Apparition - A Sick and Demented Tale
Michaelbrent Collings’ book Apparition is a sick and demented tale based on a real-life phenomenon that is far worse - parents who kill their children. Frankly, he deserves a lot of credit for willingly treading where most writers wouldn’t. The greatest human evils need to be dealt with, not ignored. While science, medicine, and psychology have the most important part to play in explaining and fighting such evils, literature can help us process the evils of the world. Kudos to Collings for being willing to do that. The writing bears out that this is clearly a personal book for him, something he admits to and describes in his very touching afterword.
The action of the book revolves around Shane Wills and his very damaged family. What happens and brings them to their breaking point is covered in the first few terrifying pages of the novel. The shadow of that event is the platform upon which all further action is staged. After the opening, the book is something of a slow burn. That’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it's something I enjoy immensely and I think it works exceptionally well for the particular type of tale Collings in trying to tell here. When dealing with a slow descent into what may or may not be insanity, it is “fun” to take your time and slowly see the insanity grow and sink its claws into the minds of the people we follow. It adds to the experience. Collings gave me enough build up so that I fully enjoyed where he was taking me without making the narrative drag.
The characters are well written and fully three dimensional. He does an especially good job writing children. (I am surprised by how many authors don't seem to do a good job at writing children, especially those that have had children.) When all things start to come to a head at the end, you care about what happens to them and can feel the pains they are going through.
I also liked the way each chapter started with facts regarding filicide. I checked and they are shockingly true and very upsetting. It helps educate you on how this is also a real world phenomenon and makes the whole dark tale a few shades darker.
Collings’ use of the Semitic religious and mythological tradition also deserves honorable mention. He uses some of it for a plot point that becomes clearer as the story moves along. I hold advanced degrees in religion and theology and it is easy for me to see when someone hasn’t done their homework. Collings has. He took the time to learn the nuances of the middle eastern monotheistic and pagan religious traditions, and to use them well.
I should add this also: it is not a ghost story. When I first picked it up, I thought that it was probably some sort of haunting/ghost tale. It really isn’t a ghost story when all is said and done. So, don’t be disappointed on that score. And don’t worry, it goes to good and creepy enough places all on its own. It is worth your time.
Some folks who are parents and horror fans can’t stomach tales where bad things happen to kids. If you are one of them, I think this book - no matter how good it is - is probably one you should skip. For the rest, if you love horror you will probably love this. Recommend!
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