But bad news awaits him and as the story unfolds it ...
922595
Set in a fictional Australian setting akin to that found in Melbournes Dandenong Mountains this deeply atmospheric novel starts with an astrological omen. As Adam crosses the river guitar in hand a storm is brewing one that could see him trapped in The Cabin for hours. Struggling against a rising panic he continues his journey to The Cabin Music Session unwilling to let his mentor Benny Muir down. But bad news awaits him and as the story unfolds it is not the worst the fateful evening will hold.

Told from third person viewpoints of Adam and Philip, the towns plumber, the evening is mapped out in slow eerie detail  that at once manages to evoke Burtons fanatical cult history while also acting as a harbinger of the disaster to come. In between these two male viewpoints, is the delicate first-person voice of Eva, the breath holder, whose recollections shed an unsettling light on the characters in The Cabin.

This is a delicately balanced psychological novel, its horror not so much in the events of the evening (as shocking as they are) but in the sinister histories and disturbed mental states of its characters. I don't normally ready such dark fiction but found myself gripped in horrified fascination by Blackthorns subtle story build and accomplished prose. This is a must read for all who like to be profoundly disturbed by their fiction or for others, like me, who are simply keen to see the best of what this genre can hold.
1878000
A man's heartbreaking tale of a man trying to cope with circumstances beyond his control. I had a basic understanding that general conditions were not good, but had no idea the extent of the situation.
1110585
Six weeks on a Quadrail train? And it's the express train!

First some good news... Frank is kind of warming up to Bayta.
  but the bad news...  he is reluctant to get too close.

The good news... this series is going to go on for a while, unless Zahn pulls something out of his hat.

The really bad news... Something wicked this way comes and things are going to get tough.

This definitely has a "Murder on the Orient Express" feel to it, but the situation is very complicated. There are some red herrings here and there. I think Zahn does pretty well with this level of mystery.

There is a feeling for a good part of the book that this is a hiatus from the war with the Modhri. But there are some surprises here. Just a few.. uh huh.

I do recommend that the reader should have read one of more of the previous 3 books. There are a lot of things that we who have read all of the books are accustomed to that might seem like they are pulled out of a hat to accomplish something or change a result, if you were a little unfamiliar with the previous events.

Its a very good read, and as I was thinking it could be Hugo material.
4162882
Oh my a very sad journey, still hoping for future updates on his family.
2830614
A dieing man's last request sets up this story. Through tough unravelling of many back stories the final truth is revealed.
4616367
Tells a good story of what may happen today, tomorrow or may be next week.  While we do not know when it will occur, but one day Christ will return any you do not want to be let behind.
4531860
This is a dark story told by someone with some serious issues with relationships, finances, drugs and, well, just his life.  As you read his tale, you wonder two things: 1) How does he seem to keep coming up like a rose and 2) Why does he keep "F"ing it up?  The writing is engaging and it DOES make you want to turn the page and find out what happens, but I don't know it it was because i was internally cheering him on or wanting to see the train wreck that you KNOW is coming.
363532
Here is a story of a worst case event which leads to something amazing.

Not all of it is good as there is an underlying darkness which needs to be uncovered.

Enjoy, if you dare.
3632290
the story builds is building to a big reveal of this awful thing that the main character has done that has him isolated from his family and friends,  and the climax is a bit of a let down.  I  don't feel like it was a  poor story,  just poorly told.
1660934
I was alittle shocked at the turn of events in this episode but am anxious to see how the writers are going to deal with them.  Don't want to spoil any thing for views.
3953201
Words can't even describe the let down with this situation
3056408
Another make-believe bible story about a person we know very little about.
3688809
The development of the tale and careful release of background information keeps you reading while slowly unfolding the story and drawing the reader in.
4933115
I had never thought about what happened to this man until I heard his story mentioned by our minister in a recent sermon.  God works in mysterious ways.
141505
It starts off with a sad event that turns a young girls life upside down again.  But then her world opens up to exciting possibilities.
3534521
Exciting and sad. I am hoping we get to travel to the other side to partake of his adventures there.
3567443
A little rough and tumble, I hope this is not the future