Prepare to be intrigued, terrified, and delighted by the fifteen imagintive short stories contained in this collection, comprising works of science fiction, fantasy, horror, slice of life, and a bit of the absurd.
Prepare to be intrigued, terrified, and delighted by the fifteen imagintive short stories contained in this collection, comprising works of science fiction, fantasy, horror, slice of life, and a bit of the absurd.
Electronic Telepathy – a police forensics android investigates a mysterious murder, but uncovers aspects of himself he never knew existed...and which threatens his very existence.
Ode de la Lune – an orchestral conductor premieres the symphony that’s been his life’s work, but struggles to contain a medical condition that manifests during the performance.
Closing Time – a mother searches frantically for her young son as time grows increasingly closer to tragegy.
A Perfect Copy – a despicable businessman gets his comeuppance when he uses a copy machine that has a mind of its own.
The Barn – a boy faces his worst fears on a wintry night when confronting a monster living in the darkness of his farm.
Viking Funeral – a guy and his friends scheme to give his recently deceased brother the sendoff he always wanted.
The Chosen One – a farmboy is sent on a quest when he learns he’s the subject of an ancient prophecy...though it’s not quite what he expects.
Stephen Wise invites you to join him in these and other tales.
Professional Reviews
A Stupendous Collection Of Tales To Stimulate The Imagination
The Signpost Up Ahead is his second collection of short stories from Stephen Wise, and it contains fifteen stories, all designed to fascinate and entertain.
The range of what to expect from these stories is diverse. There is a wide range of styles and genres represented in Signpost, and the diversity of the stories should allow readers to find something they can relate to.
I read this book in an afternoon, not being able to stop, because I wanted to see what was coming next. I am astounded by the author's ability to put so much into such a small place, but Stephen is masterful in every aspect of writing from character development to world-building with brevity, but effectively.
The titles of the stories in this book include (with my one sentence synopsis) ...
ELECTRONIC TELEPATHY- An android working as a cop investigates a murder.
IT'S LOGICAL- Friends cosplay at a convention.
ODE DE LA LUNE - An orchestra director gives a life transforming premier of his original composition.
DERELECT - A family gathers at a party and shares their feelings.
THE CHOSEN ONE - A young man takes a journey to fulfill his destiny.
BANANAS - A young man tells a tragic tale to avoid something he loathes.
MOM - A young boy's imagination causes worries on a dark and stormy night.
A PERFECT COPY - An impatient man encounters a cranky copy machine.
THE POEM - A veteran teacher makes a difference in a student's life.
CLOSING TIME - A single mom rushes out of the grocery store at closing time.
THE BULLY - A middle school administrator makes a wrong assumption.
JUST A PHASE - A traveler takes a trip abroad.
SWEAT EQUITY - Former friends unexpectedly reunite.
THE BARN - A boy's routine chores are anything but.
VIKING FUNERAL - A last wish granted.
While I enjoyed every tale in this book, there were two that stood out to me.
My favorites in this collection are Ode de la Lune and The Poem. The Poem, about a burned out teacher who is ready to give up, moved me to tears as it made me stop and reflect on my own 26 year career as an educator.
At the beginning of Signpost, the author offers this...
"... This publication bounces all over the place. Expect the unexpected, as the cliché goes."
Every story is a unique view into the lives of the characters. The experiences are sometimes tragic, sometimes frightening, and sometimes deadly. But every story is a fun little foray into many varied experiences - some the reader can relate to, and others one could not possibly relate to, or at least, I hope not!
My takeaway from Signpost is that it gave me an opportunity to reflect on my former career, and maybe see that, as an educator, I did make some small difference.
Stephen's first short story collection, Portals of the Mind, is an incredible collection of tales to amaze and entertain readers. The Signpost Up Ahead is another grand-slam collection from a writer I respect and admire. Both books are worthy of attention to a writer who is rising above many others as a master of his craft. I give my highest recommendations for Signpost and Portals both.
This book kept me engaged from beginning to end.
“The Signpost Up Ahead” is a superb work in storytelling anthology that seamlessly blends genres to deliver a collection that provides something compelling for every book reader’s taste. Each story entails an immersive world with compelling characters. Whether it’s through spine-chilling horror, heartwarming humanity, or thought-provoking introspection, if you’re a fan of “Amazing Stories”, or “The Twilight Zone”, give this collection of stories a read.
Fun read!
Picked this up at a convention recently, and really enjoyed it! Quite a variety of stories, and some great twists. Looking forward to picking up more from this author!
See which way the winds have blown in the Winds of Time!!
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Author Bruce Alan Humphrey creates a fascinating world where medieval mores and cutting-edge technology converge. Winds of Time tells the gripping tale of Tarl
