21 Comments
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Evelyn K. Brunswick's avatar

This is wonderful stuff, makes you want to know more, and it's definitely got 'must be turned into a much longer story' vibes going. A novella, maybe?

Shane Bzdok's avatar

Evelyn!! Thank you so much for reading this. It's one I am most proud of, so I really appreciate the positive words. And who knows, I might just expand on this someday. I agree it could be a pretty nice novella. Thank you thank you.

wildflower's avatar

Great story!!

Shane Bzdok's avatar

Thank you so much for reading and for the positive energy!

Nick Winney's avatar

this is so mysterious!... you pack a lot of story into this and I wish there was more! If you had had the word count to do so...surely there was more?

Excellent story telling!

Shane Bzdok's avatar

Thanks, Nick! There's always more. 🙂 Appreciate the words, my friend.

Leanne Shawler's avatar

I would love to read more of this one!

Shane Bzdok's avatar

Thank you, Leanne! 🙏

A.P. Murphy's avatar

Excellent story Shane, very chilling ending and wonderful buildup. I know you've been taking an interest in the prism recently, you really put that to good use. Could almost be extended to something more like a nautical adventure...

Shane Bzdok's avatar

Thanks, Murph! Really appreciate the words, and it was the development of this story that got me on the prism kick in the first place. I love the idea of expanding this into a larger nautical tale. Adding it to the list...

Gaby Brogan's avatar

Your writing is so cinematic. The "rainbow in the storm" line is stunning, as well as the much more visceral "like split-open fruit". A beautiful and haunting journey.

Shane Bzdok's avatar

Thanks for reading and for the awesome words, Gaby. This just made my day. 🙂

K.C. Knouse's avatar

Henry forgot that rainbows cannot communicate in the dark. This story starts out so full of hope and ends in darkness. I like the idea of communicating via rainbows, Shane. An enjoyable read, as always.

Shane Bzdok's avatar

K.C.!! Thank you for the kind review. And love that you highlight the descent into darkness, which is very much a theme and tied directly to the device of the rainbow. Thanks for reading, friend. I'll be diving back into the list today—can't wait to read more of this collection.

Olivia McNeilis's avatar

Such a desperate journey. And what beauty you found even in the dark. "Yellow and swollen like split-ripened fruit." Exquisite writing

Shane Bzdok's avatar

Thank you so much, Ollivia. A review like this from a writer of your talent makes for a pretty good day. 🙏

CB Mason | YA Dystopian+Sci-Fi's avatar

Disturbingly good. Glad I read this with hours before bedtime to process!!!

Shane Bzdok's avatar

Thank you, CB! I appreciate the support and good energy.

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Sep 2
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Shane Bzdok's avatar

Glad to hear it achieved the desired effect! 🙂 Thanks for reading and for the positive review.

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Aug 23
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Shane Bzdok's avatar

Thank you, Lyndsey! 🙏👊🏻🔥