that bad – The Experience Machine will fulfil your every desire (and some you hadn’t considered). A sex bot dares to dream of freedom in Dinner with Flexi. But mind what you eat, because The Photons in the Cheese Are Lost. Don’t fret though: The Cryo Killer guarantees that your death will be painless, or your money back when you’re thawed. Unless, that is, you’re The Man with Two Legs.
Plug into Obsidian Worlds for these and other immersive stories, including the hilarious Time-Traveling Chicken Sexer. Your brain will never be the same again.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2015
10 people are currently reading
888 people want to read
About the author
Jason Werbeloff
60 books326 followersHuman. Male. From an obscure planet in the Milky Way Galaxy. Sci-fi novelist with a PhD in philosophy. Likes chocolates, Labradors, and zombies (not necessarily in that order). Werbeloff spends his days constructing thought experiments, while trying to muster enough guilt to go to the gym.
He's the author of the sci-fi thriller trilogy, Defragmenting Daniel, two novels, Hedon and The Solace Pill, and the short story anthology, Obsidian Worlds. His books will make your brain hurt. And you'll come back for more.
Subscribe to his newsletter to receive a free book, and a lifetime of free and discounted stories.
**Amazon Author Page - download all of Werbeloff's fiction from Amazon.
**Facebook and Twitter - follow Werbeloff for release date information on upcoming novels.
**Website - read about the author, and the philosophy behind his fiction.
He's the author of the sci-fi thriller trilogy, Defragmenting Daniel, two novels, Hedon and The Solace Pill, and the short story anthology, Obsidian Worlds. His books will make your brain hurt. And you'll come back for more.
Subscribe to his newsletter to receive a free book, and a lifetime of free and discounted stories.
**Amazon Author Page - download all of Werbeloff's fiction from Amazon.
**Facebook and Twitter - follow Werbeloff for release date information on upcoming novels.
**Website - read about the author, and the philosophy behind his fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
January 4, 2021
There were some great stories in this collection that are prequels to new series that I’ll keep a look out for. Some of the stories were good stand alones that ran the gambit of the Horror and Science-Fiction genre.
There were a few in that made me go what the heck and some that turned my stomach.
See what emotions these stories elicit for you.
There were a few in that made me go what the heck and some that turned my stomach.
See what emotions these stories elicit for you.
November 25, 2015
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
Jason Werbeloff came to my attention with his novel, ‘The Solace Pill’. I had read a few self-published e-books up to this point and was generally underwhelmed by the experience due to poor formatting and, quite frankly, dull story-telling. The Solace Pill was a refreshing change. Here was a tale with an incredible storyline, great hooks, amazing characters and juicy descriptions that draw you into Werbeloff’s surreal world. So when I heard that he was bringing together a collection of his short stories, I was quick to jump on board and obtain a copy.
The title ‘Obsidian worlds’ provides a unifying theme through the tales, binding them together in such a way as to make you think that the different universes Werbeloff has built are actually related to one another. The word ‘obsidian’ appears in all the stories except one (unless I missed it) and the contexts range from a substituted piece of blue cheese in one story to the colour of dust in another. I won’t spoil it for you by naming all of them, but it adds a puzzling element to the collection, and I found myself joyfully anticipating where the author was going to drop them into each story.
If there is a flavour to these sci-fi shorts, I would say it is a blend of speculative vanilla with mind-warping strawberry. When you start the story, Werbeloff quickly establishes the setting then leads you off on a journey to the unknown like the Pied Piper of Hamlyn.
I’ll give a quick summary of each story. But don’t worry, there are no spoilers as such
‘Average Joe’ – The story hinges on the idea that every time we make a decision, another doppelganger is created. After reading it, I got to thinking about it (a lot). This, to me, is the sign of a great author. One of my thoughts was: once a body knows they are one of many millions, do they care as much about life, knowing that countless clones of themselves will live on?
‘Cryo-killer’– This has a clever plot. There are places where it stretches the reader’s credulity thinly, but Werbeloff’s narration – especially the descriptions – help paper over these sparse patches. The characterisation works well and the author shows that he can push the right buttons of literary satisfaction.
In ‘Falling for Q46F’, Werbeloff builds a dramatic story where the tension mounts in every paragraph. One of my favourite scenes is where the robot, Q46F charges like a horseman of the Light Brigade towards a crowd of the undead. I haven’t felt such empathy with a robot since C3PO and R2D2.
‘Visiting Grandpa’s brain’ is another vision of the future where multitudes of people’s brains are used for the common good. Again, there’s some masterful building of tension as the protagonist contemplates the execution of a shocking act. This story had the weakest ending of the lot in that it wasn’t immensely gratifying – like all the others were, so if this is a criticism it’s simply that it’s one jewel in the crown that doesn’t shine quite as brightly as the others.
One of the most surreal titles is ‘The photons in the cheese are lost.’ It makes you want to read the story just to find out where the hell this one is going to go. Suffice it to say, if you’re wondering what happens if you check the mail in your spam folder, then it might turn out to be Pandora’s box. There’s some technical stuff in the narration, but you don’t need a degree in physics to get the storyline.
‘The time travelling chicken sexer’ is a real treat. Werbeloff has a way of drawing you straight in to a story’s opening line: “It was difficult to choose the worst quality of Agatha Wretched.” Werbeloff paints a picture of a future earth but doesn’t bore you with backstory e.g. when one character asks where South Africa is, the reply comes back: “A country on the southern tip of Africa, sir – before the floods enveloped it.” This tells us about the extent of global warming in a simple phrase. There’s some amusing passages where the author takes a current technological trend and extrapolates it e.g. “Chicken,” said Hibiscus. “Ancient livestock we used to eat before printed food.” The year 2146 is perhaps a bit early for some of the tech advances described, but that’s a minor quibble. This, to me, was the best story yet.
‘The man with two legs’ This is a post apocalyptic story set in Jerusalem. Six to twelve limbed individuals, sometimes with multiple personalities are the norm. The narrator has fifteen! So how do they react to a man with only two legs? I’ll leave you in suspense on that one.
The provocatively titled “F**king Through the Apocalypse” features Harold, an old timer who misses his deceased wife intensely. The backdrop , however, is a rapidly approaching asteroid destined to obliterate all of mankind. In flashbacks, the routine of Harry and his deceased wife, Fanny is lovingly captured in skilfully crafted, succinct paragraphs. The short story format is used effectively to deliver a pastiche that reminds me of Stephen King’s novel ‘Lisey’s story.’ The contrast between impending apocalypse and Harold’s efforts to preserve his domestic routine give the tale a rich tension, and the way in which he exorcises the ghost of estrangement from his gay son provides a marvelous hinge upon which the story turns.
FTTA contains one of my favourite paragraphs in the whole book:
“Harold had seen that look decades ago. In the eyes of the boys who’d served with him under Uncle Sam’s banner. But they weren’t boys when the war was done with them. They weren’t men either.”
In ‘Bleed me silicone’, things get really bizarre – I’ll not say much about this story as I don’t want to spoil your journey, but I’ll simply drop in the teaser: Obsidian is the smell of musk.
‘Dinner with Flexi’ reads at first like it could be a sequel to the previous tale. Welcome to a world where women are used for milking or meat. This is noir in the extreme – the life of a sexbot. Werbeloff even makes you feel sympathy for them! I loved the nod to Phillip K. Dick, an author who has clearly influenced Werbeloff. ‘Flexi’ presents a chilling extrapolation of misogyny and, again, gets you thinking about the seeds that exist for this already in our own world.
In my view, Werbeloff saves the best until last. ‘The Experience machine contains some magnificent descriptions of the MC’s surreal experiences when dancing on the arms of a galaxy. The author makes you believe in the unbelievable. The story is narrated from the PoV of a trans-sexual; a difficult thing to achieve as a writer (I know – I’ve tried). As such, the story brings the collection to a satisfying close, but whets the appetite for one of Werbeloff’s other works – ‘Hedon.’ Apparently this final story is a prequel.
In summary, Werbeloff has the art of short story sussed. He initiates a a brief dalliance with the bizarre and ends with a twist or the reader asking ‘what if … ?’ As I finished each story, I found myself saying this is the best one yet.
So, grab yourself a copy of this speculative masterpiece and treat yourself to the delights of an author that has truly found his voice.
Jason Werbeloff came to my attention with his novel, ‘The Solace Pill’. I had read a few self-published e-books up to this point and was generally underwhelmed by the experience due to poor formatting and, quite frankly, dull story-telling. The Solace Pill was a refreshing change. Here was a tale with an incredible storyline, great hooks, amazing characters and juicy descriptions that draw you into Werbeloff’s surreal world. So when I heard that he was bringing together a collection of his short stories, I was quick to jump on board and obtain a copy.
The title ‘Obsidian worlds’ provides a unifying theme through the tales, binding them together in such a way as to make you think that the different universes Werbeloff has built are actually related to one another. The word ‘obsidian’ appears in all the stories except one (unless I missed it) and the contexts range from a substituted piece of blue cheese in one story to the colour of dust in another. I won’t spoil it for you by naming all of them, but it adds a puzzling element to the collection, and I found myself joyfully anticipating where the author was going to drop them into each story.
If there is a flavour to these sci-fi shorts, I would say it is a blend of speculative vanilla with mind-warping strawberry. When you start the story, Werbeloff quickly establishes the setting then leads you off on a journey to the unknown like the Pied Piper of Hamlyn.
I’ll give a quick summary of each story. But don’t worry, there are no spoilers as such
‘Average Joe’ – The story hinges on the idea that every time we make a decision, another doppelganger is created. After reading it, I got to thinking about it (a lot). This, to me, is the sign of a great author. One of my thoughts was: once a body knows they are one of many millions, do they care as much about life, knowing that countless clones of themselves will live on?
‘Cryo-killer’– This has a clever plot. There are places where it stretches the reader’s credulity thinly, but Werbeloff’s narration – especially the descriptions – help paper over these sparse patches. The characterisation works well and the author shows that he can push the right buttons of literary satisfaction.
In ‘Falling for Q46F’, Werbeloff builds a dramatic story where the tension mounts in every paragraph. One of my favourite scenes is where the robot, Q46F charges like a horseman of the Light Brigade towards a crowd of the undead. I haven’t felt such empathy with a robot since C3PO and R2D2.
‘Visiting Grandpa’s brain’ is another vision of the future where multitudes of people’s brains are used for the common good. Again, there’s some masterful building of tension as the protagonist contemplates the execution of a shocking act. This story had the weakest ending of the lot in that it wasn’t immensely gratifying – like all the others were, so if this is a criticism it’s simply that it’s one jewel in the crown that doesn’t shine quite as brightly as the others.
One of the most surreal titles is ‘The photons in the cheese are lost.’ It makes you want to read the story just to find out where the hell this one is going to go. Suffice it to say, if you’re wondering what happens if you check the mail in your spam folder, then it might turn out to be Pandora’s box. There’s some technical stuff in the narration, but you don’t need a degree in physics to get the storyline.
‘The time travelling chicken sexer’ is a real treat. Werbeloff has a way of drawing you straight in to a story’s opening line: “It was difficult to choose the worst quality of Agatha Wretched.” Werbeloff paints a picture of a future earth but doesn’t bore you with backstory e.g. when one character asks where South Africa is, the reply comes back: “A country on the southern tip of Africa, sir – before the floods enveloped it.” This tells us about the extent of global warming in a simple phrase. There’s some amusing passages where the author takes a current technological trend and extrapolates it e.g. “Chicken,” said Hibiscus. “Ancient livestock we used to eat before printed food.” The year 2146 is perhaps a bit early for some of the tech advances described, but that’s a minor quibble. This, to me, was the best story yet.
‘The man with two legs’ This is a post apocalyptic story set in Jerusalem. Six to twelve limbed individuals, sometimes with multiple personalities are the norm. The narrator has fifteen! So how do they react to a man with only two legs? I’ll leave you in suspense on that one.
The provocatively titled “F**king Through the Apocalypse” features Harold, an old timer who misses his deceased wife intensely. The backdrop , however, is a rapidly approaching asteroid destined to obliterate all of mankind. In flashbacks, the routine of Harry and his deceased wife, Fanny is lovingly captured in skilfully crafted, succinct paragraphs. The short story format is used effectively to deliver a pastiche that reminds me of Stephen King’s novel ‘Lisey’s story.’ The contrast between impending apocalypse and Harold’s efforts to preserve his domestic routine give the tale a rich tension, and the way in which he exorcises the ghost of estrangement from his gay son provides a marvelous hinge upon which the story turns.
FTTA contains one of my favourite paragraphs in the whole book:
“Harold had seen that look decades ago. In the eyes of the boys who’d served with him under Uncle Sam’s banner. But they weren’t boys when the war was done with them. They weren’t men either.”
In ‘Bleed me silicone’, things get really bizarre – I’ll not say much about this story as I don’t want to spoil your journey, but I’ll simply drop in the teaser: Obsidian is the smell of musk.
‘Dinner with Flexi’ reads at first like it could be a sequel to the previous tale. Welcome to a world where women are used for milking or meat. This is noir in the extreme – the life of a sexbot. Werbeloff even makes you feel sympathy for them! I loved the nod to Phillip K. Dick, an author who has clearly influenced Werbeloff. ‘Flexi’ presents a chilling extrapolation of misogyny and, again, gets you thinking about the seeds that exist for this already in our own world.
In my view, Werbeloff saves the best until last. ‘The Experience machine contains some magnificent descriptions of the MC’s surreal experiences when dancing on the arms of a galaxy. The author makes you believe in the unbelievable. The story is narrated from the PoV of a trans-sexual; a difficult thing to achieve as a writer (I know – I’ve tried). As such, the story brings the collection to a satisfying close, but whets the appetite for one of Werbeloff’s other works – ‘Hedon.’ Apparently this final story is a prequel.
In summary, Werbeloff has the art of short story sussed. He initiates a a brief dalliance with the bizarre and ends with a twist or the reader asking ‘what if … ?’ As I finished each story, I found myself saying this is the best one yet.
So, grab yourself a copy of this speculative masterpiece and treat yourself to the delights of an author that has truly found his voice.
May 15, 2018
Another random kindle freebie. Experience has made me so very cautious with them that it took a long time to actually get to read this book. But whatever drew me to it in the first place proved accurate, this one was definitely a winner. I’m relatively new to reading science fiction and the stories I like the most are sort Black Mirror like, ingenious speculative scenarios with clever sociological and psychological ramifications and stunning twists, comprehensive world building and characters included. And, of course, a moral. Not all of the stories in this collection fit the formula, but it was close enough. Not all the stories are equally good, but close enough. Not all the stories are precisely science fiction, but close enough and definitely on the darker side of things as you’d expect (obsidian is in the title and features cutely enough in every story as the adjective of choice) and it’s great. Actually the author’s range takes readers from absolute silliness to serious emotional drama. That range is a thing of beauty and the writing is no slouch either, but if it was all somehow a competition, the imagination would take the cake. I mean, there are some seriously absurd situations and somehow it all works and comes across as original and fresh. And let’s face it, anyone who can write a story titled F*cking through Apocalypse and make it lovely, deserves to be read. Very auspicious introduction to a new author and definitely someone to watch. Very quick read and well worth the time. Great find.
October 30, 2015
These shorts are so vivid that they sucked me in, utterly entranced by the bizarre worlds and characters created by Jason. Some are almost movingly sad, others wonderfully thought-provoking, yet others made me laugh. Jason writes through a range of styles and stories. Many have a tragic thread and all the ones I read are exciting. Sometimes the imagery is grotesque. Jason does not shy away from shock value. Bottom line, what the reader gets here is an experience like no other. For its originality and for the stories' ability to tap into current trends of the psyche, I'd say I really enjoyed these shorts.
November 21, 2015
Obsidian Worlds is a collection of science fiction short stories by Jason Werbeloff. The short stories are all very different, set in various universes, but they all share a weirdness that is quite fascinating. The main characters are sometimes seemingly very common (but usually with a twist) and sometimes really weird (I mean, who else than Jason Werbeloff would tell a story from the point of view of a tube of lube - and even more surprisingly manage to get a great story out of such a bizarre main character!).
His writing is at the same time philosophical and full of irony - so you can laugh about situations that are really dystopian or that you would not think were laughable. Some of the stories are a bit hard to get into, since the characters or the setting is very weird, but once you get into them they tend to stick with you for a while. The characters are lovable and relatable, even when they are very strange.
I'm not going to describe more specifically the stories since I think that part of their charm is that they are unexpected. You never know what type of journey you're embarking upon, except that it is going to be interesting, rock your world and make you think - and at the same time chuckle or even laugh. I do have some favourite stories but I found all of them interesting and worth my time, even the disturbing ones.
If you've already read and liked some of Jason Werbeloff short stories or novels, you'll enjoy this anthology. If you haven't read anything by him, chances are you'll like it if you're a science fiction fan and you like innovative stories. If you're not sure download an extract first - chances are you'll get hooked too.
I hardly ever read twice a book or story (too many good new books on my reading list), but I did for some of these stories, and I enjoyed them as much (if not more) the second time. They are interesting enough (and complicated enough) that they are worth reading again.
Disclaimer: I received a free advance reader copy of this ebook from the author, in exchange for an honest review. And I've read some of the stories a while ago, when they were published on their own.
His writing is at the same time philosophical and full of irony - so you can laugh about situations that are really dystopian or that you would not think were laughable. Some of the stories are a bit hard to get into, since the characters or the setting is very weird, but once you get into them they tend to stick with you for a while. The characters are lovable and relatable, even when they are very strange.
I'm not going to describe more specifically the stories since I think that part of their charm is that they are unexpected. You never know what type of journey you're embarking upon, except that it is going to be interesting, rock your world and make you think - and at the same time chuckle or even laugh. I do have some favourite stories but I found all of them interesting and worth my time, even the disturbing ones.
If you've already read and liked some of Jason Werbeloff short stories or novels, you'll enjoy this anthology. If you haven't read anything by him, chances are you'll like it if you're a science fiction fan and you like innovative stories. If you're not sure download an extract first - chances are you'll get hooked too.
I hardly ever read twice a book or story (too many good new books on my reading list), but I did for some of these stories, and I enjoyed them as much (if not more) the second time. They are interesting enough (and complicated enough) that they are worth reading again.
Disclaimer: I received a free advance reader copy of this ebook from the author, in exchange for an honest review. And I've read some of the stories a while ago, when they were published on their own.
October 7, 2015
I was given this in return for a honest review.
Obsidian Worlds is a absolute masterpiece of eleven short stories created from the twisted and highly imaginative mind of Jason Werbeloff. There are nine previously published and two brand new stories.
If you wish to read my reviews in more detail, I have reviewed every story on Amazon to this date, except the two new ones which are marked with an asterisk. The following are very short descriptions!
Your Averaged Joe - an existential, yet wormy, freak of a story.
The Cryo Killer - an accident or not? Freeze!
Falling for Q46F - a stunner of a story. Giggling and a lump in the throat in the space of a few pages.
Visiting Grandpa's Brain - witty, fun and a wee bit terrifying.
The Photons in the Cheese are Lost - the story may be short, but it is potent.
The Time-Traveling Chicken Sexer - this chortle-tastic story is my 'anti-Perfume', you can imagine the smells but you don't want to inhale.
The Man With Two Legs* - eight legs good, six legs bad.
F++king Through the Apocalypse* - an OAP's decision will be enjoyable but his last.
Bleed Me Silicone - silicone lube lives for happiness, so when will the girl laugh again?
Dinner with Flexi - disturbingly over-descriptive, but funny too.
The Experience Machine - a deliciously sexy, violent, revengefully enjoyable feast. A prequel to the novel Hedon.
Jason Werbeloff is a very talented writer. You can't pin a label on him, and you never know quite what you're going to get. What you can be sure of is quality writing, unique storytelling, stunning visualisations, and story issues which you will think about long after you have closed this book.
I can't rate this high enough. You will not be disappointed!
Obsidian Worlds is a absolute masterpiece of eleven short stories created from the twisted and highly imaginative mind of Jason Werbeloff. There are nine previously published and two brand new stories.
If you wish to read my reviews in more detail, I have reviewed every story on Amazon to this date, except the two new ones which are marked with an asterisk. The following are very short descriptions!
Your Averaged Joe - an existential, yet wormy, freak of a story.
The Cryo Killer - an accident or not? Freeze!
Falling for Q46F - a stunner of a story. Giggling and a lump in the throat in the space of a few pages.
Visiting Grandpa's Brain - witty, fun and a wee bit terrifying.
The Photons in the Cheese are Lost - the story may be short, but it is potent.
The Time-Traveling Chicken Sexer - this chortle-tastic story is my 'anti-Perfume', you can imagine the smells but you don't want to inhale.
The Man With Two Legs* - eight legs good, six legs bad.
F++king Through the Apocalypse* - an OAP's decision will be enjoyable but his last.
Bleed Me Silicone - silicone lube lives for happiness, so when will the girl laugh again?
Dinner with Flexi - disturbingly over-descriptive, but funny too.
The Experience Machine - a deliciously sexy, violent, revengefully enjoyable feast. A prequel to the novel Hedon.
Jason Werbeloff is a very talented writer. You can't pin a label on him, and you never know quite what you're going to get. What you can be sure of is quality writing, unique storytelling, stunning visualisations, and story issues which you will think about long after you have closed this book.
I can't rate this high enough. You will not be disappointed!
November 25, 2015
I got a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It is hard to sum up this anthology, because it is multifaceted, but my best attempt would be to say that it is vivid philosophical fiction: familiar philosophers' thought experiments brought to life and extended beyond their wildest dreams. None of these stories shy away from the brutal and horrifying aspects of existence, but neither do they fail to see the humour and humanity in the bleakest landscapes, and smelliest characters. Werbeloff is fearless: he will test your stomach and imagination to its limits, and he will make you cry; nice tears and painful tears. You will walk away with things to ponder in traffic, images that will give you nightmares, unexpected affection for strange characters, and ways of seeing the beautiful through despair. This rollercoaster is not for the faint hearted, but one I whole-heartedly recommend.
It is hard to sum up this anthology, because it is multifaceted, but my best attempt would be to say that it is vivid philosophical fiction: familiar philosophers' thought experiments brought to life and extended beyond their wildest dreams. None of these stories shy away from the brutal and horrifying aspects of existence, but neither do they fail to see the humour and humanity in the bleakest landscapes, and smelliest characters. Werbeloff is fearless: he will test your stomach and imagination to its limits, and he will make you cry; nice tears and painful tears. You will walk away with things to ponder in traffic, images that will give you nightmares, unexpected affection for strange characters, and ways of seeing the beautiful through despair. This rollercoaster is not for the faint hearted, but one I whole-heartedly recommend.
November 19, 2015
I was given this in return for an honest review, though I had read a few of these short stories before.
Your Averaged Joe is quick-paced and funny and probably the most outwardly intellectual of these stories. It's examination of solipsism leaves it entirely open-ended, and it's a shame that the story does indeed end.
The Cryo Killer is another fun concept and it has a nice twist ending.
Falling for Q46F was the first Jason Werbeloff short I read and is still one of my favourites. It is the first in this collection to show real heart, but it isn't without a rich vein of dark humour. All of these shorts have a great handle on the bizarre, but this the most well-handled. It's world is unbelievably gross, but it's explained in such a reasonable way.
Visiting Grandpa’s Brain offers Futurama-style parody (I know it's bad to talk about tv in a book review) of big companies - in this instance Google - and what they might be like if they continue down their current path. It's a good one, too, and it's biggest flaw is that it has to end so abruptly.
The Photons In The Cheese Are Lost is another philosophical story and though there isn't a bad story in the book, it's probably my least favourite. It nails it's concept and follows it to the letter, but unlike in Visiting Grandpa's Brain, it's abrupt ending feels cheap.
The Time-Traveling Chicken Sexer is another very well developed world, with characters you can clearly see - and smell - in your head. It is also one of the funniest, which is always a bonus for me.
The Man With Two Legs is surprisingly cute for apocalyptic fiction. Contemplating the apocalypse often gets me down, but this story explores a pretty unique angle on it, with humour and tragedy.
F**king Through The Apocalypse has more tragedy though, with more heartwarming and sympathetic characters. Despite the subject matter, or maybe because of it. Trying in vain to rate these, it's my third favourite story.
Bleed Me Silicone is just weird. But I reckon it pays sometimes to get a different perspective on things.
Dinner With Flexi is the single most grotesque story in the book, despite not being all that bizarre as dystopian visions go. I just hope it's satirical, because nothing I have read has so successfully taken a horrid fact of everyday life to its logical extreme.
(side note: the last three stories are all hideously sexual, and did I mention I read them standing on a crowded train?)
The Experience Machine is a prequel to Hedon, which I haven't read, but do intend to now. It is second to F**king Through The Apocalypse in terms of the heart it gives the characters, though as it goes on its clear that the protagonist is dangerously unstable.
There is one problem with all of these stories: with a lot of sci-fi short stories. As soon as you get truly absorbed in their world, you are abruptly pulled out of it. In Obsidian Worlds, this is a reflection of how well crafted and fascinating these worlds are. At least The Experience Machine does continue, and Hedon is next on my reading list.
I really recommend these short stories, especially Falling For Q46F and F**king Through The Apocalypse.
Your Averaged Joe is quick-paced and funny and probably the most outwardly intellectual of these stories. It's examination of solipsism leaves it entirely open-ended, and it's a shame that the story does indeed end.
The Cryo Killer is another fun concept and it has a nice twist ending.
Falling for Q46F was the first Jason Werbeloff short I read and is still one of my favourites. It is the first in this collection to show real heart, but it isn't without a rich vein of dark humour. All of these shorts have a great handle on the bizarre, but this the most well-handled. It's world is unbelievably gross, but it's explained in such a reasonable way.
Visiting Grandpa’s Brain offers Futurama-style parody (I know it's bad to talk about tv in a book review) of big companies - in this instance Google - and what they might be like if they continue down their current path. It's a good one, too, and it's biggest flaw is that it has to end so abruptly.
The Photons In The Cheese Are Lost is another philosophical story and though there isn't a bad story in the book, it's probably my least favourite. It nails it's concept and follows it to the letter, but unlike in Visiting Grandpa's Brain, it's abrupt ending feels cheap.
The Time-Traveling Chicken Sexer is another very well developed world, with characters you can clearly see - and smell - in your head. It is also one of the funniest, which is always a bonus for me.
The Man With Two Legs is surprisingly cute for apocalyptic fiction. Contemplating the apocalypse often gets me down, but this story explores a pretty unique angle on it, with humour and tragedy.
F**king Through The Apocalypse has more tragedy though, with more heartwarming and sympathetic characters. Despite the subject matter, or maybe because of it. Trying in vain to rate these, it's my third favourite story.
Bleed Me Silicone is just weird. But I reckon it pays sometimes to get a different perspective on things.
Dinner With Flexi is the single most grotesque story in the book, despite not being all that bizarre as dystopian visions go. I just hope it's satirical, because nothing I have read has so successfully taken a horrid fact of everyday life to its logical extreme.
(side note: the last three stories are all hideously sexual, and did I mention I read them standing on a crowded train?)
The Experience Machine is a prequel to Hedon, which I haven't read, but do intend to now. It is second to F**king Through The Apocalypse in terms of the heart it gives the characters, though as it goes on its clear that the protagonist is dangerously unstable.
There is one problem with all of these stories: with a lot of sci-fi short stories. As soon as you get truly absorbed in their world, you are abruptly pulled out of it. In Obsidian Worlds, this is a reflection of how well crafted and fascinating these worlds are. At least The Experience Machine does continue, and Hedon is next on my reading list.
I really recommend these short stories, especially Falling For Q46F and F**king Through The Apocalypse.
November 25, 2015
Obsidian Worlds is one of the most enthralling anthologies of fiction that I have ever read. Werbeloff has the unique talent of captivating his readers from the very first word and enveloping them in a roller-coaster ride of a read. This is not the first work of his that I have read, nor will it be the last and I would highly recommend Obsidian Worlds to any fan of fiction. Not only are his stories well written and entertaining but they provide a feast for thought. The thing that stands out the most about Werbeloff is that he is not afraid to rush in where other, less adventurous, authors fear to tread; philosophically, creatively or sexually. The unapologetic and realistic sex, tension, world building, characterization and weirdness make his work a breath of fresh air in a stale and dusty room. My favourite story in the Obsidian Worlds anthology is Falling for Q46F; the tale of a lonely obsessive compulsive android destined to live out his immortal existence alone in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. Until he hears a call over his radio receiver. The strongest story in the collection is The Experience Machine, a prequel to one of Werbeloff's earlier works, the gripping and gritty cyberpunk adventure novel; Hedon. In the Experience Machine we are introduced to Mascara, a transgender scientist who has created a machine that transports her into a virtual reality, where she can have everything that she has ever wanted; the body of a woman and the man of her dreams. However she soon realizes that using the machine comes at a great and bloody cost. Obsidian Worlds is filled to the brim with action, social commentary, suspense, tenderness and is overall is a must-read. Werbeloff is an expert story teller and I cannot wait to see what he brings out next!
November 9, 2015
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review
I'm a new fan of Werbeloff's. I very much enjoyed Hedon and was happy to receive an advanced reader's copy of Obsidian Worlds, a collection of Werbeloff's short stories.
There's not a single filler story in here. While some stories are better than others, they're all good. Each story feels unique and imaginative.
I can't say any of the stories were weak, but I can say my personal favourite was Bleed Me Silicone. The shortest story in the whole collection, it's about the life-span of a specific inanimate object, and it's surprisingly poignant. I would give that particular short 5 stars.
Also, Werbeloff writes one hell of a migraine. He described it so vividly that, as someone who suffers from migraines, I got a little queasy. Interesting opening to a book.
If I had to give a negative, I suppose I could say that some stories are a tiny bit predictable but they're written and told well, so it's not an issue. Nothing feels overlong or beats you over the head with it's message. In fact, I think one or two could be even longer. I have so many unanswered questions about one particular story. How did the world get into that situation?! Yes, I know I'm being vague, but it's to avoid spoilers.
It's a good little buffet if you're not sure where to begin with Werbeloff's stuff. It has a bit of everything thrown into it and it all feels quite satisfying. I recommend it.
I'm a new fan of Werbeloff's. I very much enjoyed Hedon and was happy to receive an advanced reader's copy of Obsidian Worlds, a collection of Werbeloff's short stories.
There's not a single filler story in here. While some stories are better than others, they're all good. Each story feels unique and imaginative.
I can't say any of the stories were weak, but I can say my personal favourite was Bleed Me Silicone. The shortest story in the whole collection, it's about the life-span of a specific inanimate object, and it's surprisingly poignant. I would give that particular short 5 stars.
Also, Werbeloff writes one hell of a migraine. He described it so vividly that, as someone who suffers from migraines, I got a little queasy. Interesting opening to a book.
If I had to give a negative, I suppose I could say that some stories are a tiny bit predictable but they're written and told well, so it's not an issue. Nothing feels overlong or beats you over the head with it's message. In fact, I think one or two could be even longer. I have so many unanswered questions about one particular story. How did the world get into that situation?! Yes, I know I'm being vague, but it's to avoid spoilers.
It's a good little buffet if you're not sure where to begin with Werbeloff's stuff. It has a bit of everything thrown into it and it all feels quite satisfying. I recommend it.
November 25, 2015
Obsidian Worlds
Jason Werbeloff
Conversion is a slow process, unless of course there is some cataclysmic event. With the discovery of Jason Werbeloff’s Anthology, Obsidian Worlds, I moved rapidly from, I don’t like Sci-Fi to, Yes I read Werbeloff – avidly. These eleven shorts lead one on an ever undulating path from, Impossible to imagine to, Yes I’d like a bit of that too! My favourite is The Time-Traveling Chicken Sexer. Agatha is most unattractive in every possible way, and yet I so wanted to meet her in real life with her companion, a goat, who gently nibbled the hairs in her armpit. Visiting Grandpa’s Brain opened a whole new connection with my recently dead relatives (not all of them). Falling for Q46F encouraged me to explore the possibility of loving an android. I have known a few but have never been able to fall in love with any of them. Thanks to Jason Werbeloff for the encouragement. I did fall for Q46F. F**king Through the Apocalypse is what is probably best to do if it’s going to all be over soon. Might as well extend la petit mort into eternity.
Although, still fairly new to the world of Sci-FI I really do recommend this Anthology of Werbeloff’s shorts.
Jason Werbeloff
Conversion is a slow process, unless of course there is some cataclysmic event. With the discovery of Jason Werbeloff’s Anthology, Obsidian Worlds, I moved rapidly from, I don’t like Sci-Fi to, Yes I read Werbeloff – avidly. These eleven shorts lead one on an ever undulating path from, Impossible to imagine to, Yes I’d like a bit of that too! My favourite is The Time-Traveling Chicken Sexer. Agatha is most unattractive in every possible way, and yet I so wanted to meet her in real life with her companion, a goat, who gently nibbled the hairs in her armpit. Visiting Grandpa’s Brain opened a whole new connection with my recently dead relatives (not all of them). Falling for Q46F encouraged me to explore the possibility of loving an android. I have known a few but have never been able to fall in love with any of them. Thanks to Jason Werbeloff for the encouragement. I did fall for Q46F. F**king Through the Apocalypse is what is probably best to do if it’s going to all be over soon. Might as well extend la petit mort into eternity.
Although, still fairly new to the world of Sci-FI I really do recommend this Anthology of Werbeloff’s shorts.
November 21, 2015
Full disclosure: I received an advance copy in exchange for this honest review.
These bite-sized (some perhaps a bit more than bite-sized) stories comprise a good, thought-provoking read. Anyone that likes sci-fi should find plenty to like in this collection.
In "Falling for Q46F" I became emotionally attached to an android, a la Bicentennial Man. The setting of this story is so different from Bicentennial Man.
Somewhere, I read that these stories remind one of Twilight Zone episodes. It must be true because that's what I kept thinking as I read them. Not that they reminded me of existing Twilight Zone episodes, but that many of these stories would have made good episodes of that classic show.
These bite-sized (some perhaps a bit more than bite-sized) stories comprise a good, thought-provoking read. Anyone that likes sci-fi should find plenty to like in this collection.
In "Falling for Q46F" I became emotionally attached to an android, a la Bicentennial Man. The setting of this story is so different from Bicentennial Man.
Somewhere, I read that these stories remind one of Twilight Zone episodes. It must be true because that's what I kept thinking as I read them. Not that they reminded me of existing Twilight Zone episodes, but that many of these stories would have made good episodes of that classic show.
November 18, 2015
A great collection of short stories, some of which I've read before and some are new to me.
F**king Through the Apocalypse was quite heart wrenching but touching too. Not what I was expecting from the title, it was so much more.
The Time-Travelling Chicken Sexer was very funny and gross at the same time.
Bleed Me Silicone was a tale of love, pain, and new love found, all from a very different point of view.
Altogether it is a varied and interesting book, all different tales but with something in common too.
*This was an ARC, my opinions are my own.*
F**king Through the Apocalypse was quite heart wrenching but touching too. Not what I was expecting from the title, it was so much more.
The Time-Travelling Chicken Sexer was very funny and gross at the same time.
Bleed Me Silicone was a tale of love, pain, and new love found, all from a very different point of view.
Altogether it is a varied and interesting book, all different tales but with something in common too.
*This was an ARC, my opinions are my own.*
November 17, 2015
I really enjoyed this ebook, I was given a free copy for my honest review. It is well written, engaging, and I couldn't put it down till the end. I love to read and I will not spoil it but it is definitely a Good Read.
November 26, 2015
A bleak future for humans
The future Jason Werbeloff presents in his Obsidian Worlds is very bleak. At least for humans. In his stories humans are referred to as “the undead”. Androids fare a lot beter in his stories. They take over the role of us humans. But not all is sadness and depression. There is still a lot of compassion. In the end the androids in Werbeloff’s stories do not far much better than the humans. They also seek recognition and love.
Don’t be fooled by these somber words. Werbeloff’s stories are very witty. The stories start of with hilarious descriptions of everyday life. Then science kicks in and leaves the protagonists In confusion. After that the stories end with an unexpected twist.
A broad range of science is touched. This is “hard science fiction”. Many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics in The Averaged Joe, genetic mutation in The Man with Two Legs, cryonics in The Cryo Killer; and the end of the world in most other stories.
These are combined with current themes such as spam e-mails in The Photons in the Cheese are Lost, the power of search engine companies in Visiting Grandpa’s Brain and role playing games in The Experience Machines.
Most stories are written in the first person singular, which gives an opportunity to feel what’s it like being something quite alien.
These stories have appeared in other forms before they were collected in this anthology. I have read some of them before. Re-reading them they are still fresh. The stories deepen, because these stories are so thought-provoking and packed with ideas.It is easy to imagine that these stories are derived from the thought experiments Werbeloff undertakes, as he writes on his website.
I received an advance copy of Obsidian Worlds in exchange for an honest review.
The future Jason Werbeloff presents in his Obsidian Worlds is very bleak. At least for humans. In his stories humans are referred to as “the undead”. Androids fare a lot beter in his stories. They take over the role of us humans. But not all is sadness and depression. There is still a lot of compassion. In the end the androids in Werbeloff’s stories do not far much better than the humans. They also seek recognition and love.
Don’t be fooled by these somber words. Werbeloff’s stories are very witty. The stories start of with hilarious descriptions of everyday life. Then science kicks in and leaves the protagonists In confusion. After that the stories end with an unexpected twist.
A broad range of science is touched. This is “hard science fiction”. Many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics in The Averaged Joe, genetic mutation in The Man with Two Legs, cryonics in The Cryo Killer; and the end of the world in most other stories.
These are combined with current themes such as spam e-mails in The Photons in the Cheese are Lost, the power of search engine companies in Visiting Grandpa’s Brain and role playing games in The Experience Machines.
Most stories are written in the first person singular, which gives an opportunity to feel what’s it like being something quite alien.
These stories have appeared in other forms before they were collected in this anthology. I have read some of them before. Re-reading them they are still fresh. The stories deepen, because these stories are so thought-provoking and packed with ideas.It is easy to imagine that these stories are derived from the thought experiments Werbeloff undertakes, as he writes on his website.
I received an advance copy of Obsidian Worlds in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2015
I received a free advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I've never been a short story person - I always end up feeling short changed, like I haven't been given enough time to fully connect to the characters and their stories. This collection, however, was different ; it delivered a horde of fulfilling bite-sized tales. I received my copy a few weeks ago and spent my morning tram commutes slowly reading the stories, transported away from the mundane and into a mind bending collection of alternate worlds and dystopias.
From the story of a man who discovers that the whole world does in fact revolve around him, to
Cyro killers for hire, to a hilarious time traveling chicken sexer from South Africa who fulfills her destiny by saving the planet, Werbeloff masterfully creates fully formed characters who exist in impeccably built and imaginative alternative universes. I could imagine these all being turned into movies some day - Tom Cruise playing a monk in `Visiting Grandpa's Brain` perhaps? Oh, Jesus! Perhaps Channing Tatum playing the android in `Falling for Q46F` that I became emotionally attached to?
There isn't a weak or stereotypical story in the whole collection - every idea is new and unique, which is not an easy thing to achieve in a saturated sci-fi market!
I've never been a short story person - I always end up feeling short changed, like I haven't been given enough time to fully connect to the characters and their stories. This collection, however, was different ; it delivered a horde of fulfilling bite-sized tales. I received my copy a few weeks ago and spent my morning tram commutes slowly reading the stories, transported away from the mundane and into a mind bending collection of alternate worlds and dystopias.
From the story of a man who discovers that the whole world does in fact revolve around him, to
Cyro killers for hire, to a hilarious time traveling chicken sexer from South Africa who fulfills her destiny by saving the planet, Werbeloff masterfully creates fully formed characters who exist in impeccably built and imaginative alternative universes. I could imagine these all being turned into movies some day - Tom Cruise playing a monk in `Visiting Grandpa's Brain` perhaps? Oh, Jesus! Perhaps Channing Tatum playing the android in `Falling for Q46F` that I became emotionally attached to?
There isn't a weak or stereotypical story in the whole collection - every idea is new and unique, which is not an easy thing to achieve in a saturated sci-fi market!
November 25, 2015
This is a collection of short stories (that vary in length). They are funny sometimes, filled with quirky ideas, and dark. This isn't the type of reading centered on world building and characters to cheer for. Psychologically twisted, full or surprised, mind-bending science fiction. Werbeloff writes well and some of his ideas make me want to turn away in disgust, yet, admittedly, I could not stop reading until the end. However, if you are looking for the typical story type of science fiction that we are used to, a Star Trek world, or an Honor Harrington soap opera war, you may not like this. I can't even say I liked it. I can say I respect it, which is why I gave it 4-stars.
It is not my usual choice of materials, despite being a science fiction fan. His stories require thought and some I wished if only I had a book club to explain to me the nuances that I felt I was missing because I just know there is more there than what I am considering. I can imagine in-depth discussion of these stories in my college science fiction class in 1979.
I accepted a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
It is not my usual choice of materials, despite being a science fiction fan. His stories require thought and some I wished if only I had a book club to explain to me the nuances that I felt I was missing because I just know there is more there than what I am considering. I can imagine in-depth discussion of these stories in my college science fiction class in 1979.
I accepted a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
November 25, 2015
This collection of modern sci-fi shorts freely borrows concepts from philosophy of mind, twisting it into deliciously dark premises. There is a lot of humour, originality and occasional jolts of surprises sprinkled around the diverse settings and characters. If you are looking for a bedside companion of original modern science fiction, I heartily recommend Obsidian Worlds as your go-to source.
Disclaimer: I received a free electronic version of this book in exchange for an honest review :)
Disclaimer: I received a free electronic version of this book in exchange for an honest review :)
October 16, 2017
This is a compilation of several sort stories. Books like this are great for times when you want a quick read then go back later for the next story. There are some sci-fi stories in there (my favorite The Chicken Sexer), and some with just us normal humans. They are all interesting. They all have some sort of twist towards the end. Well worth the read when your looking for some interesting and entertaining variety.
November 29, 2015
I received a free advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review, although to be honest, if I hadn't, I would have bought it.
I do have a soft spot for a good short story, and this collection hits all my high points.
Some of the 11 stories in here I've reviewed separately, but some are new to me, there are 9 previously published, and 2 brand new stories in the collection. There's a wonderful mix of stories and styles, from the darkness of Dinner With Flexi, through to the humour of The Time-Travelling Chicken Sexer and the gentle emotion of F**king Through The Apocalypse.
As with any collection, some stories are stronger than others; however there are no weak stories, no fillers in here. What is there is a collection of thought provoking, intelligent stories. It's the type of collection that isn't getting done very often any more, which makes it all the more precious.
I have a couple of personal favourites. F**king Through The Apocalypse, despite the name, is possibly the most touching end of the world story I’ve ever read. I’d have liked a different name for it, but it does give a contrast between the title and the contents.
The photons in the cheese are lost was one of the first stories of the authors I’d read, and it’s still one of my favourites. One of the few occasions a story has made me laugh out loud. Given how dark some of the stories can get, the light touch he demonstrates here is a joy.
I do have to give special mention to Bleed Me Silicone, a new one to me, which I don’t want to talk about as it’ll ruin the surprise.
If you like your science fiction with a heart and a mind, you'll love this.
I do have a soft spot for a good short story, and this collection hits all my high points.
Some of the 11 stories in here I've reviewed separately, but some are new to me, there are 9 previously published, and 2 brand new stories in the collection. There's a wonderful mix of stories and styles, from the darkness of Dinner With Flexi, through to the humour of The Time-Travelling Chicken Sexer and the gentle emotion of F**king Through The Apocalypse.
As with any collection, some stories are stronger than others; however there are no weak stories, no fillers in here. What is there is a collection of thought provoking, intelligent stories. It's the type of collection that isn't getting done very often any more, which makes it all the more precious.
I have a couple of personal favourites. F**king Through The Apocalypse, despite the name, is possibly the most touching end of the world story I’ve ever read. I’d have liked a different name for it, but it does give a contrast between the title and the contents.
The photons in the cheese are lost was one of the first stories of the authors I’d read, and it’s still one of my favourites. One of the few occasions a story has made me laugh out loud. Given how dark some of the stories can get, the light touch he demonstrates here is a joy.
I do have to give special mention to Bleed Me Silicone, a new one to me, which I don’t want to talk about as it’ll ruin the surprise.
If you like your science fiction with a heart and a mind, you'll love this.
November 30, 2015
"There is something a little off here?" That is the common theme that entered my mind as I began to read each of these shorts. As Jason did so well in "The Solace Pill", he weaves an extraordinary topic and world inside something his characters see as so ordinary. The worlds he creates are "A bit Strange" at best, but the fun part is trying to figure out if the strangeness is the crazy world itself or our own percieved thoughts of what normal really is and why his characters so easily accept it. You can feel the twist coming on each of these as you unfold the weaves of each story and I love the frank attitudes of so many of the characters as they deal with stuff that you or I would totally freak out at. Werbeloff takes you down some interesting paths and topics in all of these shorts. Some leave you really thinking, while others make you feel glad you don't have to be part of that world. A modern day Ray Bradbury, I see comparisons to his short story compilations like "The illustrated man" where there are slight elements of mental horror as the characters deal in cultural stereotypes that are skewed in ways that make you think of them differently. You certainly won't be bored with any of these stories and if you want to get a good idea of his fantastic and unique writing style these stories will setup his longer books for you well. Be careful though, once he traps you in his worlds you may not be able escape!
June 20, 2019
Strange, weird, out of this world, and downright entertaining
Although the blurb gives you an idea of what the stories in this collection are like, it really doesn’t prepare you for how strange, weird and out of this world they really are. I absolutely loved it.
The stories in Obsidian Worlds are very original and bizarre, but really fascinating and entertaining. They’re easy to read, fast-paced, humorous, incredibly descriptive and well-written, and have 'fun' twists and endings. I call them ‘fun’ because, you know, they’re nothing like what you’d expect or are just so weird and unusual, and I just love it when authors don’t shy away from unusual, ‘WTF’ twists to take readers on a different path. And even though they’re about weird, strange and unreal things, these stories make you wonder and think about your own reality because, after all, we don’t know everything about this world we’re in.
Seriously, I love weird stories about weird things and I really enjoyed this book. If you like science fiction or original and out-of-this-world stories, you’d most probably enjoy Obsidian Worlds, too.
I received a review copy of this book at no cost and with no obligations. All opinions expressed here are my own.
This review first appeared on White Sky Project.
Although the blurb gives you an idea of what the stories in this collection are like, it really doesn’t prepare you for how strange, weird and out of this world they really are. I absolutely loved it.
The stories in Obsidian Worlds are very original and bizarre, but really fascinating and entertaining. They’re easy to read, fast-paced, humorous, incredibly descriptive and well-written, and have 'fun' twists and endings. I call them ‘fun’ because, you know, they’re nothing like what you’d expect or are just so weird and unusual, and I just love it when authors don’t shy away from unusual, ‘WTF’ twists to take readers on a different path. And even though they’re about weird, strange and unreal things, these stories make you wonder and think about your own reality because, after all, we don’t know everything about this world we’re in.
Seriously, I love weird stories about weird things and I really enjoyed this book. If you like science fiction or original and out-of-this-world stories, you’d most probably enjoy Obsidian Worlds, too.
I received a review copy of this book at no cost and with no obligations. All opinions expressed here are my own.
This review first appeared on White Sky Project.
November 30, 2015
As a fan of speculative fiction, I was thrilled to receive an advance copy of this collection in exchange for an honest review. I think I came out ahead on that deal.
Jason Werbeloff has a unique perspective that informs each story. To paraphrase another reviewer, detailing each story would take away from the fun of discovery. So, instead, let me present a series of observations.
His writing is very conversational and natural--but while his stories are easy to consume, they take a while longer to digest (to me, the mark of a fine writer). His style (to me) is reminiscent of William Gibson's...occasionally painting with sentence fragments, building a rhythm and music that carry you along. But whereas it seemed to take a few works for Gibson to arrive at that style, Werbeloff's seems to have appeared already in full bloom.
As to the concepts at the heart of the stories...well, they're right in my wheelhouse. My favorite authors are Charles Stross, R. A. Lafferty, William Gibson, Daniel Suarez...none of them strangers to the strange. Jason Werbeloff is fast becoming a member of that club.
I enjoyed Obsidian Worlds and would recommend it to any fan of offbeat yet intelligent fiction. My only complaint is that there wasn't another story to read once I finished the last one.
Jason Werbeloff has a unique perspective that informs each story. To paraphrase another reviewer, detailing each story would take away from the fun of discovery. So, instead, let me present a series of observations.
His writing is very conversational and natural--but while his stories are easy to consume, they take a while longer to digest (to me, the mark of a fine writer). His style (to me) is reminiscent of William Gibson's...occasionally painting with sentence fragments, building a rhythm and music that carry you along. But whereas it seemed to take a few works for Gibson to arrive at that style, Werbeloff's seems to have appeared already in full bloom.
As to the concepts at the heart of the stories...well, they're right in my wheelhouse. My favorite authors are Charles Stross, R. A. Lafferty, William Gibson, Daniel Suarez...none of them strangers to the strange. Jason Werbeloff is fast becoming a member of that club.
I enjoyed Obsidian Worlds and would recommend it to any fan of offbeat yet intelligent fiction. My only complaint is that there wasn't another story to read once I finished the last one.
November 25, 2015
In the span of the last year Jason Werbeloff has become one of my favourite new authors. I was lucky enough to be given a free review copy of Obsidian Worlds in exchange for an honest review.
Werbeloff is, in my opinion, much like a Western Haruki Murakami. The worlds that he builds are original and intriguing, exploring depths of imagination that I haven't come across in any other writing before. However, unlike Murakami, I find the conclusions to Werbeloff's short stories much more satisfying so that each story is a complete experience with a pay off in the finale.
My favourite story from Obsidian Worlds is "Falling for Q46F". The first paragraph grabs your attention by describing three nightly chores that make no sense whatsoever. Keep reading; all will become clear. The fantastical becomes perfectly reasonable within this post-apocalyptic setting and you'll be hooked and rooting for the protagonist right until the end of the story.
Obsidian Worlds is intelligent sci-fi, concisely written and peppered with some wonderfully vivid turns of phrases that make me grin like an idiot while I'm on the train! I couldn't recommend it more.
Werbeloff is, in my opinion, much like a Western Haruki Murakami. The worlds that he builds are original and intriguing, exploring depths of imagination that I haven't come across in any other writing before. However, unlike Murakami, I find the conclusions to Werbeloff's short stories much more satisfying so that each story is a complete experience with a pay off in the finale.
My favourite story from Obsidian Worlds is "Falling for Q46F". The first paragraph grabs your attention by describing three nightly chores that make no sense whatsoever. Keep reading; all will become clear. The fantastical becomes perfectly reasonable within this post-apocalyptic setting and you'll be hooked and rooting for the protagonist right until the end of the story.
Obsidian Worlds is intelligent sci-fi, concisely written and peppered with some wonderfully vivid turns of phrases that make me grin like an idiot while I'm on the train! I couldn't recommend it more.
November 26, 2015
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review, then I bought the Kindle edition anyway, because this collection is worth every penny and then some. This collection contains 9 short stories that have been available individually over the past year plus a couple of new ones. Jason Werbeloff has quickly become an author whose work I can rely on to be fresh, interesting and thought-provoking. He has a knack for finding the heart dwelling in odd little stories about such diverse subjects as a tube of silicone lube to a humanoid sex worker, to a lonely young man who just wants to be loved and has the Machine he needs to try to find it. The two newest stories are are The Man with Two Legs, which was an odd but sweet story, and F**king Through the Apocalypse, which is so much more than one might expect from the title. Who would have thought a story about a brothel at the end of the world would be filled with such love and heart, and have me teary by the ending? Buy this, read it, then check out his novels Hedon and The Solace Pill. You won't be sorry.
November 26, 2015
Jason Werbeloff has compiled the 11 stories in this collection from the short fiction he's released over the last year, approximately one short per month. My favorite stories were "The Time-Traveling Chicken-Sexer", "F**king Through the Apocalypse", "Dinner with Flexi", and "The Experience Machine". Perhaps it is not a coincidence that these were among the longest stories in the collection. Some of the shorter ones are just barely able to set the stage before they end. However, there isn't a weak story in the bunch. They all deal with themes of identity in a post-apocalyptic, dystopian society. There is a touch of horror throughout as well as an exploration of sexual themes, so this collection is not for the faint of heart. This is a great follow-up to Werbeloff's recent novel, Hedon, which I also enjoyed. I recommend this for fans of speculative sci-fi along the lines of Philip K. Dick. This review is based on a complimentary advanced copy from the author, but the opinions expressed herein are my own.
February 8, 2016
I got this book from goodreads giveaway.
I don‘t usually read short stories, because, at least for me, it doesn‘t give enough time to fully immerse into story or connect with the characters. I had this problem with a lot of the stories in „Obsidian Worlds“, but also really enjoyed some of them depsite that.
The ones I liked the most are „Your Averaged Joe“ and „The Cryo Killer“. They‘re well written, original and keeps you intrigued until the very end. I also quite liked „Falling for Q46F“. It‘s very bizarre in a good way, I‘ve never read anything like that before.
I thought other stories were either average or quite boring. Some storylines are cranky, characters seem not fully developed.
Overall, the beginning of this book was very promising, I loved the writing style and unique storylines, but I probably woudn‘t recommend reading the whole book, because later in the book stories got a bit cranky and boring, at least for my taste.
I don‘t usually read short stories, because, at least for me, it doesn‘t give enough time to fully immerse into story or connect with the characters. I had this problem with a lot of the stories in „Obsidian Worlds“, but also really enjoyed some of them depsite that.
The ones I liked the most are „Your Averaged Joe“ and „The Cryo Killer“. They‘re well written, original and keeps you intrigued until the very end. I also quite liked „Falling for Q46F“. It‘s very bizarre in a good way, I‘ve never read anything like that before.
I thought other stories were either average or quite boring. Some storylines are cranky, characters seem not fully developed.
Overall, the beginning of this book was very promising, I loved the writing style and unique storylines, but I probably woudn‘t recommend reading the whole book, because later in the book stories got a bit cranky and boring, at least for my taste.
December 2, 2015
I was given a free copy of Obsidian Worlds in exchange for an honest review. This is that review.
Obsidian Worlds will give you a glimpse into a series of twisted possible futures for humanity. These short stories are full of relatable characters, flawed but hopeful, who live in a world much like ours, but slightly (and significantly) different. Some stories will start off seeming horrific, but convince you by the end that this strange world really isn't all that odd, after all. Others, though, will begin seeming thoroughly normal, only to derail, shock, and offend the reader.
Much of this book is cruel, and it seems to revel in the discomfort it creates. With that said, it is a fascinating read. In a style very reminiscent of Manuel Gonzales' The Miniature Wife, Werbeloff turns expectations on their heads and always has one more twist up his sleeve.
Obsidian Worlds will give you a glimpse into a series of twisted possible futures for humanity. These short stories are full of relatable characters, flawed but hopeful, who live in a world much like ours, but slightly (and significantly) different. Some stories will start off seeming horrific, but convince you by the end that this strange world really isn't all that odd, after all. Others, though, will begin seeming thoroughly normal, only to derail, shock, and offend the reader.
Much of this book is cruel, and it seems to revel in the discomfort it creates. With that said, it is a fascinating read. In a style very reminiscent of Manuel Gonzales' The Miniature Wife, Werbeloff turns expectations on their heads and always has one more twist up his sleeve.
December 28, 2015
Obsidian Worlds is a collection of eleven weird and bizarre short stories.
Sci Fi based with strange characters, unique scenarios, and bizarre plots, each one of the stories it's going to blow your mind.
The Author has an incredible ability in telling a story, once you start reading it's going to be almost impossible to put down your Ereader, I seriously recommend you "Falling for Q46F" it's hilarious with a touch of romance and also hopeful.
So if you ask me what I'd say about Obsidian Worlds? Expect the unexpected.
Highly Recommended!!
*I received a Free copy in exchange for an Honest Review*
Sci Fi based with strange characters, unique scenarios, and bizarre plots, each one of the stories it's going to blow your mind.
The Author has an incredible ability in telling a story, once you start reading it's going to be almost impossible to put down your Ereader, I seriously recommend you "Falling for Q46F" it's hilarious with a touch of romance and also hopeful.
So if you ask me what I'd say about Obsidian Worlds? Expect the unexpected.
Highly Recommended!!
*I received a Free copy in exchange for an Honest Review*
November 29, 2015
As in another reader's review, the comparison to the best of The Twilight Zone comes to mind. These stories cruise along and then bend at the end to change pity to shock, humor to catharsis. His style is fluent and makes for a quick read but don't skim; there are undertones and subtlety. Just under the surface is a sense of the grotesque. Looking down the list of titles should give you a hint of that.
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review but will be on the lookout for further works.
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review but will be on the lookout for further works.
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