BloodLight: The Apocalypse of Robert Goldner

What an odd book. It purports to be “a work of Metaphysical Fantasy.” That's right there in the Publisher's Note, which should have been called the Warning, right up front. It seems almost to say, “Warning! You are probably not adequate for this book. Turn back now if you are looking for entertainment. Only brave philosophers will understand and appreciate this book.” The “About the Author” at the end continues the smug theme. His work is described as “bizarre, mind-bending, and (some might say) heretical.” Who, please, would say “heretical”? There is no orthodoxy in our society to depart from; we have carefully removed the possibility of heresy years ago. All ideas are fair play.

And the truth is, I'm not sure what the idea that would be called heretical is. Yes, he posits that the Creator of our world is crazy, but that is only slightly more brave than simply declaring that there is no God at all. Maybe it is a sad thing, but I believe we have reached a point where that is not “heresy” or even anything to be taken seriously.

But simply stop looking for metaphysical insights and you are in for a treat. The story-telling is smooth and engaging. The atmosphere is genuinely interesting and novel. Best of all is Grey-Sun's handling of the unsettling and confusing psychedelic experiences of the main character, Robert. He handles the conflicting and shifting boundaries between “real” and absurd with a deftness that left me in awe. There is no gimmick to mark the onset of weirdness. It just happens. Grey-Sun resists the temptation to be precious and overblown with the psychedelia. Instead, he writes about the oddest and most surreal experiences imaginable in a way that seems utterly believable.

Don't read this for metaphysical insight, but do read it to enjoy a master of his craft doing a little slight of pen that may leave you spellbound. I will most certainly recommend it to a few fans of Science Fiction and surrealism who appreciate attending to masterful use of the language and careful structure, those who can appreciate a book for the author's admirable craft.

[I read an ARC.]