Sci-Fi & Scary

This was really well written. The internal dialogue is a little odd at first, but once you adjust to it, it does the job of really giving you a good sketch of the character. I thought the repeated phrasing would bug me at first, but it actually worked in the story without becoming annoying at all. R.K. Howard did a good job. Its also interesting to note that it entertained me, regardless of my non-religious leanings. Normally this type of subject might induce eye-rolling on my part, but a good story is a good story is a good story.

Overall, The Express is a nicely written short story (though I'd disagree with the thought-provoking portion of the blurb) with an interesting, painful take on Hell that seems much more realistic than Dante's portion. The only thing I'd change is one scene that's a little bit, erm, obvious partway through. (I can't give details because it would spoil, but let's just say there's no mystery at all as to what's happening there, and I would have liked it if it was a little less blunt.) At 47 pages, it's the perfect length to read over your lunch period.

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.