Karmic Circle

by Angela Yuriko Smith

You can‘t hide from karma. Each of us receive our just rewards in time and evil is repaid tenfold. Three separate, but interlinked stories explore the law of reaping and sowing as a small dog finds his way through a dark and dangerous city. Be wary of your deeds—there‘s no cheating the Karmic Circle.

30 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2015

About the author

Angela Yuriko Smith, HWA president and Space and Time publisher, is a two-time Bram Stoker Award winner. As a Publishing Coach, she helps writers search less and submit more with her weekly calendar of author opportunities at authortunities.substack.com.

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s always hard for me to review short stories. This novella is no exception. In short I can only say that it was interesting. I always find stories about karma entertaining and it’s nice to see how it comes back to those who have wronged others. I don’t think I grasped how the entire karmic circle worked in this novella (specifically the gift the old lady receives), but at any rate I got the basic idea. At least one character got a happy ending, and coincidentally that was the one I rooted for. The rest got what they deserved, and that was satisfying also. Overall, I’d say this was a relatively good quick read that only took about fifteen minutes of my time, but I don’t think this is a story I’ll remember by the time I go to bed tonight.

[Wanda Hartzenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot believe I am saying this but I am. This is the first story ever where I am glad to say the characters were not all that developed. Here is why I am saying this. This story is dark. Really dark. And the poor dog is the one that suffers the most with loss, and confusion but the humans, all but one is really bad people. Ok no make that two. I actually almost really cried when the mean man was so obviously rude and in the end cruel to the old hobo. Being homeless in and off itself simply says you do not own a home. It does not make you a lesser human. It does not make you incompetent to care. It makes you the same as every person who is still paying a bond. Paying rent. Home-less. And when that awful man showed up I was furious.

And that people. That rambling above is but a taste of what you can expect when you read this story yourself. It puts you through the ringer. Then puts on the spin cycle and you end up being relieved that the story is over but wondering at random acts of selfishness and it's true import since everybody is always talking about Karma and an act of kindness. This book explores the dark side of Karma, true. But in every single instance one choice, one simply yes in stead of no or no instead of yes could have lead not to existing but to an act of kindness instead of horror and deprivation. I cannot say I liked this book. I can say I admire the authors voice and her ability to get the reader to see how the coin flips in air during a coin flip. That is a remarkable skill.

[Estelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a deeply disturbing little book.
I am unsure if I liked it, what I can say is that I finished it and it made me wonder about a lot of stuff. For a short story, I think that is rather remarkable thus my rating. Can I recommend it? To the brave of heart yes. If not, I think you may have to think hard before picking up this short story. On the plus side it is very short. That makes it a far easier read in my opinion.

[Autumn · Rating 3 out of 5]

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I don't mind reading short stories but I like for the plot to be a bit deeper. I have read other work from this author and enjoyed her writing style so I figured this book would be no different. I love reading about how Karma plays a role in people's lives. In this story I felt a bit lost I really didn't understand truly what was going on the only thing that I really felt bad for was the homeless man in the beginning how the woman treated him. To the homeless man (if it was the same one I think it was) who was told something very mean. No need for people to be treated that way. I did like the ending how it came about it was like it was the perfect karmic circle.
With this being a short story you don't get much character development so I really can't comment on the characters all I can say is I am glad this was a short story as I don't think it could have been any longer.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really entertaining short story about karma. The author did such a great job pulling you into the story and leaving us with quite the impact. Karma doesn't have to be head on, it can still get you even if your corrupt through other parties. Great read with a happy ending.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reeling

It is a really great short story, but it left my mind reeling. It also shows that a lot of people may suck but dogs are awesome & you should probably trust their instincts. Lol

[Saloshini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. It is dark. It is thought provoking and it is so relevant to this here times where instant gratification is the norm and taking what you want is what it is all about.
I am definitely recommending this to readers.