Stolze’s twisted view of reality continues to rock my world.

Greg Stolze is one of my favorite writers today; stories like Switchflipped are why. Twisting what we know as reality just a little bit to create a unique life-after-death scenario creating all kinds of bizarre adventures for his always-fascinating characters. I’m also incredibly pleased that there is a follow-up novella that is freely available on his website (it’s called 7 + 7), as I immediately wanted more story after I finished Switchflipped.

For $5 you absolutely can’t go wrong.

This book is creepy as hell, and I loved it.

In true to form Wendig style, Blackbirds takes you on a disturbing ride that explores weird, unique characters with a hint of magic realism in the form of psychic energy that lets Miriam (the main character) view the situation of a person’s death. With plenty of swearing, boozing, sex, and violence along the way.

I was really impressed. Blackbirds is a finely crafted story that didn’t disappoint me for even a page. The story is visceral and gripping and kept me reading straight through. I hate to call up the connotations of a “page turner,” as I have some distinctly non-stellar examples in my own head, but I honestly hated to put this one down. So sure, you could call it beach reading — if you’re prepared to be a little uncomfortable bearing witness to Miriam’s experience of countless deaths and other (often brutal) emotional scars that get her through each day on the road.

In conclusion, thumbs way up for this one. I’m very pleased to hear that it may have series options in the future. I’ll definitely been keeping my eyes out for more.

Show Notes – 4/1/2012

Hyper-Positive Post-Apocalyptic Roleplaying. Sold yet? I am. Her game Flatpack is about a scuffed-but-still-good future where you have adventures and fight monsters in order to find flatpack buildings in order to rebuild your city. She’s also writing for Don’t Hack This Game, Marvel Heroic Roleplaying, more Guestbook RPG and is having a baby in May! We also get a brief teaser of David Hill’s upcoming “Progressive Post-Fantasy” game.

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