Thunderlands: A Collection Of Short Stories

by Stewart Bint

A bolt of lightning. A crack of thunder. The lingering smell of ozone in the highly-charged air. And the world has changed forever. Welcome to Thunderlands . It looks the same on the surface, but there's just a hint that all might not be what it seems beneath. Even the most ordinary things may be just a touch off kilter. Stewart Bint’s collection of 21 short stories ranges from the sublime, through powerful, puzzling, funny, horrific and different, to the unforgivably ridiculous. Praise from ★★★★★ - "A collection of short stories that left me thinking. If you’re looking for an unusual read, a different writing style, get this book."
★★★★★ - “Truly fantastic collection of stories... Highly recommended."
★★★★★ - “Funny, dark, original and thought-provoking."

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 5, 2014

About the author

International novelist published by Creativia, and Dragon Moon Press. Journalist/magazine columnist. Active mental health awareness campaigner, named on the 2016 list of "Inspirational Mental Health Advocates that are changing the world."

Previous roles include radio presenter, newsreader and phone-in host.

Married to Sue, with two grown-up children, Chris and Charlotte, and a charismatic budgie called Sparky.

Lives in Leicestershire, UK. Usually goes barefoot.

Novels: When God's Wind Blows; To Rise Again; The Jigsaw And The Fan; Timeshaft; In Shadows Waiting;
Novellas: The Twitter Bully; Malfunction; Ashday's Child.
Short story collection: Thunderlands.
Non fiction: Up Close And Personal; Up Close And Personal Volume 2

Anthologies: Ghostly Writes Anthology 2016; Looking Into The Abyss; Serious Flash Fiction; Just A Minor Malfunction; Awethology Dark; December Awethology Light; Blood Moon,

Reviews

[Tanweer Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great collection of dark and twisted stories written beautifully by Stewart Bint. There are a couple of poems in there, too. I think Ashday's Child and the final story, Twitter Bully, stand out the most to me. Powerful. But in all honesty, everything contained in 'Thunderlands' is well worth the read.

[John Wheatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

THUNDERLANDS by Stewart Bint

I have just finished reading Stewart Bint`s very striking collection of short stories ‘THUNDERLANDS’.

In his preface, Stewart asks us to think of a sudden dramatic thunder strike which alters the world – maybe it changes the normal laws of physics, maybe it has launched us into a parallel universe – so we`d better be careful about how we go!
The stories are very varied in style and form, but certainly, in some cases, we are taken into strange and disturbing territory with elements of Time Travel, Science Fiction and the possibility of nuclear armagedon. There is the nightmare horror story ‘The Stealer of Dreams’ and the stark warning that comes with ‘Twitter Trolling’. Alongside these are other colours in Stewart`s story writing palate; there are whimsical tales, tongue-in-cheek takes on traditional story types, often with subtle twists and cautionary elements. I particularly like the tales such as ‘A Timely Murder` which have a sort of Roald Dahl-like precision and deftness in the way the situation is developed, leaving the reader with a pleasurable after-effect of surprise and shock.
This collection of stories will take you on a definite journey, sometimes a roller-coaster, sometimes a pleasant stroll. Well worth reading!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book for review is “Thunderlands” by Stewart Bint. It falls in the genre of short stories. What you will find between the covers are 21 short stories and poems that vary in genre.

Among the stories you will find the inner worlds of Santa Clause. Awesome. You will find a character who has an opportunity to meet a real genie in a bottle. Who hasn’t thought of this possibility?

You have stories that will pull you in so many emotional directions. The ability to craft so many stories successfully is just a true testament to the talent of this author.

I have a few favorites but Twitter Bully I loved. In today’s world people are getting bullied from irl to online. Who hasn’t wanted to set someone straight in real life from something you heard online? This was wonderful. It led me up and down, sideways and just made me want to turn the pages quickly.

My thoughts:

As a whole these stories were marvelous. I am drawn to short stories and anthologies. Something about crafting a smaller piece that still needs all the qualities of a larger piece to me is amazing. It is not an easy task but Stewart nailed this.

This is a great read and pickup for anyone who is a fan of short stories. Giving Bint a five star rating was one of the easiest one to give.

[Michele Northwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thunderlands: by Stewart Bint

This collection of short stories is an eclectic mix of tales. They are so uniquely different that you reach the end of each tale and stop to rerun the story through your mind once more. I liked the fact that some of the stories challenged my concepts and beliefs and gave me food for thought. In some cases, I was left wondering what would/could happen next if the tale were to continue. Later on in the book, the author informs us that one of the included short stories (Malfunction) did eventually form part of a future novel entitled: “Timeshaft”.

There is something here for everyone’s tastes. I particularly enjoyed “A Timely Murder”, “The Stealer of Dreams” and “Twitter Trolling”. The stories are short enough to hold your attention, and not too long that you can’t finish a tale in one sitting.

I would recommend this book for all seasons. In particular, as a good summer holiday read, or a winter evening’s reading, sitting by the fire-side. But whatever the season, don’t miss out on this book!

[FeedMyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a serious of short and not so short stories which are each excellent in their quality and show an author with a real talent. The stories are varied and yet each one reads well in its own right. This was my very first time reading work by this author but I am certain it will not be my last.

Amongst the best of the stories is one which focuses on bullying within Twitter, this story was a fantastic piece that delivered on the thought provoking nature of the topic but also kept a level of darkness and depth that was needed without ever overstepping the mark.

If you are looking to trial an author and their work then getting a chance to read a few different pieces by them is always a good way to start and so this book is great for those yet to experience the work of Stewart Bint.

[Brian Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent short story collection

Stewart Bint is without doubt a talented author as evidenced by Thunderlands, an excellent and entertaining collection of his best short stories. Most of the stories contained in the book fall into the science-fiction or fantasy genres, and the way he relates his tales made me stay awake late at night to see how each one concluded.
It would be unrealistic to attempt to review every single tale in the collection but I can wholeheartedly recommend 'Malfunction' and 'The Fourth Wish'.
This is ideal bedtime reading, as you can read one or two stories a night while relaxing in bed as I enjoy doing.
No hesitation in awarding 'Thunderlands' a well-deserved five stars.

[Helena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thunderlands is a truely amazing collection of stories written by the lovely Stewart Bint. The stories are very diverse and interesting, exploring a great range of genres and themes. I was never bored reading this book! Each story was a unique concept different from the last, which kept my interest throughout the whole book. It was so hard to put it down! As soon as I finished one story, I was so eager to start the next! Another great book by Stewart Bint.

[Brian Greiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining assortment of stories, ranging from science fiction to fantasy to crime fiction.
Good short stories are hard to write. Short-short stories are even harder, but can pack an outsized punch. Mr. Bint certainly displays his writing skills with this collection.
I can't say that every story was to my taste, but I'm sure every reader will have a different set of preferences! Having said that, I can admire the skill with which all were crafted.

[A.J. Griffiths-Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

These tales are so uniquely different that I’ve romped through the whole book in a couple of days. Just long enough to hold your attention, yet short enough to read on a journey, the author has created a brilliant balance of imagination & wit. I’ve laughed, sighed, been puzzled and nearly cried. What a great rollercoaster of emotions to experience in one book. Fantastic!

[Judy Ferrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An anthology with class.

Stewart Bing brings us short tales and poetry in this book. His imagination is on show for all of us. I really enjoyed Ree - The Troll of Dingleay. I also liked his story Twitter Bully. I think We can all learn something from that one. Read this book and enjoy an hour or two of fun!

[Paul Douglas Lovell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of quirky stories - a modern day, Tales of the Unexpected. Great imagination in creating worlds I'd like to explore further. Trouble with short stories like these, they're short. But taking a break from reading the lengthy Classics, this collection was a breath of fresh air.

[J Proctor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this gem of a collection by chance. Well written, great fun and full of surprises with at least one LOL ending. And no, in answer to the author's challenge I can't guess the connection between the two stories he later incorporates into a book, so I'll be reading that one too!

[Martin Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great collection of diverse stories. In particular "The Twitter Bully" should be required reading for anybody arrested by the TPD.

[Elizabeth Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eclectic mix of beautifully written stories. A particular favourite of mine was The Twitter Bully, I'm sure someone will spring to mind as you read it.

[Mark Pearce · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mix of stories in both type and quality - some much better than others. On the whole a good collection.

[Helen Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t usually read scary books or thrillers because I find it hard to asleep but I am so glad I took a chance on this. It’s so other worldly, it is like Black Mirror in some parts but not entirely. It bends you and challenges you to think outside of the box. The narratives involves some stuff outside of the norm and the ordinary and it takes massive imagination to give life to such scenarios. In some of the stories I felt like I was transported to another place and time. And that was the whole deal that drew me to books even when I still a young child: the adventures that you experience even without leaving your room or couch. So it’s also personally nostalgic for me.🥰

[Mary Deal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strange Tales to Make You Wonder

Thunderlands, by Stewart Bint, is a collection of short stories and essays that left me thinking. Bint has the ability to allow his mind to wander into places many will not go. These are curious pieces about various facets of life, seen through fantasy, horror, even normalcy, and other emotions that can be called reality. Yet, they are far from normal.

I was left lingering upon each piece wondering, What if....? Bint seems to scrape the corners of his mind to produce his strange yet inspiring story-telling style, definitely different from what we find in most books.

If you’re looking for an unusual read, a different writing style, get this book. I still go back to some of the stories because they stay with me and leave me wondering.

[Kazz Mossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent selection of short stories. Some of them really dark and I found my self thinking of them after I had finished the book. Especially at night! Loved his remedy for Writer's block.

Recommended read when you don't want to read a full novel, you can pick this up and put it down after every story.

[Michael Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection that's sure to please

Stewart Bint has created an amazing array of short stories ranging from the delightfully whimsical The Trial Of Santa Claus to the frighteningly disturbing and very relevant The Twitter Bully. if you enjoy a quick enjoyable read then Stewart gives you a literary espresso, short, strong and satisfying.

[W.R. Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly fantastic collection of stories that I highly recommend for people to read.

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[Mari]

Thunderlands is exactly what it claims to be. A collection of short tales and a couple of poems for your enjoyment. There is also a challenge in one of the short stories. Some are charming, some are twisted, and one was downright weird. A very enjoyable read for the short story lover, and if you take up the challenge, you will need a good memory.