Into the Black cover art

Into the Black

"A Short Story"

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Into the Black

By: Billie Dean Shoemate III
Narrated by: Victor Warren
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About this listen

It is said that, in this library, all the secrets of creation are stored here. Everybody that arrives has no memories, no names, and no escape. Together, they must find out why they are here, what sent them, and why they all feel like they are being watched.

A plan is formed. Escape from the library at all costs. Until a new visitor enters. A visitor who, like the others, has no name. No memories. But, he is a bit different than the others. If the library contains the secrets of all creation, maybe there is no need for escape. Maybe a new plan needs to be formed....

Entering into the genre of science fiction is a rarity for horror/thriller novelist Billie Dean Shoemate III, but "Into the Black" showcases the talent of the prolific independent novelist, blending his unique style into a genre that is, on its own, worthy of the deepest and darkest exploration.

©2020 Billie Dean Shoemate III (P)2020 Billie Dean Shoemate III
Fiction Hard Science Fiction Science Fiction

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All stars
Most relevant

Listener received this title free

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review

I don't often listen to shorts, but I read the blurb and thought it sounded interesting. And it certainly was. For the most part, the characters have no idea who they are where they are, and why.

The character development is excellent given that its a short. I think the narrator did an excellent job of conveying what the author was aiming for with both scenarios and dialogue.

Overall this was definitely worth the time to listen.

Excellent

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Listener received this title free

The trope of someone arriving in a mysterious location with no memory of who they are or why they're there is not exactly new, but Billie Dean Shoemate III manages to deliver an unsettling and oddly compelling take on the idea.
Our narrator has no idea why he is in the library, who he was before he arrived and even what the library is. Giving himself the name Andrew, he tries to integrate into the disparate group, recounting events as best he can, given the unreality of the environment. The answers when they came were fairly well signposted, but were satisfying and provided some kind of closure.

Victor Warren provides a strong rendition of this first-person story, giving a believable performance throughout that really brought the text to life. I found his measured approach lent itself well to the character and added significantly to the overall production. The story itself is just the right length, with little fat and no sense of any abridgment.

Recommended

Full disclosure: I was provided a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

One man's journey deep into the Twilight Zone

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Listener received this title free

Not sure how to categorise this short story, it has elements of gothic horror but also fantasy and mystery.
This was a good short story, compelling plotline and rather weird, which is just what I enjoy.
Narration was done really well, Warren has a lovely melodic voice.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request via Audioboom and have voluntarily left this review.

Compelling and Weird

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