'Only Forward' by Michael Marshall is a mind-bending science fiction novel that follows the protagonist, Stark, a fixer who is hired to solve a mysterious disappearance. The book starts with a futuristic detective story set in a surreal sci-fi world, where each neighborhood has its own unique theme. The narrative takes unexpected turns, transitioning into dreamworlds and exploring different realities, keeping the readers on edge. The writing style is a mix of genres, blending elements of horror, comedy, fantasy, and thriller seamlessly, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.
The book delves deep into themes of identity, reality, and the human condition, challenging readers to suspend their disbelief and go on a rollercoaster journey with Stark. As the plot unfolds, the story becomes enthralling, with moments of intense emotions, unexpected twists, and a satisfying yet heart-wrenching resolution. The author skillfully weaves together diverse elements into a cohesive narrative that keeps readers engaged till the very end, leaving a lasting impact with its haunting atmospheres and profound observations.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book features themes that may be intense or disturbing, including emotional trauma and surreal horror elements.
From The Publisher:
Michael Marshall Smith has written a tale that from page one hurtles us only forward in this unsettling, suspenseful, and wildly imaginative novel
Call him Stark. If you have to. If you're lucky, you won't call him at all. Because if you do, it means you've got trouble. Big trouble. And the problem is that before Stark is done fixing something, a whole lot of other things usually get broken. Like laws and lives-and anyone who gets in the way.
It's that attitude that's earned him his latest assignment: finding a missing VIP named Fell Alkland. The authorities believe Alkland has been kidnapped. Stark doesn't. He hasn't stayed alive this long without learning the basics of survival in a world hurtling straight to hell: Things are always more complicated than they seem. And when a job seems too easy, that's when something really ugly is about to happen.
For Fell Alkland is about to become Stark's worst nightmare, a nightmare where anything can happen at any time-where friends can become enemies in a heartbeat and your most secret fear a soul-screaming reality. And the worst of it is that for this nightmare you don't even have to be asleep.
"Shocking, moving, and surreal . . . It offers us a journey from which we return both shaken and exhilarated. . . . Extraordinary."-Clive Barker
Ratings (3)
Loved It (1) | |
Liked It (2) |
Reader Stats (11):
Read It (3) | |
Want To Read (7) | |
Did Not Finish (1) |
What can you read after
Only Forward?
About the Author:
Michael Marshall Smith is a critically acclaimed and award-winning suspense author who lives in London. His books include the internationally bestselling thrillers of the Straw Men trilogy, the contemporary science-fiction classic Only Forward, and Intruders, which was adapted as a television…
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
