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Drumbeats
This dark fantasy set in Africa is a collaboration between a New York Times –bestselling author and the drummer from the multi-platinum rock band, Rush.
A chilling tale of African drums and human souls from #1 international bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson and legendary Rush lyricist and drummer Neil Peart.
Early in their three decades of correspondence, Neil Peart sent Kevin J. Anderson extensive descriptions and travelogues of his adventures bicycling solo across Africa. Peart painted a vivid and unsettling landscape as memorable as the lyrics to his songs.
Anderson, award-winning and bestselling fantasy and science fiction author, used those descriptions as the backdrop for plotting an intense, atmospheric dark fantasy story that followed Peart’s experiences, though with a much more ominous twist. The two used their respective strengths to weave a memorable tale that will linger long after the last page.
This special illustrated edition includes Anderson’s new introduction, written after Peart’s death on January 7, 2020, as well as the original Afterword Peart wrote for the story.
A chilling tale of African drums and human souls from #1 international bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson and legendary Rush lyricist and drummer Neil Peart.
Early in their three decades of correspondence, Neil Peart sent Kevin J. Anderson extensive descriptions and travelogues of his adventures bicycling solo across Africa. Peart painted a vivid and unsettling landscape as memorable as the lyrics to his songs.
Anderson, award-winning and bestselling fantasy and science fiction author, used those descriptions as the backdrop for plotting an intense, atmospheric dark fantasy story that followed Peart’s experiences, though with a much more ominous twist. The two used their respective strengths to weave a memorable tale that will linger long after the last page.
This special illustrated edition includes Anderson’s new introduction, written after Peart’s death on January 7, 2020, as well as the original Afterword Peart wrote for the story.
32 pages, Nook
First published January 1, 1994
13 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Kevin J. Anderson
1,039 books3,109 followersYes, I have a lot of books, and if this is your first visit to my amazon author page, it can be a little overwhelming. If you are new to my work, let me recommend a few titles as good places to start. I love my Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. series, humorous horror/mysteries, which begin with DEATH WARMED OVER. My steampunk fantasy adventures, CLOCKWORK ANGELS and CLOCKWORK LIVES, written with Neil Peart, legendary drummer from Rush, are two of my very favorite novels ever. And my magnum opus, the science fiction epic The Saga of Seven Suns, begins with HIDDEN EMPIRE. After you've tried those, I hope you'll check out some of my other series.
I have written spin-off novels for Star Wars, StarCraft, Titan A.E., and The X-Files, and I'm the co-author of the Dune prequels. My original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series and the Nebula Award-nominated Assemblers of Infinity. I have also written several comic books including the Dark Horse Star Wars collection Tales of the Jedi written in collaboration with Tom Veitch, Predator titles (also for Dark Horse), and X-Files titles for Topps.
I serve as a judge in the Writers of the Future contest.
My wife is author Rebecca Moesta. We currently reside near Monument, Colorado.
I have written spin-off novels for Star Wars, StarCraft, Titan A.E., and The X-Files, and I'm the co-author of the Dune prequels. My original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series and the Nebula Award-nominated Assemblers of Infinity. I have also written several comic books including the Dark Horse Star Wars collection Tales of the Jedi written in collaboration with Tom Veitch, Predator titles (also for Dark Horse), and X-Files titles for Topps.
I serve as a judge in the Writers of the Future contest.
My wife is author Rebecca Moesta. We currently reside near Monument, Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 25, 2021
Rating: 8.5/10
Thanks to Joe Hempel and Fireside Horror for a listening copy of Drumbeats: Special Edition for review consideration. This did not influence my thoughts or opinions.
This might be one of the coolest collaborations in history. One of the greatest authors of our time + a Rock n’ Roll LEGEND, ICON, YOU NAME IT produce an eerie, unforgettable tale with an utterly impeccable ending.
Being a super short story, it is hard to really go much into detail without giving anything away. Suffice it to say, it is a tightly woven story about a professional drummer (go figure :D) and his intrigue with a particular drum native to the land he currently resides. The drum itself gives off this otherworldly power when played and our protagonist finds himself searching for the creator.
While the story itself is the main event, the introduction from Kevin and the afterward from Neil bring so much more to the story. It is fascinating to hear how they became friends and stayed friends up until Peart’s passing in 2020. I cannot imagine receiving a letter in the mail from one of the best drummers of all-time because he enjoyed something I wrote; then to continue those letters and become a roadie for one of the greatest rock bands ever.
If I had to categorize this story, it would be horror (I guess). It isn’t scary so much as things jumping out and stabbing you, but the ending is certainly traumatic. I’d say it is standard fiction with some horror elements, and one that you should definitely give the 30-45 minutes it deserves.
Thanks to Joe Hempel and Fireside Horror for a listening copy of Drumbeats: Special Edition for review consideration. This did not influence my thoughts or opinions.
This might be one of the coolest collaborations in history. One of the greatest authors of our time + a Rock n’ Roll LEGEND, ICON, YOU NAME IT produce an eerie, unforgettable tale with an utterly impeccable ending.
Being a super short story, it is hard to really go much into detail without giving anything away. Suffice it to say, it is a tightly woven story about a professional drummer (go figure :D) and his intrigue with a particular drum native to the land he currently resides. The drum itself gives off this otherworldly power when played and our protagonist finds himself searching for the creator.
While the story itself is the main event, the introduction from Kevin and the afterward from Neil bring so much more to the story. It is fascinating to hear how they became friends and stayed friends up until Peart’s passing in 2020. I cannot imagine receiving a letter in the mail from one of the best drummers of all-time because he enjoyed something I wrote; then to continue those letters and become a roadie for one of the greatest rock bands ever.
If I had to categorize this story, it would be horror (I guess). It isn’t scary so much as things jumping out and stabbing you, but the ending is certainly traumatic. I’d say it is standard fiction with some horror elements, and one that you should definitely give the 30-45 minutes it deserves.
February 24, 2016
This is not the type of story I normally read, indeed, I prefer longer narratives to short fiction, but had bought it as part of a "Humble Bundle" package to support a friend's project. Since I had paid for it, I downloaded it to my computer, then uploaded it to my kindle.
And wow, once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. It drew me in from the very first paragraph. Traveling through Africa, the story's hero, drummer Danny Imbro sees an old man playing a beguiling beat on an unusual drum--and wishes to have his own such instrument. And even though I correctly guessed at the material of which the mysterious drum is made, I did not see the final twist coming (though it works and works perfectly). And when it came, it hit me--and haunted--me much as the instrument's unusual rhythm bewitched the musician.
The story makes you think--and wonder about our own obsessions, how they often began with something which delight us and can end by taking over our entire lives.
A good read. And a story that you wish other friends had read so you can talk about it and wonder about the things which enchant us. Is that enchantment rooted in our very nature or our individual passions?
Just read this, and come to your own conclusions.
And wow, once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. It drew me in from the very first paragraph. Traveling through Africa, the story's hero, drummer Danny Imbro sees an old man playing a beguiling beat on an unusual drum--and wishes to have his own such instrument. And even though I correctly guessed at the material of which the mysterious drum is made, I did not see the final twist coming (though it works and works perfectly). And when it came, it hit me--and haunted--me much as the instrument's unusual rhythm bewitched the musician.
The story makes you think--and wonder about our own obsessions, how they often began with something which delight us and can end by taking over our entire lives.
A good read. And a story that you wish other friends had read so you can talk about it and wonder about the things which enchant us. Is that enchantment rooted in our very nature or our individual passions?
Just read this, and come to your own conclusions.
July 25, 2020
It was fantastic to re-read this story, yet again, in the new collector's limited edition format.
The introductory and concluding articles by Anderson and Peart were amazing, and inspiring, and truly added to the overall enjoyment of this tale, the first official collaboration between two brilliant writers.
The introductory and concluding articles by Anderson and Peart were amazing, and inspiring, and truly added to the overall enjoyment of this tale, the first official collaboration between two brilliant writers.
January 23, 2017
Solid writing, interesting backmatter.
May 4, 2022
A short story about a drummer who is cycling through Africa. He sees a man continuously beating a peculiar drum and asks where to get one. He is pointed to a nearby village and so goes there with a local lad who is acting as a guide. He finds the drum, it is cursed, and the story ends. I was surprised how short the story was; since a large part (40%) of the book is the Afterword by Neal Peart then some adverts for other books. There's also a Foreword by Kevin J. Anderson who states his love for the progressive rock band Rush, and how he sent the band members a book he wrote inspired by their work. When Neil Peart, the drummer of Rush, read the book, he then kept in contact with Anderson, and they collaborated for this story. I think the story has a good set up, but then the real story is what happens after the main character is cursed (where the book ends); how does he survive? What does he do? How can he overcome the curse? What happens to the guide?
June 2, 2020
This is a short and fast read. Well written and imaginative. The little twist at the end was a nice one. The illustrations were nicely done and added to the story. I give this 4 stars.
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
August 1, 2018
Nice little short story with a great little ending. Fast easy read almost anyone will enjoy.
November 5, 2020
I thought this was a wonderful story. It reminded me of something Ray Bradbury would have written in one of his short story compilations.
November 19, 2020
Inspired by the late Neil Peart’s travells by bicycle in Africa. A short nightmarish story involving tribal drums and the last book Neil was involved in before his death from cancer in January.
December 3, 2022
Bijzonder verhaal.
July 31, 2020
In the introduction the author mentions his obsession with the band Rush, so I put on some music from Rush (drum solo), and started reading the story. It helps me understand a bit more what the author was trying to convey.
There were a few odd moments to be sure... this rich white man is daydreaming of sipping expensive Champagne in a fancy hotel, while surrounded by poor black Camaroon farmers, but he points out how peculiar he is being. In a way it is almost a punishment story - this white man dares to come here, to us, take what we give freely? No!
I feel like I could sense the end of the story, the big revelation, build up inside me. And then I thought I'd figured it out, and could breath... but the story caught me by surprise. For a short story this was a good one. Time to check out the rest of the author's works.
There were a few odd moments to be sure... this rich white man is daydreaming of sipping expensive Champagne in a fancy hotel, while surrounded by poor black Camaroon farmers, but he points out how peculiar he is being. In a way it is almost a punishment story - this white man dares to come here, to us, take what we give freely? No!
I feel like I could sense the end of the story, the big revelation, build up inside me. And then I thought I'd figured it out, and could breath... but the story caught me by surprise. For a short story this was a good one. Time to check out the rest of the author's works.
September 21, 2024
Not much of a story — seemed to exist more for the humble brag either side of the author forming a bond with Neil Peart.
July 17, 2016
Drumbeats is a fascinating short story about a drummer in a modern rock band who takes time to explore the world and seeking internal peace and self-reflection after months of touring and throughout his travels how he finds the perfect haunting sound in a rare drum. As he finds the village that created the drum and begins to understand more about it he finds himself in an impossible place where his life is at risk and the future unknown. The story had an easy personal flow and was unique which made me really enjoy it and left me wishing for more when it ended.
July 6, 2012
A nice little short story from RUSH drummer Neil Peart and Kevin J. Anderson. It's a horror story that appeared in a couple of magazines and is currently available in an e-book format. The story draws from Neil Peart's experiences while bicycling through west Africa and lends some reality to the setting. It's a good fit for any horror story fan and has a rather thought provoking end.
March 7, 2011
About a 3.5. Found this because I'm a long time Rush fan. A story from Neil's travels and drum obsession. About a rock drummer who discovers a special drum while touring Africa. I won't say much more, it would give it away. Not the best written story, but a good story.
July 1, 2013
A short horror story co-written by Rush drummer/lyricist Neil Peart and sci-fi writer Kevin J. Anderson. It has its roots in autobiography, as Peart rode his bicycle through Africa, but soon takes a dark turn. An uncomplicated story, but I found it interesting.
March 28, 2011
Working on a review for BooksThatRock.Us, link to follow.
July 1, 2012
This was a nice quick read. It had the feel of a something you might find in one of Stephen King's short story collections.
October 22, 2013
This has a real spooky feel to it. Well written.
November 14, 2015
Decent short story about a man who goes to Africa and finds some really weird drum. Cool twist at the end, but is a bit of a drag before that.
August 8, 2015
What a cool short story!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews