Before and Beyond

Patrick Welch

8/17/2003

Review by Molly

The opening story "Demon in a Box" appeared first in Twilight Times. It is a good strong commencement piece for the complete volume. Demon Ahibhenzen has been given to mage Cylydar by chief demon Fhennezel. Ahibenzen does not understand or like the new situation much. Bingo is a family pet with a mind of his own, his family’s decisions may not be the best. "Ghosts of Dawn" is a tale starring my favorite Criminal Consultants: Doakes and Haig. "The Cage Within" with its enemy of the state preparing for trial is a stark presentation. Setting off for exile the prisoner is already plotting his return. Professor Prumpe plays an integral part in "A Frozen Moment". Prumpe utters his immortal line ‘a niche in stein saves time.’

Writer Welch has gathered an aggregation of certain of his best short works into one delightful offering. This acclaimed author’s compositions have appeared in well-known periodicals: The Orphic, Chronicle, Jackhammer, Pegasus Online, Titan, Dark Muse and other works.

Welch, as always, presents the reader with judiciously interwoven scenarios, engrossing characters, and generously drawn environments. In his foreward Welch states he has rearranged the tales so that the Science Fiction-Fantasy are kept together. Excellent choice. This master storyteller cleverly presents each of the well-written tales showcased in this work. The one change I might suggest would be a table of contents per se so that the reader with limited time available can quickly choose one tale to read and not have to hunt for one.

From demons to Pandora, to criminal consultants or funny cliches Writer Welch hones his shrewd forte for knowing unequivocally what will keep the reader absorbed and turning the page. Each tale is fully developed in itself, with each presenting well engineered characters, appealing scenarios and effective colloquy. The tales are long enough to satisfy, short enough to be read ‘on the fly’ so to speak.

Enjoyed the read, happy to recommend.

This book is available through Double Dragon Publishing.