Mysterion, January 2024
“Thomas the Doubter” by Patrick Hurley
Reviewed by A. Bruin
“Thomas the Doubter” by Patrick Hurley draws a fantastical backdrop with Hell invading Earth, openly visible to all and sundry as part of a bet between the forces of Hell and the forces of Heaven, yet does not make it into a horror tale by focusing on specific details of the invasion. Typically faith is portrayed as the winning card in a bet between Heaven and Hell, and yet in a twist, this story proposes that doubt may be just as useful to the plans and purposes of Heaven. Unexpectedly, although Heaven foils the forces of Hell, the power of doubt is so impervious to all evidence as to make difficult the adequate reward of the doubter’s sacrifice. The story has a lighthearted and comedic tone and will likely interest those who are willing to gloss over theological or contractual details for the sake of a joke.
“Soulman” by Ralph Mack offers for meditation an android who is drawn to rest outside in the shelter of a church despite being barred from entry because everyone knows machines have no soul, and thus no business with a place for salving a soul’s sorrows. A dropped prayer book provides him with entry to the stories taught inside the building, and to the building itself as he returns the book to the priest to return it to its owner. The story is about the unfolding exploration of peace and hope and how an android with a soul longing for meaning might act in a dark place. The story asks what, beyond money, measures the value of a life. This reviewer found it a sweet, if slightly melancholy, work. The author unfolds the tale at a measured, unrushed, pace, giving only enough details to make the story work without adding distractions. Although the story is set in a future or alternate world, the emphasis is on character development. Those who enjoy a meditative work focusing on the origin and value of a soul will appreciate this work.