Honest review of My Brother's Keeper and Other Strange Tales

by Dean Dryer (Author)

Updated at: 05/02/2025

Dean Dryer's My Brother's Keeper and Other Strange Tales offers a captivating collection of seven short stories that explore the boundaries of time, power, and identity. From a physicist who controls time to a soldier sent back to prevent his brother's dark future, each tale plunges into the unexpected. Superpowered inmates, unpredictable magic, and dark conspiracies on a space station fuel the suspense, woven with elements of science fiction, fantasy, and thriller genres. Dryer masterfully crafts narratives filled with moral dilemmas and unforeseen consequences, leaving readers pondering the cost of knowledge and the unpredictable forces that shape our lives. This anthology provides a thrilling and thought-provoking journey through the strange and unsettling aspects of the human experience.

5 / 7 ratings

Review My Brother's Keeper and Other Strange Tales

Wow, "My Brother's Keeper and Other Strange Tales" completely blew me away! As someone who's always been a sucker for the suspenseful twists of Hitchcock, the unsettling mysteries of "Beyond Belief," and the darkly imaginative tales of "Tales from the Dark Side," this collection was pure gold. Dean Dryer has crafted a truly captivating anthology, and I devoured every single story.

What struck me most was the sheer diversity. Each tale felt utterly unique, a testament to Dryer's impressive range. From the tense time-travel mission in "My Brother's Keeper" – that one had me on the edge of my seat the whole time – to the intriguing magic of "Random Attractor," which felt like a whimsical yet powerful coming-of-age story, and the chilling conspiracy of "Wahlix," a sci-fi thriller that kept me guessing until the very end, every narrative delivered a distinct flavor. It wasn't just a collection of good stories; it was a journey through different genres and emotional landscapes.

The characters, too, were remarkably well-developed, considering the short story format. Dryer doesn't shy away from exploring complex moral dilemmas and the consequences of choices, giving each character a depth that resonated long after I finished reading. The physicist in "Time Curse," for instance, was a fascinating study in arrogance and its devastating consequences. And Ron Matis in "Jurisdiction," with his incredible powers and the oppressive system controlling him – the author really makes you empathize with the struggles of someone caught in a system designed to break him. This isn't just about fantastical elements; it's about human nature.

The writing itself was superb. Dryer expertly builds suspense, keeping you guessing with clever plot twists and unexpected turns. The descriptions are vivid and immersive, drawing you into each world with ease. I loved how each story, even within its short form, had enough detail to feel complete and satisfying, and the pacing never felt rushed. It was the kind of book you can easily pick up and put down for a while, but also the type you could easily lose yourself in and read straight through in a single sitting. I did the latter!

Beyond the thrilling narratives, there's a thoughtful exploration of power, fate, identity, and the ramifications of human ambition. Dryer subtly weaves these themes throughout, adding layers of complexity that make the stories linger in your mind long after you've turned the final page.

"My Brother's Keeper and Other Strange Tales" is more than just a collection of short stories; it's a testament to the power of storytelling itself. It’s a book I’ll definitely revisit, and I’m already eagerly anticipating whatever longer works or future collections Dryer might release. I wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good dose of suspense, science fiction, fantasy, or just plain well-written storytelling. In fact, I might even buy a second copy to share with friends!