The Seven Experiments

by Stephen Kanicki

"A hugely entertaining psychic thriller that fans of Black Mirror will relish." – Best Thrillers "...thought-provoking paranormal thriller.” – Sublime Book Review Doctor Gary Miller is introduced to the world of self-help in the form of seven experiments. Each experiment is designed to focus Dr. Miller’s mind, so he can realize his dreams through the power of thought conceive it, believe it, and achieve it. He’s dubious at first, but frustrations at work and a loveless marriage lead him down the rabbit hole. Much to his surprise, the experiments work. In fact, they work unbelievably well, and he soon discovers they can lead beyond the acquisition of material wealth. They can make him immortal, and God-like. However, Dr. Miller will learn getting what you want isn’t always a good thing. In fact, it can be quite maddening. Just be careful what you ask for.

Genres: Fiction, Science Fiction

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2019

Reviews

[Robin (Bridge Four)]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart

Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

2.5 Stars

 I saw the cover and was drawn in; it was cool and different and looks like someone hiding behind themselves.  The Seven Experiments was Sci-Fi and Fantasy category of Netgalley when I picked it up. I know that for sure because when I started reading, I thought I messed up and got something from a self-help section.  Nope, it is definitely fiction and it does get to a point when it is a little bit sci-fi and a little bit of a mystery, eventually.

 Gary has been married for 27 years; he is a professor and a pastor.  Philosophy and religion go hand in hand for him. When we meet Gary, he and his friend Bob are having a theological discussion.  We learn that Bob basically has most of the same training as Gary, but he has a beautiful wife, a big house, nice cars and the health that Gary covets.  In their discussion, Bob lets Gary know that he too could have all of this in his life too if only he does seven experiments to change his way of thinking and how he lives his life.

For a while, the book seems more like a self-help guide to how to manifest the things you want in your life by the power of positive thinking.  Gary is skeptical at first but as the experiments start working, he has more and more buy in to what Bob is offering. It starts to get really strange around experiment three and four and that is when the sci-fi fantasy starts to play into everything.

I will say that the mystery and ending did a lot to make the book better and I’m left wondering if the greater your initial faith, the better the seven experiments work for you.  The conclusion of the book leaves the reader open to their own interpretation of what the experiments really are and why/how they worked. 

I’m sorry to say that most of this book was not my jam.  There are a few reasons for this, the biggest being I did not like Gary at all.  I don’t think I’m supposed to like Gary but it is hard to read an entire book on a character that has little to no redeeming qualities.  I didn’t like how he saw the woman he married and spent 27 years with or the thoughts he had about her. I didn’t care for the way he thought about his friend’s wife or some of his co-workers for that matter.  Then when the experiments really started working my feelings for him just became worse. I think they were supposed to but again hard to enjoy reading about a character you just do not like.

There are also some philosophical and religious debates.  While sometimes I find stuff like this intriguing, I think I do better with it in made up worlds where even the religions are made up as well.  It is more difficult to be completely impartial when they encompass some religions I already know about.

Is this book for you?  Well if you like philosophy, religion and debates on morality, I think it could be.  If you love to hate someone you are reading about, this again could be all for you. For me, the premise is really interesting and I did like Gary’s wife; I just struggled with a lot of the content.

[Rowena Hoseason]

This thoroughly entertaining morality tale explores just how far an average person will go when the serpent uncoils and offers a bite of exceedingly enticing forbidden fruit. Although the premise of The Seven Experiments is pretty straightforward, and it’s delivered in the accessible format of a flat-out page-turner, this is a novel of quiet accomplishment. It uses the theme of positive thinking, making success manifest through visualisation, to trawl some satisfyingly murky depths.

Initially it’s easy to celebrate alongside hard-up college professor Gary Miller when the seven experiments seem to be working out for him. He seems to be an archetypal underdog, finally having his day. But Gary soon reveals his sinister side and the people around him start to suffer as his fortunes improve. It's not long before Gary's inner sociopath takes over the reins.

I absolutely galloped through the pages, transfixed by the awful things unfolding and unable to predict what might happen next. And I adored the cameo appearance by the Prince of Lies himself…

You may find The Seven Experiments listed in the sci-fi or fantasy section, but it’s more like a suspense-thriller which veers into speculative / supernatural territory. The story serves as a springboard for a challenging conversation about moral philosophy and the human capacity for greedy self-deception. It’s all very relevant at a time when we’re questioning the ethics of our consumer society.

Just how much is enough? And if you could have it all, but someone else had to carry the consequences, would you hesitate? A genuinely chilling psychological thriller. Can’t wait to read what Kanicki dreams up next.
9/10

I've reviewed hundreds of other crime / thriller / mysteries over at http://www.murdermayhemandmore.net

[Janice Lombardo]

Wow! A paranormal thriller with a kick! Bob and Gary are talking about Bob's house, the sheer number of books Bob owns and his car. Although Bob is retired, he seems to have much more than a retired professor can afford (and, to Gary, a gorgeous wife).

Bob has a secret he calls the Seven Experiments. This, in order to allow for Gary to fulfill his every dream by way of thought processes. What Gary has found out is that through Experiment 6 is that it really works! He doesn't realize at the time the things he may have lost along the way, however.

There are many thoughts and guesses the reader has about Experiment 7 - it is difficult to figure out what this final experiment will be. I leave it up to the individual reader to enjoy this book and see how their own conclusions click with this suspense-filled thriller.

RECOMMEND!


Many Thanks to Black Rose Writing and NetGalley for a great read!

[Megan Forrest]

The Seven Experiments are a scary look at the combination of self-help, science and 'what-if?'. Struggling professor and minister Dr. Gary Miller is frustrated with his mediocre life - especially when he compares himself to his friend, Dr. Robert Harris, who has just retired, with everything he could want. Then Bob introduces Gary to the Seven Experiments - positive thinking gone wild, especially in Gary's case. The experiments work. They work incredibly well. Now Gary can get everything he desires - but what choices will he make? The novel is an exciting exploration of power, morality, and choice and how those choices change us as our power/influence grows. A rapid moving read and fascinating to the end.

[Ian]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, it's something a bit different from the usual in the sci-fi genre. The book is well written and is a good read from beginning to end and made me look at life a little bit differently.. If you like a pschological thriller with a morality twist this is definitely for you

[Wayne Turmel]

One of the more original books I've read in a while. Under the guise of a slow-building, creepy tale is a thoughtful examination of faith, free will, and spirituality. A bit "talky" at times but well-done and worth the read.

[Rick Treon]

In The Seven Experiments, author Steve Kanicki imagines what would happen if someone was given absolute power, and how that power might corrupt him absolutely.

Gary Miller is like many typical Americans. His career as a professor at a small Catholic college, one that scrapes the bottom of the barrel for students, has turned into a dead-end job and his marriage to Sarah is failing. He's jealous of his good friend, Bob, a former colleague who now lives in a mansion with Belle. Gary covets his friend's wife and new life.

But Bob has decided to give Gary the keys to his kingdom -- seven experiments that will allow Gary to manifest a new life of his own. Gary, a devout priest who professes theology, is reluctant to believe his friend, even after Bob says he's used his powers to cure cancer. Bob starts Gary on his journey by telling Gary would find a penny.

After that first experiment works, Gary dives into the rest of the experiments. Gary discovers the power of his own mind but also begins questioning every facet of his life, from religion to marriage. Only one experiment fails, and Gary suspects Sarah is sabotaging him.

The final act of The Seven Experiments is dark Hitchcockian commentary on the human condition, and how power gets abused by the selfish. But with the development of evil comes the development of good. The question is, which side does the author want to win?

The Seven Experiments is an engrossing and tension-filled imagining of what would happen if Jesus had stopped adhering to The Ten Commandments and started reading The Secret. After turning the last page, readers will be left pondering the nature of humanity and power and hoping the Seven Experiments exist only in the author's mind.

[Dawnlemons]

The author has captured the essence of human struggle with power and religion. I sat and read through this and didn’t put it down. Definitely worth the time. I loved it.

[Sublime Book Review]

Overall Rating = 3.63
Storyline & Concept = 4
Writing & Delivery = 3.5
Cover Marketability = 4
Editorial = 3

Financially struggling college professor Gary Miller is presented with an amazing opportunity: the ability to have anything he wants. Through what at first seems like an outlandish offer from an old friend, Gary finds riches, bountiful sex, and every imaginable luxury can be his for the taking. By practicing the principals behind the Seven Experiments he can even become godlike. There’s just one catch: all this newfound abundance comes with a heavy price.
Sublime Line: “The philosophy of the self-help movement which insists that anything is possible if one wants it badly enough mingles with the legend of Faust and his deal with Mephistopheles in this thought-provoking paranormal thriller.”

[Quinn]

I received this Kindle book from Goodreads.com in exchange for an honest review. Honestly didn’t care for this book. The seven experiments revolve around harnessing your mental power to envision and get what you want. Gary, a college professor/minister, is coaxed by a friend to complete the experiments. But the experiments prove to go further than ever anticipated and Gary goes down a dark road of feeling invincible. If you like a book about men obsessing about sex, power and manipulation this is the book for you.

[Dana]

This story was intriguing and disturbing at the same time leaving you wondering what you would ask for if you could manifest anything in your own life. How far would anyone take it if given limitless power? It's an exploration of good versus evil, religion, spirituality, morality, and the power of positive thinking. I couldn't put it down.

[Amanda]

I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

All in all, this is a poorly written, meaningless, meandering pile of dreck. None of the characters are enjoyable or relatable, and the writing itself is dull and dry. It didn't take me long to DNF, and I don't have any intention of ever going back to this.

[Neil]

I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really struggled with this.

The story felt like someone was preaching to me on how to live my life.

It was too long and I just did not like the characters, or there attitudes.

This story was not for me.

[Rod Hendricks]

Good book

This book is a real page turner, thought provoking, keeps you in suspense until the very last page. I would highly recommend this book!

[Luigi]

An interesting book which has you thinking 'maybe I should try some of these things', then it takes you through some twists and turns you probably won't see coming`.

[Michael Rhames]

Overall: 4

Cover: 5
As any good cover should, the cover on The Seven Experiments tells bits and pieces of the story, especially when looking at it after finishing the book. I won't go into it so I don't spoil it for you.

Story: 5
Here we follow a character whom which the more we read about, the less likeable he becomes. Bear in mind, however, that he had been a prisoner in his mind all his life and that as indefensible as many of his actions become, it's precisely what the author tried to illustrate here; just how dangerous absolute power can be in the hands of an orherwise harmless individual, let alone the Hitlers of this world. I think the illustration was loud and clear. I was so engrossed I read the last half in one sitting, which for me, is saying something.

Writing: 4
For the most part, the author takes the story along a straight timeline, inserting a flashback here and a daydream there. This is all great but there were points were I felt he lingered just a bit too long in the character's ramblings. Mostly well written, this book still has a lot of the sloppy writing that can accompany a first draft. But that's ultimately the editor's job, to which I'll get to shortly. So this would've been a 5 but got a 4 on sloppy writing and/or poor editing or lack thereof.

Editorial: 2
I don't know whether the copy I got from Amazon at the time is supposed to be the final product or not. Either way, I would recommend sending it to a good editor for review. I submitted quite a few corrections, but my main goal was to finish and enjoy the book, eventually.

All that said, after reading two books by Mr. Kanicki, I look forward to more of his work. Keep it up!

[Susan]

Have you ever wondered if those self help books work? Or how about those self help gurus? The novel is about a college professor who salary is at the bottom of the salary levels. He hasn’t got a raise in ages. The college administration has been saying there is no money for raises. Gary is also a minister but gets fired when it is discovered that was the one who borrowed (took) money to pay his taxes. His marriage is becoming rocky due to lack of money. When his friend, a fellow professor Bob retired, Gary was jealous. Gary felt that Bob had everything. Gary had a large house, a gorgeous wife, etc. When Bob invites Gary, he tells him that he can have all this too. All he has to do is these seven experiments with Bob’s guidance. Gary doesn’t believe Bob ‘s explanations until they work for him! Gary becomes more selfish as he accomplishes each experiment. Will Gary be able to understand what his mentor is telling him?

The novel is a page turner. I couldn’t stop reading it as I wanted to know what the experiments were and if Gary could do them successfully. It is a book that made me think what if anyone could do these. What would the world be like? I haven’t decided myself.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[GinnyP]

An ARC from Library Thing. The premise sounded so good. But it seemed like the author wanted a chance to rail on against corruption by wealth in society and against organized religions; many chapters read more like editorials or essays that are being spoken by the main character. Main idea is good v. evil, evil being selfishness, ego, desire (and oh boy, there's a lot of that). A professor, Bob, convinces his friend Gary, also a religion professor, that he can get anything he wants in life simply by thinking and concentrating, by "seeing" it happen and writing in a journal. Bob lives in a mansion, drives a Tesla, has a gorgeous wife, and leads Gary to believe he, too, can have all that if he just pictures it all and harnesses his mind's energy. By the second half of the book I could tell where it was going, and the last chapters went way over the top. The end wrapped up too neatly. Let me share with you a line from the last page: "Sarah reached down between Bob's legs and began sroking the inseam of his pant leg. In a few seconds she felt the reaction she was looking for. "There, now," Sarah said. "Just one last bit of magic." Two more paragraphs and we're at the last line: "There was a tear in his eye and a smile on his face." This after Gary and Bob's wife - who ran off together - were decapitated in a car wreck which we learn was magicked by Sarah, Gary's wife who all along was reading Gary's journal and doing her own thinking.

[Rhonda Caston]

I Could Not Put This Down

This was deliciously dark. And it kept me guessing the outcome. Let's me tell you what I thought would happen didn't. But it was still So Good!

[Paigelauren Forrester]

****Review****

This book explores spiritual, religious and metaphysics themes woven into an imaginative and frightening narrative.
In some ways I like this book, it gives you something to think about while your reading. I like the way Garry changes and you can see it along the way.
One thing I hated about this book it the cat killing and where it leaves off. I think another chapter or two could of made this story amazing.
Its unique and in a weird way I have started the experiments as well experiments but it appeals to both sides of me. I like the science part and I love the magic part.
I think you should give this book a go but I do warn you if you’re an animal person you will end up hating Garry as much as I do.
I happen to agree with most of what Garry thinks via religion but others may not like what he has to say but good on him for voicing.

[Cathy]

Review of The Seven Experiments

This was a good, fast read that was very hard to put down at times. Although it is fiction, it really got me thinking about “mind over matter”. There is so much in our lives that is controlled by our emotions.

This book is a story of good vs. evil. Sometimes good wins out. Does it this time? You’ll have to read it to find out.

[robin page]

Get everything you want

Sometimes it’s really not what you thought it would be! This well written and interesting story searches the human mind and what it can be taught to do. But are we ready for such power?

[Stephanie Hysler]

Good read

Interesting and thought provoking. A nice twist of good and evil. I was hoping for an ending in this direction.

[Terry]

Fast read, thrilling, frightening story. Chilling and goosebump worthy. A great read!