Brian Asman
Author of Man, Fuck This House
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- Works
- 7
- Also by
- 1
- Members
- 229
- Popularity
- #98,340
- Rating
- 3.3
- Reviews
- 17
- ISBNs
- 8
Regrettably, Brian Asman's latest offering falls short, marking a significant miss in his repertoire. The novella introduces a unique "Black Magic" lore, crafted by Asman himself, but it fails to resonate. A perplexing decision arises as the author opts for an invented mythos rather than drawing from real-life gods and goddesses. The absence of familiar elements diminishes the potential for reader engagement, leaving them detached from the supernatural aspects. Instead of enhancing the horror experience, this choice results in a sense of confusion and frustration.
The novella's brevity may have contributed to its downfall, as the "Black Magic" world-building feels underdeveloped and left me struggling to connect with the narrative. The absence of real-world mythological references leaves a void, hindering the establishment of a comfortable foundation for fear to take root. Unfortunately, this deviation from established mythologies doesn't enrich the narrative; rather, it leads to a sense of alienation and the feeling of being out of step with the story.
Moreover, the protagonist, Mike, comes across as uninspiring, and the only compelling character makes only a fleeting appearance. This lack of engaging characters further contributes to my overall disappointment with the novella. It appears that Asman's storytelling style may not align with my preferences, and the experience is further exacerbated by the disconnect caused by the unfamiliar "Black Magic" lore.
In conclusion, "Our Black Hearts Beat as One" may not be the ideal introduction to Brian Asman's work for readers seeking a more relatable and immersive experience. The decision to veer away from established mythologies, coupled with the brevity of the novella, results in a narrative that struggles to captivate and resonate. While individual tastes vary, this particular work may leave some readers questioning the author's choice of narrative direction and longing for a more resonant exploration of horror and emotion.… (more)