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The Plot Against Heaven
Truly enjoyed reading this one! As I started reading it cot me thinking about what happens when someone dies. Of course no one knows, but as a christian, you believe in certain things, but what if that weren't true? What if Heaven isn't like what we have been taught as a child, lived our lives according to what we thought would happen when we die? No spoilers here, you have to read the book! It is a very quick read (and it is supposed to be), but I wanted more! Mark nailed this one! I have read his other books, but this has to be my favorite. Already looking forward to his next book!
80 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2020
7 people want to read
About the author
Mark Kirkbride
12 books103 followersMark Kirkbride lives in England. He is the author of The Plot Against Heaven, Game Changers of the Apocalypse and Satan’s Fan Club, originally published by Omnium Gatherum and re-released by Crossroad Press. Game Changers of the Apocalypse was a semi-finalist in the Kindle Book Awards 2019. His stories have appeared in Under the Bed, Sci Phi Journal, Disclaimer Magazine, Flash Fiction Magazine, Titanic Terastructures and So It Goes: The Literary Journal of the Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library. Poetry credits include Neon, the London Reader, the Big Issue, the Daily Mirror, Sein und Werden and Horror Writers Association chapbooks. He was shortlisted in the AONB Landscape category of the Ginkgo Prize 2021.
He is a member of the BFS, BSFA, HWA and Clockhouse London Writers.
He is a member of the BFS, BSFA, HWA and Clockhouse London Writers.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 5, 2020
This is an intriguing little book – just a few hours read – that takes you across unexpected vistas of the afterlife - God in his police state, the Devil in his Casino, both too self-absorbed to give much time to our heartbroken hero, who is only there because he wants to find his wife, and who never meant to get caught up like this… The working out of it nicely captures the paradox of the idea of a war between heaven and hell: what could it look like, such a war? Kirkbride forces it to absurdity, giving both sides a panoply of military equipment and personnel, not to mention the PR men, spinning their propaganda – this is no different from all the other wars, in our own worlds, all of them billed from both sides as battles between good and evil, with the accident of where one happens to live determining one’s allegiance. Kirkbride doesn’t appear to take sides – the Devil, as always, gets the better lines and the more attractive characters, but there is a redemptive moment at the end, reminiscent of the strange scene at the end of Kubrick’s 2001 Space Odyssey, where God gets a better look-in. It’s not a tract: the theological issues take second fiddle, in the end, to a touching love story – and a twist to die for.
December 3, 2020
Paul is a writer, but to be specific he is a Jingle writer. His wife, Kate is dead. He is hell bent on confronting God in knowing why his wife was taken away from him this early. HE has taken an appointment to meet God and is waiting in Heaven. Only heaven doesn’t turn out the way it’s supposed to and isn’t welcoming in the least bit.
Paul has a huge stand-offish in God’s office and gets sent to hell. The Devil recruits him and he is offered a job in the PR team.
Heaven and Hell are in cold war. They are both modern and militarized and right in the middle of this is Paul.
Does Paul get to meet his wife?
Which side is he caught on?
Is he able to survive?
Rating – 4/5 Stars
Recommendation – High
Conclusion,
This intriguing novella was a brilliant read. A loud shout to the Author for his creativity here. The plot and character development is captivating. The most surprising and unexpected turn out in this book is its ending. One foot above and one foot firmly on ground, this book was an absolute page turner. Overall a very good read.
Paul has a huge stand-offish in God’s office and gets sent to hell. The Devil recruits him and he is offered a job in the PR team.
Heaven and Hell are in cold war. They are both modern and militarized and right in the middle of this is Paul.
Does Paul get to meet his wife?
Which side is he caught on?
Is he able to survive?
Rating – 4/5 Stars
Recommendation – High
Conclusion,
This intriguing novella was a brilliant read. A loud shout to the Author for his creativity here. The plot and character development is captivating. The most surprising and unexpected turn out in this book is its ending. One foot above and one foot firmly on ground, this book was an absolute page turner. Overall a very good read.
December 2, 2020
This is unlike anything I’ve read before. Very interesting and a page turner. The twist at the end had me shook!
December 2, 2020
I'm going to get my big criticism of The Plot Against Heaven out of the way first before delving into the rest of the book. I don't like that this was a novella, because it wasn't long enough for me. I've read countless novellas and short stories that have satisfied me, and have really benefited from their short length, but there are a few that I read that leave me wanting more, that have me cursing the author for not having written it as a full length novel so that I could have spent longer with the story, and this book definitely falls into that category. I just wanted more.
The book follows Paul, a man who was in a car crash with his wife, where he watched her bleeding to death in the wreckage. Angry that God would do this, that he'd been able to live through his own illness and recover, find and marry the woman he loves, only for her to be snatched away from him, he sets out to make things right by confronting God and getting her back.
Paul does this by managing to make his way into heaven, but rather than it being the paradise that myth has made it out to be it's more akin to a dystopian state, where soldiers walk the street, giant walls keep people separated, and a military presence runs everything. This was something that immediately grabbed my attention, as I'd never seen something tackle heaven in this way. It presented the ultimate reward as a harsh, dull place, one with rigid rules and fierce punishments. It made Heaven into the place that you'd never actually want to end up.
Unfortunately for Paul, he's unable to achieve his audience with God after attempting it a number of times, and is cast out of heaven when he tries to force his way in to confront the deity himself. Sent to Hell, Paul is shocked to find that not only did religion get Heaven wrong, but Hell too. Instead of the scores of demons, lakes of fire, and torture for all eternity, he finds what's basically Vegas, a place where souls can relax, kick back and enjoy themselves.
It's also in Hell that Paul meets the other 'bug man', and this version of the devil is pretty nice. He takes the time to listen to Paul, to ask him his problems, and what it is he's trying to achieve. It's here that Paul gets drawn into the devil's plan, his plot against Heaven. Now working for the devil to try and help his public image, Paul feels that the only way to get his wife back is to side with the forces of Hell against God, in a mission that will change everything for him.
I really enjoyed the way that Mark Kirkbride went against expectations in this book, how he altered Heaven and Hell from biblical depictions into things that barely resembled what people expect, yet managed to make them feel true to the bible. God is a figure that demands worship, that sets strict rules, and meets out harsh punishment when their will is broken, so a somewhat fascist dictatorship and military state kind of does make a lot of sense. Angels are the warriors of God, beings designed to fight, so why wouldn't Heaven be filled with soldiers? The version of Hell presented here also acts as a good counterpoint to this version of Heaven. If Heaven is a place based on strict rules and oppression then the opposite of that being a place about enjoyment, decadence, and feeding desires makes perfect sense.
Obviously, things in this book aren't all what they first appear, and there are things about both realms that aren't first apparent that are revealed as the story unfolds, things that will change your views on the story and the characters, so I can't go into huge amount of details without spoiling, but I will say that Kirkbride manages to create a world that feels interesting and keeps your attention, one that subverts your expectations, and goes in some directions that you're not expecting.
Like I said earlier, I was annoyed that the book wasn't longer, because I felt like there was so much here that could have been given more time, with the story, characters, and world all strong enough to have been able to fill an entire novel. Whilst we don't get that in this book, I'm left hoping by the end that this might be a place that he could revisit in the future, with other short stories and novellas. I hope that proves to be the case, as I want to spend more time with Paul, to see what comes next for him and the realms of the afterlife.
The book follows Paul, a man who was in a car crash with his wife, where he watched her bleeding to death in the wreckage. Angry that God would do this, that he'd been able to live through his own illness and recover, find and marry the woman he loves, only for her to be snatched away from him, he sets out to make things right by confronting God and getting her back.
Paul does this by managing to make his way into heaven, but rather than it being the paradise that myth has made it out to be it's more akin to a dystopian state, where soldiers walk the street, giant walls keep people separated, and a military presence runs everything. This was something that immediately grabbed my attention, as I'd never seen something tackle heaven in this way. It presented the ultimate reward as a harsh, dull place, one with rigid rules and fierce punishments. It made Heaven into the place that you'd never actually want to end up.
Unfortunately for Paul, he's unable to achieve his audience with God after attempting it a number of times, and is cast out of heaven when he tries to force his way in to confront the deity himself. Sent to Hell, Paul is shocked to find that not only did religion get Heaven wrong, but Hell too. Instead of the scores of demons, lakes of fire, and torture for all eternity, he finds what's basically Vegas, a place where souls can relax, kick back and enjoy themselves.
It's also in Hell that Paul meets the other 'bug man', and this version of the devil is pretty nice. He takes the time to listen to Paul, to ask him his problems, and what it is he's trying to achieve. It's here that Paul gets drawn into the devil's plan, his plot against Heaven. Now working for the devil to try and help his public image, Paul feels that the only way to get his wife back is to side with the forces of Hell against God, in a mission that will change everything for him.
I really enjoyed the way that Mark Kirkbride went against expectations in this book, how he altered Heaven and Hell from biblical depictions into things that barely resembled what people expect, yet managed to make them feel true to the bible. God is a figure that demands worship, that sets strict rules, and meets out harsh punishment when their will is broken, so a somewhat fascist dictatorship and military state kind of does make a lot of sense. Angels are the warriors of God, beings designed to fight, so why wouldn't Heaven be filled with soldiers? The version of Hell presented here also acts as a good counterpoint to this version of Heaven. If Heaven is a place based on strict rules and oppression then the opposite of that being a place about enjoyment, decadence, and feeding desires makes perfect sense.
Obviously, things in this book aren't all what they first appear, and there are things about both realms that aren't first apparent that are revealed as the story unfolds, things that will change your views on the story and the characters, so I can't go into huge amount of details without spoiling, but I will say that Kirkbride manages to create a world that feels interesting and keeps your attention, one that subverts your expectations, and goes in some directions that you're not expecting.
Like I said earlier, I was annoyed that the book wasn't longer, because I felt like there was so much here that could have been given more time, with the story, characters, and world all strong enough to have been able to fill an entire novel. Whilst we don't get that in this book, I'm left hoping by the end that this might be a place that he could revisit in the future, with other short stories and novellas. I hope that proves to be the case, as I want to spend more time with Paul, to see what comes next for him and the realms of the afterlife.
August 25, 2020
I was fortunate to receive a pre-release version of he book. A very quick read and one you don't want to put down! Mark nailed this one! Makes you think right from the start and gets you asking yourself, "could this really happen?" Is Heaven all that is is cracked up to be? Is there an alternative that is more appealing? Can anyone truly be saved and get a second chance? Read this book and find out the answer to all these questions. You'll be glad you did!
November 29, 2020
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Plot Against Heaven
Paul is devastated by the death of his wife and determined to see her once again. But when he reaches Heaven in search of her, he will find that the pearly white gates are not what they seem. He is met with a divided military district and harsh treatment. Where are the angels and peace that Heaven is known for? In his quest to once again see his wife, Paul will see the temptation Hell brings and he will have to decide if he fights for Heaven or Hell.
The Plot Against Heaven may take a while to ground the reader in its world. I would have preferred a more detailed scene setting of Heaven before Paul begins to delve into the larger story. The rules and politics of the world seem to be lost in the mix as the emphasis focuses on Paul. However, given the treatment he receives, it isn’t hard to see why Paul is tempted by the Devil. Mark Kirkbride isn’t afraid to throw out the happy notions that surround Heaven and impose real world problems into it.
As Paul is learning of his situation and options, readers are given glimpses of the accident that took his wife away. The transitions between memory and the current timeline are a bit jolting, as there are no leads into or out of them. But the memories paint a picture of heartbreak and betrayal. Paul is desperate to see his wife again, but they remain separated by the rules of Heaven. Paul will do anything to see her again, even if that means bringing all of Heaven down around him.
In this fast paced novella, Mark Kirkbride brings to light how tempting the Devil can be and what desperation can do to a person. For fans of stories that are not afraid to bring contradictory viewpoints to light, The Plot Against Heaven is the ideal story for you.
Paul is devastated by the death of his wife and determined to see her once again. But when he reaches Heaven in search of her, he will find that the pearly white gates are not what they seem. He is met with a divided military district and harsh treatment. Where are the angels and peace that Heaven is known for? In his quest to once again see his wife, Paul will see the temptation Hell brings and he will have to decide if he fights for Heaven or Hell.
The Plot Against Heaven may take a while to ground the reader in its world. I would have preferred a more detailed scene setting of Heaven before Paul begins to delve into the larger story. The rules and politics of the world seem to be lost in the mix as the emphasis focuses on Paul. However, given the treatment he receives, it isn’t hard to see why Paul is tempted by the Devil. Mark Kirkbride isn’t afraid to throw out the happy notions that surround Heaven and impose real world problems into it.
As Paul is learning of his situation and options, readers are given glimpses of the accident that took his wife away. The transitions between memory and the current timeline are a bit jolting, as there are no leads into or out of them. But the memories paint a picture of heartbreak and betrayal. Paul is desperate to see his wife again, but they remain separated by the rules of Heaven. Paul will do anything to see her again, even if that means bringing all of Heaven down around him.
In this fast paced novella, Mark Kirkbride brings to light how tempting the Devil can be and what desperation can do to a person. For fans of stories that are not afraid to bring contradictory viewpoints to light, The Plot Against Heaven is the ideal story for you.
January 24, 2021
This was one strange book. I enjoyed the satire of Heaven and Hell, with Heaven being an armed facility and Hell being a fun filled paradise at Las Vegas. Also, having God be cast as one that no=one can reach was pretty good. It is definitely unique. I liked the author's imagination.
I received a free electronic copy of this book by the author, in accordance with the terms of For Love of a Book's Advanced Reader Opportunity Program.
I received a free electronic copy of this book by the author, in accordance with the terms of For Love of a Book's Advanced Reader Opportunity Program.
December 1, 2020
Modern take on God and the Devils, on Heaven and Hell. Short, but hits the right spot. There were some sentences that didn't hit right for me, but overall my biggest complaint is that it was very short. Their could have been a bit more exploration of the charateers to give them deaper personalites. If you have time and want something quick to read - go ahead!
A copy provided by Blackthorn Book Tour.
A copy provided by Blackthorn Book Tour.
November 30, 2020
Ah the old stories are always best!
I loved this modern take on the timeless tale of the living person who breaks into the after-life. It’s certainly been around since Homer sent Odysseus to visit Hades, so that’s pushing 3 millennia, but I bet it’s much longer than that, actually. What is there after this? Where do dead people go? Aren’t those amongst the questions at the very heart of the human condition?
Kirkbride does it well, and his story manages to be gripping and funny and touching all at once, which is quite a feat. I like the fact that he’s made a modern god, in a modern afterlife, with modern issues. I never could understand why we dress God in a sheet with nothing but endless harp-music, or that Satan is still relying on brimstone and magic. What’s the point of them if the best they can manage is stuff from the dark ages? And if God’s omniscient, he’ll surely have discovered Spotify by now…
The Greeks didn’t have this anachronizing zeal: they dressed their gods in quite the same clothes as they wore themselves and gave them all their own technologies. The same appetites too, and the familiar petty vices. They did not use them for moralising and mystifying, but to tell stories about their own lives and troubles, just as Kirkbride does.
My only criticsm of this so-called book is that its really just a short story – weighing in at only just over 60 pages. Partly I’m disappointed because it finished before I was ready, but also it meant that it lost a lot of opportunities, and had a lot of “rushing through”. At times that worked well – but he could have done a lot more with this story if he’d given himself more space. The world building was started but not finished, the politics of the place were significant, clearly, but largely untold. It’s a rip-roaring yarn (just as Homer’s was) but it’s been done before and the questions aren't going away, so there shouldn’t have been a rush to get it out.
Take your time, next time, Mr Kirkbride.
I loved this modern take on the timeless tale of the living person who breaks into the after-life. It’s certainly been around since Homer sent Odysseus to visit Hades, so that’s pushing 3 millennia, but I bet it’s much longer than that, actually. What is there after this? Where do dead people go? Aren’t those amongst the questions at the very heart of the human condition?
Kirkbride does it well, and his story manages to be gripping and funny and touching all at once, which is quite a feat. I like the fact that he’s made a modern god, in a modern afterlife, with modern issues. I never could understand why we dress God in a sheet with nothing but endless harp-music, or that Satan is still relying on brimstone and magic. What’s the point of them if the best they can manage is stuff from the dark ages? And if God’s omniscient, he’ll surely have discovered Spotify by now…
The Greeks didn’t have this anachronizing zeal: they dressed their gods in quite the same clothes as they wore themselves and gave them all their own technologies. The same appetites too, and the familiar petty vices. They did not use them for moralising and mystifying, but to tell stories about their own lives and troubles, just as Kirkbride does.
My only criticsm of this so-called book is that its really just a short story – weighing in at only just over 60 pages. Partly I’m disappointed because it finished before I was ready, but also it meant that it lost a lot of opportunities, and had a lot of “rushing through”. At times that worked well – but he could have done a lot more with this story if he’d given himself more space. The world building was started but not finished, the politics of the place were significant, clearly, but largely untold. It’s a rip-roaring yarn (just as Homer’s was) but it’s been done before and the questions aren't going away, so there shouldn’t have been a rush to get it out.
Take your time, next time, Mr Kirkbride.
November 30, 2020
The Plot Against Heaven is a story with a unique premise that will have readers wondering what, exactly, they just read.
The story follows Paul as he gate-crashes Heaven to demand an audience with the big man himself. Paul is angry that his wife Kate was taken from him too soon. It wasn't her time, and he wants her back. But Heaven decides Paul isn't worthy of talking to God, and they send him down to Hell instead. But Hell is just as strange as Heaven (neither one being what Paul expects), and when Paul gets a meeting with the Devil himself, things get interesting. Never make a deal with the Devil. You may just get more than you bargained for.
I found this story to be a bit strange. I liked the idea of Heaven being very strict and militarized, and the idea of Hell being a rule-free, do-what-you-like sort of place. It was definitely a bit different, and not something I would have ever expected to see depicted.
The only downside for me, though, was that the story did feel a bit rushed. Like I mentioned above, it has a unique premise, but I feel like it moved too quickly for my liking. I would have loved to have seen the pace slowed down a little, and the story fleshed out a bit more. Getting a feel for both Paul and Kate, learning more about them, and being able to connect with them would have been nice. And having the world building fleshed out more would have been awesome. It didn't quite feel like we got enough with either Heaven or Hell in terms of the world building.
Overall, though, it was an interesting read that I did enjoy. I just would have liked a bit more to really give it that push over the edge into "wow this is amazing" territory.
3.5 stars.
The story follows Paul as he gate-crashes Heaven to demand an audience with the big man himself. Paul is angry that his wife Kate was taken from him too soon. It wasn't her time, and he wants her back. But Heaven decides Paul isn't worthy of talking to God, and they send him down to Hell instead. But Hell is just as strange as Heaven (neither one being what Paul expects), and when Paul gets a meeting with the Devil himself, things get interesting. Never make a deal with the Devil. You may just get more than you bargained for.
I found this story to be a bit strange. I liked the idea of Heaven being very strict and militarized, and the idea of Hell being a rule-free, do-what-you-like sort of place. It was definitely a bit different, and not something I would have ever expected to see depicted.
The only downside for me, though, was that the story did feel a bit rushed. Like I mentioned above, it has a unique premise, but I feel like it moved too quickly for my liking. I would have loved to have seen the pace slowed down a little, and the story fleshed out a bit more. Getting a feel for both Paul and Kate, learning more about them, and being able to connect with them would have been nice. And having the world building fleshed out more would have been awesome. It didn't quite feel like we got enough with either Heaven or Hell in terms of the world building.
Overall, though, it was an interesting read that I did enjoy. I just would have liked a bit more to really give it that push over the edge into "wow this is amazing" territory.
3.5 stars.
November 30, 2020
About the book: Paul is a poet (really a jingle writer)who is an unbound and he is able to go between heaven and hell. He is searching for his wife, Kate, who was in a horrific auto accident with him. After causing a scene in God’s office, he is sent to hell. The Devil puts him to work on his PR team and Paul agrees to help the Devil overthrow heaven in a military battle in the hope of reuniting with Kate.
My thoughts: This book was absolutely fascinating and not what I expected at all. This book is so creatively written with descriptions of heaven (more militarized) and hell (like the Vegas strip). I think not only is the action portion well done as the description of the battle between heaven and hell rages but I also enjoyed the detailed character descriptions. Gem, the Devil’s personal assistant, is a very intriguing character to me. I loved the ending which is a cliffhanger..I think at the end of the day for me this book portrays what one person will do to remain with those they love.
My thoughts: This book was absolutely fascinating and not what I expected at all. This book is so creatively written with descriptions of heaven (more militarized) and hell (like the Vegas strip). I think not only is the action portion well done as the description of the battle between heaven and hell rages but I also enjoyed the detailed character descriptions. Gem, the Devil’s personal assistant, is a very intriguing character to me. I loved the ending which is a cliffhanger..I think at the end of the day for me this book portrays what one person will do to remain with those they love.
December 1, 2020
Intriguing Read!
Kirkbride pens an interesting story in Plot Against Heaven. I haven't read anything from this author before, and I enjoyed reading this. The story revolves around Paul, who is just a new widower. He is determined to to confront God, face-to-face. It's an interesting look at what Heaven and even Hell can be, and the war between the two. Death isn't quite as expected, and I've never read a book like this, with these ideas and intriguing plot lines. Action leads the journey for Paul, as he is not just battling his own demons and loss, but also the right to see Kate once again. That's all I'm giving. The story brings in the believable, even if almost impossible. This story was intriguing and kept the reader guessing. It's a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. This author's characters develop and interacts well with the other characters. I have fast become a big fan of Kirkbride. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author. This book is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
Kirkbride pens an interesting story in Plot Against Heaven. I haven't read anything from this author before, and I enjoyed reading this. The story revolves around Paul, who is just a new widower. He is determined to to confront God, face-to-face. It's an interesting look at what Heaven and even Hell can be, and the war between the two. Death isn't quite as expected, and I've never read a book like this, with these ideas and intriguing plot lines. Action leads the journey for Paul, as he is not just battling his own demons and loss, but also the right to see Kate once again. That's all I'm giving. The story brings in the believable, even if almost impossible. This story was intriguing and kept the reader guessing. It's a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. This author's characters develop and interacts well with the other characters. I have fast become a big fan of Kirkbride. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author. This book is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
November 30, 2020
So he wants to get his woman back once heaven’s got her? Not wise! When did any good ever come from THAT idea?
Naturally it doesn’t go according to plan. God stands him up and Satan has a job offer that he can’t refuse. And his woman? Well she’s the most elusive of them all, and the author’s determined to keep you waiting.
This is a clever novella with a wisecracking version of heaven and hell – heaven’s the attractive police state, like one of those propaganda pictures from North Korea, and hell is one big casino, like Las Vegas on steroids. Both of them are busy ramping up an arms race and the propaganda war is keeping office-bodies busy.
Just go with the flow when you’re reading it – it shifts about quite a bit from action to memory and one place to another and sometime you have no idea what’s going on. That’s life. Nope,that’s death. And the whole thing might be one big hallucination, so who care anyway?
Naturally it doesn’t go according to plan. God stands him up and Satan has a job offer that he can’t refuse. And his woman? Well she’s the most elusive of them all, and the author’s determined to keep you waiting.
This is a clever novella with a wisecracking version of heaven and hell – heaven’s the attractive police state, like one of those propaganda pictures from North Korea, and hell is one big casino, like Las Vegas on steroids. Both of them are busy ramping up an arms race and the propaganda war is keeping office-bodies busy.
Just go with the flow when you’re reading it – it shifts about quite a bit from action to memory and one place to another and sometime you have no idea what’s going on. That’s life. Nope,that’s death. And the whole thing might be one big hallucination, so who care anyway?
December 2, 2020
Mark Kirkbride delivers a mighty punch in The Plot Against Heaven. This novella is mysterious and heartbreaking, yet packed with so much story in its scant 79 pages.
I felt terrible for the main character. I could feel the turmoil of the struggle as Paul contemplated what is right and what is necessary. Some of his actions disgusted me, but they were understandable in his moment of torment.
There is a huge twist that I did not see coming. It caught me right in the feels. My eyes welled up, and tears threatened to fall. But, it all turned out, not okay, but satisfying.
I was able to finish this gem in a little more than an hour. It was an enjoyable way to while away an afternoon.
I am happy to award The Plot Against Heaven 4 out of 5 stars. Anyone who likes a short read that is off the beaten path will enjoy this novella.
I received a complimentary digital copy of The Plot Against Heaven in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I felt terrible for the main character. I could feel the turmoil of the struggle as Paul contemplated what is right and what is necessary. Some of his actions disgusted me, but they were understandable in his moment of torment.
There is a huge twist that I did not see coming. It caught me right in the feels. My eyes welled up, and tears threatened to fall. But, it all turned out, not okay, but satisfying.
I was able to finish this gem in a little more than an hour. It was an enjoyable way to while away an afternoon.
I am happy to award The Plot Against Heaven 4 out of 5 stars. Anyone who likes a short read that is off the beaten path will enjoy this novella.
I received a complimentary digital copy of The Plot Against Heaven in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 10, 2021
This is such a good read. Whilst the story isn’t new, the author has done a great job of updating it.
When Paul’s wife dies he decides to confront God to find out why. What I really enjoyed was the author’s depiction of Heaven and Hell, they are very different to what you might expect.
Even though this is a novella it contains a lot of story, as Paul negotiates heaven and hell to try and find his wife.
When Paul’s wife dies he decides to confront God to find out why. What I really enjoyed was the author’s depiction of Heaven and Hell, they are very different to what you might expect.
Even though this is a novella it contains a lot of story, as Paul negotiates heaven and hell to try and find his wife.
April 11, 2021
The authormade his book fast paced and even though the subject were heavy .He kept it lite. A good quick read if you dont wish to tie up many hours with a book.
November 30, 2020
The Plot Against Heaven is a novella that poses an intriguing question: what if you could infiltrate the afterlife? Paul, the main character, fights his way into Heaven to find his wife after her death, but finds himself tumbling down and down into Hell and restarting his quest from literal rock bottom.
Along with its central question, The Plot Against Heaven also presents several interesting concepts, and these were the highlight of the novella. What if Heaven and Hell weren't what you expected? Kirkbride's representation of the two sects of the afterlife tear through any preconceived notions and build up strong foundations for fascinating further work, should he choose to go down that route. Similarly, his version of God is absolutely incredible; it makes perfect sense and is still fairly unique. It was one of my favourites moments of this novella.
The book is short, so there's not much to say without giving away major plot points. The main themes of desperation and determination are strongly represented throughout, culminating in a truly heartbreaking climax.
I was offered a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Along with its central question, The Plot Against Heaven also presents several interesting concepts, and these were the highlight of the novella. What if Heaven and Hell weren't what you expected? Kirkbride's representation of the two sects of the afterlife tear through any preconceived notions and build up strong foundations for fascinating further work, should he choose to go down that route. Similarly, his version of God is absolutely incredible; it makes perfect sense and is still fairly unique. It was one of my favourites moments of this novella.
The book is short, so there's not much to say without giving away major plot points. The main themes of desperation and determination are strongly represented throughout, culminating in a truly heartbreaking climax.
I was offered a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2020
5⭐️ from me!
I was lucky enough to receive this short story via @blackthorntours and I absolutely loved it!
I’m not normally that keen on short stories as such as I don’t think they’re very detailed/not enough happens/I want more etc. But this one is everything I want in a short story! Short (obviously), to the point, keeps you guessing, progresses at a steady rate with a proper ending! ( I sometimes think these kind of things get rushed through and the ending is very meh).
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves short stories and stories about the ‘afterlife’.
I loved how ‘god’ and ‘the devil’ were portrayed in this too, it’s a very different perspective on these characters I think.
Needless to say, I’ll be reading more Mark Kirkbride short stories, novels etc in the future.
I was lucky enough to receive this short story via @blackthorntours and I absolutely loved it!
I’m not normally that keen on short stories as such as I don’t think they’re very detailed/not enough happens/I want more etc. But this one is everything I want in a short story! Short (obviously), to the point, keeps you guessing, progresses at a steady rate with a proper ending! ( I sometimes think these kind of things get rushed through and the ending is very meh).
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves short stories and stories about the ‘afterlife’.
I loved how ‘god’ and ‘the devil’ were portrayed in this too, it’s a very different perspective on these characters I think.
Needless to say, I’ll be reading more Mark Kirkbride short stories, novels etc in the future.
October 11, 2020
The Plot Against Heaven is closer to dark fantasy than horror, but oddly enough throws in a fair bit of satire and a hint of workplace comedy before all is said and done. Although I often skip the synopsis, I gave it a look in this case before taking the book on.
We’re dropped into the midst of the action as our first-person narrator, Paul, attempts to gate-crash Heaven in a bid to confront God after the wrongful death of his wife. It’s a lot to take in, but the elements for a truly interesting fantasy are certainly present.
Kirkbride draws the reader into this short novella with relatively brief chapters that move the action along, contributing few, if any, wasted words. The scenes that take place in Hell lean more heavily into parody than I expected, setting up the Devil as more of a punchline than a threat, or contributing to an overall sense of mythology. There’s nothing wrong with it, it’s pulled off well enough, and I found myself cracking a smile more than once. It’s simply not what I expected going in. Place that squarely on the shoulders of the reader, rather than the author.
Apologies for the mild spoilers, but there are two notable twists and turns toward the end. One feels overly forecasted, however the other, arguably the larger of the two, came through quite effectively.
If you’re looking for a fast, fun read, The Plot Against Heaven might just do the trick. There aren’t really horror elements present, and it feels more appropriate to call it Action Satire than dark fantasy, but if that’s something that interests you, check it out on October 3rd.
I received a copy from the author for review consideration.
We’re dropped into the midst of the action as our first-person narrator, Paul, attempts to gate-crash Heaven in a bid to confront God after the wrongful death of his wife. It’s a lot to take in, but the elements for a truly interesting fantasy are certainly present.
Kirkbride draws the reader into this short novella with relatively brief chapters that move the action along, contributing few, if any, wasted words. The scenes that take place in Hell lean more heavily into parody than I expected, setting up the Devil as more of a punchline than a threat, or contributing to an overall sense of mythology. There’s nothing wrong with it, it’s pulled off well enough, and I found myself cracking a smile more than once. It’s simply not what I expected going in. Place that squarely on the shoulders of the reader, rather than the author.
Apologies for the mild spoilers, but there are two notable twists and turns toward the end. One feels overly forecasted, however the other, arguably the larger of the two, came through quite effectively.
If you’re looking for a fast, fun read, The Plot Against Heaven might just do the trick. There aren’t really horror elements present, and it feels more appropriate to call it Action Satire than dark fantasy, but if that’s something that interests you, check it out on October 3rd.
I received a copy from the author for review consideration.
November 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this story. It was a crazy ride and I did not see the ending coming. Also, that ending. I need more! The author did a great job of writing a compelling story packed into less than 100 pages. Some short stories feel like they've left a lot of detail out, but this one managed to give the necessary details. I hope there's a follow up...because there should really be a follow up.
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