Review: A conflicted review
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 10 15, 2012
Sometimes, a story's description just doesn't cut it.  If it's a Christian novel, be up front about it so atheists know whether to pass or click (and vice versa - if Satan's on the loose, warn the Christians). If it's for kids, make it clear so adults know what they're getting.It's about courtesy and respecting that people are different.  I appreciate that this story is both free and very short, so many of the usual rules don't apply; who gives nutrition info on samples, right?  It's one bite for crying out loud, not a calorie-laden banana split!  However, in this case I feel that some warnings should be given.  Violence and sexual abuse can leave people scarred for life, and they should know what they're getting before jumping into a story that brings up horrible memories.  I don't mean people who are easily offended.  Don't read horror if that's you, and if you choose to anyway, deal with it.  However, the content of this story could evoke panic attacks if read by victims of sexual abuse.  That's not at all the same as offending sensitive souls.The story's description should include a content warning for those who have experienced stalking, sexual abuse, and/or rape.That said, let's move on to the story...Others have mentioned, and I agree, that the first pages don't make sense. You have to read on and figure out the context, then go back and read them. Without that baseline to tie things together, the beginning just seems like random nonsensical gibberish.When you reach the word or sentence that makes the light-bulb switch on, there's a (long) moment of disgusted shock. Mr. Allen is as bold as they come, and I greatly respect the courage it takes to be so, well, absolutely repulsive!  I've never seen a writer brave enough to go inside the mind of a cruel, sordid, sexually deviant psychopath.The entire story is told from the nameless and twisted fiend's perspective. Allen's skin must have crawled for days after viewing the world through this character's demented psyche.  He did a wonderful job of portraying the character; he's so realistic that this short glimpse into his mind is enough to leave you paranoid for days!The writing itself is awesome for a freebie. My biggest peeve is that there are a ton of missing commas.  Otherwise, the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary are all way above par.  There's no doubt Allen has the skill, imagination, cunning, and intelligence to be a great author.If he can write something so sickening and somehow draw you in despite yourself, imagine what he could accomplish with different subject matter!