Review
First up a small apology to regular readers of the site. I've been down with a major gastric issue for a couple of weeks so am well behind in my reviews, coverage of the box office, and other things here at ScaryMinds. I'm currently in catch up mode, so expect a number of reviews to come at you in rapid fire. With Dark Corridors Of Time (DCOT), Keith Williams' third novel, the reader is presented with a triple threat as we delve into not only Science Fiction, but also a horror that should be recognisable to Williams readers, and an end of the world situation. The novel begins with a standard science fiction premise, detours into the post apocalyptic last man standing wilderness, before doing a u-turn and revisiting a certain refinery town under attack by the forces of darkness. The central axis tying the apparently disparate parts of the novel together are Glyn and his two mates Willie and Davey. It will all make sense as you delve into the novel, with DCOT a fitting final part of a trilogy kicked off by Dark Reckoning and continued by The Finger Of God, Keith Williams' previous novels.An embittered loner is living out his life in a small inland town content to watch the world go by and to develop a fine sense of cynicism. When he discovers a perfect hole in his backyard things begin to change, and not for the best if you subscribe to the continued domination of the human species on Earth. When an Alien force arrives in orbit around the planet the nations of the world decide an all out nuclear conflict would be the answer, aided by terrorists cells launching “dirty bomb” attacks against selected civilian targets. Ironically Islamic fundamentalists there helping the U.S Industrial/Military complex provide proof positive that human domination of the planet has outlived it's usefulness. Assuming of course there was a use. Alien intervention to try and balance the natural order of the planet leads to our loner being the last man alive and worried about zombie mutant hordes. But it's just the beginning of the nightmare for our survivor as gradually things he had shut away in his mind are revealed and the reader discovers the Dark introduced in Keith Williams first novel wasn't finished playing with the human race. Is there any chance of redemption and can Glyn atone for our sins? There's an epic quality to the story telling in DCOT that is backed by the views of the all important Everyman Williams has narrating his mix and match tale. While parts of the novel move into the realm of space opera and cosmic forces aligning, we are still seeing the events from the perspective of one person living through the calamitous final days of human domination on Earth. We comprehend what is happening at the same time as the Narrator, thus an urgency is added to DCOT and the reader will find themselves quite unable to not hit an extra chapter to see what is going to be revealed next. From a solid enough start to events Williams picks up the pace and has the novel galloping toward the finish post at a frantic pace, only taking time out to flesh out ideas and descriptions as needed. In essence we are viewing an epic tale from the microcosmic viewpoint of a single person who finds things speeding toward an unexpected result. Then of course there is the final block of the novel that will leave the reader breathless, and for those who have read Williams previous novels, also with a grim sense of completeness. What always intrigues me about a Williams novel is the mix and matching of genres that the Author pulls off without missing a step. In DCOT the reader is confronted with pure Science Fiction, out and out horror, and social commentary. There's pretty much something for all readers and I can well imagine book clubs arguing well into the night about which facet of the novel is the most successful. Hint folks, all facets, read the book and forget the arguments. Keith Williams delivers yet another novel that will have both horror and Sci-Fi fans grinning with delight. As usual I was pleasantly happy with Williams pace, structure, and attention to his various story lines. It would have been so very easy for the Author to write himself into a corner, but he has you covered and there's no being taken out of the book by an errant strand. Very solid book with Williams giving the reader value for money. For Williams fans DOTC is no doubt a must have novel, for people not exposed to the Writer dial in and prepare for some late night early morning reading as the novel drags you from first page to last page. While it would help to have read Williams two previous books it's not a requirement, you can dial in directly to DOTC without too much being lost. The novel is available online from the Equilibrium Books website right here.
ScaryMinds Rates this read as ... Williams delivers another outstanding read.
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Disclaimer: Please note this review reflects the opinion of the team at ScaryMinds and should in no way be construed as
representing the views of the AHWA Shadows Award Judges. This review is for the edification of ScaryMinds readers and does not constitute a
“literary criticism” or any other criteria the Shadows Judging panel may take this year.