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The Spitting Post
Vincent Carpenter’s life is a wreck. He has given up his dreams. He has lost his job after an economic disaster. His ten-year marriage is crumbling. Then he awakens in a maniacal land of frighteningly vivid realism with skull trees, glowing forests, ravenous beasts, and other psychologically haunting adversity.
While traveling through this demented unearthly world, he has a chance encounter with a beautiful maiden dressed in green; before he can start a conversation, she disappears into the unknown. Vincent must try to find her at a fantastical place known as the Spitting Post. But first he must overcome many macabre misfortunes and face nightmares that question his sanity. Will he reach her? What will the Spitting Post reveal? Will he suffer more disappointment and tragedy? Or will he find peace at last?
While traveling through this demented unearthly world, he has a chance encounter with a beautiful maiden dressed in green; before he can start a conversation, she disappears into the unknown. Vincent must try to find her at a fantastical place known as the Spitting Post. But first he must overcome many macabre misfortunes and face nightmares that question his sanity. Will he reach her? What will the Spitting Post reveal? Will he suffer more disappointment and tragedy? Or will he find peace at last?
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2017
1 person is currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Jason R. Barden
4 books68 followersAt the young age of thirteen, Jason R. Barden began his journey as a writer with poetry. As he grew older, he delved into the world of dark fantasy and horror fiction, ultimately publishing his first novel, The Spitting Post. His second novel, Mouthful of Spiders, is a thrilling combination of murder mystery and horror, complete with unexpected twists. Jason's short stories and poems have been featured in numerous magazines, further establishing his talent as a writer. When he's not focused on his craft, Jason finds joy in hiking and photography.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 4, 2018
I'm giving this five stars for originality. Compelling from the first page. This is told from a first person viewpoint. I was completely surprised and immensely pleased at how good this is. After reading the blurb, I was intrigued. When starting to read about Vincent Carpenter, you get pulled in at the beginning. There's this need to know more in this strange fantasy world with a medley of even stranger characters throughout.
Vincent is on a quest to find The Green Maiden, and so his adventure begins. Lots of craziness and evil things are lurking in this one-man journey, so keep your eyes open. If you're looking for something different, this is it.
Vincent is on a quest to find The Green Maiden, and so his adventure begins. Lots of craziness and evil things are lurking in this one-man journey, so keep your eyes open. If you're looking for something different, this is it.
April 17, 2018
"Find me at the spitting post. The Purple Swan knows the way."
This cryptic instruction probably sums up the mysterious and intriguing nature on everything about The Spitting Post - from the title itself to each of the sections in the book. Yet thru it all this, I find the book quite an entertaining read. I can't help but wonder if ever The Spitting Post were to be made into a movie, it may even turn out to be a blockbuster!
The story focuses on Vincent who, after getting into an accident, starts an incredulous adventure through the blue forest into what seems to be a magical world. It certainly doesn't feel real, though it was very much the reality for Vincent. He meets quite a number of people -- Vincent the Original, Vincent Number 2, Vincent Number 3 and so on. Apparently, he's Vincent Number 5, and he must figure out a way out of this magical realm or be trapped forever. His adventure also takes him to The Green Maiden and with the magical quote above, he sets out on a few missions to rescue the damsel in distress and claim his prize.
As incredulous as the story sounded, I actually had an enjoyable afternoon reading this story. The original and unique storyline was definitely refreshing. I also find the author's writing style clean and easy to follow. The use of the first person point of view makes what's happening to Vincent more immediate and as we can see when we come to the end, it's a stroke of genius. I love the twists and turns in this story and the surprising revelation at the end is worth every penny.
Overall, I highly recommend this. You won't regret it.
This cryptic instruction probably sums up the mysterious and intriguing nature on everything about The Spitting Post - from the title itself to each of the sections in the book. Yet thru it all this, I find the book quite an entertaining read. I can't help but wonder if ever The Spitting Post were to be made into a movie, it may even turn out to be a blockbuster!
The story focuses on Vincent who, after getting into an accident, starts an incredulous adventure through the blue forest into what seems to be a magical world. It certainly doesn't feel real, though it was very much the reality for Vincent. He meets quite a number of people -- Vincent the Original, Vincent Number 2, Vincent Number 3 and so on. Apparently, he's Vincent Number 5, and he must figure out a way out of this magical realm or be trapped forever. His adventure also takes him to The Green Maiden and with the magical quote above, he sets out on a few missions to rescue the damsel in distress and claim his prize.
As incredulous as the story sounded, I actually had an enjoyable afternoon reading this story. The original and unique storyline was definitely refreshing. I also find the author's writing style clean and easy to follow. The use of the first person point of view makes what's happening to Vincent more immediate and as we can see when we come to the end, it's a stroke of genius. I love the twists and turns in this story and the surprising revelation at the end is worth every penny.
Overall, I highly recommend this. You won't regret it.
February 17, 2018
Vincent Carpenter isn’t having a good day. It’s the weekend and he forgot to turn off his alarm. When he rolls out of bed, he’s surprised to see that his wife, Erika, isn’t there. When he does find her, he mentions the dinner reservations he’d made for their tenth anniversary but she doesn’t want to go. What follows is a slow trip down a rabbit hole to the land of the mundane.
Until it isn’t.
Suddenly, he awakens in a strange world where nothing is normal. From the glowing forests to the skull trees, Vincent is lost in a world that would rival the minds of some modern masters of the macabre. A chance meeting with the Green Maiden forces Vincent through this nightmare world in search of a place called the Spitting Post but to get there, he must face some intense nightmares that could destroy even the strongest of psyches.
I had no idea what to expect when I started reading this story and I found it as intriguing as it was disturbing and that’s a good thing. With each new ordeal/event, Vincent finds himself more immersed in his nightmares, and we as readers, gain a bit more information. So much so that once you reach the end (Spoilers!), you’ll find yourself going back to reread sections again.
For when you do: “You must rethink everything you thought you knew. You must let your mind go back to the beginning and reconsider what it is you thought was truth, what you thought was reality, and what you thought was a dream,” and even then, THE SPITTING POST will surprise you.
This review was originally published by me on The Romance Reviews.
Until it isn’t.
Suddenly, he awakens in a strange world where nothing is normal. From the glowing forests to the skull trees, Vincent is lost in a world that would rival the minds of some modern masters of the macabre. A chance meeting with the Green Maiden forces Vincent through this nightmare world in search of a place called the Spitting Post but to get there, he must face some intense nightmares that could destroy even the strongest of psyches.
I had no idea what to expect when I started reading this story and I found it as intriguing as it was disturbing and that’s a good thing. With each new ordeal/event, Vincent finds himself more immersed in his nightmares, and we as readers, gain a bit more information. So much so that once you reach the end (Spoilers!), you’ll find yourself going back to reread sections again.
For when you do: “You must rethink everything you thought you knew. You must let your mind go back to the beginning and reconsider what it is you thought was truth, what you thought was reality, and what you thought was a dream,” and even then, THE SPITTING POST will surprise you.
This review was originally published by me on The Romance Reviews.
February 8, 2018
I'm giving this five stars for originality. Compelling from the first page. This is told from a first person viewpoint. I was completely surprised and immensely pleased at how good this is. After reading the blurb, I was intrigued. When starting to read about Vincent Carpenter, you get pulled in at the beginning. There's this need to know more in this strange fantasy world with a medley of even stranger characters throughout.
Vincent is on a quest to find The Green Maiden, and so his adventure begins. Lots of craziness and evil things are lurking in this one-man journey, so keep your eyes open. If you're looking for something different, this is it.
Reviewed by Janet of the GothicMoms Review Team
August 13, 2019
How gorgeous is the woman on this cover. I love the vibrancy of the colors on the cover and you know what, that completely translated in the writing. The authors writing is so vivid.
This is the epitome of a unique read. Kudos to the author with being so very original and really acing the story he set out to tell.
So many things to learn about the world and characters he created, but he helped write in a way that allowed us to navitage his world seamlessly.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
This is the epitome of a unique read. Kudos to the author with being so very original and really acing the story he set out to tell.
So many things to learn about the world and characters he created, but he helped write in a way that allowed us to navitage his world seamlessly.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
July 10, 2019
This is the 1st book I've read written by Jason Barden; he has done a great job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of his books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2018
A 5 star review for this twisted and imaginative tale. The Spitting Post, by Jason Barden, is a richly creative story with a surprise ending you'll love.
Find my complete review here: https://binblogsbooks.wordpress.com/2...
Find my complete review here: https://binblogsbooks.wordpress.com/2...
December 30, 2023
What a brilliantly creative psychedelic mind fuck of a book, bonkers crazy but bonkers brilliant!
Vincent has fallen down the proverbial rabbit hole and woken up in Oz. Yes, I know that that is two different movies but this is like an adult version of Alice in Wonderland, Wizard of Oz and Pan’s Labyrinth. I would sell my soul to the devil for Tim Burton to turn this into a movie! It is certainly original and I can safely say, hand on heart, I have never read anything quite like it before!
Vincents day starts off the same as any other, no better and no worse. That is until he is in a car crash and wakes up in a world that is not our own. It is a world crossed between a fantasy land with bright colours, glowing forests, skull trees and a beautiful woman (even if she is green) and a set from the worlds scariest horror movie blended together with the most terrifying nightmare world you could try to imagine and still be miles off what this new world is really like!
It is here that Vincent meets the green maiden who sets him on a quest through the nightmares and horrors to find The Spitting Post. Faced with all manner of evils and living breathing nightmares he leads us along with him right the way to the mind bending end.
I went into this book not knowing what to expect and to be honest I came out the same way! I mean, what the bloody hell did I just read? What the hell just happened?
Well, whatever it was, I loved it! You really, really need to read this book!!!
https://debbiesbookreviews.wordpress....
Vincent has fallen down the proverbial rabbit hole and woken up in Oz. Yes, I know that that is two different movies but this is like an adult version of Alice in Wonderland, Wizard of Oz and Pan’s Labyrinth. I would sell my soul to the devil for Tim Burton to turn this into a movie! It is certainly original and I can safely say, hand on heart, I have never read anything quite like it before!
Vincents day starts off the same as any other, no better and no worse. That is until he is in a car crash and wakes up in a world that is not our own. It is a world crossed between a fantasy land with bright colours, glowing forests, skull trees and a beautiful woman (even if she is green) and a set from the worlds scariest horror movie blended together with the most terrifying nightmare world you could try to imagine and still be miles off what this new world is really like!
It is here that Vincent meets the green maiden who sets him on a quest through the nightmares and horrors to find The Spitting Post. Faced with all manner of evils and living breathing nightmares he leads us along with him right the way to the mind bending end.
I went into this book not knowing what to expect and to be honest I came out the same way! I mean, what the bloody hell did I just read? What the hell just happened?
Well, whatever it was, I loved it! You really, really need to read this book!!!
https://debbiesbookreviews.wordpress....
February 22, 2018
5 Cranky Stars
Vincent Carpenter is an everyday man with an everyday life... Until he wakes up... And things just aren't right. Then, this ordinary man wakes up in a dark and eerie world that rivals the most terrifying nightmares. In this new and horrible world he meets the Green Maiden. The Green Maiden sends him off on a journey alone to find a place called the Spitting Post. On this journey he faces many intense evils and each one brings him further and further into this world.
This is an amazing book! I literally couldn't put it down. It makes you question what's real and what isn't and even when you go back and reread, you're still left wondering. It's full of twists and turns and lots of surprises. The storyline is awesome but quite disturbing with an intensity that keeps the pages turning. From page one the adventure in mind blowing insanity begins.
The plot is one of a kind, and the characters are intriguing. There is such a distinct difference between Vincent and the strange and unusual characters he meets that it makes the story flow perfectly in its dark and macabre way. The whole world that the author created is an emotional firestorm. I've never read anything like this book before, and will likely read it again. There are no typos or other noticeable issues. The story flows perfectly which is amazing with the way it's written. If you want to read something that will light fire to your senses, this is it.
Vincent Carpenter is an everyday man with an everyday life... Until he wakes up... And things just aren't right. Then, this ordinary man wakes up in a dark and eerie world that rivals the most terrifying nightmares. In this new and horrible world he meets the Green Maiden. The Green Maiden sends him off on a journey alone to find a place called the Spitting Post. On this journey he faces many intense evils and each one brings him further and further into this world.
This is an amazing book! I literally couldn't put it down. It makes you question what's real and what isn't and even when you go back and reread, you're still left wondering. It's full of twists and turns and lots of surprises. The storyline is awesome but quite disturbing with an intensity that keeps the pages turning. From page one the adventure in mind blowing insanity begins.
The plot is one of a kind, and the characters are intriguing. There is such a distinct difference between Vincent and the strange and unusual characters he meets that it makes the story flow perfectly in its dark and macabre way. The whole world that the author created is an emotional firestorm. I've never read anything like this book before, and will likely read it again. There are no typos or other noticeable issues. The story flows perfectly which is amazing with the way it's written. If you want to read something that will light fire to your senses, this is it.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews