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Leo McBride
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Quartet: Four short stories, four explorations of the fantastic Kindle Edition

by Leo McBride (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 30 ratings
A collection of four short stories by author Leo McBride. From a boy's supernatural connection to a grandfather clock, to a fantasy tale of an old man being hunted by knights, to a contemporary tale of the power of a photographer and a homeless man who may be more than he seems. Four tales to add a dash of wonder, a flash of fantasy, a question of what might be...

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  1. Print length
    71 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    August 22, 2015
  5. File size
    895 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B014BEG5SQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Altered Instinct
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 22, 2015
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 895 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 71 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 30 ratings

About the author

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Leo McBride

Leo McBride

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Leo McBride is a writer of speculative fiction - spanning the fields of horror, science fiction and fantasy. A journalist for more than 20 years, he is based in The Bahamas where he is an editor for the country's leading newspaper.

He has published several ebooks - although Quartet is the first of his own writing. He has also been published in anthologies published by Inklings Press.

You can find out more about his work on his blog, www.alteredinstinct.com.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
30 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the book's stories, with one review noting how they capture moments of transition with earnest poignancy. Moreover, the writing style receives positive feedback, with one customer mentioning it's easily read on a rainy afternoon. Additionally, the book features complex characters, and customers find it a great read.

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10 customers mention "Story quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the stories in this collection, which feature nice twists and compelling situations, with one review noting how they capture moments of transition with earnest poignancy.

"...It is a study of a photographer’s mind – or perhaps his soul. Without a doubt, one of the finest character studies I’ve read...." Read more

"...times I wished the stories went deeper, they captured moments of transition with earnest poignancy. Definitely worth checking out." Read more

"...In that regard, consider this a collection of literary-minded fantasy pieces that don't need flashing swords or wizards battling dragons to tell an..." Read more

"Four short stories with a little twist. Nice writing style." Read more

7 customers mention "Writing style"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, with one mentioning it's easy to read on a rainy or snowy afternoon.

"...few pages the author can bring out such emotions – and in such an eloquent manner – leaves me in awe...." Read more

"...In terms of writing style, McBride's writing engages the reader, flows smoothly, and conveys much while maintaining an economy of words...." Read more

"Four short stories with a little twist. Nice writing style." Read more

"...I normally am not so much a fan, but these stories were excellently written and very much painted a picture of an entire novelistic story...." Read more

6 customers mention "Readability"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a great read.

"...Quartet: Four Short Stories of the Fantastic A great read – All four stories!..." Read more

"...Definitely worth checking out." Read more

"...Well done! Each story is utterly different from the other, and the themes are unexpected when it comes to short stories...." Read more

"...It’s hard to decide which short I liked the most, as they are all very good. But if I had to decide, I’d say Percy was my favorite...." Read more

3 customers mention "Character study"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the complex characters in the book.

"...Without a doubt, one of the finest character studies I’ve read. Percy: The story of a man. Just a man, and homeless at that...." Read more

"...I love stories that are heavy on mood and slowly revealing characters' more interesting sides, and McBride delivers in this regard...." Read more

"...The author’s talent in creating a detailed depiction, with complex characters, in such a short time frame was astonishing. Well done!..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Cathbad Maponus
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Title: Quartet: Four Short Stories of the Fantastic
    Author: Leo McBride
    Publisher and Copyright: ©Leo McBride
    Published By: Leo McBride
    Price: $1.99 (Kindle)
    Cathbad’s Rating: 9.5 of 10

    A Review by, Cathbad

    Quartet: Four Short Stories of the Fantastic

    A great read – All four stories!

    A Place to Rest: An old man seeks only for a place to be left alone with his demons. A long life, coming to an end. But there is more to this stranger than the little boy who discovers him imagines. This story is incredibly heart-rending. To think, that in so few pages the author can bring out such emotions – and in such an eloquent manner – leaves me in awe.

    Acquiescence: “There is a story – perhaps urban legend, perhaps rooted in belief – that some cultures think that if a person's photograph is taken, then they also have part of their soul taken.” These are the words of Mr. McBride, himself, explaining the basis of this story. It is a study of a photographer’s mind – or perhaps his soul. Without a doubt, one of the finest character studies I’ve read.

    Percy: The story of a man. Just a man, and homeless at that. Nothing to see here… move along… but wait! Who is this Percy? Who is he that comes to the aid of the young women who feed and shelter the poor? From whom evil flees? Oh, there indeed was something ancient in those eyes! Definitely my favorite in this quartet!

    The Grandfather Clock: The most poignant thing about this story was the Author’s Note. Which I shall not give away. Suffice it to say, love is not bound by the separation of time.

    These four tales are the works of one of the finest writers it has ever been my honor to know. (We both have stories in Inkling Press’s “Tales From Alternate Earths”.) I highly recommend everything this author has written!

    I rate this work 9.5 out of 10.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Sean Green
    4.0 out of 5 stars Explorations of time and permanence
    Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The theme of reflecting on the past - whether personal or historical - ties these stories together well. Though there were times I wished the stories went deeper, they captured moments of transition with earnest poignancy. Definitely worth checking out.
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  • Eulipion
    5.0 out of 5 stars Four Solid Reads
    Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I picked "Quartet" up during a recent promo and enjoyed it. This collection four short stories (three fantasy pieces and one character portrait) illustrates why today's indie publishing is so vibrant and full of unique ideas. I love stories that are heavy on mood and slowly revealing characters' more interesting sides, and McBride delivers in this regard. The author takes the time to let his characters breathe and unfold in ways that you don't see from a lot of the movie-paced fare. In that regard, consider this a collection of literary-minded fantasy pieces that don't need flashing swords or wizards battling dragons to tell an interesting tale. I also liked the unique, read-in-a-weekend package size. (That's another thing you won't get from the traditional publishing industry.) In terms of writing style, McBride's writing engages the reader, flows smoothly, and conveys much while maintaining an economy of words. It's clear he's not only talented but an experienced writer and editor.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Marja
    3.0 out of 5 stars Pleasant surprise
    Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Four short stories with a little twist. Nice writing style.
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  • Jen L.
    5.0 out of 5 stars The talent in creating a detailed depiction, with complex characters, in such a short time frame was astonishing. 5 STARS
    Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Wow, such a lovely collection of short stories. I normally am not so much a fan, but these stories were excellently written and very much painted a picture of an entire novelistic story. The author’s talent in creating a detailed depiction, with complex characters, in such a short time frame was astonishing. Well done! Each story is utterly different from the other, and the themes are unexpected when it comes to short stories.

    My favorite was the opening story called “A Place to Rest” which kept you on the edge of your seat and had a very sweet ending that left you pondering about life. Looking very forward to more of the talented Leo McBride!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Peter Castillo
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four short stories for a quick read.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This author shows promise. This book can be read in no time flat. Each story has its own timeline, but all revolve around the notion of someone searching for something. The first story called, A Place To Rest stands out the most. I felt it had the potential to be expanded to a full novel.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Mike Wolff
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Collection
    Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Quartet is a great collection of short stories. I enjoyed each one. The variety packed into this short collection is considerable. It’s hard to decide which short I liked the most, as they are all very good. But if I had to decide, I’d say Percy was my favorite. Leo McBride is an author to watch for. He has plenty of talent that shows in his dialogue and descriptive writing style.
    5 of 5 Stars
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  • Annie Douglass Lima
    4.0 out of 5 stars The first one was my favorite.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Interesting stories. Thanks! The first one was my favorite.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Modesty
    5.0 out of 5 stars A charming collection of stories
    Reviewed in Australia on June 27, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This is a charming collection of short stories, well worth the read. Like his other work, Leo McBride shows his skills in creating worlds that provide a different slant on this one, taking the reader into a world where the fantasy element seems quite at home and the most likely explanation.

    I liked the author notes, it is always interesting to get an insight into the creative processes behind a story. Here he explains the overall theme of time, and fits each story into place, both into the theme, and into his personal memories.

    Possibly the only jarring element is the story about the camera. Well written in itself, the choppy style sits at odds with the other more descriptive prose stories. I thought the style suited the story really well, and it is a good story in itself. Perhaps a few poems or another story in the style of the others would have been better suited to the overall collection.

    The standout story is 'Percy' with a mysterious homeless man that is more than he seems. The elements of history, mystery, chivalry and fantasy are blended in a tale not easily forgotten.

    I look forward to reading more of Leo McBride's work.
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  • MeandtheMutts
    5.0 out of 5 stars An easy read with a comfortable style.
    Reviewed in Spain on August 22, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Four easy to read short stories with a central theme that spans the generation gap. A delightful insight into the relationships of young and old, the past and the present. Each story is unique in character and setting, and the additional information provided by the author as to the reason behind each tale gave a nice, authentic touch to his relaxed and easy style.
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  • Jane
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mind games in miniature
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 21, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This gets five stars for imagination, execution and ideas. I have no idea how to talk about the stories without spoilers. So all I will say is this little volume takes mythologies and turns them on their heads.

    Very highly recommended
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  • Elara
    4.0 out of 5 stars A quartet of tales
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 13, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    'It's a landscape without monsters, without elves or orcs... but still a fantasy landscape telling a myth that might have been.'

    I think I misled myself from the sub-title 'Four short stories of the fantastic' into expecting these would be fantasy genre stories. Of course the use of the word 'fantastic' is in its original sense of something that is imaginative and not real, but I would also apply it in its more modern meaning 'extraordinarily good or attractive'.

    To say too much about each individual story would be to betray its secrets before their time - they are all well worth reading. 'A Place To Rest' is a story set in history and is about the pressures of life we may not always consider when we look at those great names of the past. 'Acquiescence' is a strange, snap-shot of a story, highlighting a single thought and extending it to a new possible conclusion. I liked 'Percy' the best and would really hope that he could walk on from this short-story into a novel - or two or three - of his own one day. The book closes with a story about endings 'The Grandfather Clock'.

    “I’m trying to figure you out, Percy. You’re a strange man, you know that?”

    I enjoyed the four stories in 'Quartet' and would recommend them to anyone who loves a good tale that is well told.
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  • Ena V
    5.0 out of 5 stars Quartet.
    Reviewed in Australia on August 30, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Thoroughly enjoyed this book,read it in one sitting,each story had me at page one.Had to move on to the next story,couldn't put it down.
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