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Fate's Past
FATE’S PAST is the story of a couple, Cameron Harrison and Carrie Fields. While driving in rural Louisiana, Cameron and Carrie notice that their environment has changed—a faint cloud distorts the empty road, the clocks blink “00:00,” and a feeling of lifelessness creeps through their veins. For miles, they do not see any other cars, animals, or people.
Then their experiences splinter. Carrie hears sounds that Cameron cannot hear. Cameron sees things that Carrie cannot see. As Cameron and Carrie wander through the unfamiliar landscape, they are literally hunted by their biggest regrets, forcing the two to separate. And in confronting their regrets, Carrie and Cameron must come to grips with who they were in order to escape their suffering, find one another, and take the next step in their journey together.
Then their experiences splinter. Carrie hears sounds that Cameron cannot hear. Cameron sees things that Carrie cannot see. As Cameron and Carrie wander through the unfamiliar landscape, they are literally hunted by their biggest regrets, forcing the two to separate. And in confronting their regrets, Carrie and Cameron must come to grips with who they were in order to escape their suffering, find one another, and take the next step in their journey together.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 12, 2016
77 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
About the author
Jason Huebinger
4 books131 followersOutside of his family, Jason Huebinger has two great loves in life--the law and writing. And he has been blessed with incredible opportunities in both areas.
He grew up in McAllen, Texas, right near the border of Mexico. As a freshman in high school, he wrote short stories for extra credit and just never stopped writing. He is a proud alum and rabid fan of Texas A&M and Notre Dame, and he scares his dog whenever he roots for either. He has a beautiful wife, Yasmin, whose only flaw is that she is a LSU fan. By day, he is a lawyer who specializes in labor and employment litigation.
His debut novel, FATE'S PAST, is a supernatural horror work.
He grew up in McAllen, Texas, right near the border of Mexico. As a freshman in high school, he wrote short stories for extra credit and just never stopped writing. He is a proud alum and rabid fan of Texas A&M and Notre Dame, and he scares his dog whenever he roots for either. He has a beautiful wife, Yasmin, whose only flaw is that she is a LSU fan. By day, he is a lawyer who specializes in labor and employment litigation.
His debut novel, FATE'S PAST, is a supernatural horror work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 28, 2016
A complicated plot!
Reviewers, contrary to the opinion of many, are actual real life human beings. Sometimes we get a bit too clever and in love with our own insults and end up eviscerating a book that isn’t actually that bad. My first two reviews for this book fell into that trap so I have deleted them and started again. My intention is certainly not to be cruel but it's important to be honest or what is the point of a review?
The trouble is, I just didn’t like this book. I tried to, partly because most of the reviews already published have given it 4 stars, but mostly because the brief synopsis made it sound fascinating; “a Texas couple take a much needed weekend getaway but while driving in rural Louisiana, Cameron sees a flash of light and swerves, waking Carrie. They notice that their environment has changed—a faint cloud distorts the empty road, the clocks blink “00:00,” and their cell phones lose reception. For miles, they do not see any other cars, animals, or people. With no way to flag anyone for help, they know they’re on their own. Just when they think they’ve found salvation, their experiences splinter. Carrie hears sounds that Cameron cannot hear. Cameron sees things that Carrie cannot see. As Cameron and Carrie wander through the unfamiliar landscape, they are hunted by their biggest regrets. They must come to grips with who they were if they are to escape their pasts and survive the present.”
Sounds good right? Mysterious and freaky enough to draw you in without being too obvious where it will lead.
The thing is it’s not original and not being too obvious ends in chapter one. The central idea (coming to terms with life’s regrets) is an interesting one but it has been explored in countless books in the same way, many better than in this one. What this book needs to set it apart is an approach or style that is original, one that brings a new perspective or forces you to think in a new way. I’m sorry to say that this book just didn’t do that for me. The writing style left me cold; clunky dialogue intermixed with frequent literary cliché and clumsy descriptions. Some of this surely comes down to personal taste; a split infinitive is arguably not an 'error' but I found the one somewhere near the halfway mark jarring enough to make note. There were moments that I felt were supposed to be dramatic but elicited only an incredulous eye-roll (someone is described as identical to our hero but we're told that it's his hat that gives away his identity. What?!).
Perhaps, though, my dissatisfaction with ‘Fate's Past’ is more about the type of book I like. I am a self-confessed grammar Nazi, cleverness tends to make me suspicious and scares need to be written so concisely that I’m never reminded I’m reading a book. In any genre of book, I need the language to flow so gently and purely that I’m carried away; taken into the world I am reading about so that I lose track of time. Too often reading this book the bizarre choice of words or childish dialogue threw me out of the narrative and left me annoyed instead of intrigued.
There are a few redeeming qualities; the odd genuinely suspenseful moment and some perfect paragraphs of relentless horror, overall though I just couldn’t find enough to love. I am, however, in the minority. I’ve read a dozen or so reviews on Goodreads and Amazon who all found this book suspenseful and edge-of-the-seat dramatic. Only one mentions the fact that the ‘surprise’ ending is clearly sign posted early on. Most reviewers are venerating Mr Huebinger as the next Stephen King. To which I say NO! You have clearly never read any of his horror masterpieces if you think that this book even comes close.
Lucy
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
Reviewers, contrary to the opinion of many, are actual real life human beings. Sometimes we get a bit too clever and in love with our own insults and end up eviscerating a book that isn’t actually that bad. My first two reviews for this book fell into that trap so I have deleted them and started again. My intention is certainly not to be cruel but it's important to be honest or what is the point of a review?
The trouble is, I just didn’t like this book. I tried to, partly because most of the reviews already published have given it 4 stars, but mostly because the brief synopsis made it sound fascinating; “a Texas couple take a much needed weekend getaway but while driving in rural Louisiana, Cameron sees a flash of light and swerves, waking Carrie. They notice that their environment has changed—a faint cloud distorts the empty road, the clocks blink “00:00,” and their cell phones lose reception. For miles, they do not see any other cars, animals, or people. With no way to flag anyone for help, they know they’re on their own. Just when they think they’ve found salvation, their experiences splinter. Carrie hears sounds that Cameron cannot hear. Cameron sees things that Carrie cannot see. As Cameron and Carrie wander through the unfamiliar landscape, they are hunted by their biggest regrets. They must come to grips with who they were if they are to escape their pasts and survive the present.”
Sounds good right? Mysterious and freaky enough to draw you in without being too obvious where it will lead.
The thing is it’s not original and not being too obvious ends in chapter one. The central idea (coming to terms with life’s regrets) is an interesting one but it has been explored in countless books in the same way, many better than in this one. What this book needs to set it apart is an approach or style that is original, one that brings a new perspective or forces you to think in a new way. I’m sorry to say that this book just didn’t do that for me. The writing style left me cold; clunky dialogue intermixed with frequent literary cliché and clumsy descriptions. Some of this surely comes down to personal taste; a split infinitive is arguably not an 'error' but I found the one somewhere near the halfway mark jarring enough to make note. There were moments that I felt were supposed to be dramatic but elicited only an incredulous eye-roll (someone is described as identical to our hero but we're told that it's his hat that gives away his identity. What?!).
Perhaps, though, my dissatisfaction with ‘Fate's Past’ is more about the type of book I like. I am a self-confessed grammar Nazi, cleverness tends to make me suspicious and scares need to be written so concisely that I’m never reminded I’m reading a book. In any genre of book, I need the language to flow so gently and purely that I’m carried away; taken into the world I am reading about so that I lose track of time. Too often reading this book the bizarre choice of words or childish dialogue threw me out of the narrative and left me annoyed instead of intrigued.
There are a few redeeming qualities; the odd genuinely suspenseful moment and some perfect paragraphs of relentless horror, overall though I just couldn’t find enough to love. I am, however, in the minority. I’ve read a dozen or so reviews on Goodreads and Amazon who all found this book suspenseful and edge-of-the-seat dramatic. Only one mentions the fact that the ‘surprise’ ending is clearly sign posted early on. Most reviewers are venerating Mr Huebinger as the next Stephen King. To which I say NO! You have clearly never read any of his horror masterpieces if you think that this book even comes close.
Lucy
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
May 24, 2016
A couple's road trip to New Orleans takes a terrifying turn when they find themselves on a never-ending road that seems devoid of civilisation. The story reminds you of the twilight zone where they are haunted by something(s) sinister. Will they make it out alive and what haunts them are questions that will keep you hooked until the very end.
The story is very well-developed with believable characters and reactions. The author manages to create a spooky atmosphere throughout the story and has you sympathise with the characters' plight. While it is a supernatural horror story, which ideally requires suspension of disbelief, this one had reasons for everything that happens, reasons that made sense to me anyway.
Having said that, I would like to point out that while I enjoyed the book immensely, I knew where the story was going after a few chapters. In fact, I had a hunch right after the first chapter but the author had me question myself several times. I would like to blame this on my voracious appetite for books and movies (stories in any form, really) and not the author's lack of skill or any fault with the story. If my hunch had been proven wrong I would have given this a four-star rating for sure.
The story is very well-developed with believable characters and reactions. The author manages to create a spooky atmosphere throughout the story and has you sympathise with the characters' plight. While it is a supernatural horror story, which ideally requires suspension of disbelief, this one had reasons for everything that happens, reasons that made sense to me anyway.
Having said that, I would like to point out that while I enjoyed the book immensely, I knew where the story was going after a few chapters. In fact, I had a hunch right after the first chapter but the author had me question myself several times. I would like to blame this on my voracious appetite for books and movies (stories in any form, really) and not the author's lack of skill or any fault with the story. If my hunch had been proven wrong I would have given this a four-star rating for sure.
August 10, 2016
It was pretty good. It dragged on for a bit there in the middle, but it picked up again towards the end.
I liked how descriptive the author was, but at times it got to be too much. I did enjoy the book, yes I couldn't put it down, but towards the middle I was getting discouraged that nothing new was going to happen. I thought it was going to continue repeating itself throughout the entire book, which it kind of did, but finally towards the last chapter it picked up its pace again and ended exactly how I expected it would.
I liked how descriptive the author was, but at times it got to be too much. I did enjoy the book, yes I couldn't put it down, but towards the middle I was getting discouraged that nothing new was going to happen. I thought it was going to continue repeating itself throughout the entire book, which it kind of did, but finally towards the last chapter it picked up its pace again and ended exactly how I expected it would.
May 4, 2017
1.5 Stars-When I was in high school, I took a creative writing class where we were tasked with coming up with a story for our end of the year assignment. Our instructions were simple: with a minimum of 25 pages, create a descriptive story with background enriched characters who find themselves dealing with some sort of hardship.
Sitting at my computer, I was able to take my pre-writing and turn it into a draft. I spent countless hours revising it, all to come up with the same conclusion: it was not long enough. At that point, I proceeded type in words into my computer, right click on them to use different synonyms to make my word count go up. Still not long enough. Finally, I had enough and figured I'd increase my descriptiveness to my characters surroundings, their backstories, and anything other piece of information I deemed to fit. That was the problem though--90% of the descriptiveness didn't belong and was completely useless information to the reader. It was merely to get my word count up.
That's what this book was for me. Reading this novel made me feel like I was reading a highschoolers writing assignment. The writing was sloppy, extremely repetitive, and full of grammatical errors that I could not look past. I felt nothing other than annoyance towards Cameron and Carrie-as much as I love pet names, there is something absolutely revolting in reading the words "baby" and "sweetie" in what is obviously forced dialogue, desperately trying to convince the reader that they love each other.
The only reason I'm giving it this star rating, is because the premise to the novel was fantastic. The first couple of sentences of the synopsis made me want to read it immediately. Unfortunately, I was completely underwhelmed and was glad when I finished it. This had so much potential! Shame on the editor for letting this get through their hands in such a terrible unfinished state.
Sitting at my computer, I was able to take my pre-writing and turn it into a draft. I spent countless hours revising it, all to come up with the same conclusion: it was not long enough. At that point, I proceeded type in words into my computer, right click on them to use different synonyms to make my word count go up. Still not long enough. Finally, I had enough and figured I'd increase my descriptiveness to my characters surroundings, their backstories, and anything other piece of information I deemed to fit. That was the problem though--90% of the descriptiveness didn't belong and was completely useless information to the reader. It was merely to get my word count up.
That's what this book was for me. Reading this novel made me feel like I was reading a highschoolers writing assignment. The writing was sloppy, extremely repetitive, and full of grammatical errors that I could not look past. I felt nothing other than annoyance towards Cameron and Carrie-as much as I love pet names, there is something absolutely revolting in reading the words "baby" and "sweetie" in what is obviously forced dialogue, desperately trying to convince the reader that they love each other.
The only reason I'm giving it this star rating, is because the premise to the novel was fantastic. The first couple of sentences of the synopsis made me want to read it immediately. Unfortunately, I was completely underwhelmed and was glad when I finished it. This had so much potential! Shame on the editor for letting this get through their hands in such a terrible unfinished state.
March 15, 2018
Lost Interest in this Book.
Started out ok. It felt like the story was about two people living through a dream. But the situation they are in never moves forward. No clues as to what is happening to the main characters. Kept reading hoping it would reveal more details. But no just a lot of questions and no answers. Sorry but it just got boring for me. Wanted small clues to keep my interest and continue reading. Had to stop 1/3 into the story.
Started out ok. It felt like the story was about two people living through a dream. But the situation they are in never moves forward. No clues as to what is happening to the main characters. Kept reading hoping it would reveal more details. But no just a lot of questions and no answers. Sorry but it just got boring for me. Wanted small clues to keep my interest and continue reading. Had to stop 1/3 into the story.
August 8, 2016
Leaving this as Fate's Past's 50th rating -- thank you so much to everyone who has read it! Your support means the world to me.
April 12, 2016
Cameron and Carrie’s trip from Austin to New Orleans takes an unexpected detour through rural Louisiana, an area that might be easily mistaken for the backside of a Twilight Zone episode on steroids or the entry, “welcome to” level of Hell. Although at first they seem to be alone on an unfamiliar road that goes on forever, when they eventually find the first sign of civilization, a gas station, we begin to learn exactly how unusual it is.
Superficially, everything looks real but there is also something fake about it - like the trees in the forest appear to be mirrored replicas of one another. And then, when they finally meet someone who belongs to the bizarre world, he appears quite differently to each of them. Creepy!
If you like zombies and gratuitous gore, this is not that kind of horror. Sure, there are some bloody encounters along the way, often very intense stuff, but Huebinger has carefully crafted a world with alternate rules where the lines between the past, present and future are blurred, if not non-existent, at times. In one sense, it is a story of sought redemption. In another, it’s less about atonement and more about enduring torment. All along the way, there is mystery slowly unraveling to expose what’s really going on and why Cameron and Carrie are experiencing a lifetime of nightmares, one after another.
In FATE’S PAST, Huebinger combines the best elements of a suspense thriller with a horror theme. This is an impressive debut novel. Look for more great stories to come from this new author.
Superficially, everything looks real but there is also something fake about it - like the trees in the forest appear to be mirrored replicas of one another. And then, when they finally meet someone who belongs to the bizarre world, he appears quite differently to each of them. Creepy!
If you like zombies and gratuitous gore, this is not that kind of horror. Sure, there are some bloody encounters along the way, often very intense stuff, but Huebinger has carefully crafted a world with alternate rules where the lines between the past, present and future are blurred, if not non-existent, at times. In one sense, it is a story of sought redemption. In another, it’s less about atonement and more about enduring torment. All along the way, there is mystery slowly unraveling to expose what’s really going on and why Cameron and Carrie are experiencing a lifetime of nightmares, one after another.
In FATE’S PAST, Huebinger combines the best elements of a suspense thriller with a horror theme. This is an impressive debut novel. Look for more great stories to come from this new author.
December 27, 2018
This book frustrated me. I finished it purely to see how the author would end it. It was fairly obvious early on what the premise of the story was and where it was going. However, it seemed like the idea was repeated in different ways over and over - I guess for those people that didn't get it from the beginning? I had several moments that I rolled my eyes and closed the book to read something else. Like some other reviewers, I felt this was longer than it needed to be. The story could have been told in a much smaller form and would have been infinitely better and more interesting to read. Can't say I'd recommend this one to anyone.
September 1, 2016
It started out with some potential, like a great episode of The Twilight Zone. But it didn't really take it to that next level. The characters seemed likable enough and we can relate to their "true love", but i wasn't invested in them. Learning their back stories made them less likable and overly complicated. Story was trying too hard and really started to drag. I almost gave up a few times, but kept reading because I expected some great twist at the end, but it never came.
October 15, 2016
This was pretty good, but not great. Like several reviewers pointed out, mid way in, it really started to drag. Lots and lots and lots of 'descriptives' throughout, half of which weren't necessary. I thought I knew where it was going to end up, but it did take until the end to confirm my suspicions. Possible spoiler alert: I would like to think it happens that way. If I've hurt anyone, I hope I can make amends.
August 15, 2016
If you are a Stephen King fan you will really like this book.
I almost put this book down . Then I read another chapter then another. By the third one I had to finish it. Would make a great Twilight Zone movie. Great writing a real page turner.
I almost put this book down . Then I read another chapter then another. By the third one I had to finish it. Would make a great Twilight Zone movie. Great writing a real page turner.
August 19, 2016
Fate's Past
I didn't really care for this book. I figured out was happening pretty early on and got bored with it, but I always finish reading the book in hopes that it will get better.
I didn't really care for this book. I figured out was happening pretty early on and got bored with it, but I always finish reading the book in hopes that it will get better.
November 26, 2016
A fantastic read in my opinion. I loved the different plots and different characters and how they all fit in the Characters' past lives. I loved the book and I liked the concept of how regrets can change the way you live. Fantastic job!!!
July 14, 2016
Excellent read
I got this book by chance as a free read and I could not put it down. I definitely recommend it.
I got this book by chance as a free read and I could not put it down. I definitely recommend it.
March 12, 2017
Confusing story
This was a confusing story with too many extra words. I guess it was someone's idea of purgatory? I did not care for it.
This was a confusing story with too many extra words. I guess it was someone's idea of purgatory? I did not care for it.
December 8, 2020
Wow. Reading the epilogue completely changed the story.
April 3, 2020
It was okay. Not terrible, but not great either. Just... okay.
The blurb promised a lot. I was expecting a boyfriend and girlfriend, each experiencing things the other wasn’t, which I thought would lead to a “gaslighting” type of situation where each one thinks the other is going crazy.
There’s an element of that, but it’s not nearly as prominent as the blurb led me to believe.
The story concept is good (if not what I was expecting), but it’s just not written very well. The language is deliberately antiquated, overly descriptive, and “flowery”. Too much so for the modern setting. People just don’t talk like that anymore in real life, and it makes the characters and narration not ring true. In modern books, even the narration uses contractions these days, but the author avoids those like the plague, except occasionally in dialogue.
It also gets really confusing, really quickly, and you struggle to follow what’s going on. I zoned out a lot.
I did “get” it eventually, but it’s just not very interesting because of the language choices the author makes. Besides, as soon as you figure it out (in my case, that was about 30% in), you know exactly how it will end.
It’s not bad. It’s just not my cup of tea, and I think serious horror fans will find it bland and predictable. Stephen King, this is not.
Click here to find out where you can get your hands on a copy: https://books2read.com/u/bzo2GG
* Note: That's an affiliate link, so if you click through to a store and end up buying anything, I might earn a commission from your purchase.
The blurb promised a lot. I was expecting a boyfriend and girlfriend, each experiencing things the other wasn’t, which I thought would lead to a “gaslighting” type of situation where each one thinks the other is going crazy.
There’s an element of that, but it’s not nearly as prominent as the blurb led me to believe.
The story concept is good (if not what I was expecting), but it’s just not written very well. The language is deliberately antiquated, overly descriptive, and “flowery”. Too much so for the modern setting. People just don’t talk like that anymore in real life, and it makes the characters and narration not ring true. In modern books, even the narration uses contractions these days, but the author avoids those like the plague, except occasionally in dialogue.
It also gets really confusing, really quickly, and you struggle to follow what’s going on. I zoned out a lot.
I did “get” it eventually, but it’s just not very interesting because of the language choices the author makes. Besides, as soon as you figure it out (in my case, that was about 30% in), you know exactly how it will end.
It’s not bad. It’s just not my cup of tea, and I think serious horror fans will find it bland and predictable. Stephen King, this is not.
Click here to find out where you can get your hands on a copy: https://books2read.com/u/bzo2GG
* Note: That's an affiliate link, so if you click through to a store and end up buying anything, I might earn a commission from your purchase.
July 4, 2017
Intriguing
This reminded me of a movie and book I saw/ read. The back and forth memories seemed to drag the book on. It was almost predictable. I found myself slowly looking interest and wishing the characters would get on with it already. There is a good concept for this book, but if you are easily d9ne with reading detailed details you ,at not like this read
This reminded me of a movie and book I saw/ read. The back and forth memories seemed to drag the book on. It was almost predictable. I found myself slowly looking interest and wishing the characters would get on with it already. There is a good concept for this book, but if you are easily d9ne with reading detailed details you ,at not like this read
August 13, 2022
Honestly the books was okay but I felt like the authors should have used something different then all three of the characters mom dying. And the ending that they had died was a bit predictable. Plus there were a few issues the editing. Overall okay read but it's a one and done from me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2017
Don't bother.
That is all.
That is all.
August 8, 2017
Fate's Past
Great debut book. Had me scared from the beginning. Unexpected ending. Very deep meaning writing. Makes you stop and think.
Great debut book. Had me scared from the beginning. Unexpected ending. Very deep meaning writing. Makes you stop and think.
June 19, 2020
Not a fan of the writing style.
July 18, 2021
2.5 stars. I couldn’t even decide if I wanted to finish reading the book. I am glad I did, since the ending was better then most of the book. The middle just dragged for me. Just not for me.
November 18, 2016
Oh man, that ending came out of nowhere!
October 27, 2019
I found this book interesting, even if the theme isn't my cup of tea. Facing their past and learning to move past guilt and shame made the bittersweet end worth while. It was a quick read that kept my interest and that makes it a winner.
April 28, 2020
I enjoyed the book. There were parts that were a little long winded, but overall I think the story worked. Someone else mentioned that it had a twilight zone feel, I agree.
The epilogue though! I like when books elicit that kind of "Oh Wow" feeling with one sentence. I had the plot figured out about half way through but still, the epilogue got me in my feels.
The epilogue though! I like when books elicit that kind of "Oh Wow" feeling with one sentence. I had the plot figured out about half way through but still, the epilogue got me in my feels.
July 24, 2016
Everyone Has Regrets
Skeletons in their closets.
What if you had to relive them? Face them head on, come to terms and make peace with these personal demons and regrets. Could you? Would you?
These are the situations that face boyfriend and girlfriend Carrie and Cameron. While on their way to New Orleans for a weekend getaway something strange occurs and the road they are on doesn’t appear to be the one they should be traveling. While unable to catch their bearings due to malfunctioning electronics and unaware to gauge the time as all clocks only show 00:00, Cameron and Carrie travel on this “road to nowhere” until they reach an inn. The kindly innkeeper provides them with a room for the evening and the strange occurrences continue. While Cameron continues to hear a growling that Carrie cannot; Carrie is plagued by an incessant high pitched beeping and the cry of a baby. The duo eventually become separated and are thrust into their own personal nightmare world of regrets, missed opportunities and bad choices as they attempt to fight their way back to each other.
At first I wasn’t really sure where this story was going with the paranormal road, visits from past indiscretions and replaying of mistakes in striking realism. Was this just a dream that one of the characters was having during the long ride between Texas and Louisiana or was it something more? There definitely was a paranormal aspect to it and also a dash of Twilight Zone and Stephen King. I finally caught on to Heubinger’s vision for this story about 75% in, and the realization blew my mind. After having read the story and having a few days to digest it, I can look back and see a double meaning in a few things and while intentional or not, to me it makes this story all the better. Because of this, I can definitely see myself slating this title for a reread in the future to see if I can pick up on any other subtle bits of foreshadowing that I missing during my initial read. The closing lines of the book gave me chills and brought a tear to my eye. I do believe that this may be the debut novel for Jason Heubinger and I definitely hope that there are others!
Skeletons in their closets.
What if you had to relive them? Face them head on, come to terms and make peace with these personal demons and regrets. Could you? Would you?
These are the situations that face boyfriend and girlfriend Carrie and Cameron. While on their way to New Orleans for a weekend getaway something strange occurs and the road they are on doesn’t appear to be the one they should be traveling. While unable to catch their bearings due to malfunctioning electronics and unaware to gauge the time as all clocks only show 00:00, Cameron and Carrie travel on this “road to nowhere” until they reach an inn. The kindly innkeeper provides them with a room for the evening and the strange occurrences continue. While Cameron continues to hear a growling that Carrie cannot; Carrie is plagued by an incessant high pitched beeping and the cry of a baby. The duo eventually become separated and are thrust into their own personal nightmare world of regrets, missed opportunities and bad choices as they attempt to fight their way back to each other.
At first I wasn’t really sure where this story was going with the paranormal road, visits from past indiscretions and replaying of mistakes in striking realism. Was this just a dream that one of the characters was having during the long ride between Texas and Louisiana or was it something more? There definitely was a paranormal aspect to it and also a dash of Twilight Zone and Stephen King. I finally caught on to Heubinger’s vision for this story about 75% in, and the realization blew my mind. After having read the story and having a few days to digest it, I can look back and see a double meaning in a few things and while intentional or not, to me it makes this story all the better. Because of this, I can definitely see myself slating this title for a reread in the future to see if I can pick up on any other subtle bits of foreshadowing that I missing during my initial read. The closing lines of the book gave me chills and brought a tear to my eye. I do believe that this may be the debut novel for Jason Heubinger and I definitely hope that there are others!
May 8, 2016
Many of the most apt comparisons have already been made: King, Twilight Zone, etc. While the Twilight Zone comparison is most spot-on, Huebinger takes his highly original horror premise far beyond a twisty, turny, creepy tale. Carrie and Cameron are on a road trip that veers off into the nightmare of altered reality. The horror and suspense and edge-of-your-seat dread are all very real. As previous reviewers have noted, this book is to be started when you have time to finish it. You aren't going to want to put it down. The real reason to read this one, though (in my opinion) is Huebinger's psychological investigation into the dynamics of a couple and of our ability (or lack thereof) to deal with our own past. This novel is perfect for fans of what I would classify as cerebral horror, similar to books like Head Full of Ghosts and Bird Box. Just like with both of those contemporary classics, Fate's Past has some very real scares. But it also matches them in its exploration into the mind. And Huebinger navigates both his horror side and his thought-provoking side with abilities far beyond the typical debut novelist. I feel pretty certain that the world of horror fiction has a new player.
April 11, 2016
Fate's Past is a suspenseful, heart-pounding supernatural horror novel that kept me guessing until the end. Once I picked it up, I didn't want to put it down!
The story was very well developed, and the characters were interesting and relatable. I honestly felt like I would react the exact same way as Carrie and Cameron if I were in their situation.
Huebinger's descriptions were remarkable; I was able to get a clear picture in my mind's eye of everything that was happening. Fate's Past not only has amazing suspense, but the action scenes were well-paced, keeping my eyes glued to my screen. I genuinely couldn't get enough!
The ending surprised me. It was absolutely fitting with the build-up, concluding in a spectacular way. I would definitely recommend this book! Well done, Jason Huebinger!
I was given an ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review, but I've already pre-ordered my own copy.
The story was very well developed, and the characters were interesting and relatable. I honestly felt like I would react the exact same way as Carrie and Cameron if I were in their situation.
Huebinger's descriptions were remarkable; I was able to get a clear picture in my mind's eye of everything that was happening. Fate's Past not only has amazing suspense, but the action scenes were well-paced, keeping my eyes glued to my screen. I genuinely couldn't get enough!
The ending surprised me. It was absolutely fitting with the build-up, concluding in a spectacular way. I would definitely recommend this book! Well done, Jason Huebinger!
I was given an ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review, but I've already pre-ordered my own copy.
August 19, 2016
It was no surprise at all to get to the end of this book and read that this was the authors debut novel. There's just something about a first novel, you can tell. I ALMOST quit at one point but with that being said, what this book really has going for it is some genuinely creepy Twilight Zone, what the heck did I just read, thanks a lot for the nightmares moments. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for new books by this author. I sense a lot of seriously spooky potential here as long as he keeps practicing his craft.
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