A Glimpse of the Numinous (Paperback)

Name: A Glimpse of the Numinous (Paperback)
Price: 12.70 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781908125118

✍️ Jeff Gardiner

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$12.70

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A collection of fourteen stories blending modern urban life with ancient mysticism and supernatural horror.

Gardiner’s first collection examines how religion and spirituality leave traces in modern society. The stories feature characters who are dangerous and unreasonable, acting outside the rational universe we assume to share. Themes include the numinous, the ominous, and the luminous. The author uses a shrewd knowledge of ancient myth to inform his narratives. The text moves between visceral horror and lyrical prose. Readers encounter subjects like a numbered girl destined for messianic status and a celebrity seagull. The work challenges the reader to see beyond the ordinary world. It offers a perspective where strange traces of the past influence present urban life. The collection is organized into fourteen distinct tales that reveal different facets of this spiritual intrusion.

Key Themes

ancient myth modern urban life spirituality

Literary Context

Published in 2012 by Eibonvale Press, this paperback collection sits within the tradition of horror and supernatural fiction. It draws on ancient mysticism to examine its traces in contemporary existence. The work reflects Gardiner's interest in religion and spirituality as they intersect with daily life.

Difficulty

●●● Challenging

Recommended For Fans Of

Thomas Ligotti · M.R. James · Algernon Blackwood · H.P. Lovecraft

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Eibonvale Press 📅 2012 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781908125118

📝 Description: A Glimpse of the Numinous (Paperback)

Jeff Gardiner presents a collection of fourteen stories that explore the intersection of modern urban life and ancient mysticism. The narratives feature diverse subjects, including a girl born with a number for a name who is destined to become a new messiah, and a seagull that transforms into a household pet and national celebrity. Other tales involve an impoverished family harboring a murderous secret and flashing patterns of light that serve as keys to one's darkest fears. Gardiner demonstrates a startling range of styles, moving from visceral horror to lyrical literary prose. His work relies on keen psychological insight allied with a shrewd knowledge of ancient myth and mysticism. The recurring interest lies in religion and spirituality, examining the strange traces these elements have left on contemporary existence. Characters often appear dangerous and unreasonable, acting unpredictably within a universe that defies rational explanation. This book suits readers interested in supernatural fiction that challenges conventional perceptions of reality. It appeals to those who appreciate stories where the ominous and luminous coexist with the numinous. The collection does not cater to readers seeking straightforward rational explanations or traditional horror tropes without deeper spiritual undercurrents. Gardiner invites the audience to look again at their world and notice the glimpses of doors that beckon toward other ways of seeing.

💎 Our verdict on A Glimpse of the Numinous (Paperback)

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Gardiner’s collection stands out for its shrewd integration of ancient mysticism into modern urban narratives. The work excels in moving between visceral horror and lyrical literary prose, creating a distinct tone that challenges conventional perceptions of reality. Characters often act unpredictably, defying rational explanation while revealing the strange traces religion leaves on contemporary existence. This approach suits readers who appreciate spiritual undercurrents over traditional jump scares. The inclusion of diverse subjects, from messianic figures to celebrity animals, highlights the author’s startling range of styles. It is an essential read for those willing to engage with stories where the numinous and ominous coexist, offering a profound look at the supernatural intrusion in everyday life.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a departure from conventional horror tropes will find value in this unique exploration of the numinous within urban settings. Those interested in the intersection of psychology and ancient myth will appreciate how Gardiner uses spiritual intrusion to destabilize rational worldviews. The book appeals to individuals who enjoy lyrical prose and complex thematic layers rather than straightforward scares. It offers a perspective where the ominous and luminous coexist, inviting the audience to notice strange traces of the past influencing present existence. Fans of stories featuring dangerous, unreasonable characters acting outside shared reality will find this collection intellectually stimulating and atmospherically dense.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Gardiner’s collection stands out for its shrewd integration of ancient mysticism into modern urban narratives. The work excels in moving between visceral horror and lyrical literary prose, creating a distinct tone that challenges conventional perceptions of reality. Characters often act unpredictably, defying rational explanation while revealing the strange traces religion leaves on contemporary existence. This approach suits readers who appreciate spiritual undercurrents over traditional jump scares. The inclusion of diverse subjects, from messianic figures to celebrity animals, highlights the author’s startling range of styles. It is an essential read for those willing to engage with stories where the numinous and ominous coexist, offering a profound look at the supernatural intrusion in everyday life.