Customer Reviews

Bleak History

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Bleak History, hopefully not-so-bleak future.

The story follows Gabriel Bleak, ex-war vet who had discovered at an early age that he had a talent for seeing into "hidden" worlds, including the spirit world. Bleak is shown early on pursued by a covert government agency, who appear to have their own conspiratorial agenda.

One new recruit to this agency is Loraine Sarikosca. Through her perspective we get a glimpse of the agency as their plans start to unfold and if she can remain loyal.

In the meantime other people are also gaining in supernatural power. The novel opens with Troy Gulcher using newfound power to initiate a prison break and going out to wreak some havoc on the world.

These all come together in obvious and not-so-obvious ways. In the meantime, Bleak tries to keep his relatively lonely life together as a skip tracer or bounty hunter of bail runners. He tries to bury his bad war memories by visiting with one of his few friends, the father of one of his team and a war survivor himself. He also keeps a distance from the rest of the Shadow Community, other people around New York who have had various powers utilizing "The Hidden". As the story continues, we learn more about some of these other characters and their powers. Meanwhile we also see into the other side of this conflict via Loraine and Gulcher. It is great to see how each side attempts to utilize people's powers to their own benefit, sometimes in disturbing ways.

This all works incredibly well to make a suspenseful story. We have a nicely developed alternate US, a developing conflict centered around Bleak and good supporting characters. We get to see into Loraine's bosses and associates and also how they interact with Gulcher. Some characters like Bleak's old associate Zwieg are not that visible but you can still get a sense of the troubled past. Love interests and family issues contribute to the story. Even some of the dead ghosts get to have their characters developed.

Interesting themes of real love, magic, afterlife, conspiracies potentially going way back and evil are placed into a gritty, realistic environment where the covert CCA given power by homeland security will stop at nothing to Contain all available power!

As the story gets more intense and a prophecy gives you a hint of what is to come, it is impossible to put the book down through the action packed ending. Definitely give it a read!

Gabriel Bleak is part of the Shadow Community, a group of humans infused with special powers granted from a Hidden world. Some of them can enter minds, some see the future, some carry familiars, and some, such as Bleak, control energy to make it both weapon and tool. He also has a talent for seeing and speaking to ghosts. The CCA, a division of Homeland Security, investigates people like Bleak. They are following him closely, trying to capture him and bring him into their facility. Very troubling is that the wall up North, a barrier against the flood of supernatural that could enter the living world, has weakened and is letting in things unseen before. New powers are cropping up in the hands of people who will not use them for good. A dark force is gaining strength and searching for a way to enter fully, only able to extend tendrils used to control others.

Loraine Sarikosca works for the CCA, but the more she sees them in action, the more doubts she has. She also feels a strange compulsive force towards Gabriel Bleak, just as he does to her. Locked within the fortified walls of their fortress, the CCA imprison and experiment on members of the Shadow Community. They want to capture and control, use the Shadow Community to their own wishes. But a darker plot is at hand when it is discovered that the darkness behind the wall has one of its tendrils in the CCA and his plans are quite different and far more threatening.

I very much enjoyed Bleak History because the concept is so unique. Rather, we have recently been experiencing an influx of `humans with powers' stories because of the popularity of comic book adaptations, but Shirley has managed to make a distinctive and interesting world of his own within the genre. I liked reading about the different Shadow Community members and their specific talents. I only wish that we could have entered that world a bit deeper and met more of the people, or had more people around Gabriel helping with their own special talents. Most of the Shadow Community members are secondary and have their specific, defined roles that come and go. Characters like Scribbler could be much deeper and more defined, and very interesting.

Shirley puts a lot of detail into his descriptions of the Shadow Communities powers and visions. When Shoella creates her own world, we are given a beautiful picture of it. I was fascinated, too, by the way Scribbler is portrayed in the small part he plays. His obsession and nature comes through very clear. I suspect that Shirley's knack for detail is derived from his background as a screenwriter, but it also comes from natural talent. Shirley has an easy, clear way of writing, though sometimes the lengthy descriptions, especially when they speak of more spiritual and less tangible matters, got me a bit lost.

There is a lot of action in the book between getting chased, darker forces committing crimes, and seeking out the truth of what is happening. The book barely lags or takes a breath, but there are a few moments of quiet reflection for the characters. Though there is a small love connection, the book isn't a romance at all, which is refreshing when so much of the paranormal genre is half as much romance as it is supernatural. With an open ending, we are left to wonder what becomes of Gabriel and Loraine as they embark on another journey together.

If you're looking for a good thriller, this is one. After all, John Shirley wrote the original screenplay for the cult movie The Crow, and he knows his job. He also wrote many of Blue Oyster Cult's songs and is himself a rocker, whose music vents much violence. But there's more to this novel than just a great horror story.

John Shirley has a talent for combining fantasy and social insight.
The story takes place in a very, very near future -- nearer than we may expect. This implies highly informed social and political critique,so acute that it sounds like prophecy -- on reading John Shirley's earlier novels, it appears that many figments of his imagination have already turned real.
As for the fantastic dimension, here it has an incredibly vivid, lively quality, as well as a visionary one that makes it subtly mystical(much more subtly than Stephen King's manicheian vision -- with all due respect for King's talent).

This curious alchemy of realism and fantasy is riveting. And you'll see which of the two you find more horrific. Let me know when you've read it!

I'd rate it 3.75. Engaging, smooth, a great story.

I recently read Black Glass and found it more active than Bleak History, but also cornier. I see Black Glass as realistic cyberpunk prophecy, Bleak History as realistic future fantasy.

The occult elements of the story seem grounded in research and personal experience, regardless of what was fabricated.

I think many readers will find the element of romance fascinating without being droopy - it comes through powerfully without watering down the story.

The transition between the schizophrenic explaining the hidden messages he sees on tv to Bleak, the insanity of that moment, and Bleak's later serious dedication to the interpretation of automatic writing, seems to me to be a deeper puzzle than I myself have unraveled,
as if there are esoteric elements to the story I've yet to detect - hinted at by the various esoteric names dropped within.

Gabriel Bleak is a very powerful individual. His paranormal skills are off the charts. He can manipulate supernatural energies and even communicate with other paranormals inhabiting the Hidden. The Hidden is a place that stores all the energy of life forms on planet, Earth. Bleak has learned to control his powers and put them to good use. He works as a bounty hunter or "skip tracer". Bleaks abilities don't go unnoticed.

The CCA considers him dangerous and he has appeared on their radar. The CCA's mission is to capture him and take advantage of him for their own needs. The CCA hopes to tap into Bleak's powers, so that they may access the Hidden.

Bleak has a plan of his own to fight the CCA. It will require the assistance of the population of an underground paranormal group known as the Shadow Community. This is one battle that will have sci-fi, paranormal, and urban fans everywhere cheering for. Bleak is the new face of superheroes.

I valued the fact that Bleak History had a darker, edgier, techno feel that it. Mr. Shirley did a good job infusing all of these elements into this book. Bleak may not be your typical guy h makes for an interesting character, even his name is unique. While Bleak could hold his own, there were other characters in this story as well and they unfortunately could not do the same. This was a bummer because I was hoping the enemies that Bleak took on would be as equal a match. Though I do hope to see Bleak again.

Gabriel Bleak is being hunted down by the CCA (part of Homeland Security called Central Containment Authority), for Gabriel possesses a unique ability the CCA intends to use for their own purpose. Gabriel has access to "The Hidden", a place of spirits, otherworldly powers both malevolent and benevolent, unusual visions, hightened senses, and paranormal powers. With so many others in possession of this gift, why is it they pursue Gabriel with such aggression?

New to the CCA is still uncorrupted Agent Loraine Sarikosca, using a brand new electronic, hand-held device obviously intended on tracking down those with the gift. Gabriel escapes from Loraine but not without a sense of being connected to her in some way - and also with the knowledge that he must tell the others of his kind (who call themselves the ShadowComm) about the new device. Together with close friend and fellow ShadowComm member Shoella - who uses a familiar in the shape of a strange bird) they inform the others. CCA seems to be stepping up their search for the ShadowComm and Gabriel must find out why. His only possible key to the knowledge is Loraine. Gabriel must rely heavily on The Hidden to accomplish his goal. There's something new about The Hidden, something very dark, and it's breaking the dam in the north that holds back the murky evil.

Add to the mix inmate Troy Gulcher and his friend and fellow inmate Jock - violent men who suddenly feel the power of the Hidden in a shadowy being who calls himself Moloch. Moloch has plans for Troy and Jock, and through him the inmates make a bloody escape from the prison. Now Moloch will guide them to carry out his own dark, evil intentions; events that will hinder or even undo the work Gabriel must perform.

'Bleak History' features fantastical glimpses and events through The Hidden, some horrifying and some even comical (such as spirits who have lost their way). John Shirley has written an excellent urban fantasy, one with all the elements in place for an exciting, fast-paced read. The characters are well fleshed out and real, and you'll believe in the Hidden before you finish. With a stupendous storyline, excellent writing, fantastical incidents, and a fully plausible futuristic establishment, 'Bleak History' is a book you'll find hard to put down. The story hits the pavement with feet pounding right from the beginning as it takes off, hurdling you into one close encounter to another. Ten Stars! I can't wait to read Shirley's cyberpunk novel Black Glass next! Enjoy!

The whole idea of this book really appealed to me. I like the thought of using ghosts and supernatural powers to help locate bail jumpers. And Gabriel Bleak is one of those characters that could use the extra edge his abilities give him, as his life hasn't been easy.

Bleak is a bounty hunter who doesn't do well with authority, which is why he's no longer in the military and is doing his best to stay out of the clutches of CAA, a secret government agency. Any time a secret government agency is involved, you know they're up to no good! The CAA is no exception, as they want to use anyone with special abilities to advance their own agenda. Or should I say "misuse", because the people they've detained are basically prisoners with no say in how they use their abilities. CAA may have started out with a noble purpose, but it's been twisted and corrupted by evil.

Really enjoyed this story! I liked Gabriel and Loraine, the CAA agent sent to capture him. Didn't like several of the bad guys, which makes sense since they're, well, bad guys. Thought the plot was good, the story was well-paced, good action, things made sense, and the ending left me wanting more. Shirley is a talented writer, and I'm definitely going to check out his other books as I liked this one so much!

In the not-too-far-off future New York, John Shirley has created a world that's not too different from our own. Except that in Bleak History, the spirit world (The Hidden) has become a force that manifests itself through various "gifted individuals," giving them special abilities.

Gabriel Bleak, an ex-Army Ranger now turned bounty hunter, is one of these. Ever since leaving the Army, Gabe has been under the watchful eye of a shadowy government agency that tries to use this hidden world and its gifted people in its anti-terrorism agenda. They want Gabe Bleak, and they'll do just about anything to get him.

Most of Bleak History's plot concerns the pursuit of our hero, and while the chase goes on, the story unravels in some expected -- and unexpected -- ways. The characters are well developed and their motives are understandable. Gabe's inner struggle with his conscious is particularly well portrayed.

Gabe's powers make for some great action: rooftop leaping, gun play, and explosions! Mix in all kinds of help from the denizens of The Hidden, and John Shirley's ability to draw an image in your head, and you've got a book that's quite addicting. The pacing of Bleak History is perfect for a Hollywood film which, according to John Shirley's website, may be in the works. In print form, however, the plot flowed smoothly for the first 90% of the book and then ends rather suddenly. That's not enough to reduce my overall enjoyment, but I wanted Bleak History to be about half again as long -- I liked it that much.

Bleak History delivers on many levels in a way that reminds me of Jim Butcher's Storm Front. John Shirley's got something special here, with loads of promise. I think these characters have more stories to tell, so I'd love to read more books set in this world.

I highly recommend John Shirley's Bleak History to any urban fantasy fan who enjoys a straight forward plot, interesting characters, and a fast pace. --Justin at FantasyLiterature

I have never been to into the whole magic genre that much, with my peak interest coming from the computer game Oblivion and from Star Wars. This book, which highlight's Mr. Shirley's genre blending abilities, weaves a fascinating thriller about a haunted former soldier outsider who teams up with a magic underworld fighting against an overbearing invasive government and a mysterious darker magic enemy. Bleak History creates it's own fantastic world, that doesn't conflict in major obvious ways with our own, highlighting the differences between those with magic and with out while still portraying in a very human fashion. This constant page turning novel will leave you in awe as you paint the picture Mr. Shirley succinctly lays out for you. The plot is as strongly constructed as thriller can be without being overwrought with twists that stop being laid out in advance and begin being just told to you. Mr. Shirley's characters are as strong as they have ever been, with even minor characters being flushed out just enough to make you enjoy them without veering off subject. The author successfully blends genres seemingly without any effort striking a perfectly balance of the staples of his ever-varying style with many different common staples of genres, threading them in a way that makes it all feel new as opposed to the same old plot you've read a thousand times. I would definitely recommend this read whether your fan of magic novels or not, because calling this just a magic novel is disrespectful. Besides who can't love a mutt of a dog named Muddy Waters?

Finally, a work has come around that serves as a welcome antidote to the greater or lesser failures of Heroes, X-Men, Push and the like. The basic outlines of Bleak History share a lot of commonality with those films: A subculture of mutants with awesome powers trying to lay low to avoid exploitation/destruction from government forces. However, it's what fills in the outline that distinguishes Mr. Shirley's work.

Most of the reviewers of this work have already covered the basic plot and characters, so I'll focus on something else: The believability of the paranormal underpinnings of Gabriel Bleak's world. Mr. Shirley clearly knows his occult/esoteric philosophy. Unlike most of the other entries into the Super Mutant genre, the reasons for the existence of mutants and their powers is as integral to the story, and as interesting, as scenes of those same mutants letting fly with their powers. Mr. Shirley draws from real traditions and occult literature to populate his universe with a well drawn portrait of a world infused with powerful influences from 'other dimensions'. If one has read any Fourth Way literature, one will see its influence not only on some of the names of the books stashed away on characters bookshelves, but in the glimpses of the experience of Gabriel Bleak in the throes of utilizing his mutant power. This gives a layer of depth to the work it might otherwise not have. It also leads me to my only (small) disappointment in the work. In touching on such weighty themes and drawing from such deep resources, I had hoped to glimpse some sort of deeper hidden allegory under the stories of these characters, but mostly found a very very entertaining tale which was happy to push forward at a blinding pace in a very cinematic way. This is a complaint of a personal nature, because I have a deep affection for allegory, and so Mr. Shirley can't really be faulted. The story is cinematic, and moves forward with or without you, at breakneck speed.

I found this book to be highly enjoyable, and heartily recommend it to anyone, especially those who've eagerly lapped up Heroes, X-Men and the like, but was left wanting.