deearr's review
3.0
This is one of the hardest reviews I have ever written. I feel that the author has talent, based primarily on a long monologue by the character Bentley during a conversation with you. I say "you" because this short story was written in second person narrative, and that is what I found most unsatisfactory.
The plot is very good, twisting and turning more than once, and was probably the only reason I read this short story all the way to the end. However, the use of the second person tense with this story didn't work for me. The short brittle sentences, written in a staccato rhythm, were more distracting than attractive. Even now I wonder whether it was a conscious decision to write such clipped sentences, and debate whether a smoother cadence might have made a difference.
I also question whether it would be incongruous to establish a interesting character and then extend the short story into numerous books and still maintain the second person narrative tense. To jump to first or third person might be a jolt, but for me, I know I could not read an entire novel in this tense and at the same time tolerate the choppy presentation. Based on the aforementioned Bentley speech, I might peek into one of Mr. Ambrose's other books to see if the tense is different. This book alone, however, would not compel me to immediately purchase the next book. Three stars.
The plot is very good, twisting and turning more than once, and was probably the only reason I read this short story all the way to the end. However, the use of the second person tense with this story didn't work for me. The short brittle sentences, written in a staccato rhythm, were more distracting than attractive. Even now I wonder whether it was a conscious decision to write such clipped sentences, and debate whether a smoother cadence might have made a difference.
I also question whether it would be incongruous to establish a interesting character and then extend the short story into numerous books and still maintain the second person narrative tense. To jump to first or third person might be a jolt, but for me, I know I could not read an entire novel in this tense and at the same time tolerate the choppy presentation. Based on the aforementioned Bentley speech, I might peek into one of Mr. Ambrose's other books to see if the tense is different. This book alone, however, would not compel me to immediately purchase the next book. Three stars.
blackash13's review
3.0
The most striking aspect of this short story is that it wasis told in the second person. I have not encountered much literature written from this point of view, and was immediately pleased by it. Considering the desolate nature of the landscape in which the main character is located, this point of view contributed to a "video game" feel to the start of the story, which might appeal to a younger audience.
The story built up a good deal of suspense right away, and took a couple of surprising turns at the end. Overall, a satisfying read.
The story built up a good deal of suspense right away, and took a couple of surprising turns at the end. Overall, a satisfying read.
lilyn_g's review
3.0
I think its always a challenge for an author to pull off the 2nd person POV. Perhaps in a short story its even harder because you have to make so much happen so quickly and yet still enable a person to sink into the “you” and become part of the story.
Ambrose doesn’t quickly accomplish the goal of letting the reader sink into the story. It was about halfway through the 22 pages before I was able to abandon the sense of disconnect that was hindering me. However, once that disconnect was abolished, I enjoyed what I read, and the twist at the end was, of course, a welcome one.
All in all, for .99 (or as part of your Kindle Unlimited access), Zero Hour is a decent enough way to pass 15 minutes. I’d say give it a go if you like science fiction.
Visit Scifi and Scary's Book Reviews for many other Science Fiction, Horror, Thriller, and Kids' Books reviews.
Ambrose doesn’t quickly accomplish the goal of letting the reader sink into the story. It was about halfway through the 22 pages before I was able to abandon the sense of disconnect that was hindering me. However, once that disconnect was abolished, I enjoyed what I read, and the twist at the end was, of course, a welcome one.
All in all, for .99 (or as part of your Kindle Unlimited access), Zero Hour is a decent enough way to pass 15 minutes. I’d say give it a go if you like science fiction.
Visit Scifi and Scary's Book Reviews for many other Science Fiction, Horror, Thriller, and Kids' Books reviews.
sharonleavy's review
4.0
3.5/5 Rounded up to 4
I very much enjoyed this post-apocalyptic short story by Eamon Ambrose.
For a story that took less than 20 minutes to read, it was enjoyable and a gread addition to the genre. I'd love to see this continue in series or novel form.
I'm not mad about the second person narrative but it doesn't detract from the story.
I very much enjoyed this post-apocalyptic short story by Eamon Ambrose.
For a story that took less than 20 minutes to read, it was enjoyable and a gread addition to the genre. I'd love to see this continue in series or novel form.
I'm not mad about the second person narrative but it doesn't detract from the story.
ejfisch's review
4.0
Looking forward to continuing this series and seeing the world and characters fleshed out! Great ending there -- I totally didn't see it coming.
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