Chasm

by Stephen Laws

In the ordinary town of Edmonville a tremor hits, followed by a second devastating tremor, then darkness. The next morning, the survivors discover that most of the town has disappeared into an enormous crevasse.
As they struggle to survive, one by one people start to disappear without trace.

Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction, Apocalyptic, Post Apocalyptic

546 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Stephen Laws is a full-time novelist, born in Newcastle upon Tyne. Married, with three children, he lives and works in his birthplace. The author of 11 novels, numerous short stories, (collected in THE MIDNIGHT MAN) columnist, reviewer, film-festival interviewer, pianist and recipient of a number of awards, Stephen Laws recently wrote and starred in the short horror movie THE SECRET.

Reviews

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 3.5 ⭐s. I have read several novels by Laws and enjoy his work, but he (for me) never again hit that sweet spot like his early novel Spectre. Instead, his work became much longer (more mature? bloated?) and the horror aspects more 'outre'. These changes are exemplified in Chasm. Laws starts the novel by introducing a range of characters in the town of Edmonville and then their experience when the 'earthquake' hits. Most of these folks die in appalling ways, but a handful emerge as our rough and ready gang of survivors.

When the dust settles, the remains of Edmonville are scattered around on tufts of land; between them all is the titular Chasm, a seemingly bottomless void. The 'islands' in the Chasm vary in size (none very large) and gulfs of a few to several hundred feet separate them-- imagine several small islands in a sea, but here the sea is a just the Chasm. Jay O'Connor, our narrator and protagonist, starts the novel by going to work at his former high school as a janitor (part of a 'community service' deal from a recent arrest). He hates it, hates his boss, but life goes on. When the earth starts rocking, Jay gets buried in the school house rubble, but obviously lives. A few others emerge from the wreckage, but most of the students fell into the rapidly growing chasms. The other survivors possess similar stories. As far as rag-tag survivors go, Laws gives us a nice, realistic set of characters, e.g., normal folks, who suddenly face something impossible.

The environmental changes go way beyond the chasms, however; no birds or other animals, the sky is just a faded grey (as is the horizon) and something evil seems to live in the chasm. I will get a little spoilery here, but not much beyond the cover blurb. It seems Jay and company, along with the remnants of town, have 'transported' to another dimension, one where all the ill feelings and nastiness of human hate go; think of it as a reservoir of hate that has been filling for thousands of years. Eventually, it achieved consciousness of a sort, and when the shattered remains of the town emerge, the entity (something like a vast hive mind) glories in the chance to inflict some suffering on the survivors. In a way I liked this, but it was pretty hard to suspend my sense of disbelief; as I mentioned earlier, Laws' novels seem to become more 'outre'.

So, our 'tribe' has to deal with an evil black mass (described as oily or tar-like) that streams up from the chasm with 'nightfall', just dying to suck some souls, but thankfully, is terrified of fire and light. The oily mass, which calls itself Vorla, can even animate dead human bodies, and even further, can make them look like recognizable people to our survivors (some sort of mind reading I suppose). Just when our rag-tag band thinks they have a handle on the situation, some other survivors, of a much nastier temperament, make their appearance and Laws takes us down a rather long and tired road of tired tropes. Fun read, but not enough for 4 stars.

[Oliver Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was unexpectedly brilliant

[Book Vamp Jade Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever wondered where all your negative thought, evil deeds and terrible things humanity does goes? In this book you truly learn the value of the physics definition: for every action there is a reaction. when the small town of Edmonville is devastated by an earthquake the survivors find themselves on strange islands in what can only be described as a crevasse. In this place where there is only a mist daylight with no sun and total darkness, you learn the meaning of fearing the night.

A place where the dead do not rest in peace, possessed by something that encompass all the evil ever known to man. The survivors slowly find their way together and have to find a way to survive and fight the darkness. But this place holds many mysterious beings and live human terrors that begin to hunt them by day.

A number of sections of the book is slow reading as Laws takes great pains to describe each character but their lives before the quake. But if you slog through it you'll be rewarded every time for your efforts as this is essential to understand the actions each character takes and the sacrifices that make. and also what is behind the voices they hear.

It is a chilling idea that even our thoughts or smallest unkind deeds can create something deadly and actually causes you to think back on your actions towards others.

[PRJ Greenwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make no mistake, this is a gripping page-turner. This is the third book I've read from this author and he keeps getting better and better. One thing I admire about his style is that his characters act so believably when confronted with the bizarre and supernatural. There are no heroes here.

I would've given this book five stars but for the inclusion into the story of some (for mine) very extraneous "oh please" elements concerning "young children". They lend the book an unneeded deus ex machina which spoils affairs a tad.

Yet, we have another winner here.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...

Not one to read horror fiction very often, I picked up this book after reading it for the first time a verrry long time ago. I have not since read any further books by Laws but did enjoy this horrific-dystopian adventure where the end of the world is very much experienced by a handful of survivors.

[Chris Dalley · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best horror books I've read. Couldn't put it down! This Author does not get the acclaim he deserves!

[Jakub Pazera · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of Stephen Laws best. Out of the box horror story that takes you deep into the unknown. Worth a read.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of fiction which takes a group of ordinary people and propels them into a supernatural alternate reality full of the unknowable dangers, and this book scratched that itch nicely. It is in no way high art, but the idea was original and the characters held my interest. My biggest complaint would be that the author really didn't seem to care about little things like physics. There were several places where I had to just grin and roll with it on that count. Outside of that, it was a nothing more and nothing less than a fun, interesting little read. If the setup sounds like a book you would like, I would recommend reading it.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Inter-dimensional earthquake strands a bunch of strangers in an alternate version of their ordinary English town, where they are surrounded on all sides by a hellish sentient evil force known as the 'Vorla' that is the product of human misdeeds and nastiness. Good main protagonist who we hear from via his journal entries, lots of tension and a decent dose of gore thrown in for good measure.
All round enjoyable read.

[Anthony Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from Stephen Laws. Quite why his work has never been adapted to the big/small screen is a mystery to me. This, like his others, is filled with extreme characters, horrific monsters, and incredible setpieces that, although it would be difficult to film, done right would be a sight to see and an experience for the viewer.

Laws really is and under-read, under-rated master of horror/fantasy.

[Bayden Hammond · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was the unique premise that hooked me on this one, making for an apocalypse story simply like no other. The fantastic setting, in which the various parts of a town become isolated on numerous plateaus above a bottomless chasm, created some brilliant visuals in my mind. Stephen Laws fills the accompanying story with diverse and interesting characters, and while the plot is ultimately too drawn out and at times very clichéd, it’s still an enjoyable ride.

[Jaime Tena d · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came out years before the epic TV series LOST, I don´t know if the creators of said show ever read this, but there are tons of similarities, I really enjoyed this novel as much as I enjoyed that show, its filled with suspense and a great cast of characters each with their individual flaws and virtues, that make up well written characters. Pretty epic.

[Dr Ragaey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book not once but twice, it is a great read. The book has a story to tell and a lesson to tell. Portions of the book is slow but once it moves the steam never gives up. I really wish of Mr laws coils give us a sequel for a great read

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kind of apocalyptic horror tale as a group of people get sucked into a hellish alternate reality. Tense, chilling and just enough gruesomeness for any gorehound.

[John Wiltshire · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf. I like a good earthquake as much as the next person. But pages and pages and pages of description of one with no investment in the characters affected really didn't hold my interest.

[Dylan Derby · Rating 3 out of 5]

If the characters and area of the second half of this book had been a part of the first half of the book it would be a 4-5 star book for me. the second half was much more crazy and intense then the first half.

[Peter Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why does my mind keep coming back to this book time and time again. I haven't read it for over, by my reckoning, twenty years but it's fractured memories insist I re-read it.

I know, somewhere, in the ruins of what I used to call my Library that it's sitting patiently waiting and when I do find it, I'll be able to fill in the blank spaces of what I can remember about freaky isolated archipelagos floating inside an inky void Chasm and cutesy little cherubs that were't altogether angelic, but...I'll quit there for fear of spoilers.

If there are, and I am certain of it, other folks who've read this and like to give a thumbs up/down/neutral with a review of their own then bring them on.

I do recall the book being, for Me at least, completely compulsive reading but am completely at a loss as to how it ended.

Alas, no ebook version 😭 unless anyone out there knows otherwise. Thanks

[Thomas B · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've no idea how this book has such a high review. It's a simple airport novel dragged over too many pages. Crammed with clichés, in a world full of fantastic horror and suspense literature, this falls way short of the mark for me!

[Gen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liked the concept but becomes repetitive after a while... Too long.

[Plum-crazy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read & enjoyed more years ago than I care to remember! Star rating based on my enjoyment at the time as I do remember I loved it.

[Thomas Wüstemann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing that came to mind after finishing the book was: Why is Stephen Laws not better known? A highly original setting, combined with a fluent writing style and King-esk characterizations. That screams for popular demand. It might be, as he himself stated numeral times, because he missed the peak of British new wave horror, at least with this one. It might also be because the captivating beginning dips into the obscure the further we get to the ending. Also, the language overstays its welcome a bit with staccato-like sentences, hectic pacing in the all too many action sequences, and the constant jumping between action and inner monologue that result in an uneven and nervous reading experience.
All that sounds like a slanting review. But no. All these critiques built up over time and accelerated. But overusage doesn't neglect the quality and I still found CHASM to be highly engaging, excellently structured and very thoughtful in its parts.
Talking about the parts: There are three main parts in the book, of which I found the first and second nearly flawless. The characters in these chapters are spot on. Through them, we can feel the despair and hopelessness of the circumstances. Through their planning and discoveries, we learn of what happened, resulting in a great, character-oriented world-building. We fear with them; we cheer with them. And most importantly, we always side with them, even with the morally gray ones.
It only starts to fall apart a bit in the third and final part, where the action rises. Suddenly, characters grow beyond themselves in ways that challenge our disbelief; more and more strange correlations progress the story, up to frequent deus ex machina moments. All that combined with the increasingly frantic language. Would Laws had just concentrated on what his characters can solve by themselves instead of ever raising the stakes, throwing new obstacles in the way, this could have been perfect. Instead, we get numb soon to all the hurdles as the book turns from horror into 80s action movie.

Speaking of Deus ex machina: The cherubim, sadly, are the most ridiculous part of the book, as their only reason for being is to play the part of the Deus in the end, which turns out to be not a solution at all. With our characters returning to the no-place in the end, the whole concept of the cherubim gets superfluous. Therefore, I don't mind the Deus ex machina moment, but it is also an unnecessary and kitschy misdirection.

All in all, it's a great read and a horror novel, that presents an epicness, seldom to be found.

[Jacob O'connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

When is anger a good thing?

I've read that Michael Jordan found reasons to get angry with his opponents. Even Jesus got angry in the Gospels. Laws uses this as a primary virtue of his protagonist, so it bears asking.

Chasm was a decent read. The first third was quite good. It was fun wondering what was going on, and I enjoyed the city scape straight out of a Silent Hill game. As is usually the case, once the secret is revealed, you're a bit disappointed. Not knowing is almost always more fun.

Laws helped me put my finger on the trick to writing first-person. Really boils down to the show/don't tell formula. A writer can't just tell the reader that his hero is good, virtuous, and courageous. Nor can he put it in the mouths of the hero's cohorts. The effect of this is to come off as cheap, or worse, to make the hero a humble-brag or know-it-all. No, the readers must discover the hero's character for themselves. Show the hero being heroic, and trust the audience to come to the right conclusions.

[Nathan · Rating 2 out of 5]

After 2/3 of the book this was almost DNF. BUT the final part was ok enough to finish the book. The editing is so so bad, it made wonder whether I've bought a sample edition, which to be fair was £1 in a charity shop.Some very clumsy and amateurish writing techniques used. Only the third part made me care about any of the chars. I won't be reading any other books by Stephen Laws.

[Michael Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read of a Stephen Laws novel. I found it chilling and really well paced. Would definitely read other books by this author on the back of this.

[Kali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe it was corny, but I really liked it

[Paul SWITZER · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting idea, and quite well-written. But it gradually gets worse and worse until a pretty terrible ending.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chasm was, in its way, Stephen Laws' The Stand/Swan Song - an epic Apocalyptic story about the end of the world as we know it....at least for a village in England. A catastrophic earthquake shocks the inhabitants of Edmonville opening up a huge rent right down the middle of town, swallowing up people and buildings and leaving a stunned few survivors behind. They soon find themselves at the mercy of an evil black ooze that doesn't just want them dead, it wants to makes them suffer first. As a small band of survivors try to make do and evade the primordial ooze and the apparent actual Hell on Earth they've found themselves in, they discover they may not be the only ones still alive, but may not be such a good thing.
Having just watched the 2020 TV version of "The Stand" before reading this, I at first couldn't help but notice all the similarities Chasm seemed to have with the story. Much of the way the story played out, and even some of the characters, especially the villainous ones, felt like they were just Laws' version of previous Apocalyptic novels. But as the story went further it definitely set itself apart as the cataclysm in this novel had much of its own originality. Broken into three "books," the first half of Chasm had similarities in structure to several of its predecessors - though when you're writing a story about the end of days, I imagine there are only so many ways to have it start out. However, the last half definitely explored new territory and had some unique twists.
Ultimately, this was as good as any of Laws' better novels, my only contention being what felt like a crammed in deus ex machina sort of ending, which had plot twists that felt like the author hadn't really figured out how to end the story so he just winged it.

[Eric Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best horror novels I've ever read. Heartily recommended!