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Molt
Isabelle Donhelle is a professor of ornithology at the prestigious Hawthorne University in Boston. It's Isabelle's twenty-ninth birthday, and after escaping from a party she never wanted to be a part of, she has come to the conclusion that her life so far has lacked any significant, meaningful change. But following a chance encounter, Isabelle falls for a struggling student of hers. But things are not always what they seem, and this newfound relationship is much more than Isabelle wanted to believe it was. Now she must realize that change, whether desired or not, is always more complicated after the fact.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2009
1 person is currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Tim Morris
7 books94 followersR. Tim Morris is a multi-genre author of 5 novels and a number of short stories.
His books range from Psychological Thrillers ("Molt"), to Literary ("The Inevitable Fall of Tommy Mueller"), to Speculative Fiction ("This Never Happened"), to Contemporary Humour ("To Be Honest"), to Dark Fantasy/Fairy Tale ("The Lost Memories of Oceans").
Morris has also edited and published an anthology of short fiction by indie authors ("More Time").
His work can also be found in Sans.Press, Fractured Mirror Publishing, Louisiana Literature, Roi Fainéant Press, Maudlin House, Cerasus Magazine, Owl Canyon Press, Full Mood Mag, Cardigan Press, and Adelaide Literary Magazine.
He lives and works in Vancouver, British Columbia.
His books range from Psychological Thrillers ("Molt"), to Literary ("The Inevitable Fall of Tommy Mueller"), to Speculative Fiction ("This Never Happened"), to Contemporary Humour ("To Be Honest"), to Dark Fantasy/Fairy Tale ("The Lost Memories of Oceans").
Morris has also edited and published an anthology of short fiction by indie authors ("More Time").
His work can also be found in Sans.Press, Fractured Mirror Publishing, Louisiana Literature, Roi Fainéant Press, Maudlin House, Cerasus Magazine, Owl Canyon Press, Full Mood Mag, Cardigan Press, and Adelaide Literary Magazine.
He lives and works in Vancouver, British Columbia.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 30, 2011
If this book were a record, it'd be the kind of record that would really piss-off some stock boy. It wouldn't fit nicely into any one record bin. You'd probably need five copies of it just to make sure that it was found where someone decided to look for it. It's science-fiction, sort of. At times it was almost surreal and had my conjuring up images of Batman comics, but there is no real super-hero. Well, maybe there is. It's a romance, kind of.
If this book were a record, this would be the kind of record that I listen to the first time and wonder about. I would like it. I wouldn't hate it. But it'd make me wonder. Nine times out of ten, when I come back to these records, they end up becoming my favourites because they're the ones that I'm always finding something new in.
If this book were a record, I'd have to leave it out on a side table. I wouldn't know where to put it and I'd have to read it again.
If this book were a record, this would be the kind of record that I listen to the first time and wonder about. I would like it. I wouldn't hate it. But it'd make me wonder. Nine times out of ten, when I come back to these records, they end up becoming my favourites because they're the ones that I'm always finding something new in.
If this book were a record, I'd have to leave it out on a side table. I wouldn't know where to put it and I'd have to read it again.
Read
July 6, 2020I'm biased, since I wrote it myself. But don't listen to me...here are a few other reviews:
(from Amazon.ca)
A fantastic first novel from Vancouver author Ryan Morris. Morris has created an engaging and vivid world in this understated psychological thriller. I just loved this book! Never one to pay all that much attention to birds beyond the casual acknowledgment of spring's first robin or the odd murder of crows, I have a new and deeper appreciation of ornithology (as well as the amount of research involved in this novel). But it's not all about birds! This novel really explores the dark reaches of the human psyche, and evokes an poignant connection with the raw emotions of the protagonist. Morris' world is unreal yet utterly believable. I couldn't put the book down!
(from Amazon.ca)
While reading Molt I was thoroughly entertained! I read it in 3 days and was sad when it had to end.
Ryan Morris is a talented writer who really makes it easy to engage and care about the characters in the book.
Molt is a deeply and intricately woven story that has so many layers that you must pay attention to all that is happening so that you will really appreciate the dramatic and climatic ending.
My favourite line from the book is: "Sometimes things don't need to change in order to be different. Sometimes things remain the same but go unnoticed."
(excerpt from The Vancouver Sun - July 10, 2010)
Ryan Morris has done his research and, more importantly, woven it into a rewarding novel -- one that, thanks to his [film] background, has a cinematic feel. Check it out.
(from Amazon.ca)
"Templeton Rate doesn't pretend to be someone he's not." And nor does this first novel from Vancouver writer (and ex cartoonist) Ryan Morris. I guess the question is, what is it? I lean towards the feeling that it's a horror story, but so odd and strangely lit that you don't really feel like you were reading horror until some strange imagery catches you off guard or you realize the creepiness of a situation that sneaks up on you and gives you a shiver. Our heroine, Isabelle Donhelle is a unique character, bookish but not risk-averse once she gets going after a spooky bus ride to Weird-Town and the between-world oddness of the Strangest Feeling cafe. This is the perfect setting to meet another unique character, Templeton Rate, one of the most striking but indefinable characters I have ever read. Together they stumble and careen through a bizarre but entertaining relationship that ends up in a deadly duel with a nightmarish force unleashed on the City of Boston, also a character in this novel. I must say that months after reading (Molt) much of this book sticks with me, partially because the story is so off-beat and partially because of the strength of the writing, which is also not standard fare. It is agile, zagging between light comedy and deadly action and at times quite startling. The writer obviously has fun with language, sprinkling verbal surprises and playful names liberally throughout. Chapter titles are refreshingly irreverent 'Two Years of Kissing Claude' (literally tongue-in-cheek) and 'Hedge Interlude' keep you turning pages. The book is not perfect; you close the last page wondering if the novelist had storyboarded the entire thing before beginning as it does wander and sway a bit. Some important action takes place off stage which annoyed me at times too. But the overall impression I had was of a young writer quite confident of his skill and willing to take risks and bring a fresh voice to the Canadian fantasy writers guild. Recommended.
(from Amazon.ca)
The action takes a while to start rising so some patience is required. The protagonist is a whacked-out ornithologist, and the imagery and symbolism associated with birds is not for the faint of heart. Ryan did A LOT of research for this book. I mention these factors so a potential reader knows what he's getting into: this book requires commitment. However, I want to be really clear in saying that I recommend this book, ultimately because it will provoke thought.
(from Amazon.ca)
The "Molt" turned out to be a very special book for me. It made me think and analyze situations in my life with the eyes of Isabelle. The fact that Ryan Morris created a character you live with through the whole book is amazing. The book is packed with synchronicities and life mysteries on every page. Through the symbol of a bird it raises the question of what we actually are in control of in this life. To a degree, it's a dark psychological thriller which is hard to put down for someone who is interested in human psychology. I am looking forward to Ryan Morris' next books.
(from Amazon.ca)
A fantastic first novel from Vancouver author Ryan Morris. Morris has created an engaging and vivid world in this understated psychological thriller. I just loved this book! Never one to pay all that much attention to birds beyond the casual acknowledgment of spring's first robin or the odd murder of crows, I have a new and deeper appreciation of ornithology (as well as the amount of research involved in this novel). But it's not all about birds! This novel really explores the dark reaches of the human psyche, and evokes an poignant connection with the raw emotions of the protagonist. Morris' world is unreal yet utterly believable. I couldn't put the book down!
(from Amazon.ca)
While reading Molt I was thoroughly entertained! I read it in 3 days and was sad when it had to end.
Ryan Morris is a talented writer who really makes it easy to engage and care about the characters in the book.
Molt is a deeply and intricately woven story that has so many layers that you must pay attention to all that is happening so that you will really appreciate the dramatic and climatic ending.
My favourite line from the book is: "Sometimes things don't need to change in order to be different. Sometimes things remain the same but go unnoticed."
(excerpt from The Vancouver Sun - July 10, 2010)
Ryan Morris has done his research and, more importantly, woven it into a rewarding novel -- one that, thanks to his [film] background, has a cinematic feel. Check it out.
(from Amazon.ca)
"Templeton Rate doesn't pretend to be someone he's not." And nor does this first novel from Vancouver writer (and ex cartoonist) Ryan Morris. I guess the question is, what is it? I lean towards the feeling that it's a horror story, but so odd and strangely lit that you don't really feel like you were reading horror until some strange imagery catches you off guard or you realize the creepiness of a situation that sneaks up on you and gives you a shiver. Our heroine, Isabelle Donhelle is a unique character, bookish but not risk-averse once she gets going after a spooky bus ride to Weird-Town and the between-world oddness of the Strangest Feeling cafe. This is the perfect setting to meet another unique character, Templeton Rate, one of the most striking but indefinable characters I have ever read. Together they stumble and careen through a bizarre but entertaining relationship that ends up in a deadly duel with a nightmarish force unleashed on the City of Boston, also a character in this novel. I must say that months after reading (Molt) much of this book sticks with me, partially because the story is so off-beat and partially because of the strength of the writing, which is also not standard fare. It is agile, zagging between light comedy and deadly action and at times quite startling. The writer obviously has fun with language, sprinkling verbal surprises and playful names liberally throughout. Chapter titles are refreshingly irreverent 'Two Years of Kissing Claude' (literally tongue-in-cheek) and 'Hedge Interlude' keep you turning pages. The book is not perfect; you close the last page wondering if the novelist had storyboarded the entire thing before beginning as it does wander and sway a bit. Some important action takes place off stage which annoyed me at times too. But the overall impression I had was of a young writer quite confident of his skill and willing to take risks and bring a fresh voice to the Canadian fantasy writers guild. Recommended.
(from Amazon.ca)
The action takes a while to start rising so some patience is required. The protagonist is a whacked-out ornithologist, and the imagery and symbolism associated with birds is not for the faint of heart. Ryan did A LOT of research for this book. I mention these factors so a potential reader knows what he's getting into: this book requires commitment. However, I want to be really clear in saying that I recommend this book, ultimately because it will provoke thought.
(from Amazon.ca)
The "Molt" turned out to be a very special book for me. It made me think and analyze situations in my life with the eyes of Isabelle. The fact that Ryan Morris created a character you live with through the whole book is amazing. The book is packed with synchronicities and life mysteries on every page. Through the symbol of a bird it raises the question of what we actually are in control of in this life. To a degree, it's a dark psychological thriller which is hard to put down for someone who is interested in human psychology. I am looking forward to Ryan Morris' next books.
January 28, 2014
This novel came to me as a GoodReads’ giveaway.
Maybe I’m pathetic and lonely but certain books I want to squeeze, heave my arms around and hug.
Ryan Morris’ novel “Molt” is one of those and it now sits along with a couple of others on my Books To Hug shelf.
I was no more than a couple of dozen pages into the story before I wanted to give the novel’s heroine — Isabelle Rochelle Donhelle — an embrace all her own. Bella, a 29 year old French-Canadian woman from Ville Constance, Quebec, is the most endearing character I’ve encountered in dino-ages. Her voice is refreshingly droll.
Bella, Bella, Bella, here’s some hugs and kisses: XOXOXO
Working as an ornithologist at Boston’s Hawthorne University Bella yearns for change in her life. Unfortunately there’s a stumbling block; Bella fears change both in herself and in the world. After all, her hometown is Ville Constance — Constant City — a place that has never changed; a place where no one has ever changed. For frig sake, her father has been driving the same car since Bella was nine.
Templeton Rate, the novel’s villain—kinda—is the man who bewitches Bella; the man who initiates change in her life; the man whose appearance in her life causes Bella—who has never drunk coffee in her life—to become a caffeine addict!!
Templeton Rate I did not wish to hug warmly, despite the fact that he’s a cracker-jack bad guy. He’s rude. He’s selfish. Admittedly, he’s a wee bit mysterious. Templeton Rate I almost instantly wanted to boot in the arse.
Some books you start reading casually then discover you can’t put them down. Without halting your reading, or, at least bookmarking your place with a finger, you find a room and bar the door, for fear of someone interrupting you. “Molt” is one of those books.
Pick it up. Find a hiding place. Hang out the “Bugger Off” sign.
March 3, 2022
Gripping! Ornithological-thriller!
Snappy chapter titles, excellent coffee references, superb use of Latin bird names. This book gets the LT five-star award.
Snappy chapter titles, excellent coffee references, superb use of Latin bird names. This book gets the LT five-star award.
November 1, 2019
I finished this book a year ago, and it is still on my mind-- sometimes it is in how I look at a bird a bit suspiciously, sometimes it is in how I chuckle over remembered lines or situations. I couldn't put the book down and was sad when it all had to end. In the main character, Isabelle, Ryan Morris does an amazing job of writing from the point of view of a woman navigating the strange. I cried with Isabelle, cringed with Isabelle, and wondered what the heck was up with Templeton with Isabelle. I recommend Isabelle's journey in "Molt" to any reader who wants to be unsettled and entertained, all at the same time.
September 9, 2016
This story literally unfolds as you turn the pages. It requires patience, but all the peeling and weaving through ornithological terms is worth it. It's like a gift-wrapped box, with something sinister inside. You know there's something wrong with the contents of this box, underneath that mundane gift-wrapping paper. You don't know what it is, and you keep wondering if it's all that sinister anyways. The terror in this book is real. The thrill is real. And once it becomes real for the protagonist, it's challenging to tear yourself away from the read. Recommended!
February 28, 2014
Right from the outset Molt captured me by surprise, drew me in and dared me to ‘figure it out’, threw me for a loop more times than I could count with its plot bends and twists… and didn’t let go until it had taken me on its fancifully complex flight and I was left pleasantly exhausted at the end. I couldn’t put it down…
February 6, 2014
Was a good read somewhat dark and mysterious...never knew what turn it would take...so kept you guessing ...thank you!~
June 25, 2025
What I Did Like:
+The story takes sort of a paranormal turn around the 75% mark and really zooms after that.
+The story has a lot of layers. It’s the kind of story you could reread and uncover new details you’d missed the first time.
+The inclusion of past characters and the strange twists really make you question the reliability of this narrator. I mean, honestly, how can we be at all sure this entire book wasn’t a fever dream? Fun in a question everything kind of way.
Who Should Read This One:
-Readers who want immersive text they can fall into.
-Definitely for the reader who says “what did I just read” and means it in a good way.
My Rating: 2 Stars
Practically impossible to categorize, this one will fall into the hands of the right reader and they’ll adore it. But, for me, the slow start was problematic.
For Full Review: https://alltherightreads.com/2025/06/...
+The story takes sort of a paranormal turn around the 75% mark and really zooms after that.
+The story has a lot of layers. It’s the kind of story you could reread and uncover new details you’d missed the first time.
+The inclusion of past characters and the strange twists really make you question the reliability of this narrator. I mean, honestly, how can we be at all sure this entire book wasn’t a fever dream? Fun in a question everything kind of way.
Who Should Read This One:
-Readers who want immersive text they can fall into.
-Definitely for the reader who says “what did I just read” and means it in a good way.
My Rating: 2 Stars
Practically impossible to categorize, this one will fall into the hands of the right reader and they’ll adore it. But, for me, the slow start was problematic.
For Full Review: https://alltherightreads.com/2025/06/...
September 12, 2020
He put a lot of research into this book.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews