DEATH OF HEAVEN, a reflection (SciFi/Eldritch Horror)

I just reread my Literary Titan review of my book. Interesting. Odd to write something and hear another's informed view of it. I seem to produce works that are of a specific nature for a certain type of consumer. One for the odd, or disturbing, the unique and bizarre.

See, I've had a setback this past week on Facebook. They killed 14 years of my account on there, with groups, with band pages, all affecting myself and many hundreds of followers with an utter lack of care or customer service. I've repeatedly contacted them to no avail. 

And so in the end I've had to recreate a page on Facebook. That led to (once past the frustration and loss) creating a new page here. That led me to some marketing efforts to gain followers as well as perhaps sell some books and film views.

I've been marketing some of my works this past week, my films and writings. Like my film "Gumdrop", a short horror which I came to realize I was shooting for a "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer" kind of vibe. Great little flick and if you saw it (Henry) and if you did not like that one, you certainly won't like mine. 

There is also my short filmic poem/historical WWI documentary, "Pvt. Ravel's Bolero", where I used all public domain media. Until I put it on YouTube when there was a licensing issue for the main song (Bolero) from NAXOS and maybe also (though I don't think so) with, Universal Music for the written song. Finally today, after years I got an answer from PDinfo.com:

Sound Recordings get 100 years copyright protection in the USA.  It is our understanding that a sound recording with a 1930 copyright will not be PD in the USA until January 1, 2031.

Lynn

Public Domain Information Project PDinfo.com

Also, my non-fiction memoir and rather well-researched (and well-received) health book, Suffering "Long Covid". 

On my epic portmanteau novel reviewed below, the reason for today's blog, even if you're not interested in reading my book, the review is something to remark upon. That being said, it is not the type of book you can pick up and read a few pages and think you know the rest. Those who have done that might have loved the rest, but the initial story is only a few pages and vastly different from the rest. However, it sets the tone for how this is not a typical book. And the adventure one is about to embark upon.

When you read the next and first full chapter, a story of two boys' horrific event and how it reshaped their futures, it does not even then offer insight to the next and following chapters, where from there, it descends into madness. But of a crafted type. It is a story that is multi-layered and "meta" in a way that is rather unusual.

The book is based upon the final novella, "Andrew" in my first collection of short stories, "Anthology of Evil". 

My non-fiction article Marvin produced the cover for, below.

For those who are confused by my book covers, do follow the old adage about not judging a book by its cover. I do like the covers. Some of them are done by my younger half-brother who is a brilliant artist in his own right. But these covers give you a bizarre consideration of what's inside. His art has always awed me. You can get an idea of how great he can be by checking out his works on Redbubble. You can even purchase them for your devices. 

Above, three of the "Gods" from DEATH OF HEAVEN (again, art by Marvin). Perhaps think of the Starz series, "American Gods" based on Neil Gaiman's book. But these are very different "Gods".

All that being said, welcome to one of the reviews of my book...

DEATH OF HEAVEN

Literary Titan Review

"Eldritch Horror is a narrative style that is defined by the names of those who create works within its genre: H. P. Lovecraft, Clive Barker, and now, JZ Murdock. To speak of the overarching plot of Death of heaven is to speak of madness, depravity, and incomprehensible horror of both mortal men and unimaginable beings, for both the characters in the world, and for the reader of the book.
"Death of heaven captures the essence of what makes Eldritch Horror spectacular-entities that are difficult for the mind to fathom are front and center within the narrative. True to the form of the genre, their interactions with the mortals of planet Earth are always interesting and usually end quite poorly for the mortals who receive their attention. JZ Murdock does an exceptional job with his narrative crafting, and the main protagonists of Jimmy and James provide an understandable vessel through which to view the narrative events as they unfold. They are, as characters, perfectly imperfect, each shaped by their experiences both with the incomprehensibility of life and the even greater incomprehensibility of the beings that have now taken note of them. To read this story is to gaze into the abyss, which is one of its greatest strengths.
"With that being said, however, it is important to note that this book is, by all merits, predominantly an all-consuming abyss and, by its nature, is often devoid of anything vaguely resembling happiness, hope, or basic decency. JZ Murdock's world is established as a world in which the conceptualization of God or gods is a radical misunderstanding of the true structure of the world, and the moral fashioning of those who live within this world reflects that quite well. This book plays freely and loosely with morality, divinity, and concepts that are generally felt to be too dark to be included in any form of media, making it entirely unsuitable for any who are not committed to Eldritch Horror as a genre: if Hellraiser was too much for you as a film, leave Death of heaven on the library shelf and choose another tome. The words of Dante match this work quite well: "All hope abandon ye who enter in."
"The story expands and balloons dramatically, and I felt that it is often difficult to understand what is a core event of the plot, and what is simply window dressing to make the experience "darker" or "more macabre." This leads it in places to leave the confines of Eldritch Horror and take on the feeling of the film Knowing starring Nicholas Cage. The core plot, I feel, takes readers on a headfirst spiral toward the end of all things, but there is an overarching sense of curiosity as to what is truly important for that end.
"Death of heaven earns its place in the Eldritch Horror pantheon (an ironic turn of phrase, considering), and while its tone and construction may eliminate many who would read it, those who can find enjoyment within the dark and twisted works of Lovecraft and Barker will undoubtedly find joy in the words of Murdock." - Literary Titan ★★★★

JZ Murdock's "Death of Heaven" lured me in with a sense of poignancy as childhood friends James and Jimmy played treasure hunters in the suburban yard. It seemed like such a sweet tale. Until I turned the page and discovered abject horror. This novel is unrelentingly unique, defying the norms of the classic horror genre. JZ Murdock doesn't think outside the box: he IS outside the box. Expect nothing "normal" here.
With an imagination that brings to mind certain hallucinogens, the author takes the reader on a mind-numbing roller coaster ride in a haunted mansion. There are highs and lows, twists and turns, but all of them happen in the eerie darkness. James and Jimmy have grown into adulthood, but both have struggled to overcome their childhood trauma. Now they've got to rely on each other as they begin receiving disturbing messages about the potential destruction of all they know. But that's part of the paradox here; the more they find out, the more apparent it is that all they've ever known is... incorrect. Unfortunately for them, things begin spooling up at such an incredible rate that they don't have time to process all they've received. They're racing against time and doing it on thin ice.
JZ Murdock presents his readers with a highly imaginative and unique read. It's a bit of a "Frankenstein" piece if you will. Made up of previously written short stories and wrapped with an overarching meta storyline that strings them all together, this is decidedly not your normal horror or sci-fi novel. Within its pages, readers will find viscerally gritty scenes of unimaginable (except to the author) inhumanity. Yet there are also pages of amazing prose dealing with philosophy, psychology, the human condition, and man's reliance on religion. My mind may have blown a fuse or two making these transitions.
"A dark character rode my mind, I knew that. A dark rider who made no compromise and rode in ways both surreal and inexplicable. Eventually I began to believe him. Someone was indeed out there. And in here."
This is high-functioning fiction, not designed for those who just want a quick, light read. It demands attention from its readers with its profundity and its depth. So often I read a novel and think to myself that I would love to see that story brought into production. I don't ever see that happening with this novel- all the thought, rhythm, and mystery of this piece simply wouldn't translate to a movie screen.
While I profess the storyline is remarkable and highly creative, I struggled with the inconsistent pace as the author led his readers from horror into philosophy, then on to his next whim. For me, this felt like the literary equivalent of a Jackson Pollock painting. The reader will most likely get out what the reader puts into this story.
I can easily see this novel becoming a cult classic in the vein of HP Lovecraft. With its polarizing style, it's fair to anticipate that most readers will either love it or loathe it- there is no in-between. If you enjoy reading avant-garde literature that shatters genres and tropes, this one's for you. - Reader Views

From the Author

This is one of my favorites of my books and writings. It was a complicated journey writing it and an intricate interweaving of many dark stories on many levels that all culminate into a fascinating tale that is larger than we are. Larger than humanity is, and encompasses the entire galaxy, if not that of the universe. Contained herein are tales of many kinds, and many times. Of youth abused. Of love gone awry. Of a dark love the color of congealed blood. Of friendships torn asunder for desire and power. It is based in two stories of mine. "Andrew" a novella contained in my first collection of short horror titled, Anthology of Evil. Andrew is a young boy who has seen horrible things and he too has to find a way to grow and live and eventually, he finds his place in the universe. The second is a very short piece I wrote for a psychology professor of mine during my university years. It is titled, "Perception" and is about how easily and from the very beginning, we as humans have misperceived so very many basic things. Misunderstandings that have led us to here and now. For all the good or bad it may one day be judged to be. In the end I believe this is an engrossing and entertaining read. Others have agreed. I hope you will too!JZ Murdock

From the Inside Flap

"A dream you dream alone is only a dream.A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon

From the Back Cover

WHERE DID WE COME FROM?Throughout human history many philosophers and religions have pondered this ultimate question. James and Jimmy, brothers in arms since childhood, will learn that the answer is what nightmares are made of. They, along with all of humanity, will experience firsthand the...DEATH OF HEAVEN

Cheers! Sláinte!

My newest anthology, Anthology of Evil II Vol. I and Anthology of Evil II Vol. II.
On these, I shot the photos and crafted the book covers, but Marvin worked on enhancing them the photos.

 

Achieving Heaven

I'm sick of Trump. I'm sick of liberal shaming. Sick of politics.

I've just sold my house of sixteen years. I moved in with an attractive wife I loved, buying a house that we'd keep long enough to get used to the new area and then sell and buy exactly what we wanted and where we wanted it. And then, the divorce.

But that is all long ago now back in 2002. Now my kids are grown. I'm nearing retirement.

I sold that house, now I have to move out. But it's been one thing after another all summer. New roof. Furnace needing fixing. No houses to move to. The housing market is a sellers delight, a buyer or renters nightmare. So many looking, so few selling. I'm down to the last two things.

Getting a place to move to and the Veteran's Association appraisal for the buyer's VA loan. Which is going to take longer than the buyers have in moving here from as far away as possible in the continental United States. A military family changing bases. The VA is backed up five to six weeks and we need it now. Not in September. I have to be moved on by the 24th of August.

This hasn't been going well. But, I sold the house. I'm outta here. Hopefully.

But, enough of reality, of all my summer woes. Let's see if I can stay off of Trump (or for how long?).

Here's my thoughts on abortion and other such things in politics and government IN general.

 
Pro-choicers want women to have the right to choose because we've lost so many women in the past to ugly situations due to it. It's better to have appropriate and professional care for women's medical issues. Safe and sane, right?

 
Pro-Lifers see that they are (typically) Christian and their beliefs say no abortion. Okay. They also see that if you have a moral responsibility to something, and you can act on it, you should. Thus, Pro-Life. Okay again.

However....

Religious belief is not just a personal issue, it is a personal requirement.

YOU Must choose using your free will to make the "right" decision. If you take that decision away from someone on a religious level, they 1) do not practice and strengthen their beliefs, 2( you have taken that away from them 3) they do not have the ability therefore to make the "right" decision and choose say, good (God?), over "Evil" and 4) on a civil and American level you have curbed THEIR pursuit of Happiness, and safety.

Thus, in stepping beyond your personal choices in being Pro-Life to where you remove that choice from others, you have damaged their (your?) religion, you have abdicated your God's intent in there being free will and their NECESSITY to choose the "right" path, AND (more importantly to many) you have acted in a purely unAmerican way and antiFreedom fashion

So. What in the the HELL are you doing?

There will be those who see this as hypocritical, but it's not, unless you are one of those I referred to above who can't follow complex thoughts.

That all actually brings up another point.

IF you need to practice your faith, to build your God muscles, to tone up your morality muscles, it begs the question.

Why? Let's actually think about this. According to the Bible, God many Man in His Image, and Woman from Man and also in his image. Though kind of not totally as men and women DO look different and are in fact, different genders of the same species.

If you need to practice your faith, to stay strong, to keep believing through adversity, why?

It must be because you need that strength for something.

Is it that to die and "be with God" you must have a certain degree of being able to keep your spirit together in order for it to make that ethereal journey from body to Heaven?
On the other hand, if that isn't the case and it's okay for Pro-Lifers to take away the choices from Pro-Choicers, then we don't need that strength of character in order to die and be with God.

I always believed that you need to strengthen your character, your morality, your spirit in order to achieve the goals you are told you will receive when you die, if you lead a good life.

Then someone came along and changed all that. Apparently you can be a raping, robbing murdering turncoat and if you repent when you are dying, zingo, get out of jail free card. You get to go to Heaven.

As a catholic you go through a ritual and you're saved. For Evangelicals, you just repent. No real ritual, just easy peasy, hey, I'm in Heaven.

Doesn't seem fair to those others, does it?

But here's the thing. The whole need to build character and strength in spirit caused some issues. So someone thought, hey, we can get those we can't now get, by changing things a bit.

Trouble is they didn't really think that out very well. Yes, seemed like a good idea at first. But in practice and especially once it got acculturated, things changed from the original intent and results.

Now here's another monkey wrench in the mix. IF you should build strength over a life time, if that is The Way, you don't always have to do it. You can skip work out sessions in body building, and still get there, still maintain an awesome build people will admire.

So you don't ALWAYS Have to do the right thing, just enough of the time so you are strong enough for what you need to be strong for. One could argue that to die and get to Heaven you really do need all the strength possibly and then some in life, to do what you need then to do.

However, there will always be a point at which one doesn't need more and so, you can potentially take breaks, have slip ups, or just do the wrong thing (preferably for the right reasons) from time to time.

There are no perfect answers.

That is lazy, and it makes things easier on people in general.

And those are the issues.

No religion has all the answers. There IS no right religion. There are no easy or absolutely right answers. Life is complex, difficult, frustrating and yet, we still have to keep trying because you see, that is the answer.

Always keep trying your best. Trying to find the best answers. Trying to always better yourself and others, but Do NOT make other's decisions for them. That is their struggle, just like you cannot body build for someone else's body.

Because trying to would just be...stupid.

These are the people we are now in fear of who are putting us on a path to destruction, who won't allow discussions of gun violence, who think Trump can Fix the country, who think Republicans have been doing a good job and who aren't satisfied in life:

Allie Fox from Mosquito Coast by Paul Theroux:
"Nature is crooked. I wanted right angles, straight lines. You cut yourself opening a can of tuna and you die."

My professor when i at my university told me about this book. He said I was much at the time like the character of the father who wanted right angles in life. Life is generally anything but right angles, even though we too frequently see them in life.

Once I understood, I worked to change and once I changed, a whole new world opened up for me. Life got lighter. People who enjoyed being around me, enjoyed me far more. Life wasn't an insurmountable thing I always seemed to be able to surmount. It became a much more fascinating, interesting, existable place.

The more I understood, the better things got. The more productive I was and I made those around me.

This isn't what I'm seeing this week in the RNC. It's not what I see in Trump.
We need to see that. They need to see where the right angles truly are, when they actually are even there.

Turning to actual world events and the monstrosity that is the 2016 American presidential election:If you vote for president on the basis of fear, that is a cowardly act. Trump is energizing his campaign through fear. His supporters are being energized toward him through fear.

Vote for president on the basis of rational thought, facts and considered actual information, that is a brave and adult act.

If you use emotions through your vote, make it a measured, considered response. Not just on the basis of emotional appeal. Make your rational decision, then let your emotions free. But first be damn sure your emotions are based in reality. Because Trump supporters are not based in reality. Nor is Trump.

I am the only one who can save you! Has little to do with reality. Trumps call that:

"I alone can fix it!" Is total nonsense.

Who said this?

"Do not be afraid - I will save you." Trump? No. It's from the Bible, Isaiah 43:

"Israel, the Lord who created you says, "Do not be afraid - I will save you."

Trump's paraphrasing God. Just think about that for a moment. Stop rationalizing what you want to think he means, and consider from his perspective in who that man is, what he is really thinking, not what you want to believe he is thinking. That being said those in control on both sides of the aisle, have not given people options for change as it feels like the same things over and over again, expecting something to be different. However in Trump saying he will change things it begs the question, how? Because once he gets into office and we find he really doesn't know what to do, he hits walls with congress which he's already hitting with those in power in his own political party, then what?

Not only will cowardly support have gotten him into office in the hope of change, they will find they have chosen a madman or worse, a fool, with no change on hand anyway. Things will be the same, only his tampering will make it worse.

That is a mistake people make over and over again. When you need change, when you feel desperate or worse, afraid, you start to make stupid mistakes. Beyond that, with no hope, not potential for change you eventually get into terrorism. Because that is in part how we come to the world today. Those in power fight to maintain the status quo against reality and necessity and in the end, a minority stands up to invoke anarchy and with anarchy comes terror and abuse. When you take a religion and a culture from previous centuries and apply it to those conditions, you end up with what we are seeing today.

Then within that we find abuse and issues with boundaries. All which we're seeing in ISIS and others of that type.

Yes, we need change. No, we do not need a Trump.

Those who are not Trump, need to wake up and push serious change, through intellect, information, understanding, cooperation and process enhancements or replacements.

Before it's too late.

Once Trump loses this election, do not be complacent.

Be aware. DO something. Just not, ANY thing.

How does this tie in with considerations of heaven?

It has to do with how you see the world, the universe, the long believed afterlife. It has to do with magical thinking. Anything not based in the physical world is magical thinking.

Like religion.

There are Republicans in office who have SAID we don't have to affect change (as in climate change) to protect our selves because...God won't let the earth die!

Seriously?

No, Heaven helps those who help themselves? What are you? Two years old?