Another Step, But In What Direction?

WHERE ARE YOU? by Stephen A North is a flash fiction piece is more prose about a moment than a story, although the description does say "Book 1."

I don't even recognize North's writing anymore. I feel I've been witnessing an author making a self-discovery journey through short stories for the past year or two.

I have no idea who his target audience is supposed to be.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Third Time's The Charm

Okay...so...this is the third time I've read Means To An End and The Stupid Train by Stephen A. North (have a look). To his credit, the author has reworked the two stories based on some harsh criticism from yours truly. I have to admit, MEANS TO AN END is much better this time around. I love how Vic didn't realize Mark came first, literally and figuratively.

My issue with THE STUPID TRAIN was always the ending. I always felt Lou deserved better. Not necessarily a happy ending exactly, just something better. I dig the new ending, and I wouldn't say no to another Lou story. Maybe he should meet Tammy? (I would definitely pay to read that encounter.)

FORGOTTEN and NOBODY'S HERO are North's most recent short stories. FORGOTTEN caught me off guard: nothing supernatural. Yet, somehow, the story kept me enthralled from beginning to end. The author has always had a flair for well-developed characters and settings.

NOBODY'S HERO also has a sharp hook with a surprise ending. As much as I enjoy North's horror and sci-fi, his drama has really impressed me this round.

Stephen A. North is one of the few authors who can create something captivating in multiple genres.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Ronald Jeremy

DOWN IN THE GUTTER LIKE ME by Stephen A North is nothing like his previous work. Apparently, the author has decide to try his hand in erotica. The sex scenes aren't to over-the-top, but the lack of story is disappointing.

In fact, this reads more like fan-fic written by a guy with a threesome fantasy than anything else. Maybe if the main character had been a serial killer or something, anything to give depth to this novella, there would've been more suspense.

If this is the direction North is headed with his writing, he should consider using a pen name or risk alienating some of his fan base.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Sci-Fi Dystopian Future

REPLICA by Stephen A North is a devastating sci-fi dystopian future, with a dark revelation and a satisfying ending. I've read this once before, but I enjoyed reading this flash fiction piece as much as the first time.

I'd really like to see North write more sci-fi shorts.

As always,
AstraDaemon