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See Matrixman's review below.
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Review by Matrixman
"Flower of Doom - Revelations"This isn't so much a story as it is a collection of story fragments -- or episodes, to be really generous. We veer from one odd scenario to the next. The destinies of the characters seem dependent on whether or not they have privileged knowledge of the true nature of Southerland Castle. Did you know or didn't you know? Through sheer repetition like some cosmic mantra, the question becomes the punchline of the whole story. I'm reminded of the sentiment: "Great, I read the book...now will someone tell me what it's about?" A linear, straightforward story this is not. The Flower of Doom is a gleeful jumble of kaleidoscopic images and emotions that together may form a coherent picture if you look hard enough. But I think most of the time, you'll be scratching your head, wondering what on earth is going on. The 2nd movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony was once notably described as a "miracle of repetition." I think that is also an apt description of The Flower of Doom. (Also, my apologies to Ludwig for dragging his name into this.) Now, whether one regards the repetitions in this story as being "miraculous" or just "ludicrous" might well depend on one's mood at the time of reading. There is a feeling of restlessness, of rushing to some climax or destination, while the repeating motifs in the story also give it a sense of stasis. A endless tape loop. Or maybe it's more accurate to think of The Flower of Doom as a holographic puzzle. Choose different angles and the picture shifts to show different aspects of itself. But what does it all mean? That we are doomed to always repeat ourselves? That the big picture always eludes us? What does Southerland Castle represent? Unattainable knowledge, from the point of view of those left behind? The main problem as I see it is the awkward mix of pathos and parody that runs throughout. I have read other examples of Mr. Cummins's work, and I know he's capable of portraying exciting action and drama. And I know that Mr. Southard is capable of the most biting comedy. I'm just not convinced that, in this work, the two have struck the best balance between comedy and drama. I'm thinking particularly of Part 14: Tempest. It presents a genuinely wrenching scene, but it is compromised by the need to insert the tag line about Southerland Castle. The depiction of Tempest's self sacrifice is stark and serious as it should be - it does not need to be saddled by a running joke. I feel that things work much better in, say, Part 15: The Man In Grey, which is among my favorites. I also liked the POV of Part 23: Out of the Loop. Part 24: The Object was another memorable piece where tragedy and hilarity seem to collide and yet it works for the most part. Part 26: Legacy is outstanding for its vivid, over-the-top depiction of magical combat. Finally, I must honorably (dishonorably?) mention Part 17: Martin the Clown for delivering some of the most masterfully torturous prose I have ever seen. It's just brilliant, and not for the faint of heart! To recap, I think this is an odd and baffling but still entertaining story that raises many questions but gives very few answers. Could a sequel be in the works? Me, I'd prefer it if the authors simply took one of these story "episodes" - any one will do - and developed a full story out of it.
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