5+++++++ stars for The Helios Syndrome by Vivian Shaw #darkfantasy #sciencefiction #bookreview
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  • N. N. Light
    • Jun 13, 2023
    • 2 min read

5+++++++ stars for The Helios Syndrome by Vivian Shaw #darkfantasy #sciencefiction #bookreview



Title: The Helios Syndrome

Author: Vivian Shaw

Genre: Dark Fantasy, Science Fiction


Book Blurb:


"Imagine a techno-thriller by Michael Crichton with a paranormal twist. Nail-biting suspense keeps the pages turning in this highly original and entertaining horror novella." - David Swatling, Lambda Literary Award finalist


When Devin Stacy, a freelance necromancer, though the National Transportation Safety Board considers him an insightful contingency communication specialist, investigates a plane gone missing under weird circumstances, he finds himself haunted by a dead pilot. Can Stacy figure out the mysteries of both the ghost and disappearance before another flight full of passengers faces peril? Vivian Shaw's new novella offers thrills and chills, cinematic and necromantic.


My Review:


From page one to the end, simply the finest book of the year. This is the book of the decade. Pity the foolish publishing company who let this genius go. Mega credit to Lethe Press for picking up a talent of such magnitude.


I was enthralled, captivated, and titillated by this work. The character of Devin is simply superb. The subtle humor simply had me guffawing constantly. The cultural references are spot-on perfect for this reader.


I personally consider the late J.N. Williamson one of the great horror authors of all time. This book could sit on my bookshelf next to his work. Vivian Shaw has penned one of the greatest supernatural stories of the 21st century and must be considered as one of the best of all time.


If it was possible, I would give this book 6 stars out of 5. It is 5++++++ stars. The flow is so smooth that the reader is just swept up in this story. The plot is original and incredible. The secondary characters are so strong that spin-off books could be focused on them.


It was truly a personal pleasure to read this book. I must own a print copy of this work. This will be a new addition to my yearly re-reads. Simply one of the finest and most enjoyable books I have ever read. If you only have enough money to buy one book this year, buy this one. You will be completely fulfilled and happy if this is the only book you read this year. A runaway book of the year. Simply a brilliant book.


My Rating: 5+++++++ stars


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Author Biography:


Vivian Shaw wears too many earrings and likes edged weapons and expensive ink. She was born in Kenya and has lived in Cardiff, Oxford, and Baltimore. She has a BA in art history, an MFA in creative writing and publishing arts, and works as a freelance editor and proofreader. She writes about monsters in and out of classic horror literature; machines, extant and fantastical; disasters and their causes; and found family. She is the author of the Dr. Greta Helsing contemporary fantasy trilogy. She reviews for the Washington Post, and her short sci-fi/horror fiction has appeared in Uncanny and Pseudopod.


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Reviewed by: Mr. N

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