Rating: 8.5/10
Synopsis
Fighting the same addiction that killed his father, a young man stumbles across a strange bike that takes him on a terrifying ride into darkness.
Review
Thanks to the author for a copy of Criterium for review consideration. This did not influence my thoughts or opinions.
Criterium is the most emotionally shattering novella I’ve read since Crossroads by Laurel Hightower. The crippling effects of grief and addiction hit so hard in such a short read and will leave you in a puddle of your own tears by the turn of the last page. Felt very King-esque.
Want a bike ride from hell? Well, just hop aboard the drug-addled path that Zach’s life has taken since the death of his father and you too can see just what awaits you on the other side.
After reading the opening chapter of this novella, I truly had no clue where Jones was going take this story. What truly happened to his father? Because WOW, what a way to go. How in the world do you recover from something like that? Well, unfortunately for Zach, drugs have a way of pushing those emotions down and work as a sedative to numb those feelings. Nevermind that those same demons affect all of those around him; his dad sure didn’t seem to care.
The real question surrounding this story is this: is what happens to Zach supernatural or simply symbolic? I guess I’ll have to chat with the author to find out because I am more than intrigued.
If you are looking for a fast-paced, supernatural tale to fill your lunch hour, pick up a copy of Criterium. Just don’t come crawling to me when you can’t pick your emotions back up off the floor in front of your co-workers.
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