I have never read a fantasy as unusual as “The Creature of the Wildcard.” It is a cross between a metaphysical philosophical book and a fantasy novel.
PublishAmerica (2006) ISBN 1424118557 Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (8/06)
I have never read a fantasy as unusual as “The Creature of the Wildcard.” It is a cross between a metaphysical philosophical book and a fantasy novel. The fantasy part, involves a story about a man named Alaric Fischer. The metaphysical philosophy that I feel is in this book comes from Alaric’s musings.
Alaric is a talented artist that gets caught up in the dream world. He gets involved with the Neuro Art Institute. The institute views the mind as a work of art and the brain as its artist. He goes there to take a course on dream imaging. Alaric wants to test a program called “The Eclipse” which is designed to bring an escape from suffering.
While Alaric is trying to learn how to control some delusional thoughts, he discovers that he has the power to change reality. As he further explores who he is, he uncovers some shocking truths about who he is and why he has his talents. He is told that he is the God of Alternity. Alternity is described as “being coined by John C. Lilly, the inventor of the sensory deprivation tank, to express an altered state of being on the drug ketamine. In actuality it is an alternative to death.” The doctor, helping Alaric learn what his purpose is, tells him that it is his job to “condition mankind in the paradox of being alternative to known existence.” Alaric will be going into an alternative state of existence and be able to achieve immortality to accomplish what he needs to.
The author’s style of writing makes it easy to visualize the scenery as it unfolds around Alaric. It made me feel like I had entered into a psychedelic state. The story holds a great deal of depth and involves concentration and contemplation to seek out the deeper meanings. It is not a light fantasy. It is a book that will be enjoyed by people who enjoy the deeper, darker side of fantasy.
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