Marigold

by A.L. Wright

A soldier, locked away for years with no human contact, survives day to day by keeping himself in shape and ready to tear at the enemies who locked him up all those years before. If they ever return. He maintains his physical strength and martial prowess in daily routines, but the long years of being alone has caused him to dream up a perfect companion. And in his mind, she is truly perfect. Every detail has been honed in his mind’s eye, until she seems to live apart from him. Her image hovers around him, keeping him company and pushing him to the limits in his every day exercises. And on the day he finally hears voices outside his cell, he is ready. Or so he thinks.

Genres: Short Stories

Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2018

About the author

Two time award winning author, A L Wright loves to write across a range of genres but most all of them include a good love story. From Fantasy and Magic to Paranormal to Spy fiction, characters drive her stories no matter the setting. Fast paced and unpredictable. Thoughtful and poetic. Energetic and inspiring. All of these have been used to describe her stories. Pick up a copy and see what you're missing!

Reviews

[J. Kahele · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazingly written short. If it had been a bit longer this would have been in my top favorite books of 2016.

Lyle, is a soldier stuck in a prison. He dreams of a woman constantly and she seems to be what keeps him going day after day. It is this woman that rescues him from his concrete jailhouse. They embark into one steamy night. But it is it real? Or is it just another dream he concocted in his head?

[Bob Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this short story. Right from the opening few lines I was hooked...and stayed that way throughout. The author is very talented at telling a story and doing it in a very engaging way. It would be great if the author wrote a "part 2" to this story - I'd definitely read it.

[Leo McBride · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of those stories you see passing through your social media feed. I caught sight of it when a fellow reviewer shared it and recommended it, so I took him at his word.
It's the story of an imprisoned soldier, whose walls are measured out by memory, the distance to the dirt and soil, the limited light he has to see by, the years that have been engrained in his head as they tick by, one by one.
That imprisonment comes to an end, and he finds freedom, and the companionship of a perfect woman - perhaps, though, it's all a little too perfect...
I've not read anything by A L Wright before - so this made a good introduction. I wasn't sold on some of the sexual elements in the story, but that's really just personal taste, this still makes a good read, and one that probes the inner psyche as much as the world in which the trapped soldier walks.

[Toi Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. I saw a posting for this free Kindle ebook online and thought I’d give it a try. It’s a very short read, well-written and engaging. It builds up suspense nicely, and while not completely shocking, the ending was satisfying. It was clear from the start the story was building up to something; what it delivered was intense. While I don’t read a lot of steamy books, I don’t shy away from steamy content when done well and in alignment with a fully developed story. Not what I was expecting, but not off-putting either.

Recommended to those who can appreciate good quick fiction and enjoy a bit of steam. Not suitable for teens and younger children.

[Gian Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A soldier, a warrior, a man alone in his own cell, that every day trains his body and master his fighting skills – waiting for the enemy to strike again.
But what if his worst enemy is not even real – and all this time spent alone has started to affect him and his mental state? the girl he constantly dreams off – he knows every detail of her. Or so I thinks.
In this short compelling story – you'll find yourself questioning which one is the real dream, - and the dreamer – in a series of beautiful descriptions and perfect tension.

[Colin]

An excellent short piece!

"Marigold" is a short piece about an imprisoned solider who is released from long confinement only to meet the literal girl of his dreams. I shan't reveal much more of the plot here; suffice to say that it is a well-crafted short story, notoriously one of the most difficult formats in which to write. Worth the few minutes it takes to read this! No, really, stop what you're doing now and read it! It won't take long!

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

For such a short story this tale is astonishing. It will make you think and take you to a different place. Lyle is imprisoned and has been for seven years. This is his story and I found it intriguing and I think readers are going to love where the author took this short tale. Because this is such a short read, I won't go in to detail with any spoilers. I'll just say well done.

[Joanie Chevalier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this short story. It was well written, with a focus that will keep you reading to the end without being aware of your surroundings. I haven't read any books from this author before but if this book is any indication of A L Wright's talent, then I will promptly read more!

This is the perfect read for a quick getaway with a thought-provoking ending.

[2OCC Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow... When I heard this was a short story I was sceptical.. Would I enjoy it? Would I have the chance to fall in love with it? I didn't think I could..
Oh how wrong was I... I love Lyle! I read this book twice, straight away. The twist is incredible. A definite 5 stars from me!!
#2OCCAB

[Big Book Theory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent short story. I always love, love, love a story with a good twist at the end, and this story delivered brilliantly. Recommended.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written but sad short story about the toll a long imprisonment
can take on a prisoner's mind.

[Will Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not often that you find such a well written short story that makes you wish it was longer. This is one of those rare finds. A very entertaining piece by a true wordsmith. Kudos to Wright!

[Dani Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story is a hopeful read that effectively demonstrates the value and importance of sharing life with a companion, especially in difficult times. For such a small novella, the details allow you to truly visualize the world Wright has created, and while you will happily devour this in one sitting, the ending will stay with you long after you’ve finished.

[Cathy McGough · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful well written story by author A L Wright whose writing never ceases to engage me from start to finish. This short story takes you into the world of Lyle who is in prison when we meet him. It is a love story. What an ending! Needless to say, I'm a fan!