RealmShift

RealmShift
Alan Baxter
Lulu Press
ISBN: 1-4116-6862-6
Dark Fantasy
Reviewed by Eugen M. Bacon

The title draws intrigue. Impressionable cover art, glossed, and a staccato opening – almost literary – clinches it. I must confess, somewhat abashed: my aversion to Lulu is partially smoked. Twice, ensconced in a tram, reading this 452 page tale, I missed my stop. Isiah, the protagonist is an immortal who detects demon sulphur on Earth. Missions all over the world but now one in his own backyard. Isiah is having one ass of a day. Shift of realm, immortals invade, dark forces.
Alan Baxter introduces us to a mystical world, a shadowed realm with forces beyond comprehension or principle. Chasing rain, silvered drops. Zig-zag, left, right, left, always down. Human tumble at the station. Ticket in, click, ticket out, next. Mr. Baxter writes with conviction; he writes differently rather well. Some mid-sections lose their zing, pace and dialogue considerably slow but the overall effect, more so for a first time author, is notably fine. Physical and dimensional conflict is one of the best features of the tale. Effortless script makes gullible the reader, carrying him to a destination, any destination, manic laughter fading. Confrontation, lunacy. Every showdown effective; each madness palpable. Prose flows smoothly, almost poetic. RealmShift is a novel I am loath to put down. A most surprising read. Quite a ride.