The writing is a bit messy at times, like it can't decide if it wants to be really cryptic or if it wants to exposition everything quite awkwardly, which is a shame because the plot itself is AN ABSOLUTE banger. Hence the 3/5 rating. Overall it's good but it could have used some polishing, because that last plot twist... good in concept, eh in execution.

…Even the worst of us, the most misguided can achieve redemption.

The World Maker Parable is Luke Tarzian's creatively complex and poignant follow-up novella to his Dark Fantasy debut Vultures. Much like its predecessor, it focuses on the fragile balance between order and chaos, and is an exposition of the very human feelings of guilt and grief, as well as the horrific punishment one endures at the hands of their own self. This review is going to be a bit different than what I usually present for several reasons; the most significant being talking about both the plot and characters in detail will completely spoil this tale in its entirety, and simply because I feel the need to speak about what this novella evokes, rather than an examination of the story itself. I've given this much thought, and honestly, I can't get this story out of my head.

Thumbing through the pages of one of Tarzian's books is akin to studying a Dali. Gorgeously mind-bending and thought-provoking, an emotional journey, if you will. His ability to pay homage to humanity with characters and worlds that are anything but is just astounding, a skill so very rarely seen in the literary world. What you see is by no means what you get, the truth lurking far beneath the surface just waiting to emerge. Hauntingly beautiful, these strange and intelligent forays into his mind leave you in a state of utter disorientation, with an endless, insatiable hunger for more.

In Parable we're submerged in a deluge of surreal and menacing landscapes, each cultivating such a sense of hopeless foreboding–a forest of the hanging dead, crumbling ruins lost to time, sky-shattering monolithic towers, all encompassed by a wind that carries upon it the unmistakable taste of ash. And strangely, they somehow also conjure an impression of complete serenity – solace in the silence. What should've taken me about a day to read took far longer, because there was a need to savor the experience, carefully visualizing the world being constructed around me.

Life where once there had been death. Brilliance where once the light was silent. But most of all, the dreams. The images and whispers born of illium prying memories from the depths of the abyss.

As mentioned, I won't discuss the characters in much detail, but I need to touch upon how superbly they are portrayed. Otherworldly, divine beings cloaked in majestic wings, with eyes that reflect the endless chasm of the universe, their power only threatened by their self-doubt. They're world-shapers, creating life that echoes themselves, inevitably leading to exquisite imperfection.

Tarzian tells this tale with a remarkable lyrical prose, setting the stage for a staggering dreamlike spiral of a journey, using descriptors that easily rip readers from reality and pitch them into the yawning black abyss. While many stories offer a glimmer of hope, Parable continues on its slow and grisly descent into the shadowy recesses of the psyche, where all manner of monsters prowl. Even without the use of excessive bloodshed and the dread and consequences of war, it is easily one of the darkest books I've ever read, because what could possibly be more grim than the horrors of the mind? It's crushing, it's moving, it's a thing of beauty.

It's far too easy to lose yourself while searching for truth in the lies as you make your way through The World Maker Parable. Tarzian, unafraid to crack open his heart and let his soul blanket the pages, takes readers on an expedition detailing the origins of his Shadow Twins universe, where nothing is as it seems. This is definitely not for those looking for a light, airy adventure, but rather for those seeking a challenge. Expect confusion, but know that everything will come together in the most unexpected of ways. In order to truly appreciate what Tarzian has done here, you really need to pick up the story yourself – I can't recommend this book enough.

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I enjoyed this one more than Vultures. I felt that the characters were drawn more strongly in this book, without losing that dreamlike, philosophical quality of the earlier book. The imagery in this one was hauntingly beautiful, and honestly I could just lose myself in the descriptions and drift through this world.

Since THE WORLD MAKER PARABLE is a prequel novella to Luke Tarzian's full-length novel Vultures, I will refrain from giving away too much of the story to avoid potential spoilers. I will say that if you haven't read the first book in his Shadow Twins series, you really should. It's an amazing exercise in philosophical ideas set against the backdrop of hauntingly dark imagery. That book was one of my favorite reads of 2019 and to this day the book still stays with me, it's that thought-provoking and impactful.


THE WORLD MAKER PARABLE takes place before the events in Vultures. We begin the story in Hang-Dead Forest (what could be more ominous than that, right?) as Rhona is dragging her beloved Djen to the tree where she will be put to death. Why is she being sentenced to this fate? Only the gods and goddesses of the deeply complex world born of Luke Tarzian's imagination know. Suffice it to say, the higher powers of this land don't take kindly to those who tamper with their edicts and rules. And anyone who dares cross them, must meet a terrible fate.


Yet there are those who do not entirely trust some of these gods and goddesses, and are beginning to question whether they should be falling in line with the rigid rules that govern Jemoon and the surrounding territories. As the story unfolds through alternating timelines of then and now, we get glimpses of the main characters and the actions that they took that have led us to this place. And nobody is equipped to deliver these glimpses better than author Luke Tarzian.


The one thing that I always emphasize with this series is that you really have to give the books your full attention or you will be utterly lost. Luke doesn't info-dump and he doesn't lead you to the clues planted within his story easily. He trusts his readers to have the acumen to figure it out on their own, which I absolutely love. It's the very best reading experience that you can have in my opinion.


If you are looking for a dark fantasy read that is trippy beyond belief, is infused with a mind-bending philosophy that challenges you to think beyond your normal capacity, and delivers some of the most emotionally tortured characters who you can't help but connect with, then you should check out both Vultures and THE WORLD MAKER PARABLE. Luke Tarzian is an author who is just beginning his ascent to the summit where the pantheon of the best fantasy authors reside. Keep an eye on him, because he only gets better with each book.

https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2020/04/30/the-world-maker-parable-blog-tour/

Nothing like a novella packed with introspection, fantasy, and world-building. Seriously, colour me impressed. Tarzian writes this novella as an introduction/prequel to his Shadow Twins books, and after reading this, I’ve already added the first book of that to my tbr.

Tarzian’s style is extremely lyrical and atmospheric. The world is full of this entrenching darkness from what troubles befoul it from the creators and magic, the characters are complex and vivid as well. These are things that take time to build up and yet Tarzian does it in 140 pages.

The depth to it is really what caught my attention, but it is also a matrix story within a matrix story within a…well you get the picture. So, I was almost lost in the thread of it all, but I enjoyed it.

It’s a great framework to set up a series and I can’t wait to read the first book!

If you’re looking for a setup for a new adult fantasy series with a dark and lyrical quality, I recommend this novella. It may be small but its content is epic.

Thank you to Storytellers on Tour and Luke Tarzian for a copy of this in exchange for my honest opinion as part of this tour! Don’t forget to check out the rest of the tour, the awesome giveaway, and the excerpt of this novella, all of which you can find below!