Mysterion, August 24, 2026
“Above The Vaulted Sky” by Kurtis Hessel
Reviewed by Eric Kimminau
I continue to enjoy every opportunity to review Mysterion. In Kurtis Hessel’s “Above The Vaulted Sky,” we found a grit-grounded, plainspoken narrative examining duty, generational friction, and the tough realities of family dynamics. Set against the harsh backdrop of the Nevada desert, the story focuses on three brothers, Saul, Absalom, and young Julian, who have gathered under a chaotic, falling sky to bury their harsh, demanding father, Ezekiel. Rather than leaning on modern emotional fluff or flash, the writing sticks to core themes: the weight of hard labor, the necessity of personal accountability, and the struggle to preserve order when external structures begin to fail.
From a critical perspective, the author excels at establishing a stern, realistic environment. The dialogue reflects genuine friction between brothers forced into maturity by a rigorous upbringing, contrasting Saul’s practical, work-hardened outlook with Absalom’s misguided political inclinations and Julian’s boyish escapism. The narrative wisely avoids preachy sentimentality, treating the late father’s discipline not as simple villainy, but as a rigid framework built on hard work and biblical scripture. Values that, despite the brothers’ personal grievances, ultimately anchored their survival on the land.
The story’s secondary plot—marked by crumbling technology, corporate overreach, and law enforcement stepping in to maintain order provides a stark backdrop that reinforces the importance of self-reliance and traditional family responsibility. While the pacing shifts quickly once the sheriff arrives, the central message remains firm: when the wider world descends into confusion, a man must stand on his own feet, reject victimhood, and protect what is rightfully his. Overall, it is a disciplined, solid piece of storytelling that values duty and hard truths over modern trends.
Ultimately, the author delivers a disciplined narrative that affirms the necessity of self-reliance and personal accountability when facing both personal loss and societal collapse. A great read!
Eric Kimminau is a BBS geek turned IT professional seeking the next Great Adventure. Let’s Go!